The Best Anime of Winter 2022
By: Preston Simmons | Written: January 29, 2022
The Winter 2022 Anime Season is well underway, and some of the new shows airing have already shown themselves to be definitely worth watching.
This season has multiple slice of life, many different action shows, a good amount of fantasy, romance, and some things in between. It’s going to be a good season for anime fans.
With all of that said, this article will only focus on the new airing anime rather than continuing shows like Attack on Titan and Demon Slayer. Why? Because if this article were to include those shows in it, the top 5 of the top 10 anime would be the shows that require the viewer to have already watched a season, or four, of the show.
In this top 10, the mentioned shows require no previous knowledge and have only four episodes aired so far. These are the anime of the Winter 2022 season that deserve your attention. These are the best anime of winter 2022!
Here is the top 10 must-watch new anime of winter 2o22!
#10 – Life With an OrDinary Guy Who Reincarnated Into a Total Fantasy Knockout
Number 10 is “Life With an Ordinary Guy who Reincarnated into a Total Fantasy Knockout” or “Fantasy Bishoujo Juniku Ojisan to.”
The basic plot summary is that two working-class guys go home feeling defeated after a night of drinking and striking out with women. One of the guys wishes he was a cute girl because they have it so much easier with love than he does as a 30 something-year-old virgin. A goddess shows up and tries to kill the two of them for unknown reasons, but the other guy insults her enough to change her mind and instead curses them.
The curse ends up being that she sent them to a fantasy world, wiping their memories (or so she thought) and transforming one of the guys into the girl he drunkenly wished he could be. The true curse is that the two guys are now madly attracted to one another against their will, even though they know that deep inside, both are just ordinary middle-aged office men. The story is about the two of them working together to break the curse while trying as hard as they can to not fall in love.
As the plot summary describes, this show is a comedy in a fantasy world. So far, in the past three episodes that have aired, the anime has remained funny. The gags that the two main characters run into in the world are always amusing. The problem with the show is that after the first episode, the central joke, being the two of them falling in love with each other, stops being funny. It’s everything that happens around that main gag that makes the show worth watching.
#9 – Tokyo 24th Ward
Number 9 is “Tokyo 24th Ward” or “Tokyo 24-Ku”.
This is Cloverworks’ third show of the season and their most action-oriented of the trio of anime. The story’s basic premise is that after a significant accident causes three friends to drift apart, an unlikely presence brings the friends back together. It provides them with superhuman abilities giving them the single task of saving Tokyo by changing fate.
This is the only show with an extended first episode, and it seems that Cloverworks went all out with it (which may explain why the later episodes don’t look as impressive). The first three episodes are impressive enough to make the list. However, I’m hesitant to say whether or not the quality is going to be maintained.
It’s obvious that Cloverworks gave the least amount of budget to this show compared to the other two being produced by the production company. Most of the time, it still looks great, but the consistency is not there like in the other two. The story, on the other hand, is fascinating. Part Anohana, part Sarazanmai, part Psycho-Pass this show’s story feels like it’s trying to be more than just an average superhero show. The main problem with the anime is the characters aren’t that interesting yet. It’s only the show’s beginning so far, but more development needs to happen in the characters.
#8 – Tribe Nine
Number 8 is “Tribe Nine.”
The basic premise is that nine gangs, or “tribes have taken over Tokyo.” To counter the violence and gang wars in the city, the government created a game called Extreme Baseball. Through Extreme Baseball, the gangs battle it out and vie for supremacy over one another. The story follows one particular team as they fight to become the best.
The best thing about this anime is that it is a ton of fun. Everything about this anime feels over the top and exciting. The first three episodes never felt dull and instead felt like five minutes each, even though they all had the standard 24 minute run time. The action sequences were excellent, with the third episode being the best overall.
The only problem I had with the show was some of the characters again. One character, Taiga, feels significantly underdeveloped, even though he is one of the central main characters. So far, he feels like the butt of every joke instead of playing a role.
Other than that, Tribe Nine is one of the most fun shows this season.
#7 – In the Land of Leadale
Number 7 is “In the Land of Leadale” or “Leadale no Daichi nite”.
The basic premise of this anime is a girl wakes up one day and finds herself in the world of her favorite VRMMORPG as her maxed-out character. This is the story of her new life in the land of Leadale.
I will admit, I am a fan of isekai. I was one of those people who unironically enjoyed Sword Art Online from beginning through Alicization. Most people have a problem with isekai because the stories are usually uninspired, very similar to one another, with OP Mary Sue protagonists inevitably forming harems.
True, “In the Land of Leadale” is an isekai with an OP character. However, I enjoyed the first three episodes of “In the Land of Leadale.” Why? Because it does things that normal isekais don’t do. It made the main character an already established entity with a history that ties to the world itself. But above all? It made the main character a mom.
Unlike the previous three shows mentioned so far, this show’s strongest point is the characters. In the first three episodes, I already feel connected to the characters in the show, especially Cayna, the main character. Cayna and her three adult children are the best aspects of the show. Instead of the typical harem you would find in an isekai; the harem members are her three kids. Instead of Cayna being the typical Mary Sue protagonist, she’s anything but that. Instead, she’s a mother who acts like a strict mom to her kids. It’s a refreshing story that doesn’t get told often in anime.
#6 – Police in a Pod
Number 6 is “Police in A Pod” or “Hakozume: Kouban Joshi no Gyakushuu”.
The show’s basic premise is about a young woman’s life as a rookie police officer. It’s a straightforward concept but is somehow way more interesting than it first appears to be.
This show surprised me. The anime is a comedy but at times feels like an adult drama. I wasn’t expecting to laugh as hard as I did when I first started watching it, but I also didn’t expect to see the serious topics that the anime covered. This anime maintains a good balance of seriousness and comedy without either feeling out of place or without purpose.
The characters are also great in this anime. Both of the main characters are hilarious in their way, and the side characters are all interesting as well. Each episode also felt different enough to keep me wanting more.
#5 – Slow Loop
Number 5 is “Slow Loop.”
The show is about two girls who bond and overcome their past problems through a shared love of fishing.
Slice of Life is one of my favorite genres in anime. I love how relaxing and comfy these types of shows can be. Shows like Yuru Camp, K-On, etc., were always my favorites in those seasons when they aired. Slow Loop seems to be another one that I can add to my list of enjoyed SoL.
What makes Slow Loop so good is the characters. Koharu, Minori, and Koi are so likeable together, each having their strengths while also contributing to the show in their way. These characters have all had their share of problems in the past, but together, they learn to grow and move on through their love of fishing. This show filled the void Yuru Camp left after it finished airing.
#4 – The Genius Prince’s Guide to Raising a Nation Out of Debt
Number 4 is “The Genius Prince’s Guide to Raising a Nation out of Debt” or “Tensai Ouji no Akaji Kokka Saisei Jutsu.”
The basic premise is a prince of a small nation is forced to lead after his father, the king becomes ill. Though he would rather sell off his land and live a peaceful life, he’s forced to do what’s best for the kingdom, even if it means doing more work.
At first, I thought this show would be a parody of more serious political shows like “Log Horizon” or the currently airing “How the Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom.” Yes, this show is comedic at times; however, this show truly gets good when it becomes serious.
A primary focus of this show is the “genius” part of the title “Genius Prince.” The anime is best when they show how intelligent Wein, the main character, is through being a leader, his political acumen, and military tactics. He’s smart. Really smart. He just can’t be bothered to fulfill his true potential. The thing is, I think eventually, he’s no longer going to hold back. When that time comes, and he becomes like Lelouch from Code Geass, I think the show will become even better. Until then, I’m here for it.
#3 – Akebi’s Sailor Uniform
Number 3 is “Akebi’s Sailor Uniform” or “Akebi-chan no Sailor-fuku.”
The basic premise of the anime follows Akebi, a girl who goes to a new school and wants to make friends with as many people as possible.
This is the second show by Cloverworks this season and is, without a doubt, the most beautiful anime of the season. Just check out the trailer for it to see what I’m talking about. Every single frame of this anime is gorgeous. Every frame could be a painting. For that reason alone, the show is worth watching just to see how far animation has come over the years.
Besides the 10/10 animation, the story itself is excellent. Watching Akebi get to know the different students of her class and seeing Akebi herself grow is lovely. It’s such a pure show that beautifully captures adolescence through Akebi and her friends. This is a definite “do not miss” anime of winter 2022.
#2 – Sabikui Bisco
Number 2 is “Sabikui Bisco”.
The show’s basic premise is about two guys who try to save the world from a deadly plague by finding a particular mushroom with healing powers.
Sabikui Bisco is the most unique anime I have seen in a long time. Specifically, the world the anime takes place in. It doesn’t occur in a fantasy world, though it might as well be one. Instead, it takes place in post-apocalyptic Japan, where the world has been taken over by a plague called The Rusting.
Quite literally, rust has taken over everything, from buildings to bodies. People and creatures have evolved to survive in a world of rust. That means we see giant crabs, giant iguanas, flying fish, snail helicopters, hippo tanks, and weapons that form massive mushrooms, all in the first three episodes.
The action and animation have been top-notch so far, and the voice acting has been excellent as well. In terms of story, the first three episodes have been mainly dedicated to world-building, to the anime’s credit. It feels as if the story is just getting started with all the pieces of the puzzle finally in place for the beginning of the journey to begin.
#1 – My Dress Up Darling
Number 1 is “My Dress-Up Darling” or “Sono Bisque Doll Wa Koi Wo Suru.”
The basic premise of this show is about a boy who helps a girl follow her dreams of becoming a cosplayer.
This is the first show by Cloverworks this season and the most impressive show so far. Three main pillars mark a truly incredible anime: characters, story, and animation. All three of those pillars are so well crafted in My Dress-Up Darling that I had no choice but to rank this one number one for the new anime of winter 2022.
Regarding the story, first and foremost, My Dress-Up Darling is about Gojou and Marin. It’s about how they get to know one another through their love of similar things. It’s about the process behind the scenes of cosplay, including doing research, sketching, picking out materials, etc. There is so much involved in the process that people don’t realize after seeing the final product.
But in front of all of that is the story of Marin and Gojou and their relationship. Gojou and Marin are opposites. Gojou is shy, anxious, friendless, and depressed but still such a great guy. On the other hand, Marin is outgoing, popular, beautiful, but above all, such a kind person. Though an unlikely pair, together, they just click. First, they connect as friends. Both Gojou and Marin take the other entirely seriously. They listen to one another, they work together beautifully, and enjoy each other’s company. It feels like a mature relationship, which is uncommon in typical anime romances.
Marin, though, is the standout. In the best girl competition, she wins hands down this season. It might be too early to say, but she could be a strong contender for the best girl of the year. Gojou, too, is an incredible protagonist. He is so different from your typical protagonist because he’s so realistic. Episode three is the perfect example of why Gojou is such a great character.
Then there is the animation. What takes an anime from good to great and from amazing to masterpiece are the details. Cloverworks has gone above and beyond with this show. If Akebi’s Sailor Uniform is “beautiful,” this show is jaw-dropping specifically regarding the attention to detail portrayed throughout. There are so many tiny, unimportant details that were added and animated that didn’t have to be but make all the difference. The attention to detail shows just how much love had gone into creating this anime.
Of all the new shows this season, My Dress-Up Darling is the most impressive.
These are the top 10 anime of winter 2022! What are your top picks? Let me know down below in the comments!
Pingback: The Best and Worst New Anime Winter 2022 (so Far) | Reader's Grotto
Pingback: The Best Anime to Watch in Winter 2022 | Reader's Grotto