Reddit's Top 100 Anime of All Time: A Critical Analysis

Reddit recently released its list of the top 100 anime of all time, as voted on by users of the popular social media platform. As an avid anime fan, I was intrigued to see how this community-generated list would compare to other rankings and my own personal favorites. Let's dive into a detailed analysis of Reddit's picks, examining the highs, lows, and surprises.

The Top 10

Let's start by looking at Reddit's choices for the cream of the crop:

1. Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
2. Attack on Titan
3. Puella Magi Madoka Magica
4. Steins;Gate
5. Neon Genesis Evangelion
6. Kaguya-sama: Love is War
7. Hunter x Hunter (2011)
8. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
9. Monogatari Series
10. Mob Psycho 100

Right off the bat, we can see some interesting choices. Frieren taking the top spot is certainly unexpected, given it's a relatively new series. While it's received widespread acclaim, its placement above long-standing favorites like Attack on Titan and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is sure to spark debate.

The inclusion of Puella Magi Madoka Magica in the top 3 is another surprise. While it's undoubtedly an influential and subversive take on the magical girl genre, its placement above more mainstream hits is notable.

Overall, this top 10 represents a mix of modern classics, cult favorites, and a few unexpected choices. It's a solid list that showcases the diversity of anime storytelling, though some may argue certain titles are ranked too high or low.

Notable Inclusions and Rankings

As we move further down the list, several rankings stand out:

• One Piece at #24: Given its massive popularity and cultural impact, some might expect it to rank higher. However, its placement likely reflects the mixed reception of its anime adaptation compared to the manga.

• Violet Evergarden at #23: This visually stunning series from Kyoto Animation clearly resonated with Reddit users, ranking higher than many more well-known titles.

• Vinland Saga at #9: This historical epic has clearly made a strong impression, breaking into the top 10 despite being a relatively recent series.

• Gintama at #17: While beloved by its fans, Gintama's placement in the top 20 might surprise those unfamiliar with its enduring popularity.

• Made in Abyss at #15: This dark fantasy adventure has clearly left a lasting impact on viewers, ranking impressively high for a newer series.

Surprising Omissions and Low Rankings

While the list includes many deserving titles, there are some notable absences and unexpectedly low placements:

• Studio Ghibli films: While Spirited Away (#92) and Princess Mononoke (#93) made the list, they rank surprisingly low. Other Ghibli classics are absent entirely.

• Perfect Blue at #98: Satoshi Kon's psychological thriller is widely regarded as a masterpiece, making its low ranking surprising.

• Cowboy Bebop at #21: While still ranking respectably, many would argue this influential series deserves a spot in the top 10.

• Dragon Ball at #41: Given its massive cultural impact, some might expect the original Dragon Ball to rank higher.

• Your Name: Makoto Shinkai's blockbuster film is notably absent from the list, which is unexpected given its popularity and critical acclaim.

Analysis of Trends

Examining the full list reveals several interesting trends in Reddit's anime preferences:

1. Recency Bias: Newer series like Frieren, Chainsaw Man, and 86 rank quite high, suggesting a slight bias towards recent releases.

2. Emphasis on Storytelling: Many of the highest-ranked series are known for their complex narratives and character development, rather than action or comedy.

3. Appreciation for Subversive Works: Series that challenge genre conventions (like Madoka Magica and Neon Genesis Evangelion) are well-represented.

4. Balance of Mainstream and Cult Favorites: While popular shonen series feature prominently, there's also strong representation for more niche titles.

5. Underrepresentation of Films: With a few exceptions, the list is dominated by TV series, with many acclaimed anime films ranking low or not appearing at all.

Comparing to Other Rankings

It's interesting to compare Reddit's list to other popular anime rankings:

• MyAnimeList: While there's significant overlap, MAL's top anime list tends to favor longer-running series and has less recency bias.

• Critic Lists: Professional critics often give more weight to artistic merit and innovation, which might explain the higher placement of films and experimental works on their lists.

• Popular Polls: Reddit's list seems to strike a balance between populist choices and critical darlings, more so than many general audience polls.

Personal Reflections

As an anime fan, I find this list both exciting and frustrating. It's great to see lesser-known gems like Odd Taxi and March Comes in Like a Lion get recognition. However, the relatively low placement of some all-time classics and the high ranking of very recent series gives me pause.

Ultimately, any "best of" list is subjective, and this one offers a fascinating glimpse into the tastes of Reddit's anime community. It's a solid starting point for discovering great series, even if I don't agree with every placement.

Conclusion

Reddit's top 100 anime list offers a diverse and intriguing selection of series and films. While it has its quirks and debatable rankings, it generally represents a good cross-section of quality anime across various genres and eras.

For newcomers to anime, this list provides an excellent starting point to explore the medium's highlights. For longtime fans, it offers plenty to discuss and debate. Whether you agree with the rankings or not, it's clear that anime continues to captivate audiences with its storytelling, artistry, and ability to push creative boundaries.

What are your thoughts on Reddit's rankings? Do you agree with their choices, or are there titles you feel were unfairly placed or omitted? The beauty of anime is its diversity, and lists like these remind us of the wealth of amazing stories the medium has to offer.

Article created from: https://youtu.be/oorSXPbRo_4?feature=shared