In today’s booming streaming era, accessing anime has never been easier. Yet amid the flood of new releases each season, fans often return to timeless classics. The year 2016 stands out as a golden era in anime history, giving birth to titles that have come to define entire genres.
Let’s take a look at 10 incredible anime turning 10 this year that still hold strong appeal.
10. The Disastrous Life Of Saiki K.
From J.C.Staff, Saiki K. proves that a comedy doesn’t need to be a Shonen Jump blockbuster to have lasting influence. The story of Kusuo Saiki, a boy with unlimited psychic powers who just wants a normal life, creates hilarious and absurd situations.
Despite being constantly bothered by eccentric friends, Saiki quietly uses his powers to solve their problems. Even after 10 years, its unique brand of absurd humor remains a perfect pick-me-up for fans.
9. Love Live! Sunshine!!
The journey of Chika Takami and the idol group Aqours to save Uranohoshi Girls’ Academy from closure moved many viewers to tears.
With deeper character development and a more serious plot than its predecessor, Love Live! Sunshine!! solidified the idol anime genre. The franchise’s strength even spawned fantasy spin-offs, keeping it popular through 2026.
8. Bungo Stray Dogs
The collaboration between Studio Bones and characters inspired by world-famous literary figures created a major hit. Atsushi Nakajima, once expelled from an orphanage, joins the Armed Detective Agency and fights supernatural battles on a global scale.
Its creative ability system based on classic literature is a major highlight. To this day, Bungo Stray Dogs remains one of the most distinctive action icons of the 2010s.
7. Haven’t You Heard? I’m Sakamoto
Who could forget the effortlessly cool Sakamoto? Whether facing bullying or everyday troubles, he always handles situations in unexpected yet stylish ways.
Beyond its extreme humor, the warm friendships Sakamoto builds are what keep this show beloved after 10 years. Studio Deen crafted a perfect balance of laughs and heartfelt moments.
6. Konosuba: God’s Blessing On This Wonderful World!
If there’s one anime that shattered traditional isekai tropes, it’s Konosuba. Instead of an all-powerful hero, we get Kazuma, a selfish guy, and a dysfunctional party: a lazy goddess, a masochistic knight, and a wizard who only knows one explosion spell.
Its sharp satire of fantasy clichés made Konosuba an irreplaceable classic. Despite countless isekai parodies since, none have outshone the “life-ruining quartet” from Drive.
5. Yuri!!! On Ice
A global phenomenon at its debut, MAPPA’s Yuri!!! On Ice impressed with breathtaking figure skating and a profound message. The bond between Yuri Katsuki and idol Viktor Nikiforov broke many barriers for LGBTQ+ representation in anime.
Though the recent cancellation of its movie project saddened fans, the series’ impact and artistic value remain an unforgettable part of MAPPA’s legacy.
4. Re:Zero, Starting Life In Another World
In 2026, with Re:Zero’s season 4 approaching, fans admire White Fox’s vision from 2016. Exploring dark themes and deconstructing the isekai genre, Subaru Natsuki’s “death and rebirth” journey offers a psychologically intense experience.
Excellent character development and layered storytelling lifted Re:Zero beyond typical entertainment into a deep artistic work.
3. My Hero Academia
Launching at the peak of the superhero craze, Izuku Midoriya’s rise from powerless to number one hero captivated the world. Studio Bones masterfully blended spectacular action, humor, and inspiring messages. Despite many seasons, season 1 remains the legendary start of a cultural phenomenon.
2. Mob Psycho 100
While One-Punch Man made waves with powerful punches, Mob Psycho 100 won hearts with Mob’s emotional growth. With its bold, innovative art style from Bones, it’s considered ONE’s true masterpiece. The story of controlling emotions and finding self-worth remains relevant in 2026.
1. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond Is Unbreakable
The top spot goes to the legendary JoJo series’ fourth part. Josuke Higashikata’s adventure in Morioh marked a turning point in the franchise’s multi-character storytelling.
From its vibrant art style to mind-bending Stand battles, Diamond Is Unbreakable delivers a flawless experience from start to finish. A decade later, it remains the most beloved part and a clear testament to David Production’s excellence.