Best of Anime 2023

[@gigguk]

New subscribers get a free mystery gift with their first membership purchase - go to bespokepost.com/giggukgift and enter code GIGGUKGIFT at checkout. Thanks to Bespoke Post for sponsoring! FYI, some parts of this video got claimed and blocked the video, so some segments have been muted SPOILERS: Full List: 13. Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead 12. The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You 11. Trigun Stampede 10. Oshi no Ko 9: The Eminence in Shadow 8: Attack on Titan 7: Skip and Loafer 6: Heavenly Delusion 5: The Apothecary Diaries 4: Pluto 3: Jujutsu Kaisen S2 2: Frieren: Beyond Journey's End 1: Vinland Saga S2

[@ivan4ik]

I've been waiting for this!

[@SilverGate007]

Nice

[@rand6412]

Link Click Season 2 The forgotten one

[@Vicioussama]

GOD DAMN IT GARNT! Change the default countdown lol. The default is ear piercing bad.

[@ningdang]

Hell ya let's gooo

[@alexisnekko]

"You have no enemies" and "why didn't I try to know him better?" are the two phrases that hit me last year the most

[@Thatguy-nh4by]

what's the second one from

[@rouvichernandez1863]

​@@Thatguy-nh4byfrieren

[@Pusheenowaaa]

Where’s the first one from

[@T15A20]

@@Pusheenowaaa Google says its from Vinland saga

[@wlt3585]

​Vinland Saga s1 is where that quote comes from. It has significantly more impact in s2​@@Pusheenowaaa

[@claytonrios1]

In a year where we had Frieren, Thorfinn, Maomao, Aqua and Ruby, The Shibuya Incident, Akiras Zombie Apocalypse and the return of Hayao Miyazaki how could it not be an absolutely incredible year for anime?

[@mdraj5655]

2023 was absolutely amazing for anime with returning hits along with new bangers like Frieren, Oshi no ko, Zom 100, Hell paradise, apothecary diaries, undead unluck, heavenly delusion and many more. 2024 is already looking great with the amount of good sequels we are getting this year!

[@claytonrios1]

@@mdraj5655 Plus we've got new hits as well like Solo Leveling, Delicious In Dungeon, Chained Soldier and Metallic Rouge!

[@zackfair4332]

2024 in comparison seems like a blame year unfortunately 🥲

[@smirg2975]

​@@zackfair4332the year didn't even fully start yet

[@zackfair4332]

@@smirg2975 the animes announced so far are mostly sequels to series I dropped at some point lol, so... Like Solo Leveling I knew about it one year ago, there is anime I know about that looks good coming out this year. 3 ànimes max

[@LeBimbo]

I'm so glad he mentioned Apothecary Diaries. That show is the full package, and I think most anime enjoyers would have fun watching it. It's got an incredibly witty female lead who isn't just a pretty face, and it balances comedy and drama really well.

[@lysiah3383]

That was my favorite anime this year 100% - the story telling, the quality, just everything really hit me different and i really really hope for a 2nd season!

[@LeBimbo]

@@lysiah3383 The second season is reported to be coming around January next year.

[@thorfinnthegoatmc]

This is the real anime awards

[@marianandnorbert]

thank you gigguk for that outro, no sponsor, no lighthearted segue, just the sheer brunt of emotional impact of that final statement, made it pierce so much deeper. My god what a way to end the video, bravo.

[@RiKaSNHAUA]

the comment i was looking for

[@davidnguyen9065]

I know right. His videos are so good

[@thesleepiesthead]

Bravo -Vince- Gigguk 👏

[@andrewstevens3717]

Anyone know what the outro song is?

[@SourishBanik]

@@andrewstevens3717"Rusty sword" by Yutaka Yamada

[@Gievfepix]

Really happy to see Skip and Loafer here. That show is criminally underrated, I've heard basically nobody talking about it. Great recap as always!

[@suleymancanylmaz6720]

Im one of the guys who didnt care about it. Actually when I first see it, I think it was another slice of life anime with steriotypes with no personality. So I didnt even bother to watch. But now I see there is more to it. I will give it a try.

[@vizdrom]

That was a goated season. Skip and Loafer, Insomniacs after School, Dangers in my heart, Tonikawa and Yamada 999 and those were just the romance/slice of life - Not to mention the popular ones like Oshi no Ko, Demon Slayer, Tengoku Daimakyou, Mashle, Gundam etc. A new episode too look forward to everyday. Good times, good times.

[@AnimeDude.]

I watched it and sure it was good but definitely doesn’t deserve to be top 10 of this year

[@IamDoomii]

Same! I'm reading the manga and when i heard it was getting animated i was so happy! It's easily in my top 5 for 2023 cuz sometimes watching shows with so much action (jjk 2 , pluto etc) is a bit much for one season so something just cute, wholesome is a breathe of fresh air. 🥹

[@whyagustd]

ONG!!

[@KlareAudio]

I actually really appreciate you didn't have a "hey whats up guys thanks for watching this video" segment at the end, it really made your piece about vinland hit so many times harder

[@cowdudefan1236]

MY CONTENT + YFGA IS BETTER THAN GIGGUK + ALL OF ANIME

[@cowdudefan1236]

MY CONTENT + YFGA IS BETTER THAN GIGGUK + ALL OF ANIME

[@airnomad0013]

EXACTLY my thinking!!!

[@Sizzyl]

@@expensivenes2645 2:50 to 3:40 is an ad

[@AxerionxX]

KZbin came in as the Hero and gave me some stupid ahh adds

[@StrikeAxl]

Vinland saga slowly but surely became one of the best anime I've ever watched. I had never had a piece of media make me cry out of pure philosophycal introspection. It is amazingly deep and by far the best anime/season of 2023.

[@fernandozavaletabustos205]

It is an awesome series!!

[@ValorantRivals]

why slowly?

[@lifadysi9418]

I'm not sure if I agree with the "by far" part as Frieren: Beyond Journey's End and Oshi no Ko are pretty amazing too, but yeah, Vinland Saga is awesome and I think it's underrated; it doesn't get the attention that the quality of it deserves. All IMO, of course.

[@ValorantRivals]

@@lifadysi9418 by far??

[@diamondcyborg559]

When I saw it at #1 I’m literally listening to this on headphones btw but I screamed “YES” because I forgot about it but it was so damn good

[@MasterNadorPUBG]

"I have no enemies" ... Anime quote of the year

[@Damager007]

Nay… the century

[@Shiki0828]

Nah I’d win Stand Proud Sukuna You are Strong Are you the strongest because you are gojo satoru or are you gojo satoru because you are strongest

[@Ash_Wen-li]

In before people say it's a stupid message because they aren't able to adapt a simple phrase into different contexts

[@nanashi7779]

​@@Shiki0828 the two sides to an anime fan's brain: stoic philosopher vs lobotomised powerscaler

[@diamonddude7174]

*dumbest quote

[@WongUeHang]

Frieren is No.2: HOW COULD YOU Vinland Saga is No.1: Understandable, have a great day.

[@alexc1]

I had basically the same reaction xD

[@collecter343]

Keep forgetting VS came out last year, felt way longer ago.

[@nhpkm1]

I'm genuinely curious, reading frieren synopsis before it aired I too thought it's an easy 10/10. But watching it it felt like a 8.5/10. One of this most disappointing things was lack of "scars" from traveling alone, for example of hypothetical scars frieren casting a shield around when sleeping, or cooking meals only for her self, etc. I can't understand why everyone thinks it should be top of the year.

[@shivanshjadhav]

@@nhpkm1 Because you lost the point of the show itself. She never really felt that loneliness until Himmel's death (rewatch the first episode if you want) therefore there are no "scars" from when she was travelling alone.

[@Shuroii]

@@nhpkm1 The writer is generally a coward and fails to deliver much story beyond the actual premise. Even after being up-to-date on the manga, all I can say is that it's an enjoyable but unfulfilling story meant exclusively to entertain rather than to give you something to take away from it.

[@-_Krish]

At this point someone should nominate gigguk for the best scriptwriter. Beautifully written video and made me so satisfied with how you narrated for the top two.

[@itsOZone]

Yeah he's one of the few KZbinrs left who actually write their own scripts He's the last of a few from an old era of KZbin.

[@keezo4595]

yeah this is just peak KZbin. Im always happy when I see a new Gigguk video came out. They are just always the best they can be

[@animoments8969]

​@@itsOZoneJust imagine hes been doing this for so long that he knows the entire history of the evolution of anime youtubers.

[@tylerd.1]

Vinland Saga makes me shutter and gives me chills just thinking about it. It’s honestly one of the best anime of all time

[@oe_woo]

same here, Vinland Saga is the best anime I have ever seen

[@ehouse33householder74]

i really do agree. its a life changing anime

[@Giorno.]

Clannad Afterstory is the best anime I have ever seen. But Vinland Saga is the best of the last several years.

[@ameliabrittain3689]

The anime is really great, so glad one of the best manga ever is getting a proper adaptation. Reading the manga made me full on ugly cry several times, just reduce me to a suffering, sobbing mess, for hours. The anime has managed to do the same. That’s all I wanted from it, and it delivered.

[@moneyshuddle7094]

It's great to see how well-received this season of Vinland Saga has been this past year. The author Makoto Yukimura deserves all the credit in the world for crafting such an emotionally touching story.

[@andoryuguen1273]

Right on Money. Vinland and makoto supremacy

[@CobGobblin]

i cant wait for season 3! best waifu anyone? hild or gudrid? my votes on gudrid

[@robadc]

Sadly I remembered a lot of complaints by people who wanted more of the same from season 1. Looking a gift horse in the mouth if you ask me

[@Salty_Gacha_Gamer]

​@@CobGobblinHild. She's best waifu especially with what she's aboutto do

[@ichbinfranke5152]

@@robadc yeah me. UUUUuuuuucch S2 was the HUGEST let-down in anime history. WTF was that boring shite? Episode after episode I was like... okay, enough farming , start the action. Okay, they made him mad now, now he will kick ass! And then he went all French on them and surrendered. DISHONORABLE!!!!

[@mihaipalimariciuc6635]

I waited for this video the entire month. Few more days and i would have had to form my own opinion. 🤢

[@skelebro9999]

form your own opinion? eww that's gross

[@Mdsadiquekhan]

Nah, I would love to see your list

[@GeometryDashing]

SO TRUEEEEEEEEEEEE

[@filindrolemoslemosdc7341]

Wth man? Who does that?

[@AnhNguyen-pe4pr]

What's an opinion??

[@mfn1311]

Bro I swear skip and loafer single handedly carried me through last years exam period. Fucking breath of fresh air after constant studying

[@genoswolf9494]

Ok imma watch it cuz of u

[@gonehollow99]

​@@genoswolf9494it's great:) have fun and prepare for warmth and joy

[@lanzer22]

For anyone who thinks that Skip and Loafer is your typical Shojo series for girls, the series is carried on Kodansha’s Afternoon magazine. The same magazine for top series such as Blade of the Immortal, Vinland Saga, Heavenly Dilution, Blue Period, Parasite, Mushishi, Blame, Land of the Lustrous, and much more. They’re all series aimed at mature audiences.

[@luiscastillo.6194]

ive watched 4 episodes of it and so far i like it, during that time Yamada kun lvl 999 had me hooked on so i didn't give this series a try but it's pretty good so far i like it

[@MoonMeerkat]

I mean its amazing but aot and oshi no ko are better

[@damogul2114]

i've been coming back every year for god knows how long, watching your best of year series has been a ritual, keep doing you gigguk!

[@KaslanaK]

"number 2 Frieren" wait how tf it number 2? WTF did he put in number 1? "number 1 Vinland Saga" oh......how tf did i forget

[@Miggy8]

"its probably mushoku tensei" "based gigguk for putting mushoku tens- VINLAND SAAAAAGAAAAAAA"

[@thorfinnthegoatmc]

PEAKLAND!!!!!

[@fusion6343]

same lol, i forgot about Vinland Saga even it's hit me the most

[@tudutumru0502]

Is vinland saga finished with season 2?

[@nanashi7779]

​@@tudutumru0502 there's more to the manga so probably not but I don't think we'll be getting another season for a while

[@camille7230]

I'm not crying about frieren. How can an anime make me so nostalgic for an adventure I never even watched

[@UnNuclear]

Frieren gives me the same vibe of finishing an amazing book or video game and feeling empty and satisfied at the same time.

[@daviddobarganes9115]

I have outlived all my relatives and I didnt even know them I am an elf

[@iknowwatdadogdoin5454]

It's just a wannabe sad anime. Literally ripping off the concept of To Your Eternity but remove all the great writing.

[@AnimeKlipsOffical]

@@iknowwatdadogdoin5454 yeah it got repetitve after frieren after every two seconds said:"_________ reminds me of himmel" lol. It really kills the interest I had in the initial episodes.

[@gaurav_W]

tbh friren kinda feels disconnected to me so i dont really feel much from it. its almost as if i will die anyway before i feel like friren does in my life.

[@ankokuraven]

goddamn, Gigguk, you know how to draw every drop of emotion out of your audience. im not crying, you're crying

[@craiggurnham]

For real man, that final speech on Vinland hit me nearly as hard as the show itself did 🥲

[@RushWheeler]

echoes* GAY

[@ankokuraven]

@@RushWheeler XD i pictured that soundbite when i wrote this

[@dirtybirdperson4020]

*Ghey*

[@JorgeCalle]

Thank you, Gigguk! I just migrated, was having a rough moment, and your video brought me home.

[@Astran0th]

"Change isn't just something that exists in the boundaries of a fictional story. It doesn't come easy. It's a long, hard, unforgiving road, but you can get there, even if every day you only take one small step at a time. We will always find a reason to fight each other, no matter what time period we are in, weapons we can use or tools we have at our disposal. But no matter how broken you think the world is, there is still meaning in trying to build a better tomorrow. Maybe tomorrow I can make a brighter day come. Maybe tomorrow I can be just that little bit kinder. Mabye tomorrow I can become a slightly better version of myself. You are capable of letting go of that hatred, even it that hatred is towards yourself. You have no enemies." Well spoken. A very important message we've been given there. Words to live by.

[@maximumpainer16]

this made me cry...

[@NOT_SAGE]

from the start to "one small step at a time" made me think bro was gonna make a joke about rudy ed

[@irecordwithaphone1856]

He was cooking with the script

[@fernandozavaletabustos205]

Cool quote!

[@ShaneElterman]

"You have no enemies. No one in the world does." That line said by Thors so long ago really does mean a lot even now.

[@Laughing_Chinaman]

shame the manga constantly disproves the mangaka's philosophy. thors dies to a random stranger a few chapters later because the bloke was paid to kill him, not to mention all the people slaughtered just because they had the misfortune to live in someone else's path. you have enemies, they want to kill you and your naivety while sounding pleasant while you are safe will ultimately leave you defenceless when violence comes for you

[@emmanueledouard2191]

​@@Laughing_ChinamanI wouldn't say disprove but for this utopic philosopy to become a reality it would needs for everyone to apply it, and not everyone does. While it feels like Thorfin and his companions are but small fish in a vast ocean, they try to make a change, they at least make the first step so that those words can light the way. There can be no change if no one is trying and we all know through history that some big change happened because people kept trying (of course a lot of people failed along the way but they tried). Have a good day

[@guydunn8259]

@@Laughing_Chinaman That doesn't disprove anything, not everyone shares the same philosophy. Imagine what could be accomplished if people could let go of hate, grudges, and war. If there is even the slightest hint of that being possible, to avoid all these terrible things, why not at least try?

[@Laughing_Chinaman]

@@guydunn8259 because pacifists get their necks cut by non-pacifists. its all well and good to not go out and make enemies but to bury your head in the sand and pretend only gets you defenceless and dead

[@deadsec5970]

​​​​@@Laughing_Chinamanjust because thors died doesnt mean he was wrong. Death is merely a part of life. The purpose of life isn't to live as long as you can, that would be depressing tbh. Having no enemies is from one angle an ancient stoic philosophy and thorfinn's development has a lot of stoic elements. There will most certainly be people out there who wants to hurt you but that doesn't diminish your ability to choose to reject hurting him back. You have a will of your own, and you have power over your mind - not outside events. To have no enemies is to not give into your carnal and primal desires, but rise above it. You do good because Its easier to do harm than to do good; It's to choose peace when most people would choose violence. Isn't a human's greatest privilege the ability to change his nature? Become better and do great things? Violence is an impulse driven act and only kids act on impulses so isnt it fair to say that violence is a child's game? Maybe grow up then and simply recognize: that they're humans too, just like you, that they act out of ignorance, and against their will, and that you'll be dead before long. And above all that they haven't really hurt you; as they haven't diminished your freedom to choose how to react, or to not react at all.

[@leserb9228]

When i saw Frieren in 2nd place, i was like "What could possibly top Frieren?" but as soon as i saw what it was, i remembered that Vinland Saga 2 was also a 2023 anime.

[@P1zzaGuy]

Same, at first I was wondering why then when I saw vinland saga i immediately went "no arguments king"

[@Heian21]

me too, i suddenly got flashbacks on how impactful was vinland season 2 when i watched it

[@jlt4219]

yes congrats to thorfinn!

[@neerajcherukuri4052]

Exactly me. And I completely agree with that.

[@Tichondrius-]

Imo Frieren is Top1. Everything in the Vinland Saga 2 is great except for Arnheid's arc, or rather herself, which is a lot of episodes.

[@cryzanth0s585]

Frieren is probably my favorite anime, it was absolutely insane, and incredibly immersive, watching it made me smile then immediately cry

[@olafharoldsonnii4713]

Shit anime

[@zacharythe1st]

well said bro ( i need a season 2...)

[@sudoPrivileges]

It was shit, and boring.

[@mdtaj7563]

​@@zacharythe1st I hope that same team makes season 2 because it's going to adapt one of the best arcs I've read in a while. The author of frieren knows what he's cooking 💥

[@levismith5169]

The moment the ost for Vinland saga started I went from “what could’ve topped Frieren” to actually crying. So much discourse online nowadays is about “being a man” and I think Thors is one of the truest men I’ve witnessed in any media ever. Watching Thorfin realize what it truly means to love is so amazing. Idk I like to point to unique characters as the inspiration of my masculinity, the MC of bunnygirl is my usual go to but Vinland saga is truly just too beautiful

[@norwa3518]

I give Vinland Saga a 7/10. I like it, and I absolutely LOVE the message and what its trying to say. I just wish the way they said it was executed better. It felt a little too preachy and the things Thorfinn and Einar said were basically "Violence is bad, slavery is bad" on repeat for several episodes. The one moment that we can all say is goated is "I have no enemies"

[@shivanshjadhav]

W comment. And don't forget about the absolute legend Natsuki Subaru.

[@shivanshjadhav]

@@norwa3518 Yeah, because for a lot of episodes they were not the main focus. But I think that execution of the anime was just GOD tier

[@kamuyking551]

@@norwa3518 I'd like to respectfully push back just a little... I think the second season could be described this way, if Thorfinn and Einar are all you're focused on, but in order to absorb everything, you have to look at the season holistically. we all intuitively know that "violence is bad, slavery is bad" but if it's happening anyway, then what is actually doing that? what would need to change? that's really what this season is engaging with, and each character is a case study. how did Thorfinn end up as a slave? you could say the simple answer... he attacked royalty and had to be punished somehow, and this was the best Canute could finagle without killing him. or you could go the complicated route and talk about how Askeladd was giving him directives all his life. Thorfinn would fulfill just about any insane condition if it meant getting a shot at dueling him, which was something that only ever ended in frustration and injuries anyway... Thorfinn is used to being hurt, and never getting what he wants, and following orders, so of course he ended up like this. enslavement is the status quo for him. but then, even Askeladd wasn't really free. he acted like he was, because he could usually outplay anyone who tried to go against him, but when you sow resentment that freely, it eventually catches up. and in terms of people seeming like they're in control because they have power, or they can do violence, but who are actually beholden to many forces that are out of their control as well... this can apply to Ketil and Canute. Ketil is the master of his land, but he maintains it based on a false reputation of a violent man. if he doesn't seem enough like he is that guy, then he's busted. so he is beholden to the expectations of others, even though he's doing this to maintain what he thinks is power and control. Canute is this, but with like two whole countries' worth of people. how did Arnheid end up as a slave? what ties does her situation have to our main characters, and where does she differ? I noticed that Arnheid's story reminded me of Einar's mother. her husband went off to fight and never came back... later, their village was attacked, and in the case of Einar's mother, she died with one of her children, and one survived. Einar and Arnheid are vulnerable in similar ways, but Arnheid is much more stuck than he is. and it's because she has value to Ketil. Einar actually pointed this out pretty explicitly after their wheat field was destroyed... as slaves they're treated pretty poorly, unless someone likes them, in which case their rights are forfeit and they can't leave. damned if you do, damned if you don't. Thorfinn and Einar are almost safer _because_ they have nothing. how is a person supposed to navigate a situation like that? a position atop this power hierarchy is what Ketil is struggling to maintain by performing his role for others. even if all he wants is safety and security, this is a man who thinks he deserves more safety and security than other people, and he'll stand on their backs in order to have it. people resent that. how is a man like this supposed to maintain peace? how is a man like Canute supposed to do the same for England and Denmark? it's not just "violence bad, slavery bad" but the realization that these things create a cycle of desperation. what violent or exploitative things would a man do, just to escape violence and exploitation himself? if you ever catch yourself thinking that this is the only way, you're getting sucked into the cycle too. "I have no enemies" is how you stop resentment at the one thing you can control: yourself.

[@primus527]

Man, you basically read my mind.

[@fifty50uI]

"i come in peace, what's your name?" "Peace"💀💀💀 😂😂 got me rolling

[@cowdudefan1236]

MY CONTENT + YFGA IS BETTER THAN GIGGUK + ALL OF ANIME🤣🤣

[@nim4721]

@@cowdudefan1236 I'm so sorry about your disease. I blame your parents. 😨

[@Maybehaha755]

​@@cowdudefan1236oh man the username checks out

[@bryanherrera936]

omg i get it like 2 seconds later and holy shit

[@kalad000]

no my dude... I C U M in Peace... that makes more sense

[@Athanasios117]

K am I the only one that basically had an emotional outburst when he said "I have no enemies" ? shit was BEAUTIFUL

[@s_ky03]

I'm going thru existential crisis rn

[@jermaineclarke4298]

@@s_ky03 You'll be ok, just realize that 8.1 billion people going through the exact same thing. Just develop proper support systems.

[@Daniel_Alves1993]

The man knows his stuff, and does it well.

[@wschtori]

bro that word is overused

[@LoneWanderer4k]

i rolled my eyes for the 10th time

[@sven9851]

Seeing Vinland saga as no1 definitely put a smile on my face. Not many people are talking about this masterpiece

[@zachjennings5320]

Heavenly delusion is the most underrated anime ive seen in years

[@evanclp514]

i think it's just gone a bit unnoticed because of all the popular anime this year but i think most people who've seen it agree that it's amazing

[@dreiocity2290]

86

[@gamechannel1271]

You mean overrated. It has a small community of people who believe it is actually a good anime. People who think it's ok the main girl was raped for days chained to a bed, and the characters and story move on a chapter later like it's no big deal. FUCK THAT ANIME.

[@sirparzival9372]

Agree, the ending sucks ass

[@kagamiuchiha5837]

I feel like bungo stray dogs is the most underrated anime I’ve seen in years. I do not hear anyone talk about it (like KZbinrs and streamers) but whenever I see comments about it it’s always super positive. Idk I just feel like it’s super under appreciated & in like 5 years people will look back on it as a sleeper anime for sure

[@katsf0rdays]

YES SKIP AND LOAFER GETTING THE LOVE IT DESERVES

[@yaya-eh3fi]

GAY sorry I had too

[@amaduck2132]

I prefer the other kind of slice of life.

[@Dolsenea2]

YEAAA it was really hearth warming✨

[@doodlegame8704]

@@amaduck2132Yea, but which one?

[@amaduck2132]

@@doodlegame8704 🔪 of ❤

[@pierredeeb]

I cried in the Vinland saga section, thank you Garnt

[@shivanshjadhav]

Me too bro Vinland Saga is a masterpiece!

[@The-messiah254.]

You'll cry harder in season 3

[@hawk5057]

Same 😭

[@solomonbyrne3909]

I saw this comment and was NOT expecting to actually shed a tear. Is it really ok to forgive one's own flaws?

[@ginger0403]

​@@solomonbyrne3909It is brother..

[@4everUndisputed]

You're truly a master of your craft brotha. You're depth of knowledge, coupled with humor, insight, raw human emotion- You truly delivered an outstanding video that touches on the heartstrings of the soul. 🙏

[@Ark7760]

Even as an older anime fan, watching anime this year was like seeing my new favorite anime of all time one after the other. All of the shows on this list were outstanding. Watching the Attack on Titan finale with all my friends and I who have followed the show since the beginning was a very special moment. This show meant so much to those of us who grew up with this show. Something I noticed this year is anime seemed to become a lot more "mature". I saw more shows with more complex themes and overarching messages that really resonated with me. As a viewer it was really rewarding seeing how much thought was put not only into the storytelling by the authors, but also how much attention to detail and care was demonstrated by the animation studios who did the adaptations. Watching your annual recap video is always a highlight of the new year. I'm always blown away at how you're able to improve on these videos every year, well done again!

[@mookiestewart3776]

You grew up with AOT but consider yourself an “older” anime fan?

[@shivanshjadhav]

Yeah, this year's anime we're really good. And the fights in Frieren going on right now have a totally different vibe because, all of them act like how you would act in a fight.

[@LORDdrPepper]

​@@mookiestewart3776.... the first season came out 10 years ago, that's pretty fucking old

[@Ash_Wen-li]

​@@LORDdrPepperPersonally I don't consider anything past 2010 to be old

[@lillith7257]

@@mookiestewart3776 i'm right around the age of Garnt and Joey, AoT aired when i was in the middle of HS. it would not be wrong to say i'm an older fan and also grew up with it. Even if it was on the tail end lol i consider anything before i started college as "growing up with it"

[@atinone]

I can proudly tell the "I have no enemies" scene is my favorite scene of the year and one of my favorite scene of all time

[@LuisSierra42]

Very true my friend

[@cowdudefan1236]

MY CONTENT + YFGA IS BETTER THAN GIGGUK + ALL OF ANIME🤣🤣

[@vitorcosta1008]

True, such a deep yet simple lesson this anime gave us for life. Those who watched it know. Cheers to us fellow comrades, avoid wars, be kind!

[@nunothedude]

Whats ur fav

[@TedRLY]

I guess I had my guard down but hearing that soundtrack from Frieren almost got me teary eyed. Such a powerful and meaningful show.

[@lmcdoug23]

Forreal the music is so good at sucker punching you

[@Solstice261]

The music is excellent, I was expecting it and even with that I instantly got nostalgic for an adventure I haven't been in, truly LOTR level stuff

[@4xdblack]

I didnt even watch the show and I was tearing up.

[@fan4every1lol89]

YESSS. Imo the best thing in Freiren is the ost first then the godly animation

[@Solstice261]

@@fan4every1lol89 I forgot how good the animation was, but the background art I think was also fairly good, really made everything look so, calm, and the characters are also great

[@jasonryan2545]

The ending to this one video felt like a resonating heartbeat, I usually feel a quivering sensation when something perfectly fits into a picture. Vinland Saga has been a wonderful, cataclysmic ride

[@frostyiv1509]

Wake up babe, Gigguk's "Best of Anime 2023" has dropped

[@iyfazkazi5808]

@aqup_ its obvious you havnt seen vinland saga

[@thejaydex.]

Heavenly delusion was one of the most underated and best shows i've seen this year, and im glad i watched it.

[@gamechannel1271]

In heavenly delusion, the main character (girl) is raped for 2 days chained to a bed before the other main character rescues her. The rapist gets off free, with nothing but a punch. Both protagonists are then back to their comedy antics the next chapter like nothing happened. I'll let you judge for yourself now if this is the kind of show you want to watch.

[@blue-eye-white-dragon]

It came out in 2023?

[@potatomatoes5571]

it was,until that rape scene 💀

[@gentleaizSHORT]

Agreed, I loved heavenly delusion

[@destroy6386]

​​@@potatomatoes5571 but what came after was great

[@esmanfransiscus]

mao mao bitch slap is my most favorite scene of all the anime this year.

[@pancakes4552]

She focused the fear of God into that slap, made them listen it's beautiful

[@geraldzbrenzonagustin400]

That and Frieren with the kys scene was beautiful

[@yellow_flash813]

​@@geraldzbrenzonagustin400that scene was dope 😂

[@ag7898]

Gigguk's " factory reset" blast had me on the floor!

[@alihorda]

LowTierElf was peak ​@@geraldzbrenzonagustin400

[@zev_nx]

I SWEAR IT WAS A CLOUDY DAY WHERE I LIVE AND THE SUN CAME OUT WHEN GIGGUK WAS GIVING HIS FINAL WORDS IN THE VINLAND SAGA SPEECH 😂😂

[@pineapples-cw1qt]

😂

[@TheKrister2]

With Freiren, it's not even that she took it for granted, it's just that everything is so _short_ in the face of eternity. You see it again, and again, that she picks up on so many small things about her friends; small actions she does, items she buys, magic she learns, and food she makes. There's something for everyone, a spell to turn grapes sour, a spell to grow flowers that you've seen, and so on. I find that the best part of the story, because it too doesn't spell these things out for you. A character may have mentioned that he likes sour grapes in her past, and some twenty years after Himmel's death, she finds a spell that does wxactly that.

[@BboyReso]

What are you even trying to say? What is it that you like about Freiren? I think a lot of things are spelt out or obvious in the anime

[@cowdudefan1236]

MY CONTENT + YFGA IS BETTER THAN GIGGUK + ALL OF ANIME🤣🤣.

[@bradsmith2694]

Eisen says at one point that he likes sour grapes

[@letre281]

@@BboyReso what are the obvious things in the anime?

[@themikeberg]

I love the yearly recap man, it always brings up anime that I missed. Thank you.

[@cowdudefan1236]

MY CONTENT + YFGA IS BETTER THAN GIGGUK + ALL OF ANIME🤣.

[@keezo4595]

Man you are talking about all these unbelievable good animes that came out this year and because of that one thing gets unnoticed by many. And that is your video quality. The amount of work you put in there is just unbelievable. The editing, perfect amount of comedy and being serious if you have to and that ending that is peak KZbin!! Thanks for these awesome videos Gigguk

[@askebe3]

Literally every other comment praises the video quality

[@THB192]

I'm pretty sure Alan (BakaShift) still does the editing for Gigguk. EDIT: There are several editors actually.

[@PiggyMcCult]

Audio needs some work though. This mic is constantly louder in the left channel, and the #12 anime has audio cut out inexplicably for the first few seconds.

[@shyguy5473]

​@@PiggyMcCultRead the description.

[@irecordwithaphone1856]

The Vinland saga segment is genuinely emotional

[@Karan-pn7xs]

28:35 Himmel putting the ring on frieren with that music playing in the background is just perfection,

[@namor6260]

And she didn’t even understand it

[@reinbeers5322]

And she only realized what it meant 80 years later

[@jnieto490]

Hits even harder when you find out they both had feelings for one another

[@notlightbeam4889]

"Why didn't I try to know him better.."

[@Raphael959]

@@jnieto490nah she barely knew him

[@bakamon481]

Can’t wait for the plot twist on the number 1 position in the yearly Gigguk’s anime ranking

[@Crown_0110]

We all know it’s gonna be 100 girlfriends

[@AdityaaT100]

I think it's Vinland Saga

[@meraj5393]

I think it's aot but maybe i am biased as hell.

[@army128]

To those who watched the Trash Taste podcast beforehand....

[@bigz4829]

@@army128 and were WRONG

[@brainlessappendix4369]

the list: 13. Zom 100 12. 100 GF 11. Trigun Stampede 10. Oshi no ko 9. Eminence in Shadow S2 8. Aot Final Chapters 7. Skip and Loafer 6. Heavenly Delusion 5. The Apothecary Diaries 4. Pluto 3. Jujutsu Kaisen S2 2. Frieren 1. Vinland Saga S2

[@btchiaintkidding7837]

just swap 9 and 10 (i could be wrong) and the list would be perfect

[@space1734]

For how much he stans Jobless, I'm surprised it's not on the list

[@itachi4761]

did you not see the timestamps?

[@brainlessappendix4369]

@@itachi4761 But he didn't specify the anime in each position though

[@gamechannel1271]

In heavenly delusion, the main character (girl) is raped for 2 days chained to a bed before the other main character rescues her. The rapist gets off free, with nothing but a punch. Both protagonists are then back to their comedy antics the next chapter like nothing happend. This sound like a show you want to watch now?

[@eyesoftomorrow6647]

8:52 Trigun stampede was the borderlandsian post apocalyptic space western I never thought I really needed but I REALLY NEEDED

[@kabirraval1316]

It sucks to have almost all the openings muted the second time you watch the video.

[@SoulWhite]

Capitalism copyrights I assume?

[@lingesten15]

Yeah it was so hard to watch the video when so much of the sound and dialogue disappeared…

[@CHIEF__]

@@SoulWhite Ah yes, copyrights, the definitive characteristic of a free market...

[@SoulWhite]

@@CHIEF__ I hate the government so much. Don't worry, I'll fix it soon. GOD's honor

[@RockinRocketScience]

​@@CHIEF__Thank god.

[@tdhpadlock4529]

I don't know if it was a choice by gig or his editor but whoever chose dirty hary to play during the trigun scenes. You are a real one

[@cowdudefan1236]

MY CONTENT + YFGA IS BETTER THAN GIGGUK + ALL OF ANIME🤣🤣

[@Sodee0]

@@cowdudefan1236 If you're aiming at an audience of autistic redditors, then you've definitely hit the mark.

[@ubesaaa]

This year was insanely good for anime. And Heavenly Delusion is the crown jewel of 2023 for me.

[@gamechannel1271]

In heavenly delusion, the main character (girl) is raped for 2 days chained to a bed before the other main character rescues her. The rapist gets off free, with nothing but a punch. Both protagonists are then back to their comedy antics the next chapter like nothing happened. I'll let you judge for yourself now if this is the kind of show you want to watch.

[@AlexGelinas42069]

I would have agreed if it wasn't for that last episode. It dropped the ball so hard that I'm not even sure I'll watch a second season

[@rosssteyn4189]

Personally, watching basically two or three story lines play alongside each other has just made me WANT s2. Trying to figure out how it all connects cant wait to see it

[@ubesaaa]

@rosssteyn4189 I am incredibly eager to see it all play out. After each episode, I just thought about everything for like 5 minutes and crafted some theories. I was right pretty often but most of the time, the story took such an unexpected turn, which was amplified by me connecting the dots immediately after. I am going to watch it again right before season 2 to try and find more information. Can't wait!

[@n1hondude]

That descripton about Vinland Saga is the reason why I'm subscribed

[@radboi8383]

Personally, Vinland saga season 2> Vinland saga season 1. Every line that Thorfinn says in Season 2 just hits different man.

[@cracuss31n52]

Vinland Saga S2 is that much better because we already got Season 1. Only because of S1 we know Thorfinn and his journey and S2 is the payoff of that. So I will say its not fair to compare them theyre both are the same stairway just different steps of it.

[@blackreaper2343]

s2 wouldn't have been what it is without Askeladd's actions and decisions in s1

[@sharebear421]

Love season 2 but season 1 felt like the golden age arc for me, just so damn peak and self contained

[@electricant55]

hell no, it was an awful downgrade

[@bernardoheusi6146]

S2 was ok but I do miss best boys Thorkell and Askeladd

[@Sareza.]

31:03 The ending is just so darn beautiful. Those year-end anime recaps always hit you with these deep and thoughtful advice and speeches. This one's gotta be one of the best I've ever heard.

[@cowdudefan1236]

MY CONTENT + YFGA IS BETTER THAN GIGGUK + ALL OF ANIME🤣.

[@katako3x3]

I kinda hoped that Link Click Season 2 would make it into the list (even if its a donghua)- it's one of my personal favorites this year. It takes its premise and turns it in such a unique way that I've never seen being made before! The animation quality has improved EXPONENTIALLY and the cliffhanger at the end felt like being hit by a truck in true Link Click fashion... Also it's rare that almost every single soundtrack, bgm and ost go so hard that I listen to them privately on repeat- honestly the music, the op's and ed's and especially the sound design is absolutely incredible. A personal must watch from me and a big recommendation!

[@monster-dk7dy]

Yeah, its definitely in my top 5 or 7 of this year And once again with a cliffhanger ending

[@flowerine06]

Well it's not an anime, can't do much,.. Absolutely peak though

[@hyeqis226]

SAME. I've been listening to the songs on repeat. It's just damn good. Hopefully Garnt will continue to watch season 2 soon. Kinda want to know his opinions on it.

[@ninjaoffcialyt4845]

Wait its out?

[@user-up4wj9vi3w]

this is the only anime i watched last year, and s3 will be the only anime I'll watch next year

[@doomdoot6731]

I can't express how much this video made me reconsider my recent falling out with anime. Of this list, I've seen Vinland Saga as it aired early last year, AoT (because I just wanted to wrap it up), JJK for the hype and Frieren because my roommate forced me to watch the first 3 episodes. I watched a good bunch of these shows, yet it felt like I've soft-quit anime over the last year. Most shows don't seem to grab me like they used to back when, and I can't put my finger on why that is. Probably some stress in real life or something like that. But without fail, every time I watch a seasonal round-up or year in review video of yours, Garnt, I somehow end up getting hyped about watching that one more show. I really appreciate the work you do in curating these lists 3-4x a year and giving us "normie" anime fans who are not up to date with what's airing some guidance. Heartfelt "thank you" from me, 2 months late and probably buried underneath 6000 other comments. (Shout-out to you shouting out Odd Taxi 2 years ago; quite possibly best anime I've seen in ages.)

[@Karan-pn7xs]

Skip and loafer is just that personal comfy vibe of the year. Cant stop loving it

[@vilxxblack2472]

gay

[@adeleke5140]

amazing show ngl

[@Ozneb_]

Agreed. My favourite type of anime.

[@damianiscringe1082]

​​@@vilxxblack2472if gay people like these kind of shows fuck yea i am

[@dougdimmadabs5001]

5:14 sound just cuts out? anyone else?

[@beyond-journeys-end]

Same here

[@expensivenes2645]

Must be copyright

[@lucasdelhove1568]

Thought it was on purpose. I couldn't wait to hear another sounds aside from the moan I heard so I can convince people I wasn't watching p*rn but I never came.

[@xtensioncordtv1969]

He says why in the pinned comment.

[@MultiBitcheskiller]

I just assumed it was on purpose, but it's actually copyright issues.

[@yosafatdonda3215]

6:18 "Don't worry, i come in peace" "Hi, whats your name???" "Peace...." Took me a minute, till my jaw drop to the floor😳😳😳

[@FelidaeEnjoyer]

BANG, and my jaw hit the wall!

[@spamtong.spamton5]

Ikr 🤣🤣

[@hio.hinomaru21]

Fricking Hakari

[@nanobots7004]

LMFAO

[@elitovon2833]

And it just had to be Hakari

[@Sheep.]

How the fuck do I always end up crying at these Anime Of The Year videos. You've got me 3 years in a row now. I hope you're proud of that, Gigguk, since I don't get emotional by media too often. Your scriptwriting is top-tier. Well fucking done!

[@trollofjom7291]

its called being soft as fuck

[@pieterlindeque7798]

Vinland Saga is the most human story I've ever seen in anime. It's a story about all of us. About how low we can fall, and how high we can climb when we get back up.

[@ClaretBor]

Facts

[@kalad000]

meh... Watch VIKINGS, all 6 seasons... More entertaining...

[@sorenjunkers3834]

nah Oreimo takes that place

[@severus3625]

Yes.

[@ilplopperz]

​@@kalad000boring as fuck

[@satanlover6492]

If you understand german, the character names in Frieren are really fun. An example would be one of Aura the Guillotine's henchman called Lord Lügner which translates to Lord Liar. so you basically know what some characters are about before even seeing what they do in the anime.

[@syamsailv]

dude i almost forget how good you write your scripts, they're soo good and funny.

[@Maybehaha755]

Best video from you i have seen yet gigguk!!! Masterpiece

[@DURPInc]

1:01 bro looks like he jumped straight out of a PS2

[@xXULTRAXx1000]

that beast do look strange ngl

[@syrusalder7795]

come on man, thats just cruel. the ps2 had far better graphics than that.

[@cowdudefan1236]

MY CONTENT + YFGA IS BETTER THAN GIGGUK + ALL OF ANIME🤣🤣.

[@synso6527]

Finally someone talks about Pluto. If you like Slow Burn fictions, then Naoki Urasawa’s works are a must.

[@LuisSierra42]

It was good but also I found a lot of plot holes, not sure if it was because they rushed the manga to fit in 8 episodes

[@bing4131]

@@LuisSierra42 Nha the anime was basically a one-to-one depiction of the manga. There were no shortcuts or changes from the original source, i think.

[@kawaicraft923]

20th century boys and Billy Bat are some of the best mystery genre mange i've read, it's just perfect

[@GiaMansani]

Vinland Saga Season 2 has a special place in my heart. It's now just an anime, It's a work of art

[@thebigbluebox7892]

holy shit those last few lines of the vinland saga section made me tear up man

[@oe_woo]

for real :')

[@andrewkeshan8649]

It was beautiful

[@מלדהטסמה-ה8י]

Fr

[@light.y633]

Beautifully written, wonderfully edited. The wait was worth it. Thanks gigguk and the team. Anime really is quite good.

[@thomasmacdonough288]

I feel like I can never keep up with shows that are ongoing/releasing so having them compiled into a list makes it so easy to go back and see what I missed. As long as Gigguk makes these, I'll always be a year behind on anime but that's A-Ok Also, starting a 2023 year end recap with a sick edit intro set to a 2014 ff song is meta asf

[@cowdudefan1236]

MY CONTENT + YFGA IS BETTER THAN GIGGUK + ALL OF ANIME🤣.

[@GHOST_7I]

got chills on vinland saga section .. great video gigguk , was worth the wait

[@panthersano]

banger video! the story telling and edits are end game level. That JJK section was amazing. And yes Rentaro is HIM! The first protag to actually deserve his harem. ALL 100 of them!

[@Zydico]

I am so happy you included Skip and Loafer!!! Absolute gem that was overlooked by many.

[@ZReviews]

Heavenly Delusion getting a Season 2 and a shout out in here is all the fuel I need to keep going.

[@theonlycatonice]

HELL YEAH!

[@gamechannel1271]

In Heavenly Delusion, the main female protagonist is raped for 2 days, chained to a bed, before the main male protagonist rescues her. The rapist gets away, with only a punch in the face. In the next chapter, the protagonists are joking around like nothing happened and the rape is not mentioned for the rest of the manga. I'll let you decide if this is the kind of story you want to watch.

[@ZReviews]

@@gamechannel1271 I think what you aren't grasping is "what this tells you" about this show. It tells you that THIS WORLD IS BRUTAL. You have to let everything go. You have to move on or you won't make it. Literally a dozen other examples of horrible things happening to people throughout Season 1 and as F'd up as all of it was, they just move on in search of the next meal and a safe place to sleep. This show hurts to watch and it belongs on this list.

[@thechosenone5644]

May have been unnecessary, but I’m surprised the ending bothered people as much as it did. Bottling up/never mentioning some sort of tragic event is a perfectly reasonable and common response. internet people forcing a victim identity onto people who don’t want it is incredibly annoying.

[@reykingleaves]

damn you really got me crying at 3am with that ending

[@sherribuchanan5684]

THANK YOU I absolutly love Apothecary diaries the mc is SO relatable and down to earth, honestly its rare to find in anime

[@getthecats]

Jujutsu Kaisen had by far the best animation of this year. Thank you for your sacrifice Mappa employees.

[@jaycruz08]

Gor anyone who doesnt want to watch the full vid 13. Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead 3:49 12. The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You 5:14 11. Trigun Stampede 6:53 10. My Star 9:24 9: The Eminence in Shadow 11:29 8: Attack on Titan 13:03 7: Skip and Loafer 14:26 6: Heavenly Delusion 17:04 5: The Apothecary Diaries 19:33 4: Pluto 21:31 3: Jujutsu Kaisen 24:13 2: Frieren: Beyond Journey's End 26:22 1: Vinland Saga 28:39

[@Bdavis2475]

I'm saving this list to go back and watch shows later

[@dimakatsomakamu245]

thnx

[@proximitive3872]

Why is dangers in my heart being sleeped on

[@kunaldahiya310]

@@proximitive3872 cause its dogshit cant believe i wasted so much time watching those 2 seasons

[@samrat7832]

Your videos are such a treat Garnt , thank you for making me fall in love with anime again and again when I get saturated

[@jennifermaradiaga8575]

I love how much appreciation the farmland arc is getting tbh, this was very risky narrative choice Yukimura picked given the usual target audience he had to appeal but he still went for the route that made him tell the story he wanted to tell. And im so grateful he did because that arc is something that touched me to the core.

[@niktheorginal]

in the skip and loafer part, when the silent landscape shots were mentioned, I was so happy, cause that moment in the manga was so impactful to me, just 4 big, serene panels, they really touched me

[@rez1025]

As soon as I saw Vinland on first my respect for gigguk has increased

[@AnimeDude.]

The exact opposite for me ;-;

[@levigreene9451]

as someone with Nordic heritage i heard about an anime about vikings. the first season of glory and revenge lured me in, wanting to see how Thorfin gets stronger. then season 2 punched me in the fucking gut and i loved it. i realized that this wasent a show about glory, but a show about change. that no matter how far gone you are you can always come back with perseverance and dedication. honestly one of my favorite anime of all time

[@notchillguy]

hes a real one

[@LingYao9001]

Another great recap of the year. I always look forward to your recaps. It's nice to get a broad look at the shows that have come out and since I have fairly similar tastes it helps me seeing the ones you really get something out of. Keep up the great work man.

[@idrisie6720]

tengoku daimakyo, frieren, and vinland saga are really got me back into anime again. cant wait for next season

[@gamersthumbs4673]

This video right here is why i subbed to you my guy, Brilliant from beginning to end. Thank you.

[@kyler.mp4868]

I literally started crying when I seen Vinland saga was #1. Truly my favorite story off all time.

[@carlosdanielcalderonmontoy3723]

Vinland Saga is just something else😭😭😭

[@LuisSierra42]

ANIME OF THE YEAR!!

[@cowdudefan1236]

MY CONTENT + YFGA IS BETTER THAN GIGGUK + ALL OF ANIME🤣.

[@marigorospe8636]

Same

[@jxsh855]

crying is crazy. get a grip

[@Jdpham206]

The ending to the video on Vinland Saga earned you a subscriber, and this is my first time watching your stuff. Nice work!

[@MsPeterWilson]

I come back to this video once in a while just to hear this beautiful ending before sleep

[@seanlowwei]

24:15 OK WTF that is a sick af JJK edit

[@maxunknown3896]

24:13 This is a very impressive sequence. Props to the artistic choices and insane editing skills.

[@vizzz7315]

Anyone know the music being used in this sequence? Got me hyped up

[@maxunknown3896]

​@@vizzz7315First is one of the Sukuna themes, it is then fused with Gojo's theme (Hollow Purple)

[@maxunknown3896]

​@@vizzz7315Thunderclap and Hollow Purple

[@mp-star7256]

The music is thunderclap from JJK ​@@vizzz7315

[@andycastillo720]

Man I love these videos. Gigguk has such a way with words man, that ending had me choked up 🥲

[@TheHumanoidTypooon]

I was super happy to see Trigun Stampede getting so much attention! I'm really excited for season two :)

[@was_machin8060]

how do you always make it sound like every anime has changed your life lol

[@Comicbroe405]

He's pretty good

[@ParanoidBozo]

Love all these so much, Frierens been what I've been waiting for and it came out so good

[@xslashsdas]

pausing just to say 11:10 truck actually helped me keep my focus on what Gigguk was saying.

[@bl00dy-ca76]

im fresh off finishing eminence in shadow and i love it, thank you gigguk, i havent had this much fun since jjk rewatch

[@Herson_ricardo_alarcon]

You have no enemies❤ great recap loved the poetry

[@kyledouglascox]

Whoever does the anime edits for Garnt is a literal god lol

[@justsomedude2636]

14:42 c’mon man 😂, skip and loafer really was a breath of fresh air and a fun surprise this past year.