Anime Recommendations That Sweep Awards, Stories and Visuals That Are Unmatched

Kapanlagi.com - Anime is enjoying its heyday in the 2020s. We can already see the brilliant glimpses of several anime that have made history by winning many awards in the early 2020s.

Anime awards are our way of celebrating the creativity, innovation, and extraordinary stories presented by the creators. There are various major award events that serve as benchmarks for the success of an anime, such as the globally recognized Crunchyroll Anime Awards, the Tokyo Anime Award Festival focused on Japanese works, and the Japan Academy Film Prize for Animation of the Year, which is equivalent to Japan's Oscars.

Let's take a look at the anime recommendations that have won many trophies and recognition, which you definitely must watch!

1. JUJUTSU KAISEN SEASON 2

Itadori Yuji is the main character in JUJUTSU KAISEN SEASON 2

Who doesn't know Jujutsu Kaisen? This anime is really trending and has captivated many people with its dark story, intense action, and super cool characters. This anime tells the story of Yuji Itadori, an ordinary high school student who suddenly gets involved in the world of curses after swallowing a cursed finger.

He then joins the secret organization Jujutsu Sorcerers to fight curses and save the world. Jujutsu Kaisen has achieved many prestigious awards.

At the Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2024, its second season was a huge success, bringing home 11 awards, including the title of "Anime of the Year", "Best Action", "Best Director" for Shota Goshozono, "Best Cinematography", "Best Character Design", "Best Supporting Character" for Satoru Gojo, "Best Opening Sequence", "Best Ending Sequence", and several "Best Voice Artist Performance" awards.

In fact, at the 5th edition of the Crunchyroll Anime Awards in 2021, Jujutsu Kaisen was also crowned as "Anime of the Year". Not only that, this anime also won the "Tokyo Anime Award for Animation of the Year" in the television category in 2022.

2. DEMON SLAYER: KIMETSU NO YAIBA

The Hashira in DEMON SLAYER KIMETSU NO YAIBA

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is a global phenomenon that has captured the hearts of many fans with its incredibly beautiful animation, thrilling fight scenes, and touching story of brotherhood.

This anime follows the journey of Tanjiro Kamado as he seeks revenge for his family's death and searches for a cure for his sister, Nezuko, who has turned into a demon. The visual quality and storytelling of Demon Slayer have been recognized at various award ceremonies.

At the Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2024, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Swordsmith Village Arc won three awards, including "Best Animation" and "Best Art Direction." Its film, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba The Movie: Mugen Train, also won the "Japan Academy Film Prize for Animation of the Year" in 2021. Furthermore, at the "Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2025" (for works from 2024), Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba again won "Best Animation" and "Best Continuing Series" for the Hashira Training Arc. Its latest film, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle, has also been nominated for the "Astra Film Award 2025."

3. CYBERPUNK EDGERUNNERS

Who would have thought that an adaptation of a video game could be this cool? Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is a Netflix original anime that captured the attention of many in 2022. With the energetic animation style of Studio Trigger and a touching story about life in the brutal Night City, this anime tells the story of David Martinez, a street kid trying to survive in a futuristic city full of technology and crime.

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners made a big splash by winning "Anime of the Year" at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2023. Additionally, this anime also won the award for "Best English Voice Acting Performance" at the same event. This victory proves that anime adapted from games can also have very high quality in both story and visuals.

4. SOLO LEVELING

For you manhwa fans, you are surely familiar with Solo Leveling. The anime adaptation of this very popular South Korean manhwa skyrocketed and managed to win many awards in early 2025 (for works released in 2024). The story follows Sung Jinwoo, the weakest hunter who suddenly gains mysterious powers and begins his journey to become the strongest.

Solo Leveling successfully dominated the "Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2025" by winning a total of nine awards, including the prestigious title of "Anime of the Year". This makes it the first manhwa adaptation to win that highest award. In addition, Solo Leveling also took home trophies for "Best New Series", "Best Score", "Best Ending Sequence", "Best Action Anime", and "Best Main Character" (for Sung Jinwoo). This victory shows just how significant the impact and quality this anime offers.

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