Readers Choice Best Anime 2012 Poll

It’s that time of year again – welcome, one and all, to the Seventh Annual Reader’s Choice poll! Do you have a favorite series you’d like to see win? Or perhaps you’re just curious what everyone else enjoyed this year? Well either way, this is the time to cast your vote and make your voices heard!

As has become our habit, there will be two polls for you to vote on this year – one for regularly broadcast TV series, and another for OVA/movies. We’re asking you for your top 5 picks in each poll, which should stop the results from being heavily skewed towards the mega-popular shows. This year we have an astounding 132 TV series and 75 OVA/movies for you to choose from, so make sure you look over the entire list before deciding. Also, please respect other people’s choices in the comments, and keep in mind that entertainment is subjective. People like what they like, so even if you might think they have terrible taste (ooo, ooo, ooo, that’s me!!), please try to respect their opinions.

Here’s the criteria we used to decide what shows did (or did not) make it onto these lists:

  • For a regular broadcast TV series to be considered, it has to have finished airing in 2012. The idea is that you can’t truly judge a series until it’s over, so shows such as PSYCHO-PASS, Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo, Space Bros, and Little Busters! will appear on next year’s poll. Series with a second season coming but a clear stopping point in the one we’ve already seen (Ex: DOG DAYS’, K) are included. To further complicate things, this year has seen a rash of shows that have sort of finished, with further episodes incoming but often under a slightly different name, such as Saki: Achiga-hen episode of Side-A and Kokoro Connect. We decided to go ahead and include those shows in this year’s poll, and will treat future episodes like OVAs.
  • For OVA/movies, it has to have been released on Blu-ray/DVD in 2012 to qualify, ensuring that viewers outside of Japan have had a chance to watch it. This mostly pertains to theatrical offerings. The difference from TV series is that they don’t necessarily have to be complete to be included, since it can take several years for an OVA series to finish. That’s why Gundam Unicorn and Towa no Quon are appearing again this year.

As far as we’re aware, the anime series list is complete, barring a handful of shows that are animated but unlike typical anime. The OVA/movie list is less so, but this is by design; there are lot of really niche OVAs that aren’t really worth considering. However, if you feel there’s something that deserves consideration, please leave a comment or send me an email (email works best) and I’ll add it.

Now, are you ready for this? Well you’d better be, because let the voting begin!

Note: The polls will close on Tuesday, January 1st at 8:00 AM GMT. Results will be posted in the Best of Anime 2012 post, which will be written by the three active writers who have watched the most anime this year.

Show 398 Comments

398 Comments

  1. lHyDrAl

    Just wanted to let you guys know that Kenichi is on the OVA list twice.

    • Seya-san

      Also what is Stranger Mukouhadan? Do you mean “Stranger Mukoh Hadan” (2007) or “.hack//Sekai no Mukou ni” (2012)?

    • Kenichi fixed. Stranger was added in by mistake and will be taken out shortly. .hack//Sekai no Mukou ni is listed as .hack//Movie.

  2. Alec

    Chihayafuru, Moretsu Pirates, Sakamichi Apollon, Natsuyuki Rendevous, and Fate ZeroShame, ongoing animes like Shinsekai Yori and Space Bros couldn’t be there

    • HakumeiJin

      Thank god they aren’t in my opinion >_> Choosing 5 was hard enough already

  3. hiki

    what anime is that with the bridge?

  4. Cybersteel

    TOO HARD TOO PICK…

    • Cybersteel

      LEt’s pick everything with Kaji Yukki in it. Guilty Crown, High School DxD, Accel World, Aquarion Evol and Magi

      • Shadow74

        That seiyu has much work this year, or the past, or whatever where he had to give his voice for animes of this year. And boy did not locked into a specific type of character.

    • Shadow74

      It is easy to choose if you think about the anime that over excited during his time and after that.I mainly chose the anime, among which I of course like, that stand out for their originality of the subject of history. It remains of course something subjective to my tastes, but I think they have their credit to differentiate of the common.I vote for:- Another, by the atmosphere of mystery and terror.- Hyouka by the mysteries and Houtarou resolutions.- Kyoukai Senjou no Horizon 2, by way of showing political situations and problems, a large group of protagonists rather peculiar, and a world with very different powers and abilities, few are unbeatable powers.- Binbougami ga, because the series is more killed me with laughter and deserve to be remembered, especially today XP.This vote serves especially to remember and discuss the best of each series.

  5. *Saw the huge list of awesome Anime this year.Me:OMG! This list is bonkers, how can I only pick 5?*Saw Fate/Zero on the list.Me:OH SH*T!

    • Muttsurini

      danshi koukousei no nichijouchuunibyou demo koi ga shitai!accel worldsword art onlinefate/zero

  6. Kevin Yamagata

    Girls und Panzer is included! Yay!

    • Kevin Yamagata

      So, for me…GuP, Hyouka, Chihayafuru, Jinrui, and JoshirakuFor specials, hoping for S;G to be best OVA 2012.

  7. Anomalous

    Jinrui wa Suitai Shimashita, Hyouka, Kokoro Connect, Nisemonogatari, Fate/ZeroUn-Go: Inga-ron

  8. Mormegil

    Ah, that exciting time of the year again! Fate/Zero, Chihayafuru, Tsuritama, Sakamichi no Apollon, and Natsume Yuujin-chou Shi. I had trouble picking just five because I also really enjoyed Jormungand, Hyouka, and Jinrui wa Suitai Shimashita. Good year for anime all in all. That being said, Space Bros. and Hunter x Hunter would have been my top two were we allowed to vote for them.

    • mistress_kisara

      Wah! only 5 I forgot Natsume Yuujinchou Shi 🙁

      • Alec

        Couldn’t see Natsume -_-

  9. Galaxyfalcon

    It’s hard to believe all of these were this year! There are so many good shows to pick from.

  10. destinyflower

    I can’t believe that I almost overlooked that Kuroko no Basuke was in the poll – shame on me..Well then there’s Fate/Zero, Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun, Kokoro Connect and Another I guess..

  11. mistress_kisara

    I voted for Hyouka, Fate/Zero, Chihayafuru, Tsuritama and Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun for the series 😛 AND Hotarubi no Mori e, K-On movie, Code Geass -Boukoku no Akito-, Another OVA, Inu x Boku SS for the OVAs/MOVIES

  12. Nice!Mirrai Nikki,Aquarion Evol and SAO are on the top…wait,huh?Where’s Fate Zero?Well,I gotta say that there were many good animes showed this year,so it’s hard to choose only 5 of them.

  13. Kurisu Vi Britannia

    Best anime 20112!? I have the chance to create the future.

    • Kurisu Vi Britannia

      If Code Geass: Nunally in Wonderland wins the best OVA then I think we have a problem with pervs on here.What am I saying? I voted for it.Uh-oh.

  14. Euzio

    Any plans for a poll for Best OP and ED songs? 😀

  15. Reinou

    Damn, this is too hard. I really liked Ano Natsu de Matteru, Chunnibyou demo Koi ga Shitai, Danshi Koukousei no Nichijou, Fate/Zero, Haiyore! Nyaruko San, Jormungand, Kyoukai Senjou no Horizon II, Mouretsu Pirates, Nisemonogatari, Oda Nobuna no Yabou, Tasogare Otome x Amnesia, Tsuritama and there’s a lot I didn’t even watch. Anyway, I picked Fate/Zero, Kyoukai Senjou no Horizon II, Mouretsu Pirates, Nisemonogatari and Oda Nobuna no Yabou. OVAs/Movies were much easier to choose from. There was only one I liked this year, Steins;Gate.

  16. FT5Havok

    Mine were Sakamichi no Apollon, Fate/Zero, Btooom! Kuroko no Basket, Natsuyuki Rendezvouz! I HOPE SAKAMICHI NO APOLLON WINS IT!!! xD

  17. FT5Havok

    I think FATE/ZERO is going to win, it is in everyone’s list. >.<

    • Matroid

      I surely hope so. Fate/Stay Night lost to Suzumiya Haruhi and Ouran High School Host Club in Reader’s Choice Poll 2006 by a landslide, lost to Mai-Otome in the Best Anime category, and even lost to Blood+ in Best Action. I think the Fate series deserves a top spot recognition this year.

  18. My picks are Chihayafuru, Hyouka, Jinrui wa Suitai Shimashita, Mouretsu Pirates and Tantei Opera Milky Holmes. Special mentions are Kyoukai Senjou no Horizon, Danshi Kokousei no Nichijou, Girls und Panzer and Fate/Zero.

    • Curry

      I think it should be for best mystery. It is a mystery of how it was being made..

      • AiM

        The mystery lies with why its called guilty crown. anyone?

      • Ragefat

        Maybe because the staff felt royally guilty for making such anime? XD

  19. Exelion

    no Eva 3.0? I know it was only in japan but it was this year.

    • Velox

      And no Madoka movies, either, which definitely did show in the U.S. (saw them in NYC myself). I’m assuming that they’re going by home video release date, even for theatrical films. Makes sense, I guess, for the sake of consistency.

    • It doesnt release on bluray/DVD in any form until next year, so it doesnt count for this.Madoka movies released as a limited airing in select theaters and doesn’t fulfill the requirement that there’s either some BD/DVD release and/or widely available translated version for the majority of anime viewers. It will appear on next year’s poll.

  20. Duelistdusk

    Definitely going for Guilty crown and Kokoro Connect. Even though i just started watching anime (again) during this spring and since i’m watching it hardcore. I also started to read randomc since well, the same spring, so i have a fair amount of anime knowledge (no i don’t). Yet there is so much anime I’ve watched and i still don’t know what was actually GOOD and what was wanting to know how the f*** it finally ended.Guilty crown and Kokoro Connect were the only 2 that really standed out for me (in this list atleast). Not because i loved the animation of Guilty crown (which i REALLY did) or the but also because the characters standed out for me and loved them.Except for (yes this reveals a HUGE bit of Guilty crown) Shu, because he turned out to be a giant asshole mid season. Inori died, yes i was really really sad about it BUT hated Shu even more because of this (The love of your life man!!! WHY) and my sadistic side was cheering when she died… (im a bad person). And yes, i know it’s because the writers made it like this but i want a happier ending. Pity that Sakurasou no Pet na kanajo (To. Long. Title.) and Zetsuen no Tempest weren’t here. Great shows (for me, i love romcoms and the *cough* fun it sometimes brings along which :D).And i haven’t watched most of the other shows because i’m living a very busy (lazy gamer) awesome high school life (which i don’t have Q-Q) so even more reasons why i could only pick these 2. So YAY ROMCOMS AND FANTASY (yes, i AM a guy. Or so i think so. teehee)

  21. Karry

    The list is obviously missing the best “thing” of the year – Space Battleship Yamato 2199. Nothing else comes close. None of your moe-fanservic-y crap, none of that. Unicorn comes close, but it is still quite beneath Yamato for its relative childishness. And yet nobody covers it. Yamato isnt stupid enough to be reviewed by mainstream bloggers, it seems.

    • mistress_kisara

      Just because it wasn’t blogged you don’t have to be so snippy about it <_<

  22. Drift

    Tsuritama and Natsume Yuujin Chou were definitely the highlight for me this year 🙂

  23. Chihayafuru, Jintai, Sakamichi no Apollon, Hyouka and SAOit’s really hard to pick from so many shows ;’D

  24. Da5id

    Guilty Crown ftw.

  25. NoRePLY

    Soundtrack: Kyoukai Senjou no Horizon II(Save you from anything .>_<.)action: Btooom! Romance: Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun drama: ??Sci-Fi: Kyoukai Senjou no Horizon IIMystery: hyouka(?)Comedy: Nisemonogatari(?),Kore wa Zombie Desu ka? Of the DeadFan-Service: To Love-Ru – Trouble: Darkness. Hagure Yuusha no Estetica

  26. waqasj

    Too Hard to pick.A lot of good seriese came out this year.My pickFate-ZeroAnotherHyoukaNisemonogatariTonari no Kaibutsu-kun

  27. cutemi2

    Dammit, cant vote more than 5, i,ve watched more than 5, an unfair poll

  28. Terrorhunt

    Kinda wish I could vote up to 10. Oh well.

  29. KingofConquerors

    Where is the second berserk movie??

    • KingofConquerors

      My top series of 20121.Fate/Zero2.Sakamichi no Apollon3.Kuroko no Basuke4.Hyouka5.NisemonogatariTop Ova /Movies1.K-ON! Movie2.Letter to Momo3.Berserk Movie 2 : Battle for Doldrey (sadly the movie didn’t get included, so i gave the first one the nod instead)4.Steins;Gate Special5.Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko Special

    • Good point, I’ll ask for it to be added onto the poll.

  30. 1

    Anime`2012?Was there anything beside Horizon? Really?

    • celebrinen

      Yes, yes there was. Girls und Panzer, but I agree with your sentiment, Horizon had some of the most epic moments of the year (barrel rolling a flying city anyone?)

      • 1

        Perhaps.Look at them sao suckers downwoting, lol.

      • K

        SAO is nowhere near Horizon. SAO is the most overrated anime of 2012.

  31. Mixed Milkshake

    Of the 132 TV series, I watched 99 of them… wow… I’m surprised myself… And to think this is my last year in high school… I must be high on something…My pick for this year:Accel WorldFate-ZeroPersona 4NisemonogatariHyoukaA special mention must go to Bleach, It is quite an epic show, even if some of the contents don’t live up to the expectations. It has been a great 8 years together, it will be remembered by fans all over the world.

  32. Hireyuki

    Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai – I’m a KyoAni suckerAno Natsu de Matteru – Best cliffhangersFate/Zero – Movie-quality animation in a 2 season series. Dialogues about morality. Saber. Enough said.Sakamichi no Apollon – Jazz and a love story. It’s like cake and coffee.Binbougami ga! – The moral of the story was obvious from episode 1 but it was way too hilarious :))Runner-ups:TARI TARI – Witty script and lovable castHyouka – Production value was superb but the mysteries themselves were boring. Also, high school students shouldn’t be analysing each other that hard.Danshi Koukousei no Nichijou – Solid laughtripMedaka Box – Only shounen anime I liked this seasonKokoro Connect – Promising story, shitty productionNazo no Kanojo X – NicheNisemonogatari – Ararararararagi-kun is getting on my nerves

  33. Bakaro

    Kinda shock by the list…It’s been an awesome year for anime fans.It’s hard to pick, but i made my decision:Fate/ZeroKokoro ConnectNisemonogatariRinne no LagrangeSword Art Online (Eps 1-14)PS: Yup, i just had to mention SAO. Personally, first 14 episodes quality is on-par to Fate/Zero for me. Episode 15 onward seems to lost all the magic i love. Sorry for the hate (>.<)

    • seanytan

      yes yes i agree very much with the sao. i dont know why but i have a feeling sao has extreme support from the fans of the light novel. argh doesnt really do justice to the other shows cause i was a little disappointed with how the episodes after 14 went. as you said “lost its amgic” definitely..

  34. boznia

    1) Lupin the Third: Mine Fujiko to Iu Onna2) Sakamichi no Apollon3) Chihayafuru4) Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun5) AnotherHonorable mention (in alphabetical order): Eureka Seven AO, Jinrui wa Suitai Shimashita, Jormungand, Natsuyuki Rendezvous, & TsuritamaAlthough they don’t apply to this year’s vote, 4 current series (Psycho-Pass, Robotics;Notes, Shinsekai Yori, & Uchuu Kyoudai) are candidates to make my list next year from what I’ve seen so far.

  35. Welcome to the Reader’s Choice – Best Anime 20112, where we are projected 18100 years into the future, LONG LIVE ANIME.My picks:1. Zumonno to Nupepe – Just because Zumomo is the correct spelling2. Maji de Otaku na English! Ribbon-chan: Eigo de Tatakau Mahou Shoujo – Longest title, and comon..it teaches ENGLISH. We all know English is important, right?3. SAO – SUGU IS THE BEST IMOUTO4. New Prince of Tennis – It’s not old, it’s NEW5. Tamagotchi! – Good times people, good times.Keep in mind, entertainment is subjective!I’m just fooling around, please don’t take my picks seriously. As for what my real picks are, let’s just they’re mostly mainstream. The main purpose of the comment rather is to say thanks for compiling the titles for both polls, despite knowing that many titles listed are kinda redundant.PS: GC Lost Xmas OVA where? (not discovered by me). Also I realized that the previous installation was titled Favourite instead of “Best”, favourite sounds more suitable IMO.

    • AiM

      It was lost 25th december

  36. ShuA

    HyoukaTsuritama KurokoChihayafuruSAOYep that’s mine

  37. Kanoja

    Did (practically) none of you watch the Berserk movie(s), or do you all just have no taste in media?

  38. Yoz

    Mdchen und Panzer!! *Obvious WoT nerd* XDBut seriously, no fan service till OVA, HUGE musical score with historical background. Cannot wait to grab the OST. Accurate tank models and acceptable physics, what’s not to like >_<

    • Kevin Yamagata

      Probably because the initial impression is kinda bad, like ‘cute girls doing things’. And the early episodes aren’t quite helping, either…Honestly, I don’t think GuP could make it to the top, not even the top 10. But I’m seriously rooting for Most Exceeded Expectations and Best OST. Those marching songs are awesome XD

  39. Ominae

    Only voted for Fate Zero, Jormungand and Upotte.I didn’t watch anything else.

  40. I voted for Chuuniboyu demomkoi ga Shitai, Sword Art Online, Fate Zero, Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun and Inu x Boku SS. 🙂

  41. Kuntzy

    You might as well just end the poll now cause we all know Fate/Zero will win (Even if it butchered two of my favorite scenes *grumble* *grumble*)With that being said, there were a lot of good (Not great) shows this year. Fate/Zero was the big standout for me, but the two shows that would have got my top votes are still airing so I can’t vote for them. That would be Sakurasou and Psycho-Pass btw.On that note I guess my top 5 would have to be:1.Fate/Zero (Mostly because of everything Gilgamesh did in that show)2.Kyoukai Senjou no Horizon II (The way it meshed emotional scenes and comedy was just…wow)3.Sword Art Online (Knew what I was getting into so a lot of the jazz that bothered people didn’t really affect me and the fact that the first two arcs are the prelude to the good stuff)4.Nisemonogatari (Not even close to as entertaining as Bake was for me, plus I have a long hair fetish so you can imagine how I took those scenes. Gets on here purely for Shinbo being magical)5.High School DxD (Didn’t even start watching this until the week the last episode aired, but for some reason I loved it. Wouldn’t usually be on my list but nothing else stood out too much)I get the feeling Mirai Nikki would be on here if I actually got around to watching it, but I keep putting it off. I also liked Ano Natsu de Matteru, but I never got around to finishing it (Didn’t really like Ichika and I knew she was going to win so…). To-Love-Ru also would have made it on if it weren’t for those darn censors.

  42. Faint Smile

    Ano Natsu de Matteru and Chihayafuru!.. ^_^

  43. ba dum tish

    I liked too many… After picking two I just said “to hell with it” and picked the other three randomly.

    • ba dum tish

      From the list of the anime I liked, of course. A long list.It also hit me that I basically did what Mutta did. Wahaha.

  44. Nekomimimeido

    My top picks!1. Nisemonogatari2. Papakiki3. Mirai Niki4. Garupan5. JinruiHonorable MentionsOni Ai, Danshi Kousei, Hyouka and Koi Choco.

  45. Accel WorldAquarion EVOLBerserk Ougon Jidaihen I: Haou no TamagoBeelzebubCODE GEASS Gaiden: Boukoku no Akito OVABinbougami ga!BeelzebubChihayafuruInu x Boku SS SPCode:BreakerEureka Seven AOMomo he no TegamiKKokoro ConnectMedaka BoxMirai NikkiSKET DanceTasogare Otome x AmnesiaSukitte Ii na yo.

    • junglepenguin

      Voting Level: Limit Breaker

  46. soshinra

    I forget to vote Chihayafuru and Hyouka.Voted for Jinrui, Kokoro Connect, Kuroko no Basket, Koi senkyo to chocolate and Onii-ae.I would have removed chocolate and Onii-ae if I notice Chihayafuru and Hyouka.

  47. Rummy

    Oh so many good titles to count on one hand. This is quite a predicament.

  48. Counting them, I watched 63 out of the 132 listed with 5 dropped shows(6 if you count Bleach).I’m surprised that I watched that many this year, though this is probably low compared to others(did I see someone say he watched 99?).My top 5 in no particular order(and totally my own opinion):1. Fate/Zero2. Ano Natsu de Matteru3. Sword Art Online4. Kuroko no Basket5. Kyoukai Senjou no Horizon IISo yeah.

  49. Lemona

    Where is one piece?

    • Crook

      What part of ‘the series must have finished airing this year’ didn’t you understand? 😛

    • boznia

      Only shows that ended in 2012.

  50. vane

    Hyouka, the question of the mysteries was not boring, in reality some people could not follow the reasoning of the anime.And if have a poll for best male character… is Oreki Houtarou, a character with a new personality, quite different from the current leaders

  51. Shrubbery

    Very difficult to pick this year… Many good series but no real BEST like in 2011 when it was Steins;Gate and Mahou Shoujo Madoka on top. Therefore I made a like of runner-ups as well.1. Hyouka – Loved the mystery, and the production was epic.2. Jormundgand – Her name is KOKO, she is LOCO!3. Kokoro Connect – Good story, good production, had me show my emotions from time to time.4. Chuunibyou demo Koi ga shitai – beautifull story, and good production and RIKKA :3.5. Sankarea – Zombie fetish FTWRunner-ups:Accel WorldAno Natsu de MatteruAnotherDanshi koukousei no NichijouMirai NikkiMouretsu PiratesShakugan no Shana IIISword Art Online (you have to admit, the first half was epic, even thought the second half sucked balls. Would have made my top 5 if it wasn’t for the second half.)Tonari no Kaibutsu-kunOVA’s/Movies:Accel World OVAFairy Tail OVAKami Nomi zo Shiru Sekai Tenri-henK-ON! MovieSteins;Gate SpecialI’m really exited to know which one will win, so many good series this year ^^

    • Shrubbery

      I forgot one runner up: Nisemonogatari. It can’t be left out offcourse

  52. coflame

    Wanted to point out that ‘Saint Seiya Omega’ shouldn’t be on the voting list because it’s still airing.Other than that voted for:F/Z (for reasons I’m sure everyone has already mentioned)Chihayafuru (Karuta is epic and the love triangle is so well balanced)Tonari (The most refreshing show I watched all year, very well executed as well, Natsume is also kawaii and Sasayan plays a very good silent/poker-faced observer)Acchi Kocchi (funniest anime I saw all year)Aquarion EVOL (Zessica + AndyMix + Trashy show of the year)Honourable mentions go to:Tari TariChunnibyouAno NatsuKokoro ConnectNisemonogatari

  53. JiCi

    Two of them got my attention this year:- Moretsu Space Pirates(Good story, good pacing, great main character, as Marika doesn’t come out as a ditzy clutz, good side-characters… mainly Chiaki going OMG when seeing a Chocolate Parfait, good humor, pretty close adaptation to the light novels as well)- Persona 4 The Animation(pretty much the best anime adaptation I’ve seen of a video game, very true to the source material, quality visuals, good soundtrack, it’s one of the best RPGs as a huge anime cutscene)I’ve checked other series this year, but I’d say that I enjoyed these two more than the rest. No offense there, ok?

  54. Nhelraios

    Kokoro ConnectFate/ZeroNatsume Yuujinchou ShiTari TariYuru Yuri(wow it rhymes)Hmmm, It was not that hard of a pick for me. I am well aware that there are many great shows this year but these are the only ones that really stand out for me. It has been a great year again RC. Looking forward to the Best of Anime Post this year. Good job guys! 🙂

  55. Raijinoh

    Fate Zero definitely at the top of my list!! need to consider hard for the others

  56. selma

    well, FATE ZERO is the best this year hands down it is one of the most exceptional and memorable shows to come in the last ten years whether in terms of story, art or characterization everything was just perfect ( shame it’s ending was ruined by the fact that it is a prequel to a very weak show ) after that for me comesakamichi no apollonnatsuyuki rendez vouskami sama hajimemashita

  57. celebrinen

    Panzer vor!1. GaruPan 2. Horizon 3. Nisemonogatari 4. Binbougami ga 5. ChuuNi6. Chihayafuru 7. NatsuMachi 8. Apollon 9. Lagrange 10. Kono naka ni hitori imouto ga iru (only because Scamp made it awesome)Best OP1. Youthful (Chihayafuru)2. Sakamichi no Melody (Sakamichi no Apollon)Best ED1. Vidro Moyou (NatsuMachi)2. Enter Enter Mission (GaruPan)Is this really a good idea? (aka Worst of the year)1. Kono naka ni hitori imouto ga iru (without Scamp) 2. Guilty Crown (lol) 3. SAO (facepalm.jpg) 4. Ginyoku no Fam (it is NOT Last Exile)

  58. selma

    oh yes ! worst of the yearsword art online desrves this honor as the most overrated show especially when i see amazing shows like jojo get so little attention then off course guilty crown and aquarion evol

  59. selma

    ohhhh ! i forgot TSURITAMA my second favourite show this year

    • AiM

      whats that other show you’ve watched?

  60. DragoZERO

    Fate/Zero was definitely the best anime, no doubt about it. However, there are a lot of people who did not watch it due to their age and not being familiar with the franchise. Well, let’s see what the people choose this year.

  61. tite kubo

    It’s funny that bleach finally made it here as it finished. So should we take account of the entire 10 years its had or just this years. Will be hard, but got to give it credit the anime surpasses the manga by far with animation, cinematography and direction.

    • laaa

      lol did not even notice it in list but yeah makes all other look rather poorand same naruto I guess anime is just much better then manga but I would vote it if I had seen it before in list I liked first part of it 60~ eps never got over 70 but it was realy well made till that part

      • laaa

        still wonder why was it even listed

  62. kanade_

    Why is GuP included in the list? Its not even finished airing.

  63. chad28

    No Resident Evil:Damnation (Biohazard:Damnation)?

    • chad28

      I didn’t vote for Fate/Zero because everyone and their moms are going to vote fate/zero and is already going to win.My votes:Ano Natsu de MatteruAnotherCode:BreakerJormungandZetman

  64. Torami

    Too damn hard to pick o.o Right now I have: Sakamichi no Apollon, Tsuritama, Hyouka, Chihayafuru, Fate/Zero and Tonari no Kaibutu-kun. Damn…that’s one too much >_<

  65. tomoyostar

    It’s too hard to only pick 5!! ><

  66. 13btwinturbo

    Why is Smile Precure eligible when it’s still running?

  67. MikioBo

    My picks for this year are Sakamichi no Apollon (also my absolute favourite for 2012), Jormungand, Fate/Zero, Hyouka and Kyoukaisenjou no Horizon 🙂

  68. Haizaraa

    I wish I could have picked 7 instead of 5. That was one of the most stressful experiences this year-end. *sweats* O~O

  69. junglepenguin

    Decisions, decisions…Aired series:1. Jinrui wa Suitashimashita2. Hyouka3. Sakamichi no Apollon4. Ano Natsu de Matteru5. Tonari no Kaibutsu-kunTsuritama almost made it to my list. Still haven’t seen F/Z and Nisemonogatari, so too bad.OVA/ONA/OAD/whatever1. Hotarubi no Morin e2. Momo he no Tegami3. Gundam Unicorn4. K-ON! (Damn right.)5. Minami-keS;G was unimpressive. Kenshin was quite disappointing, as was Ika-chan. On hindsight, Berserk movie should have been on that list…

  70. TV1. Jojo2. Space Broswhat? both is not on the list? meh I don’t bother to vote then, other anime is a meh for meOVA1. Bererk Movie 12. Gundam UC 5

  71. d-LaN

    Not in any order:Fate/Zerotsuritama Jinrui wa Suitai ShimashitaP4AnimationChunibyou demo koi ga shitai.TOO HARD TO PICK JUST 5!!

  72. Best anime of the year:Kyoukai Senjou no Horizon II.Best OVA: Un-Go: Inga-ronAlso: I hope there weill be a third Horizon series next year, so I’ll know what’s the best next year.Also the worst of this year: Sword Art Online, Guilty Crown, Black Rock Shooter. And also K, I would say.

  73. Dragon Tattoo

    Only voted Fate/Zero. Terrible year for anime, but that’s nothing new.

  74. dxb_blackwolf

    Another Chuunibyou Fate/Zero Hyouka Zetman

    • dxb_blackwolf

      Runner-ups: Binbougami ga!, Chihayafuru, Dusk Maiden of AmnesiaShows I think are overrated: Kokoro Connect, Nisemonogatari

  75. ewok40k

    by category:serious bzns/overall best: Fate/Zero – debates of the Kings alone suffice, and there’s so much more epic stuffaction: Jormungand – her name is Koko, she is loco and she will kill you with her mercenariesromance: Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun – because I was exactly like Mitty in the highschoolsports: Chihayafuru – come on, making Karuta this entertaining is a top-notch achievementoutside of the box: Girls und Panzer – come on girls riding and battling in TANKS??? and it WORKS!

  76. unknown2

    Looking at this…2012 was a good year of anime

  77. Naske

    I’m So tied up this year…. for this to have been a year where i kept looking at the season previews and thinking “WTF is this?!” I really enjoyed at least 3 or more shows each season :XStill I Personally Voted For Horizon IIYuru Yuru (don’t judge me XD)Jinrui wa suitai shimashita Nazo no Kanojo XAno Natsu de materu these were just shows that I REALLY ENJOY after looking at them and thinking why would i watch this so i figure they earned my vote 🙂

  78. Barbara

    Hyouka was a real surprise.But just 5 choises is non enough.This is my real list of the best:HyoukaPsycho PassHotarubi no mori eNatsume Youjinchou shiSakamichi no ApollonAnotherZetsuen non tempestChyhayafuruUta Koi

  79. dimasok

    Five is too damn low! I can see at least 10 good picks. Series:Muv-LuvSword Art OnlineJormungandFate ZeroLupin Mine FujikoOVA:BerserkCode Geass: Boukoku no AkitoFairy Tail OVASteins Gate SpecialAmagami SS+ plus SP

  80. stalkingpanda

    come on guys…sword art online…the memorable characters, beautiful story-telling, complexly designed villains, completely logical and intelligently thought out plot scenarios, wonderful scene transitions that were as smooth as flowing rivers made of butter. oh wait i didn’t make it past episode 8, i just made all that sh*t up. i did occasionally follow the remainder of the series on randomc.net though X-D

  81. xephx

    ChihayafuruNazo no Kanojo Horizon IIHyouka ChuunibyouI was also thinking Jinrui and F/Z but I went for the others.

  82. shin

    F/ZSakamichi no ApollonNisemonogatariHyoukaSankarea (difficult choice but decided to go with one I enjoyed and rather original)Others I wanted to include:AnotherChuu2ChihayafuruSAO (needed an anime original ending after first arc that made more sense)Kuroke no BasukeUuchu kyoudai (lost impetus after the selection process wound down)

  83. pineapple

    Chihayafuru!! Especially for most underrated.

  84. Kentaiyoshimi

    Just scrolling down the list, I could already pick out 10 series that I really liked.My top 5 Series:Fate/ZeroNazo no Kanojo XJinrui wa Suitai ShimashitaTonari no Kaibutsu-kunTsuritamaHonourable Mentions:Ano Natsu de Matteru (Great confession scene + relationship AFTER the confession + Remon-senpai)Hyouka (Kanya-fest arc was one of the best story arcs this season + great visuals)Another (Horror well done, except for the finale)Chihayafuru (Great character development + Karuta. I see so many more references to Karuta in anime after having seen this.)Jormungand (Her name is Koko, she is Loco, I say oh NO!!)Thermae Romae (Absolutely hilarious. Its only 6 eps at 12 mins each, but it had me laughing the entire time)OVAs (For me, its more like the ones that I watched, as opposed to my favourite ones)Steins;Gate Special (shining example of how to make an OVA)Another OADCODE GEASS Hangyaku no Lelouch: Nunnally in WonderlandCODE GEASS Gaiden: Boukoku no Akito OVA

  85. Sakana-chan

    HYOUKA, BLEACH, GUILTY CROWN, SWORD ART ONLINE, BEELZEBUB***(5 SPECIAL ONES)K, ANOTHER, SHAKUGAN NO SHANA III, INU X BOKU SS, KAMISAMA HAJIMEMASHITA***DIN’T HAVE TIME TO SEE EACH EVERYONE OF THE ANIME….THESE ARE MY BEST ONES THAT NO ONE CAN’T DENY THEM…..

  86. Jimhawk

    1. Tsuritama2. Jormungand3. Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai!4. Kuroko no Basuke5. Acchi KocchiAs for movie/OVA, I voted for the only thing that deserved my vote, the K-ON! Movie.Accel World, Black Rock Shooter, Danshi Koukousei no Nichijou, Joshiraku, Kokoro Connect, Sakamichi no Apollon, Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun, and YuruYuri-eighth-note-eighth-note were all good shows too.The show that I still don’t understand why I enjoyed it so much is Senki Zesshou Symphogear.

  87. HakumeiJin

    Fate/Zero, Mouretsu, Sakamichi, Ano Natsu and Tonari for me. For some reason I ended up choosing 3/5 from spring >_< If I could choose 10 it'd probably go on with Jormungand, Hyouka, Chihayafuru, Tsuritama and Jinrui… and then there are still others I feel like I should be choosing.

  88. Steelman

    Instead of posting yet another top 5 list, I would like to offer a suggestion regarding the year end post.Have all active writers on the website vote for best of the year rather than simply posting the opinions of three of them.This is what every game reviewing website does for example, and it works well in keeping the year end awards objective. I have been following Random Curiosity for years, and one of the strength of the site has always been its “mainstream”-oriented point of view. In other words, Omni and Divine have never felt bad about awarding the most popular and well-liked shows – which has typically resulted in a close match between awards and reader’s poll results. Please keep it this way.

    • Voting was an attempted solution, but with double digit writers in varying time zones and availability and writers having drastic differences in the total and type number of shows that they watched too, it made for results that weren’t… quite ideal. There was quite a lack of real consensus to say the least and a whole lot of other issues that cropped up too.Think of it this way: It took 7 hours just for the three writers that are doing the AOTY post to decide on the winners/honorable mentions (even with a lot of agreement and not counting time to do the post). Combined with the work spent on 12 Days of Christmas and the Winter Preview recently too… well, you get the drift. As for the picks and keeping it objective, it should be alright. The picks may vary slightly from what you’ve come to expect from Divine, but there was no fear for awarding the most popular and well-liked shows (and those of the vice-versa nature) for the most part. Also, part of the reason it ended up being the writers who watched the most series was because it would contribute more to this objectivity, because more shows watched = less likely to miss something etc. etc.

  89. laaa

    Hmmm I feel these two are underrated Black Rock Shooter and Jormungandand cosz I m a bit romantic(only sometimes) I vote Kokoro Connect and AmagamiSSwith the 5th spot having my hardest pick as usual I put K for some unique parts it had and hopefully 2nd season will make up for all the plot holes and lack of two kings but so far animation was awesome and characters funO and as usual honorable ones I d vote if I had more picksSAO (only cosz half of it was way too random)F/Z I love great ending but I knew how it will end…HightschoolDxD WE ARE ECCHIwith that said again I didnt watch moves that much to give some reasonable opinion..

  90. Nemo

    Here is my list1)Tsuritama 2)Natsume Yuujin Chou3)Hyouka4)Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun5)Kimi to BokuI still need to finish Jormungand, Kamisama Hajimemashita, and Chihayafuru though..

  91. T.K.

    Only 5 choices are a tough pick, there’s a lot of entertaining shows this year but to those that really do deserve them: 1) Another: There hasn’t really been a horror mystery show this year that stood out. (Mirai Nikki? Read the manga!) Death of the week aside, the storytelling is solid enough to keep you on the edge despite seeing the ending miles away.2) Fate/Zero: Incredible screenplay, well adapted, great soundtrack, flawless visuals (Maybe I’m a bit biased.)3) Jormungand: Compelling characters, thought-provoking plot, *Boom Bang*, Koko Hekmatyar4) Hyouka: Episode 17, damn it Oreki…5) Nisemonogatari: Solid plot and they created a new fetish, what’s not to like?Only OVA worth mentioning is CG: Boukoku no Akito. It took a long time coming, the new knightmare(hax) might not be for everyone, but the new character dynamics breath new life to this very loved series and I’m looking forward to see the next episode.

  92. danpmss

    Fate ZeroJourmungandChuunibyouSAO(flying knifes in 3..2…)Accel World(don’t kill me, please!!)Those last two are in because “zetsuen no tempest” and “psycho pass” aren’t included yet XD

  93. ronbb

    I have included some unusual shows on my list — not all smart choices, but I just went with my heart :)Chihayafuru, Natsume Yuujin-Chou Shi, Hyouka, Uta-Koi, Zetman

  94. Mi-Mi-Mikuru

    in the last years it was always difficult to choose only 5 series, this year (sadly) wasn’t:ChihayafuruFate/ZeroNatsume 4Sakamichi no ApollonRinne no Lagrangedisappointment of the year: Eureka ao

    • Mi-Mi-Mikuru

      and perhaps it would be better to include every series that was running 2012, even when not yet finished, then i would have voted fot HxH, Uchuu Kyoudai and Shin Sekai Yori

  95. QX1102

    for me:1/ fate/zero – best one this year, saber look good in this too :x2/ SAO but only the 1st part, the 2nd part is a bit too fairy tale for me X_X3/ Hyouka – idk about his one but its catch my interest when watching so its fine, the only problem is a bit sleepy4/ Oda Nobuna no Yabou – never expect much from this one when I heard its going to be adapt into anime, but its turn out to be too good to be true. The art, seiyuu, character and storyline is near perfect, its a dark horse this year :D5/ Zetsuen no Tempest – its not end yet so I guess why its not include, but this one is as good as the manga in my oppinion ^^

    • Zetsuen carries over to next year and will be in 2013’s poll.

  96. Fan

    Where is Evangelion 3.0?

    • It doesn’t release on bluray/DVD in any form until next year, so it doesn’t count for this.

  97. AiM

    Just wondering if anyone watched Natsuiro Kiseki at all, one of the best SOL series this year imo

  98. Ahomine

    Kuroko no basket Binbougami gaAnotherTonari no kaibutsu-kunDanshi koukousei no nichijou

  99. framefreeze100

    Series:BeelzebubHigh School DxDLupin III: The Woman Called Fujiko MineMirai Nikki (Future Diary)Queen’s Blade: RebellionOVA/Movie:BerserkFairy TailHigh School DxDKenichiKore wa Zombie Desu ka? Of The Dead OVA

  100. Andrew

    5 too small (A-Z):1. Amagami SS+2. Campione 3. High School DxD4. Nisemonogatari5. Shakugan no Shana IIIor1. Amagami SS+2. Acchi Kocchi3. High School DxD4. Nisemonogatari5. Shakugan no Shana III

  101. bulogna

    Guilty CrownKokoro ConnectHighschool DXDCampioneTo Love-ru Darkness

  102. ChihayafuruMysterious Girlfriend XHyoukaTonari no Kaibutsu-kunNisemonogatari(Not in any order)

  103. Ragefat

    In no specific order:-Ano Natsu de Matteru-Fate/Zero-Nazo no kanojo X-Nisemonogatari-Sakamichi no Apollon

  104. Absaroka

    In no particular order:Kokoro ConnectSword Art OnlineMirai NikkiKFate/Zero

    • Fallenrock

      Switch K with Hyouka and I might approve xD

    • Matroid

      Personally, my problem with Kokoro Connect is that it never explains the rationale of the experiments (other than providing amusement), and it never went through a discovery process to reveal the secret identity of those god-like figures. Bad things just happened without closure. Other than that, the premise of the story is quite interesting.

  105. 1st: Pretty Rhythm Aurora Dream2nd: Mouretsu Pirates3rd: Sengoku Collection4th: Fate/Zero 5th: Accel WorldSpecial mentions to Inu x Boku, Lupin Fujiko, Hyouge Mono, Kimi to boku 2 and Persona 4.If you’re wondering why I think PRAD is the best:I really consider Pretty Rhythm Aurora Dream the best show of 2012. I’m not kidding, I absolutely loved it. I dont even like magical girls or idols that much. Speaking of that, the main misconception people have about PRAD is that they think its a magical girl show, while its a sports show. Furthermore, its not of the same type of sports anime like Inazuma Eleven, where they use soccer to save the world from aliens, with said aliens wanting to conquer earth also using soccer. The story doesnt need a suspension of disbelief to get into.There’s not even a villain in it. Its all about friendship, rivals, lovers and family. As an example, this show has one of the best parents in anime Ive ever seen. Every heroines parents slowly play a role into the story. Airas father is first used as comedic relief, and is against his daughter being on TV wearing frilly clothes, while her mother supports her. After a few plot twists I dont want to spoil, Airas father fully supports her while her mother is now against it. Im not saying the show is deep like Saiko-Pass, and its true that its aimed at little girls. However, it managed to slowly incorporate great and touching story elements, like Rizumus issues with her mom, or Shous complex about being a man designing clothes for women. I cried multiple times when watching it. The story and the characters are the strongest point of the show.As much crazy (awesome) some CG dance scenes look, like the girls making meteors fall, the story is very down to earth. Yes, the dancing scenes are in CG. One of the best CG Ive seen too. It may doesnt look that good during the first episodes but you can literally see the staff gaining experience, as it gets better and better, as they add more songs and new choreography. For comparison sake, Aikatsu!, which is currently airing, also has dance scenes in CG, and as much as I like the show, I have to admit they suck. I have to acknowledge the show’s animation is subpar, with it’s use of silhouettes for background characters among other things. it slowly gets better though. I’ll forever remember that moment in episode 18 when there was background animation for the first time. In any case, the story way makes up for it. The OST is really good too, and for those interested in this, the show has many popular seiyuu and the main heroine, Aira, is voiced by Asumi Kana.I think the show only has 2 flaws:The first one is the fact that in the first episodes, they keep using the same song for the dance scenes (which is also the 1st OP) so it can get boring fast. The second one isn’t actually a flaw of the show itself: It’s not entirely subbed. I watched it all raw. I watch anime for at least 15 years now, and while I’m nowhere near fluent in Japanese, I didn’t have trouble understanding any of it. If you watch anime since at least 5 years I’m sure you can understand 90% of it, and figure out the last 10% with what you’re seeing. The only things I ever had trouble understanding are Jun’s poems, which ironically, include English. Very bad English, done on purpose and hilarious.I always considered PRAD to be a good show while watching it’s 51 episodes, but I only started thinking it was the best aired in 2012 when watching the last 12 episodes. As it slowly build up the overall plot, added more songs, (to a total of 12 different insert songs at the end) more characters and plot twists, everything culminated in these last episodes and made the show go into a roller coaster of emotion, hot bloodedness and crazy awesomeness. Nothing else topped these episodes. Just remember that the main reason I voted for it isn’t because it exceeded my expectations, it’s because the show is genuinely awesome. I wrote all this because I simply wanted to make myself credible for giving it 1st place, fanboy, and maybe make some of you want to watch it. I did say I would vote for Pretty Rhythm Aurora Dream last year. The sequel, Pretty Rhythm Dear My Future, is totally blowing my mind too and Ill probably vote for it next year.

  106. Mukyuu

    Series: Chuu2Koi, Fate/Zero, Haiyore! Nyaruko-san, Kyoukaisen II, YuruyuriOADS/Movies: Gundam Unicorn, Kami Nomi OVA, Minami-Ke, Steins;Gate Special, Strike WitchesNot in any order. Hard to choose 5.Though Kyoukaisen II is easily my favorite series of the year due to many reasons(Stilts is probably one of them). Can’t wait to pre-order S2 from Sentai!

    • Mukyuu

      Forgot to type it orginially…Honorable mentions: Hyouka, Tari Tari, and Tasogare Otome X Amnesia. Enjoyable year of anime really. Going to dig through what other shows aired this year due to only watching 8-12 a season or so.

  107. trololo

    Mouretsu PiratesBinbougami Ga!JormungandGirls und PanzerMedaka Box

  108. shin

    I think that it might be worth considering loosening the ending not yet shown requirement in future years. I think what should be judged is the impact of the series on the year in retrospect rather than the subjective quality of the series as a whole. Like in the USA, TV series might last for a number of seasons. These days there seem to be quite a number of series that are being adapted in in parts or those that lack a conclusive ending. Its not like an ending for a series like uchuu kyoudai for example would really change or mean anything.

    • BROOKLYN otaku

      I’m with you dude…no HUNTERxHUNTER is just blasphemy. it went through a bunch of arc’s..seriously if that aint enough to be able to pass judgement on WHAT IS!?DOWN WITH THIS LIST!!! MUHUAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

  109. LaughingMan

    I included a vote for the Bleach anime. Yeah yeah I know, but here me out. It’s true that the series does suffer from bad pacing in the story, and there are moments in the anime where the animation quality sucked (I’m looking at you Bount arc), not to mention tons of filler episodes, but lets face it: it was a solid anime adaptation directed by Noriyuki Abe (YuYu Hakusho) that did a great job at adapting the manga. Honestly out of all of the Big 3 (One Piece, Naruto, and Bleach), I personally think that Bleach had the best anime adaptation out of all of them. It had great voice acting by Masakazu Morita, Fumiko Orikasa, Sho Hayami, etc.; it had mind-blowingly awesome fight scenes with brilliant animation such as Ichigo vs. Byakuya/Grimmjow/Ulquiorra/Yushima, Byakuya vs. Koga, Hisagi vs. Findor, etc.; it had one hell of an awesome soundtrack composed by Shiro Sagisu (Neon Genesis Evangelion). Most importantly, Bleach is one of those series that was influential in helping to continue to boost the popularity of anime and manga in the West. I know a lot of people who were first introduced to anime through Bleach. To be honest, before Bleach premiered on Adult Swim, I was on the verge of giving up on anime altogether after suffering abysmal ending of the InuYasha anime (those who watched the original anime know what I’m talking about). Bleach prevented me from doing so and kept me on board, and when the Soul Society arc began, that is when I knew that I was gonna love this series for a long time, and that my love for anime was strengthened once again. While I admit that Bleach is definitely not a perfect series and that it does have its faults, it nonetheless remains as one of my all time favorite series and it always will. While I’m personally rooting for Fate/Zero to win 2012’s anime of the year, I hope that some of you will at least recognize the Bleach anime for what it is and consider voting for it. If not, then that’s no problem. It’s your vote, and I respect that.Here’s to Kubo’s success for 10 years of his series and hope that the final arc in the Bleach manga provides a satisfying conclusion. Lastly, here’s to hoping that the final arc eventually gets the anime adaptation that it deserves.

    • LaughingMan

      PS: Figured I’d post this for old times’ sake :)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFNQhmDLjTkhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flHohk8TJaA

      • Fallenrock

        One of the most original opening sequences I’ve ever seen, props to all the original artwork, complemented by Orange Range. Still don’t see many anime with such details added to character clothing these days.

    • shin

      Hard for me to justify what bleach has done to deserve best anime of 2012 besides end in 2012. Only Soul Society arc was interesting but afterwards it simply copied the same formula over and over again. Get a random bunch of baddies and then get the good guys and turn it into a long drawn out series of epic standstill.(a while back someone did a comparison of Jump series in terms of their panels/page and lines/page)http://i.imgur.com/9QaG9.pngI dont think bleach compares well to some recently aired shounen series like Full Metal Alchemist and Hunter x Hunter.

      • Sortedevaras

        The Fullbringer arc alone should disqualify it from any best of list and doesn’t even have the excuse of being filler.

    • Matroid

      In general, the filler arcs of Bleach are better than other long-running series. Take the Dolls arc and the Zanpakutou Rebellion arc for example. The production was able to work within the premise of Bleach and created self-containing stories that can be merged back to the main arc. For that I think Bleach TV deserves a lot of credits.

  110. Top 5 Short Anime List(No Order)Humanity Has Declined- Saa?My Little Monster- More Natsume ploxKids on the Slope- Amazing music performancesKuroko’s Basketball- Hotblooded sports shounen? hell yeahTsuritama- Catchiest opening of 2012 plus quirky castTop Ongoing Anime(No Order)Hunter x Hunter- Heaven’s Arena/Yorknew arcs were amazingGintama- Who doesn’t love Gintoki? O.oJojo’s Bizarre Adventure- WWWRRRYYY!!!!!! Shirokuma Cafe- Grizzly-kun…. nuff said

  111. yoblob

    Here’s my five, can’t say it was hard to choose as I haven’t really watched that much anime this year (around 15 shows).Binbougami ga!High School DxDJormungandKuroko no BasukeTasogare Otome x Amnesia

  112. Bacarara!

    (In no particular order)-Ano Natsu De Matteru (Dat character development and romance (plus terrific use of the ED song))-Chunnibyou demo Koi ga Shitai (Had me laughing my butt off several times. Warning: causes diabetes)-Fate/Zero (Epic. need I say more?)-Hyouka (beautifully animated and witty to the core. I’m a sucker for great character-driven plots)-Kuroko no Basuke (Warning: causes heart attacks and increase rise of blood pressure)

  113. Bio D

    5. Jormungand4. Mirai Nikki2/3. Tsuritama & Kids on the Slope (the former is better but the latter is closer to my heart)1. Fate/ZeroMovies/OVA:5. Code Geass: Akito of Whatever4. The World Only God Knows: Tenri-hen3. BERSERK: The Golden Age I2. Gundam Unicorn 51. Steins;Gate Special

  114. rhinosrs

    Fate/ ZeroHyoukaNisemonogatariTonari no Kaibutsu-kunTsuritama

  115. senseirei

    So many good choices, feel so frustrated that I can only pick 5. In the end, I just pick series I would watch again.Acchi Kocchi, Sword Art Online, Hyouka, Another, Btooom!.

  116. mac65

    Nazo no Kanojo XSukitte Ii na yo.Chunnibyou demo Koi ga ShitaiMouretsu PiratesPapa no Iu Koto wo Kikinasai!

  117. Mech

    Idolm@ster Shiny Festa isn’t on a BD or DVD, it isn’t even translated. You can get some terrible PSP rips from places but how can a wide audience judge something that is in terrible quality and can’t understand whats going on. The hoops you have to jump through to watch this in any form to be able to make an educated opinion on it seems to be a bit of a stretch.Stranger – Muk Hadan (Sword of the Stranger) is not from 2012.You also seem to have forgotten the existence of Naruto and One Piece, which may be intentional, but you have Bleach included so I don’t know.

    • Bleach officially ended it’s anime run. Naruto and One Piece series themselves are not over. This requirement was listed in the post.Idolm@aster Shiny Fiesta has translations and is readily available with a quick google. Just because it’s not full 1080p goodness does not mean it’s “unwatchable” and “you can’t form an opinion of it.” Over 700 people have completed it on MAL and the discussion is multiple pages long. It’s not as readily available as many of the more popular shows, but there is enough to warrant it’s inclusion, especially since there will probably be no BD/DVD separate release to wait for. It makes no sense to put it for 2013 as a result. Stranger Muko Hadan will be taken off shortly.

  118. Jolly

    Sakamichi no Apollon stood out to me the most this year. It was just amazing!

  119. Sakana-chan

    1.HYOUKA—->PERFECT ANIME 1000%2.SWORD ART ONLINE—->PERFECT STORY3.INU X BOKU SS—–>PEFECT LOVE4.KAMISAMA HAJIMEMASHITA—–>PERFECT COMEDY\LOVE(THE BEST MANGA)5.K\ GUILTY CROWN—–>AMAZING ANIMATION AND CHARACTHERS!!!!

    • Ananas

      Surely you jest.

    • Targe

      Perfect abuse of the word perfect.

      • AiM

        The caps lock key is located left of your A key if you didn’t know

    • I’m sure that if you think really hard, you will find at least one thing that could be done better from each of your listed titles. Thus, no show is perfect.

    • Chitanda

      I agree with you only Hyouka .

  120. Longhaul

    this was a hard year to pick, there were many good shows

  121. Whats the name of the anime under Jormungand

    • If you’re referring to the pictures, it’s Nisemonogatari.

  122. whitey

    The latest Detective Conan movie is missing…

  123. HalfDemonInuyasha

    Gah, do I have to choose only 5 for the year? x_x;; lol

  124. Top five best anime (in order):*Fate/Zero;*Mirai Nikki;*Sword Art Online;*Nisemonogatari;*To love-ru Darkness;

  125. Gracelyn

    HyoukaTsuritamaTonari no Kaibutsu-kunRinne no LagrangeTari TariThe original series did great this year. Thanks for restoring my hope in today’s anime!Re-watch/ honorable mention list:UtaKoi, K, Jormungand, Kokoro Connect, Sukiite ii na yo, first half of Sword Art Onling

    • Gracelyn

      *online

  126. 2012 turned out to be a reasonably good year in my eyes, and I had trouble choosing. Given some thought, I now return these as my picks.Top series in alphabetical order: Ano Natsu de Matteru, Kokoro Connect, Rinne no Lagrange Tari Tari, YuruYuriTop OVA/Movies in alphabetical order: Gundam UC, K-On! Movie, Rinne no Lagrange Kamogawa Days, Strike Witches Movie

  127. shadowalker

    KSword Art OnlineHyoukaFate/ZeroBtooom!Shakugan no Shana IIIBRAVE10JormungandPhi Brain: Kami no PuzzleCampioneZETMANPersona 4: The AnimationOVA/Movie:Towa no Quon 6Persona 4 OVACODE GEASS Gaiden: Boukoku no Akito OVA

  128. Upscaled

    Why is Kyousougiga not on the list? Sure, it was short, but it was five episodes of magic and chaos that were released this fall, and I loved it.

  129. Max

    Sword Art OnlineSakamichi no Apollon Fate / ZeroAKB0048Chunnibyou demo Koi ga ShitaiHonorable Mention:Ano Natsu de MatteruNazo no Kanojo XPersona 4: The Animation

  130. Andr

    10. sakamichi no apollon9. Kuroko no basket8. Chuunibyou Demo Koi ga Shitai!7. Papa no Iu Koto wo Kikinasai!6. Ano Natsu de Matteru5. Tari Tari4. Danshi Koukousei no Nichijou3. Sword Art online2. Mouretsu Pirates 1. Oda Nobuna no Yabou

  131. shadowalker

    @StiltsShould Bleach be on this list? This poll is only for 2012 and I’m having hard time comparing such a long running anime with shows that has only 13-24 episodes, 50 at most.And the added fact it’s not divided into seasons only makes it more difficult to rate.

  132. TheMoondoggie

    Proxy wars already?And why is GuP in the list? Isn’t it 12 episodes?As for my vote this year:Guilty CrownPersona 4Sword Art OnlineAccel WorldDog Days

    • shin

      for GuP, I think I read they messed some stuff up during production of episode 10. Final episodes are planned to be aired in march, so I guess it is temporarily over for now.

  133. deathtogenericshows

    Best ED: Highschool DxDAt the risk of sounding like a dirty old man: hypno-butt. Just google the word and you will undoubtedly see Highschool DxD ED in the search result. Nothing else needs to be uttered. Yep.

    • junglepenguin

      You can have your Hypnobutt, but that’s never gonna beat Itou Masumi’s ethereal vocals. Best ED: Jinrui wa Suitaishimashita

  134. Shiawase

    Man, forgot that some of these series aired this year… Feels so long ago ^ ^;And Bleach!! Forgot that it ended this year as well…Anyway, in no particular order,*Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun*Tsuritama*Nisemonogatari*Jinrui wa Suitai Shimashita*and NichiBros 😀 (Danshi Koukousei no Nichijou… not [i]the best[/i] but my vote was for all my good laughs)As for OVA/Movie,*Code Geass Gaiden: Boukoku no Akito*UN-GO: Inga-ron

  135. Dvalinn

    As for series, I’d say…-Another-Fate/Zero S2-Jinrui wa Suitai Shimashita-Hyouka-Mouretsu Pirates..in kind of that order. With honorable mentions for Mysterious Girlfriend X, Tonari no Kaibetsu-kun, Accel World, Nisemonogatari and Ano Natsu de Matteru. As for OVA’s: -Code Geass Gaiden: Boukoku no Akito-UN-GO episode: 0, Inga-ron-Steins;Gate Special-Kami Nomi zo Shiru Sekai: Tenri-hen-Tales of Symphonia the Animation: Sekai Tougou-hen OVAIn the end, last year was a better anime year, but I’ve still enjoyed myself plenty.

  136. Mac

    Most overrated: Sword crap online.

    • james

      Yeah there are a lot of people putting SAO on their lists, which makes me a little sad hah

      • Kuntzy

        I don’t know what to tell you guys, it’s called the polarization effect and it stems from personal taste.If you didn’t enjoy it, that’s fine, move on with your life and learn to accept opinions. All you’re doing when you bash a show is saying “I have superior taste to all you mongoloids that actually like this”, which is absolutely idiotic because, once again, opinions.

    • AiM

      Sword Art Overrated

      • celebrinen

        This game has potentialSeriously Abhorrent OverallStupid And Over-ratedSomeone Actually Ok’d this?

    • junglepenguin

      These jokes are overrated.

    • Naavi

      Yeah. I did tick SAO but now I don’t know how to undo it. XD

  137. FadingMoon

    In no orderAccel WorldChunnibyou demo Koi ga ShitaiFate ZeroKokoro ConnectHyoukaSpecial mentions go out to Mouretsu PiratesKyoukai Senjou no Horizon II’And ESPECIALLY Koi to Senkyo to Chocolate (such a gem of a show)

  138. Roxy

    No Hellsing Ultimate 9 and 10 for best OVA poll?

    • LaughingMan

      Yeah I know, what gives?

    • Moomba

      Hellsing Ultimate added to the poll! Sorry for the confusion.

  139. bruce

    Where is JoJo Bizarre?! So underrated.Also why is nobody blogging about jojo bizarre: battle tendacy? Action is good, fabulous poses, badass, manly and Sugita Tomokazu all in one package!

    • LaughingMan

      JoJo is still ongoing. Verdant was gonna blog about it but he didn’t have the time since he was handling too many other series. I’m still following it, especially for Sugita as MOTHERFUCKING JOSEPH. I absolutely love JoJo.

  140. MetaDrow

    Series:-Busou Shinki-Chunnibyou demo Koi ga Shitai-DOG DAYS’-Saki Achiga-hen episode of side-A-Sword Art OnlineOVA/Movie:-A-Channel+smile OVA-Asa Made Jugyou Chu! OVA-K-ON! Movie-Kore wa Zombie Desu ka? Of The Dead OVA-Otome wa Boku ni Koishiteru: Futari no Elder

  141. pcturtle

    For series I’d have to vote:-Fate/Zero-Hyouka-Kuroko no Basuke-Natsuyuki Rendezvous-Sakamichi no ApollonFor OVA/Movies:-Another OVA-Berserk: Golden Age 1-Code Geass Akito OVA-Steins;Gate Special-UN-GO episode 0

  142. copperfield

    Series:-Accel World-Another-Fate/Zero-Mirai Nikki-Sword Art OnlineBy the way, why is Omega in the poll if it is not finished yet??

  143. No Kokurikoza Kara (From Upon Poppy Hill) on the poll?

    • woodearth

      I second this. Strange that From Up on Poppy Hill is not on the list.

      • pcturtle

        I think because the DVD/Blu-Ray release at least for the West is in 2013. I don’t know if that’s what they meant when they mentioned only DVD releases that came out in 2012. But whatever reason I agree, a great movie definitely worth at least a mention.

      • @pcturtle – I thought it was only when the BD/DVD was released in Japan because chances are it’ll be subbed by some group. If they count the release in the west, then a lot of movies would never be eligible.

    • pcturtle

      Good point, I don’t usually know the average turn around rate for translating movies, usually the subbed version just pops up on the usual sites unexpectedly and just makes my day a little better.

    • Moomba

      Sorry, that was an error – it should be there as From Up On Poppy Hill now!

  144. Ryoushi

    Series – Accel World- Fate/Zero – Nisemonogatari – Hyoukai – Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun OVA – of course #1 OVA will be Steins Gate- Kore wa Zombie Desu Ka? OAD- Kore wa Zombie Desu ka? Of The Dead OVA- To Love Ru Darkness lastly – Gundam Unicorn

    • Sortedevaras

      I will second everything on that list.

  145. Topboy

    5 Anime + 1 Movie :Best comedy : Guilty Crown (Yes,It’s a big fat joke)Best Action : SAOBest romantic : TonariBest slice of life : Kokoro ConnectBest horror : AnotherBest Movie : K-ON! movie (great mix of all kind:drama,comedy,slice of life,musical)

    • djrubbie

      Comedy? Train wreck is a much better description as I even failed to laugh at the outcome. Came for the awesome, stayed for the wreckage.

  146. NaYa

    AnotherJinrui wa Suitai Shimashita (I’m surprised that this seems to be underappreciated!)JormungandMirai NikkiNisemonogatariI haven’t seen a lot of OVA or movies, but definitely have to vote for Berserk. 🙂

  147. BNV

    I had to pick five…. damn.I’ll list the animes I liked this year (there were alot and in no particular order)- Ano natsu de Matteru- Danshi no koukousei- Kamisama hajimemashita- jormungand S2- Nazo no Kanojo X- tonari no kaibutsu-kun- tsuritama- sakamichi no apollon- Tasogare Otome x Amnesia- kuroko no basket- Sankarea- sakurasou (not finished but I like it so far)- Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai!- Another- Mirai nikki- hyouka- natsume yuunjinchou shi- Natsuyuki Rendezvous- kimi to boku S2- inu x boku SS (Hated the first half but I liked the final episodes)- project k Seeing Mikoto and Shiro die changed my perspective of the anime. I thought it was pretty good; I found emotions when Mikoto died. Even the anime announced it’s gearing up for a second season so I’m curious what’s going to happen. There’s still more anime I need to catch up on (Chihayafuru, jinrui, etc), but I’ll say this year was an otaku’s dream for great anime.

  148. KingofConquerors

    Berserk Movie 2 and From Up On Poppy Hill, two best anime movies of the year, sadly weren’t included…which sucks…

  149. shumagundam

    Fate Zero AnotherSword Art OnlineBlack Rock Shooter

  150. Jae

    I came back to watching anime this year and there were plenty that I thoroughly enjoyed, but alas, can only choose 5 so here goes:Jinrui wa Suitai Shimashita (I am surprised this wasn’t on most people’s list – it was spectacular!)Kimi to Boku 2Moyashimon ReturnsSukitte li na yoNatsume Yuujin-chou Shi

  151. Neo Ankara

    SeriesHighschool DxDInu x Boku SSKoi to Senkyo to ChocolateGuilty CrownKore wa Zombie Desu ka? Of the DeadOVAKami Nomi zo Shiru Sekai Tenri-henInu x Boku SS spFairy Tail OVATo Love-Ru Darkness OVAHighschool DxD OVASpecial mention to Chuunibyou, To Love-Ru Darkness seriesif only this was uncencored(my gateway to harem ecchi series), and Acchi Kocchi that fill my day with laughter.

  152. whycantipwnfast

    vote sao and die.

  153. zero4life0

    no orderTV seriesFate ZeroNisemonogatariAno Natsu de MatteruChunnibyou demo Koi ga ShitaiKore wa Zombie Desu ka? Of the DeadOVA/MovieBoku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai Add-on DiskCODE GEASS Gaiden: Boukoku no Akito OVAGundam Unicorn Episode 5Steins;Gate SpecialKore wa Zombie Desu ka? Of The Dead OVA

  154. elmaton04

    I voted for:Accel World (It was intense and mind blowing, especially the first 4 episodes)Last Exile (I’ve been waiting for this for years and it blew me away)Mouretsu Pirates (Pirates in space? Chiaki? What a fun anime)Rinne no Langrage (It was very fun to watch)Sword Art Online (Perhaps anime of the year, oh wait it shouldn’t beat Last Exile in my book)

  155. Geoff

    Oh god this will be hard.

  156. Wu

    Series:Fate/ZeroAnotherSword Art OnlineAccel WorldMirai NikkiNever watched any comedies or romances, so probably missing some good ones in 2012…

  157. Fling

    Series:Bakuman 2ChihayafuruFate ZeroNisemonogatariThermae Romae

  158. Matroid

    My votes for regular anime in order starting from my most favorite:1) Fate/Zero — Best Drama of 2012. Personally I think it is long overdue from last year.2) Sword Arts Online — Best Scifi of 2012. Solid, but not quite as epic and as complex as Fate.3) ChihayafuruBest Sports of 2012, edging out Kuroko no Basuke, Area no Kishi, and Saki Achiga-hen partly because of its originality. Who would have thought playing a card game would be so exhausting and full of drama?4) Another — Best Thriller/Suspense of 2012.5) Mirai Nikki — Like Sankarea, it is both scifi and thriller. I like its originality slightly better than Sankarea.Returning series such as Nisemonogatari, Bakuman 2, SKET Dance, Natsume Yuujin-chou 4, Moyashimon Returns, Shakugan no Shana III, and Zero no Tsukaima F are as entertaining as ever. Mouretsu Pirates also deserves some late credits from last year. However, no particular romance, comedy, or anime song from this year really got my attention.My votes for OVA (in no particular order):.hack//MovieBerserk Ougon Jidaihen I: Haou no TamagoMomo he no TegamiRurouni Kenshin Shin Kyoto Hen 01Sankarea OADI put up Sankarea here partly because I didn’t have enough quota to vote for it in the regular section. Tegami is something for the younger audience and is of high quality. And I have been a fan of .hack, Berserk, and Kenshin since their TV days.

    • Matroid

      On second thought, I would vote for Hiiro no Kakera‘s OP 1 Nee by Maiko Fujita to be the Best Anime Song of 2012. Fairy Tail’s ED 11 Glitter by Another Infinity (featuring Mayumi Morinaga) would be a honorable mention.

  159. Anthoni Vedovato

    1-Aquarion Evol2-Accel World3-Another4-Ano Natsu de Matteru5-Black Rock Shooter TV6-Busou Shinki7-Jormungand8-Medaka Box9-Milky Holmes 2nd Act10-Queens Blade Rebellion11-Saint Seiya Omega12-Sword Art Online13-Fate Zero14-Jormungand & Medaka Box 2nd Season15-Chunnibyou demo koi gai shitai16-Code Geass OVA: Nunnally in Wonderland17-Strike Witches The Movie18-K-On The Movie19-Nazo no Kanojo X20-Sankarea21-Guilty Crown22-Dog Days 223-Zero no Tsukaima F24-Code Geass Ova: Akito the Exiled25-Symphogear26-Kore wa Zombie? of the Dead27-Rinne no lagrange 1st & 2nd Season28-Eureka Seven AO29-Jojo Bizzare Adevnture The TV30-Madoka Magica+Madoka Magica the Movie part 1&231-Shakugan no Shana 3Meus 5 Melhores ANIMES de 2012 so:Melhor Ao:Saint Seiya Omega,Accel World e Aquarion EvolMelhor Comdia:Zero no Tsukaima F e Kore wa Zombie Desuka?OF The DeadMelhor Drama/Fatos da Vida:Black Rock Shooter TVMelhor Ao com Msica:Senki Zesshou Symphogear e AKB0048Melhor Ao Extrema:Jormungand,Guilty Crown,Mirai Nikki e KMelhor Sci-Fi/Mecha:Eureka Seven AO,Rinne no Lagrange,Code Geass:Akiko the Exiled e Macross FrontierMelhor Aventura:Sword Art OnlineMelhor Comdia MoeMoe Kyun:Chunnibyo Demo koi gai Shitai,milky Holmes 2 e Acchi kocchiMelhor Terror: AnotherMelhor Romance: Ano natsu de MatteruMelhor Anime Baseado em Produtos(games,Brinquedos etc.):Busou ShinkiMelhor Sequncia de Temporada:Fate ZeroMelhor Filme:Strike Witches e K-OnMelhor Supresa de Anime em 2012:Verses Anime de Senran Kagura e HyperDimension NeptuniaMelhor Anime Hentai(Anime Ertico ^-^): Queens Blade Rebellion e HighSchool DxDMelhor Anime Original:Madoka Magica e Senki Zesshou SymphogearMelhor Dublador Masculino de Anime:Toru Furuya(Seiya de Saint Seiya Classic/Omega)Melhor Dubladora Feminina de Anime:Nana Mizuki(Moka Akashiya de RosarioVampire e Tsubasa Kazanari de Symphogear)Melhor Estudio de Anime:Kyoto Animation(K-ON)Melhor Personagem Masculino – Protagonista:Kirito(Sword art Online) e Kiritsugu Emiya(FateZero)Melhor Personagem Masculino – Codjuvante:Johan(Jormungand)Melhor Personagem Feminino – Protagonista:Hibiki Tachibana Tsubasa Kazanari Yukine Chris Kanade Amou e Miku Kohinata(Senki Zesshou Symphogear) Asuna e Leafa(Sword Art Online) Misaki Mei(Another) Kuroyukihime e Chiyu(Accel World) Koko Hekmatayr(Jormungand) Medaka Kurokami(Medaka Box) Zessica Wong(Aquarion EVOL) Yoshika Miyafuji(Strike Witches The Movie)Mato Kuroi e Yomi Takanashi(Black Rock Shooter TV) Ann(Busou Shinki) Rikka Takanashi(Chunnibyou Dmeo mkoi gai Shitai) Louise de Francoise(Zero no Tsukaima) Sherlock Shellyford(Milky Holmes) Chie Satonaka rise Kujikawa Yukiko Amagi(Persona 4 OVA) Annelotte e Aldra(Queens Blade rebellion) Yuna de Aquila(Saint Seiya Omega) Madoka Kaname(Madoka Magica) Madoka Kyouna Lan e Muginami(Rinne no Lagrange) Shana(Shakugan no Shana) e Saber(fateZero)Melhor Personagem Feminino – Codjuvante:Mogana Kikaijima(Medaka box) Valmet(Jormungand) Henriette Mystere/Arsene(Milky Holmes) Ryoko Sakurai/Pine(Senki Zesshou Symphogear) Irisviel von Ezinbern(Fate Zero)Homura Akemi(Madoka Magica)Perrine H Clostermann(Strike Witches the Movie) Sawako Yamanakawa(K-on The Movie)Melhor Musa de Anime de 2012:Tsubasa Kazanari de Senki Zesshou Symphogear e Yuna de Aquila de Saint Seiya OmegaPior Anime de 2012:MONSUNODecepo de Anime do Ano:MonsunoMelhor Revelao de Anime do Ano:Jojo Bizzare Adventure 2012Melhor Opening de Anime de 2012:Synchrogazer(Symphogear) Chase the World e Busrt the Gravity(Accel World) Crossing Field(Sword Art Online) Pegasus Fantasy Omega Version(Saint Seiya Omega) InstallxDream(Busou Shinki) Happy Crazy Box(Medaka Box) BlackRockShooter (Black Rock Shooter TV) Light My Fire e Serment(Shakugan no Shana 3 Final)To the Begining(fateZero) Paradoxical Zoo(Aquarion Evol) Trip – Innocen of D -(HighSchoolDxD) Sparkling Daydream(Chunnibyou Demo koi gai Shitai)Melhor Ending de Anime de 2012:Meteor Light(Symphogear) StudyxStudy(Highschool DxD) e Unfinished(Accel World)Melhor Msica de Inserao de Anime de 2012:Zetsu no Chikara – Ame no Habakiri – Gekisou Gungnir Makyuu Ichi-Bal(Senki Zesshou Symphogear)Melhor Anime para 2013(Novas Sries e Novas Temporadas):Novos Animes – Senran Kagura e Hyperdimension Neptunia e Novas Temporadas: Highschool DxD e Senki Zesshou SymphogearMELHOR ANIME do Ano de 2012:Senki Zesshou Symphogear,Sword Art Online,Accel World,Highschool DxD,Another,Black Rock ShooterTV,Jojo Bizzare Adventure 2012,Saint Seiya Omega,Guilty Crown,FateZero,Rinne no Lagrange,Chunnibyou Demo Koi Ga Shitai,Busou Shinki e Madoka Magica The Movie part 1&2Obrigado e Very Thank You all members do random curiosity this is my favorites Animes e my Choices,Symphogear is best Anime Action with Music e Highschool DxD a best Hentai!Espero que aceitem as minhas escolhas beacause i have dificult to choose the Best Anime of 2012 and i make a draw from the selected animes i liked more!!!!So Thanks Everyone e Feliz 2013 from all Random Curiosity members!!!!!!From Anthoni Vedovato of So Paulo Brazil!!!!!!!! peace!!!!

    • Scorps

      Hey… I’m gonna tell you a secret nobody cares.

  160. Here’s mine!1. Sakamichi no Apollon2. Hyouka3. Fate/Zero4. Chihayafuru5. TsuritamaI’ve linked a website to my tumblr where i’ll just be writing more about each series in my TOP 10. I really think that these 5 series stood out as doing something new, but also having that raw anime feel to it. And that’s really all i ask for in a series.

  161. Eriol_elric

    I say:1-Lupin III Mine fujiko to iu onna2-Ano Natsu de Matteru3-Sword Art Online 4-Sakamichi no Apollon5-Eureka Seven AO

  162. Kairoru

    Can’t choose, too many good and bad anime for this year alone D:

  163. OBAMABASEDGOD

    Jinrui wa Suitai Shimashita better be in the top 3. it was such a great series.

  164. end3rr

    SeriesLooking at the poll, these shows are the ones that were stood out the most because they were also the most memorable. Memorable in the sense of how good the show made me feel episode after episode. We might have some disagreements here and there but, I hope you respect my reasoning for why I chose these shows.Ano Natsu De Matteru – This show was beautiful. The character development, the way it justified cliche ideas in romance shows and somehow made it really good. The writing and character interactions is commendable. The directors, writers and producers, had a story to tell and they executed it within 12 episodes. NAGI YANAGI HAS DONE IT AGAIN (Implementing the ending song with great emotional scenes, JC STAFF tooo good. )Mirai Nikki – Although had many flaws, was one of the better suspense shows this whole year. Terrific heroine Yuno Gasai is definitely one of the better characters to come out in anime. Sakamichi no Apollon – The animation of the music scenes definitely justified Yoko Ono and the works of great Jazz artists. One of the only shows that actually encouraged me to learn something new after watching it. Hyouka – Most satisfying show this season for me despite the fact that its a show that is not fully concluded. The last episode was executed so damn beautifully! I also love the way they approached romance in a traditional way in this show, its such a good contrast to the bold romance that is coming out of anime recently.Sword Art Online – Ah much to say about this show, It was an entertaining show theres no doubt about that, I even wanted to start playing the Paladin Role in my mmorpgs just cause Heathcliff was a beast. I loved the action, the romance and the IDEA! Unfotunately, recurring themes, tentacle hentai, and alo were just some of my problems with the show. * Show that would have probably been in this list is Fate/Zero for I haven’t seen it yet. It would be awesome to see some of these shows winning a category because I believe they deserve it.I would like to thank the Studios and all of the people that worked on these series for giving us some really entertaining show this year. And of course, I would love to thank the Bloggers of this website for doing your job and creating this community. Happy New Year

  165. Lazarus

    From what I’ve watched I’d say:-Guilty Crown-Btooom!-Another-Mirai Nikki-Kokoro ConnectIn no particular order.Also enjoyed Campione! and the first half of SAO. The second half not so much. Aquarion Evol ended up being more annoying than anything imho.And I also honestly don’t understand why Highschool DxD is so popular. Nothing mindblowing there.

    • Ananas

      And still, HDxD managed to be less terrible than most of your list.

      • Lazarus

        I never said the show was terrible, so there’s no need to shit on my list to prove a point.Either way, I made my list based on enjoyment. To be honest I can’t really decide on any best anime of 2012. There were some enjoyable series, but nothing really comes to mind when I try to think of the best out of the handful that I’ve watched.Since you obviously know what quality is, got any recommendations?

  166. here are my top 5 anime of 2012:5.guilty crown-this is also my biggest guilty(no pun intended) pleasure because the plot is a mess and it has badly written characters characters but on the other hand,the soundtrack is great and there are some great visuals in the show. Plus,gc is one of the most addictive and unintentionally funny anime I’ve seen since the original code geass.4.hyouka-good sountrack and visuals(as expected from kyoani) and decent mystery arcs that kept me engage while watching the show. A step in the right direction for kyoani.3.nisemonogatari-not as good as bakemonogatari but it was still fun to watch the characters interaction. Plus,it is always great to have the witty and sarcastic senjougahara hitagi back to torture araragi.2.jormungand-I came into this show wanting to hate it but came out loving it. Memorable characters and unconventional story really made me like it more than say…black lagoon.1.fate/zero-one of the most satisfying anime I have seen in a while. Not only is the animation and music great but it also has an engaging story and memorable characters to boot. It’s not for everyone due to an ending that most people will bitch about but for me the ending is both satisfying and sad at the same time(IMO a great ending). It will probably make my top 5 anime of all time list in the future.Overall,another decent year in anime considering we live in a dork age of shitty moe shows.

  167. MrTropicalcrush

    Cant you vote on this multiple times? thats not very fair :/still i hadKokoro connectSket DanceTonari no kaibitsu kunOda nobuna no yabouDanshi Koukousei no Nichijou

  168. Seishun Otoko

    Selecting my top 5 was pretty straightforward, so I thought Id do something a little more interesting and create a list of my personal favorites for 2012, for bookkeeping if nothing else :3Favorite Animes 2012: Fate/Zero, Tsuritama, Eureka Seven AO, Jormungand, Kyoukai Senjou no HorizonFavorite OVA/Movie 2012: Gundam Unicorn E5, Kokuriko Zaka Kara, Denpa Onna OVA, The IDOLM@STER OVA, E7 AO OVAAnimation: Fate/ZeroStory: Fate/ZeroSoundtrack: Kyoukai Senjou no HorizonOP & ED Sequence: Tsuritama OP Tsurezure Monochrome, High School DxD ED STUDYxSTUDYSong: Fate/Zero OP2 to the beginning by KalafinaCharacter: Emiya Kiritsugu (Male), Koko Hekmatyar (Female)Seiyuu: Irino Miyu (Male), Ishihara Kaori (Female)Plot Twist: Fate Zero (The corrupted Holy Grail)Death: Fate Zero (Rider / Iskander)Trap: Haiyore! Nyaruko-san (Hastur)Action: Kyoukai Senjou no HorizonRomance: Nazo no Kanojo XDrama: Fate/ZeroSci-Fi: Eureka Seven Astral OceanThriller: JormungandMystery: Jinrui wa Suitai ShimashitaComedy: Binbou-gami ga!Romantic Comedy: Ano Natsu de MatteruSlice of Life: Mouretsu PiratesFan-Service: High School DxDMost Underappreciated: TsuritamaBiggest Disappointment: Guilty CrownExceeded Expectations: Tsuritama

  169. StyleF1re

    Voted for:HyoukaJormungandNatsume Yuujinchou ShiTasogare Otome x AmnesiaJinrui wa Suitai ShimashitaAlso giving the nod to:Hidamari Sketch x HoneycombKokoro ConnectTari TariFate/Zero IIChuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai!NisemonogatariPapa no Iukoto wo KikinasaiRinne no Lagrange

  170. Kevin Yamagata

    Can I post my full list here?Favorite anime: GuP, Jinrui, Hyouka, Joshiraku, ChihayafuruOVA + Movie: S;GAnimation: Hyouka, GuPStory: Jinrui, ChihayafuruOST: Horizon, GuP (just listened full OST. totally awesome!)OP/ED: Hyouka OP1 / Jinrui / Nisemonogatari OP01, Joshiraku / JinruiSong: -Character: Oreki Houtarou, Watashi / Koko HekmatyarSeiyuu: – , Mai Nakahara / Miyuki Sawashiro / Haruka TomatsuPlot Twist: -Death: -Trap: -Action: GuP (panzerfahren is action?), JormungandRomance: Hyouka (Oreki x Chitanda is romance?), Tonari, UtakoiDrama: -Sci-fi: EVOLThriller: -Mystery: Jinrui, Hyouka (?)Comedy: JoshirakuRomcom: -SoL: -Fanservice: -Underappreciated: GuP, UtakoiDisappointment: SAO, GC, KExceeded Expectations: GuP

  171. kajiua_seiji

    I LOVE ANIMEI LOVE VITAMIN ANIMEI LOVE ANIME MAKER

  172. Kaiser777

    no orderAnotherChuunibyou demo Koi ga ShitaiKokoro Connect(i am surprise by how such a few amount of people vote for this anime)HyoukaTari Tari

  173. silvite

    Sword art onlineguilty crownmirai nikkichuunibyoufate/zero

  174. Huitzi

    AnotherFate ZeroNisemonogatariShakugan no Shana IIISword Art Online

  175. daikama

    Curious to see the results, but I expect Fate/Zero to be near if not at the top of “Best Anime of 2012” rankings – deservedly so. For me, the show set the benchmark for the rest of the year, probably beyond that. I have less optimism regarding Hellsing Ultimate 09 ranking at the top of OVA list, but IMO, the Hellsing Ultimate OVA series is one of the best – even the English dub is outstanding!. One thing I had hoped to see were polls for “Most Surprising/Underrated (preseason)”, and “Most Disappointing/Overrated (preseason).” Perhaps they can be added in time. There certainly were a few for both categories this year. Of course that happens every year, but for some reason it seems this year it was more frequent and/or dramatic for both categories.Thanks to the RC staff for all their work in 2012, and looking forward to next year’s reviews.

  176. Hurvilo

    Sorry if this question has already been asked, but why isn’t Gintama’ on this list? I know that they continued with new episodes this fall, but the series that ended in March was complete. It had a clear start and a clear ending to seperate it from the rest of the episodes, and thus I think it deserves its own entry as a finished series.

  177. skysekai

    Not in any order:Tsuritama- underappreciate, loved the unique style of art even if it wasn’t always the “best quality”, and overall a really fun series to watchSakamichi no feels Apollon- Not really much to be said except for awesome story, characters, and DAT MUSICDanshi Koukousei no Nichijou- SEVERELY underappreciated, or maybe I just have a weird sense of humor, but I thought this was one of the funniest series ever madeKuroko no Basket- lovable characters, made basketball actually entertaining enough for me to watch and appreciate Chihayafuru- totally surprised me and really exceeded my expectations

  178. YanDaMan

    Fate/Zero: No argument is needed.Persona 4: Really faithful to one of the most incredible RPGs of all time.Btooom: Great story and character development.High School DxD: These characters grew on me after a few episodes.Zetman: Loved the artstyle and great philosophical debate of “what is justice”.

  179. Aufar

    Fate ZeroJormungandJinruiNisemonogatariTonari No Kaibutsu kunsimply can’t vote a mainstream action or pleasuring anime…

  180. mike

    Best anime1-Aquarion evil2-girls und panzer3-Nichibros4-Thermae Romae5-Moraine NikkiOva and movies1 code geass akito2 code tease nulally3 steins gate sp4 berserk5 hellsing ultimate

  181. Novice

    By My Order:1. Hyouka (non mainstream mystery anime, there’s no other than this one)2. Another (Horor. I don’t often watch horor anime but, this one is sooo great)3. Sankarea (Necrophilia male chara…)4. Danshi Koukousei no Nichijou (Pure gag anime!)5. Yuruyuri (it’s my heaven of yuri… oh it’s sooo great!!!)

  182. Usagi

    1.Sakamichi no Apollon2.Mysterious Girlfriend X3.Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun4.Another5.Btooom

  183. Senshi

    Danshi Koukousei no Nichijou is so underappreciated. Comparing it to the rest of the comedy shows I’ve watched, it was definitely THE best comedy of the year, maybe the best when compared to comedy shows from last year’s, the year before, and maybe even the year after.Though I enjoyed Sword Art Online a lot, I think it’s given far too much credit than it deserves. It’s pretty much one of the most overrated anime I’ve seen and is most likely going to take top place in this poll.As for what I think is the best this year, It is Fate/Zero hands down. I don’t think I need to say anymore than this for such a magnificent title. I didn’t even think 2012 could even present an anime that can compete with the 2011 trinity, but I was so wrong. I think I even enjoyed this title more than anything last year provided.The biggest disappointment for this year, if anyone can recall, will most likely be Guilty Crown. The PV, music, and expectations were just off the roofs. The people behind it were big names, and yet it was didn’t come close to being compared to the other works these people made.For suspense and thriller, I’m a bit torn between Mirai Nikki and Another, however I think I’d go with Mirai Nikki due to its length and music.There are so many good Opening and Ending themes that it’s hard to choose but for the song by itself I’d have to give it to Inu x Boku SS ED 7 theme, Taiyou to Tsuki. I didn’t like the anime too much but I think I spent more time listening to that song than the time I spent watching the actual anime itself.There are more anime I’d like to talk about but I’d like to keep this comment short.P.S.R.I.P. Bleach anime, I didn’t think 2012 would be the year it ends. Though I dropped the anime for the manga plenty of years ago and raged at the many things the anime series is doing wrong when compared to the manga, I grew up with the anime series and it will always be something special to me.

  184. Wasn’t Mardock Scramble part of this year?

    • NaYa

      I was wondering about that too.Maybe because most people outside Japan weren’t able to watch it yet?

  185. Guilty Crown! SAO! Aquarion Evol! (hahaha)Top 5 OVA/Movie1. Hotarubi no Mori e (I think this is one of the most underrated in the list)2. From Up on Poppy Hill3. Lupin III: Touhou Kenbunroku – Another Page4. Gyo5. Steins;Gate SpecialHere’s my top 10 in no particular order (since 5 is not enough)Best Love Relationships/Pentagon Ano Natsu De MatteruBest Sports Chihayafuru (If GeK is eligible, GeK would be my best sports anime)Best Scifi Fate/ZeroBest Animation Hyouka (That Kanya Fest…)Best Comedy Jinrui wa Shitai Shimashita (Stark & dark comedy is the best)Best Action JormungandBest Romance Natsuyuki Rendezvous Best Direction Sakamichi no Apollon (This would be a mess if not for Watanabe-sensei)Best Story TsuritamaBest RomCom Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun

    • Kuntzy

      I don’t think you can classify Fate/Zero as sci-fi. Servants and all that kind of go against the whole meaning of science fiction.

    • YanDaMan

      ….Fate Zero is fantasy, not Sci-Fi.

    • Yeah, I admit I’ve made a mistake classifying it as scifi. So, Best Fantasy Series

  186. Naavi

    In order:HyoukaNisemonogatariFate-ZeroTonari no kaibutsu-kunOVA:Code Geass:Akito the Exiled

  187. Altstrike93

    Fate/ZeroSword Art OnlineGuilty CrownKuroko no BasketChuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai!HyoukaBinbougami ga!Tasogare Otome X AmnesiaAccel WorldMuv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse

  188. BaKaYaRou

    Fate/Zero – For the epic battle and surpassing it’s sequel I approve of this one.Ano Natsu – For giving me irritation and headache thinking and waiting for the next episode because of it’s good cliffhangers.Chuunibyou – For the laughter it gave to me and realizing I have the same sickness before. :DBlack Rock Shooter – For the epic fights and grafxLast Exile – Even though it can’t surpassed it’s predecessor seeing the adventure from this world again made me adore this.

  189. chubibo

    Top 5 Anime for me ^^ (not in order)-accel world-fate/zerp-sword art online-Chuunibyou-guilty crown

  190. el-andvari

    so far I only remember watching- Sword Art Online.- Fate Zero…ah yes I remember also watched- k-on movie.- code geass akito- strike witches movie..- TLR darkness ova (this one is must see ^^)

  191. megalith

    Hmm…I can only think of HyoukaFate ZeroChuunibyouA lot of the shows have been a let down like LE, GC, and other stuff I was so eager to watch before it aired.I’d pick K-ON movie and Unicorn for the OVA/Movie category but I seem to be lacking a lot in this so whatever.

  192. fishell

    I am left without many choices as I only complete watching 2 animes and no ova and movie either…just hope that anime which emphasis more on storyline and character development without sacrificing budget for graphics win the best anime if there is since I didn’t watch that many series this year. Looking forward to best anime of the year 🙂

    • fishell

      I meant extreme graphics, decent graphics will do…

  193. Soulsphere

    Why is Bleach listed in 2012 series while Naruto, Fairy Tail, Detective Conan and other long running series are not? I thought Bleach is a long running series. Correct me if I’m wrong.

    • Zannafar

      Because Bleach ended this year and the others did not.

      • Soulsphere

        I found the answer a while ago after posting. Sorry for that. I was finding out how to delete my earlier post. I didn’t know that Bleach already ended.

  194. Zannafar

    TV-Series:Danshi Koukousei no NichijouHyoukaJinrui wa Suitai ShimashitaKyoukai Senjou no Horizon IIRinne no LagrangeOVA/MovieAsa Made Jugyou ChuK-ON!! MovieMinami-ke OADSeitokai Yakuindomo OADStrike Witches Movie

  195. black

    TARI TARIGirl and PanzerKokoro ConnectMirai NikkiAmagami SS+

  196. Airas

    1- Fate 02- Nisemonogatari3- Persona 4: Animation4- Muv Luv5- Aquarion EVOL

  197. Chuunibyou Demo Koi ga Shitai!Haiyore! Nyaruko-sanHidamari Sketch X HoneycombHigh School DxDYuru Yuri

  198. zeroyuki92

    This is a hard vote since :1. For this season, almost all shows that I am currently watching are not listed yet since they’re still incomplete.2. I didn’t finish a giant bulk of shows that I watched this year. Waning interest, disappointment, etc.Finally, I pick (in no particular order) :- Chunnibyou demo Koi ga Shitai : I didn’t have a big expectation for this although I love KyoAni, but it surprised me and could greatly exceeding my expectation. Good laugh, good vanilla.- Jinrui wa Suitai Shimashita : Romeo Tanaka writes a very unique story, and it’s adapted very well. A rare treat of dark comedy and mixed bag of awesomeness. I hope it could be a little bit more popular.- Fate/Zero : It almost reach my extremely high expectation. Kinda disappointed with some direction things, but it still very great in many ways.- Hyouka : Beast animation! I appreciate its unique way of combining mystery and slice of life, although in the end what really matter are the cast’s personal development. Kinda hoping they take a bit different way of presenting Chitanda, though.The last option is the hardest decision, but in the end I pick :- Papa no Iu Koto wo Kikinasai! : I am weak with family shows. At first I’m afraid that they will play in “creepy” territory, but I’m glad they decided to focus at family and cute+heartwarming things. Maybe I just pick this title because it could exceeding my expectation, in contrast with a ton of disappointing shows this year.The rest? Some honorable mentions to Kokoro Connect, Nisemonogatari, Nichibros and Total Eclipse since I could manage to finish them without big disappointment (with different motive, though), but the rest left me with bitter tastes of disappointment of waning interest.In the bright side, there are still numerous shows that are still waiting in my to-watch-list (and most likely will be good) such as Girls und Panzer, Tari Tari, Acchi Kochi, Sakamichi no Apollon, etc. Too bad most likely I could only spare my time to watch one or two.Personal Conclusion : This year is a year with a lot of good anime, but lacking “masterpiece” titles. There are some potential “masterpiece” such as Fate/Zero, but they are lacking a vital step in my own book. Some are even degrading to “epic fail” territory, such as Guilty Crown. But overall it still continue a great momentum after a great “comeback” in 2011 after years of disappointment in 2009-2010.

  199. -Fate Zero-Mirrai Nikki-Shakugan no Shana III-Sword Art Online-Accel WorldI want to add more but I can only choose 5,so I decided to show the ones that have mostly touched my heart.

    • Medaka Box,Binbougami ga,Haiyore Nyarlko,Aquarion Evol,Dog Days,Sankarea,Persona 4,Kyoukai Senjou no Hrizon II,Onii-chan Dakedo Ai,Guilty Crown,Oda Nobuna no Yabou,Kokoro Connect,K,Campione,Hyouka,Hagure Yuusha no Estetica,Amagi SS+ and Black Rock Shooter.Well,if I add all of the anime I’ve really enjoyed this year,here they are.(There are still some anime i’ve not watched yet though ^_^)

  200. Anyone know when Tezuka’s Buddha was released on BD/DVD? Was it this year or last?

  201. Amutofan123

    5. Sakamichi no Apollon4. Nazo no Kanojo X3. Hyouka2. Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun1. Tsuritama

  202. Nirvy

    1- Inu x Boku SS2- Tonari No Kaibutsu-Kun3- Sukitte Ii Na Yo 4- Kamisama Hajimemashita

  203. Amina

    OMG THIS IS so friggin hard 1.sukitte ii na yo 2. natsuyuki rendevous3. tsuritama4.Koroko no basuke 5. bimbougami ga thermae romae, kokoro connect, nazo no kanojo x, accel world, another, ozuma and sket dance were all battling out for top 5 as well. really hard

    • Nirvy

      wow you watched a lot o.o

    • Amina

      Sorry for not being part of the mainstream guys looool 😀

  204. RegalStar

    Acchi Kocchi, Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun, Jinrui, Hyouka, Chuunibyou

  205. Bob Bobbersson

    Surely Magi should be on the list? Not saying it’s the best anime, but it did come out in 2012

    • Stilts

      It didn’t end though. It will resume next week.

      • Bob Bobbersson

        Ah, my bad, didn’t read the conditions. Too busy fighting lions, you see.

  206. Taiyo

    Anime-Sword Art OnlineFate/ZeroDanshikoukousei no NichijouHagure YuushaKore wa Zombie Desuka?OVA/Movie-From Up on Poppy HillHagure YuushaSeitokai YakuindomoGundam UnicornCode GeassThe tales of symphonia ova was a huge disappointment… What happened to Lloyd fighting Kratos for the Flamberge and the crafting of the Eternal Sword?

  207. dsafds

    Accel WorldSword Art OnlineBtooom!Sket Dance

  208. briex

    132 TV series & 75 OVA/Movie ??? this is so friggin’ hard.anyway, my pick this year..TV Series:1. Kyoukai Senjou no Horizon 22. Nisemonogatari3. Sakamichi no Apollon4. Chihayafuru5. PapaKikiOVA/Movie:1. Code Geass: Boukoku no Akito2. Strike Witches Movie3. K-On! Movie4. Minami-ke OAD5. KamiNomi Tenri-hen

  209. Ryan S

    It’s a shame that the sheer beauty of Uchuu Kyoudai isn’t qualified. It definitely obliterates all the other shitty uninspiring anime that came out this year.Uchuu Kyoudai is very well the “good kid m.A.A.d. city”/”Bish Bosch” of 2012 anime.

    • Matroid

      Uchuu Kyoudai is such a gem that I’m sure it will get the credits it deserves next year.

  210. Domo-kun

    In the poll, chuunibyou is mispelled as chunnibyou

  211. Urman

    Fate/ZeroTonari no Kaibutsu-kunJormungandTari TariKukoro no basket

  212. Animeluverz125

    BEST ANIME 20121. Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun2. Kamisama Hajimemashita3. SKET Dance4. Area no Kishi5. Acchi KocchiAhhhh, Sukitte Ii na yo., Sakamichi no Apollon, & TARI TARI were so close to making it on my top 5!! That was so hard.

  213. All Fiction

    ChuunibyouNisemonogatariTari TariSakiMirrai NikkiI didn’t see Fate/Zero on the list. Otherwise I would have picked that.

    • LaughingMan

      It’s there. Look again.

  214. Kuro

    Best Anime 20121. Sword Art Online2. Chunnibyou demo Koi ga Shitai3. Shakugan no Shana Season 34. Ano Natsu de Matteru5. Guilty CrownThese were fun to watch. I would’ve chosen more but these are my top 5. Kuroko no Basket was one of the most entertaining I had watch. Luckily there is season 2. Happy New Year Everybody!

    • All Fiction

      The first 1st half of SAO was godly.

      • AiM

        if you worship satan

  215. Montu

    Wow, for a second I wasn’t too sure if I saw Hellsing Ultimate 9. I had to confirm it real quick.

  216. R

    Is there a reason why Smile Precure is on the list when it’s not over yet?My 5 choices are, in no particular order:Binbougami gaChihayafuruGirls und PanzerTARI TARIYuru YuriI loved Nisemonogatari and Fate/Zero as well, but I decided to give the underdogs my vote because they entertained me just as much, if not more. With the exception of Yuru Yuri (because I knew what I was getting into), all of the titles I voted for caught me completely by surprise and still upheld an air of quality storytelling that I felt deserved my vote.I also enjoyed Oda Nobuna no Yabou and Hyouka, but those two came to mind long after this gut reaction list.This last season is undeniably the strongest of 2012 for me, ending an amazing year in anime. Psycho-Pass and Shin Sekai Yori are sure to get my vote for 2013.Thank you to all the RandomC writers for all your hard work.Here’s to another great year of wonderful shows next year!

  217. MgMaster

    Fate/zero – I obviously don’t need to say anything about it at this point :PAnother – DEM CLIFFHANGER ENDINGS!It just kept me wanting for week after week.Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai! – I was interested in the PV,quite hooked after the 1st episode and it didn’t disappoint till the end.Don’t see how any1 wouldn’t find this at least decent(doesn’t mean it has to be in their top list of course).Jormungand – I actually started watching this after the 1st season was almost over since I assumed(by god knows what stupid reason) that it was just weaker version of Black Lagoon only to enjoy it more than that and to facepalm myself at what I was missing.Muv-Luv Alternative:Total Eclipse – I’m still surprised this one is so underrated.I know it has it has several flaws but there are MUCH worst shows that are viewed in a MUCH more positive light.Maybe it’s because it introduced me to the awesome Muv-Luv universe that I never even heard of till’ then but I also thought it was a good show on it’s own.I wonder if I’m one of the few who thinks this but the main characters just grew on me over the course of 6 months as I found their development quite entertaining,especially Yuuya’s growth.Already got 3 for the best of 2013 poll as well unless something manages to surpass Zetsuen No Tempest,Psycho-Pass and Sakurasou in the next year.Oh,and happy near year!

  218. taiakun

    Looking from the list, I expect this year’s poll return to be one of the most varied in recent times. There hasn’t been major standouts like last year (Steins;Gate and Madoka were clear cut from the rest). It is not that the quality of anime has dipped. If anything, there are too many good series to pick from.My picks (in random order)- Fate/Zero- Acchi Kochi- Chuunibyou- Jormungand- Can’t remember whether I chose Hyouka or Ano Natsu de Matteru…By the way, you missed Acchi Kochi OVA as well I think.

  219. meg2541

    I voted for Bleach and Hiiro no Kakera. Bleach is my favorite anime and Hiiro no Kakera is my newest favorite anime. Hiiro no kakera is amazing and wonderful romantic story. It was at a good pace not too fast not to slow just right. the characters are also great.

    • Matroid

      I like Bleach TV, too. If there were a long-running series category, I would have voted for it. I just think it is an unfair comparison between a long-running series and a genuine season-based series, because the former has the luxury of time to develop the story in more details and bring in many more new characters.

  220. Passbyer

    my vote:series:Fate/Zero Girls und PanzerJormungandMuv-Luv Alternative: Total EclipseNisemonogatarispecial mention: Another, Btooom!, Kokoro Connect, Lupin the Third: Mine Fujiko to Iu Onna, Sakamichi no Apollon, Saki Achiga-hen episode of side-A, Sword Art Onlineova/movie:.hack//Movie, K-ON! Movie, Steins;Gate Special

  221. Arcad

    My vote in no order was:High School DxDCampioneKokoro ConnectSymphogearand my number one was hands downACCEL WORLD!! That anime (especially towards the end) had me on the edge of my seat cheering. No other series gave me that kinda reaction.

  222. 0927123

    Man this is what I get for playing Skyrim all week, 300+ comments!Anyways will go with what I enjoyed the most, in no particular order:HyoukaGuilty CrownOda NobunaFate/ZeroNyaruko

  223. Roguespirit

    HyoukaGirls und PanzerBlack Rock ShooterAcchi KocchiNazo no Kanojo XAlthough I wonder it GuP is really qualified since it technically hasn’t ended yet. Still what we have is indeed amazing so it gets my vote for being the most entertaining show of the year and exceeding everyone’s expectations.(the ones who gave it a chance anyway). GuP is aparently the most successful anime Actis has ever produced. They’ve had to start another run of blu-ray production to keep up with demand, and the Final episodes and OVAs aren’t even out yet.

  224. Top Five Series:- Natsume Yuujinchou Shi- Sakamichi no Apollon- Lupin the THIRD: Mine Fujiko to Iu Onna- Chihayafuru- Jinrui wa Suitai ShimashitaTop Five OVAs/Movies:- From Up on Poppy Hill- Hotarubi no Mori e- UN-GO #0- Sakasama no Patema- K-ON! The MovieHonestly, I wish I understood Japanese so I could have finished Hyouge Mono.

  225. ShuA

    See overrrated hates toward SAO in this thread–> number of thumbs down toward comments which supports SAO

  226. Name (required)

    my top five list:-ANOTHER-hyouka-fate zero-CHUNNIBYOU-jormungand

  227. Huarriuteus

    -Sword art online-Kokoro Connect-Chuunibyou-Hyouka-Kuroko No basuke

  228. cul dud

    SWORD ART ONLINE IS THE BESTGUILTY CROWN IS THE SECOND BESTPERSONA 4 IS THE THIRDSHAKUGAN NO SHANA 3 AQUARION EVOL

  229. Spz

    Shakugan no Shana, Saki, Hyouka, Jinrui & Girls und PanzerVery hard this year, not because theres a lot of good titles, but because none of them are really ‘omfg this is THE BEST EVER’, like last year when we had, for example, Madoka.

  230. Ananas

    Taking a look at the list I can see only three serious candidates.Hyouka, very inconsistent, sometimes average, often decent, really good or plain excellent at times. Anyway, Hyouka’s festival arc is far above anything else that was made this year.Nisemonogatari, some terrific scenes here and there. Some pacing issues. Overall best candidate.Jinrui, a slow first half overshadowed by its genius second one. Jinrui was more of a necessary show than AOTY material compared to the two above but it did leave the strongest impression. Time Paradogs.

  231. BlueFalcon

    My favorites are:- Chihayafuru- Fate/Zero- Hyouka- Jormungand- Sukitte Ii na yo

  232. Espada

    Hellsing X not on the list?

  233. iyArashi

    Series:– Kyoukai Senjou no Horizon II- Ebiten– Girls und Panzer- Binbougami Ga!- Jinrui wa Suitai ShimashitaI chose these five because these are the shows that always left me satisfied after each episode. These are also shows I watch every now and then to cheer myself up because I know at the end I’d be grinning like an idiot. The best anime of 2012 for me is one that I would still watch in the future and still get the same enjoyment out of it that I got when I watched it the first time around while anime that I can appreciate more everytime I watch it is something that will stick with me forever; and that’s Kyoukaisen.OVAs:– Steins;Gate Special- The iDOLM@STER Shiny Festa OVA- To LOVE-Ru Darkness OAD- Seitokai Yakuindomo OAD- Amagami SS+ SPAs for these five, well pretty much the same deal as above — any anime that one can enjoy watching over and over again is definitely worth being called the best.

    • iyArashi

      Okay… I just saw the last 4 episode of Kokoro Connect and I’d be damned if I didn’t give it a place in my list. With that said, I’m bumping up Kokoro Connect to Girls und Panzer’s place (since it hasn’t really ended yet) and my revised list is as follows:- Kyoukai Senjou no Horizon II- Ebiten– Kokoro Connect- Binbougami Ga!- Jinrui wa Suitai Shimashita

      • Amina

        so did i but now its too late to put it in. so damn annoyed.it was tug of war. why did they only put the last episodes now

  234. Ngai

    Highschool DXDChuunibyou demo koi ga shitaiJinrui wa suitai shimashitaHyoukaNazo no Kanajo X4th and 5th were a little hard to place for me. Were some others but I really loved the other 3 (no particular order). By no means watched all the series though!None of the few ovas I’ve seen particularly made an impact, Jinrui’s are cool (not on list/doesn’t qualify) and Hyouka’s was nice in a kyoani/fanservice way (but made my eyes bleed in its web stream quality). To love-ru darkness ova on the otherhand…pretty awesome =DIf psychopass or tempest were for his year, they’d probably have made the list.

    • pluskin

      lol as much as I want it to happen, I know they won’t nominate Study x Study for best ED of 2012. they should though, because ……um……it was so well animated >.> …*coughs and shuffles away*

      • Ngai

        Wouldn’t mind that ED for the whole of season 2 =D It was ridiculously awesome (with likely a massively disproportionate share of budget).I hoping Stilt’s ecchi side will call him to give DxD ED a special mention 😛 Look forward to him hopefully covering season 2, unashamedly gushing over is potential awesomeness… For an ecchi series though, it has a lot to live up to.

  235. hamDemiya

    My choices(anime):-Fate Zero-Hyouka-Chuunibyou-Kokoro Connect-Jinrui wa Suitai ShimashitaHonarable mentions(shows I would have chosen if I could choose more than 5):-Muv-luv alternative total eclispe-Acchi Kochi-Girls und Panzer

  236. aelove

    Jinrui wa Suitai Shimashita!!!!! needs more lovin. That show was amazing, I hope it does well overall. My other picks were Danshi Kokousei no Nichijou, Nisemonogatari, Joshiraku and Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun. I’m all in for comedy. This year wasn’t really a big one for me, especially considering last year was so mindblowing with four-star worthy shows like Steins, Madoka and Penguindrum. Props to Another, that would’ve been my next choice, I still get nervous around dolls with vacant expressions. or dolls in general.also…never thought i’d live to see the day bleach was on this poll.

  237. Hmmm, many good anime came out this year but only Fate/Zero really stands out. I also voted for Hyouka, Chuunibyou Demo Koi Ga Shitai and Sakamichi no Apollon although I don’t view them as worthy “Best Anime 2012” title. good series but not enough. Sadly, I had to put Jinrui wa Shimashita on-hold due to school and didn’t have chance to resume. And I didn’t even touch Sukitte Ii Na Yo & Toonari no Kaibutsu-kun. They seem like awesome series. :/ Maybe if I had seen these series, I would have better opinion of 2012.

  238. Natasha

    1.Hyouka2.Chihayafuru3.Sakamichi no Apollon4.SAO5.Tonari no Kaibutsu-kunI wished I could add, chuunibyou, accel world, nazo no kanojo and sukitte ii na yo as well!!OVA1.Steins gate2.HAGANAI3.accel worldHappy new year!!

  239. InsertWittyNameHere

    In no particular order:-Tsuritama-Future Diary (Mirai Nikki)-Jinrui-Danshi Koukousei-Natsuyuki RendezvouSakamichi and Tonari were my other top 5 candidates.

  240. SoraNoKaze

    Fate Zero is the best anime of 2012.

  241. Arcad

    One Im noticing about peoples opinions, we all have our own opinions of what we thought was the best of the year. Just cause someone else doesn’t agree doesn’t mean you gotta disapprove of their votes.

    • Matroid

      I think disapproval of someone’s vote is a legitimate part of discussion. But personal attack would be one step too far.

  242. Naiika

    Did you guys even finish coverage of Hyouka? Just askin’

    • TheMoondoggie

      Verdant got bored of it I think…. 19 was the last episode posted.

  243. Jotaro

    Where’s Jojo?

    • Da5id

      Didn’t finish this year, it only started.

  244. cshin9

    In no particular order:-Another-Chihayafuru-Nisemonogatari-Persona 4-Sakamichi no Apollon

  245. Kuro

    A quite disappointing year, although there’s a lot of good animes, non of them actually impress me much. In the last few years, we have code geass, FMAB, Steins;Gate, but this year, mehGuess I’m gonna go with Fate Zero and SAO

  246. boingman

    Sword Art Online competing with Guilty Crown for biggest disappointment, considering the hype it gathered before it started? I don’t any other titles that gathered so much hate. Nah, I still think that this award will easily go to the Code Geass ripoff, while Fate/Zero will probably be voted the best anime of 2012. My favorites: Fate/Zero and Horizon

    • Kurisu Vi Britannia

      I’d say SAO was much better than GC for the first arc and good for a story wrote by an amateur at the time iirc.

    • pluskin

      nah, man. GC was the biggest disappointment because it actually had potential. The character and animation were great, the music was phenomenal. All it had to do was come up with a competent story and everyone was ready to call it the greatest anime of this generation. Instead we got this…

    • Jonz

      SAO? Guily Crown? Biggest Dissappointment??You’ve got to be kidding, SAO and GC is just overrated show, but is still quite okay.The biggest dissapointment this year has got to be Aquarion Evol. Only god knows how disapointing I am for this show…. x_x

    • Jonz

      grammar error: disappointing = disappointed 😛

  247. kondee

    I’m going to go on a major rampage if Fate/Zero isn’t anime of the year or if the mediocre SAO gets it (no offense SAO fans, I sat through 20 episodes already so I don’t wanna seem like I’m hatin’ for no reason…I actually liked it a bit at some point). Don’t get me wrong, 2012 has a fair share of solid finished titles that I enjoyed like Humanity has Declined or Another but Fate/Zero just grabbed me by the balls and made sure my eyes stay on screen at all times plus you got to admire how ambitious it is even if you disliked it.

    • Anon

      Loved F/Z here myself, but I think the material itself was too dense for most people. Recommended it to a few friends and they dropped it because “it didn’t have enough action.” It’s true that it starts slow, especially given that the first ep was double length. Despite SA:O squandering opportunity at being great and morphing into an entirely different show in the second arc, it was still one of the most entertaining shows this year for me.

      • kondee

        That’s disappointing dude, I thought there was a lot of good action if people managed to get through the slow parts. When it happens it’s gorgeous. I recommended to friends to better success. SAO didn’t do it for me but I’m glad you managed to enjoy it. Though my reaction to it seems venomous and exaggerated, I do agree that this is a celebration of anime in general for 2012. As long as any fan of anime gets entertained either way it doesn’t matter what show it is, I’ll consider it a good year.

  248. kondee

    Aw man…I wonder why I’m so pumped for this as if this were the Oscars? I read Best Anime 2012 poll and the adrenaline just kicks in. It is not healthy for the fanboy side of me…

    • Matroid

      Any fan of this web site can easily watch over 10,000 hours of anime per year. After dedicating such a large chunk of our lives, it is only natural to want for some justification for our effort so that we can do it again next year. An annual ritual of “best” anime election is all that it takes to give us a sense of collective achievement. No, it is no longer an election– it has become a war to prove that I Watch Anime Therefore I Exist. You bet people are pumped. You should be. I surely am. This is what it means to be a fan.

      • Matroid

        Okay, 10,000 hours was just figurative. More like 200 hours to be realistic…

      • kondee

        Cheers to that! If I were in a Hyperbolic time chamber…I will easily consume 10,000 hours. To another year of anime!

      • MgMaster

        o.O,you’re my hero,well said 😀

  249. Thrice-Great Hermes

    So what’s been good this past year in anime.Fate/ZeroAqurion EvolMuv Luv Total EclipseWell that’s about. happy new year people.

  250. ris

    why i don’t see Daily Lives of High School Boys i love that anime

    • Senshi

      Then go vote for Danshi Koukousei no Nichijou. That’s the Japanese name for Daily Lives of High School Boys and that is what they have up for the poll. It along with Fate/Zero comes up as my favorite this year.

  251. coins

    can i change my vote to include kokoro connect? because damn those last 4 episodes were good!

  252. Yuki

    In my opinion, best anime of 2012 is definitely:HyoukaChuunibyouFate/ZeroShakugan no ShanaAnd….. K-On the movie =)

  253. pluskin

    Biggest Disappointment of 2012: GUILTY CROWNEverything was lining up to break new ground in anime and the best it could deliver was a story by committee. All side characters were one dimensional. They blatantly recycle overused story elements and fanboys have the gull to call it “homage” or “nostalgia”.

  254. Wissenschaft

    My picks in no particular order:Fate/ZeroMirrai NikkiMuv Luv Total EclipseJormungandEureka Seven AOBest OVA by FAR: Unicorn Gundam Episode 5.Biggest Disappointment of 2012: GUILTY CROWN

  255. Senshi

    Oh man, if only the OVAs for Kokoro Connect was up there, I just finished watching it a while ago and it was amazing. I think I enjoyed that arc as much as or even more so than the first arc which was what I considered to be the best arc in that anime until I saw this OVA. I would definitely have voted for that if I had not voted already and/or if it was included in the OVA/Movies poll.

  256. Nya~

    so hard to choose since most of animes sucked or didn’t give u the ” this is the best anime i’ve ever watched” feeling.. however, I think if i had to choose it would be:Kamisama Hajimemashita, Kuroro Connect n maybe bleach since it ended in 2012 hahahaha XD

  257. Dafer

    to put in my list1.Kyoukai senjou no horizon2.Fate/zero3.K peoject4.Accel World5.Shagukan no Shana 3

  258. Looks like I missed the deadline, but I’ll post for the fun of it anyhow!1. Kyoukai Senjou no Horizon II2. Tsuritama3. Nisemonogatari4. Daily lives of Highschool Boys5. Rinne no LagrangeBiggest disappointment has to go to SAO for me (it’s just edging out guilty crown). I adored SAO’s first episode, but it all started to go downhill from there… I couldn’t even finish Fairy Dance.

  259. knight

    1.kyoukai senjou no horizon2.accel world3.Sword art online4. chihayafuru5. fate zerothis five make people want to watch more and excited every episode best top 5 but still got more

  260. pokpok

    1 Mirai nikki2. Hyouka3.Fate/zero4 Nisemonogatari5.Jormungand

  261. Hideyoshi

    1.Guilty Crown2.sword art online3.danshi kokosei nichijou4.another5.chunnibyou demo koi ga shitai

  262. LaughingMan

    How come Hellsing OVA 9 and 10 and Berserk Movie 2 are missing?

  263. Vsin

    Gundam AGE for most underappreciated Anime of 2012. Poor show was dead before it even hit the air. It’s not a masterpiece by any stretch of the imagination, but it brought a solid number of interesting ideas to the table.

  264. Jin

    #1 Fate/Zero#2 Fate/Zero#4 Fate/Zero#4 Fate/Zero#5 Fate/ZeroSpecial consideration for Guilty Crown. Despite how fucking terrible it was, it is the one anime (along with Fate/Zero) that will ultimately be the most memorable for me in 2012. In all seriousness it was an excellent year of anime but its a cluster fuck deciding spots 2-5.

  265. nagi

    NOOOO I missed the poll :((((Just for the fun of it..-Fate/Zero-Chihayafuru-Ano Natsu-Mirai Nikki-Kokoro Connect

  266. fairx

    Haha.. missed coz of work.. Just for fun then, my list in no particular order would be:TsuritamaTonari no Kaibutsu-kunJinrui wa Suitai ShimashitaGirl and PanzerJormungandah… Moretsu Pirates break my heart… sigh~~

  267. Mukuro Rokudo

    In order for me1. Fate Zero (ALL TIME BEST ANIME GRAPHICS and it has a very good story)2. Sword Art Online (Best anime for its 1st arc, but Alfeim was a little boring and quite a disappointment @_@)3.Another (One of the best twist ^_^)4.Sket Dance (I love this show though it has a not so good ending)5.Kore Wa Zombie Desu ka of the Dead (though its a personal preference I guess) ^_^

  268. 1) Sword Art Online2) Accel World3) Mirai nikki4) Chuunibyou5) Shagukan no Shana 3

    • D

      How to start an argument:1) SAO2) Accel World

  269. 1.Guity Crown2.Sword Art Online3.Accel World

  270. Miki

    Guilty Crown all the way! XD

  271. default

    And I’m not late at all

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