Anime exploded in popularity in recent years, and the industry is evolving at a breakneck pace. Whether through visual artistry, defying expectations, or unique and memorable characters, the medium is growing and transforming before fans’ very eyes. Longstanding conventions and bars are being challenged as modern anime are expanding the boundaries for what can be achieved.
However, not every evolution is for the better, signaling progress in the right direction. Alongside ambitious creations, there have also been a number of anime that risk dampening the medium due to low-effort productions, prioritizing quantity over quality, and morally and ethically questionable decisions that many fans are staunchly against.
The Apothecary Diaries
The Apothecary Diaries follows Maomao, a sharp-witted young woman who was kidnapped and sold into servitude at the imperial palace. Her intelligence and medical knowledge catch the attention of Jinshi, the head eunuch, and lead her to a promotion as a food taster, despite her desire to maintain a low profile.
She gradually catches the attention of others around the Rear Palace, and with her intellect, she begins to solve various mysteries and political conspiracies. The series is best known for its unconventional heroine and historical backdrop as well as its engaging, character-driven storytelling. Paired with the slow-burn romance subplot, the series raises the bar for its approach to female-led narratives.
The Apothecary Diaries quickly rose in popularity and proves that series that prioritize mature, intellectual stories with strong female heroines can become as popular as action-packed anime. Its success shows that high-quality animation, complex characters, and thoughtful developments can achieve commercial appeal, opening the door to more anime that embrace depth and substance.
Solo Leveling
Solo Leveling centers on Sung Jinwoo, an E-rank hunter who was called the weakest in the world until a near-death experience gives him access to a mysterious System that allows him to endlessly level up. From an underdog to his country’s most powerful hunter, Jinwoo gains unparalleled strength, allowing him to become the Shadow Monarch.
The series is most known for its unprecedented international popularity and introduced countless viewers to anime. It stands out as a groundbreaking adaptation of South Korean manhwa and for drawing attention to power fantasy anime. Its stunning visuals, popular protagonist, and fight choreography set a new standard for adaptations.
Solo Leveling became the entry point for many new anime fans and is often cited as a must-watch series. That said, however, many longtime fans of the original web novel and manhwa have voiced their concerns regarding the anime adaptation’s rushed pacing, underwhelming character development and exploration, and lack of depth.
The Beginning After The End
The Beginning After The End centers on King Grey, a once-powerful monarch who is reincarnated into a magical world as a baby named Arther Leywin. Retaining his memories of his previous life, Arthur uses his knowledge to his advantage, gaining strength, new connections, and navigating conflicts in this new world.
Facing rival mages, monsters, and the politics of magical societies while uncovering mysteries surrounding his previous life. The Beginning After The End has a popular web novel and manhwa; however, its anime adaptation falls short of its potential. Both critics and fans have shared their disappointment over its lackluster animation, low-budget production, and underwhelming action sequences.
Compared to the original source material, the anime offers an unsatisfying experience that leaves out key story elements and character moments. As anime grows in popularity, so does demand, and unfortunately, that demand may lead to poor adaptations that prioritize speed over quality. Now the series serves as an example of how promising material can be undermined by production missteps.
The Daily Life of a Middle-Aged Online Shopper in Another World
The Daily Life of a Middle-Aged Online Shopper in Another World follows Kenichi Hamada, a man who is transported into a fantastical realm, but can still access an online shopping site and continues his mundane obsession. Rather than adapting to new challenges or exploring the world’s magic, he uses his knowledge of e-commerce to acquire goods and luxuries.
The anime has been criticized for its shallow premise, reliance on instant gratification, and reduction of isekai to a consumerist fantasy. Its focus becomes repetitive as Kenichi acquires and sells items, leading to a formulaic narrative with no meaningful stakes or character development. Many viewers feel that the story is uninspiring, tedious, and representative of an increasingly oversaturated isekai anime market.
The Daily Life of a Middle-Aged Online Shopper in Another World is a demonstration of how isekai, one of anime’s most popular genres, is becoming overproduced in the anime industry. This risks diluting the genre and potentially alienating newcomers who are interested in exploring anime, as well as setting a new standard that prioritizes quantity over quality.
To Be Hero X
To Be Hero X is set in a world where heroes gain their powers through Trust Values, a measure of public faith that is displayed on one’s wrist. The series follows the top ten heroes in an anthology-like format, exploring their backstories and personalities before they compete in a tournament to become the top-ranked hero known as X.
The series explores darker themes and presents a unique take on heroism through the pressures of fame, public opinion, and the personal cost of their Trust Values, which can dictate how one acts and even how a hero looks. Along with corrupt hero agencies, the series stands out for its cast of complex characters and rich world-building.
To Be Hero X has inventive production and narrative techniques, including its mix of 2D and 3D animation, varying styles, and a unique take on the superhero genre. The series integrates an interactive element in which fans can vote online for their favorite characters, adding to their Trust Values and determining their power and screen time in the next season.
Twins Hinahima
Twins Hinahima follow two central siblings, Hinana and Himari, who are attempting to achieve viral fame by posting dancing videos on TikTok. Their lives are completely altered when they are pulled into a world that runs alongside their own. As they navigate this change, the two document their adventures and strange events.
The series has drawn widespread criticism for its heavy reliance on AI-generated animation, with some reports suggesting that up to 95% of the visuals were produced by AI, making it the first anime that is predominantly made with this technology. Created by Frontier Works and KaKa Creation, Twins Hinahima has introduced an ethically and morally unwelcome precedent to anime.
Many anime fans have argued that the series’s lack of human artistry steals creative expression and undermines the craftsmanship of creators and animators within the industry. The implications of Twins Hinahima are concerning, as generative AI used in creative spaces creates soulless work and devalues real people-made work.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End starts the story after the epic defeat of the Demon King. Following the titular character, Frieren, an immortal elf, the series explores her journey as she attempts to make sense of humans’ fleeting lifespans and her feelings surrounding her former human companions after their passing, particularly regarding Himmel the Hero.
As Frieren travels with her new companions, Fern and Stark, she learns to value the small, often overlooked moments of connection. Best known for its slower-paced and introspective tone, breathtaking animation, and strong, well-developed characters, the series does a spectacular job of blending adventure, action, and reflection.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End stands as proof that mature, reflective fantasy storytelling can be just as successful as high-stakes action series. Frieren opens the doors for more introspective narratives to take center stage, expanding the types of stories that are produced and celebrated among viewers. Its strong female protagonist, thoughtful pacing, and emotional depth inspire fans and creators worldwide.
Demon Slayer
Demon Slayer follows Tanjiro Kamado, a young boy with a peaceful family life, until a demon murders his mother and siblings, leaving only his sister Nezuko as the sole survivor and transformed into a demon. Determined to find a cure, avenge his family, and ensure no one else suffers the same tragedy, Tanjiro becomes a Demon Slayer.
The series is known for its stunning animation, emotional storytelling, and strong yet soft-hearted protagonist. As Tanjiro trains and takes on increasingly powerful enemies, the series continuously shares the backstories of the characters, showing the circumstances that led them to where they are and humanizing its villains.
Demon Slayer has grown to become one of the most popular and most-watched anime series of all time, with its theatrical release, Infinity Castle, breaking numerous records and becoming one of the highest-grossing films of 2025. The series effectively raised the bar and redefined expectations for the medium while proving that anime has become a global pop culture powerhouse.
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