Best Adventure Anime of 2013

In an instant, thirty thousand bewildered gamers from Japan are pulled out of their ordinary lives and thrust into the world of the popular MMORPG Elder Tale following its latest update—and they find themselves unable to log out. Among them is Shiroe, a socially awkward college student whose initial confusion and shock fade quickly as, being a veteran of the game, he promptly begins to test the boundaries of his new reality. Shiroe must adapt to life in this unfamiliar world, guiding others and bargaining with the NPC "natives" to bring order to the virtual city of Akihabara. He is accompanied by his unfortunate friend Naotsugu, who logged in for the first time in years only to become trapped, and Akatsuki, a petite yet fierce assassin who declares Shiroe her master. A story blending fantasy, adventure, and politics, Log Horizon examines the aspects of gaming through the perspective of a master tactician striving to make the most of a puzzling predicament.

Following their triumph over Al-Thamen, Aladdin and his companions leave the nation of Sindria, marking the end of their shared journey as they prepare to part ways. Hakuryuu and Kougyoku are tasked with returning to their native land, the Kou Empire. Aladdin declares his intention to travel to Magnostadt, a strange realm governed by magicians, to probe the enigmatic occurrences there and refine his magical abilities. Inspired by his resolve, Alibaba and Morgiana also embark on their individual paths, seeking training and a return to their homeland, respectively. The story chronicles these friends as they navigate distinct adventures and personal trials. Yet, a looming great war signals the emergence of a new danger on the horizon.

Fifteen years have passed since the war between humans and demons began. Impatient with the slow pace of the Demon Realm’s invasion, the Hero abandons his companions to race ahead to the Demon Queen’s castle. Upon arrival, he is stunned to discover that she is stunningly beautiful and actually seeks his collaboration. Confused by this unexpected turn, the Hero refuses to ally with his enemy, arguing that the demons’ continuous warfare is ravaging the Southern Nations. The Demon Queen refutes this claim, explaining that the conflict has instead strengthened human unity and created substantial wealth and prosperity, supporting her points with statistical evidence. She further reveals that ending the war would cut off aid shipments from the Central Nations to the Southern Nations, leading to mass starvation for hundreds of thousands. Despite this, she offers a plan to end the war and bring hope to both the Southern Nations and the broader world, on the condition that the Hero helps her implement it. Convinced by her logic, the Hero agrees to work with his former opponent. Promising to stand by her through every challenge, they travel together toward the human world.

Long after most of humanity abandoned Earth, the Galactic Alliance of Humanity was established to lead exploration and secure mankind's future. A grave danger emerges in the form of mysterious creatures known as Hideauze, sparking an interstellar conflict to save humanity from annihilation. Armed with his autonomous robot Chamber, 16-year-old lieutenant Ledo of the Galactic Alliance joins the fight against these monsters. During the battle, Ledo loses control and is flung across space, crash-landing on a flooded Earth. On this blue world, Gargantia—a massive fleet of salvage ships—discovers Chamber and hauls it from the sea, believing they have found something valuable. Misinterpreting their actions as hostile, Ledo sneaks aboard and takes a young messenger girl named Amy hostage, only to realize the people of Gargantia are not the threat he imagined. Stranded and unable to contact his comrades in space, Ledo struggles to adapt and find his place in this unfamiliar lifestyle. Yet his peaceful days will not last, for this ocean-covered planet hides deeper secrets.

A year after Guts left them to pursue his own path, the Band of the Hawk has been reduced in number. Returning after hearing a rumor about their situation, Guts finds the Hawks—now commanded by his former ally Casca—fighting for their survival. Once hailed as the saviors of Midland, they are now hunted fugitives, desperately trying to free their leader Griffith, who was imprisoned for treason. But the man they rescue bears little resemblance to the Griffith they remember. Griffith is a shattered remnant of his former charismatic self after enduring a year of horrific torture. Unable to walk, speak, or even lift a sword, he clings only to the strange Crimson Behelit that refuses to leave him. The entire Band of the Hawk yearns to rise again, but the price of reclaiming their former glory may be steep. When Griffith's heart turns dark and a solar eclipse blots out the sky, the Behelit presents a choice that seals the Hawks in a blood-soaked fate that will haunt them forever.

The world has been forsaken by God, plunging existence into a state where no one can truly die and no new life can be born, while the "dead" wander aimlessly among the living. Before turning away forever, God granted one final miracle by creating "gravekeepers"—mystical beings who can lay the dead to rest through proper burial. Ai, a cheerful yet naive young girl, carries on her late mother's role as her village's gravekeeper. One day, a man named Hampnie Hambart—claimed to be Ai's father—arrives and slaughters everyone in her village. With her home destroyed and no direction in life, Ai decides to join this mysterious man on his travels. As she journeys across the land, the young gravekeeper strives to fulfill her duty: bringing peace to the dead and helping the living, all while gradually uncovering the truth about the world God left in such a tragic state.

Satoshi and Pikachu arrive in Lumiose City, a part of the famous Kalos region, as they continue their quest to capture more Pokémon and strive to become the very best. Meanwhile, genius inventor Citron and his younger sister Eureka are exploring the city when they encounter Satoshi, who promptly challenges them to a battle. Their plans are interrupted by a dangerous situation when Team Rocket, having followed Satoshi into Kalos, causes a Gaburias to go on a rampage through the streets. Far off in the quiet town of Vaniville, a young girl named Serena goes through her daily Sihorn riding practice under her mother's guidance, as her mother is a professional Sihorn racer. After finishing practice, she watches the events unfolding in Miare City on television and spots a boy she knew from her childhood. The sight of him, having left a deep impression on her, awakens a longing to see him again. So Serena sets off for Miare City, determined to find the boy from her past. Pokemon XY follows the group as they journey across Kalos, each pursuing their own goals—Satoshi taking on Pokémon gym challenges, Citron learning from Satoshi, and Serena searching for what her true dream might be. Along the way, they make new friends, encounter fresh rivals, and repeatedly foil Team Rocket's plots, all while gradually uncovering some of the secrets behind mega evolution.

As a child, Aoi Yukimura loved mountains and was passionate about climbing. But after a playground accident gave her a fear of heights, she turned to indoor hobbies instead. Now a shy, timid first-year high school student, Aoi has become so absorbed in these pastimes that she can barely socialize, leaving her with almost no friends. Everything changes when she runs into the lively Hinata Kuraue, an old friend from her climbing days. Impulsive and full of energy, Hinata insists on dragging Aoi into various climbing activities. Although reluctant at first, Aoi soon finds that spending time with Hinata brings back fond childhood memories, and she decides to start climbing again. As returning to her old hobby helps her open up, Aoi gains close friends, takes on new challenges, and continues to find her own encouragement to climb.

After Brook asks about the origin of the name Mini Merry, Usopp and Tony Tony Chopper remember the journeys of the Straw Hat Pirates' cherished ship, comrade, and crewmate—the Going Merry. Usopp leaves the crew following a dispute over the Going Merry, while Nico Robin departs with CP9, the government's elite assassination squad. To reunite the crew, Monkey D. Luffy and the remaining Straw Hats pursue Robin to save her from the grasp of the World Government.

Arata, a youth from a distinguished lineage in Amawakuni, anticipates carving his own path until news arrives that the princess is failing. Secretly, his grandmother registered him as female at birth, and since the matriarchal Hime clan lacks other female heirs, he becomes the next in line for the throne. Posing as a woman while awaiting a substitute, Arata observes an assassination attempt on the princess by her personal guards, the 12 Shinsho. Framed for the crime, he flees into the Kando forest, a place rumored to transform all who enter. Simultaneously, in contemporary Japan, Arata Hinohara seeks refuge from his classmates’ brutality. Lured by a voice calling his name from an alley, he strays from his route and accidentally swaps universes with the Arata of Amawakuni. Empowered as a newly awakened Sho, a warrior capable of wielding Hayagami, divine weapons, and aided by companions he meets along the way, Hinohara aims to bring stability to this unfamiliar realm.

After the Isshu League Higaki Tournament, Satoshi and his friends embark on a new journey to the White Ruins, a site discovered by Professor Araragi's father and connected to the legendary Pokémon Reshiram. There, they meet the enigmatic youth N, who claims to understand the speech of Pokémon. Soon, the group becomes caught up in a disturbing experiment on Pokémon carried out by the Plasma Gang! Through the efforts of the mysterious scientist Achroma, even Pikachu and Kibago turn aggressive toward Satoshi and his companions!? What are the true objectives of the Plasma Gang's leader Ghetsis, who indicates that the gang has been searching for N!? And then, the Rocket Gang trio makes their comeback to the Isshu Region!! Their present mission places them in conflict with the Plasma Gang... how will the ensuing battle play out!?

Hozuki, Kazuki, and Hazuki, the granddaughter, great-granddaughter, and great-great-granddaughter of Galileo respectively, possess vastly different personalities and interests, leaving them perpetually at odds. Their conflict escalates when a clandestine group attacks them, seeking the "Galileo Tesoro" allegedly discovered by their ancestor. Following the assault, the trio flees aboard an airship they constructed themselves, though their mutual friction makes cooperation difficult during crises. As they navigate this dangerous situation, questions arise regarding the true nature of the Tesoro, the motives of their pursuers, and the evolving dynamics of their familial bond. This series blends action and mystery with the charm of three distinct sisters.

After their encounter with Team Plasma, Satoshi, Iris and Dent start a new journey in the Decolora Islands.

A surreal take on the classic fairy tale Alice in Wonderland by Keiichi Tanaami, with psychedelic ambientation.

In a new and whimsical era of Battle Spirits, cards are scattered across a vibrant galaxy, drawing all "card questers" into fierce battles for the most powerful cards. Rei is a flashy wanderer driven by an obsession with being at the top. Accompanied by a small dragon named Mugen and a talking robot named Salt, this self-proclaimed "Number One Star" regularly stirs up mischief through dazzling card-game duels. One day, Rei crosses paths with Raira and Rikuto April, both of whom seem to have leads on the whereabouts of the "ultimate" Battle Spirits card. Together, they set off on a quest to find that card, encountering many colorful personalities along the way. Soon, their journey draws the attention of the Guild, cunning villains who also seek to secure the Ultimate Battle Spirits. As Rei contends with the Guild, the claim of being number one is put to the test—an endeavor that gradually unveils secrets concerning the fate of the universe.

The continuation of Battle Spirits Sword Eyes.

The young Kan from Earth is summoned to the Kingdom of Toria, where he is attacked by the giant creature Zinba and rescued by the linkers Shibuki and Uranus. Later, he accidentally boards the linker squad DUX's truck to the maze valley, and inside a cave he finds a golden Zinba.

A millennium has passed since the time of Princess Mikoto, during which a specific historical event led to all hunters being trapped within cards. Hagan, a spirited young boy, holds the power to release these sealed warriors. He embarks on a journey with his companions to locate the cards, encountering dangerous combat along the way.

Following his victory over the YA.RA.SI faction and the restoration of his fame after besting Leo and Nai Minamimo, Katta Kirifuda moves forward. In this installment, he employs a fresh breed of Outrage monsters to counter the emerging Oracle deck players. Meanwhile, the creature world enters a brand new era.

Jett, an adorable jet plane, embarks on exciting global journeys to hand-deliver packages to children. Each delivery brings new obstacles, which Jett overcomes with the help of his Super Wings teammates: Dizzy, Jerome, and Donnie. Together, this team visits various countries and learns about the richness of different cultures.

In a futuristic city, many children play with Finger Skateboards—tiny boards that control a simulated character in battle at the player’s whim. The protagonist enters a shop and joins the game alongside three of his friends. The kids go on numerous adventures and compete against Alexander, the son of a rival company that opposes the original shop.

In this series centered on siblings, one of them is selected by a specific animal power, and the older brother makes new companions during his journey. Together with his friends, he pursues larger animals that threaten innocent people and locations. He must rescue those he cares about and confront adversaries stronger than himself.