Best Drama Anime of 2016

Mitsuha Miyamizu is a high school student who dreams of escaping her rural hometown to experience the vibrant life of Tokyo, a desire that sharply contrasts with her current reality. In the city, Taki Tachibana leads a hectic existence as a student, balancing a part-time job with his aspirations to become an architect. Suddenly, Mitsuha finds herself waking up in Taki’s body in Tokyo, while Taki discovers he has swapped lives with Mitsuha in the countryside. Driven to understand this bizarre occurrence, the two begin searching for each other. The story follows how their interactions profoundly affect one another’s destinies, binding them together through fate and circumstance.

In his youth, elementary student Shouya Ishida dealt with boredom by acting cruelly. When the deaf Shouko Nishimiya joins his class, Shouya and his classmates thoughtlessly torment her for amusement. After her mother reports the bullying to the school, Shouya is singled out and held responsible for everything. Shouko transfers away, and Shouya is left at the mercy of his peers, who heartlessly shun him throughout elementary and middle school while teachers look the other way. Now in his third year of high school, Shouya remains haunted by his childhood misdeeds. Genuinely regretting his past actions, he embarks on a path of redemption: to meet Shouko again and make amends. Koe no Katachi tells the moving story of Shouya's reunion with Shouko and his sincere efforts to redeem himself, even as the shadows of his past continue to pursue him.

Leaving the convenience store, Subaru Natsuki never expects to be torn from his ordinary life and thrown into a fantasy world. Things look grim for the confused teenager; soon after arriving, he is set upon by thugs. Armed with only a grocery bag and a useless phone, he is quickly beaten senseless. Fortunately, a mysterious beauty named Satella, chasing the thief who stole her insignia, stumbles upon Subaru and rescues him. To repay the kind and honest girl, Subaru offers to help her search, and later that night he even discovers the location of what she seeks. But an ominous darker force lurks in the shadows, and mere minutes after finding the insignia, Subaru and Satella are brutally killed. Yet Subaru instantly awakens to a familiar scene—facing the same thugs, meeting Satella once more—the mystery deepens as history inexplicably repeats itself.

Considered a hopeless case by everyone around him, 27-year-old Arata Kaizaki drifts through various jobs after leaving his first company. His mundane life changes dramatically when he meets Ryou Yoake from the ReLife Research Institute, who offers him a chance to improve his life with a mysterious pill. Without hesitation, Arata takes it and wakes up the next day to find his appearance has turned back to that of a 17-year-old. Arata soon discovers he is part of a unique experiment and must attend high school as a transfer student for one year. Initially thinking his adult experience will make it easy, Arata is proven wrong on his first day: he fails all his tests, is out of shape, and can't adapt to the new school rules that have appeared over the past decade. To make matters worse, Ryou is assigned to observe him, causing constant frustration. ReLIFE follows Arata's struggle to adapt to his chaotic new life and avoid repeating past mistakes, while gradually learning more about his classmates.

Naho Takamiya's first day of her second year of high school gets off to a rough start. After waking up late, she discovers a mysterious letter addressed to her—one that comes from herself ten years in the future. At first, Naho is doubtful, but when the events described in the letter begin to unfold exactly as written, she accepts that it truly came from her 26-year-old self. The letter explains that her future life is full of regrets, and she wants her younger self to correct the mistakes of the past. It also warns her to keep a close eye on the new transfer student, Kakeru Naruse, because he is no longer around in the future. With the letter as her guide, Naho now has the chance to protect Kakeru before she ends up regretting it all over again.

Fear, survival, instinct. Cast into an unfamiliar world with only faint recollections and the awareness of their own names, a group of strangers can sense nothing but these three emotions echoing deep within them. They have no choice but to accept the sole paying occupation in this game-like realm—serving as soldiers in the Reserve Army—and destroy any threats to peace in their new world, Grimgar. When all the stronger candidates band together, those left behind must form a party to endure: Manato, a charismatic leader and priest; Haruhiro, a nervous thief; Yume, a cheerful hunter; Shihoru, a shy mage; Moguzo, a kind warrior; and Ranta, a rowdy dark knight. Though it may look like one, this is no game—there are no do-overs or respawns; it is kill or be killed. Now this unlikely band of fighters must learn to survive together in a world where the boundary between life and death is razor-thin.

Katsuhira Agata is a reserved and introverted high school student who has almost completely lost the ability to feel pain. His classmate, Chidori Takashiro, is one of the few people who remembers what Katsuhira was like before this drastic change. Because of his indifferent and subdued demeanor, Katsuhira becomes an easy target for bullies who extort large sums of money from him; they can hit him without getting much of a reaction, as he remains emotionally detached. One day, Katsuhira, Chidori, and four other teenagers are abducted and forced to take part in the Kizuna System as designated "Kiznaivers." This network connects participants through shared pain, so when one member is injured, the others feel the same level of agony. Assigned to be test subjects for a flawed system meant to create worldwide peace, these teens are bound together by fate. To survive, they must show their true selves to one another, or face consequences that go far beyond the failure of the Kizuna System.

As a child in the town of Lawless, Angelo Lagusa witnessed a horrific event: his parents and younger brother were ruthlessly killed by the Vanetti mafia family. Having lost everything dear to him, he abandoned both his name and his hometown, taking on the new identity of Avilio Bruno. Seven years later, Avilio gets his chance for revenge when a mysterious letter prompts him to return to Lawless. Heeding the call, he soon meets Nero, the son of the Vanetti don, and works to befriend him using the skills he has quietly developed over the years. Set during the Prohibition era, 91 Days follows Avilio's dark, blood-soaked path to vengeance as he systematically eliminates each man involved in his family's murder.

Having become a professional shogi player while still in middle school, Rei Kiriyama stands among a select few elites in the shogi world. This achievement brings immense pressure from both the shogi community and his adoptive family. Seeking to escape his tense home life, he moves into a Tokyo apartment alone. As a 17-year-old living by himself, Rei neglects his own well-being, and his withdrawn nature isolates him from classmates and fellow players at the shogi hall. Soon after arriving in Tokyo, Rei encounters Akari, Hinata, and Momo Kawamoto—three sisters living with their grandfather, who runs a traditional wagashi shop. Akari, the eldest sister, is determined to alleviate Rei's loneliness and poor self-care with motherly warmth. The Kawamoto sisters, dealing with their own past sorrows, offer Rei a unique sense of family he has missed for much of his life. While struggling to maintain his physical and mental health amid his shogi career, Rei must learn to connect with others and navigate his own complicated feelings.

Marked for death and doomed to be pursued by demons until his last breath, Guts resolves to challenge this terrifying fate as endless waves of monsters chase after him. With his resolve steeled, he brandishes the enormous Dragonslayer and vows vengeance against the man he once admired and considered a friend. Along his journey, he encounters unexpected allies such as the tiny elf Puck and Isidro, a young thief eager to learn the art of the sword from the former mercenary. As this unlikely band comes together to accompany Guts on his mission, they must face threats more horrifying than any they have encountered before.

Shirayuki and Zen Wistalia have acknowledged their mutual feelings, and life has returned to its usual rhythm. Shirayuki continues her training as an apprentice court herbalist in the royal palace of Clarines, while Zen carries on with his duties alongside his loyal aides. Their peaceful days are interrupted when Crown Prince Izana, Zen's older brother, receives an invitation from Raji Shenazard, the prince of Tanbarun. Shirayuki is ordered to travel to Tanbarun for seven days in order to foster a renewed friendship with the once arrogant and demanding ruler who previously tried to force her into becoming his concubine. On her journey, Shirayuki is certain to encounter fresh trouble, as she becomes the target of a mysterious boy named Kazuki, a stranger she has never met before.

Nanba is known as the most secure prison in existence, built to contain convicts who have proven impossible to hold in ordinary facilities. Within Cell 13 are four inmates with a flawless track record of escaping every other jail they've been in. Juugo, a lock expert, has spent nearly his entire life behind bars; Uno, a gambler, relies on sharp instincts; Nico is an otaku whose body reacts in strange ways to drugs; and Rock is a fighter with a huge appetite for food. Their daily mischief constantly frustrates building supervisor Hajime Sugoroku, who works hard to prevent them from escaping. The story follows the comedic, glitter-filled adventures of these prisoners and their guards. With three meals a day and events like sports festivals, life in Nanba isn't so bad, making it feel like the closest thing to home for the four.

Yotarou, a former yakuza member just released from prison, is fixated on one goal: instead of returning to a life of crime, he wants to perform rakugo, a traditional Japanese comedic storytelling art. Inspired during his incarceration by the performance of the renowned practitioner Yakumo Yuurakutei, he resolves to meet the man who changed his life. After hearing Yotarou's desperate plea for guidance, Yakumo has no choice but to accept his very first apprentice. As he eagerly begins his training, Yotarou meets Konatsu, a sharp-tongued young woman who has been under Yakumo's care since her beloved father Sukeroku Yuurakutei—another prolific rakugo performer—passed away. Through her hidden passion, Yotarou is drawn to Sukeroku's unique rakugo style, even as he studies under contrasting techniques. Witnessing this stirs old memories and feelings in Yakumo, who recalls a much earlier time when he made a promise with his greatest rival. Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu is a story set in both the past and present, depicting the art of rakugo, the relationships it creates, and the lives and hearts of those dedicated to keeping this unique form of storytelling alive.

After advancing past the qualifying round for the Kansai regional competition, the members of the Kitauji High School concert band focus on their next performance. They make the most of summer break by taking part in a camp where band advisor Noboru Taki and his friends, who work as professional musicians, provide instruction. Kumiko Oumae and her companions remain determined to earn gold at the Kansai competition, but complications arise when a student who previously quit the band expresses interest in rejoining, stirring up unpleasant memories for the second-year members. Kumiko also uncovers surprising details about her teacher's past and the reason behind his drive to lead the band to victory. Reaching the national level will demand hard work, and the unwavering commitment of each student to the band will be tested.

A bus carrying a group of eccentric individuals is traveling toward the urban legend known as Nanaki Village—a place where one can supposedly start over and live a perfect life. Many of them have different theories about why the village appears on no map and why even the police cannot locate it, but they all look forward to their new lives and what awaits them at their destination. After a few mishaps, they successfully arrive at Nanaki Village only to find it completely abandoned. Based on the state of disrepair, it has been vacant for at least a year. However, secrets soon emerge as some of the group begin to go missing while exploring the village, and amid the confusion, they discover bloody claw marks in a forest. As mistrust and in-fighting erupt, will they ever uncover the truth behind this lost village?

As World War II approaches, intelligence on foreign nations' social and economic conditions becomes increasingly valuable. To acquire this asset, Japan creates a covert spy network called the "D Agency." Led by Lieutenant Colonel Yuuki, eight operatives are tasked with infiltrating and monitoring several powerful countries, reporting any war-related developments. To carry out these perilous missions, these men have conditioned their bodies to endure extreme environments and mastered subjects like communications and languages. Yet their true edge lies in their skill at manipulating others to extract the intelligence needed to give Japan the advantage.

Suzu Urano is a gentle and innocent girl who loves to draw and often gets lost in her own daydreams. She grows up on the outskirts of Hiroshima with her family, happily helping with her grandmother's seaweed business. When she reaches marriageable age, Suzu leaves her cherished home to marry Shuusaku Houjou, a man she hardly knows. As she settles into her new husband's family, the homesick bride struggles to adapt to her unfamiliar surroundings while the war effort pushes far beyond the point of no return. When the fighting reaches Suzu's own neighborhood and peace turns into cruelty, how will she sustain herself and the people she grows to care for along the way? Kono Sekai no Katasumi ni offers a vivid yet somber portrait of daily life in the years before and after World War II, highlighting the resilience and strength of ordinary Japanese people during one of the darkest eras in modern history.

Tekkadan has become a direct subsidiary of Teiwaz following the successful establishment of a new trade deal with Arbrau. With its increased financial resources and reputation, Tekkadan sees both its circle of supporters and its number of adversaries expand. At the same time, the internal conflict within Gjallarhorn continues to escalate. As part of her initiative to secure Mars' economic independence from Earth, Kudelia Aina Bernstein establishes the Admoss Company and brings Tekkadan on as her business partner. The risks grow greater as the Tekkadan family expands. Can Orga, Mikazuki, and the rest of the Tekkadan faction keep pace, or will Kudelia's vision of a free Mars collapse?

Haru Kaidou, the eldest son of his family, goes to Canada after hearing that his mother is on the brink of death. As soon as he arrives, he finds out not only that his mother tricked him, but also that he has to take care of his adoptive brother, Ren Kaidou—a withdrawn child who is more at ease around dogs than people. Because Ren is so mistrustful, Haru struggles at first to connect with him, but their relationship gradually develops. Haru makes a vow to Ren: they will live together in Japan once Haru finishes high school. However, a bad accident causes Haru to lose all memory of the summer they shared, including that promise. Five years later, Ren shows up in Tokyo expecting Haru to keep his word; but to Haru, Ren is just a random boy claiming to be his brother.

Continuing his campaign to reclaim Ecbatana, Prince Arslan and his group advance toward the city. However, upon learning that the neighboring Kingdom of Turan has launched an attack on the Parsian stronghold at Peshawar Citadel, the prince is compelled to turn back and defend the fortress. While holding off the invading forces, the Parsian army encounters an unexpected visitor. As Arslan returns to Peshawar, Prince Hermes takes a brief detour from his conflict with his cousin to seek the legendary sword Rukhnabad, which would grant him the right to rule and reclaim what he believes is his. But after uncovering the lost artifact, the blade is stolen by the Temple Knights of Lusitania, prompting the masked warrior to pursue them. Meanwhile, in Ecbatana, the captive King Andragoras III seizes an opportunity to act and begins making his move. As the different factions of the Parsian royal conflict collide, Arslan's claim to the throne comes under assault. Yet, regardless of the obstacles in their path, the young prince and his loyal band of warriors press forward to restore Pars to its former glory.

From childhood, Ryuuichi Naruhodou aspired to become a defense attorney who would protect the innocent when no one else would. But when the rookie lawyer finally takes on his first case under the guidance of his mentor Chihiro Ayasato, he discovers that the courtroom is a battlefield. In these fast-paced trials, Ryuuichi must think creatively to uncover the truth behind the crimes committed and prove his clients' innocence. Gyakuten Saiban: Sono "Shinjitsu", Igi Ari! follows Ryuuichi as he takes on cases to clear the falsely accused of the charges they face. It won't be easy—standing in his way is the ruthless prosecutor Reiji Mitsurugi, who will stop at nothing to secure guilty verdicts. With his back against the wall, the defense attorney must scrutinize both evidence and witness testimony, sifting through lies to solve the mystery behind each case. With a cry of "objection!" the courtroom battle begins!

Kouhei Araki, a long-serving editor in Genbu Publishing's dictionary department, intends to step down to devote himself to caring for his sick wife. But before he leaves, he needs to find someone to take over the work on his current project—a new dictionary titled The Great Passage. No matter where he searches, though, he cannot locate a suitable candidate, since compiling a dictionary demands immense patience, time, and commitment. Mitsuya Majime works in Genbu Publishing's sales division, but he struggles with social interactions and often fails to grasp the atmosphere around him. Despite this, he possesses a genuine passion for words, fueled by his love of reading and meticulous nature. These qualities catch Araki's attention, leading him to offer Majime a role in the dictionary editorial team. As Majime takes on his new position, he feels uncertain about his own abilities and worries about fitting in with his colleagues. Yet, amid the vast ocean of words, The Great Passage will bring them all together.

Kogorou Akechi established a private investigation agency called the Boy Detectives' Club, a team that handles inquiries of varying scales. During an assignment, junior member Kensuke Hanasaki encounters Yoshio Kobayashi, a mysterious boy who cannot die and has lost his memory. Impressed by Yoshio’s immortality, Kensuke proposes a pact: Yoshio joins the club to assist with cases, and in return, Kensuke will help him find a way to end his life. Though reluctant and indifferent to others, Yoshio agrees, unaware of the significant changes awaiting him. As he spends more time with his new companions while working on cases, he slowly starts to recognize their value. Based on Edogawa Ranpo’s "Shounen Tanteidan," this series follows Akechi and the Boy Detectives' Club as they tackle diverse mysteries while facing a concealed menace lurking in the shadows: the Fiend with Twenty Faces.

In 1983, the Cold War rages while humanity faces a new threat: strange aliens named BETA have landed on Earth with the goal of annihilating all life. Soldiers are deployed to pilot large combat suits called Tactical Surface Fighters (TSF) to fight back the alien invaders, but the front line is gradually being forced back toward the remaining cities. Schwarzesmarken centers on Second Lieutenant Theodor Eberbach and the other members of the 666th TSF squadron—a merciless unit that prioritizes completing missions over preserving human lives. Stationed in East Germany and headed by war hero Captain Irisdina Bernhard, the squadron specializes in counterassault strikes against laser-class BETA. Yet the 666th squadron soon faces more foes than just the alien forces when optimistic rookie Katia Waldheim joins, drawing the scrutiny of East Germany's secret police, the Stasi.

Fuuka Reventon has a combative nature and frequently winds up in fights while trying to support herself. After a clash with gangsters leaves her injured, she is found by martial arts champion Einhald Stratos, who takes her to a hospital. Seeing potential in Fuuka's abilities, Einhald encourages her to become a martial arts athlete and offers her a job at Nakajima Gym, where Einhald trains. Fuuka initially refuses the offer due to the painful memories it stirs up. She was once childhood friends with the now prominent martial arts athlete Rinne Berlinetta, but after being adopted by a wealthy family and beginning martial arts, Rinne's personality changed from kind and gentle to cold and cruel. However, Fuuka soon accepts Einhald's proposal and starts training under her—motivated not only by necessity but also by the desire to defeat Rinne and make her see how hurtful her behavior has become. Despite Fuuka's lack of experience, Einhald and the other gym members have confidence in her talent and dedication.

After a decade away from home, Azuma Kazuki has no clue what awaits him on his return. He never expects to be ambushed by a swarm of heavily armed individuals and taken captive. Luckily, his time as a prisoner is brief. His childhood friend, Kogane Asabuki, comes to his rescue, wielding a strange sentient weapon called a "Bubuki" on her right arm. Once free, Azuma discovers that he, too, can control a Bubuki. Alongside his new allies, he must awaken the slumbering Buranki titan Oubu, hidden far underground. Armed with this knowledge and mission, a new path to uncover the secrets behind the Buranki opens up for Azuma.

Twelve-year-old Takumi Harada is widely recognized as a baseball pitching prodigy. After relocating to the remote town of Nitta, he is forced to join his new school’s untrained baseball squad. Rather than being discouraged, Takumi finds the prospect amusing, believing it would be more entertaining to transform this obscure club into a dominant force through his own abilities. However, his immense talent requires a catcher capable of handling his pitches. His concerns are alleviated upon meeting Gou Nagakura, a fellow student and devoted fan who strives to demonstrate that he possesses the skill necessary to receive Takumi’s throws. As they struggle to establish a cohesive battery, Takumi clashes with his teammates due to his disrespectful attitude, while simultaneously seeking the genuine enjoyment of the game under the mentorship of his grandfather.

In the Universal Century year 0096, a tenuous peace reigns after years of strife. Sixteen-year-old Banagher Links is stranded in the Industrial 7 space colony after a shuttle malfunction during a school excursion. War has always been a distant myth to him, but his reality shifts instantly when he saves Audrey Burne. She desperately seeks an audience with Cardeas Vist, head of the nearby Vist Foundation, to convince him to conceal Laplace's Box, an artifact capable of global destruction. As various galactic factions converge on Industrial 7 to claim the Box, conflict erupts between Neo Zeon remnants and Earth Federation Forces. In his dying breath, Cardeas entrusts Banagher with the key to the Box and a mobile suit known as The Unicorn Gundam. Driven by explosive action and mounting tension, the story follows Banagher as his beliefs are challenged and a century-old destiny is fulfilled.

Sequel of Bubuki Buranki.

Two young wrestlers face off in the Tiger's Lair, a recently revived underground wrestling organization that destroyed the dojo where they both grew up. One has taken over the training grounds of Naoto Date at the base of Mount Fuji, along with the mask he left behind. The other infiltrated the Tiger's Lair, won a brutal tournament, and earned a jet-black tiger mask. One tiger walks the path of light; the other walks the path of shadow. Neither knows the other's true identity. In the ring, they are natural enemies—but they share a single goal: destroy the Tiger's Lair.

Departures are moments that evoke both hope and melancholy. Tabi Machi Late Show examines how these ambivalent emotions continue to persist long beyond that singular moment of parting. Azuma reflects on her mentor while bidding farewell to her own pupil; Kumeno looks back on her brief yet stormy bond with Koizumi; Yukari encounters a longtime acquaintance at the Lantern Festival; and Sakurada cherishes memories of the many students she encountered throughout her years as a teacher. Built around motifs of parting and travel, Tabi Machi Late Show consists of four close, slice-of-life tales that thoughtfully contemplate the enduring impact individuals have on each other.

The video originates from Muse's ongoing artistic collaboration with Japanese director Tekken, who previously produced captivating flipbook-style animated clips for the songs "Follow Me" and "Exogenesis: Symphony Part 3 (Redemption)".