Best Drama Anime of 2010

In a mysterious afterlife resembling a high school, 17-year-old Yuzuru Otonashi awakens with no recollection of his past. This realm houses souls who met unjust ends and still harbor resentment toward God. These bitter spirits have established the Afterlife Battlefront, commanded by Yuri Nakamura, to wage war against their deity-like student council president, Kanade "Angel" Tachibana. Yuri recruits Otonashi for their rebellion, aiming to reclaim control over their destinies. However, doubting the righteousness of their cause, Otonashi chooses to align with the opposing side to better understand what unites them all.

As a child, Moritaka Mashiro aspired to become a mangaká like his uncle Tarou Kawaguchi, a creator of famous gag manga. However, a tragedy forced Moritaka to abandon this dream, leading him to focus on his studies in middle school with the goal of securing a stable career as a salaryman. During high school, his classmate Akito Takagi, a top student aspiring to be a writer, discovers the intricate drawings in Moritaka's notebook. Recognizing his potential, Akito convinces him to form a partnership and create manga together. Motivated by the possibility that his crush, Miho Azuki, might one day voice a character in their creation, Moritaka agrees. The duo embarks on their journey as mangaká under the pen name Muto Ashirogi, striving to reach the pinnacle of the Japanese manga industry.

In 1955 Japan, Mario Minakami is sent to Shounan Special Reform School alongside five other teenagers convicted of serious crimes. When they arrive, they are placed in the same cell and meet Rokurouta Sakuragi, a long-term inmate and former boxer. A strong connection develops among them, strengthened by a promise to reunite after completing their sentences. Under Rokurouta's guidance, the seven inmates begin to see their brutal circumstances with renewed optimism. Yet they face relentless abuse from Ishihara, a vengeful guard holding a personal grudge against Rokurouta, and Dr. Gisuke Sasaki, who mistreats the boys. The group must endure these harrowing trials to survive until their release. But beyond their imprisonment, what awaits them in the world outside?

In "Dance in the Vampire Bund," Mina Tepes, the ruler of the vampires, publicly announces the existence of vampires on live television and proposes establishing a sanctuary in Japan called the Vampire Bund. Using her family's immense wealth, she settles the country's debts and secures the rights to build a haven for vampires. However, her declaration sparks opposition from humans who doubt her intentions for peace. Akira Kaburagi, a skeptic of vampires, feels uneasy when discussions about them arise, though he cannot explain why. Living a carefree life since suffering a head injury a year prior, Akira's world changes when he meets Mina, who awakens his buried memories and compels him to protect her without knowing the reasons. Unbeknownst to Akira, he holds an extraordinary secret: he is a werewolf, destined from birth to safeguard the vampire queen at the cost of his own existence. As Mina and Akira navigate the dangerous environment of the Vampire Bund, they uncover the deep nature of their bond.

After dying, "I" is cast out of the cycle of reincarnation because of the sin "I" committed. An angel announces that "I" has won a lottery, and the prize is a chance to recall that sin. The soul of "I" enters the body of Makoto, a 14-year-old boy who committed suicide, and "I" tries to retrace those lost memories. Oppressed by Makoto's terrible circumstances and by the guilt of borrowing his body, "I" slowly comes to a realization: people hurt each other because the world is so colorful that no one can tell their own true color from the colors of others. Based on the award-winning first-person narrative novel by Mori Eto, the movie won several awards in Japan.

On her first day of junior high, Mato Kuroi quickly bonds with Yomi Takanashi. Though Yomi is taken aback by Mato's direct manner, they swiftly become close friends, spending nearly every day together. To mark their friendship, Mato gives Yomi a phone charm shaped like a blue star, matching the one she carries herself. As the two move into their second year, their relationship begins to shift. Placed in separate homerooms, Mato grows closer to Yuu Koutari, whom she meets through the basketball team. This new friendship drives a wedge between Mato and Yomi, eventually leading to Yomi's sudden disappearance. Meanwhile, Black★Rock Shooter is locked in combat with the Dead Master. Despite being enemies, the two share a connection that mirrors the bond between Mato and Yomi. As their fates intersect, it becomes apparent that Yomi's vanishing may be tied to the blue star charm—and to Black★Rock Shooter herself.

Set in 1864 Japan, Hakuoki ~Demon of the Fleeting Blossom~ centers on Chizuru Yukimura, a young woman searching for her missing father, Koudou, a doctor who is seldom at home. After months without any word from him, Chizuru disguises herself as a man and travels to Kyoto hoping for clues. While evading suspicious ronin, she accidentally happens upon a brutal scene where those ronin are viciously killed by crazed white-haired beings. The Shinsengumi step in, eliminate the attackers, and then capture Chizuru, debating whether to kill her or let her live. When Chizuru reveals her father’s name, the Shinsengumi decide to protect her, since they too have been looking for Koudou. It emerges that Koudou shares a deep link with the Shinsengumi, drawing Chizuru into the group’s struggles against their enemies and the political turmoil gripping Kyoto.

Yuki Sakurai, an orphan raised without knowledge of his family, struggles with a sense of purpose and a peculiar ability to sense others' painful memories through touch. Anonymous letters urging him to end his own life deepen his inner turmoil. Unbeknownst to Yuki, his life is watched by both those who wish to harm him and those who seek to protect him. One misty evening, Yuki's life is unexpectedly saved by a striking man with silver eyes and raven-black hair—someone Yuki recognizes despite never having met. The appearance of this enigmatic figure stirs Yuki's dormant memories and reveals the true meaning of his existence. "Uragiri wa Boku no Namae wo Shitteiru" follows Yuki as a teenager uncovering his identity and origins, all while navigating friendships, encountering betrayal, and gradually unraveling the mysteries of his past.

In Universal Century 0096, three years after Char Aznable's failed attempt to force humanity into space colonies orbiting Earth, 16-year-old Banagher Links lives a peaceful life in Side 4 with his peers. Audrey Burne, the sole heir of a notorious tyrannical lineage, aims to secure the key to a cryptic device called "Laplace's Box," believed to have the ability to alter the universe's destiny. Venturing to Side 4, Audrey seeks to retrieve the key before the Sleeves, remnants of Char Aznable's Neo-Zeon, can acquire it. Her quest intersects with Banagher, irrevocably altering his life. Upon Side 4 facing an assault by the Sleeves and their formidable pilots, Marida Cruz and Full Frontal, Banagher assumes command of the recently constructed Gundam Unicorn to safeguard his friends and the future of humanity.

In the tranquil Edo period, Masanosuke Akitsu, known as Masa, is a wandering ronin without direction, celebrated for his skill with a blade yet hindered by a timid nature that marks him as untrustworthy. Frequent dismissals lead him to doubt his commitment to the samurai path. At his lowest point, Masa meets Yaichi, a cheerful figure in pink, who unexpectedly hires him as a bodyguard. Unaware of the job's true intent, Masa becomes entangled in the shady dealings orchestrated by Yaichi and their crew. As he ventures deeper into the Five Leaves organization, Masa wrestles with his own moral code, but his curiosity drives him to uncover the motives and history of this enigmatic criminal band.

Following the events of Hakuoki, Chizuru Yukimura and the Shinsengumi are forced to leave Kyoto and sail to Edo. With Isami Kondou no longer leading them, Toshizou Hijikata steps up as commander. The weight of this new role puts immense pressure on Hijikata, causing concern among his allies, and he struggles with a sudden, uncontrollable bloodlust that also drives others in the unit to madness. When Kondou returns, he brings orders from the emperor to protect the castle and renames their group the Kouyou Chinbutai. But in wartime, loyalties can shift quickly. In Hakuoki Hekketsuroku, Chizuru fights alongside the Shinsengumi as she continues searching for her missing father, while her bond with Hijikata deepens.

Ten years following the events of xxxHOLiC Shunmuki, a melancholic Kimihiro Watanuki has assumed control of the shop once managed by the mysterious Yuuko, honoring a promise he made to her. He resides there in relative contentment alongside his companions Maru, Moro, and Mokona, while familiar faces occasionally drop by: Shizuka Doumeki, a former rival who has become a steadfast friend, and the former psychic prodigy Kohane Tsuyuri. As Kohane studies folklore under Doumeki's guidance at university, the pair stumbles upon a case perfectly suited for the shop's master. Eventually, Doumeki's grandfather, Haruka, visits Watanuki with a request to investigate his grandson's dreams. Venturing into the dream world, Watanuki witnesses how their past adventures unfolded from Doumeki's perspective. This journey reveals truths from a decade ago and uncovers secrets regarding the bonds that define their friendship.

In Japan's top soccer league, East Tokyo United has been struggling for years, barely avoiding relegation. A recent five-game losing streak has further dampened morale, leading to declining fan support and rumors that the local government may withdraw funding for their home stadium. The club has also gone through a series of dismissed coaches and poor player acquisitions, pushing them into a downward spiral. Under pressure from general manager Kousei Gotou, the board takes a bold step and hires Takeshi Tatsumi as the new head coach. Although Tatsumi left ETU during his playing career and is seen as a traitor, he has since found success with a lower-division amateur team in England. Faced with skepticism from fans and tough opponents, Tatsumi is determined to lead the underdog team to victory, proving himself as a master of defeating stronger foes.

In the film "Bungaku Shoujo," Konoha Inoue seems to be an ordinary high school sophomore, his life unremarkable except for a mysterious incident two years prior that concealed his past as a well-known female romance novelist. Following that event, he vowed never to write again. However, his commitment is put to the test when he is forced to join the literary club by its president, the enigmatic third-year student Amano Tookyomi, who is known for her peculiar habit of devouring literature. As part of his club responsibilities, Konoha must write a daily snack for her.

In 2039, helper androids have become commonplace as general-purpose electronics. Keiichiro lost his family in a traffic accident and quit his band. One day, he discovers an old-model android in a garbage dump. He brings her home, but after taking her to a repair shop, he is told she cannot be fixed, so he plans to discard her. However, the next morning, he finds her preparing breakfast for him. And so begins the summer days of a memory-less android and a dreamless boy. Kowarekake no Orgel was originally an independent animation released as an OVA. Later, it received a theatrical release that is slightly different and longer than the original.

In "Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha: The Movie 1st," Nanoha Takamachi is an ordinary third-grader who cherishes her family and friends. After a dream involving a wounded ferret, she discovers the real animal and learns it is Yuuno Scrya, a mage from another world on a quest to collect 21 scattered Jewel Seeds to prevent universal chaos. Lacking the power to achieve this alone, Yuuno gives Nanoha the sentient device Raising Heart and begins teaching her magic. However, the powerful Jewel Seeds draw the attention of those with harmful intentions, such as Fate Testarossa, a fellow mage determined to gather the seeds for her own dark motives. Yet, Nanoha senses there is more to Fate than meets the eye. This film revisits the original series, highlighting the emotional journeys of two young mages and how their feelings influence their choices.

Tony Stark, the CEO of a major weapons manufacturing company, a physicist, engineer, and brilliant inventor, is injured by shrapnel from one of his own creations. While being held hostage by terrorists, he creates the Iron Man Suit and makes his escape. From that moment onward, he swears not to squander his second chance at life and to improve the world. To accomplish this, he travels to Japan. At Lab 23 in Japan, significant progress has been made in developing and constructing a unique power station that does not rely on fossil fuels—the Arc Station. Stark intends to participate in this project, and to that end, he is prepared to announce his retirement as Iron Man. Simultaneously, he will also unveil the Mass-produced Iron Men, to whom he will delegate his responsibilities. However, during the ceremonies, Stark is suddenly attacked by combat mecha belonging to an organization called Zodiac.

Episodes which depict the background stories of "Bungaku Shoujo" Movie's main heroines.

In the year 2039, helper androids have become commonplace as general-purpose appliances. Keiichiro, who lost his family in a traffic accident and retired from his band, discovers an outdated android model in a garbage dump. He brings her home, but after taking her to a repair shop, he is told she cannot be fixed and plans to throw her away. However, the next morning, he finds her making breakfast for him. And so the summer days begin for a memoryless android and a dreamless boy. Kowarekake no Orgel was originally an independent animation released as an OVA. Later, it received a theatrical release that is slightly different and longer than the original.

It is now 2148, two years after the events of the Fafner in the Azure TV series. Tatsumiya Island and its survivors have begun to recover, but protagonist Kazuki is in a critical state—nearly blind and partially disabled from his past battles against the Festum. He clings to the promise his deceased friend Soushi made to return to the island and set things right. Kazuki’s spirits lift when a life form is detected inside an unmanned submarine that drifts into Tatsumiya Bay one evening. However, the individual aboard is not Soushi; instead, it is a cryptic boy named Misao Kurusu, who claims he might not be fully human and says Soushi sent him. Misao’s appearance sparks renewed hostilities between the Human Army and the Festum, forcing the Fafner pilots into their most perilous battle yet, with the fate of two species hanging in the balance.

Unidentified beings known as "Archon" emerge without warning, pushing humanity to the brink of extinction. In response, a specialized unit called the "Goulart Knights" is established to fight back against the Archon. These knights possess supernatural abilities, allowing them to manifest a "Holy Grail" from within their own spirits and use it in battle.

A short Mini Flash anime included with the limited-edition DVD volumes (covering episodes 1–6) and the Blu-ray Box (covering episodes 1–8, with episodes 7 and 8 being exclusive new additions to the Blu-ray box).

In this special episode of Kowarekake no Orgel, which appears in both the theatrical version and the DVD/BD release, Flower observes that Keiichiro is tired and chooses to prepare a new dish for him.

This OVA is a bonus feature included with the PSP game Da Capo: D.C. I & II P.S.P., presenting animated sequences where the four main heroines—Nemu, Kotori, Yume, and Otome—confess their feelings to the protagonist.

The story is set around the year 3000, a time when human civilization has reached its pinnacle but is gradually losing the desire to continue living. It follows a girl, referred to as "princess" by those around her, who resides on a small island inhabited by a colony of fifty people, surrounded by a luminous coral reef. She is a descendant of the Moon people, and the narrative centers on how her ancestors are said to have come to Earth.

Aki Tesno resides in a destitute village situated at the base of a valley. One day, a man from an affluent uptown city requests Aki to save a girl who has been abducted.

For their twenty-fifth anniversary, Vanilla and Coconna, accompanied by Gotho, journey to Uoodo in hopes of meeting Chirico again. While there, they encounter a red-shouldered Armored Trooper at the Battling arena.

Irvine Lester works as an AT mechanic, repairing armored troopers to support himself and his sister. To make ends meet, he secretly takes part in AT gambling tournaments, intentionally losing matches to earn money. However, his exceptional skill as an AT pilot eventually catches the attention of other competitors, who then insist on facing him in a genuine, no-holds-barred fight.

Mii and Yuko, two junior high school students on a school trip to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, come across a monument dedicated to Dr. Marcel Junod standing alone in a corner of the park. They ask each other who Dr. Junod was and what he accomplished. Suddenly, they are enveloped in a mysterious glow and transported back in time to Europe, more than seventy years earlier. The year is 1935. The young Dr. Junod, previously working at a hospital in Mulhouse, France, is traveling to Ethiopia as an ICRC delegate. The time-traveling pair, Mii and Yuko, follow Dr. Junod along a path filled with hardship and chaos. In Ethiopia, Dr. Junod observes attacks on Red Cross personnel and the deployment of poison gas. People fall one after another. The young doctor experiences the brutal reality of war firsthand, yet driven by an unyielding spirit, he willingly extends aid to those suffering from the conflict. Dr. Junod's mission carries him from Ethiopia to Spain and across the battlefields of World War II in Europe. He strives to enhance the treatment of prisoners of war and organizes exchanges of captives. He creates a system for prisoners to correspond with their families. He secures pathways for the delivery of relief goods. As a humanitarian, Dr. Junod provides emotional strength to the vulnerable. Witnessing this, Mii and Yuko contemplate their own lives and struggles.

This compilation consists of five separate short episodes produced as advertisements for the Japanese energy company Kyushu Electric Power, often called Kyuden. Accompanied by Maetel, Tetsuro visits five distinct planets—including Earth—to see how each world handles and utilizes its energy resources.

Hutch the Honey Bee and his companions embark on an adventure to locate his missing Queen Bee Mother, who was lost during a sudden assault by a swarm of Hornets. Along the way, Hutch forms friendships with many different animals. In the town of Sepiatown, he even becomes friends with Amy, a gentle human girl who possesses the ability to communicate with insects.

In a distant parallel universe known as the Cosmic Ark, colossal mecha called Arks have slumbered for thousands of years. When they finally awaken, they discover that their galaxy has fallen under the dominion of an evil entity named Chaos. Because of their long dormancy, only three mighty Arks remain—Wisdom, Courage, and Strength—and they have just enough power to fully revive a single one among them to stand against Chaos. To decide which Ark is brought back, three separate Unions have formed, each dedicated to one of these Arks, and they compete to resurrect their chosen deity and determine the fate of the world. The narrative also explores the backstories of key figures like Crimrose and Ivis, the myth of Eihwaz, and the encounter between Eris and Resha.

A cat with a boy's heart and a mouse with a girl's heart try to escape from a wicked tamer.