The Spring 2023 anime season is underway, and its lineup has the potential to go toe-to-toe with the best of them. Unlike the fantasy-laden Winter 2023 or the battle shonen-heavy Fall 2022, Spring 2023 casts a wider net when it comes to genres and demographics. There should be a show for just about everyone, and that includes sequels, spin-offs, and new properties.

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As is tradition, more than 40 anime will be airing over the next few months. Each and every day of the week contains, at least, a handful of series, ensuring that there is always something on the horizon for people to watch. Tempting as it can be to try and keep up with everything the season has to offer, the sheer volume of content makes that an exhausting task. Consequently, if someone is not sure where to begin, they can just start with some of the best Spring 2023 anime and then go from there.

The ranking is updated on a weekly basis, with the current cutoff date for episodes being May 27, 2023. Only anime that started airing in Spring 2023 will be considered, which eliminates shows like One Piece and Vinland Saga 2.

16 The IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls: U149 (+/- 0)

Spring 2023 has a number of shows revolving around the performing arts or the entertainment industry, and they are all wildly different from each other. The latest entry in a long-running multimedia franchise, The IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls: U149 is conventional by most metrics, and it revolves around a group of children as they take their first steps toward becoming idols. Popular as the genre is with its audience, most idol anime tend to be ignored by the uninitiated, and that is likely to extend to Cinderella Girls.

All that being said, this idol anime is one of the genre's more accessible releases in a while, and someone does not need to be familiar with the previous Cinderella Girls projects to enjoy U149. Tonally, the show is lighthearted and wholesome, almost to the point that it slips into slice of life territory at times. However, U149 is relatively grounded and does an admirable job of exploring its individual characters, which is no easy feat since the anime has a big cast.

15 Stella Of The Theater: World Dai Star (+/- 0)

World Dai Star has flown by largely unnoticed so far, which is to be expected since the anime is not based on a popular source and tackles a niche topic (theater acting). Kokona Ootori dreams of joining Sirius, a famous troupe known for producing World Dai Stars. Although her audition goes well in the grand scheme of things, she seems to lack something known as "Sense," which is essentially a manifestation of a unique talent. She also does not get along with her roommate/co-star/rival, an ambitious performer named Kathrina.

Although the story has a magical component that might become more pronounced as the season continues, World Dai Star takes its subject extremely seriously, and that goes beyond just its passionate (and sometimes unlikable) characters. Whenever focusing on an "acting" sequence, the show knocks it out of the park, delivering some of the most expressive facial animation of the Spring 2023 anime season.

14 The Reason Why Raeliana Ended Up At The Duke's Mansion (+/- 0)

Spring 2023 improves upon Winter's lineup in nearly every area, but isekai seems to be an exception. That said, the season is not completely lacking in world-swapping goodness. Dead Mount Death Play is shaping up to be an enjoyable reverse isekai, Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear Punch! is serviceable fluff, and KamiKatsu: Working for God in a Godless World is stupid but entertaining trash.

So far, Spring 2023's best isekai anime has been The Reason Why Raeliana Ended up at the Duke's Mansion, which is based on a manhwa. The story follows a woman who is murdered and awakens as a character in a novel. The interesting twist is that Raeliana is not the heroine nor the villainess, but rather a plot-device character destined to be killed off as the story's inciting incident. As she is familiar with the book, Raeliana sets out to change her fate by striking a deal with Noah Wynknight, a charming but cunning Duke who is not to be trifled with.

13 Mashle: Magic And Muscles (+/- 0)

Spring loves a good laugh as the season is packed with comedy shows. Although still too early to definitely say, Mashle has the potential to blossom into one of 2023's funniest series, especially if the anime manages to maintain the quality of its third episode. In a world ruled by magic, the powerless are sentenced to death. Under the guidance of his guardian, the wandless Mash leads a quiet life in the wilderness, where he spends his days eating pastries and lifting weights. However, when this peace is threatened, Mash enrolls in a magic school in order to acquire its most coveted accolade, which would make him untouchable.

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Mashle parodies Harry Potter and shonen anime by following a protagonist made up of 70% brawn, 20% cream puffs, and 10% brain. Mash's antics are hilariously over-the-top, and they are heightened by the fact they are performed by a stoic and fairly honest person. The anime's supporting characters are nothing that special so far, but they work well as foils for Mash.

12 Birdie Wing -Golf Girls’ Story- Season 2 (+/- 0)

Birdie Wing is about golf. Does that sound boring? OK, well, what if the show is set in a world that treats golf like the most important thing ever? Also, the protagonist, Eve, is running away from the mafia and has special moves that she announces akin to Goku and Naruto. Birdie Wing parodies sports and shonen stories while simultaneously taking its characters and their situations very seriously. It smashes together every cliche known to anime to create a whole that, somehow, feels fresh and unique.

Season 2 continues Eve and Aoi's endearing rivalry, and they will have to defy the golf gods themselves if they wish to face off once again on a course. The leads are still as likable as ever, and they are backed by strong supporting characters who seem to always be the right amount of over-the-top. Hilarious, melodramatic, and captivating, Birdie Wing is strange but awesome.

11 KonoSuba: An Explosion On This Wonderful World! (+/- 0)

A spin-off based on a popular property is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it can tap into a pre-existing fanbase that is already acquainted and enamored with the overall universe and some of the characters; conversely, this familiarity breeds expectations that a fresh story would not need to contend with. An Explosion On This Wonderful World! is a KonoSuba prequel revolving around Megumin, arguably the most popular girl of the isekai series. KonoSuba is generally rated as one of the funniest isekai anime on the market, a reputation the spin-off has struggled to live up to.

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That's not to say An Explosion On This Wonderful World! is bad or lacking in funny moments, just that it generally settles for amusement rather than outright hilarity. As likable as ever, Megumin works reasonably well as a protagonist, with her drive to master Explosion magic producing most of the season's peak scenes. Megumin shares the spotlight with Yunyun, who plays the straight-man role to pretty much all the other characters in the anime. Although not terrible, she is the show's weakest link since she just is not all that interesting as a comedic foil.

10 Tonikawa: Over The Moon For You Season 2 (+/- 0)

For better or worse, Tonikawa: Over The Moon For You Season 2 is the definition of "more of the same." Despite focusing exclusively on a couple, the anime's pacing, tone, and structure are closer to that of a slice of life than a typical romance story. Each episode simply follows Nasa and Tsukasa as they lead their everyday lives as a newly married couple who were basically strangers before they tied the knot.

In the grand scheme of things, they have undergone very little significant progress and seem to mainly repeat the same beats ad nauseam. However, they are still experiencing minor things like going to a bathhouse together for the first time. It might not sound like much, but these seemingly minor events are precious in their own way. Although repetitive to an extent, Tonikawa works simply due to Nasa and Tsukasa, who are both endearing as individuals and as a unit.

9 Dr. Stone: New World (+/- 0)

Dr. Stone has been a reliable source of entertainment for a couple of years. Despite sharing a fair few traits with other popular shonen properties, the anime's science-driven solutions and intelligent protagonist set it apart from many of its peers. New World offers more of what fans have come to expect from the show: a lot of humorous facial expressions, outlandish inventions inspired by legitimate methods, and a story that constantly looks to expand its horizons.

After reviving Ryuusui, Senku sets his mind on constructing a ship that will allow the Kingdom of Science to travel across the sea. Without question, this is the group's most ambitious endeavor, and the anime does a solid job of streamlining such a complex process without dumbing it down too much. Dr. Stone has also started to set up its endgame through the introduction of a mysterious figure who might just be responsible for humanity's frozen predicament.

8 Heavenly Delusion (+/- 0)

Post-apocalyptic anime do not come around every day, and Heavenly Delusion is shaping up to be a memorable addition to the genre. Drenched in mystery, the series drops the audience into the deep end as it follows two storylines: a group of children held in a research facility and two travelers who are searching for a place called Heaven.

Even if they have not crossed paths yet, both plot threads have done a great job of reinforcing the world's overall tense atmosphere while sprinkling in lore tidbits. Kiruko and Maru's journey across a horrific version of Japan has been particularly gripping, and the pair find themselves having to deal with monsters and human enemies (or friendlies).

7 The Ancient Magus' Bride Season 2 (+/- 0)

The Ancient Magus' Bride season 2 instantly starts off by throwing the main characters, Elias and Chise, out of their comfort zone as they agree to attend a sorcery academy. While Chise joins the student body, Elias will serve as a magic teacher. Even though the pair's relationship is still the story's beating heart, this change of circumstances should allow Chise to concentrate on strengthening her independence, a personal journey she has been on since the start of the anime.

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Magical schools are somewhat overrepresented in anime nowadays, and The Ancient Magus' Bride is not the only Spring 2023 show set in one; however, the series has already proven that it can bring something fresh to a worn-out concept or setting. While Chise takes center stage in most episodes, season 2's strongest entry so far was almost entirely devoted to Elias, and it helped shine a much-needed light on the mage's mentality.

6 Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury Season 2 (+/- 0)

Even in the packed Fall 2022 season, Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury managed to stand out from the crowd; so far, the same can be said for its sequel. Building upon its predecessor's unforgettable conclusion, season 2 wastes little time getting back into the action.

While episode one primarily served to reaffirm the main characters' positions and situations, the follow-up chapters were far more direct and action-driven. Taken as a whole, The Witch from Mercury has had a slow build, but things seem to be finally reaching a point of no return. Season 2 has started to explore the Earthians in more detail, transforming them into a nuanced and borderline sympathetic faction. The anime is also starting to explore its Gundam technology, and The Witch from Mercury has taken some rather dark turns.

5 Insomniacs After School (+/- 0)

Spring and romance are synonymous, at least if this anime season is anything to go by. While they may vary in quality, A Galaxy Next Door, My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999, Tonikawa, Yuri is My Job!, The Dangers in My Heart, and Raeliana are all worthy additions to the genre in some form or another; however, when speaking about a full-blown romance, Insomniacs After School is shaping up to be Spring 2023's crowning achievement.

An outcast at school, Ganta feels completely isolated as he suffers from an issue nobody else seems to acknowledge: insomnia. While the world slumbers, he can only roll in bed, yearning for some respite. One day, Ganta heads to his school's observatory and, to his surprise, finds a girl, Isaki, sleeping in the room. As it so happens, she also suffers from insomnia. This chance encounter and their shared plight instantly connects them, and they quickly realize they feel the most comfortable when they are together.

4 Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Swordsmith Village Arc (-1)

Continuing from the Entertainment District arc, Demon Slayer's Spring 2023 entry finds Tanjiro heading to the Swordsmith Village in the hope of convincing Hotaru Haganezuke to make him a new sword. Once there, Tanjiro discovers Mitsuri Kanroji, the Love Hashira, and also spots Muichiro Tokito, the Mist Hashira.

With multiple successful seasons and a huge movie under its belt, Demon Slayer needs absolutely no introduction by this point. If someone did not care for the show's previous sagas, the Swordsmith Village arc will not change their minds; conversely, people who have loved ufotable's adaptation so far should find the current season to be of equally high standards. As usual, Demon Slayer's main focus is action, and this cour wastes very little time to erupt into full-blown chaos. While the first few episodes are somewhat quiet, the arc has gone up a few gears ever since the main villains made their presence known.

Although highly entertaining in isolation, the Swordsmith Village arc is arguably a step back from the Entertainment District storyline because it repeats many of the same ideas. Even though Hantengu and Gyokko are fun and detestable villains with reasonably creative abilities, their characters are not as interesting as Gyutaro and Daki.

3 Skip And Loafer (+1)

A small-town girl moves to the big city to chase her dream of becoming a lawyer, politician, and eventual mayor of her village. Mitsumi Iwakura is nothing if not ambitious, but the confident teenager might have overestimated her ability to quickly adapt to Tokyo's hectic lifestyle. Unsurprisingly, her first day at her new high school does not quite go to plan, although she does manage to make a new friend along the way.

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Skip and Loafer takes a refreshingly grounded look at high school life. Right out of the gate, Mitsumi comes across as a three-dimensional character with relatable goals, quirks, and insecurities. The anime presents snippets of the protagonist's life before Tokyo, and while these sections are short, they skillfully provide context for Mitsumi's current personality.

A slice of life drama needs more than a strong lead to flourish, something Skip and Loafer showcases. Sousuke Shima, who is shaping up to be Mitsumi's main love interest, is fascinating. While easy-going and charming, he has an air of mystery that suggests there is more to him than meets the eye. Supporting characters like Mika, Makoto, and Yuzuki all bring a unique spice to their scenes; along with being influenced by Mitsumi, they also affect the protagonist in their own ways.

2 Hell's Paradise (+/- 0)

Except for maybe one show, Hell's Paradise is the most hyped new anime of Spring 2023. Based on a Shonen Jump+ manga by Yuji Kaku, the story follows a group of convicts who are sent to a mysterious island to find an elixir of life. The person who discovers this powerful item will be absolved of their crimes. Naturally, this turns the excursion into something of a battle royale as everyone seeks to be the "victor;" however, they have more things to fear than just serial killers and assassins.

Hell's Paradise has been a wild ride so far. Along with boasting some of the most visceral and gory action sequences of the entire year, the anime is also drenched in mystery courtesy of its haunting central setting. The show's characterization has also been top-notch, and that extends beyond its main characters. Speaking of the latter, Gabimaru the Hollow and his handler, Sagiri, are both fantastic leads.

1 Oshi No Ko (+/- 0)

Based on Aka Akasaka's seinen manga, Oshi no Ko made an instant splash by debuting with a lengthy opening episode that effectively acted as a prequel movie for the rest of the series. If that chapter established the show as a front-runner to be the best Spring 2023 anime, then episode 6 gave it a near-insurmountable lead. Just to be clear, this statement is entirely a reflection of Oshi no Ko's quality rather than a criticism of its contemporaries.

After meeting an idol who is pregnant with twins, a doctor names Gorou Amemiya is mysteriously killed, causing him to reincarnate as one of the former's children. Retaining memories of his past existence, Gorou enjoys his new life with his mother and sister, at least until tragedy strikes. Oshi no Ko largely takes place a few years in the future as Gorou infiltrates the entertainment industry in pursuit of revenge. The story explores various subcultures in media, be it idols, reality shows, or low-budget series, and it does not always shine a positive light on these enterprises.

Oshi no Ko can get uncomfortably realistic, all the while still retaining an element of humor and even wish fulfillment. Even though it tackles mature themes like cyberbullying and fan obsession without sugarcoating them, the anime also highlights the allure of superstardom and a few positives surrounding the entertainment industry. By offering a balanced perspective, the show's heavy moments hit much harder.

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