One of the best animes by Ufotable Studio, Kimetsu no Yaiba, revolves around a little boy named Tanjirou Kamado. In the wake of his father's passing, Tanjirou shoulders the responsibility of providing for his family. Residing in modest seclusion atop a remote mountain, the Kamado household manages to maintain a simple yet content existence.

However, Tanjirou's life takes a dramatic turn when he visits a nearby village to earn some income by selling charcoal. On his return at night, he decides to seek refuge in a peculiar man's dwelling. It is here that he receives a dire warning about flesh-devouring demons that emerge from the shadows during the nocturnal hours.

The following day, upon his return home, Tanjirou is confronted with a scene of unspeakable horror: his entire family has been ruthlessly massacred. The sole survivor is his sister, Nezuko, who has been transformed into a ravenous demon. Overwhelmed by an overwhelming mix of grief and fury, Tanjirou makes a vow to avenge his family and safeguard the last vestiges of his sister's humanity, which begins the incredible tale of Kimetsu no Yaiba.

This series doesn't merely depict the darkness and despair; it is a luminous beacon of hope amidst adversity. As Tanjirou treads the path of a demon slayer, his growth from an ordinary boy to a strong warrior is not just about physical prowess but a testament to his unwavering spirit and empathy towards even his adversaries. His journey is one of self-discovery, honing his skills while staying true to his moral compass.

Release: 2019

MyAnimeList Score: 8.49/10

The Holy Grail, with its power to grant any wish, has kicked off three brutal wars in the past. The Einzbern family believes that the Fourth Holy Grail War will be different, especially now that they possess a Holy Grail vessel. So, they hire the "Magus Killer," Kiritsugu Emiya, under a binding contract to marry their daughter, Irisviel.

Now Kiritsugu finds himself in the middle of a deadly survival game. He faces six other participants, each with an ancient familiar and driven by unique desires and ideals. His greatest rival is Kirei Kotomine, a priest seeking salvation from his inner emptiness and facing off against Kiritsugu. And that is the beginning of the famous Ufotable anime Fate/Zero, which tells the story of the Fourth Holy Grail War that happened a decade before Fate/Stay Night. It's a brutal battle royale where no one's guaranteed to make it out alive. Thrilling yet unpredictable, Fate/Zero totally deserves its title as one of the best animes by Ufotable Studio.

The canvas of "Fate/Zero" isn't just adorned with Kiritsugu's story but is a tapestry of vividly realized characters, each bound by their convictions and driven by distinct motivations. From the enigmatic yet conflicted Kirei Kotomine to the stoic and valorous Saber, these personas come alive with their aspirations, fears, and, most importantly, the moral quandaries they face in this ruthless battle for the Grail.

In conclusion, "Fate/Zero" isn't just an anime; it's a magnum opus - an intricate web of philosophical musings, moral quandaries, and staggering action sequences that paint and grand yet tragic narrative, challenging the very notions of heroism and the ethical complexities of human existence. As a result, these elements solidify Fate/Zero's status as a titan among anime masterpieces.

Release: 2011

MyAnimeList: 8.28/10

The Holy Grail War in Fate/Stay Night is a fierce contest involving seven magi (known as Masters) who summon Heroic Spirits (called Servants) using command seals. In the context of the Fifth Holy Grail War, Rin Toosaka is one of the participating magi. With her formidable Servant, Archer, she aspires to claim the coveted prize—the Holy Grail, a mystical artifact with the power to grant any wish.

However, things take an unexpected turn when one of Rin's classmates, Shirou Emiya, unintentionally becomes a Master himself and forms a pact with the honorable Servant, Saber. In light of their shared adversaries, Rin and Shirou decide to form a temporary alliance; they put aside their differences as they engage in the high-stakes Holy Grail War, kickstarting the story of Fate/Stay Night.

The richness of "Fate/Stay Night" lies not just in its meticulously crafted narrative but in its breathtaking animation and spellbinding battles. Each conflict, whether a clash of heroic spirits or an intricate duel of ideologies, is excellently choreographed to elevate the series to a visual masterpiece. Beyond its stunning aesthetics and gripping action, the heart of "Fate/Stay Night" delves into the ethos of heroism, the price of power, and the poignant realization that some wishes come with a cost too steep to bear.

Release: 2014

MyAnimeList Score: 8.18/10

Kara no Kyoukai takes place in late '90s Japan, when a perplexing series of suicides captured public attention, primarily due to their unusual similarity. What makes these incidents particularly uncanny is the fact that each victim has chosen to end their life by leaping from the derelict Fujou building, an abandoned structure towering above the city.

Shiki Ryougi - our main character in Kara no Kyoukai, a seemingly unfeeling young woman residing in a vacant apartment - harbors suspicions that these unnerving events are not of this world. Possessing her own enigmatic powers, Shiki embarks on an investigation into these cases. She partners with Touko Aozaki, a detective with expertise in doll-making and magic, and Mikiya Kokutou, Touko's assistant and Shiki's friend. As Shiki delves deeper into this enigma, she navigates a world shrouded in mystery, determined to unveil the dark secrets surrounding this peculiar phenomenon.

As we can see, Shiki Ryougi is clearly one of the most complex protagonists of the Ufotable series; her impassive facade belies an intricate internal struggle, torn between her dual personalities - the reserved girl and the lethal, battle-hardened figure known as the "Void Shiki." Her journey isn't just an investigation into supernatural phenomena but an exploration of her own identity, haunted by the hauntingly beautiful presence of death and the weight of her extraordinary abilities.

Release: 2007

MyAnimeList Score: 7.57/10

"Gakuen Utopia Manabi Straight!" is centered around the lives of a group of high school girls in the year 2035, attending the all-girl Seioh Private High School. This futuristic setting is marked by a significant decline in birth rates, leading to the closure of many schools due to a shortage of students. As a result, morale within the remaining institutions has suffered, and Seioh is no exception.

The narrative of "Gakuen Utopia Manabi Straight!" kickstarts with the arrival of our protagonist, Manami Amamiya, at Seioh. Her journey kicks off with some entertaining incidents involving advanced scooters and a swimming competition, culminating in an inspiring school song performance that leads to her appointment as student council president.

The follow-up storyline revolves around Manami's collaboration with Mika Inamori, the sole other member of the student council, and three fellow classmates: Mutsuki Uehara, Mei Etoh, and Momoha Odori. Together, they embark on fun student council initiatives, including the planning and preparation for the upcoming student festival, and introduce viewers to a lot of interesting and unexpected events.

Uplifting and charming, "Gakuen Utopia Manabi Straight!" excels in its ability to transport viewers into a world teeming with youthful zeal and boundless creativity. Its vivid animation style, coupled with many heartwarming moments and endearing characters, creates an inviting canvas that celebrates the universal themes of friendship and camaraderie in the face of adversity. Through its whimsical yet profound storytelling, this anime stands as a luminous reflection of the vibrancy of youth, shining hope on a brighter tomorrow.

Release: 2007

MyAnimeList Score: 7.32/10

In "Tales of Zestiria the Cross," the Celestial Records chronicle the existence of the "Seraphim," divine beings known for bestowing blessings upon humanity in exchange for prayers. Anyone endowed with the ability to communicate with these spirits is revered as "Shepherds." Celebrated as heroes for their swift interventions in times of crisis, Shepherds are also regarded with fear due to their formidable powers, becoming ingrained in common folklore alongside the Seraphim.

Sorey, a young human residing in the village of Elysia, has lived a life intertwined with the Seraphim. Intrigued by the myths recorded in the Celestial Records, he embarks on an exploration of nearby ruins alongside Mikleo, his childhood Seraphim companion, in a quest for a deeper understanding of the historical connection between Seraphim and mankind.

Their quest takes an unexpected turn when they find themselves trapped within the depths of the ancient site. In their search for an exit, they encounter a mysterious girl desperately seeking the aid of a Shepherd to save a world teetering on the edge of darkness. Despite Mikleo's caution about interacting with other humans, Sorey chooses to assist the stranger, unknowingly propelling himself toward the realization of a dream - one of fostering peaceful coexistence between humans and Seraphim in "Tales of Zestiria the Cross".

Release: 2016

MyAnimeList Score: 7.23/10

In the year 2071, humanity teeters on the edge of extinction due to the relentless onslaught of powerful creatures known as "Aragami." Immune to conventional weapons, these monsters have decimated the world, leaving little in their wake.

In a final bid for survival, the organization Fenrir is established, dedicated to countering the Aragami threat with a special force known as "God Eaters." These elite individuals, infused with Oracle cells, wield the God Arc - a unique weapon capable of confronting and defeating Aragami. Lenka Utsugi, a New-Type God Eater, joins the ranks, equipped with a versatile God Arc that transforms between blade and gun.

As one of Fenrir's key assets, Lenka is determined to master his God's Arc and fulfill his mission of eradicating the Aragami menace. The monsters continue to multiply, posing threats to the remnants of humanity struggling for survival. God Eaters emerge as the last line of defense, standing resolute against the relentless tide of Aragami to prevent the complete annihilation of the human race.

"God Eater" transcends mere survivalist motifs; it grapples with existential themes and the powerful spirit of human perseverance. Each frame is an intricately woven tapestry of both visual and cinematic spectacles that depict a world teetering on the edge, yet teeming with moments of camaraderie, courage, and the unwavering resolve of its characters. Likewise, the relentless battles against the Aragami are not just physical confrontations, going beyond the limits to embody a testament to the human spirit and epitomize a refusal to succumb to despair.

Release: 2015

MyAnimeList Score: 7.2/10

In "Ninin ga Shinobuden," Kaede, an ordinary schoolgirl focused on her studies, has her quiet day disrupted when Shinobu, a ninja-in-training, barges in with an unusual request. Shinobu needs to snatch one of Kaede's panties to successfully complete her exam. Determined to thwart this unexpected intrusion, Kaede finds herself in a bizarre circumstance. Surprisingly, out of this peculiar encounter, an unlikely friendship sprouts between Kaede and Shinobu.

As Kaede is drawn into Shinobu's ninja world, she becomes immersed in the antics of lively ninjas and encounters a peculiar, yellow, pac-man-like creature named Onsokumaru. Claiming to be the master of all ninjas, Onsokumaru brings in a lot of eccentricity to Kaede's newfound connection with the world of shinobi in "Ninin ga Shinobuden," making her adventures more interesting than ever.

The show thrives on slapstick humor, light-hearted mischief, and the humorous interactions between the characters; it presents a mix of comedic situations, emphasizing the contrast between Kaede's ordinary life and the zany, unpredictable escapades brought forth by Shinobu and her ninja companions. Through its vibrant animation and comical storytelling, "Ninin ga Shinobuden" offers an entertaining experience reveling in its own comical absurdity, offering viewers a light-hearted break from reality.

Release: 2004

MyAnimeList Score: 6.89/10

"Katsugeki/Touken Ranbu" takes place in 1863, when Izuminokami Kanesada and his companion, Horikawa Kunihiro, materialize in the streets of Edo from the future, prompted by their master's warnings of an impending invasion. These anthropomorphic embodiments of Toshizou Hijikata's renowned swords are entrusted with safeguarding history from the Retrograde Army, an enigmatic force intent on rewriting it. Gathering support from other sword warriors, they engage in relentless battles against this mysterious army, navigating the tumultuous Bakumatsu period.

Yet, their path in "Katsugeki/Touken Ranbu" is far from straightforward. In an era marked by turmoil, bloodshed, and betrayals, the duo confronts challenging decisions, their loyalties tested as they strive to protect all that is dear to them.

Visually, "Katsugeki/Touken Ranbu" excels with its stunning animation, bringing the Bakumatsu period to life with meticulous attention to detail in the historical setting and fluidity in action sequences. Each battle scene feels dynamic and impactful, showcasing the power wielded by these legendary swords against formidable foes.

Character development is also a cornerstone of the series: the journey of Izuminokami and Horikawa goes far beyond the combats with the Retrograde Army to revolve around their evolving perspectives, friendships, and the emotional toll of their duty. Hence, these characters are not only defined by their abilities in battle (as expected of their roles) but also by their internal struggles and growth throughout the narrative.

Release: 2017

MyAnimeList Score: 6.74/10

In "Weiß Kreuz Glühen," Koua stands as an institution designed to cultivate Japan's brightest minds, aiming to nurture individuals who will assume leadership roles in the future. However, a concerning trend is emerging within its walls - a surge in the suicide rate, shrouded in secrecy and undisclosed to the public.

Our main character in "Weiß Kreuz Glühen," Fujimiya Aya, is tasked with a covert mission to investigate the criminal activities potentially linked to the academy. Disguised as a teacher, he delves into the depths of the institution. Unbeknownst to many, there exists a connection between Koua Academy and the frequent global terrorist incidents. In response to this intricate web, Persia assigns Hidaka Ken and Kudou Youji to join Aya, working together to unravel the truth behind the incidents intertwined with Koua Academy.

To be frank, the series isn't without its flaws; some plot elements may feel convoluted or rushed, occasionally sacrificing clarity for the sake of maintaining the mystery. But overall, it is still a compelling anime that navigates the labyrinth of intrigue and espionage with finesse. Its enigmatic storytelling, complemented by intriguing characters and well-executed action sequences, creates a thrilling viewing experience that keeps the audience engaged throughout.

Release: 2002

MyAnimeList Score: 6.53/10