Over the past ten years, anime has given us some unforgettable story arcs — the kind that spark endless online debates, inspire fan art, and even draw in viewers who have never watched the series before. These arcs don’t just deliver great fights or emotional moments; they change the way we think about the series and, in some cases, the anime medium itself.
Below, we look at five arcs from the last decade that have made a lasting mark on fans, creators, and pop culture.
1. The Chimera Ant Arc – Hunter x Hunter (2011–2014)
Few arcs in anime history have generated as much discussion as Hunter x Hunter’s Chimera Ant Arc. While the anime adaptation aired across 2011–2014, its influence has carried well into the last decade thanks to streaming and word of mouth.
What makes it so impactful is its shift from a traditional shonen adventure to a dark, philosophical exploration of humanity, morality, and survival. It’s long — over 60 episodes — but its pacing allows for incredible character development, from Gon’s emotional descent to Meruem’s surprisingly poignant evolution.
Why it’s influential:
- Redefined shonen pacing, proving that slow-burn storytelling can work in action series.
- Elevated side characters like Killua and Komugi, showing that emotional weight doesn’t always have to come from the protagonist.
2. Return to Shiganshina Arc – Attack on Titan (2019)
This arc was Attack on Titan at its absolute peak — a relentless blend of strategic warfare, gut-wrenching losses, and shocking revelations. The battle to reclaim Wall Maria delivers some of the best action choreography in anime, but it’s the emotional stakes that keep viewers glued to the screen.
Moments like Erwin’s final charge, Armin’s sacrifice, and the basement reveal became instant classics, changing how fans viewed the entire story.
Why it’s influential:
- Balanced large-scale battles with intimate character drama.
- The basement scene recontextualized the entire series, inspiring more layered storytelling in other anime.
3. The Shibuya Incident Arc – Jujutsu Kaisen (2023)
The Shibuya Incident cemented Jujutsu Kaisen as one of the defining shonen of its generation. This arc is pure chaos — curses and sorcerers battling across a locked-down city, with devastating consequences for beloved characters.
MAPPA’s adaptation brought insane animation quality, fluid camera work, and relentless pacing. Fans praised not only the spectacle but also the emotional beats, especially in how the arc tied back to earlier character relationships.
Why it’s influential:
- Pushed production values for weekly anime to new heights.
- Showed how modern anime can balance mainstream popularity with dark, emotionally complex storytelling.
4. The Entertainment District Arc – Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (2021–2022)
When Demon Slayer returned with the Entertainment District Arc, it immediately reminded viewers why the series had become a global sensation. This arc combined dazzling visuals with a tightly written narrative, culminating in one of the most visually stunning final battles in recent memory.
The fight against Gyutaro and Daki is a masterclass in teamwork, character growth, and breathtaking animation. Ufotable’s use of dynamic camera angles and vibrant effects made every clash feel cinematic.
Why it’s influential:
- Set a new standard for TV anime fight animation.
- Demonstrated the power of strong supporting characters in elevating a storyline.
5. Wano Country Arc – One Piece (2019–2023)
Spanning over four years in the anime, the Wano Country Arc is One Piece’s most ambitious saga yet. It blends political intrigue, samurai culture, and epic battles, all while paying off decades of character development.
From Luffy’s confrontation with Kaido to the layered backstory of Oden, Wano delivers on both emotional and world-building fronts. Its extended run allowed the anime to experiment with new art styles and cinematic fight sequences that impressed even non-One Piece fans.
Why it’s influential:
- Showed how a long-running shonen can still innovate visually and narratively.
- Proved that patient storytelling can lead to massive payoffs for long-term fans.
Final Thoughts
These five arcs each left their own unique stamp on the anime landscape, influencing how future stories are told, animated, and experienced by fans. They remind us that an arc’s impact comes not just from epic battles, but from the emotions, themes, and creativity woven into the journey.
For viewers, they’re more than just chapters in a larger story — they’re shared cultural moments that bring the anime community together. And as the next decade unfolds, it’s exciting to think about which arcs will join this list in the future.
