The first month of the Winter 2023 anime season has ended, and we now have a clearer look at which series are worth our time. Some have proven to be standouts that flew under the radar before their premieres. Others have failed to impress and fallen victim to the Three Episode rule, while others still have been forced to bow out due to unexpected delays. As a result, our picks for the top 10 best anime of February 2023 you should watch may surprise you.
Aggretsuko Final Season
Do we have a bit of egg on our faces after the release date for Aggretsuko’s final season was revealed to be February instead of January? Undeniably. Are we any less excited for the conclusion to this series? Not in the slightest.
Between the deeper examination of the consequences to Haida’s actions and Aggretsuko’s apparent jump into politics, there’s a ton going on in this final arc that’s worth getting hyped up for. This is also to say nothing of the fact that we’ll get the chance to enjoy one more romp with the zany yet relatable cast of anthropomorphic critters that feel more grounded than a lot of other anime characters.
It’s bound to be a blast, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a better use of a few hours when the series drops in its entirety on Feb. 16.
Vinland Saga
While it might not be the action and violence-packed thrill ride that was the first season, Vinland Saga season 2 remains a solid choice for the best anime of February 2023 you should watch.
The story of Thorfinn dealing with the guilt and regret from his actions growing up has made for an excellent emotional through-line, guiding his actions as he navigates life as a slave and tries to earn his freedom. It looks like it will continue to do so too, with him meeting a variety of new characters which will serve as both friends and allies in the face of challenges to come.
The show has also been just a joy to watch in general. The calmer setting of Ketil’s farmstead, blended with the less dire and dismal storyline of Thorfinn’s path to redemption, has made the show a much more pleasant and relaxing experience than it otherwise could have been.
It very easily could end up getting even more action-packed as the series progresses though, and you won’t want to miss out on what happens when it does.
Buddy Daddies
Buddy Daddies is pretty clearly the Dark Horse show of this season, and it doesn’t take long to see why.
While its character designs and premise might seem similar to Spy x Family at first glance, they end up establishing themselves as something all their own early on. The story of lifelong friends Rei and Kazuki taking in a child, and their struggles to be parents to her despite the constant challenges this presents to them and their work, is a more grounded look at the challenges of parenting than anyone might have realized.
The show is also exceptional in terms of its presentation. Between the animation quality, sound design, and writing, everything about the anime is top-notch. This remains true whether the story reaches a climactic confrontation or the trio is carrying out a much-needed shopping trip for school supplies, and is all the better for it.