Top 10 Anime Moments of 2020
Top 10 Anime Moments of 2020
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Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’ll be counting down our picks for the Top 10 Anime Moments of 2020. For this list, we’re going to be looking over the standout moments from anime across the year that still resonate with us. Don’t expect to see any fights here, we’ve got another list for that. Do any of these scenes still bring a tear to your eye? Or had you already forgotten? Let us know in the comments! Also, you know, spoilers everywhere.
#10: Class 1-A Concert
“My Hero Academia” (2016-) After the fallout of the battle against Overhaul, you couldn’t ask for a more light-hearted way to finish things off. Despite Gentle Criminal plotting to intervene, Deku and the rest of Class 1-A were still able to pull off a spectacular performance at the festival – complete with choreographed dancing, creative use of their Quirks, and of course one hell of a song. Everything is executed so well it left everyone with smiles on their face, including Eri. Which, let’s be honest, caused a lot of us to ugly cry.
#9: Ogremon's Sacrifice
“Digimon Adventure:” (2020) Of all the changes that this remake brought to the fold, the most striking was the characterisation of this former lackey. While not the brightest bulb, this iteration of Ogremon is one ruled by his honour, so much so that after discovering he’d been replaced, he chose to give the Digidestined the chance to escape at the cost of his own life. We didn’t expect the sight of a former comic relief character getting done in by a giant metal dinosaur would make us well up, but there you have it.
#8: Farewell Lumiere
“Black Clover” (2017-) Off the back of such an exceptional battle against the Devil, we were greeted by a whole host of bittersweet goodbyes, both from the elves as well as the first Wizard King. As his stone body starts to crumble, Lumiere bids farewell to Secre, telling her to remain and live her own life in the modern era. Despite spending the series as nothing more than a bird, watching the Swallowtail tearful let go of her oldest friend will get you in the gut all the same. Add her to the waifu list!
#7: Rachel Betrays Bam
“Tower of God” (2020) And just like that, Bam officially jumped off the simp train. Despite going through so much hell in order to reunite, protect and even heal his beloved Rachel from a fatal wound that left her wheelchair-bound, he was rewarded with treachery. In a shocking act, all for the chance to become a star all her own, Rachel revealed that not only was she able to stand – but went out of her way to push the one person who cherished her to his supposed death. We’re guessing the honeymoon period is now officially over.
#6: It’s a Sequel?!
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“Higurashi When They Cry – Gou” (2020) As far a publicity stunts go, this was a good’en. Everyone was convinced this was going to be a shot for shot remake of the classic horror anime, only with much more sheen when it came to the guts and gore. Then things started getting weird. Arcs were out of place, dialogue was shifting, and events seemed to be lining up differently. By the time that Hanyuu appeared to announce the cycle had started again, it was clear that this was a brand-new timeline. Sure, it confused the hell out of newcomers, but for long-term fans this was big news.
#5: Ishigami’s Past
“Kaguya-sama: Love is War” (2019-) We came for the laughs, and left with our hearts broken. For the most part, Ishigami just seemed like this jaded, anti-social shut-in who offered the occasional bit of snarky wit. Then we learned that he had some skeletons in the closet. Haunted by false rumours from the time he tried to defend a classmate from her piece of shit boyfriend, Ishigami’s burden was finally lifted thanks to the support of Shirogane and the rest. While not completely vindicated in the eyes of the student body, seeing him finally overcome that hurdle and see everything in a clearer light was priceless. Bets boy must be protected at all costs.
#4: I Can Return By Death
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“Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World” (2016-) Between getting stabbed, frozen, and devoured by bunnies, one of the biggest contributors to Subaru’s trauma was the growing sense of isolation. How no one could or would believe that he travels back through time with every demise. At least until he met Echinda. In the midst of a breakdown, the Witch of Greed comforts the isekai-er and informs him that she is aware of his pain, since she’s been watching from the beginning. It’s a small gesture, but there’s so much warmth and kinship in it you can’t help but feel alleviated.
#3: Hachiman and Yukino Get Together
“My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU Climax” (2020) Apologies to all Yui fans, but the love triangle has finally come to an end, and the one standing tall is none other than the ice queen herself. In the most atypical yet wholly fitting confession we have ever seen in an anime, Yukino thaws her confrontational exterior and lets Hachiman know that she deeply cares for him. His response? You’re broken, I’m broken, let’s be broken together for the rest of our lives. Coming from him, it’s probably the most romantic thing we’ve heard all year! Good on them!
#2: Luffy Discovers a New Haki
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“One Piece” (1999-) Nothing like a life or death situation to bring out the latent powers in a protagonist. Faced with both Big Mom as well as an insta-kill slave collar, Luffy is faced with the impossible task of freeing himself and Hyogoro before they both lose their heads. While normal Haki proves useless, his desperation leads to the unlocking of Ryou – an alternative take on the Armament Haki that hits deeper and harder. It’s been a long while since we saw the Straw Hat Captain get a power boost, so seeing one that fits into Wano’s lore so intrinsically was a welcome surprise.
#1: Kirito Wakes Up
“Sword Art Online: Alicization – War of Underworld” (2020) He spent the majority of the conflict with Underworld in a wheelchair, comatose, and having his harem show up on after another to show their support…and obvious lady boners. After all that, it was high time that the OP Lord got back in the ring. Thankfully, we wouldn’t have to wait much longer. Kirito’s return wasn’t only a return to form, but also paved the way for one of the franchise’s flashiest final fights! He’s back for about five seconds and already he steals the spotlight!
