Before I go into my top 10 favorite anime, I am obliged to make it clear that this list is by no means an authoritative list of the best anime and is subject very heavily to personal preference. Another thing to note, I have not watched even close to a fraction of the anime available and am much better versed in current anime than I am in what are often considered classics. I have not seen supposedly great shows like “Steins; Gate,” “Lovely Complex,” “Clanad,” “Full Metal Alchemist,” or “Ghost in the Shell” (among many others). I also have not seen nearly as many animated films as I have television shows.

10. Princess Mononoke (Studio Ghibli, 1997)- run time: 2 hours 10 min

Is a top ten Anime list complete without a Ghibli movie? No, of course not. However, here is an instance of my flawed knowledge when it comes to films as I have only seen four of the many Ghibli films. "Princess Mononoke" and "Spirited Away" both stir my heart but it is the complex relationship with nature that draws my attention to this film. This beautiful narrative allows me to invest in both the characters and the themes.

9. Spice and Wolf (Brains Base, 2008)- episode length: 25

An anime for veteran viewers, “Spice and Wolf” weaves a beautiful romance with an intriguing emphasis on economics. The stunning visual and emotional experience, although slow, soothes and revitalizes your mood. I am obliged to add that Holo is one of the strongest female characters I have seen. Looking through this list, I realize most of the shows have strong female leads but few match up to Holo (I’m looking at you, Hana).

8. Usagi Drop (Production IG, 2011)- episode length: 11

I used to think that the biggest problem with this show was that it was too short. But after watching it four times, I realized that the rewatching this show is fantastic because of its short length. An endearing story of sacrifice, parenthood and gender roles, “Usagi Drop” introduces us to the life of a single father. Production IG pulled out the stops with this show (as they usually do) and gives a warm visual experience. Also, if any kid is perfect that award goes to Rin.

7. Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagaan (Gainax, 2007)- episode length: 27

With great shows like “Panty and Stocking with Garterbelt,” “Neon Genesis Evangelion,” and “FLCL”, Gainax produced one show that shines above their others, “Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann.” A coming of age story that deals with loss, “do the means justify the ends,” manhood, evolution and the dangers of exponential growth. For someone who has a general distaste for all things mecha, this fantastic work leaves me wanting to repeat my first viewing experience.

6. Wolf Children (Madhouse & Studio Chizu, 2012)- run time: 1 hour 57 min

It appears that I like anime about parenting. "Wolf Children" presents an intricate and beautiful blend of coming of age, romance and parenting into a visual experience that is paced to perfection. I have already written one review about this anime but can’t recommend it enough. If Rin was the perfect child (from “Usagi Drop”) then Hana is the perfect parent.

5. Toradora! (J. C. Staff, 2008)- episode length: 25

I have a weakness for works produced by J. C. Staff and I can’t help but be pulled into the narrative of this show with each rewatch. Taiga and Ryouji’s relationship is both heartwarming and believable. As a romance, the show does a fantastic job of integrating family struggle into the plot. It is hard to find a romance that ends appropriately but “Toradora!” ends with a complete, outstanding and deeply satisfying conclusion.

4. Hunter X Hunter (Madhouse, 2011)- episode length: 148

I don’t usually watch shonen anime but one exception to this was “Hunter X Hunter” (2011). This long show does an excellent job developing the protagonists and integrating a fantastic supporting cast. With the Chimera Ant arc, it became impossible not to binge the show. Although it doesn’t conclude perfectly, I was pleased with it. I’m just waiting for some free time to rewatch this show to watch it with a new perspective of appreciation.

3. Death Parade (Madhouse, 2015)- episode length: 12

Wow, the third Madhouse show, I’m not biased. “Death Parade” is a visual experience that does a fantastic job with a limited cast. The premise is intricate, yet, in context, seems simple. The episodic nature of some of the show is a fantastic example of situational narratives which are nigh impossible to come by. I have watched this show thrice and each instance I glean something else from it. Also, episode 3 is beautiful and is my favorite single episode of the show.

2. Yu Yu Hakusho (Studio Pierrot, 1992-1995)- episode length: 112

Home to one of the best tournament arcs in anime, “Yu Yu Hakusho” exemplifies the unfettered spirit of male teenage years and develops the theme of coming of age almost as straightforward as “Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann.” With some of my favorite character arcs, the show produces some spectacular character development compared to the static nature of its characters at the start. I must admit the placement of this show is probably high because of the nostalgia factor.

Honorable Mention: K-On (Kyoto Animation, 2009)- episode length: 39

“K-On” is the only show that can make me smile no matter what. For that, thank you Kyoto animation. Barely missing the top 10 cut, K-On embodies what moe and slice of life anime should strive for.

1. Shokugeki no Souma (J. C. Staff, 2015)- still airing (currently 24 episodes)

“Shokugeki no Souma” is not a perfect show. Not even close. For me, however, it triggered all of what I enjoy watching. An over the top Tsundere (check), food porn (check), scantily clad women (check), tournament style conflict (check), interesting metaphors (check), explicit sexual innuendos (check), fantastic character development (check), interesting character designs (check), mysterious background (check), multiple love interests (check) and adorable chibi forms (check). In other words, this show was right down my alley and all I could ever ask for.