There were many great animated series this year, but only 10 could be nominated for a place in the MySeries Series of the Year awards. This time the nominees were chosen with the help of readers of MySeries and with my own opinion.
So, without further ado, here's the lineup for best animation of 2021 in alphabetical order:
Arcane
Arcane is a newcomer when it comes to series based on already existing video games. But that means nothing. This series took the world by storm when it came out. The unique animation style, combined with a very good soundtrack and excellent themes around political and social issues, make a series worth watching. And with a second season on the way, this series really deserves a place in the top 10 animated series of 2021.
Big Mouth
The ever-relatable animated series for young people around the world reached its fifth season. Like the previous seasons, Big Mouth isn't afraid to tackle all kinds of problems that young people today face as they grow up. Using a strange but unique animation style and giving the characters a familiar voice, the show works wonders and earns it a spot on this year's list.
Castlevania
Another series based on a video game made it to the list. Castlevania, which has reached its fourth and sadly final season, tells the story of the last member of the Belmont family and his battle against strange and inhuman creatures. The last season showed how beautiful this series really is. The dark fantasy aspect and the well-written characters were a nice highlight that shone throughout the entire series. Definitely worth a spot on the list.
Read the latest reviews about Castlevania.
Final Space
The third and final season of Final Space also makes it to the list. Season one started with an 8 and season two with a 7.5. Season three went up again, even surpassing the first season. The curious story and unique characters were a highlight. And even with its hit-or-miss comedy, Final Space managed to make it onto the nominees list.
Read the latest reviews about Final Space.
Invincible
The first superhero series on this list, Invincible. While I haven't gotten to see the show yet (damn you, Amazon Prime), I've heard that Invincible is a wonderful amalgamation of your typical teen drama and an adult satirical take on the superhero genre. While the series does not copy the source material 1-on-1, it does combine aspects to make the story more interesting. With its strong voice cast and sharp animation, this series secures a spot on the nominee list.
Love, Death & Robots
Love, Death & Robots is an anthology series where each episode was created by a different studio. LDR has already managed to reach its second season and that made it on the list. The various storylines that emerge in this new season have all been mysterious, exciting, entertaining and at times funny. Which makes it quite enjoyable to watch. Although season two did not match the success of the first season, Love, Death and Robots did manage to secure a place on the list.
Read the latest reviews about Love, Death & Robots.
Marvel's What If
The second (and final) superhero series on this list is none other than Marvel's What If...?. The highly anticipated animated series from Marvel Studios. The name says it all. The series revolves around deviant actions that ensure a new and completely changed future. The series skillfully brings together many different heroes from different multiverses into one strong story. The strong premise, combined with the cohesive story, recognizable voice acting, and never-ending surprises made this series reach the list and maybe even take it home.
Read the latest reviews about Marvel's What If.
Rick & Morty
Even though Rick and Morty aired at the beginning of the year, that doesn't mean we've all forgotten about it. On the contrary, the fifth season of Rick and Morty was a hit. The great references to popular culture, the clever jokes and the slightly weird episodes here and there show what Rick and Morty really is and why it gets the praise it deserves. It, therefore, reaches the list without any problems.
Read the latest reviews about Rick and Morty.
Star Trek: Lower Decks
I remember watching the first season of Star Trek: Lower Decks as a screener and giving it a 7.5. The second season continues this series with its well-executed take on comedy within the Star Trek universe. Season two also continues to throw references to previous Star Trek series and makes fun of itself and the crazier sides of Star Trek. Which adds to the fun of the overall series. Season one got the ball rolling, but season two got this rising star on the list.
Star Wars: Bad Batch
I still haven't seen this new series within the Star Wars universe. However, I heard and read that the dark tone of the series is just right, the exciting storyline about good vs. evil is nicely done and that the good animation completes the series. The childlike nature of animation doesn't detract from the obvious adult themes incorporated into the series. This makes it a series that everyone can enjoy. Reason enough to add the series to the list.
These were all ten nominees nominated by you readers, the writers and myself. If you still want to choose a different series, use your wildcard. Good luck with voting!
