Top 5 Highest-Rated Ongoing Anime That Are Not Sequels

Summer Season 2023 is brimming with highly anticipated sequels from beloved anime series such as Bleach, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Mushoku Tensei. While these sequels are capturing the spotlight, they often overshadow the non-sequel anime series that are equally remarkable.

This season is unique in that it has seen a rare occurrence in the anime industry: a limited release of non-sequel anime series. But what does Summer Season 2023 have to offer in terms of these hidden gems?

To uncover the best non-sequel anime series of the season, we’ve gathered ratings from MyAnimeList and AniList, two of the largest anime databases. By synthesizing data from both sources, we’ve aimed to present a more balanced and unbiased view.

Without further ado, here are the top 5 non-sequel anime series airing this Summer season that deserve your attention.

5. Dark Gathering

“Dark Gathering” is a horror anime with some unintentional comedy. Although the show has good potential to be a solid horror, the choreography makes it look more like a comedy anime than it should.

The plot centers around a young boy named Keitarou, who possesses the uncanny ability to attract evil spirits. This ability, however, is not something he cherishes; in fact, he’s terrified of spirits. Tragically, his friend, Eiko, dies because of this ability, leading Keitarou to suffer a mental breakdown.

In an attempt to rehabilitate, Keitarou takes on the task of tutoring his friend Eiko’s cousin, Yayoi. Interestingly, Yayoi shares Keitarou’s ability to attract spirits, but unlike him, she has a fascination with them and actively wants them to appear before her.

Together, Keitarou and Yayoi embark on a journey to study the spirits they attract. With contrasting attitudes towards the supernatural—Keitarou’s fear and Yayoi’s enthusiasm—they form an unlikely duo. Their shared goal is to exorcise the evil spirits from this world, but the path is fraught with challenges and unexpected humor.

4. The Masterful Cat is Depressed Again Today

“The Masterful Cat is Depressed Again Today” is a delightful slice-of-life comedy show, brimming with humor and heartwarming moments that are sure to lift your spirits.

The story centers around a young office worker named Saku, who is known for her hard work and passion for her job. One day, as she’s heading home, she comes across a stray cat on the road. Moved by compassion, she decides to adopt it.

Imagine her surprise when she wakes up the next morning to find that the cat has transformed into a human-sized feline named Tsukichi! Far from being an ordinary cat, Tsukichi turns out to be remarkably skilled at housework.

The two quickly settle into a routine, dividing household responsibilities and living together as roommates. Their daily life is filled with comedic twists and turns, as well as adorable scenes that capture the joy of their unique friendship.

3. Undead Girl Murder Face

“Undead Girl Murder Farce” is a standout mystery anime that may well leave a lasting impression on the genre. What sets it apart is its unique and non-stereotypical plot, which has captured the attention of mystery enthusiasts.

Set in 19th-century France, the story begins with the murder of the noble Godard’s wife. Desperate to solve the crime, Godard reaches out to the most renowned detectives of the time, but to no avail.

Just when all seems lost, a mysterious duo from Japan is hired to take on the case. One is Tsugaru, a half-demon, and the other is Aya, a severed head. Together, they form an unlikely but highly skilled investigative team.

But their involvement in the case is not merely professional. They have a personal stake in the matter as well. Tsugaru and Aya are on a mission to regain their original bodies, stolen from them by an unknown assailant. The investigation into Godard’s wife’s murder is but a step on their journey to reclaim what was taken from them.

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2. ZOM 100: Bucket List of the Dead

“ZOM 100: Bucket List of the Dead” has emerged as a breakthrough anime series this Summer Season, offering a fresh and unique take on the zombie theme. With a perfect blend of comedy, action, and horror, all enhanced by top-tier animation from Wit Studio, it’s an experience like no other.

The story centers around Akira, a young man who lands a job at his dream company, only to discover that the work culture is grueling and exhausting. Feeling worn out and eager to quit, he’s trapped in a job that seems to be sucking the life out of him.

Then, one fateful morning, Akira wakes up to find that the world has been overrun by zombies. But instead of reacting with fear or panic, he’s overjoyed. The zombie apocalypse means he no longer has to go to work! Seizing the opportunity, he begins crafting a bucket list of all the things he wants to do before he, too, becomes one of the undead.

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1. My Happy Marriage

“My Happy Marriage” is an anime series that has steadily built its reputation with each successive episode.

With a plot that deepens and improves as the series progresses, it has become one of the standout non-sequel series of the Summer Season. Its appeal lies in its fresh twist on a traditional romantic plot.

The story centers around a young girl named Saimori, who finds herself in an unfortunate situation. Unlike her sister Kaya, who inherits magic and riches from their family, Saimori is left with nothing.

To make matters worse, she is destined to marry Kiyoka, a military captain known for his cruelty and a history of rejecting every proposal he has received.

Saimori braces herself for a grim future, expecting nothing but hardship and misery. But unbeknownst to her, a surprising twist awaits. Kiyoka, despite his fearsome reputation, is actually kind-hearted and values honesty.

Far from the cruel fate she anticipates, Saimori is on the path to a blissful life after marriage, a happiness she never dared to imagine.

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Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below, especially if any other non-sequel Summer anime series deserves to be rated highly. You can also read the Top 15 Highest-Rated Shounen Anime Series of All-Time.