Hype vs. Reality: The Most Disappointing Anime of the 2020s (So Far)

A Golden Age with High Expectations

Let’s be real, the 2020s have been an amazing time to be an anime fan. We’re getting stunning new seasons of beloved classics and a constant stream of brand-new shows that push the boundaries of animation and storytelling. With so many incredible options available, it’s only natural that our standards have gotten a little higher.

We’ve been spoiled for choice! Why spend hours on a show that’s just “okay” when a masterpiece could be just one click away?

This new reality has created a tricky situation. When a new anime gets a ton of buzz, we get excited. We watch the trailers, read the source manga, and mark our calendars. But what happens when the show finally airs and just… falls flat? That feeling isn’t just dislike; it’s disappointment. And that can sting even more than watching something that was expected to be bad from the start.

What’s the Recipe for a Letdown?

A “disappointing anime” isn’t always a “bad anime.” More often than not, it’s a show that had all the potential in the world but failed to stick the landing. So, what are the common ingredients in these anime letdowns?

The Hype Train Goes Off the Rails

Hype is a double-edged sword. A brilliant marketing campaign or a massively popular manga can build incredible anticipation. But when the final product doesn’t match that energy, the fall is a long way down. It’s like seeing a mouth-watering picture of a burger in an ad, only to get a sad, lukewarm patty in a soggy bun. The burger might be edible, but the disappointment is what you remember.

A Story That Loses Its Way

Have you ever watched a series with an amazing first few episodes, only to see it completely lose its direction? This is a classic source of frustration for anime fans. Common story problems that lead to disappointment include:

• Rushed Pacing: Trying to cram 100 chapters of manga into a 12-episode season rarely works out.
• Confusing Plot Points: Stories that introduce mysteries but never bother to solve them can leave viewers feeling cheated.
• Unsatisfying Endings: A weak or nonsensical finale can sour the entire experience, no matter how good the journey was.

When the Animation Doesn’t Deliver

In a world with shows like Jujutsu Kaisen and Demon Slayer, the bar for animation is incredibly high. When a new action series promises epic fights but delivers clunky CGI or inconsistent artwork, it’s immediately noticeable. A compelling story can sometimes save weak visuals, but for many 2020s anime, the spectacle is a huge part of the appeal.

Managing Hype in the Modern Era

The truth is, not every show can be a 10/10 masterpiece. The boom in anime production means more gems, but it also means more shows that just miss the mark. A disappointing anime is often a case of a good idea that suffered from a troubled production, a tight budget, or a creative team that just couldn’t bring the vision to life.

As fans, maybe the best thing we can do is approach new shows with cautious optimism. Get excited, but remember that the trailer is only a tiny glimpse of the final product. At the end of the day, a few letdowns are a small price to pay for the incredible variety and quality we’re seeing across the industry.

But now I want to hear from you. What do you think is the most disappointing anime of the 2020s so far? Let me know in the comments below