Angel Beats!

Otonashi wakes up in a strange school that turns out to be part of the afterlife, but he can't remember his previous life. He soon meets Yuri, the fierce leader of a rebel group called the Afterlife Battlefront, who recruits him to fight against the mysterious student council president, a quiet girl with uncanny powers known as Angel. The series follows Otonashi as he learns the rules of this place, bonds with an oddball cast of classmates, and helps carry out daring raids and heartfelt moments, while quiet threads about memory, purpose, and acceptance run beneath the action and comedy.

Released in 2010, Angel Beats! was created by Jun Maeda as an original anime series, introducing a blend of genres that mixes school drama, supernatural action, and comedy in a compact episodic format.

Critical and fan response has been generally positive, reflected in a user vote average of 7.903 out of 10 from 453 votes. Reviewers and viewers often point to its energetic tonal shifts and emotional beats, with recurring themes of memory, regret, friendship, and what people value in life, all wrapped in fast-paced action and occasional slapstick.

The show's music and sound design left a strong mark on viewers, with numerous fans embracing its soundtrack and theme songs, producing covers and remixes. Memorable character moments and the series' unique setting helped it remain a frequent topic in anime communities, inspiring fan art, cosplay, and discussion long after its initial run.

While Angel Beats! didn't dominate major international awards, it drew steady attention within anime circles. Its soundtrack, voice performances, and emotional storytelling were often singled out for praise by fans and commentators, keeping the series prominent in year-end conversations among enthusiasts.