Chess is a game of strategy and intelligence that has been popular for centuries. In recent years, anime has become a popular medium to showcase the intensity and complexity of games. With anime’s ability to capture the tension and excitement of games, many chess anime have come to light. So, In this article, we will discuss some best chess anime to watch in 2023.
Top 10 Best Chess Anime To Watch In 2023!
If you are a fan of chess anime, then here is the list of the best chess anime to watch in 2023.
Moriarty The Patriot
Moriarty The Patriot is an anime series that takes place in the 19th century in England. It follows the story of William James Moriarty, a brilliant mathematician, and strategist who tries to eradicate corruption and injustice from society. The series centers around Moriarty and his associates as they take on various cases that involve murder, theft, and political intrigue while trying to remain unnoticed by the authorities.
Throughout the series, Moriarty challenges the oppressive social hierarchy and seeks to empower the suppressed ones. He uses his intelligence and knowledge of society’s inner workings to manipulate people and situations to his advantage, all of this in the name of justice. The series explores themes of class struggle, power dynamics, and morality. If you are interested in chess anime then this anime is for you.
Death Note
Death Note is a popular anime series that follows the story of a high school boy named Light Yagami, who comes into possession of a mysterious notebook called the “Death Note”. The notebook has the power to kill anyone whose name is written on the notebook, which Light decides to use to rid the world of criminals and create a utopia ruled by him.
As Light begins to carry out his plan, he attracts the attention of the world’s greatest detective, L, who is determined to catch him and bring him to justice. The two were engaged in a game of cat and mouse, with Light using his intelligence and Death Note to stay one step ahead of L and avoid being caught.
Throughout the series, there are several references to chess in the anime, where Light and L are often compared to two skilled chess players making moves and countermoves against each other. Death Note is a thought-provoking anime that explores themes of justice, morality, and power.
Bungou Stray Dogs
Bungou Stray Dogs is a Japanese anime that revolves around Atsushi Nakajima, a young orphan who is kicked out of his orphanage and left homeless. Atsushi then meets a member of the Armed Detective Agency, an organization that solves cases involving supernatural abilities.
Atsushi soon discovers that he has a supernatural power that allows him to transform into a white tiger, making him a valuable asset to the agency. He joins the agency and works alongside his colleagues to solve various cases and protect the city from dangerous criminals.
The anime features fantastic characters, each with unique abilities and personalities. The agency’s members include Osamu Dazai, a former member of the Port Mafia who can nullify any ability he touches, and Doppo Kunikida, who has the power to bring objects to life through his writing.
Bungou Stray Dogs has dedicated its fanbase to its unique blend of supernatural powers and crime-solving elements. It has been praised for its character development, animation, and amazing storytelling.
Black Butler
Black Butler is a popular anime series based on the manga by Yana Toboso. The story takes place in Victorian-era London and follows the life of Ciel Phantomhive, a young nobleman who serves as the head of the Phantomhive family and operates as the queen’s watchdog who is responsible for solving crimes and investigating unusual incidents.
In addition to his duties as the Queen’s Watchdog, Ciel is aided by his loyal butler, Sebastian Michaelis, who possesses supernatural powers and is skilled in combat. Together, they embark on a series of adventures.
While chess is not a central theme of the series, it is used as a metaphor throughout the series, where characters often compare their actions to pieces on a chessboard. The series is known for its dark aesthetic, as well as its complex plot and well-developed characters.
Kakegurui
Kakegurui is an anime based on the manga of the same name, written by Homura Kawamoto and illustrated by Tōru Naomura. The story takes place at the prestigious Hyakkaou Private Academy, where students are ranked by their gambling abilities rather than their academic abilities. The protagonist, Yumeko Jabami, is a transfer student who is not interested in money but is addicted to the thrill of gambling. She quickly catches the attention of the student council president, Kirari Momobami, who rules over the academy’s gambling.
Throughout the series, Yumeko participates in various gambling games and challenges the student council members to high-stakes games. Along the way, she meets other students who share her love for gambling, such as Mary Saotome, who becomes her rival and friend. The series explores themes of addiction, obsession, and the consequences of gambling.
The anime is known for its stunning visuals, unique character designs, and intense gambling scenes. The soundtrack, composed by Technoboys Pulcraft Green-Fund, adds to the overall atmosphere of the series. The story is unpredictable, and the characters are complex. If you are a fan of gambling, suspense, and drama, you will find a lot to love in this series.
Code Geass
Code Geass is an anime set in an alternative world where the Holy Britannian Empire conquered Japan and rename it Area 11. The story follows a young high school student named Lelouch Lamperouge, who is given the power of Geass by a mysterious girl named C.C. With his newfound ability to control people’s minds, Lelouch sets out on a mission to overthrow Britannia and create a better world for his sister Nunnally, who was left paralyzed after a failed assassination attempt.
As Lelouch becomes the leader of a rebellion group called the Black Knights, he must balance his responsibilities as a student and his secret life as a rebel leader. Along the way, he makes new friends and enemies, including his childhood friend Suzaku Kururugi, who now works as a pilot for Britannia.
The series is known for its complex political themes, strategic battles, and engaging characters. Lelouch’s journey is full of twists and turns, as he holds with the morality of his actions and the consequences of his decisions. Code Geass has been widely praised for its engaging storyline, well-developed characters, and stunning animation.
Haikyuu
Haikyuu is a sports anime series that centers around the story of Shoyo Hinata, a high school student who has a burning passion for volleyball. Despite being the only member of his middle school volleyball team, Hinata is determined to become a successful volleyball player and form a team with his classmates when he enters high school.
The anime follows Hinata and his classmates as they work hard to become skilled volleyball players and compete in matches against other high schools. The show features intense volleyball matches, training sessions, and great character development as each team member has challenges they have to face.
The show explores themes such as hard work, dedication, and the importance of teamwork. The characters are well-developed, each with a unique personality and motivation. Haikyuu popularises volleyball in Japan and around the world.
Durarara
Durarara is an anime series that tells the story of a high school in Ikebukuro, Tokyo. Mikado Ryugamine is a young boy who moved to Ikebukuro to attend school. After moving to Ikebukuro, Mikado reunited with his childhood friend Masaomi Kida.
One of the most notable aspects of Durarara is its use of a large and diverse cast of characters, each with their motivations, secrets, and relationships. Among these characters, there is a violent gang leader, a mysterious motorcycle rider, and a street vendor with supernatural abilities.
Chess plays a significant role in the series. Throughout the series, characters are shown playing chess, using the game to analyze their opponents’ moves and predict their next moves. The game serves as a way for the characters to express their intelligence and strategic thinking.
Hikaru no Go
Hikaru no Go is an anime series based on the manga of the same name by Yumi Hotta and Takeshi Obata. The story follows the life of Hikaru Shindo, a young boy who discovers a haunted Go board that was once owned by a legendary player named Fujiwara no Sai. Sai’s spirit inhabits the board and becomes Hikaru’s mentor, teaching him how to play Go, a strategy game that originated in ancient China.
As Hikaru learns the game, he begins to develop a passion for it and becomes determined to become a professional Go player. He is aided in his journey by his friends, including Akira Toya, a prodigy and rival who serves as a constant source of inspiration and a challenge for Hikaru.
The anime explores themes of friendship, determination, and self-improvement. Hikaru no Go is a charming and inspiring anime that offers a unique perspective on the world of competitive gaming. If you are a fan of both anime and strategy games then this anime is the best pick for you.
No Game No Life
No Game No Life is a Japanese light novel series that has been adapted into anime. The story follows the lives of two siblings, Sora and Shiro, who are renowned gamers in the real world and are also known as the undefeated gaming duo in the online gaming world. The siblings are summoned by Tet, the god of games, to the world of Disboard, a world where everything is decided by games. They discover that they have been transported to a world they must participate in various games and contests to win territories and resources, with the ultimate goal of challenging and defeating the god of the realm.
The anime features a unique blend of strategy, action, and adventure with intellectual battles and games. The animation is visually stunning, and the soundtrack complements the intense gameplay and action.
No Game No Life explores themes such as the importance of strategy, teamwork, and the dangers of relying solely on logic without considering emotions. If you are a fan of anime and gaming then this anime is best for you.
Final Words
Anime has become a unique way to showcase the intensity and complexity of the game of chess. These top 10 best chess anime will have you on the edge with their intense competition, politics, and struggle. If you find this list interesting, let us know your thoughts in the comment section. For more anime-related content, visit Viebly.
