Summer 2017

Summer 2017 came across as a season that liked taking chances — lots of originals, a handful of movies, and some bold style choices. No Game No Life: Zero was the movie moment, and it leaned into a darker, more cinematic side of the franchise with gorgeous color work and stakes that felt surprisingly mature. Princess Principal introduced a slick steampunk spy setup that married clever worldbuilding with tight action and a soundtrack that stuck with viewers.

Welcome to the Ballroom surprised a lot of people by making ballroom dancing genuinely compelling on-screen; the choreography and character growth were given patient pacing and confident direction. Lighter entries like Clean Freak! Aoyama-kun offered quick laughs and crisp animation, while Restaurant to Another World delivered exactly the kind of cozy, food-focused comfort it promised. With studios such as Lerche, PINE JAM, Shaft and Production Reed involved, the season felt diverse — a few shows became cult favorites, and a handful of films made the summer worth revisiting.