I just finished watching Toradora! I don't normally watch anything romantic, and I wasn't expecting much in the end. As it turns out, Toradora! went from something passively entertaining to a pretty damn good slice of life anime. Characters development was brilliant and surprising, making characters I didn't like much at the beginning (namely Ami and Ryuuji's mom), but managed to give some dialogue and background on them that pulled them from redemption in my eyes. They chose great moments to dramatise/exaggerate the animation in the more dramatic moments, or to express a character's emotions more, that balance nicely with the tame moments. I think their best effort was their facial expressions, namely in Taiga, who probably pulls off the most varied and cute faces to match every emotion.
The comedy and drama elements were balanced well too, although I don't remember being truly intrigued by the plot threads until after half-way. The comedy kept me watching, which I will say was brilliant. I watched it in English dub, and they pull all the voices off perfectly, but it was the writing and delivery that made it so entertaining. I don't get to laugh much at anime when I have to read subtitles and get lost in the translation, so listening to 100% English was worthwhile.
I don't know if I can say it's in my top 10 favorites, as I don't watch these type of high-school romcoms often. But for an anime oin its own, I'm glad I watched it. And I may watch it through again in future.
Also, my Taiga x Ryuuji prediction came true. HAHA! But to be honest, they go so well together. I could never imagine either of them paired up with the other characters in the end.
I am content.
Also, Taiga fight scenes.