anime time travel slice of life

7th Time Loop And 9 Other Amazing Time Loop Anime

7th Time Loop isn't the only great time loop anime series on offer; titles like Puella Magi Madoka Magica and Re:Zero are also amazing.

Time loops are a fascinating concept, as stories can handle them in many unique ways, with each way of handling the loop giving the plot a vastly different feel. A story can be like Groundhog Day, where the character goes through the same period many times throughout the story. Other stories only show the viewer a single loop, not revealing it is a loop at the very end of the tale. Some stories have the characters go through many smaller loops, dramatically changing how events around them play out every time.

Anime is no exception, as the medium has produced many excellent time loop tales over the years, and each of them handles its time loops differently and has used them to make different points, making each one a unique experience. There is a time loop anime to suit every taste.

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10 7th time loop: the villainess enjoys a carefree life married to her worst enemy combines fantasy and time loops, 7th time loop: the villainess enjoys a carefree life married to her worst enemy.

Rishe is already on her seventh time around being reborn and has had all kinds of excitement in her previous lives. But to savor the high life, she first has to marry the handsome prince, the same one who happens to be her murderer.

Based on the light novel created by Touko Amekawa, the series 7th Time Loop follows Rishe Weitzner, a woman currently on her seventh time loop. So far, she has tried many things, but it doesn't matter as every single loop ends with her dying at age 20 — five years after the crown prince gets their engagement annulled. This time, Rishe decides to enjoy the high life and accepts Prince Arnold of the Galkhein Kingdom's offer of marriage.

However, this isn't an easy relationship, as Arnold is the source of much sadness in the kingdom and is even responsible for some of Rishe's deaths in previous loops. So, to avoid a horrible fate, she will have to use the skills she acquired during her past lives. 7th Time Loop is a fantastic series packed with drama and tension. Plus, it makes excellent use of its loops, making it one of the best time loop anime series.

9 Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World Puts Limits On Its Loops

Re:zero − starting life in another world.

After being suddenly transported to another world, Subaru Natsuki and his new female partner are brutally murdered. However, Subaru awakens to a familiar scene, meeting the same girl again. The day begins to mysteriously repeat itself.

Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World tells the story of Subaru Natsuki, a regular young man who is sucked into a fantasy world. Before he can get his bearings, he is killed while trying to help a girl named Emilia find a lost item. To Subaru's surprise, after he perishes, he wakes up just before his first meeting with Emilia, allowing him to retry. From then on, Subaru uses his Return by Death ability to try and fix situations that don't go his way — but he soon learns his power has limits and many dark forces are waiting for their moment to strike and hurt his new friends .

A super fun isekai series, Re:Zero uses Subaru's time-looping abilities in many fascinating ways. Unlike similar series, Re:Zero frequently uses Return by Death's limits to intensify the drama, leading to many tragic scenes where Subaru realizes that even the power of time travel isn't enough.

8 The Tatami Galaxy Is A Grounded Time Travel Tale

The tatami galaxy.

The Tatami Galaxy" follows an unnamed third-year college student at Kyoto University, dissatisfied with his unremarkable college experience. Encountering a demigod, he receives the chance to relive his past three years, hoping to experience the ideal "rose-colored campus life" he believes he missed. Each episode presents a different timeline where he joins a new club (such as the rowing club, the filmmaking club, or the mystery research club), hoping to find fulfilling friendships and romance, particularly with his classmate Akashi. However, due to his awkwardness, impulsiveness, and misguided decisions, each attempt ends in disappointment, leading him back to the beginning of the loop. Through these comedic and melancholic cycles, the series explores themes of self-discovery, missed opportunities, the impact of choices, and the importance of cherishing the present.

Based on Tomihiko Morimi's novel , The Tatami Galaxy follows a student who studies at Kyoto University. This student is upset at how terrible his college and romantic lives are and openly wonders what his life would be like if he joined a different college club, believing that one would get him the rose-colored campus life he dreamed of. Each episode of The Tatami Galaxy follows the student through one loop, starting with him joining a new club and concluding with the student getting thrown back through time to the start of college again.

The Tatami Galaxy is stunning on several levels. The show has a unique visual style, using highly stylized animation to capture the protagonist's confused emotional state and the dizzying highs and crushing lows of young love. Plus, it's a rare example of a time loop that isn't a thriller or a science-fiction adventure, as outside of time travel, the story is a very grounded look at how small decisions can massively affect our lives.

7 Erased Combines Time Loops With A Thrilling Mystery

Erased (2016).

29-year-old Satoru Fujinuma is sent back in time 18 years to prevent the events leading to his mother's death, which began with a series of kidnappings while he was in 5th grade.

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Based on Kei Sanbe's manga, Erased follows struggling manga creator Satoru Fujinuma. Satoru has a strange ability. Whenever he ends up in a life-threatening situation, his consciousness is sent back several minutes before the incident, allowing him to prevent it. However, when Satoru's mother is murdered, he finds himself teleported 18 years into the past, a few months before some of his classmates get abducted and killed by a serial killer.

With this second chance, Satoru vows to save his classmates and the future. Erased is an excellent anime series featuring a complex mystery and gripping characters. Plus, its visuals are very experimental, especially during the film-like flashback sequences. Because of this, the series is a must-watch for all anime fans.

6 The Girl Who Leapt Through Time Is A Relatable Coming Of Age Tale

The girl who leapt through time (2006).

A high-school girl named Makoto acquires the power to travel back in time, and decides to use it for her own personal benefits. Little does she know that she is affecting the lives of others just as much as she is her own.

Directed by Mamoru Hosoda, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time follows Makoto Konno, a young girl trying to decide what to do with her future. However, after a strange incident, Makoto starts to jump backwards in time whenever she wishes. Makoto initially uses this power for her enjoyment, using it to get better grades and make her life easier. However, she quickly learns that changing history has wide-reaching effects, and her actions affect people around her in many ways.

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is an excellent time loop story and a fantastic coming-of-age tale , capturing the feelings of confusion many teenagers go through as they reach the end of their formal schooling. On top of this, the film dives into how our actions, no matter how small, can have massive ramifications for those around us.

5 Sagrada Reset Is Set In A World Where Powers Are The Norm

Sagrada reset (2017).

Set in the seaside town of Sakurada, where everyone possesses unique abilities, Kei Asai encounters Misora Haruki, a girl who can "reset" anything around her up to three days prior. However, she loses her own memories of the reset period. Kei, with his photographic memory, assists Misora in using her power to help others in town, forming a service club. As they solve various mysteries and challenges, Kei develops feelings for Misora, while questioning the ethics and consequences of altering the past.

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Based on the light novel series written by Yutaka Kōno and illustrated by You Shiina, Sagrada Reset follows Kei Asai, a boy with an eidetic memory. However, Kei isn't that special, as he lives in Sakurada, a town where everyone has a power of some form. One such person is Misora Haruki, a shy girl who can reset time, sending the world back up to three days.

However, due to his memory, Kei remembers everything even when Misora resets time, so the two form the Service Club, a group that tries to help people by changing how events play out. Alas, this quickly draws the attention of a mysterious group called the Administration Bureau, throwing the kids into the middle of a world-spanning conspiracy. Sagrada Reset uses its time travel in fascinating and clever ways, making it a unique experience. The overarching mystery will keep even long-term mystery fans on their toes.

4 Island Twists The Format

Won Mi-ho, a chaebol heiress, embarks on a private plane with her father, but the aircraft crashes on a deserted island. Waking up with amnesia, Mi-ho encounters Ban Seok-joon, a doctor who was illegally performing surgery on the plane when it went down. Together, they try to survive on the island while searching for a way to get rescued. However, they soon discover the island is far from ordinary, holding secrets and mysteries that threaten their lives. As they unravel the truth about the island and Mi-ho's past, they develop a complex relationship, torn between trust and

The Island anime is based on the visual novel game released in Japan in 2016 and America in 2018. It follows a man who washes up on the shore of a mysterious island called Urashima. This man soon realizes he has lost most of his memories. All he remembers is that he's a time traveler who has traveled to protect a girl from harm, even if he isn't sure of the exact details.

He soon meets Rinne Ohara, a girl whose song makes him remember the name "Setsuna." On top of this, the man learns that Urashima is struggling with a strange disease that harms anyone who steps into the sunlight. While Island does struggle with its pacing in parts, it does deviate from the traditional time loop setup in a few fascinating ways, making it a unique show for those who enjoy mysteries with out-of-the-box solutions.

3 Puella Magi Madoka Magica Uses Loops To Up Its Impact

Puella magi madoka magica.

A creature named Kyubey offers Madoka and Sayaka a wish if they agree to become 'magical girls' and fight abstract beings called 'witches'. However, a magical girl named Homura is, for uncertain reasons, determined to stop this agreement.

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Puella Magi Madoka Magica is a legendary deconstruction of the magical girl genre written by anime legend Gen Urobuchi. The series follows Madoka Kaname and Sayaka Miki, two regular middle school girls living ordinary lives — at least, until they encounter a creature called Kyubey, who offers the girls any wish they want. In return, they must become magical girls and fight witches. While this offer seems tempting, Homura Akemi, a new transfer student, is keen to make sure Madoka rejects Kyubey's offer, drawing Madoka into a spiral of confusion and suffering.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica fascinatingly uses time travel and time loops. While they're a critical part of the plot, they're also used to flesh out the characters, allowing the audience to see every facet of their personality. This helps intensify Madoka Magica's emotional moments, turning them into harrowing gut punches.

2 El Hazard: The Magnificent World Is Built On A Paradox

El-hazard: the magnificent world.

Makoto Mizuhara, Katsuhiko Jinnai, Nanami Jinnai, and their history teacher, Masamichi Fujisawa, stumble upon a mysterious artifact during a science experiment. Suddenly, they're transported to the magical world of El-Hazard, a land ravaged by war between the human kingdoms and the insectoid Bugrom tribe. Mistaken for the legendary heroes prophesied to save El-Hazard, each student acquires unique magical abilities, thrusting them into the conflict. As they navigate this unfamiliar world, forge alliances, and battle ferocious enemies, they grapple with their newfound powers, personal desires, and the responsibility placed upon them.

The first part of the long-running El-Hazard series, El Hazard: The Magnificent World, follows Makoto Mizuhara. Makoto agrees to testify against the corrupt student council, drawing their ire. Running away from the head of the council, time suddenly stops for everyone but Makoto, leaving him confused. However, after looking around, Makoto wanders into the school's basement, where a strange woman greets him before sending him and his friends to the magical world of El Hazard. Even worse, within moments of arriving, they are tangled in the war engulfing El Hazard, pitting the humans against the Bugrom armies.

A unique isekai series, El Hazard: The Magnificent World, does many clever things with the format. The show's use of the predestination paradox means the story goes in many unexpected directions, making this a unique experience.

1 Charlotte Shows Powers Are Not Fun

Charlotte (2015).

In a world where a special puberty phenomenon grants teenagers unique abilities, Yuu Otosaka uses his power to steal others' skills for personal gain. However, his carefree life takes a drastic turn when he encounters Nao Tomori, a girl determined to stop him. Joining forces with a mysterious organization, they investigate the truth behind these powers and confront unforeseen dangers. As Yuu faces the consequences of his actions and confronts loss, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery, grappling with responsibility, the value of life, and the power of human connection.

Charlotte follows Yuu Otosaka, a regular high schooler with a secret: He can possess other people's bodies for five seconds. At first, Yuu uses this ability to get an advantage in life, rising to the top of his classes and getting himself into a top-ranked high school. However, his life is turned upside down when another student, Nao Tomori, tells him she knows about his power before convincing him to join Hoshinoumi Academy, a school for adolescents with special powers .

Charlotte uses the students' abilities in fascinating ways, and time manipulation plays a crucial role in the ongoing narrative. What makes Charlotte so interesting is that, unlike most other superpower anime, it perfectly captures how horrific it would be to gain otherworldly powers and how these powers would leave people utterly isolated.

The Best Slice of Life Anime on Crunchyroll to Binge Watch Right Now

Take a little breather from reality.

In the world of anime, there's a genre that beautifully captures the essence of everyday experiences, celebrating the simple joys, friendships, and challenges we all encounter. "Slice-of-Life" anime immerses viewers in relatable and heartwarming stories depicting ordinary characters navigating daily life's ups and downs.

If you want to unwind and immerse yourself in delightful tales that resonate with your experiences, Crunchyroll offers a treasure trove of captivating slice-of-life anime series. From heartwarming friendships to small-town adventures, we've curated a list of the 15 best slice-of-life anime available on Crunchyroll that will captivate your heart and leave you with a warm and fuzzy feeling.

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Seasons: 1 | Episodes: 13 | Studio: CloverWorks

Cast: Haruka Tomatsu, Kouki Uchiyama

Horimiya is an anime that follows the unlikely friendship between Kyouko Hori (Tomatsu) and Izumi Miyamura (Uchiyama). On the surface, they appear to be complete opposites, with Hori being a popular and academically successful student, and Miyamura being a quiet and unassuming otaku. However, a chance encounter reveals their hidden sides: Hori's responsibility for her younger brother and household chores and Miyamura's hidden tattoos and piercings. Despite their differences, they quickly form a close bond, spending time together and sharing their true selves, which they have never shown to anyone else. As they break out of their shells, their friendship deepens, and they navigate the complexities of high school life together. Watch on Crunchyroll

My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU

Seasons: 1 | Episodes: 13 | Studio: Brain's Base

Cast: Takuya Eguchi, Saori Hayami

Get ready for a hilarious and heartwarming ride with My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU! Meet Hachiman Hikigaya (Eguchi), a high school student who couldn't care less about making friends and sees the whole "joyful youth" thing as a total joke. But when he's forced to join the Volunteer Service Club, run by the stunningly brilliant Yukino Yukinoshita (Hayami), his world is turned upside down. From solving students' quirky problems to navigating the ups and downs of social dynamics, Hachiman's sarcastic wit and Yukino's ice queen persona make for a delightfully entertaining duo. Can they use their unconventional approaches to turn the chaos of high school life into something truly unforgettable? Join them on this wild and hilarious adventure, where cynicism meets unexpected camaraderie, and laughter is always the best solution! Watch on Crunchyroll

Your Lie in April

Seasons: 1 | Episodes: 22 | Studio: A-1 Pictures

Cast: Natsuki Hanae, Risa Taneda

For a long time, music plays a central theme in anime . Prepare to be swept away by the enchanting melody of Your Lie in April ! Meet Kousei Arima (Hanae), a former piano prodigy who lost his passion for music after a tragic loss. His days became dull and gray until he crossed paths with the vibrant and free-spirited violinist Kaori Miyazono (Taneda). With her unconventional playing style and infectious energy, Kaori shakes up Kousei's monotonous existence and reawakens his love for music. Together, they embark on a journey of friendship, healing, and artistic expression. As Kousei's world fills with color once again, join them on a soul-stirring symphony that will touch your heart and bring tears of both joy and sorrow. Get ready to experience the power of music and the transformative power of love in this extraordinary tale! Watch on Crunchyroll

Seasons: 1 | Episodes: 13 | Studio: TMS Entertainment, Double Eagle

Cast: Kenshō Ono, Ryōhei Kimura

Welcome to the weird world of do-overs in ReLIFE! . Meet Arata Kaizaki (Ono), a 27-year-old who finds himself at rock bottom after several failures. Just when he's about to give up, a peculiar opportunity arises. Ryō Yoake, a member of the ReLife Research Institute, offers Arata a chance to turn his life around using a mysterious pill. With nothing to lose, Arata takes the pill and wakes up the next day as a 17-year-old high school student! Arata quickly realizes that this transformation is part of a grand experiment. He must navigate the challenges of high school life all over again, from exams to friendships. However, his seemingly superior life experience proves to be more of a hindrance than a help. With Ryō assigned to keep an eye on him, Arata's journey becomes filled with hilarious mishaps and unexpected discoveries. Watch on Crunchyroll

TONIKAWA: Over The Moon For You

Seasons: 1 | Episodes: 24 + 2 OVA | Studio: Seven Arcs

Cast: Junya Enoki, Akari Kitō

Nasa Yuzaki's (Enoki) life suddenly turns when he falls in love at first sight with the captivating Tsukasa (Kitō). Surprisingly, she agrees to be his girlfriend, but only if they get married. With unwavering determination and an overwhelming desire to be with Tsukasa, Nasa embarks on a whirlwind journey towards marriage, defying societal norms and embracing the extraordinary. As Nasa and Tsukasa navigate the joys and challenges of their unique relationship, they discover the beauty of love and the power of unwavering commitment. From heartwarming moments of tenderness to hilarious escapades, TONIKAWA: Over The Moon For You captures the essence of pure romance and the thrill of embarking on an extraordinary love story. Watch on Crunchyroll

Seasons: 1 | Episodes: 25 | Studio: J.C.Staff

Cast: Junji Majima, Rie Kugimiya

In Toradora! , Ryuji Takasu's (Majima) high school life takes an unexpected turn on his first day as a junior. Sitting between his secret crush, Minori Kushieda, and his only friend, Yusaku, he thinks his luck is finally changing. However, fate has other plans for him when he unwittingly becomes the archenemy of the most feared girl in school, Taiga Aisaka (Kugimiya). To make matters worse, Taiga, who happens to be Minori's best friend, moves in next door to Ryuji. Ryuji Takasu may have a stern face, but deep down, he's a gentle soul with a love for housework. On the other hand, Taiga Aisaka, known as the "Palmtop Tiger," may be small in stature but possesses a feisty personality and wields a wooden katana. When a mishap brings them together, Ryuji discovers a sweet side of Taiga that she hides from the world. Join Ryuji and Taiga on their journey of self-discovery and romance as they navigate the complexities of teenage emotions and form bonds beyond appearances. Watch on Crunchyroll

Seasons: 4 | Episodes: 85 + 5 OVAs | Studio: Production I.G

Cast: Ayumu Murase, Kaito Ishikawa

There's no actual science to it, but there's a reason why we love watching anime characters play sports . Based on the popular manga series by Haruichi Furudate, Haikyuu!! follows the journey of Shoyo Hinata (Murase), a passionate and determined volleyball enthusiast. Inspired by a skilled player known as the "Little Giant," Hinata forms a volleyball team in his last year of middle school. However, their dreams are shattered when they face Tobio Kageyama's (Ishikawa) team, the "King of the Court," and suffer a crushing defeat. Fueled by the desire to surpass Kageyama, Hinata enters high school, only to find that his former rival is now his teammate. With unwavering determination and a burning love for the sport, Hinata sets his sights on Karasuno High School, the alma mater of the Little Giant. Despite the school's faded glory, Hinata remains steadfast in his quest to prove that his height is no obstacle to his dreams of becoming a professional volleyball player. However, to achieve greatness, he must first reconcile his differences with Kageyama and learn the true meaning of teamwork. If you're new to the world of anime, Haikyuu!! is the perfect entry point . Watch on Crunchyroll

Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid

Seasons: 2 | Episodes: 25 + 2 OVAs | Studio: Kyoto Animation

Cast: Mutsumi Tamura, Yūki Kuwahara

Meet Kobayashi (Tamura), an ordinary office worker leading a mundane and solitary life in her small apartment. Everything changes when she encounters a distressed female dragon in need of help. In a twist of fate, the dragon named Tohru (Kuwahara) becomes Kobayashi's roommate and is determined to repay her debt of gratitude, even if it means turning into an adorable human girl with horns and a tail. With Tohru's presence, nothing is ever easy, and Kobayashi's life is about to venture into uncharted territory. From Tohru's enthusiastic attempts to fulfill her maid duties to the arrival of other mythical beings, Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid is a delightful blend of comedy, fantasy, and heartwarming moments. Kobayashi's quiet life transforms as she learns to embrace the whimsy and unconventional charm of having a dragon as a roommate. Watch on Crunchyroll

Kaguya-Sama: Love is War

Seasons: 3 | Episodes: 37 | Studio: A-1 Pictures

Cast: Makoto Furukawa, Aoi Koga

Prepare for a hilarious and strategic battle of love with Kaguya-sama: Love is War! At the prestigious Shuchiin Academy, Miyuki Shirogane (Furukawa) and Kaguya Shinomiya (Koga) are regarded as the school's top students. Miyuki, the brilliant student council president, and Kaguya, the wealthy vice president, are the envy of their peers, and it seems like the perfect couple. However, behind their composed exteriors, fierce competition rages. Both Miyuki and Kaguya have developed feelings for each other, but their pride and honor prevent them from confessing. In a high-stakes game, they believe the first one to confess their love will be disadvantaged. Determined to come out on top and unwilling to be seen as the lesser, Miyuki and Kaguya engage in elaborate schemes and mind games, strategizing to make the other person confess their feelings first. Watch on Crunchyroll

Bocchi the Rock!

Seasons: 1 | Episodes: 12 | Studio: CloverWorks

Cast: Yoshino Aoyama, Sayumi Suzushiro

Get ready to rock out with Bocchi the Rock! Hitori Goto (Aoyama), also known as Bocchi-chan, is a lonely and introverted high school girl whose passion lies in her guitar. With her heart yearning to join a band and overcome her shyness, Bocchi practices her guitar skills tirelessly, spending countless hours perfecting her craft all by herself. Despite her dedication and talent, Bocchi struggles to find bandmates and make friends. As her dream of performing at her school's cultural festival concert seems distant, she loses hope. On the brink of becoming a shut-in, a ray of light enters Bocchi's life in the form of Nijika Ijichi (Suzushiro), the drummer of the Kessoku Band. When Nijika reaches out to Bocchi, a new chapter begins for her. Gradually, Bocchi's life starts to change as she forms connections and discovers the power of friendship. With the support of Nijika and the band, Bocchi's once-lonely world starts to resonate with the vibrant energy of music and camaraderie. Watch on Crunchyroll

Shikimori's Not Just a Cutie

Seasons: 1 | Episodes: 12 | Studio: Doga Kobo

Cast: Shūichirō Umeda, Saori Ōnishi

Anime has been celebrating love for decades , and Shikimori's Not Just a Cutie is no exception. Meet Yuu Izumi (Umeda), a high school student who attracts mishaps wherever he goes. Despite his streak of bad luck, Izumi's one wish is to spend more time with his girlfriend, the popular and adorable Micchon Shikimori (Ōnishi). Shikimori is not just a pretty face; she possesses a kind heart and a beautiful smile that lights up Izumi's world. However, there's more to Shikimori than meets the eye. When Izumi finds himself in trouble, Shikimori transforms remarkably into a super cool "heartthrob girlfriend" ready to protect and support him. Watch on Crunchyroll

Seasons: 1 | Episodes: 22 + 1 OVA | Studio: Kyoto Animation

Cast: Yuichi Nakamura, Satomi Satō

Indulge in the captivating world of Hyouka , a mesmerizing blend of high school romance and captivating mysteries. Hotaro Oreki (Nakamura) is a disenchanted student who reluctantly joins his school's Classic Lit Club. Little does he know his life is about to take a thrilling turn when he encounters Eru Chitanda (Satō), a kind-hearted and endlessly curious girl with a knack for drawing him into all sorts of trouble. Houtarou Oreki's goal is simple: to lead a life devoid of excitement and conserve his energy. However, his peaceful existence is disrupted when his older sister, Tomoe, compels him to save the memberless Classics Club from disbandment. Reluctantly stepping into the clubroom, Oreki discovers that Eru Chitanda has already become a member. Although his obligation is fulfilled, Oreki finds himself irresistibly drawn to Chitanda's infectious curiosity, leading him to join the club willingly. Watch on Crunchyroll

Non Non Biyori

Seasons: 3 | Episodes: 36 + 3 OVA | Studio: Silver Link

Cast: Rie Murakawa, Kotori Koiwai

Immerse yourself in the tranquil and heartwarming world of Non Non Biyori ! When Hotaru Ichijou (Murakawa) leaves bustling Tokyo behind and relocates to the serene Asahigaoka village, her life takes a delightful turn. Her new school has only five students, spanning different grade levels, all sharing a single classroom. In this rustic countryside, convenience stores are nowhere to be found, and buses can take hours to arrive. Despite the peaceful and secluded setting, Hotaru finds herself enchanted by the unique charm of the countryside, thanks to her four extraordinary schoolmates. At the center of it all is Renge Miyauchi (Koiwai), a perceptive and spirited first-grader whose wisdom belies her age. Alongside Renge are the Koshigaya siblings. As Hotaru becomes a part of this close-knit group, their ordinary days in Asahigaoka become filled with joy and laughter. Watch on Crunchyroll

Seasons: 1 | Episodes: 12 | Studio: Kinema Citrus

Cast: Daisuke Ono

Step into the charming world of Barakamon , where the journey of Seishu Handa (Ono), a talented but self-centered calligrapher, unfolds. After a heated altercation with a veteran artist, Seishu's ego takes a blow when his work is dismissed as unoriginal. As a form of punishment and an opportunity for self-reflection, Seishu's father exiles him to the tranquil Goto Islands, far removed from the bustling streets of Tokyo. In this rural setting, Seishu is forced to confront his shortcomings and seek inspiration to develop his own unique artistic style. However, his quest for solitude is quickly disrupted by the lively and eccentric residents of the island. From the spirited Naru Kotoishi and her mischievous group of friends to fujoshi middle schoolers and spirited elderly individuals, Seishu's house becomes a hub of unexpected encounters and meddling neighbors. Watch on Crunchyroll

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Flying Witch

Seasons: 1 | Episodes: 12 | Studio: J.C.Staff

Cast: Minami Shinoda, Ai Kayano

Embark on a whimsical and enchanting journey with Flying Witch ! In a world blessed with the wonders of nature, the extraordinary becomes ordinary as 15-year-old Makoto Kowata (Shinoda) embraces her role as a professional witch. Leaving Yokohama behind, she ventures to Aomori, where she will undergo training to hone her magical abilities. Guided by her trusty black cat companion, Chito (Kayano), Makoto immerses herself in the magical world of witches. While her powers may currently be limited to flying through the sky, she finds joy and adventure in the simplest of spells. Watch on Crunchyroll

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50 Best Slice of Life Anime Series & Movies (Ranked)

You know what’s my favorite genre in anime? Well it’s an easy guess: lice of life — the purest and most life-affirming genre there is.

If you asked me the same thing 10 years ago, I would’ve said I preferred “edgy, brutal, and deep” shows. Or just the usual shonen titles.

But things change.

I’ve grown up, my taste has too, and good anime doesn’t always have to include big fights and long arcs.

Anime where “literally nothing happens” isn’t devoid of value. It can actually be extremely compelling! You just have to know where to look.

With this in mind, let me show you my picks for the best slice of life anime of all time.

50. Honobono Log

Starting off the list is Honobono Log, a short series that doesn’t look like typical anime.

It’s more like the typical cutesy Korean illustrations you find on social media.

So what do I like about this?

For one, it’s short and sweet.

You can finish all 10 episodes in 20 minutes — that’s how short it is.

Yet Honobono Log presents all the tender yet very much ordinary moments of people in love, reminding us that it’s not all about grand romantic gestures.

49. Demi-chan wa Kataritai (Interviews with Monster Girls)

Should all monsters go about eating humans and ravaging cities?

In Demi-chan wa Kataritai we have half-human, half-monster entities interacting with perfectly ordinary humans in school.

It’s an odd world, to say the least.

What I love about this anime is its theme of tolerance and acceptance, that differences in physical appearance are just that — we all still share the same emotions that make us human.

As the MC Tetsuo Takahashi gets to know more about a bratty vampire or an introverted snow woman, you can learn a thing or two about not judging a book by its cover.

48. Isekai Shokudō (Restaurant to Another World)

Are you tired of all the seemingly endless barrage of generic isekai entries? I don’t blame you.

Ever since Sword Art Online took the world by storm, studios have been on the lookout for the next big hit.

In contrast to the usual action-packed isekai, Isekai Shokudo is about the joys of eating and discovering gastronomic pleasures.

And you know why it works?

It’s because the diners of this otherwise typical Japanese restaurant are all from the fantasy world: elves, faeries, dragons, leonine warriors, sorcerers, knights, biped reptiles.

It makes you appreciate the meals and snacks you have, no matter how cheap or common they are.

47. Gochuumon wa Usagi Desu ka? (Is the Order a Rabbit?)

Often referred to as GochiUsa, this is the first CGDCT (Cute Girls Doing Cute Things) entry on my list.

It doesn’t rewrite the subgenre. But the main characters are effectively endearing.

Plus, GochiUsa isn’t concentrated in school.

Five of the young girls are waitresses, so they also have “adventures” in the cafe and around town.

Almost everything is normal in their world, except for the small talking rabbit of Chino Kafuu.

If anything, GochiUsa would be better off without that one fanservice episode.

46. Kono Bijutsubu ni wa Mondai ga Aru! (This Art Club Has a Problem!)

I didn’t expect to like Konobi as much as I did.

When I saw the teaser before its 2016 release, I found the art plain — and it was throughout the series.

But like any good SoL title, Konobi had a cast that meshed well together, with Collette and Yumeko being surprise favorites.

You may get tired of Ari getting flustered around Yuusuke, and this is more energetic and comedic than relaxing.

But some jokes (like Yuuseke’s preference for 2D waifus) always make me chuckle.

45. Gabriel DropOut

Here’s the thing: I love online RPGs.

So when Gabriel DropOut came out and featured an angel who was supposed to help humankind but ends up playing video games, I knew I was in for a good ride.

The fallen angel Gabriel was the hook.

But what kept me watching was Satanichia, an adorable demon who’s often put in bad situations.

There’s nothing apocalyptic about Gabriel DropOut, but there’s something appealing with seeing cute demons and angels in school, acting like the complete opposite of what they were born to be.

44. Amaama to Inazuma (Sweetness & Lightning)

Amaama to Inazuma isn’t about cute schoolgirls.

Instead it’s about a widowed father wishing to be a good father to his kid — and that’s where a schoolgirl and cooking come into play.

Kouhei doesn’t know how to cook. But he wants his little girl Tsumugi to grow up healthy.

This leads him to his student, Kotori Iida, who has a family restaurant. Kotori herself isn’t good at cooking, but she has the resources to help Kouhei.

This isn’t a cooking show (although there are many ).

It’s a show that uses cooking to depict the importance of home-cooked meals, social bonding, and of being part of a family. Even if you aren’t all biologically related.

43. Saint☆Onii-san (Saint☆Young Men)

Can two people of different religions live together in peace?

What if those two people were the key figures themselves?

In Saint Onii-san, we have no less than Jesus Christ and Gautama Buddha living together in Tokyo, with no apocalyptic event surrounding them.

They just go to saunas and check out clothing stores.

It’s an odd series, but simply putting two iconic characters in a mundane setting makes it stand out. Definitely check out the nearly 90-minute movie if you have the time.

42. Mangaka-san to Assistant-san to The Animation

Mangaka-san to Assistant-san to is, well, from a manga series.

The source material is relatively popular, which is probably due in part to its ecchi element.

The manga artist Yuuki Aito loves drawing panties and is surrounded by women.

Yes, this is a harem show. But hear me out: It’s entertaining.

And it helps a lot that it’s just 14 minutes long per episode.

Mangaka-san to Assistant-san to is average in terms of technical aspects.

But like Prison School, it goes all out in its comedic pervertedness, producing some of the most embarrassing anime scenes of all time.

41. Kiniro Mosaic (KINMOZA!)

If you’re a regular on Twitch or just familiar with internet culture, you’ve likely heard people say “ayaya” repeatedly.

That meme’s from Kiniro Mosaic’s Karen Kujou, who’s also the source of the “desu” song.

Yet Kiniro Mosaic is more than cutesy memes.

It’s an undoubtedly sweet CGDCT series featuring girls who know a thing or two about British and Japanese culture.

Don’t let Karen steal the show for you.

Characters like Oomiya Shinobu and Inokuma Youko have shining moments as well.

Also if you liked season 1 then you’ll be pleased to know season 2 manages to get even better!

40. Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun (My Little Monster)

I love this show.

I wish I could place this higher, but SoL is a difficult genre for me to organize because I have so many favorites.

If I could have one anime continue until it has adapted the entire source material, I’d choose this in a heartbeat.

I just think the character dynamics here are amazing — and I love the fact that Haru has a chicken named Nagoya.

Simply put, Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun is school and dating life done right.

Give the soundtrack a listen too. It’s one of the best I’ve heard from anime in the past decade.

39. Azumanga Daioh

There are a few anime series that are regarded as pioneers in their respective genres.

The 2002 series Azumanga Daioh is one of the first-ever successful slice-of-life (and CGDCT) anime out there.

Perhaps the key factor to its achievements is that Azumanga Daioh had a complete adaptation.

In other words, everything in the manga is in the anime. Covering everything from freshman year to graduation.

Later on in my list, you’ll be seeing more shows that this anime had influenced.

Plus did you know that the waifu meme originated here?

38. Lucky Star

Here’s another classic SoL and CGDCT anime, with one of the most infectious opening themes ever.

The song alone is great, but it even has an entire dance sequence otakus couldn’t help but cover.

What do I love the most about Lucky Star?

Everything is delightful. But Konata Izumi absolutely steals the show every time she’s in a scene — and it helps that she’s also an avid otaku and video gamer like me.

The humor here isn’t for everyone, and some may feel that scenes drag out, but Lucky Star will always be one of the early shows that catapulted Kyoto Animation into fame in the industry.

37. Yuru Yuri (YuruYuri: Happy Go Lily)

Continuing the CGDCT streak we have Yuru Yuri, a three-season title from Doga Kobo.

Srguably known mostly for its talent in creating CGDCT anime.

Also the anime features lesbians, as the title suggests.

But don’t think that this focuses on serious or erotic scenes.

Instead, Yuru Yuri is still a show where girls hang out in their club room and at school in general.

The jokes themselves are funny, but the comedic timing and the delivery all add to the hilarity.

If you also haven’t noticed, anime forums often have reaction faces of two Yuru Yuri characters: Kyouko Toshinou and Akari Akaza.

36. Udon no Kuni no Kiniro Kemari (Poco’s Udon World)

Sweetness & Lightning and Poco’s Udon World often get compared to each other because they feature a guy who takes care of a child.

But here, the kid can transform into a tanuki or the Japanese raccoon dog.

If you often get nostalgic or think back of your childhood, give this a try.

As much as Poko is a cute tanuki boy, the real value comes from Souta.

As he goes back to his hometown, he begins to see his relationship with his father and the townspeople in a whole different light.

Poco’s Udon World is a peaceful show that teaches viewers to appreciate what they have and once had.

35. Genshiken

If you think club members fighting over the appeal of Boys’ Love (BL) anime is entertainment, then I’ve got wonderful news: Genshiken is all about teenagers with a great passion for all things otaku , including BL.

It’s been so long since I’ve seen the first season.

But I know how memorable the characters are.

It feels a bit slow at first, but it feels realistic: New otaku club members being awkward to each other isn’t hard to imagine.

Genshiken has a few OVAs and three seasons, and while the characters age and move on with their lives, the same otaku-specific hilarity has always been there.

34. Danna ga Nani wo Itteiru ka Wakaranai Ken (I Can’t Understand What My Husband Is Saying)

This is arguably my all-time favorite short anime.

With each episode being just three minutes long, you can watch both 13-episode seasons in one sitting — and yet it manages to be more rewarding than far longer anime.

Danna ga Nani wo Itteiru ka Wakaranai Ken centers around the married life of Kaoru and her otaku husband Hajime.

The anime is filled with tropes (many of them being from Neon Genesis Evangelion).

Aside from its relatability, the anime is a standout for how it shifts from absurd hilarity to moments of introspection when either main character realizes how lucky they are to have found each other.

33. Eve no Jikan (Time of Eve)

You can watch the award-winning Time of Eve in six episodes, or just check out the compilation movie.

Regardless, this is a distinct SoL anime for many reasons. Two being its strong sci-fi element and futuristic setting.

Eve no Jikan is an exploration of the Three Laws of Robotics as stated by Isaac Asimov.

Androids are now common, but how should humans treat them?

Are they mere machines to order around or should they be seen as more than that?

If there’s anything to pick up from this, it’s the stellar writing.

The tension and emotion brought out of words and conversations are outstanding.

32. Mitsuboshi Colors

I read the manga way before the adaptation was announced, and I’m happy to say that the anime did it justice.

Silver Link has always been excellent with backgrounds — and they didn’t disappoint here.

Now Mitsuboshi Colors is silly, which is expected of a show about three little girls with a secret base.

But it’s more childlike and less childish.

They just solve little mysteries prepared by the old Daigorou.

Nothing really happens, but it’s cute to see how they’re always thinking of the next fun thing to do.

One episode even has them pondering about the obliteration of humanity for the wrong reasons.

31. Flying Witch

Warning: Flying Witch is relaxing.

Set in the countryside, you follow Makoto Kowata as she travels to Aomori to train in witchcraft.

But don’t think that it’s like Harry Potter or Little Witch Academia.

Yes, you’ll see a mandrake making noise and you’ll see sorcery now and then. But the surrounding nature makes Flying Witch a comforting watch.

It’s like going on a vacation to hang out with your cousins.

JC Staff doesn’t always do well in animating their projects, but they did surprisingly well with Flying Witch.

The visuals are cool to the eyes and the characters’ clothes have this brush effect to them.

30. Sakura Trick

Sakura Trick features girls who kiss and aren’t afraid to show affection toward another.

Yes, it’s yuri. But it’s also not like most yuri anime.

Fanservice is abundant here but it never feels out of place.

The show also isn’t filled with hypersexualized characters and unearned drama.

In contrast, Sakura Trick is lighthearted. The girls here don’t behave like adults — they act and speak like the teenagers they are.

If you’re not a fan of yuri, you may not like this.

On the other hand, this may be the one yuri anime that even non-yuri fans may appreciate because of the amazing cast and solid animation.

29. Kimi to Boku. (You and Me.)

From a group of girls who love fellow girls, we move to a bunch of guys.

They don’t fall for each other but they’re clearly designed for BL enthusiasts — the boys look and behave like the ideal boyfriend.

But seriously, this is a great show about childhood friends (and one guy from Germany) spending their high school days together.

It’s charming, and you can’t help but wish to see them all grow together in college as well.

Once again, JC Staff has blessed SoL fans with a solid, multi-season series.

28. Silver Spoon

Whenever a thread about anime wishlists come up, someone will always say they want a second season of Silver Spoon — and I totally understand why .

It’s such a breath of fresh air from all the typical SoL hits running the same formula.

Yes, the MC is a high school student. But the setting isn’t the city: It’s the countryside.

And while he still goes to school, he’s forced to learn new ways of living.

Here, his supreme knowledge won’t help him in caring for the farm animals and maintaining farming equipment.

In a way it’s a show about cultural relativism. About seeing how and why others prioritize other things in life.

Plus the author of the source material is the same woman who created the iconic Fullmetal Alchemist.

27. Hachimitsu to Clover (Honey and Clover)

Shows like Honey and Clover make me feel happy and sad, with the latter being due to how it only has two seasons and I’m already so invested in the lives of these five individuals forging their own paths to adulthood.

The first season is good.

It introduces us to the gang and we witness how their lives are shaped not only by friendship and love but also the need to “find” oneself, which we all go through in our younger years.

But then the second season pops up and you realize that you’re watching a classic.

I suggest watching this once you’ve landed your first job after high school or college for the maximum feels.

26. Barakamon

This is one of the first series I watched when I returned to seasonal anime — and I didn’t expect to like it this much.

Plus judging from its MAL rating , it seems that many other people have fallen in love with it.

At its core, Barakamon is about accepting failure and learning to move forward.

Seishuu Handa had all the attention to him and his mad calligraphy skills. But then he got the wrong kind of attention when he lost his cool.

Barakamon like a few other great SoL series, is situated in a rural setting.

Here, Seishuu hopes to focus and improve before going back to Tokyo.

But along the way he gets into hilarious scenarios with fujoshi, old people, and most especially a kid named Haru who has a well-known reaction face.

25. New Game!

New Game! has two fantastic seasons, but even the first season was a surprisingly big hit.

But while it’s still a Doga Kobo SoL anime, it added another element that kept a specific part of the crowd glued to the screen: amazing fanservice animation .

You can go to anime forums or Google and search for Aoba and (especially) Hifumi GIFS and you’d find a ton of them.

Besides the eye candy, one can’t help but admire the passion of these girls in making their own video game.

And unlike the typical SoL series, these girls aren’t aimlessly spending their time.

Each episode gives us a peek into what they’ve already achieved and can achieve if they work harder.

24. Usagi Drop (Bunny Drop)

Along with Sweetness and Lightning and Poco’s Udon World, Usagi Drop completes the unintentional “guy-decides-to-take-care-of-a-kid-and-it-changes-his-life” trilogy.

Despite coming out five years earlier than the two to other titles, this 2011 series continues to be the high standard for this extremely specific SoL subgenre.

This is due to its superb source material and Production IG’s keen adaptation — Usagi Drop looks and sounds good to this day.

Just like other seinen, I implore you to catch (or rewatch) this when you’re at least in your 20s.

It’s an effective reminder of how adults can and do change for the better.

23. Grand Blue

A recent release that has shot up to the upper half of the list is Grand Blue.

I expected this before its release — the manga has sold millions of copies and has a huge following.

But what makes this instantly appealing?

For one, the setting is refreshing.

Grand Blue is all about having fun with friends, school, and scuba diving with the Diving Club in the serene coastal town of Izu.

And apart from how the club isn’t just stuck in one room, Grand Blue is about college students, not just high school students.

Like Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun, ReLIFE is one of the SoL shows I’ve been hoping would get a new season.

I’ve seen it at least twice already, and my friend says the manga’s already done and that the end was satisfying.

In contrast, the ReLIFE show ended with a huge cliffhanger, just when things were getting more exciting.

I saw it when I just got out of college, so the anime’s themes of regret and of helping everyone do better hit me hard.

Yes, TMS Entertainment blessed viewers with a four-episode OVA. But I want a return to the main story.

21. Hanasaku Iroha (Hanasaku Iroha: Blossoms for Tomorrow)

Hanasaku Iroha is the first entry of PA Works’ acclaimed “Working” series trilogy, which are all original anime — something I respect and wish we had more of.

Released in 2011, Hanasaku Iroha features the young Ohana Matsumae, whose Tokyo life was turned around when her mom left her.

Now she’s in the countryside and has to work in an inn owned by her grandmother, who actually isn’t fond of her.

Along the way Ohana meets new people and learns to cope with change — because everyone has to deal with change whether we like it or not.

20. Tanaka-kun wa Itsumo Kedaruge (Tanaka-kun is Always Listless)

I gave Tanaka-kun is Always Listless a 10/10 score the first time I watched it — and I haven’t changed my mind since.

This is one of Siver Link’s best anime of all time, and I’m so grateful they took this project on.

Tanaka-kun is Always Listless sounds and looks clean.

And do you know what’s amazing?

The school is based on a real school in Hiroshima .

Tanaka is funny, and I love how he’s this sleepy, lazy dude who’s also adorable, slowly but surely realizing how his behavior affects other people.

The anime features this warm relaxing color palette, and I just feel at ease watching it.

And the rest of the cast, from Oota to Miyano and Shiraishi, have their own scene-stealing moments to boot.

“I’m curious” is one of the most popular lines in anime, and that one’s from Hyouka.

It’s been eight years since release yet Hyouka remains one of the most consistently beautiful anime around, solidifying Kyoto Animation’s reputation.

Hyouka is unlike other SoL because of its mystery element.

Together with Chitanda, Mayaka, and Satoshi, Oreki is always solving something.

The mysteries don’t have to be profound. But they all give characters the opportunity to develop and interact.

Even if you don’t like SoL, you should watch Hyouka.

It’s a godsend that never fails from start to finish.

You also deserve to understand why so many people ship Oreki and Chitanda.

18. Sakura-sou no Pet na Kanojo (The Pet Girl of Sakurasou)

I’ve got another JC Staff entry for you.

To be fair, I didn’t love The Pet Girl of Sakurasou when it came out. And I even heard that source material’s ending would disappoint fans of the anime adaptation.

But I have to admit: The Pet Girl of Sakurasou has a solid bunch of characters that actually developed as the series went on.

I’m not a fan of Mashiro, but everyone else from Nanami to Ryuunosuke is great.

It has fanservice and typical romance and comedy. But it also has some genuinely serious moments that make them feel more human than most anime characters.

17. Tamako Market

Like The Pet Girl of Sakurasou, I didn’t have a good impression of Tamako Market.

Despite being a huge fan of SoL, I initially found it to be too mundane.

But with a rewatch and a viewing of the Tamako Love Story movie, I can now fully recommend the show.

Like Hyouka, Tamako Market is a showcase of the “modern” Kyoto Animation.

It’s visually detailed and sports a huge set of supporting characters with their own unique looks and personalities.

This isn’t the best KyoAni SoL, but it’s a solid entry — and there’s even a bride-seeking talking bird.

16. Danshi Koukousei no Nichijou (Daily Lives of High School Boys)

This is, without a doubt, one of the funniest anime of all time.

Daily Lives of High School Boys can’t hold a candle to KyoAni in terms of animation, but its comedic value is off the charts.

I still remember the first episode after all these years: Hidenori, Yoshitake, and Tadakuni telling spooky stories and wearing girls’ clothes — including bras.

And I just know everyone loves the scenes with the literature girl on the riverbank.

For a series with just 12 episodes, it feels like there were way more. Especially because it even dedicates a mini-series for a trio of girls.

15. Wotaku ni Koi wa Muzukashii (Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku)

I’ve mentioned SoL shows featuring high school and college students, urban and rural settings, and a variety of clubs.

What about a focus on office workers?

That’s what Wotakoi brings to the genre (and they don’t look like 10-year-old girls like in New Game).

Wotakoi is the effective office romance I’ve always thought should exist in anime.

It doesn’t have any fanservice because it knows its character dynamics and storytelling are more than enough.

And despite the office setting, this is far from dull.

Like any real adult, the cast members aren’t afraid to look goofy from time to time.

Thanks to the relatively small number of characters, viewers can expect everyone to have a memorable appearance.

14. Working!! (Wagnaria!!)

Right after Wotakoi is another series that involves workers. So much so that it’s called Working!!

With three seasons, an alternative setting, and a 49-minute special, the Working!! franchise has caught my attention for years.

Who knew that the employees of the Wagnaria family restaurant would be this interesting with each passing episode?

If you love SoL but don’t mind a bit of romance and even drama, do check this out.

And don’t mind the number of episodes — this is better watched one or two episodes a day.

13. Kobayashi-san Chi no Maid Dragon (Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid)

As much as I love shows like Hyouka and Free!, I also admire when KyoAni goes for a more cartoonish design.

Luckily the studio did that in their adaptation of Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid.

This is one of the finest fantasy SoL shows you’ll ever see.

It can go from epic (whenever the women turn into giant dragons and fight it out) and just plain adorable (mostly because of Kanna).

Plus, Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid has an infectious OP and also has the acclaimed Naoko Yamada as one of its episode directors.

12. Natsume Yuujinchou (Natsume’s Book of Friends)

With six seasons and a movie, Natsumi Yuujinchou is that rare gem in anime: It got enough attention to warrant more episodes, and critics and fans alike gave it great reviews.

So what makes Natsume’s Book of Friends such a compelling watch?

For one, it’s a supernatural SoL — Natsume and his pal (a feline spirit named Madara) go about their daily lives looking for spirits to free.

Each of these spirits or youkai has a distinct personality and rich story to tell.

Combine that with a relaxing countryside setting and an overall comforting atmosphere for max comfy points.

You’ll be looking for an episode right before you go to sleep.

11. Ookami Kodomo no Ame to Yuki (Wolf Children)

This is the highest-ranking SoL movie on my list.

Yes, other titles here have movies too.

But this is the only one that isn’t primarily a series that just happens to have a compilation or sequel film.

To be honest, I think the very nature of slice of life is why my list is dominated by series.

SoL is about witnessing the seemingly trivial moments of everyday life, and series have a structure that makes me feel that I’ve known the characters for many months or even years.

With that in mind, the fact that Wolf Children nearly made it to the top 10 is a testament to its charm: excellent cinematography, Mamoru Hosoda’s masterful direction, sometimes painful, and oh-so full of heart.

10. Hinamatsuri

I started watching Hinamatsuri when I had spare time in 2019, a year after its release.

I didn’t think it would have alien girls learning the ways of human life, but it was a wild, hilarious ride I won’t forget.

And look, I think that the braggadocious yet kind gangster Nita has solid moments with Hina.

But my favorites in Hinamatsuri are undoubtedly Hitomi and Anzu.

Hitomi, for some reason, becomes a bartender and realizes the troubles of employment and financial independence.

It’s amusing to see a studious student like her suddenly thrown into the adult world.

Then there’s Anzu, who has the best arc in Hinamatsuri.

Through her eyes, viewers realize just how hard it is for the poor to live and survive, and how people shouldn’t take things for granted.

9. The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya

This is the third final KyoAni entry on my list, which is indicative of how the studio has mastered the art of slice of life.

Is it based around a club? Yes.

Is it like other club-based series? Not really.

First, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya doesn’t show events in chronological order.

It’s completely normal for viewers to be confused, but also entertained once they connect the pieces.

Second, the show has a ton of monologues courtesy of Kyon.

There’s a huge element here that I won’t spoil, but let’s just say it makes everything all the more intriguing.

Not everyone likes the infamous Endless Eight Arc of S2, but both S1 and the movie The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya are downright classics.

And just like Lucky Star, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya had an OP with a viral dance sequence.

8. Uchuu Kyoudai (Space Brothers)

With a whopping 99 episodes, Space Brothers is the longest series in my list.

And there’s no other show like it.

I don’t even know how its producers managed to keep it going for so long.

Granted, the animation isn’t amazing.

You can even say it’s average, or subpar at times. But this isn’t a huge obstacle to get you hooked — the characters are 100% worth investing in.

Think of it: These are two brothers who dreamed of becoming astronauts.

One of them grew up and forgot about it, while the other is already on his way. Space Brothers, then, is about reviving one’s dreams and trying your best in achieving them.

Plus it’s so much more realistic in its approach to space and the near future (it’s set in 2025) than most anime.

7. Yuru Camp (Laid-Back Camp)

Is it proof of recency bias that I included two entries from 2018 in my highest 10 picks?

Perhaps. But how could I not include Hinamatsuri and Yuru Camp when they went all out in terms of character, story, and mood?

As its name implies, Laid-back Camp goes away from any big drama or the stress of the urban jungle, choosing to spend more time in nature.

It’s so comforting, even when the girls just eat noodles or stay warm by the campfire.

I also commend C-Station for doing such an awesome job with the coloring and the backgrounds.

They all help evoke an inviting, relaxing feeling every step of the way.

6. Shirobako

Shirobako is the second entry of the PA Works “Working Girls” trilogy, with the most recent being 2017’s Sakura Quest, which sadly didn’t make it to my list.

I wasn’t hooked with the first episode.

Actually I was overwhelmed with the sheer number of people.

But the amazing thing about Shirobako is that it made everything work. I literally shed a tear by the end.

And if you want to know how anime studios work, watch this.

Consider it a love letter to the people who make the shows we love.

5. Aria the Animation

Aria the Animation has three distinct seasons and is one of the most endearing anime of the 2000s.

Like any classic SoL series, it features extremely likable characters, beautiful backgrounds, and good vibes — and yet it’s set in Mars hundreds of years into the future.

Despite being so far away in temporal and spatial terms, Aria the Animation is still human at its core.

It’s about the relationships we develop with the people around us, of how nice it is to make memories with them.

Don’t binge this series. Instead, save one episode for each day.

Let it make you reflect on and appreciate your own life while and after viewing.

4. Mushishi

Is it a bad thing when people fall asleep while watching anime?

If it’s Mushishi, it’s a compliment.

For so many people over the years, they’ve attested to the ultra-soothing effect of this supernatural franchise.

It’s a miracle that Mushishi got new content after its first season back in 2005.

But anyone interested in this anime must remember that it’s not all relaxation and nature backgrounds here.

Mushishi is philosophical in a sense, looking into the meaning of life and existence.

It can make you sad or hopeless at times, but Ginko and the many mushi creatures should deepen your understanding of life for the better in the long run.

3. Nichijou (My Ordinary Life)

This is my bronze medalist — and I’m kind of hurt saying that.

Nichijou is near and dear to my heart, but the two final entries are just as special.

I’ve seen Nichijou at least three times and I still think it’s got one of the best comedy scenes ever.

I’ll never forget how Mio threw down a goat, or Yuuko’s reaction to getting bitten in the hand by a dog.

Furthermore, Nichijou boasts solid OP and ED tracks, and each character (whether main or supporting) manages to leave an impression.

It’s whacky, outrageous, and just a fine celebration of ordinary life.

2. Non Non Biyori

Non Non Biyori is my favorite anime set in the countryside.

The first scene alone sets the entire mood of the series, with shots of the natural surroundings, accompanied by soothing instrumental music.

For me, there’s no cuter or more adorable main character in anime than Renge.

She’s exactly how a child should act.

Now she can be stubborn or have too many questions, but she’s honest with herself and everyone around.

My favorite Non Non Biyori episode is when she meets another kid who’s just around her age.

It was the first time she was with someone as young as her, and what happened by the end was a stunning show of childlike emotion, all without words or dramatic music.

Anyway, Non Non Biyori has two seasons and a movie. And they are all absolutely worth watching .

Silver Link did a consistently amazing job with this show.

Was there any other series that could hold the top spot?

This is Naoko Yamada’s first directorial project, before she handled other beloved KyoAnime anime like Liz and the Blue Bird, Tamako Market, Tamako Love Story, and Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions.

Yes, the main characters are all part of a club — a music club, to be specific.

But while K-On! does have music, more of its time is spent on just being together, laughing and having tea and cake.

Thanks to Yamada’s vision and her team’s superior technical skills, K-On! never looks or feels mundane.

The animation is fluid, never stiff, and it’s a masterclass in using body and facial movements to portray emotions.

K-On! didn’t need to show faces all the time.

Sometimes the way their legs moved and how the girls walked was more than enough to show character.

The lighting, particularly in the movie, is brilliant.

There’s one scene of them in the car on the road at night, with the lights outside flashing by quickly.

It’s such a relatable moment, one that many of us have experienced but is hard to describe in words — and so K-On! did it through animation.

I hope you have a wonderful time with Yui, Mio, and the rest of the Light Music Club.

Millennial introvert on the lookout for slice-of-life anime, world cinema, and European music. Follow on Twitter @notspencer08

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The 20 Best Slice of Life Anime to Watch Right Now

Are you tired of the conflicts and hole-ridden plots of mainstream anime? You want to watch something that won’t stress you out, and hopefully make you laugh a bit. That’s where slice of life anime comes in. This genre gives you the perfect refresher needed after watching 100+ episodes of nothing but fighting and adventuring .

Without further ado, here is a list of the best slice of life anime titles you should watch when you need a little pick me up.

1.  Grand Blue  (Manga:   Kenji Inoue, 2014 / Anime:  Shinji Takamatsu & Kenji Inoue, 2018 )

This anime was supposed to be about college life, as seen through the eyes of the freshman protagonist. He’s looking forward to learning, making friends, and even having a relationship with a cute girl he met at school. That is until he accidentally joined a diving club, which, judging from the title, still makes a sensible plot for a slice of life anime.

Reality hits him hard, though, when it was revealed that when the club members are out of the water, they’re almost always buck naked and getting hammered with alcohol . Yes, this diving-themed summer anime is all about getting drunk in college. And if that’s not slice-of-life-y enough for you, I don’t know what is.

It’s difficult to get a copy of an English dubbed/subtitled DVD, but you can watch it on Amazon Prime Video for free if you already have the Prime service.

2.  A Place Further than the Universe  (Manga:  Yorimoi, 2017 / Anime: Jukki Hanada, 2018)

Imagine getting friendly with someone out of pure curiosity or concern, only to get roped in their grand dream of exploring the great unknown – Antarctica. Reading that a couple of times felt weird and random, but that’s the whole point of this anime. It’s about a group of teens who got swayed by a very passionate friend to save up and prepare for the trip of their lives.

It sounds impossible, but conveniently, there’s a research ship that’s going there in a few months, and they’re raffling off slots to interested students. A lot can go wrong with this anime, but the passion and commitment in this story are so incredible that in every episode, you feel like you’re part of their gang.

Spoiler alert, they safely arrive in Antarctica – but just like every epic adventure anime, the real treasure is the friendships they make along the way!

This is also another Anime that is hard to find on DVD, but as of this writing, you can watching it on Crunchyroll .

3.  Dagashi Kashi  (Manga:  Kotoyama, 2014 / Anime:  Shigehito Takayanagi, Yasuko Kamo, 2016)

What makes a slice of life anime truly memorable is the ability to turn something mundane into a full-blown series. Take Dagashi Kashi, for example.   It’s about running an old candy store, a common business in Japan. It’s like a konbini (convenience store) that sells nothing but sweets and many other goodies for kids.

What “elevates” this show to a must-watch status is that it features well-loved treats, from ramune bottled drinks to fried noodles and more. It delivers nostalgia to adult viewers, who’ve probably forgotten the names and taste of these treats until the show reminded them. We also see bits of romance between the characters, plus a good ole “I want to be a manga artist” dream of the main character – typical elements of easy-to-love slice of life titles.

You can get season one with English subtitles on Blu-ray on Amazon here:  Dagashi Kashi: Season One [Blu-ray]

4.  Asobi Asobase  (Manga:  Rin Suzukawa, 2015 / Anime:  Yuko Kakihara, 2018)

The most effective formula for a slice of life anime is to get a bunch of high school girls and just let them do things. Random, pointless, and even the most mundane activities can be exciting. That’s precisely what Asobi Asobase did, and boy did it do it well.

It’s about the Pastimers Club, a group of girls who share a love for afterschool pastime activities. You’ll see some familiar ones like rock-paper-scissors but with a unique, painful twist; batsu or punishment games where the loser smells the winner’s armpits, and a lot more. It’s weird and funny; you’ll go through 12 episodes in one sitting easily. Want more proof that it’s one of the best slice of life anime available today? It’s already on Netflix!

5.  Non Non Biyori  (Manga:  Atto, 2009 / Anime:  Reiko Yoshida, Fumihiko Shimo, Yuka Yamada, 2013)

If you’re looking for a healing, relaxing anime after bingeing several seasons of your favorite shounen hero, this is it. Slip back in time and see life in the eyes of grade-schoolers in the countryside. There’s no hidden conflict, no unlikeable character, and no sad goodbyes in this story.

Despite the feel-good vibe, there are no boring episodes, as we get to see how children of different ages interact with each other (and make it look fun—ha!). Seeing the youngest character drop wisdom bombs to her neesan (big sister) from time to time is fascinating. Comic relief is often found in exchanges with a newcomer from the city, as she discovers the eccentricities of life in the middle of nowhere.

Check out the complete collection Blu-ray on Amazon here: Non Non Biyori: Complete Collection Blu-ray

6.  Tamako Market (Anime:  Reiko Yoshida, 2013)

It almost seems as if this artist picked topics to write about from a fishbowl at random and then turned it into a piece of art.  Tamako Market is about the goings-on in a shoutengai or shopping district.

It must have been a real challenge to make the story interesting, considering that there isn’t much material to work with. That’s what makes this slice of life anime stands out—it was able to weave a lot of interesting elements with such a simple topic.

There is magic and mystery (like a talking bird from a faraway land, searching for a potential wife for his master back home). There’s romance, between the story’s main heroine and her childhood friend. These are just ordinary, everyday interactions that take place in a market. But it works! It’s so good that a few months after the 12-episode series concluded, a romantic comedy film entitled Tamako Love Story was released.

You can get the complete collection Blu-ray on Amazon here: Tamako Market Blu-ray

7.  Amagi Brilliant Park  (Manga:  Shoji Gatoh, 2014 / Anime:  Fumihiko Shimo, 2014)

Ever wonder what it’s like to operate your very own Disneyland , with full control over the staff, the rides, and everything in between? Wonder no more, because that’s what this anime is all about. It’s nowhere near the happiest place on Earth; all the people working there are creatures from a magical land.

Oh, and did I mention that you’re not a willing participant, either? It’s more like a case of Stockholm Syndrome—the main character was forced to visit an amusement park from a different realm, and the creatures working there feed off the energy generated by visitors who are having fun. A bit more tweaking, and we’re ready to cross the horror genre. It deserves a spot on this list because we get a glimpse of how an amusement park is run (not technically, though) and how the unwilling savior reluctantly helps strangers from a strange land.

You can find the Blu-ray on Amazon here: Amagi Brilliant Park Blu-ray

8.  Yuru Camp  (Manga:  Afro, 2015 / Anime: Jin Tanaka, 2018)

Before I even get into the details of this anime, know that this series singlehandedly boosted winter camping and tourism in Japan. Some campgrounds reported up to three times as many visitors than the average winter season.

The premise is simple: a high school girl loves going camping during winter when most campsites are empty, and Mt. Fuji’s views are astonishing. She inspires others to go camping with her, going on trips to various locations all over Japan. The anime also tackled several camping elements, like having the right (affordable) gear, side trips to a nearby onsen (hot springs) , and generous close-ups of camping cuisine. Even the most sedentary viewers would be inspired to pack up their bags and have fun outdoors.  That is until they realize that it takes a lot of hard work and commitment, not to mention the possibility of freezing to death.

The DVDs are sometimes available on Amazon here:  You can find the Blu-ray on Amazon here: Yuru Camp - Complete anime TV series DVD box set (12 episodes)

9.  Flying Witch  (Manga:  Chihiro Ishizuka, 2012 / Anime:  Deko Akao, 2016)

This ain’t no Harry Potter, but it’s so good you’ll probably end up finishing the whole series in just one sitting! When you mention witches and anime in one sentence, it’s probably something like a magical girl series or a super-powered epic adventure. Not this one, though.

Here, the main heroine is a witch or a witch-in-training, but she’s not into something sinister or end-of-the-world-y. It’s more like a continuing family tradition while living a normal life, having friends, and riding your broom to ride a sky whale. Maybe not the last part, but you get my drift.

It seamlessly integrates everyday activities with elements of magic, like walking home and coming across a mandragora.

Or spending the summer with friends while brewing concoctions on the side. It’s simple, it’s fun, and it’s very magical!

Check out the complete collection Blu-ray on Amazon here: Flying Witch Blu-ray

10.  Barakamon  (Manga:  Satsuki Yoshino, 2009 / Anime:  Pierre Sugiura, 2014)

Calligraphy.

Oh, you’re still here? I was pretty sure you skipped to the next item when you read that. Glad you didn’t, because this anime turned something rather bor…niche into a very compelling story.

It’s about a professional calligrapher who gets thrown into “time out” island when he punched a critic. Wow, even calligraphers have haters!

The anime is less about art and more about the interactions and relationships he built while on a retreat.

He finds a better version of himself and chose to live as a farmer instead. Just kidding!

It’s a great feel-good story for those who are having a career dilemma or an existential crisis. It tells us that it’s okay to step back and take a break once in a while, and building relationships is just as rewarding as creating your next masterpiece.

You can find the Blu-ray on Amazon here: Barakamon: The Complete Series Blu-ray

11. Hinamatsuri  (Manga:  Masao Otake, 2010 / Anime:  Keiichiro Ochi, 2018)

What do you get when you combine typical themes like aliens, yakuza, and high school girls? A dry-humored, laugh-your-pants off slice of life anime like this one!

Picture this: an upstart Yakuza suddenly becomes a custodian of a powerful alien creature that looks like a girl. Instead of relying on her powers, though, he takes her as his daughter—who naturally becomes spoiled and stubborn. It’s their everyday life and interactions that make this a must-watch.

The Yakuza dad steadily climbs up the organization’s ladder; the child goes to school and makes friends. Plus, you get the occasional violence when rival gangs are involved, or when other alien girls arrive and try to disrupt the relatively peaceful life they have.

The complete series can be found on Amazon here: HINAMATSURI: The Complete Series Blu-ray

12.  ReLIFE   (Manga:  Yayoiso, 2013 / Anime:  Michiko Yokote, Kazuho Hyodo, 2016)

You failed in life as an adult, but you’re offered a chance to participate in an experiment that would make you look 10 years younger and live life as a high school student. Would you take it?

That’s the plot of this anime and probably a handful of other titles as well. What makes this one special is that it’s an experiment set for only a year. Succeed, and you return to your adult life with better career options. Fail, and you gain nothing other than wasting another year. The real draw of this anime is the main character’s road to redemption; the one year he spent as a high schooler made him appreciate the value of friendships and himself more, and he even learned about love along the way.

You can check out season one on Amazon here: ReLIFE: Season One Blu-ray

13.  The Disastrous Life of Saiki K  (Manga:  Shuichi Aso, 2012 / Anime:  Michiko Yokote, 2016)

What is it like to be the most powerful person in the world?

It turns out that it’s not that great. You’re always trying to control your powers to keep yourself from destroying the world. If you make a mistake and end all life on Earth as we know it, you’ll have to undo everything and make everyone forget what happened.

Also, you have to go to school, deal with weird friends, all while keeping your powers a secret. Not that it’s a problem, you can just reset everyone’s memory, or brainwash them to think you’re normal. This anime’s truly a riot, and it’s not because of the main character’s powers or the consequences of his actions. It’s because he’s surrounded by eccentric characters, from his overly-affectionate parents to his friends’ quirky group. He may be super-powered, but he’s the most normal person in the series.

You can check out season one on Amazon here: The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. - Season One Blu-ray

14.  Bakuman   (Manga:  Tsugumi Ohba, Takeshi Obata, 2008 / Anime:  Reiko Yoshida, 2010)

Ever wondered how your favorite manga gets made?  Or how can a mangaka (manga artist) breathe life into their creation on a weekly or monthly basis?

Well, this one’s for you. Bakuman is one of the first titles to give us a closer look at creating and publishing a manga. We get to see how the two protagonists, a writer, and an artist, decided to join forces and get started in the industry.

What makes Bakuman appealing is that it has all the elements of a full-fledged anime: rivals and love interests. The duo gets a rival mangaka, who debuts on top of the rankings. Throughout the series, they aim to equal or be better than him. Also, one of the characters made a promise to his classmate that he would date her when his manga gets turned into an anime. Wow, it’s like, he wants to stay single forever!

The DVD is available on Amazon here: Bakuman: First Issue

15.  Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun  (Manga:  Izumi Tsubaki, 2011 / Anime:  Yoshiko Nakamura, 2014)

This anime is also about a manga artist but is less serious and more comical. It takes a spot on this list because we see why we can’t judge a manga or anime based on their artist.

It’s not uncommon to assume that action-adventure titles are created mostly by male artists, and romance titles by female artists. The reality, however, is not as black and white, and this anime proves that.

Nozaki, the artist and titular character, is the mangaka of a well-known high school romance manga. Everyone assumed that he’s a girl, and only his closest friends (and unwilling assistants) know the truth. It’s a funny take on story creation, as we see him try and fail miserably to accurately depict relationships because of his lack of experience and dense nature.

Check out the Blu-ray on Amazon:  Monthly Girls Nozaki-Kun Blu-ray

16.  Silver Spoon  (Manga:  Hiromu Arakawa, 2011 / Anime:  Taku Kishimoto, 2013)

If it’s slice of life you’re after, then you need to watch Silver Spoon. It’s about life at an agricultural school in the middle of nowhere, as experienced by someone born and raised in a big city.

We get to see many of his “firsts,” like catching chickens, eating freshly-laid eggs, raising livestock (and not getting attached to them, for you know, “eating” reasons,) and even falling in love.   With a fellow student, of course, not with livestock, that would be weird. Or is it? I don’t judge).

Going back to the topic, it’s an excellent watch for those who, like many city dwellers, are blissfully unaware of where their food comes from. It’s also a nostalgic trip back to the boondocks for those who’ve moved from rural to urban life. Even though the protagonist looks weak and indecisive, you’ll soon find yourself rooting for him as he starts to adjust to his unique school life.

You can find the collector’s edition of season one on Blu-ray on Amazon:  Silver Spoon Season 1 - Collector's Edition Blu-ray

17.  Daily Lives of High School Boys  (Manga:  Yasunobu Yamauchi, 2009 / Anime: Shinji Takamatsu, 2012)

From the title, you’d guess that this one’s a slice of life anime. But surely, you’d never expect to be laughing so much for the next 6 hours. Neither did I, but this series is just a goldmine for slapstick and situational comedy.

It follows the (mis)adventures of a group of male high school students, who often find themselves in weird situations that never fail to make viewers laugh. And their experiences aren’t that uncommon! What makes this show funny is that they’re very relatable, and you’ve probably experienced some of them back in high school, regardless of whether you’re a boy or a girl.

You can find the collector’s edition of season one on Blu-ray on Amazon:  Daily Lives of High School Boys Complete Collection Blu-ray Set

18.  Nichijou My Ordinary Life  (Manga:  Keiichi Arawi, 2006 / Anime:  Jukki Hanada, 2011)

Like the previous entry, this one is clearly a slice of life anime.  Only this time, it focuses on a group of girls. And while the Daily Lives of High School Boys is more relatable, this anime takes simple situations to absurd extremes!

From overzealous classmates, borderline violent pranks, to android maids, this anime takes classroom comedy to the limit. What makes this appealing is that even when some of the themes are farfetched, it still finds ways to bring the story back to the ground.

For example, even with all the uproar caused by eccentric characters, we still see one student who aspires to be a manga artist, though she mostly likes to draw BL (boys love) manga. Every segment, which runs somewhere between 3 to 5 minutes, offers a rollercoaster of emotions, that by the end of a 20-minute episode, you find yourself exhausted from laughing too much.

You can find the collector’s edition of season one on Blu-ray on Amazon:  Nichijou: My Ordinary Life - The Complete Series Blu-ray

19.  Working!!  (Karino Takatsu, 2005 / Anime:  Yoshimasa Hiraike, 2010)

The idea for this anime was probably conceived over dinner. Why’s that?

The story, just like many slice of life titles picked from seemingly random topics, is about working at a family restaurant. You heard that right: it’s about the lives of servers, cooks, and managers working in a “famiresu” as the Japanese call it.

It’s one of the most successful slice of life titles on this list, with four seasons available for everyone to binge on. It’s simple and straightforward, with little to offer in terms of conflict.  Although there is quite a bit of tension coming from the budding romance between the main character and his coworker. And just like every anime that involves food, it also has gratuitous close-ups of some of the dishes they serve, so you better stock up on snacks before you start watching.

The complete collection can sometimes be found on Amazon here:  Nichijou: Wagnaria!! (Working!!) Complete Collection Standard Edition

20.  Saint Young Men  (Manga:  Hikaru Nakamura, 2006 / Anime:  Rika Nezu, 2012)

Are you deeply religious and couldn’t stand to see mainstream media grossly misrepresent your beliefs? Well, congratulations, you’ve finished the list, you can now stop reading.

But if you’re the curious type and don’t mind a bit of blasphemy from time to time, this slice of life anime is for you! Stick around to see Jesus and Buddha as roommates. Yep, you heard that right.

Saint Young Men is about Christianity’s Jesus and Buddhism’s Buddha living together in a small apartment in Tokyo. They’re vacationing on Earth, so you can see them enjoying everything that the big city offers: beer, manga, and thrift shopping. They’re trying to be discrete, so nothing flashy and fancy. However, it’s a running gag that Buddha shines when he’s excited, and Jesus may inadvertently turn bodies of water, like a public bath, into wine.

For those of you who can speak Japanese , the Japanese, Region 2 DVD Amazon here:  Saint Young Men (Saint Oniisan) Japan DVD

Honorable Mentions

1.  sakura quest  (anime:  masahiro yokotani, 2017).

Job-seeking main character fails to find a job in Tokyo, so she accepts an offer to work for the tourism department of a rural town. She mistakenly signs a contract meant for someone else, but in the end, she learns to like the job and takes it seriously.

Check out the complete series on Amazon here:  Sakura Quest: The Complete Series Blu-ray

2.  Genshiken  (Manga:  Shimoku Kio, 2002 / Anime: Michiko Yokote, 2004)

This anime is about a club comprised of university students who share a passion for anything otaku. They learn to be more confident and less ashamed of what they love. They often hang out together while doing different things.

The complete series is on Amazon here:  Genshiken: Complete Collection

3.  Interviews with Monster Girls  (Manga:  Petos, 2014 / Anime:  Takao Yoshioka, 2017)

Demi-humans are now socially accepted, so naturally, some of them would be going to school. The series follows the life of a biology teacher and his regular interactions with demi-human students trying their hardest to fit in and live normally.

You can find the complete series on Amazon here:  Interviews with Monster Girls: The Complete Series Blu-ray

4.  Devil is a Part-Timer  (Manga:  Satoshi Wagahara, 2012 / Anime:  Masahiro Yokotani, 2013)

What would the baddest creature in existence do when he suddenly gets transported to Earth and finds himself powerless? He works at a fast-food joint to very, very, slowly rise and regain his power!

The complete series is on Amazon here:  The Devil Is a Part Timer - The Complete Series Blu-ray

5.  Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku  (Manga:  Fujita, 2014 / Anime: Yoshimasa Hiraike, 2018)

A game nerd is in a relationship with a fujoshi (female who loves seeing male on male love), and they work together at the same company. They’re both good looking, but their “hobbies” get in the way of a healthy relationship.

What about you? Seen any significant slice of life anime that you think needs to be added to this list? Head on to the comments section and share it with us!

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Screen Rant

25 best laid-back slice-of-life anime to relax you.

Whether they take place in the Japanese countryside or otherworldly magical settings, these best laid-back slice-of-life anime are a relaxing watch.

• Slice-of-life anime genres can be diverse, ranging from school life stories to ones with mystical twists that create healing and comforting experiences.
• The best laid-back slice-of-life anime provide peaceful escapes allowing fans to forget the world and unwind from daily troubles.
• A great slice-of-life anime can also offer an educative experience about a niche hobby people might not be familiar with.

While action may be a spectacle and drama can be intriguing, sometimes the best anime are laid-back slice-of-life series. Slice-of-life is an absolutely pivotal genre in anime, as it can show the small intricacies of day-to-day life that be affirming. Sometimes, after a difficult day, nothing beats unwinding with a great slice-of-life anime.

While slice-of-life is its own genre, it is certainly a diverse one. Slice-of-life anime can be about school life, city life, rural life, and can even have a slightly mystical twist. More than just simple though, all these series can almost be healing as their more peaceful nature shines through.

The best laid-back slice-of-life anime are peaceful enough to make fans forget the world and their problems for a little while, and sometimes, that's exactly what's needed.

26 Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day is a Calming Series About Overcoming Grief

Original anime series by a-1 pictures, anohana: the flower we saw that day.

Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day is a 2011 anime series by A-1 Pictures about a former friend group fractured by the death of a young girl named Menma. Deeply affected by the passing of his friend, group leader Jinta has become a shut-in who is unsure of where to go with his life. That all changes though when the ghost of Menma appears to not only get Jinta out of his shell, but to also push their former friend group back together.

All of that may seem like a lot for a series that's supposed to be laid-back, and while it can occasionally be, Anohana's focus is far more on healing through the lingering effects of tragedy. This healing makes Anohana an incredibly relaxing watch even when the series delves into deeper topics . Anohana is one of the best anime series of all time , so it's no wonder it would rank among the best slice-of-life series too.

Watch on Crunchyroll

25 Fruits Basket (2019) is a Brilliant Reinvention of a Classic Series

Anime series by tms entertainment, based on the manga by natsuki takaya, fruits basket (2019).

The Fruits Basket manga is one of the most beloved Shojo romance series of all time , and its 2019 adaptation more than lives up to that pedigree. The series follows a girl named Tohru whose world is turned upside down after the death of her mother. After living in a tent in a forest near her school, Tohru is eventually taken in by the eccentric Sohma family. Though the Sohmas have many problems, their biggest is that they are all cursed to turn into one animal of the Chinese Zodiac whenever they experience extreme emotions.

Though character conflict is naturally at the heart of the series, Fruits Basket's pastoral setting and lovable cast still make it quite a relaxing watch . Any fan of Shojo owes it to themselves to watch Fruits Basket , making it a perfect slice-of-life series.

24 Polar Bear Café Uses Its Odd Premise to Incredible Effect

Anime by studio pierrot, based on the manga by aloha higa.

Polar Bear Café is exactly what it says in the title, a series about a polar bear who runs a café frequented by animals and humans alike. Two of the cafe's regulars are a well-meaning but not terribly smart panda who enjoys ordering bamboo and a penguin who is good friends with Polar Bear.

Polar Bear Café's studio, Pierrot, is also the studio responsible for anime such as Naruto and Bleach .

What immediately stands out about the series is the striking designs of its three lead animals. Contrasted with far more anime-esque character designs for the human characters, the three main animals' realistic designs always make them seem hilariously out of place in the anime. There is something inherently comical about Polar bear, with his real polar bear proportions, wearing his apron and serving coffee. All of this means that Polar Bear Café is a consistently hilarious low-stakes show that's always an easy watch .

23 Hyouka is One of Anime's Coziest Mysteries

Anime series by kyoto animation, based on the classic literature club series by writer honobu yonezawa.

One of Kyoto Animation's best anime series, Hyouka is a slice-of-life mystery series centered around a young man named Houtarou. Houtarou lives by the philosophy of energy conservatism, the idea of drifting through life with the least amount of effort as possible put into all tasks. Unfortunately for Houtarou, his life is changed after he's forced to join the school's literature club and is repeatedly asked to solve the problems of fellow club member Chitanda. This eventually spirals into the whole literature club investigating the mystery of Chitanda's uncle, who disappeared.

Mystery and slice-of-life might not seem like they go together, but Hyouka is an absolutely cozy series that's easy to get lost in . The characters are all incredibly well-fleshed out, making the cast easy to care about. Overall, Hyouka is one of the few mystery anime that will leave fans less tense after watching an episode.

22 Silver Spoon Makes Farmwork Look Fun

Anime series by a-1 pictures; based on the manga by hiromu arakawa.

A-1 Pictures' Silver Spoon is centered around Yuugo Hachiken, a studious young boy who enrolls in an agricultural school after failing to get accepted into his high school of choice. While Hachiken goes into his new school expecting an easy workload, he ends up having to work even harder than he thought, and he and his friends all end up richer for the experience from it.

Silver Spoon was created by Hiromu Arakawa of Fullmetal Alchemist fame, and the shift to slice-of-life did nothing to diminish her abilities as a writer. Far from the action and intrigue of Fullmetal Alchemist , Arakawa pulled from her own background growing up on a farm for Silver Spoon , thus giving it a definite air of authenticity, and just like Fullmetal Alchemist , Silver Spoon has Hiromu Arakwa's keen eye for character writing to create a cast that's nothing but endlessly entertaining .

21 Natsume's Book Of Friends Brings Serenity To The Supernatural

Anime series by shuka; based on the manga by yuki midorikawa.

Shuka 's Natsume's Book of Friends is about the titular Natsume, a young man who can talk to spirits called yokai. After the death of his grandmother, Natsume is given an incredibly valuable book containing the names of more than a hundred yokai who were previously in the service of Natsume's grandmother. Natsume makes it his mission to nullify the contracts of each spirit in the book so that they can move on to the afterlife.

While it does feature more than a few evil yokai that require a bit more effort to confront, Natsume's Book of Friends is quite calming with its focus on nature and healing , and it ends up being a relaxing series to watch more often than not. As strange as it sounds, an anime about ghosts and spirits can still be one of the best laid-back slice-of-life-anime.

Watch On Crunchyroll

20 Komi Can't Communicate Has A Beautiful Handling Of Social Anxiety

Anime series by olm, inc.; based on the manga by tomohito oda.

OLM, Inc.'s Komi Can't Communicate focuses on a girl named Komi who becomes popular in high school due to her seemingly stoic beauty. Despite the attention she gets though, Komi's apparent stoicism is actually due to difficulties in communicating with others. Together with an average-appearing boy named Hitohito Tadano, Komi makes it her goal to break out of the shell of anxiety and make 100 friends.

What makes Komi Can't Communicate so great is how effortlessly it balances its differing tones. Komi Can't Communicate always knows how to complement its comedic moments with its more serious character-driven ones , so Komi's growth and management of her social anxiety never feels too heavy-handed or too much like a joke. It ends up as one of the best explorations into social anxiety because of it, and with the great character interactions surrounding it, it's a great slice-of-life series from start to finish.

The 10 Most Adorable Komi Can't Communicate Moments

Watch On Netflix

19 Nichijou Is Surreal Writing & Animation At Its Finest

Anime series by kyoto animation; based on the manga by keiichi arawi.

More on the silly end of slice-of-life, Kyoto Animation's Nichijou is a hilarious series where the stakes are small and the jokes are big. This slice-of-life classic follows a group of girls as they navigate life in a small town, with the antics they and the other people in town get into often delving into the surreal in terms of concept and how they react to them.

What makes Nichijou so remarkable is how well it uses animation to tell its jokes. Instead of just relying on funny dialogue or situations, Nichijou truly gets the most out of being an anime by including plenty of visual gags and over-the-top animation that sell the comedy to an incredible degree and make every gag an absolute riot. At the end of the day, when looking for slice-of-life comedies, anime fans really can't go wrong with Nichijou .

18 Do It Yourself!! Makes DIY As Engaging As Possible

Anime series by studio pine jam; directed by kazuhiro yoneda.

Studio Pine Jam's Do It Yourself!! is set in near-future Japan and follows Serufu Yua, a clumsy teenager who's never given much thought to anything before stumbling upon her school's DIY club. Amazed by the concept, Serufu becomes the only member of the club aside from the club president, Rei, so she needs to help draw in new members to save the club while learning the ins and outs of DIY, herself.

Do It Yourself!! has a distinct and striking visual style and an ensemble cast of memorable characters. The show highlights the budding relationships the club members form, as well as Serufu's dynamic with both old and new friends alike. The educational element of Do It Yourself!! also plays into its charm for always making such a mundane concept seem interesting , and overall, it always manages to perfectly combine coziness and humor in every episode.

17 Kiyo In Kyoto Highlights The Charm Of Cooking & Geisha

Anime series by j.c. staff; based on the manga by aiko koyama.

J.C. Staff's Kiyo in Kyoto: From the Maiko House stars Kiyo and Sumire, two friends who moved to Kyoto before the show's start to become maiko , or trainee geisha . Things didn't go quite to plan for the pair though, as while Sumire prospered in training, Kiyo struggled, and was eventually dismissed. All was not lost for Kiyo though, as she quickly proved herself in another way, becoming the maiko house's new cook.

Kiyo in Kyoto sees the two friends flourish in their roles and provides insight into both the maiko lifestyle and Japanese cooking. Both fields are areas Western viewers are bound to be unfamiliar with, especially maiko , so Kiyo in Kyoto: From the Maiko House serves as a great educational experience for Japanese culture , and for anyone interested in that, it should not be passed up.

16 Deaimon Tells You Everything You Need To Know About Japanese Sweets

Anime series by encourage films; based on the manga by rin asano.

Deaimon sees the main character Nagomu Irino return home to his family's traditional sweet shop after years away, only to find that in his absence a young girl, Itsuka, has been taken in by his family and is expected to inherit the shop in his stead. What follows is a competition, with both Nagomu and Itsuka trying to prove that they are capable of running the store, and the pair develop a charming sibling-like bond along the way.

In addition to its great character writing and animation, Deaimon excellently shows the skill that goes into making wagashi , traditional Japanese confectioneries , and also does a great job of showing how making new and unlikely connections can help people to evolve. All in all, it's an anime that's great for slice-of-life fans and one that should not be passed up.

15 Super Cub Is A Great Look Into The World Of Motorcycling

Anime series by studio kai; based on the light novel by tone koken.

When Studio Kai's Super Cub begins, its protagonist, Koguma, is very lonely. She has no family, no friends, no real hobbies, and lives a quiet and isolated life. This all changes when Koguma buys herself a motorbike, the titular Honda Super Cub, which leads her to meet two other girls at her school who also ride motorbikes and gradually learning to open up.

Super Cub is a quiet anime that shows what a big impact a beloved hobby can have on a person's life , and Koguma's gradual progression over the course of the series is heartwarming to watch unfold. The series also details the care that goes into maintaining a motorbike down to the smallest detail, so even people who don't care much about that can still walk away feeling more knowledgeable about something so unique.

14 A Place Further Than The Universe Is A Slice-Of Life Anime Unlike Any Other

Anime series by studio madhouse; directed by atsuko ishizuka.

Studio Madhouse's A Place Further than the Universe stars Mari Tamaki, a young girl who always seeks to live her life to the fullest by going on an adventure. One day, Mari gets her wish when she has a chance to join in on an expedition to Antarctica, and it ends up being a much bigger adventure than she could have ever dreamed of.

Despite the harsh climate that Mari and her friends find themselves in, A Place Further than the Universe is a relentlessly positive series that wears its heart on its sleeve . The great art and animation that are common with Studio Madhouse are on full display, and more than that, there's just something so genuine and comfortable about the relationship between Mari, Shirase, Hinata, and Yuzuki that makes this series an instant classic slice-of-life anime.

13 Flying Witch Makes A Comfy Experience Out Of Magic

Anime series by j.c. staff; based on the manga by chihiro ishizuka.

J.C. Staff's Flying Witch is an iyashikei anime, an anime focused primarily on people living out peaceful lives, that follows Makoto Kowata, a young witch who moves to live with her relatives in the Aomori prefecture as part of her training, all the while teaching friends and family alike about the various oddities of the magical world.

A perfect choice for fans of Kiki's Delivery Service , Flying Witch showcases the small quirks of Makoto's witchcraft and how it evolves as she spends time with her family and friends, all while striking a perfect balance between comedic and heartwarming moments. Focusing on life's small pleasures among the beautiful scenery, Flying Witch perfectly embodies the core tenants of the iyashikei genre of anime , and as such, every episode of Flying Witch is full of comfort from start to finish and great to watch.

12 Restaurant To Another World Adds A Fantasy Twist To Food Anime

Anime series by olm, inc.; based on the light novel by junpei inuzuka.

In OLM, Inc.'s Restaurant to Another World , Nekoya is, on the surface, a normal restaurant that specializes in Japanese and Western fusion cuisine, but that changes on Saturdays. On Saturdays, Nekoya is connected to a fantasy world, and in addition to being customers, the strange inhabitants of the world frequently use it as a place of business and general merriment.

One of the best food-related anime to be released in recent years, Restaurant to Another World is a slice-of-life anime that truly stands out from its contemporaries. While this series does make use of many fantasy and isekai genre traditions, Restaurant to Another World 's ultimate focus is on the personal stories of the restaurant's staff and customers, rather than their heroic exploits . With its mouthwatering dishes and sense of escapism, Restaurant To Another World is a fantastic blend of genres.

10 Spy x Family is Surprisingly Wholesome Despite its Dark Premise

Anime series by wit studio & cloverworks, based on the manga by tatsuya endo, spy x family.

Few anime have taken the world be storm in recent memory like Spy x Family has. The series follows a spy named Twilight who is sent on a mission to keep an eye on the leader of a prominent political party. To help, Twilight creates the fake identity of Loid Forger and adopts a young girl named Anya, who unbeknownst to him, is psychic. Completing the family is Loid's fake wife, Yor, who is actually an assassin working for Loid's enemies.

Despite the promises of high-octane spy action, Spy x Family is mostly a lighthearted comedy series that uses its fun premise in funny and creative ways that are never draining on the viewer. Though all the characters are great, Anya and her many meme-worthy faces are the series' true highlight. With its fun characters and its great animation, fans can trust that Spy x Family is one of the best slice-of-life anime.

9 Laid-Back Camp Never Fails To Make Camping Seem Great

Anime series by c-station & 8bit; based on the manga by afro.

C-Station and 8bit's Laid-Back Camp , also known as Yuru Camp , stars Rin Shima, a solo camper who's convinced by her classmate, Nadeshiko Kagamihara, to join their school's camping club. From there, the two of them and their fellow clubmates travel around Japan to various campsites, always finding new ways to enjoy themselves in the great outdoors.

Very few slice-of-life anime that have come out in recent years have left as much of an impact as Laid-Back Camp . Not only does it have consistently great art and animation, but the character interactions in Laid-Back Camp always succeed in emphasizing the comforting nature of the story , which is exactly what a story centered around camping needs. Characterized by its cozy atmosphere, beautiful scenery, and dedication to quiet moments of perfection, whether found in the food the campers make or the hot springs they visit, Laid-Back Camp is an iyashikei anime that perfectly showcases the benefits of the outdoors.

8 Lucky Star Is A Perfect Time Capsule To 2000s Anime Culture

Anime series by kyoto animation; based on the manga by kagami yoshimizu.

Kyoto Animation's Lucky Star focuses on the daily lives of Konata Izumi, a lazy otaku gamer, her friends and family, and the various people they all associate with. Most of the series is focused on the comedy of the interactions between the cast, but the anime also features a bevy of jokes and parodies of popular anime from the 90s and 2000s, most notably The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya .

Like many slice-of-life anime, Lucky Star excels through its incredible comedic writing. Whether it's through its various parodies of, and jokes about, anime, or through the basic character interactions between the cast, Lucky Star never fails to deliver excellent jokes for the viewer , no matter how out there the jokes may be. A lot of the references are undoubtedly dated and won't resonate with modern viewers, but even with that, it's still one of the Kyoto Animation anime and best slice-of-life anime, in general, that a person can watch.

7 K-On! Is The Pinnacle Of Cute Girls Doing Cute Things

Anime series by kyoto animation; based on the manga by kakifly.

Kyoto Animation's K-On! centers around the four, later five, girls who make up Houkago Tea Time, the amateur band of their school's light music club. The series follows the girls' growth as musicians, both individually and as a band, but the main focus tends to be the interactions between the girls in their daily lives.

A well-known series with plenty to satisfy both comedy and musical anime fans, K-On! is still great to watch over a decade following its original release. The character writing and comedy is still among the best of any Kyoto Animation series, and it's to the point that most of season 2 of K-On! was original content that allowed for even more slice-of-life antics , all of which helped take the quality of the writing even further. Add in some incredible animation, and it's a slice-of-life anime no one can complain about.

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Top 100 Slice of Life/School Life Anime Watchlist

• Movies or TV
• IMDb Rating
• In Theaters
• Release Year

1. Ore no imouto ga konna ni kawaii wake ga nai (2010–2013)

TV-14 | 25 min | Animation, Comedy, Drama

Normal 17-year-old Kyosuke isn't close with his 14-year-old sister Kirino. But then her secret otaku hobby gives them a chance to reconnect.

Stars: Yûichi Nakamura , Ayana Taketatsu , Kana Hanazawa , Satomi Satô

Votes: 1,713

2. Your Lie in April (2014–2015)

TV-PG | 23 min | Animation, Comedy, Drama

A piano prodigy who lost his ability to play after suffering a traumatic event in his childhood is forced back into the spotlight by an eccentric girl with a secret of her own.

Stars: Natsuki Hanae , Risa Taneda , Ayane Sakura , Ryôta Ôsaka

Votes: 37,786

3. The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (2006–2009)

TV-14 | 24 min | Animation, Comedy, Drama

The crazy adventures of the SOS Brigade, led by the insane but charismatic Haruhi.

Stars: Tomokazu Sugita , Aya Hirano , Yûko Gotô , Daisuke Ono

Votes: 9,140

4. The Quintessential Quintuplets (2019–2021)

TV-PG | 24 min | Animation, Comedy, Drama

With his family deep in debt, Futaro Uesugi accepts a lucrative job tutoring underachieving quintuplet classmates to help them graduate high school.

Stars: Yoshitsugu Matsuoka , Kana Hanazawa , Ayana Taketatsu , Miku Itou

Votes: 6,952

5. Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai (2018–2019)

TV-14 | 24 min | Animation, Drama, Fantasy

After experiencing "puberty syndrome" himself, high school pariah Sakuta keeps meeting girls suffering from it, including his sister and actor Mai.

Stars: Kaito Ishikawa , Asami Seto , Yurika Kubo , Atsumi Tanezaki

Votes: 16,677

6. True Tears (2008)

TV-14 | Animation, Drama, Romance

Living together with the girl he love should be a dream for Nakagami, but the reality is closer to a nightmare. At school, Hiromi is kind and popular. But at home, she is a completely different person. How can he unlock her heart?

Stars: Asami Shimoda , Kaori Nazuka , Yuka Iguchi , Ayahi Takagaki

7. Chi's Sweet Home (2008)

TV-G | 3 min | Animation, Comedy, Family

The story follows a cute little cat named Chi and her fun family friendly adventures.

Stars: Noriko Hidaka , Hidenobu Kiuchi , Satomi Kôrogi , Etsuko Kozakura

8. Kureyon Shin-chan (2006–2011)

TV-MA | 25 min | Animation, Comedy

English language adult parody based on the Japanese series Shinchan (1992). This entry is for the Funimation English dub which originally aired on CN's Adult Swim between 2006 and 2011.

Stars: Laura Bailey , Cynthia Cranz , Colleen Clinkenbeard , Chuck Huber

Votes: 6,094

9. Great Teacher Onizuka (1999–2000)

TV-MA | 24 min | Animation, Comedy, Drama

About Eikichi Onizuka, a 22-year-old ex-gangster member and a virgin. He has one ambition that no one ever expected from him. His sole life purpose is to become the greatest high school teacher ever.

Stars: Steve Blum , Kirk Thornton , Jun'ichi Suwabe , Wataru Takagi

Votes: 11,257

10. Kaguya-sama: Love is War (2019–2023)

TV-14 | 24 min | Animation, Comedy, Romance

The proudly privileged top two students of an elite school each makes it their mission to be the first to extract a confession of love from the other.

Stars: Aaron Dismuke , Aoi Koga , Makoto Furukawa , Konomi Kohara

Votes: 20,080

11. Toradora! (2008–2009)

Toradora tells the tale of Ryuji (dragon) and Taiga (tiger) helping each other confess to their crushes.

Stars: Rie Kugimiya , Junji Majima , Yui Horie , Hirofumi Nojima

Votes: 18,818

12. Classroom of the Elite (2017– )

TV-14 | 24 min | Animation, Drama, Thriller

When Kiyotaka enters government-sponsored elite high school, he finds out just how merit-based this education system is.

Stars: Shoya Chiba , Brandon McInnis , Justin Briner , Felecia Angelle

Votes: 13,567

13. The Irregular at Magic High School (2014– )

TV-14 | 22 min | Animation, Action, Drama

Siblings Miyuki and Tatsuya Shiba are turning the National Magic University Affiliated First High School campus upside down.

Stars: Yûichi Nakamura , Alejandro Saab , Saori Hayami , Anairis Quinones

Votes: 4,108

14. Clannad (2007–2008)

TV-PG | 30 min | Animation, Comedy, Drama

A high school student who cares little about school or others meets a lonely girl who had to repeat a year while all her friends finished high school. He decides to hang out with her and soon meets more friendly students.

Stars: Yûichi Nakamura , David Matranga , Mai Nakahara , Luci Christian

Votes: 10,355

15. School Rumble (2004–2010)

TV-PG | 25 min | Animation, Comedy, Romance

A young high schooler is in love with an oblivious classmate; a delinquent classmate is in love with her. Both struggle to confess their feelings and their antics lead to crazy situations.

Stars: Luci Christian , Brandon Potter , Brina Palencia , Caitlin Glass

Votes: 2,166

16. Haganai: I Don't Have Many Friends (2011–2013)

TV-MA | 25 min | Animation, Comedy, Drama

A friendless teenager, feared by his fellow classmates, joins a club hoping to finally make some friends.

Stars: Ryohei Kimura , Marina Inoue , Kanae Itô , Jerry Jewell

Votes: 2,716

17. Mayo chiki! (2011)

TV-MA | 25 min | Animation, Comedy, Romance

When you've got acute gynophobia, even a pretty girl can be a malady, and as the sparring partner for his family of female wrestlers, Sakamachi Kinjiro has the worst case EVER!

Stars: Yuka Iguchi , Satoshi Hino , Eri Kitamura , Blake Shepard

Votes: 1,377

18. Kannagi: Crazy Shrine Maidens (2008–2009)

Animation, Comedy, Drama

For his art project Mikuriya Jin carved a statue from the recently chopped local sacred tree. As he is about to bring it to school, the goddess of the tree, Nagi, descends upon the statue, ... See full summary  »

Stars: Haruka Tomatsu , Hiro Shimono , Miyuki Sawashiro , Tetsuya Kakihara

19. Aria: The Scarlet Ammo (2011)

TV-14 | 25 min | Animation, Action, Comedy

Kinji, a student of an elite academy that produces Butei - highly skilled soldiers who fight crime in an anarchic society, gets attacked by a criminal who hunts Butei members. Aria, an elite Butei, saves him and they team up.

Stars: Rie Kugimiya , Junji Majima , Todd Haberkorn , Leah Clark

20. The Squid Girl: The Invader Comes from the Bottom of the Sea! (2010–2014)

Furious about ocean pollution, Squid Girl launches a one-squid land invasion to subjugate all humanity.

Stars: Hisako Kanemoto , Miki Ôtani , Rie Tanaka , Ayumi Fujimura

21. Rosario + Vampire (2008)

TV-MA | 25 min | Animation, Comedy, Fantasy

Tskune accidentally gets on a bus to a school of monsters.

Stars: Nana Mizuki , Daisuke Kishio , Colleen Clinkenbeard , Todd Haberkorn

Votes: 3,681

22. Glasslip (2014– )

TV-14 | 25 min | Animation, Drama, Romance

Touko often watches a hallucination in the glitters. In her last summer holidays of a school, Kakeru who is strange transfer student appears before her and her friends. Kakeru tells Touko that he often hears "voice from future".

Stars: Saori Hayami , Atsuko Tanaka , Nobunaga Shimazaki , Daiki Yamashita

23. Shimoneta: A Boring World Where the Concept of Dirty Jokes Doesn't Exist (2015)

TV-MA | 22 min | Animation, Comedy

Tanukichi Okuma is roped into joining an obscene terrorist organization bent on the destruction of everything that his new school stands for, the most prestigious public morals school.

Stars: Yûsuke Kobayashi , Jamie Marchi , Shizuka Ishigami , Miyu Matsuki

Votes: 3,082

24. The Asterisk War (2015–2016)

TV-14 | 23 min | Animation, Action, Comedy

The Academy City on water, Rikka is world's largest stage for integrated battle entertainment.

Stars: Atsushi Tamaru , Ai Kakuma , Kira Buckland , Landon McDonald

Votes: 2,488

25. Monster Musume: Everyday Life with Monster Girls (2015–2017)

TV-MA | 23 min | Animation, Comedy, Fantasy

In a world where humans co-exist with fantasy beings, a young man must share a flat with a bevy of beastly beauties.

Stars: Junji Majima , Sora Amamiya , Bryson Baugus , Allison L. Sumrall

Votes: 3,301

26. A Place Further Than the Universe (2018)

23 min | Animation, Adventure, Comedy

A group of high school girls join an expedition headed towards the Antarctic.

Stars: Inori Minase , Kana Hanazawa , Yuka Iguchi , Saori Hayami

Votes: 2,770

27. Horimiya (2021)

Two very different people - an academically successful schoolgirl and a quiet loser schoolboy - meet and develop a friendship.

Stars: Haruka Tomatsu , Kôki Uchiyama , Seiichiro Yamashita , Alejandro Saab

Votes: 14,920

28. When They Cry (2006)

TV-MA | 24 min | Animation, Drama, Horror

The story of a group of young friends and the mysterious events that occur in the rural village of Hinamizawa.

Stars: Sôichirô Hoshi , Mai Nakahara , Satsuki Yukino , Yukari Tamura

Votes: 6,482

29. Akashic Records of Bastard Magic Instructor (2017)

TV-14 | 24 min | Animation, Action, Comedy

The new teacher at a magical academy doesn't seem to care about anything until a threat to the school shows a whole new side of him.

Stars: Sôma Saitô , Akane Fujita , Yume Miyamoto , Ari Ozawa

Votes: 2,869

30. Another (2012)

TV-MA | 286 min | Animation, Drama, Fantasy

A young man named, Koichi Sakakibara, transfers to a new school where he finds himself drawn into a mystery involving a mysterious girl and a series of gruesome deaths.

Stars: Atsushi Abe , Natsumi Takamori , Tomoaki Maeno , Monica Rial

Votes: 18,210

31. Puella Magi Madoka Magica (2011)

TV-14 | 24 min | Animation, Action, Adventure

A creature named Kyubey offers Madoka and Sayaka a wish if they agree to become 'magical girls' and fight abstract beings called 'witches'. However, a magical girl named Homura is, for uncertain reasons, determined to stop this agreement.

Stars: Aoi Yûki , Chiwa Saitô , Emiri Kato , Cristina Valenzuela

Votes: 11,307

32. Tonari no kaibutsu-kun (2012)

24 min | Animation, Comedy, Romance

Shizuku, a hardworking student who isn't interested in socializing, finds an unlikely friend, Haru, an emotionally volatile boy at her school.

Stars: Haruka Tomatsu , Tatsuhisa Suzuki , Atsumi Tanezaki , Ryôta Ôsaka

Votes: 4,963

33. Gleipnir (2020)

TV-14 | 24 min | Animation, Action, Fantasy

Shuichi Kagaya is a high school student with an ability to transform into a monster costume. But when he rescues a fellow classmate, she forces him into a partnership to hunt down other monsters.

Stars: Brittney Karbowski , Ry McKeand , Michelle Marie , Kieran Flitton

Votes: 1,824

34. Asobi Asobase: Workshop of Fun (2018)

24 min | Animation, Comedy

Three wildly different 8th graders create a "pastimes" club to get through the absurdity of middle school. Or something. They just want to have fun.

Stars: Hina Kino , Rika Nagae , Konomi Kohara , Maki Izawa

Votes: 1,673

35. My Hero Academia (2016– )

A superhero-admiring boy enrolls in a prestigious hero academy and learns what it really means to be a hero, after the strongest superhero grants him his own powers.

Stars: Daiki Yamashita , Justin Briner , Nobuhiko Okamoto , Clifford Chapin

Votes: 78,205

36. Blue Exorcist (2011)

TV-14 | 30 min | Animation, Action, Drama

After discovering that he's the son of Satan, a young man must join the True Cross Academy in order to master his abilities and defeat Satan himself.

Stars: Nobuhiko Okamoto , Bryce Papenbrook , Jun Fukuyama , Johnny Yong Bosch

Votes: 15,068

37. Don't Toy with Me, Miss Nagatoro (2021–2023)

High schooler Hayase Nagatoro loves to spend her free time doing one thing, and that is to bully her Senpai. After Nagatoro and her friends stumble upon the aspiring artist's drawings, they... See full summary  »

Stars: Sumire Uesaka , Daiki Yamashita , Kimberley Anne Campbell , Erik Scott Kimerer

Votes: 4,743

38. Rent-a-Girlfriend (2020–2023)

TV-14 | 23 min | Animation, Comedy, Romance

After being dumped by his girlfriend, a college student enlists a dating service to "rent" a girlfriend who, unbeknownst to him, happens to be both a fellow student and his neighbor.

Stars: Lizzie Freeman , Aleks Le , Shun Horie , Aoi Yûki

Votes: 8,141

39. Komi Can't Communicate (2021–2022)

An elite and aloof schoolgirl is in fact severely withdrawn and anxious about communicating with others. An ordinary schoolboy befriends her and helps her to open up and talk with people.

Stars: Aoi Koga , Gakuto Kajiwara , Rie Murakawa , Rina Hidaka

Votes: 9,458

40. Grand Blue Dreaming (2018)

Not Rated | 24 min | Animation, Adventure, Comedy

A college student spends his year at the seaside town of Izu, having fun on the beach with his school friends.

Stars: Yuma Uchida , Ryohei Kimura , Hiroki Yasumoto , Katsuyuki Konishi

Votes: 4,212

41. Iwakakeru -Sport Climbing Girls- (2020)

TV-14 | 24 min | Animation, Sport

Konomi Kasahara, a junior high school girl, has made a big name after winning numerous competitive puzzle game tournaments. The story begins when she finds a sports climbing club in her ... See full summary  »

Stars: Sumire Uesaka , Yui Ishikawa , Aina Suzuki , Miyu Tomita

42. The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten (2023)

Mahiru is so beautiful that they call her "angel", Amane is an average boy who has never thought much about beauty, but everything changes when he sees Mahiru during a storm, and an incredible and unlikely relationship begins.

Stars: Taito Ban , Haruka Shiraishi , Manaka Iwami , Taku Yashiro

Votes: 2,097

43. More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers. (2022)

24 min | Animation, Comedy, Drama

High school student Jiro Yakuin gets paired with Akari Watanabe, a gal who finds him repulsive at first, but they agree to attain enough points so that they can switch partners to the people they really like.

Stars: Ben Balmaceda , Lindsay Sheppard , Mike Haimoto , Macy Anne Johnson

Votes: 2,446

44. Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend (2015–2017)

Aki,a highschool otaku work to support his game making. With remarkable luck, he bumps into Kato, the most beautiful girl he has ever seen. Naturally, the meeting twists his life into a complicated relationships.

Stars: Yoshitsugu Matsuoka , Saori Ônishi , Kiyono Yasuno , Ai Kayano

Votes: 1,592

45. Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku (2018–2021)

A gaming otaku and a fujoshi reunite for the first time since middle school at work.

Stars: Arisa Date , Kento Itô , Miyuki Sawashiro , Tomokazu Sugita

Votes: 4,460

46. Aria: The Animation (2005–2015)

TV-PG | 24 min | Animation, Comedy, Family

Akari, Aika, and Alice are three girls who share a single dream: to become the most talented gondoliers in all of Neo-Venezia. Every day they train while exploring all the wondrous sights the water-covered planet Aqua has to offer.

Stars: Erino Hazuki , Chiwa Saitô , Chinami Nishimura , Veronica Taylor

47. A Sister's All You Need (2017)

TV-MA | 23 min | Animation, Comedy, Romance

The story revolves around Itsuki Hashima who is a 20 year old novelist who is obsessed with little sisters. Despite his nature, he is admired by a small group of friends that includes a ... See full summary  »

Stars: Yûsuke Kobayashi , Hisako Kanemoto , Ai Kakuma , Satoshi Hino

49. Daily Lives of High School Boys (2012)

Join Tadakuni, Hidenori and Yoshitake as they undergo the trials and tribulations of life in high school!.

Stars: Tomokazu Sugita , Ken'ichi Suzumura , Daisuke Namikawa , Miyu Irino

Votes: 2,914

51. Hamtaro (2000–2006)

TV-G | 30 min | Animation, Adventure, Comedy

The story of hamsters who get together at meetings to talk about their adventures.

Stars: Kurumi Mamiya , Ellen Kennedy , Chris Kalhoon , Lanie McAuley

Votes: 2,606

53. I've Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level (2021)

Azusa Aizawa, a 27 years old woman, died on work site due to overworking. She has the possibility to reincarnate, and so she plans to live a chilling and calm life. But will she be able to be relaxed?

Stars: Manami Numakura , Sayaka Senbongi , Azumi Waki , Sayaka Harada

Votes: 1,350

54. Kakushigoto (2020)

TV-14 | 23 min | Animation, Comedy, Drama

A writer of lewd stories tries to keep his work a secret from his innocent and unknowing daughter.

Stars: Hiroshi Kamiya , Rie Takahashi , Natsuki Hanae , Taku Yashiro

55. Kantai Collection: Kan Colle (2015–2023)

Set in a world where humanity has lost control of the oceans to the "deep sea fleet," the only hope to counter this threat are the Kanmusu, a group of girls who possess the spirit of ... See full summary  »

Stars: Amber Lee Connors , Elizabeth Maxwell , Monica Rial , Felecia Angelle

56. K-On! (2009–2010)

K-ON is about 5 high school girls who become friends through the Light Music Club. Yui the lead guitarist, Tsumugi the keyboardist, Mio the bassist, Azusa the rhythm guitarist, and Ritsu the drummer. K-ON is the story of 5 aspiring musicians and their journey through high school together.

Stars: Aki Toyosaki , Yôko Hikasa , Satomi Satô , Minako Kotobuki

Votes: 4,494

57. Laid-Back Camp (2018– )

24 min | Animation, Adventure, Comedy

Nadeshiko, a high school student who has moved from Shizuoka to Yamanashi, decides to see the famous Mount Fuji.

Stars: Yumiri Hanamori , Nao Tôyama , Aki Toyosaki , Sayuri Hara

Votes: 1,849

58. Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions (2012–2014)

TV-PG | 25 min | Animation, Comedy, Drama

Yuuta suffered from "chuunibyou" while he was in middle school. When he graduated, he try to forgot about it but he accidentally got into a contract with Rikka and disrupts his desperately ordinary life.

Stars: Jun Fukuyama , Maaya Uchida , Chinatsu Akasaki , Leraldo Anzaldua

Votes: 4,876

60. Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid (2017–2022)

Office worker Kobayashi's boring life changes after she drunkenly saves a dragon. To pay her back, Tohru takes human form and becomes her maid.

Stars: Maria Naganawa , Mutsumi Tamura , Yuuki Kuwahara , Daisuke Ono

Votes: 5,222

61. Motto to Love Ru (2010)

A year after Lala came to Earth, she is all the more determined to make Rito fall for her. Poor Rito will have to face tough times since Lala's younger twin sisters, Nana and Momo, now live in the same house.

Stars: Akeno Watanabe , Haruka Tomatsu , Sayuri Yahagi , Alexis Tipton

62. Nisekoi (2014–2016)

The heir to a Yakuza Family is forced to be in a relationship with the daughter of the head of a gangster family to avoid a gang war, much to their chagrin.

Stars: Kôki Uchiyama , Nao Tôyama , Kana Hanazawa , Yumi Uchiyama

Votes: 4,102

63. ReLIFE (2016–2018)

A young man, failing at life, is offered a new start as a 10 years younger high-school student.

Stars: Jessie James Grelle , Micah Solusod , Jeannie Tirado , Kristen McGuire

Votes: 6,442

64. Sket Dance (2011–2013)

A high school group 'Sket-Dan' (Helper Group) is dedicated to helping students and staff alike with literally any problem they may have. Partly due to this ambiguity and strange set of ... See full summary  »

Stars: Shin'ichi Watanabe , Tomokazu Sugita , Hiroyuki Yoshino , Ryôko Shiraishi

65. Karakai Jouzu no Takagi-san (2018–2022)

TV-PG | 23 min | Animation, Comedy, Romance

If you blush, you lose. Nishikata has been teased mercilessly by Takagi and always winds up blushing! But he vows to one day get back at her.

Stars: Rie Takahashi , Yûki Kaji , Konomi Kohara , Mao Ichimichi

Votes: 2,861

66. The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. (2016–2018)

Saiki Kusuo is a powerful psychic who hates attracting attention, yet he is surrounded by colorful characters who always find a way to remove him from his everyday life.

Stars: Hiroshi Kamiya , Daisuke Ono , Nobunaga Shimazaki , Ai Kayano

Votes: 10,663

67. The Way of the Househusband (2021– )

TV-14 | 16 min | Animation, Action, Comedy

A retired gangster spends his time as a househusband carrying out home chores.

Stars: Kenjirô Tsuda , Shizuka Itou , Kazuyuki Okitsu , Jonah Scott

Votes: 6,096

68. To LOVE-Ru (2008–2010)

When an alien from the planet Deviluke runs away and goes into hiding on earth,she meets a human named Yuuki Rito. Watch as she wants to get married to him while he wants no part of it

Stars: Akeno Watanabe , Haruka Tomatsu , Sayuri Yahagi , Satomi Arai

Votes: 1,667

69. Uzaki-chan Wants to Hang Out! (2020–2022)

Sakurai Shinichi's one wish is for a little peace and quiet. But Uzaki Hana his boisterous, well-endowed underclassman has other plans. All she wants is to hang out and poke fun at him, this might be the start of a beautiful relationship.

Stars: Naomi Ohzora , Kenji Akabane , Ayana Taketatsu , Yôsuke Akimoto

Votes: 2,268

70. Why the Hell are You Here, Teacher!? (2019)

TV-MA | 12 min | Animation, Short, Comedy

A comedy about female teachers who can't help developing romantic interests in their male students.

Stars: Ryôta Suzuki , Toshiki Masuda , Sumire Uesaka , Yûko Gotô

Votes: 2,117

71. Food Wars: Shokugeki no Soma (2015–2020)

Soma Yukihira enrolls in an elite culinary school to become a full-time chef and surpass his father's culinary skills.

Stars: Kappei Yamaguchi , Yoshitsugu Matsuoka , Minami Takahashi , Maaya Uchida

Votes: 12,276

72. My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU (2013–2023)

About an antisocial high school student named Hikigaya Hachiman with a distorted view on life and no friends or girlfriend. His life change when he was forced to enter the "Volunteer Service Club" by his teacher.

Stars: Cat Thomas , Melissa Molano , Takuya Eguchi , Saori Hayami

Votes: 8,841

73. Maid Sama! (2010–2011)

Ayuzawa Misaki serves as the student council president at Seika High. However, unbeknownst to her classmates, she works part-time as an employee at a Maid Cafe. Usui Takumi, a boy from her school, discovers this secret.

Stars: Monica Rial , David Matranga , Ayumi Fujimura , Nobuhiko Okamoto

Votes: 8,729

74. Angel Beats! (2010)

Rebellious teens fight in armed combat against one dispassionate girl's supernatural powers in an afterlife high school.

Stars: Hiroshi Kamiya , Harumi Sakurai , Kana Hanazawa , Ryohei Kimura

Votes: 16,083

75. Yowamushi Pedal (2013– )

23 min | Animation, Comedy, Drama

Onoda is a cheerful otaku looking to join his new school's anime club, eager to finally make some friends. Unfortunately, the club has been disbanded and somehow he stumbled into the bicycle club.

Stars: Daiki Yamashita , Kôsuke Toriumi , Jun Fukushima , Ayaka Suwa

Votes: 1,007

76. By the Grace of the Gods (2020–2023)

TV-14 | 23 min | Animation, Adventure, Fantasy

Ryoma didn't have good luck in his former life. But three deities decide to give him a second chance in a fantasy world of magic.

Stars: Azusa Tadokoro , Yuuki Kuwahara , Marika Kôno , Daisuke Ono

Votes: 1,364

77. Haikyu!! (2014–2020)

Determined to be like the volleyball championship's star player nicknamed "the small giant", Shoyo joins his school's volleyball club.

Stars: Ayumu Murase , Kaito Ishikawa , Yu Hayashi , Satoshi Hino

Votes: 35,367

78. Tsuredure Children (2017)

TV-14 | 13 min | Animation, Short, Comedy

A series of stories, some loosely connected to each other, about young male and female highschool students struggling to confess their feelings to each other.

Stars: Sarah Wiedenheft , Anthony Bowling , Kyle Igneczi , Alison Viktorin

Votes: 2,205

79. Ouran High School Host Club (2006)

You'll fall for the Ouran Host Club: Tamaki's truly romantic. Kaoru and Hikaru display brotherly love, Kyoya's brainy, Honey's innocent, and Mori's manly. Oh, and don't forget Haruhi. He knows what girls want, because he's a girl too.

Stars: Maaya Sakamoto , Mamoru Miyano , Masaya Matsukaze , Ken'ichi Suzumura

Votes: 11,620

80. Chihayafuru (2011–2020)

TV-14 | Animation, Comedy, Drama

Chihaya meets a boy named Arata, a talented karuta player who thinks that she has a potential to become a great player. Chihaya then takes on a new dream of becoming Japan's best karuta player.

Stars: Asami Seto , Mamoru Miyano , Ai Kayano , Tôru Nara

Votes: 1,548

81. The Pet Girl of Sakurasou (2012–2013)

Revolving around the hardships and joys of colorful cast, it is a heartwarming coming-of-age tale of friendship, love, ambition, and heartbreak - through the lens of an ordinary person surrounded by the extraordinary.

Stars: Yoshitsugu Matsuoka , Ai Kayano , Mariko Nakatsu , Natsumi Takamori

Votes: 5,183

82. Hyouka (2012)

Hyouka centers on Oreki Hotarou and his life in the Classic Literature Club. His mundane world is flipped upside down as they begin to solve various mysteries.

Stars: Yûichi Nakamura , Satomi Satô , Adam Gibbs , Madeleine Morris

Votes: 6,146

83. Welcome to Demon-School, Iruma-kun (2019–2023)

A human child is adopted by a demon and sent to a demon school. He must find a way to survive in the dangerous but fun world he has entered.

Stars: D.C. Douglas , Hozumi Gôda , Ayumu Murase , Ryohei Kimura

Votes: 2,318

84. Little Witch Academia (2017)

TV-Y7 | 25 min | Animation, Adventure, Comedy

Akko enrolls at the Luna Nova Witchcraft Academy. She's not the best student, but her bright attitude is the key to her and her friends' success.

Stars: Megumi Han , Erica Mendez , Alexis Nichols , Fumiko Orikasa

Votes: 4,042

85. KILL la KILL (2013–2014)

A young girl arrives at a school of superhumans to find out the truth behind her father's murder.

Stars: Ami Koshimizu , Aya Suzaki , Toshihiko Seki , Shin'ichirô Miki

Votes: 16,792

86. Charlotte (2015–2016)

TV-PG | 24 min | Animation, Drama, Family

The story takes place in an alternate reality where a small percentage of children manifest superhuman abilities upon reaching puberty. A focus is placed on Yuu Otosaka, a high school boy who awakens the ability to temporarily possess others, which brings him to the attention of Nao Tomori, the student council president of a school founded as a haven for children with such abilities.

Stars: Kôki Uchiyama , Ayane Sakura , Momo Asakura , Takahiro Mizushima

Votes: 8,110

87. Baka and Test (2010–2011)

TV-14 | 25 min | Animation, Comedy, Fantasy

All the students in a school are distributed according to their individual score in a test into six section and are treated according to their section.

Stars: Jamie Marchi , Brina Palencia , Jessie James Grelle , Alexis Tipton

Votes: 1,477

88. Yamada-kun and the Seven Witches (2013)

54 min | Comedy, Drama, Fantasy

Urara Shiraishi (Mariya Nishiuchi) is a model student with excellent grades. Ryu Yamada (Yusuke Yamamoto) is a trouble student. One day, Urara tumbles down the stairs with Ryu. After the ... See full summary  »

Stars: Mariya Nishiuchi , Yûsuke Yamamoto , Reina Triendl , Takuya Ide

89. Golden Time (2013–2014)

With freshmen law students Banri and Mitsuo, it's friendship at first sight. But trouble gets stirred up with talk of a fiancé.

Stars: Yui Horie , Makoto Furukawa , Mike Haimoto , Ai Kayano

Votes: 4,693

90. Chivalry of a Failed Knight (2015)

TV-MA | 24 min | Animation, Action, Fantasy

Follow Ikki Kurogane as he defies the odds that everyone thinks he can't do. Ikki is the lowest of the low at his acdemy. While others have magical power and are high ranking. He is the ... See full summary  »

Stars: Ryôta Ôsaka , Shizuka Ishigami , Luci Christian , Bryson Baugus

Votes: 4,605

91. We Never Learn: BOKUBEN (2019–2020)

To get a special scholarship, Nariyuki must tutor three genius girls. But with university deadlines coming up, can he teach them in time?

Stars: Ryôta Ôsaka , Haruka Shiraishi , Sayumi Suzushiro , Miyu Tomita

Votes: 1,231

92. Karakai Jouzu no Takagi-san (2018–2022)

93. trinity seven (2014–2015).

Pride, Envy, Wrath, Sloth, Greed, Gluttony, Lust. These are the seven sins laid upon seven girls who rule over Biblia Academy. To retake his world, the boy decides he must control these ... See full summary  »

Stars: Yumi Hara , Ryôka Yuzuki , Aya Uchida , Ayane Sakura

Votes: 2,785

94. Nyankoi! (2009– )

TV-PG | Animation, Comedy, Fantasy

A high-schooler is allergic to cats. One day he accidentally breaks a cat statue and can suddenly understand meows. Cats tell him that he must atone for the broken statue by granting them 100 wishes or he'll turn into a cat and die.

Stars: Monica Rial , Brittney Karbowski , David Matranga , Atsuko Tanaka

95. Science Fell in Love, So I Tried to Prove It (2020–2022)

Two scientists seek to find if love can be solved by a scientific theory. They will find the answer in their own hearts and feelings.

Stars: Yuma Uchida , Sora Amamiya , Natsuko Hara , Nichika Ohmori

Votes: 1,011

96. Scum's Wish (I) (2017)

TV-MA | 22 min | Animation, Drama, Romance

A perfect couple struggles with a secret longing each has for someone else.

Stars: Brittney Karbowski , Nobunaga Shimazaki , Molly Searcy , Aya Hisakawa

Votes: 2,437

97. My Mental Choices Are Completely Interfering with My School Romantic Comedy (2013–2014)

A high school student suffers from a curse, that requires him to pick all of his actions from a list.

Stars: Jôji Nakata , Toshiyuki Toyonaga , Kaori Sadohara , Yui Kondou

98. When Supernatural Battles Became Commonplace (2014)

The story focuses on Senko High School's Literature Club, whose five members; Jurai, Tomoyo, Hatoko, Sayumi, and Chifuyu, have all somehow developed superpowers. The superpowers have now ... See full summary  »

Stars: Maggie Flecknoe , Mateo Mpinduzi-Mott , Shanae'a Moore , Sasha Paysinger

99. Oreshura (2013)

23 min | Animation, Comedy, Romance

Eita Kido enters high school with the goal of graduating with marks high enough that he can earn a scholarship to medical school. With this goal in mind and the fact that his parents ... See full summary  »

Stars: Ryôta Ôsaka , Chinatsu Akasaki , Yukari Tamura , Hisako Kanemoto

100. Kono Oto Tomare! (2019)

TV-14 | 23 min | Animation, Drama, Music

The sole member of a high school koto club puts together an unlikely crew, including a misunderstood delinquent and a musical prodigy, to learn how to play the traditional string instrument for a music competition.

Stars: Amber Lee Connors , Alejandro Saab , Daman Mills , Anthony Bowling

Votes: 1,295

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8 Best Relaxing Anime Like Laid-Back Camp

Fans in the mood for relaxing anime in a similar vein to Laid-Back Camp may want to give the following shows a watch.

• Iyashikei anime offers gentle stories for those seeking healing and relaxation. Slice-of-life tales provide comforting, calm entertainment options.
• Characters in iyashikei stories often overcome personal challenges, showing growth and resilience. These soothing narratives help viewers escape and recover.
• From magical elements to mundane adventures, iyashikei anime like Laid-Back Camp celebrate simplicity and the beauty of everyday life.

Anime has brought all sorts of bombastic stories to life. A robot boy has to prove his humanity in Astro Boy . Magical girls protect the world from aliens in Sailor Moon . Musclebound monkey men shout angrily and throw energy beams at each other in Dragon Ball Z. What else could match that hype? How about a show about four girls going camping around Japan?

15 Greatest Iyashikei Anime Of All Time

Laid-Back Camp , or Yuru Camp , doesn’t have explosions, heart-pounding drama, or near-death experiences. It’s just high schoolers Rin, Nadeshiko, Chiki, and Aoi recording their time traveling cross-country via Japan’s different campsites. It’s part of the iyashikei genre, where cozy slice-of-life tales are the name of the game, including plenty of relaxing anime like Laid-Back Camp for fans to check out.

8 Yama no Susume

Myanimelist score: 6.83.

• Studio: 8bit
• Release: January 2013
• 4 Seasons, 61 episodes, 5 OVAs
• Genre: Slice-of-life adventure

Just because iyashikei stories are soft doesn’t mean they don’t have drama. The term means "healing," so their stories often involve a lead recovering from something, even if it’s as simple as loneliness, adjusting to a new location, or a fear of heights as Aoi, the protagonist of Yama No Susume (or "Encouragement of Climb"), shows.

She used to love climbing as a kid, but after she had an accident, she became more introverted and focused on indoor hobbies. But when she reconnects with her old climbing friend Hinata, she gets back into the hobby, makes new friends, and comes back out of her shell as she overcomes her fear. Aoi’s recovering from her hardships, just as the reader may escape into iyashikei to recover from their own.

MyAnimeList Score: 7.35

• Studio: TYO Animations
• Release: October 2011
• 2 Seasons, 24 Episodes, 6 OVAs, 4 Movies
• Genre: Slice-of-life

If fans want a series that’ll keep them busy, Tamayura has multiple OVAs, seasons, and a movie series (though each movie ranges between 50–60 minutes). If fans are lucky, they can track down the original four-episode OVA made when its source manga was still new. But the anime they’ll want to track down are Tamayura: Hitotose , Tamayura: More Aggressive , and the Tamayura: Sotsugy ō Shashin movies.

They cover Fū’s journey to get to know her late father more, from her move to his old hometown to her growing interest in photography via her dad’s old camera. She's particularly interested in capturing speckles of light, or "tamayura." From there, she makes a variety of friends, from the aromatic romantic Kaoru to the pastry enthusiast Norie. The series follows them through their school years, right up to graduation, bringing Fū’s story full circle.

6 Flying Witch

Myanimelist score: 7.50, flying witch (2016).

Flying Witch spices up the girl-goes-to-the-countryside story by throwing some magic into the mix. Literally. Makoto is a witch-in-training who moves from her home in Yokohama to the comparatively quieter Hirosaki in Aomori in the north. She’s got a lot to adjust to, particularly when she gets lost easily.

10 Magical Girl Anime Everyone Should Watch

Luckily, her friends and relatives are there to help her out, like her surprisingly unflappable aunt Nana, and her brash gyaru elder sister Akane. That, and her cat familiar Chito. She even manages to impress her younger cousin Chinatsu enough for her to become her apprentice. Together, they explore Hirosaki and its supernatural side, and end up going on funny, gentle adventures.

5 Aria: The Animation

Myanimelist score: 7.68.

For a sci-fi twist, Aria: The Animation takes viewers to the 24th century, where humanity has not only gone to space but has terraformed Mars into a new planet called Aqua. It’s lush with a breathable atmosphere and plenty of water. Enough to build Neo Venezia, a space-age city modeled after Venice with gondolas and canals.

It’s become quite a tourist attraction, and the Aria Company is one of the best at providing guided tours via its Undines (tour guides). The series follows Akari, a new Undine from Manhome (Earth) who gets as acquainted with Neo Venezia as her tourists do. It makes for an upbeat series that, with its beautiful art and soundtrack, never fails to put a smile on the viewers’ faces.

4 Hakumei And Mikochi

Myanimelist score: 7.69.

• Studio: Lerche
• Release: January 2018
• 1 Season, 12 Episodes
• Genre: Slice-of-life fantasy

If fans prefer more fantasy in their iyashikei, they might like to give Hakumei and Mikochi a go. It’s akin to stories like The Smurfs and The Borrowers , as it’s all about tiny people who live in the woods. Two of whom, the peppy carpenter Hakumei and the calm tailor Mikochi, live in a house they built into a tree. Their personalities are as different as they can get, but they’re the best of friends.

Together, they get into all sorts of adventures as they go about their day-to-day life. It would sound almost as kiddy as The Smurfs if it didn’t have the odd grown-up element, like Sen’s workforce of animated skeletons, or the two resting up at Kobone’s pub. But from stories about singing contests to repairing stone walls, Hakumei and Mikochi is about as gentle as the genre gets.

3 Tanaka-kun Is Always Listless

Myanimelist score: 7.82, tanaka-kun is always listless.

The problem with being easy-going is that life isn’t always sunshine and roses. There’s always something that’s going to require some effort to get around. But, in Tanaka-kun is Always Listless , the titular Tanaka would rather keep things as simple as possible. With his sleepy looks, lack of attentiveness, and ability to doze off anywhere at any time, Tanaka would prefer to keep his life as uneventful as possible.

9 Slice Of Life Anime About Child Prodigies

Some of his classmates find his high amounts of chill inspiring, like Miyano, or even appealing, like Shiraishi. But Tanaka’s listlessness keeps him from noticing things like love or romance. If anything, he’d rather marry his best friend Ohta just because he takes care of most of the heavy-duty stuff. Either way, he does his best to breeze through life, no matter how much his classmates try to excite things.

MyAnimeList Score: 7.86

K-on (2009).

K-On! isn’t strictly part of the iyashikei genre, though it's still a sweet, light-hearted comedy that makes for a relaxing watch. It began life as a four-panel comedy manga, which caught on so well that it would get two spin-off manga (one about the main cast at college, another about a different cast inspired by the originals), a series of rhythm games made by Sega, and an anime series and movie.

It’s about four girls who join their school’s light music club to keep it from being disbanded, even though they’re its only members. They’re not particularly accomplished musicians either, as Yui has trouble playing instruments. But by practicing regularly and working hard, they gain new members and end up becoming a musical tour-de-force.

1 Non Non Biyori

Myanimelist score: 7.94, non non biyori (2013).

Based on the manga by Atto, Non Non Biyori is perhaps the most similar show to Laid-Back Camp , as it also involves a group of girls getting by in the countryside. Only it isn’t a holiday. It’s where they live. City slicker Hotaru gets transferred to the rural town of Asahigaoka, where the nearest stores are miles away, and the schools are so small they have one student per grade.

Nonetheless, she manages to make friends and adjust to a calmer pace of life. The only intense scenes on offer here are comedic ones, like Hotaru’s friend Natsumi teasing her elder sister Komari about being taller than her, or her other friend Renge speaking with cat-like mannerisms and phrases. On top of receiving thirty-six episodes and an OVA, the series also got an animated movie in Non Non Biyori Vacation .

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Vote up your favorite slice of life romance anime.

Slice of life romance is a great genre because it's simultaneously relatable and escapist. Characters have plausible romantic escapades that take place in a realistic, everyday setting, so viewers can often identify with what the characters are experiencing. That said, those experiences are often funnier, more dramatic, or more romantic than real life, which is what makes them fun. 

There are plenty of amazing slice of life romance series that are worth watching. If you're looking to watch a classic, you should check out CLANNAD, which follows a boy named Tomoya Okazaki as he falls in love with his classmate Nagisa Furukawa - and eventually marries her. Looking for something more modern? Try Horimiya, which follows two classmates with opposite personalities but secrets in common as they fall in love. But what if you're not interested in teenage romance? Then you might want to try out My Senpai Is Annoying or Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku, both of which center around adults working in an office environment and falling for their co-workers. 

On the outside, Kyoko Hori and Izumi Miyamura don't seem to have much in common - Hori is bubbly and popular, while Miyamura keeps to himself. But the two of them forge an unexpected connection when they learn that they do share something important - a hidden life. 

Hori seems carefree, but she has some major responsibilities - her parents are rarely around due to their jobs, so she's the one who has to take care of her little brother. Meanwhile, Miyamura is covered in tattoos and piercings, something you'd never expect from looking at him. As the two learn about each other's hidden sides, they start to appreciate everything about each other. 

• # 26 of 148 on The Most Popular Anime Right Now
• # 60 of 320 on The 300+ Best Anime Series Of All Time
• # 3 of 182 on The 50+ Best Romance Anime Ever Made (2024 Update)

My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU

Hachiman Hikigaya sees his existence as rigged from the start. In the world of high school, it's impossible to have any sort of social standing if you aren't good-looking or charismatic, and once you're at the bottom, you stay there. 

But despite these dark feelings, Hikigaya isn't a bad person - that's why his teacher forces him to join a club solely dedicated to helping other students with their personal problems. Through that club, he starts to change his attitude - but it's an extremely rocky road to get there. He'll need support from the people around him - and from the two girls who both seem to have feelings for him. 

• # 54 of 148 on The Most Popular Anime Right Now
• # 123 of 320 on The 300+ Best Anime Series Of All Time
• # 31 of 182 on The 50+ Best Romance Anime Ever Made (2024 Update)

Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku

When Narumi Momose gets a new job, she wants to keep her interest in anime, gaming, and BL a secret. This turns out to be basically impossible when she discovers that her childhood friend Hirotaka Nifuji is working there. Having no idea that she wants to keep her interests on the down-low, he casually talks to her about them. Luckily, the only people who overhear are also otaku!

Thus begins Narumi's new life where she gets to actually be herself in public - and in her dating life, because she and Nifuji end up getting together partway through the series. 

• # 19 of 182 on The 50+ Best Romance Anime Ever Made (2024 Update)
• # 5 of 38 on 25+ Anime That Totally Deserve A Second Season
• # 1 of 20 on The 20 Best Adult Romance Anime With Grown-Up Couples

Insomniacs After School

Classmates Ganta Nakami and Isaki Magari relate to each other on one issue: falling asleep for them is more difficult than it is for most. Magari has a sleeping disorder and uses the school's abandoned astronomy room to dose off during the day. Nakami, whose sleep struggles leave him drowsy during classes, is on the search for a napping spot when he happens upon Magari's secret. 

Magari is more than happy to share the room with a fellow insomniac. Between their midday snoozes the two begin to learn more about each other and develop a connection deeper than their shared issue. As their bond grows, the things that were hard to face alone become easier to confront with the other by their side.

• # 147 of 148 on The Most Popular Anime Right Now
• # 145 of 182 on The 50+ Best Romance Anime Ever Made (2024 Update)
• # 51 of 67 on The Best Seinen Anime And Manga Series Of All Time, Ranked

The Pet Girl of Sakurasou

When Sorata Kanda first starts living at Sakura Hall, his only goal is to get out. This dormitory is known for being home to some of the weirdest students at Suimei High, and Sorata is a relatively normal guy - or so he thinks. 

He soon realizes that Sakura Hall is exactly the right place for him. He's able to make friends with its oddest members - most notably Mashiro Shiina, an artistic genius who needs help performing basic self-care. He's also able to nurture his own creativity and start making steps toward his dream - to design video games. 

• # 160 of 320 on The 300+ Best Anime Series Of All Time
• # 40 of 182 on The 50+ Best Romance Anime Ever Made (2024 Update)
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Komi Can't Communicate

Shouko Komi wants to make 100 friends, but that's not going to be easy. Why? Even though she's beautiful and popular, she's so terrified of talking to people that it's almost impossible for her to reach out to the people she wants to befriend. 

Luckily, she manages to make friends with Hitohito Tadano, a boy who doesn't judge her for her anxiety and has the patience to figure out what she's trying to say. Not only that, but he's resolved himself to help her with her goal.

• # 50 of 148 on The Most Popular Anime Right Now
• # 41 of 182 on The 50+ Best Romance Anime Ever Made (2024 Update)
• # 54 of 142 on The Best Anime Streaming On Netflix

Hotaro Oreki doesn't want to do, well, anything. His goal in life is expending as little energy as possible. But that doesn't exactly work out for him, because after his sister forces him to join his school's Classics Club to stop it from being disbanded, he meets Eru Chitanda.

Eru is an extremely curious person who wants to solve all of the mysteries that crop up in and around the school, and she wants Oreki's help to do it. Oreki is intelligent enough to figure most things out, and despite his general lassitude he finds it impossible to say no to Eru, so he ends up becoming an amateur detective for her sake. What he doesn't expect is that his own life will be enriched by the process.

Teasing Master Takagi-san

Takagi knows everything about Nishikata - and we mean everything . This makes it super easy for her to tease him and predict his reactions to it, which makes it super hard for him to come up with a decent comeback. 

His goal is a lofty one - to find just the right thing to say to make her blush. 

• # 68 of 182 on The 50+ Best Romance Anime Ever Made (2024 Update)
• # 19 of 25 on The 23 Best Romantic Comedy Anime
• # 63 of 141 on The Best Anime On HIDIVE

Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun

Chiyo Sakura has a huge crush on a guy in her class named Umetarou Nozaki. When she finally works up the nerve to tell him, he completely misunderstands her. Instead of understanding that he's being asked out, he thinks that Chiyo is a fan of his shojo manga and wants to work as his assistant. Chiyo is then reluctantly dragged into his creative process. 

Can she possibly get through to the oblivious Nozaki? Or will she be stuck in assistant mode forever?

• # 53 of 182 on The 50+ Best Romance Anime Ever Made (2024 Update)
• # 57 of 142 on The Best Anime Streaming On Netflix
• # 74 of 153 on The 100+ Best Anime Streaming On Hulu

Tsuredure Children

If you're the sort of person who gets invested in every romance an anime has to offer - not just the main ones - then you should watch Tsuredure Children. This anime focuses on a variety of scenarios involving teenagers who are grappling with early experiences of love. Some involve struggling to figure out how to ask someone out, while others deal with having no idea what it even feels like to love someone. 

Whether you're nostalgic for your own youth or currently going through it, at least one of these stories is bound to be relatable.

• # 88 of 182 on The 50+ Best Romance Anime Ever Made (2024 Update)
• # 217 of 251 on The Best Anime On Crunchyroll
• # 15 of 21 on The 21 Best High School Romance Anime

Aharen-san Is Indecipherable

Matsuboshi Raidou wants to make friends in high school, but he's having a bit of trouble because of his intimidating appearance. But he's determined to make it work, and he specifically wants to be friends with the adorable Reina Aharen.

The thing about Reina Aharen is that she also wants to be friends, but she has no understanding of personal space. She's always either way too close, or way too far away, and this confuses the people around her. Luckily, Raidou seems to get her, and the two of them start to become closer friends.

• # 113 of 148 on The Most Popular Anime Right Now
• # 110 of 182 on The 50+ Best Romance Anime Ever Made (2024 Update)
• # 12 of 20 on The Most Anticipated Anime Of Spring 2022, Ranked

Uzaki-chan Wants to Hang Out!

Shinichi Sakurai and Hana Uzaki used to be in the same club in high school, so when they reunite in college, Uzaki is expecting to resume their former friendship. But Sakurai has changed - instead of being the extroverted person he used to be, he now keeps to himself. 

Uzaki isn't going to stand for that - she's going to make sure that her old friend isn't alone whether he likes it or not.

If you love slice of life romance, you have to watch CLANNAD - it is the ultimate classic in the genre. The first season centers around a boy named Tomoya Okazaki and a group of girls that he befriends at school. While he has a unique relationship with each of them, he ends up dating Nagisa Furukawa, a very sweet girl with serious health issues. 

In the second season, things get more serious. Tomoya and Nagisa are working adults with a baby on the way. They have to confront past trauma, cope with the struggles of the working world, and face serious personal tragedy.

• # 150 of 320 on The 300+ Best Anime Series Of All Time
• # 103 of 182 on The 50+ Best Romance Anime Ever Made (2024 Update)
• # 19 of 115 on The Saddest Anime Series of All Time

Tsukigakirei

If you want a genuinely realistic anime about young love, Tsuki ga Kirei is one of your best bets. During their last year of middle school, aspiring writer Kotarou Azumi and track team member Akane Mizuno wind up in the same class. The two of them soon realize that they're mutually attracted to one another. 

But because neither one of them has experience with love, they don't know how to express their feelings, communicate about conflict, or anything else. Despite these obstacles, the two of them still want to make it work - and they do so beautifully. 

• # 59 of 182 on The 50+ Best Romance Anime Ever Made (2024 Update)
• # 13 of 16 on 16 Romance Anime Where The Couple Gets Together Early
• # 19 of 21 on The 21 Most Wholesome Romance Anime Of All Time

Don't Toy With Me, Miss Nagatoro

Don't Toy With Me, Miss Nagatoro is like Teasing Master Takagi-san on steroids. 

Nagatoro doesn't just tease her nerdy senpai - she's actually kind of a bully. At least, she is at first. While she does delight in embarrassing her senpai, she also genuinely likes him - and her behavior is masking deeper issues. As for her senpai, he's petrified of her at first, but he soon grows to like her unorthodox attention. 

• # 61 of 148 on The Most Popular Anime Right Now
• # 232 of 320 on The 300+ Best Anime Series Of All Time
• # 81 of 182 on The 50+ Best Romance Anime Ever Made (2024 Update)

My Senpai Is Annoying

In some ways, saleswoman Futaba Igarashi really appreciates her senpai Harumi Takeda. He's always there to help her out when something goes wrong in the workplace. But there's one big problem - he treats her like a little kid because she's short. So instead of just straight up enjoying him, she's constantly torn between admiration and irritation. 

But the more time the two spend together, the more she starts to warm up to him.

• # 6 of 20 on The 20 Best Adult Romance Anime With Grown-Up Couples
• # 21 of 79 on The Best Slice Of Life Anime
• # 110 of 135 on The 100+ Best Anime That Start With 'M'

When Will Ayumu Make His Move?

Everyone expects Ayumu Tanaka to join the Kendo Club in high school - after all, he was a kendo champion in high school. He surprises everyone by joining the Shogi Club, something he'd never shown interest in before.

So, why did he join? Because he's fallen in love with its only member, Urushi Yaotome. He's determined not to ask her out until he can defeat her at the game, but that doesn't stop him from constantly flirting with her. 

• # 165 of 182 on The 50+ Best Romance Anime Ever Made (2024 Update)
• # 51 of 79 on The Best Slice Of Life Anime
• # 61 of 141 on The Best Anime On HIDIVE

Bloom Into You

Yuu Koito is obsessed with all things romantic, but she's never actually felt any romantic feelings herself. When a classmate asks her out, she expects to respond to his feelings - but she just feels hollow.

After watching her high school's student council president Touko Nanami reject a suitor with elegance and grace, Yuu is impressed and thinks she's found a kindred spirit. But when she asks Touko for advice, she finds out that she was totally wrong – Touko confesses her love to Yuu! Yuu has no idea how to deal with this new development, but it feels very different than her previous confession did. Could she be capable of finding love after all? 

• # 14 of 20 on 20 Great Modern Anime That Probably Flew Under Your Radar
• # 19 of 21 on The 21 Best High School Romance Anime
• # 20 of 20 on The 20 Best Slow Burn Romance Anime, Ranked

Senryu Girl

Nanako Yukishiro has a bit of a problem - she can't speak using ordinary words. But she can do something really cool to make up for it - she can communicate through senryuu - 17-syllable-long poems.

Meanwhile, Eiji Busujima used to be a delinquent in middle school, but thanks to his newfound love for senryuu, he's starting to focus more on his education - and on Nanako, who he's starting to grow closer and closer to. 

Sasaki & Miyano

Miyano is a huge fan of BL manga and anime, but he's pretty sure he doesn't actually want to date guys. But then he meets his upperclassman Sasaki and starts introducing him to the world of BL.

Sasaki likes BL, but he's more interested in Miyano himself. After Sasaki confesses, Miyano has to decide - is he ready for a real life BL relationship? Or does he want it to remain in his fantasies forever? 

• # 20 of 21 on The 21 Most Wholesome Romance Anime Of All Time
• # 11 of 20 on The 20 Best Slow Burn Romance Anime, Ranked
• # 65 of 122 on The 100+ Best Anime That Start With 'S'

Nodame Cantabile

Nodame Cantabile doesn't get the attention it deserves, in part because it's not available to stream in a lot of places. But if you get the chance you should definitely watch it. The series follows a perfectionist violinist named Shinichi Chiaki whose career is stalled because he's too afraid to get on a plane and travel outside of Japan. 

While studying music in a Japanese university, he meets Megumi Noda, or Nodame. Nodame's personality is exactly the opposite of his - she's carefree, messy, and seemingly directionless - but her piano-playing is exceptional. When she turns out to be his next-door neighbor and develops a huge crush on Shinichi, he'll have to decide whether he can deal with their differences.

• # 121 of 182 on The 50+ Best Romance Anime Ever Made (2024 Update)
• # 180 of 186 on The 100+ Best Adult Anime Of All Time, Ranked
• # 12 of 20 on The 20 Best Adult Romance Anime With Grown-Up Couples
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10 Best Anime Like ‘Delicious in Dungeon’

Delicious in Dungeon is one of the top anime series on Netflix at the moment, and it’s not hard to see why. After all, it has dungeon exploration, adventure, and the best part of all: cooking. What else can you ask for?

Delicious in Dungeon follows a guild as they set out on expeditions to raid dungeons. Laios Touden and his guild try to find the red dragon, whom they unsuccessfully tried to slay and who had eaten former guild member Falin Touden’s sister. Initially, they struggled due to their low supplies. However, they met Laios, who suggested they find their next meal inside the dungeons. With Laoios on their team, they are able to harvest food and cook monsters, producing surprisingly delicious meals.

Anime series revolving around food is one of my guilty pleasures. If you’re like me, who loves to watch mukbangs or anything surrounding food and is looking for your next food-based anime series, then check this out!

1. Isekai Izakaya: Japanese Food From Another World

Isekai Izakaya centers around a Kyoto izakaya owned by Nobuyuki Yazawa called “Nobu.” While the back door leads to modern-day Japan, the front door is open to customers in the old capital city of Aitheria, a whole other world. People from various backgrounds come to Aitheria to learn about this new and foreign cuisine, with “Nobu” serving up traditional Japanese food.

The best part about Isekai Izakaya is the end of the episode. After the animation is over, it transitions to live-action footage of how to prepare the dish featured in the episode. Interesting and educational!

2. Restaurant to Another World

If you love the isekai genre, then you need to check out Restaurant to Another World ! The story starts when demon girl Aletta stumbles upon a small dinner called “The Western Restaurant Nekoya” on a Saturday. After meeting the owner and chef, who simply goes by Master, she discovers that it’s a diner. Six days a week, the diner caters to restaurants in Tokyo. However, on Saturday, doorways appear in another world, allowing creatures like elves, demons, beastmen, and more to enjoy the extensive menu the diner has to offer.

Each episode highlights two dishes as well as characters who taste the dish and deem it one of their favorites. Besides the delicious food featured on the show, one of the highlights is seeing how the diners get closer to one another as the seasons progress. It’s a warm, easy anime to watch and binge on in one night!

3. Food Wars!: Shokugeki no Soma

When talking about anime revolving around cooking, the one that likely comes to mind is Food Wars . The series follows Soma Yukihira, who aims to become a full-time chef and become an even better chef than his dad. When his father gets a job that requires him to travel around the world and close his restaurant, “Restaurant Yukihira,” he enrolls his son in the elite Totsuki Culinary Academy.

Totsuki is a whole new playing field for Soma, who cooked delicious yet modest food in his family restaurant. With classmates who come from elite families and have experience cooking fancy food, Soma must rise above to prove he is worthy of being the best at the academy.

4. Campfire Cooking in Another World With My Absurd Skills

For some reason, cooking and isekai just go well together, and Campfire Cooking in Another World With My Absurd Skills proves it! The story follows Tsuyoshi Mukouda, who is magically summoned to the Kingdom of Rejseger to help in the war against the demon folk, alongside three high school students, who were also transported to this new world. However, while the three teens garnered powerful magical abilities, Mukouda went by the power of “Online Supermarket.”

Unwilling to fight the war, he convinces the kingdom that his talent is useless. Aiming to start a new chapter in this alternate world, Mukouda uses his power to order food and products from Japan. With his new familiar Fenrir, also known as Fel, Mukouda continues his journey in this new world, fighting monsters and cooking delicious food along the way!

5. Drifting Dragons

Released in 2020, Drifting Dragons is set in a world where dragons have taken over the skies. As the dragons pose a threat to the human race, dragon hungers, called drakers, use airships to hunt dragons. Every part of the dragon is valuable, despite how dangerous they are, so drakers sell parts of the dragon for profit, while others are cooked and eaten.

The story revolves around Takita, a newcomer to the airship Quin Zaza. Eager to prove her place in the team, she works together with skilled drakers Mika and Jirou, who appear to be chasing after more than just dragons. This unique take on slice-of-life features touching moments, aerial battles, and, of course, food!

Considered an OG shonen release, Toriko features a whopping 147 episodes over three seasons, as well as a 2011 animated 3D short film and a full-length feature film released in 2013. With that said, Toriko will require dedication and should be spaced out over time (unless you have the capacity to actually watch nearly 150 episodes of anime)! The one thing I have to say is that Toriko is extremely action-packed; it revolves around hunting animals, so if that is difficult for you to swallow, then you might want to skip this one out.

Toriko revolves around the titular character, Toriko, a Gourmet Hunter. He is considered one of the best due to his superhuman strength, which he utilizes to capture dangerous and rare beasts to create new dishes for his growing full-course meal. Partnering up with chef Komatsu, the two travel together in search of rare ingredients and mouth-watering dishes. Along the way, Toriko and Komatsu must fight the Gourmet Corps, which wishes to monopolize the world’s food supply.

7. Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon

If you’re looking for something a little more eccentric, then Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon is the one for you. After a vending machine otaku is crushed to death by a falling vending machine, he awakens to discover that he is not only in a different world, but he has been reincarnated as a sentient vending machine. Despite not being able to move, he can see, hear, and even spit out some phrases.

As a vending machine, he is able to sell any item he has purchased in his previous life, and can even choose which items to sell and for how much. After being discovered by a young female hunter named Lammis, he earns the nickname Boxxo. Enamored by the things he sells, she uses her powers to carry him around on her back. Together, they explore dungeons in this new world and meet new friends along the way!

8. Farming Life in Another World

This has less to do with cooking, but it still revolves around food! The series follows Hikaru Machio. Born with no luck, he spent the final year of his life fighting a terminal illness before passing away on his hospital bed. Taking pity for his luckless life, a god reincarnates Hiraku in another world as an apology. He bestows upon Hikaru a holy artifact called the “Almight Farming Tool,” which can be used for anything he wishes.

Hikaru is transported to a forest farm by civilization. Determined to try farming with his new life, Hikaru decided to build and farm everything from scratch. Soon, he builds a community that attracts people of different species, with Hikaru serving as the governing body. By the end, Hikaru lives a fulfilled life with wives and children.

9. Today’s Menu for the Emiya Family

Are you a fan of the Fate/stay night series? Then you need to check out this wholesome, slice-of-life spinoff! Today’s Menu for the Emiya Family is set in an alternate universe in which the Fifth Holy Grail War is resolved. With people settling into calmer lives, Shirou Emiya takes it upon himself to cook for his household as well as give Saber a taste of delicious food.

The episodes are short, lasting less than 15 minutes each. In each episode, Shirou shows how to cook a new dish that perfectly complements the season. As word of his cooking goes around, guests from all over visit the Emiya household for a bite of his food.

10. Kakuriyo: Bed and Breakfast for Spirits

Food and Japanese mythology? Sign me up! Kakuriyo: Bed and Breakfast for Spirits follows Aoi Tsubaki, a girl who has the ability to see spirits called ayakashi. Thanks to her grandfather, she has learned to live life with this ability. When her grandfather passes away, she resolves to not let her ability hinder her college life, and utilizes her cooking skills to protect her from the human-eating spirits.

After an encounter with a yakashi, Aoi is transported to the Hidden Real. There, she discovers that her grandfather used her as collateral for his one hundred million yen debt, and she must marry an ogre called the Oodanna to pay off her debt. Aoi refuses and chooses to settle her debt in another way: she opens a bed and breakfast!

(featured image: Trigger, Silver Link)

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New Anime Adapted From Manga By Laid-Back Camp Creator Could Be the Next Must-Watch Slice-of-Life

• Mono introduces a comedy-focused story with a tangible long-term goal for characters' actions through their interest in photography.
• Mono changes focus from Afro's previous work by exploring the complexities of photography, keeping slice-of-life elements while adding a new twist to its narrative.
• Afro's Mono provides a refreshing evolution in the slice-of-life genre with tangible stakes and goals, making it an absolute must-read manga, and setting the anime adaptation up for success.

Amid many iconic anime series in the slice-of-life anime genre , an upcoming top contender is Mono, which will be adapted by studio Soigne. While it shares similarities with one of the genre's kings, Laid-Back Camp , Mono's own strengths have given the series its own personality , and, more importantly, a structure that may improve upon what Laid-Back Camp began. Fitting, since both come from the same author, Afro.

Mono is a comedy-focused story, focused on a group of school girls who go out hiking, but it differs in how the club members have a tangible long-term goal that more visibly affects their actions.

This could provide a sense of dynamism and proactiveness that some viewers may want if they feel Mono's predecessor is, in fact, too laid-back for them.

Attack On Titan Director And MAPPA Partner Up For New Original Anime

Mono changes focus from camping to photography, original manga published in manga time kirara carat; anime adaptation to be directed by ryota aikei.

Afro's newer manga focuses on the members of a school photography club and a cinema club, who agree to combine into a "Cine Photo Club", and help an aspiring artist, named Haruno, find inspiration for her manga by taking photos of tourist hot spots across Japan. While it is set in the same world as Laid-Back Camp, complete with sly hidden cameos, Mono uses a four-panel formula akin to a comic strip, so its pace tends to be quicker, as it jumps from scene to scene, or set-ups that cut straight to punchlines, while saving larger, scenic artwork for special moments.

However, common slice-of-life elements are still there, with the girls exploring a specific hobby in-depth; in this case, the hobby being photography and cameras. There is also Afro's recurring interest in outdoor exploration, which Laid-Back Camp expressed with cold weather camping. The major distinction, however, exists thanks to Haruno as a character. By providing a tangible goal for the hobby – creating photo references for a manga – the cast is more motivated to engage with and explore Japan , making the cast more interesting to follow. Laid-Back Camp 's , meanwhile, tend to be more lackadaisical in pace, having little in the way of stakes to excite new viewers.

Mono Updates the Slice-Of-Life Genre

Between afro's two slice-of-life series, the mangaka is evolving the genre for the better.

Ultimately, Laid-Back Camp 's camping scenes had no higher goal or narrative purpose throughout the series' run. Mono 's focus on cameras, meanwhile, has a tangible end goal. Even the tourism might feel more immersive, as the club members are explicitly seeking them out for the scenery, while the former manga's visitations to camp sites may feel a little artificial in motivation. Laid-Back Camp , for all its strengths, does feel part of a greater trend of intentionally aimless hobby shows. Afro's follow-up, meanwhile, may be the pushback the genre needs , by presenting something as simple as a long-term goal to provide a framework Mono can hang from.