10. Horimiya: IMDb (8.1) 2011
Plot: The story is about two high school students named Kyouko Hori and Izumi Miyamura. Hori is a popular and smart student, while Miyamura appears nerdy with glasses. At home, Hori takes care of her younger brother and dresses casually to hide this from her classmates. They both decide to keep their true selves hidden from others at school. As they get to know each other better, they realize they have more in common than they thought. They become close friends over time.
My Recommendation: “Horimiya” is a high school romance story that combines humor, sincerity, and deep characters. It shows how relationships change over time, people grow personally, and acceptance is important. The characters are lovable and there are many touching moments. It’s a wonderful story about friendship and love that feels real.
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Slice of Life
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Masashi Ishihama
Producer: Square Enix, Aniplex, Dentsu, Tokyo MX, BS11, A-Sketch
Writer: Takao Yoshioka
Released Date: January 2021
Runtime: 24 minutes per episode
Distributor: Aniplex of America
Production Company: CloverWorks
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
9. A Place Further Than the Universe: IMDb (8.2) 2018
Plot: Mari Tamaki, a high school student, desires to seize her youth but often feels scared. One day, she crosses paths with Shirase Kobuchizawa. Shirase has been gathering funds to visit Antarctica, hoping to find her missing mother who vanished three years ago. Alongside Hinata Miyake and Yuzuki Shiraishi, Mari and Shirase join an expedition to the Antarctic.
My Recommendation: “A Place Further Than the Universe” is a touching story about friendship, finding oneself, and following dreams. It has beautiful animation and relatable characters. It’s a great choice if you want to feel inspired and motivated to go on your own exciting adventures, even if they seem challenging.
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Slice of Life
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Atsuko Ishizuka
Producer: Kadokawa, Media Factory, AT-X, Sony Music Communications
Writer: Jukki Hanada
Released Date: January 2, 2018 – March 27, 2018
Runtime: 23 minutes per episode
Distributor: Crunchyroll, Funimation (Streaming)
Production Company: Madhouse
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
8. Ouran High School Host Club: IMDb (8.2) 2006
Plot: Haruhi Fujioka, a student at Ouran Academy in Tokyo, discovers the Third Music Room, where the Host Club entertains girls. Haruhi breaks an expensive vase and becomes indebted to the club. Mistaken for a boy due to her appearance, Haruhi becomes a member of the club and must attract clients to repay her debt while hiding her true gender. As time passes, the Hosts develop feelings for Haruhi but keep them hidden.
My Recommendation: “Ouran High School Host Club” is a fun mix of comedy, romance, and parody. It has clever jokes, likable characters, and surprising turns that make it unique in the high school genre. Immerse yourself in the quirky host club’s story for a heartwarming and enjoyable time.
Genre: Romantic comedy, Slice of life
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Takuya Igarashi
Producer: Toshio Nakatani, Manabu Tamura, Masahiko Minami
Writer: Yoji Enokido
Released Date: April 5, 2006
Runtime: Approximately 24 minutes per episode
Distributor: FUNimation Entertainment (North America)
Production Company: Bones
Where to watch: Crunchyroll.
7. Puella Magi Madoka Magica: IMDb (8.2) 2011
Plot: In the fictional city of Mitakihara, Japan, middle school student Madoka Kaname and her friend Sayaka Miki meet a cat-like creature named Kyubey. Kyubey offers them magical powers in exchange for fighting witches. As they encounter more challenges and revelations, Madoka makes a wish to change the fate of all magical girls. In the end, Homura vows to continue fighting in honor of Madoka’s memory.
My Recommendation: “Puella Magi Madoka Magica” is an interesting anime that changes the usual magical girl style by exploring darker subjects and having complex characters. It’s a must-see for fans who want a story that makes them think, with surprises, deep emotions, and beautiful animation. Get ready for a ride of feelings and deep thoughts about life.
Genre: Magical Girl, Psychological Thriller, Slice of Life
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Akiyuki Shinbo
Producer: Atsuhiro Iwakami
Writer: Gen Urobuchi
Released Date: January 2011
Runtime: Approximately 24 minutes per episode
Distributor: Aniplex
Production Company: Shaft
Where to watch: Crunchyroll, and Hulu
6. The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.: IMDb (8.3) 2016
Plot: Kusuo Saiki is a high school student with special powers. He can do things like move objects with his mind and teleport. However, he keeps these abilities a secret from everyone at school. In various situations, Kusuo discreetly uses his powers to solve problems without people noticing. He discovers that he belongs to a different species than humans because his body has adapted to having powers. This revelation adds more complexity to his already extraordinary life.
My Recommendation: “The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.” is a funny show that combines supernatural stuff with typical high school activities. Saiki’s dry humor and special abilities create amusing situations. The fast-paced episodes will keep you interested and entertained, with lots of funny moments and heartwarming scenes. It’s a must-see for anime fans who want pure entertainment.
Genre: Comedy, Supernatural, Slice of Life
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Hiroaki Sakurai
Producer: EGG FIRM, J.C.Staff
Writer: Michiko Yokote
Released Date: July 4, 2016
Runtime: Approximately 24 minutes per episode
Distributor: Funimation (North America)
Production Company: J.C.Staff
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
5. My Hero Academia: IMDb (8.3) 2016
Plot: Izuku Midoriya dreams of becoming a Hero despite being bullied by his friend Katsuki Bakugo for lacking powers. After meeting his idol All Might, Izuku inherits All Might’s power and becomes his successor. Izuku attends U.A. High School where he and his classmates work to improve themselves. Izuku trains with Sir Nighteye and faces off against Shigaraki in a final battle. With help from friends, including Bakugo defeating the main villain, the heroes prevail.
My Recommendation: “My Hero Academia” is an interesting animated series about a character named Izuku Midoriya. He wants to become a hero in a world where many people have special abilities called “Quirks.” The show has well-developed characters, exciting action scenes, and it focuses on themes like friendship and never giving up. If you like anime and want something thrilling and inspiring, this is definitely worth watching.
Genre: Action, Adventure, Superhero, Slice of life
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Kenji Nagasaki
Producer: Wakana Okamura, Yoshihiro Oyabu
Writer: Yōsuke Kuroda
Released Date: April 3, 2016
Runtime: Approximately 24 minutes per episode
Distributor: Toho
Production Company: Bones
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
4. Kaguya-sama: Love is War: IMDb (8.5) 2019
Plot: In the senior high school division of Shuchiin Academy, student council president Miyuki Shirogane and vice president Kaguya Shinomiya seem like a perfect couple. Despite their feelings for each other, they are too proud to admit it because they think it would make them lose in their relationship. The story follows their various schemes to get the other person to confess or show signs of affection. Eventually, they do confess and the focus shifts to how they develop their relationship and deal with challenges. More characters also come into play as the story progresses.
My Recommendation: “Kaguya-sama: Love is War” is a funny mix of romance and mind games. Its smart conversations and surprising story turns keep you interested as it shows the funny competition between the main characters. It’s a must-see for anime fans because of its lovable characters and clever jokes.
Genre: Romantic comedy, Slice of life
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Mamoru Hatakeyama
Producer: Shinichi Ikeda, Shinya Yamada
Writer: Yasuhiro Nakanishi
Released Date: January 12, 2019
Runtime: Approximately 25 minutes per episode
Distributor: Aniplex
Production Company: A-1 Pictures
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
3. Great Teacher Onizuka: IMDb (8.5) 1999
Plot: Meet Eikichi Onizuka, a 22-year-old former gang member who hasn’t had much luck in finding love. After a failed romantic experience, he has a sudden realization: maybe becoming a teacher is what he’s meant to do. Even though he’s not doing well at a mediocre college, Onizuka finds himself developing a sense of right and wrong. With his unconventional ways, he sets out on a mission to change education at a troubled middle school, focusing on one student at a time.
My Recommendation: “Great Teacher Onizuka” is an anime that you should definitely watch. It combines comedy, drama, and heartfelt moments. Onizuka, the main character, has unique teaching methods and really cares about his students. The story is interesting because it explores themes like redemption, friendship, and the importance of education. It’s a classic that you should definitely check out!
Genre: Comedy, Drama, School Life
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Noriyuki Abe
Producer: Tohru Kamei, Shigeru Watanabe
Writer: Masashi Sogo
Released Date: 1999
Runtime: Approximately 25 minutes per episode
Distributor: Fuji Television
Production Company: Studio Pierrot
Box Office in US Dollars: Not applicable (anime series)
Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix
2. Your Lie in April: IMDb (8.5) 2014
Plot: Fourteen-year-old Kōsei Arima is a talented pianist who becomes famous after winning music competitions. However, tragedy strikes when his mother dies, causing Kōsei to have a mental breakdown during a piano recital. He can no longer hear the sound of his piano, even though he can hear everything else. Kosei frames a picture of himself and young Kaori taken after that concert, as it holds special significance for him now
My Recommendation: “Your Lie in April” is a beautiful and touching story that combines music, love, and personal development seamlessly. Its deep emotions, captivating characters, and impressive animation will deeply connect with your emotions. Get ready for a mix of feelings as you follow Kousei and Kaori’s journey through love, sadness, and finding hope again.
Genre: Drama, Romance, Music
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Kyohei Ishiguro
Producer: Aniplex, Dentsu, Kodansha, Fuji TV, Kyoraku Industrial Holdings
Writer: Takao Yoshioka
Released Date: October 2014 – March 2015
Runtime: Approximately 22 minutes per episode
Distributor: Aniplex of America
Production Company: A-1 Pictures
Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix
1. Haikyu!!: IMDb (8.7) 2014
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Plot: Shoyo Hinata, a junior high school student, becomes obsessed with volleyball after seeing Karasuno High School playing on TV. Inspired by the player called “The Little Giant,” he joins his school’s volleyball club but finds himself alone. In his final year, some friends join him to compete in a tournament but suffer a crushing defeat against Tobio Kageyama’s team. They make a promise to play together professionally after graduation.
My Recommendation: “Haikyu!!” is an exciting anime that shows the importance of working together, having a strong desire to succeed, and developing oneself. It has interesting characters, intense games, and touching scenes. This anime is recommended for sports fans and those looking for a motivating story. Its mix of action and emotions will keep you engaged throughout the whole series.
Genre: Sports, Drama, Comedy, Slice of life
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Susumu Mitsunaka
Producer: Wakana Okamura, Toshihiro Maeda
Writer: Taku Kishimoto
Released Date: April 6, 2014
Runtime: Approximately 24 minutes per episode
Distributor: Toho
Production Company: Production I.G
Where to watch: Crunchyroll