20. Asobi Asobase: Workshop of Fun: IMDb (7.9 ) 2018
Plot: The story is about Hanako, Olivia, and Kasumi who are second-year students at an all-girls middle school. They form a club called the Pastimers Club, even though it’s not officially recognized. The club doesn’t have clear goals and focuses on different activities or “pastimes” that the girls come up with. It revolves around their adventures and experiences in trying out various fun things together as friends.
My Recommendation: “Asobi Asobase: Workshop of Fun” is an amusing anime series that will make you laugh. It has funny jokes and unexpected moments. The artwork is distinct, and the characters are peculiar, which makes it one-of-a-kind and enjoyable to watch. If you enjoy silly comedy that is unconventional, this series is a great choice for you. Give it a try and have a good time laughing!
Genre: Comedy, Slice of Life
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Seiji Kishi
Producer: Yūji Higa, Takanori Yano
Writer: Yuko Kakihara
Released Date: July 8, 2018 – September 23, 2018
Runtime: Approximately 24 minutes per episode
Distributor: Sentai Filmworks (North America)
Production Company: Lerche
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
19. Maid Sama!: IMDb (7.9) 2010
Plot: Seika High used to be an all-boys school known for rowdy students. It recently became co-ed, but girls were still a minority. Misaki Ayuzawa worked hard to improve the school for girls and became the first female student council president. They fell in love despite their differences, but Usui’s wealthy background created obstacles. They eventually married after ten years.
My Recommendation: “Maid Sama!” is a fun mix of romance, comedy, and everyday life. It focuses on Misaki Ayuzawa, a strong-willed student council president who secretly works at a maid cafe. The characters are interesting and the conversations are clever. It’s an enjoyable series that keeps you entertained and cheering for the main characters.
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Slice of Life
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Hiroaki Sakurai
Producer: AIC
Writer: Hiro Fujiwara (manga), Mamiko Ikeda (anime)
Released Date: April 1, 2010 – September 23, 2010
Runtime: Approximately 24 minutes per episode
Distributor: Sentai Filmworks (North America)
Production Company: J.C.Staff
Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Hulu
18. KILL la KILL: IMDb (7.9) 2013
Plot: Ryuko Matoi, a transfer student, arrives in Honnō City seeking her father’s murderer. She enrolls in Honnouji Academy, ruled by Satsuki Kiryuin and her Elite Four using powerful clothing called Goku Uniforms. With Mako’s help, they escape. Ryuko becomes reluctant to wear Senketsu but follows Satsuki to retrieve its pieces. In the end, Honnouji Academy is defeated and everyone moves on with their lives.
My Recommendation: “KILL la KILL” is an exciting anime that looks amazing and has a lot of action. It talks about power, who we are, and fighting against authority. The art is different and the fights are intense. The characters are interesting too. It’s a really fun show that will keep you on the edge of your seat. You’ll want to watch more when it’s over because it gets your heart pumping!
Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama, Supernatural
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Hiroyuki Imaishi
Producer: Aniplex, Trigger
Writer: Kazuki Nakashima
Release Date: October 2013 – March 2014
Runtime: Approximately 24 minutes per episode
Distributor: Aniplex of America
Production Company: Studio Trigger
Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Hulu
17. My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU: IMDb (7.9) 2013
Plot: The story is about two loners, Hachiman and Yukino, who are very different from each other. They help and give advice to others at their school’s Service Club, with the help of their friend Yui. The story shows how teenagers in high school deal with social situations and why they act the way they do.
My Recommendation: “My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU” provides a realistic portrayal of high school life, exploring subjects like friendship, self-discovery, and the pressures of society. The characters are imperfect but relatable, and the thought-provoking conversations make it a must-see for those looking for a mature and introspective anime.
Genre: Slice of Life, Comedy, Drama
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Ai Yoshimura
Producer: Shinichirō Inoue
Writer: Shōtarō Suga
Released Date: April 5, 2013
Runtime: Approximately 24 minutes per episode
Distributor: Sentai Filmworks (North America)
Production Company: Feel
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
16. Kono Oto Tomare!: IMDb (8.0) 2019
Plot: The story is about the Koto club at Tokise High School in Kanagawa Prefecture. However, Takezo’s perception changes when he learns the truth about Kudo. Another talented student named Satowa Hozuki also joins the club with her own agenda. Eventually, more students join for their own reasons but they all share a common goal – to participate in the Koto Nationals competition.
My Recommendation: “Kono Oto Tomare!” is a moving story that combines music and friendship. It shows the challenges and personal development of its characters through traditional Japanese music. This anime is worth watching if you want a touching and uplifting experience with a captivating plot and heartfelt emotions.
Genre: Drama, Music, School, Shounen
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Ryouma Mizuno
Producer: Genki Kawamura
Writer: Ayumu Hisao
Released Date: April 2019
Runtime: Approximately 24 minutes per episode
Distributor: Funimation (for international streaming)
Production Company: Platinum Vision
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
15. Toradora!: IMDb (8.0) 2008
Plot: Ryuji Takasu is frustrated with his appearance as he starts high school. Despite his gentle personality, his eyes make him look like a tough person. He’s happy to be in the same class as his best friends, Yusaku Kitamura and Minori Kushieda, whom he likes. They agree to help each other get closer to their crushes but things don’t always go smoothly. Despite this, they enjoy spending time together and forming friendships with others in their school.
My Recommendation: “Toradora!” is an anime that tells a heartwarming story. It combines romance, comedy, and drama in a beautiful way. The characters are well-developed, and the plot explores themes of friendship, love, and finding oneself. It has memorable moments that touch your emotions. If you enjoy relatable and touching anime, this is a must-watch.
Genre: Romantic comedy, Slice of life
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Tatsuyuki Nagai
Producer: J.C.Staff
Writer: Mari Okada
Released Date: October 2008 – March 2009
Runtime: Approximately 25 minutes per episode
Distributor: NIS America
Production Company: ASCII Media Works
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
14. Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai: IMDb (8.0) 2018
Plot: In a high school, Sakuta Azusagawa’s life changes unexpectedly when he sees Mai Sakurajima, a teenage actress dressed as a bunny girl. To his surprise, nobody else notices her in the library. Curious about this, Mai becomes interested in Sakuta since he is the only one who can see her. They soon discover that this phenomenon is called “Adolescence Syndrome” and decide to solve it together. Along the way, they meet other girls facing similar challenges.
My Recommendation: “Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai” is a unique anime that explores the challenges faced by teenagers. It combines supernatural elements with heartfelt interactions between characters. It delivers a powerful and thought-provoking narrative that appeals to both the heart and mind. This anime is highly recommended for fans of the genre.
Genre: Romance, Supernatural, Drama
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Souichi Masui
Producer: Hajime Kamata, Shunsuke Saito, Yosuke Toba, Takema Okamura
Writer: Masahiro Yokotani
Released Date: October 4, 2018 – December 27, 2018
Runtime: Approximately 24 minutes per episode
Distributor: Aniplex of America
Production Company: CloverWorks
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
13. Chihayafuru: IMDb (8.1) 2011
Plot: Chihaya Ayase supports her sister’s modeling career until she meets Arata Wataya, a talented karuta player. They become friends and Arata sees Chihaya’s potential. Chihaya dreams of becoming Japan’s best karuta player but is separated from her friends as they grow up. In high school, she reunites with her childhood friend Taichi Mashima and together they form the Mizusawa Karuta Club. With their support, Chihaya aims to be the best in the world and hopes to be with Arata again one day.
My Recommendation: “Chihayafuru” is an exciting show that combines sports, drama, and romance. It revolves around a traditional Japanese card game called karuta. The characters are interesting, the matches are intense, and it explores themes of friendship and determination. If you’re a fan of anime and looking for both excitement and emotional depth, this is a must-watch.
Genre: Sports, Drama, Romance
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Morio Asaka
Producer: Michihiko Suwa
Writer: Ayako Katoh
Released Date: October 2011
Runtime: Approximately 22 minutes per episode
Distributor: Sentai Filmworks (North America)
Production Company: Madhouse
Where to watch: Crunchyroll.
12. Laid-Back Camp: IMDb (8.1) 2018
Plot: Rin Shima is a high school girl who loves camping alone. One day, she meets Nadeshiko Kagamihara. Nadeshiko invites Rin to join their school’s camping club. Rin agrees and becomes friends with Nadeshiko, Chiaki Ōgaki, and Aoi Inuyama. They go on camping trips across Japan and enjoy their daily lives together.
My Recommendation: “Laid-Back Camp” is a calming anime that takes you on a peaceful journey to enjoy nature’s beauty. With its lovely characters and serene landscapes, it offers a tranquil escape from everyday stress. It’s the perfect show to unwind after a tiring day, as it has a soothing atmosphere and light-hearted humor. Whether you love the outdoors or simply want to relax, this anime provides a delightful breath of fresh air for everyone.
Genre: Slice of Life, Comedy
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Yoshiaki Kyogoku
Producer: Takeshi Yasuda
Writer: Jin Tanaka
Released Date: January 4, 2018
Runtime: Approximately 23 minutes per episode
Distributor: AT-X, Tokyo MX, BS11, Wowow
Production Company: C-Station
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
11. Food Wars: Shokugeki no Soma: IMDb (8.1) 2015
Plot: Soma Yukihira dreams of becoming a chef like his father, Joichiro. But when Joichiro closes his restaurant to travel, Soma is enrolled in Tōtsuki Culinary Academy. He faces challenges from Erina Nakiri, the dean’s talented granddaughter. Asahi is discovered as Azami’s son and Erina’s half-brother. Years later, after all the students graduate from Totsuki, Soma challenges Erina again with hopes of hearing her say “delicious.”
My Recommendation: “Food Wars: Shokugeki no Soma” is a show about cooking where people compete against each other. It has tasty food, interesting characters, and exciting competitions. Whether you love food or anime, this series will make you happy with its exciting and delicious content.
Genre: Shonen, Comedy, Culinary
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Yoshitomo Yonetani
Producer: J.C.Staff
Writer: Shogo Yasukawa
Released Date: April 2015 – September 2019
Runtime: Approximately 24 minutes per episode
Distributor: Crunchyroll, Sentai Filmworks
Production Company: J.C.Staff
Where to watch: Crunchyroll