Anime watchers have been spoiled this season with the intense wave of action packed, brilliantly animated, new series like Chainsaw Man and the war arc of My Hero Academia’s latest season. The intensity is fun, but sometimes it’s nice to watch something a little more relaxing.
If you’re anything like me, there’s nothing better than curling up in your favorite blankets and binging some warm, comforting slice of life anime. You can’t beat the heartwarming (and sometimes emotional) journeys of characters overcoming their challenges, oftentimes feeling all too relatable. I present to you a list of my top 5 slice of life, comfort anime.
5. Blue Period – 12 Episodes Total
You wouldn’t think of a series so focused on the color blue to be warming, and yet I found the realistic personality of the main character, Yatora Yaguchi, to be so tender. Due to hard work and dedication, Yaguchi excels in his academic studies. But he has no passion, and finds himself dissatisfied with who he is, and who he wants to be. Blue Period is an homage to Pablo Picasso’s “Blue Period”, where for three years his work consisted of mostly blue, cool palettes to express his depression and financial struggles. In relation, Yaguchi feels lost in his own life, but everything changes when he discovers the world of art, and learns to see his life, and the people in it, in a whole new light.
Watch on Netflix.
4. A Place Further Than the Universe – 13 Episodes Total
I have nothing against moe anime, but the overly cutesy cast of school girl focused shows are generally not for me. Despite my preferences, A Place Further than the Universe was the greatest series I watched in 2018. Four high school girls come together and learn about friendship, love, grief, and pain as they journey to Antarctica. Not only is the story absolutely beautiful, but so is every detail that went into it. The music, the animation, lighting effects, every single thing. I rewatch it whenever I’m in the mood for a therapeutic cry, because boy does it simultaneously break and heal my heart all at once.
Watch on Crunchyroll.
3. Komi Can’t Communicate – 24 Episodes Total
When the first season of Komi was announced, I was literally screaming, crying, throwing up. I had been following the manga series for years and had been praying to the anime gods time and time again that it would be adapted into an anime. My prayers were answered and it’s everything I could ever dream of, and more. Every episode makes me laugh HARD, the cast is so hilariously weird and yet somehow still likable as they all interact with the most loveable character of all, Shouko Komi. She appears untouchable, “a god among men”. In reality, she is a lonely girl with a communication disorder who wants nothing more than to achieve her goal of making 100 friends.
Watch on Netflix.
2. Kono Oto Tomare!: Sounds of Life – 26 Episodes Total
If Your Lie in April broke your heart and gave you trust issues, then this is the series for you. Spoiler Alert: No one dies. The simple structure of the story along with the incredible soundtrack is comforting, while the beautifully written cast of characters leaves you wanting more as you watch them come together and play the koto, a traditional Japanese instrument. It’s through the stunning music that you watch delinquent Chika and child prodigy Hozuki overcome their difficult pasts. Plus, who doesn’t love a sweet, slow-burning romantic subplot?
Watch on Crunchyroll.
1. March Comes in Like a Lion – 44 Episodes Total
When I was putting together this list, a huge part of me wanted to scratch out of all the others and just yell at everyone to watch THIS show and this show only. We follow the story of Rei Kiriyama, a lonely 17 year old professional shogi player as he overcomes the loss of his deceased family. This series expresses depression and grief in the most accurate and beautiful way I’ve ever seen. It can be painful to watch, but it is also so healing as we see Rei overcome his trials and feel the love, laughter, and warmth of three sisters, who have also endured their own painful life challenges. It’s truly a masterpiece that reminds us to appreciate and see the beauty of the little things in life.
Watch on Crunchyroll.
Cozy up and get watching! Let us know what your favorite comfort slice of life anime are, and if you enjoyed any of these recommendations.
