10. Puella Magi Madoka Magica (2011)
Genre: Dark fantasy | Created by Magica Quartet
Madoka Magica follows a group of middle school girls, each of whom sign a contract in order to become a magical girl. The protagonist is a kind, soft-spoken girl named Madoka Kaname, has her life changed when she meets Kyubey, the messenger of magic. Madoka Magica deconstructs the conventional magical girl genre which makes the series engaging and emotionally complex.
9. Toradora! (2008-2009)
Genre: Comedy, romance | Created by Yuyuko Takemiya
This series follows Ryuuji and Taiga (aka Palmtop Tiger), two high school students who are opposite in almost every way. They form an unlikely friendship after agreeing to help each other with one another’s crushes, creating a series than balances humour with emotional depth.
8. School-Live! (2015)
Genre: Horror, psychological | Created by Norimitsu Kaiho
I don’t want to give too much away for this one, so I’ll just say School-Live! follows a group of high school girls who live at school as part of the “School Living Club”, however it’s quickly realised their cheerful daily life is not what it seems. This series blends cute slice-of-life with horror, making this series unique and emotional.
7. NieA_7 (2000)
Genre: Slice-of-life, sci-fi | Created by Yoshitoshi Abe
In a retro-future Japan, this anime follows a hardworking student named Chigasaki who lives above a struggling bathhouse in the countryside. Chigasaki shares her room with a freeloading alien named NieA, and together they form an unlikely bond.
6. Tenchi Universe (1995)
Genre: Sci-fi, fantasy | Created by Masaki Kajishima/Ryoe Tsukimura
High schooler Tenchi Masaki finds himself amongst a group of alien girls after a space-pirate crash-lands near his home. Together they face cosmic threats and everyday life, and there’s a really cute space cabbit named Ryo-Ohki.
5. Cowboy Bebop (1998-1999)
Genre: Neo-noir, space western | Created by Hajime Yatate
Set in the year 2071, Cowboy Bebop follows a group of bounty hunters, or “cowboys”, who travel through space in their ship, the Bebop, hunting down criminals and facing their own troubled pasts. It has one of the best soundtracks ever written and story arcs and philosophical overtones are one of a kind.
4. Assassination Classroom (2015-2016)
Genre: Action, sci-fi | Created by Yūsei Matsui
Assassination Classroom has a super-powered alien named Koro-sensei threatening to destroy Earth teach a misfit class of underachievers who have to kill him before graduation. This series has action, comedy, and heartfelt drama making it fun and engaging, whilst also tackling serious themes.
3. Spy x Family (2022-)
Genre: Action, spy | Created by Tatsuya Endo
Super spy Twilight builds a fake family for an undercover mission to maintain peace between rival nations; however his new-found family aren’t quite what they seem, leading to hijinks and mayhem. It’s one of the funniest anime series I’ve seen and has truly heartwarming moments.
2. K-On! (2009-2010)
Genre: Slice-of-life, comedy | Created by Kakifly
Highschoolers revive their school’s light music club to form a band called Ho-kago Tea Time. The series follows as their friendship grows and little everyday joys. K-On! is a really laidback series, with awesome music and lots of tea.
1. Azumanga Daioh (2002)
Genre: Slice-of-life, comedy | Created by Kiyohiko Azuma
Azumanga has no central plot, arcs, or anything of the things you’d think make an anime series great. However, it is my favourite anime of all time. The series follows a group of high school girls navigating everyday life, yet for me it is the most charming and timeless series of all time. It’s peak absurdity and I probably reference it every single day.
What are you top picks?
If you enjoyed this article, please consider subscribing below to get new posts sent straight to your inbox!
Screen Waffle 