From demon lords to galactic card games, sometimes fans want to get away from the universe-threatening cataclysms of the anime world and kick back to a typical school day (but fans of fantasy can find exciting manga to read here). Instead of the next isekai series, fans can watch as a character tries to fulfill their goals and dreams that don’t involve world domination, or relate to a character dealing with heartbreak or unrequited love. The slice of life genre has something for anime fans everywhere, and the 2021 anime season has produced several gems.
Those new to slice of life might think of it only as a rag-tag group of teenagers sliding through the halls of their high school, and that’s a mistake. Slice of life has many subgenres, from magical girls to supernatural beings. Slice of life anime truly has something for everyone (even slimes for fans of that type of thing). Here are some of the best slice-of-life anime of 2021(for a more definitive list, check this list out).
10 Slime Diaries
Slime Diaries is a spin-off of the popular series “That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime.” While its predecessor is more of an action and fantasy adventure series, Slime Diaries takes it to a slower pace with the day-to-day lives of fan-favorite characters and the bonds that strengthen between them (if you would like more info on the characters, check this out).
There is quite a bit of world-building between the antics as viewers explore the tasks Rimuru goes through. Some dedicated fans will enjoy a joyful and easy-going series disjointed from the main storyline. Slime Diaries can be watched on Crunchyroll.
9 The Way Of The House Husband
This year, the highly acclaimed manga by Kousuke Oono that was licensed and animated by Netflix made big waves in multiple directions upon its release. Following retired yakuza boss Tatsu, the story follows him around as he deals with the day-to-day activities of a married man.
Over-the-top comedy and exaggerated animation will get more than a chuckle out of fans. While there were gripes about the animation style chosen for this series, many will still enjoy the beloved manga brought to life. The Way Of The House Husband is available to watch with a Netflix subscription.
8 Yuki Yuna Is A Hero
Yuki Yuna is a Hero is a bright and lighthearted series following the show’s namesake. Yuki Yuna is quite a joyful watch, while a magical girl anime at heart, with a dash of slice of life and fantasy.
Yuna and her friends make up her school’s “Hero Club,” and together, they face everything that comes their way—this year, the show’s third season aired based on the light novel spin-offs to continue the story in a much more grounded plot. Anime fans that haven’t taken a look yet are in for a surprise with the new season. Yuki Yuna Is A Hero can be watched on Crunchyroll.
7 Shadow House
Shadow House is a series with a robust supernatural tone revolving around a royal family of beings known as Shadows that use human intermediaries called “dolls” as a representation for their lack of physical features.
The show’s main character, Emilico, is a newly stationed doll who learns about her new role and responsibilities along with the rest of the family dolls. A very layered series that is definitely worth the time for fans searching for something different. Fans can watch Shadow House on the Funimation streaming app.
6 Horimiya
Horimiya is a highly requested adaptation of a manga by author Hiroki Adachi about two mismatch pieces that, over time and tribulations, begin to fit together perfectly. The series main characters are Kyouko Hori, the staple “popular girl,” and Izumi Miyamura, the loner with a secret.
The show follows the fine path of the classic romantic comedy that fans of the romance genre and more realistic anime will enjoy. But Horimiya may also prove to be just different enough for newcomers to enjoy. Animated stunningly with brilliant art and lighting, Horimiya is available on Hulu with a subscription.
5 Let’s Make A Mug Too
A cute and simple series, Let’s Make A Mug Too, follows Toyokawa, Himeno on a journey of reconnection and coping while exploring the world of ceramics and pottery. Himeno is a quirky girl running from her problems that happens to stumble into craftwork after some hard times; she joins her school’s pottery club a begins a journey of healing from grief.
No slice of life series would be complete without making some friends along the way, and the characters of this anime are where it shines. Fans of shows like Blue Period may like this series. Let’s Make A Mug Too is available on Crunchyroll.
4 Komi Can’t Communicate
Komi Can’t Communicate is a beautifully done and joyfully told slice of life series with a dash of romance (here are more shows to watch if you’ve already seen it). Still, beneath its tropes, the show dives into the woes of social anxiety and the values of a strong support system.
Following Komi, a young girl in high school with the inability to converse with anyone, she meets Tadano, who, along with others, slowly aids Komi in talking to others and achieving her goal of obtaining one hundred friends. Komi Can’t Communicate is available on Netflix.
3 Super Cub
Super Cub is the story of a young girl, Koguma, searching for direction in her life, finding no luck everywhere she turns. Finally, in a last-ditch effort to bring meaning and excitement into her life, she purchases a used motor scooter known as a super cub.
Everything slowly begins to come together as she ventures out into the world on menial adventures with newfound friends. Super Cub is available on the Funimation streaming app, a simple and clean series for fans of “K-ON!” and stories like it.
2 Don’t Toy With Me, Miss Nagatoro
Don’t Toy With Me Miss Nagatoro is a beautiful and outlandish slice of life and romance series. The story follows Hachiouji, Naoto, a quirky, artsy loner, and Nagatoro, Hayase, his mischievous and vexing underclassmen.
The two become intertwined and dance around the edge of romance after a happenstance meeting after school, and shenanigans follow. A playful series that’s full of high school hijinks that many will enjoy. Don’t Toy With Me, Miss Nagataro is available on Crunchyroll.
1 Fruits Basket: The Final
Fruits Basket by author Natsuki Takaya has been one of the most profound slice of life series of the last 30 years. Fans worldwide have fallen in love with the story and its characters across multiple generations.
This year, Fruits Basket: The Final was released, bringing to a close an adventure that spanned over three decades that has brought fans to tears, laughter, and shock. The attachment to the characters will tug on viewers’ heartstrings, in the case of both long-time fans and newcomers alike, as the story comes to an end.
