31 Greatest IMDb-Rated Slice of Life Anime Series From Top To Bottom You Should Watch In 2024

As anime fans generally enjoy action-packed anime series with elements of suspense, thriller, fantasy, etc., but that is not always true, there are also some fans who appreciate day-to-day life-related anime series that they can relate to and enjoy watching.

The slice-of-life anime series can include more than just action, suspense, and thriller. It genuinely focuses on real-life problems, moments, a bit of romance, serious drama, and funny situations.

The slice-of-life anime series is to be made by the directors and producers who consider their viewers’ preferences in mind and make them accordingly. Nevertheless, both critics and fans concur that some shows are the best of the best and that anyone who gives them a shot will almost certainly enjoy it.

What is the best slice-of-life anime series? We will discuss the 31 top-most IMDb-rated slice-of-life anime series that have shocked fans with their popularity, ratings, and rankings. Additionally, I will provide my recommendation based on individual interests and preferences.

Plot: A small kitten got lost while out for a walk with her family. A boy named Yohei and his mother, Miwa, found her and took her home. They couldn’t keep her because of their housing rules, so they tried to find a new home for the kitten. The kitten learned to use the bathroom in the house but mistakenly responded when called “Chi.” This became her name. Chi lived happily with her new family and had many adventures meeting different people and animals.

My Recommendation: “Chi’s Sweet Home” is a cute anime show that everyone can enjoy. It tells the story of Chi, a curious kitten who goes on adventures and learns important things. The animation and characters are really charming, and it will definitely make you feel happy.

Plot: School Rumble is a story about the students of Class 2-C at Yagami High School. Tenma secretly likes her classmate Karasuma, who is obsessed with curry. Harima also likes Tenma and befriends Yakumo, Tenma’s sister. Misunderstandings and bumbling by Harima complicate things further. Harima gets involved with Eri after embarrassing situations bring them together. Harima also writes manga where he saves a girl like Tenma from Karasuma-like characters. As time passes, relationships develop and complications arise between the characters, but there is no clear resolution for the main protagonists in the end.

My Recommendation: “School Rumble” is a fun and exciting anime about high school adventures, love, and comedy. The unique characters and crazy situations will keep you engaged from beginning to end. It’s a great choice if you want to watch something light-hearted and entertaining.

Plot: In Japan, four high school girls join the light music club at Sakuragaoka High School to prevent it from disbanding. They are the only members initially. Yui Hirasawa starts with no musical experience but becomes skilled at playing guitar.  Music teacher Sawako Yamanaka oversees the club and becomes their homeroom teacher in their final year. They discover the Light Music Appreciation Society run by Riko Satou along with classmate Maho Sawabe at a different school.

My Recommendation: “K-On!” is a sweet and enjoyable anime about a group of high school girls who come together to start a band. It has lovable characters, catchy music, and funny moments that make it a great choice for anyone wanting to watch something heartwarming and uplifting.

Plot: Kyon is a student at North High School in Nishinomiya. He used to want an extraordinary life but now he just wants a normal one. He becomes friends with Haruhi Suzumiya, an eccentric schoolgirl who wants to make life interesting. They have special abilities and were sent to observe Haruhi because she has the power to create and destroy reality unknowingly. They work together to keep Haruhi happy and protect her from threats while forming a bond as misfits.

My Recommendation: “The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya” is a captivating mix of everyday life, science fiction, and humor. Its unique way of telling the story, interesting characters, and Haruhi’s mysterious appeal make it a must-see for fans of anime. Just be ready for some oddness and occasional unpredictability on this enjoyable journey.

Plot: This story is about three friends, Tadakuni, Hidenori Tabata, and Yoshitake Tanaka. They go to Sanada North Boys High School and have many experiences with other students. It’s a coming-of-age story that follows their daily lives and adventures.

My Recommendations: “Daily Lives of High School Boys” is a funny show about the silly and ridiculous things that happen in high school. It uses clever jokes and relatable situations to tell its stories. The characters are charming, and it’s great for anyone who wants to laugh and feel nostalgic about their own high school days.

Plot: Little Witch Academia is a story about Akko, a girl who dreams of becoming a witch. She enrolls at Luna Nova Magical Academy and finds a powerful magical relic called the Shiny Rod. Akko wants to show the world that magic is still amazing, but Luna Nova struggles because people think it’s outdated. However, her rival Croix tries to stop her with negative emotions and techno-magical artifacts.

My Recommendations: “Little Witch Academia” is a cute anime show full of magic and emotion. Join Akko and her friends as they explore the enchanting Luna Nova Academy. The story is captivating, the characters are lovable, and the animation is beautiful. It’s a wonderful journey that appeals to people of all ages.

Plot: Tomoya Okazaki is a high school student who feels disconnected from his life. He meets Nagisa Furukawa, a determined girl who wants to restart the Drama Club at their school. With the help of their friends, they gather members and successfully re-establish the club. His friends organize a retreat to help him overcome it. In the end, Tomoya finds happiness and fulfillment when he is reunited with Ushio and sees Nagisa’s smiling face again under the Tree of Promises.

My Recommendation: “Clannad” is a touching story about friendship, love, and the challenges of family relationships. It has well-developed characters and explores themes of loss and finding forgiveness. The emotional storytelling and powerful moments make it a must-watch for anime fans looking for meaningful stories.

Plot: The story is about Arata Kaizaki, a 27-year-old who has been jobless and lying about having a job for many years. He only works part-time at a convenience store. One day, he meets Ryō Yoake, who offers him a job opportunity. The job requires Kaizaki to become a tester for ReLife, an experiment that makes him look 10 years younger and sends him back to high school. The goal of the experiment is to give Kaizaki a chance to relive his youth and fix any problems in his life.

My Recommendation: “ReLIFE” is a TV show that combines comedy and drama in a special way. It tells the story of people getting another chance to be young again through a mysterious experiment. This adds more depth to understanding the characters. The show explores themes like making up for past mistakes and finding oneself, which many people can relate to. If you’re looking for an honest and moving story, “ReLIFE” is worth watching.

Plot: Iori Kitahara is excited about his college life on the Izu Peninsula. He stays above his uncle’s diving shop called “Grand Blue.” But he gets surprised when he meets the local Diving Club. The club is full of strong men who spend more time partying and getting naked than diving. Even though Iori tries to stay away from them, he gets involved in their crazy activities. Meanwhile, his cousins try to teach him the beauty of diving into the ocean and sea.

My Recommendation: “Grand Blue Dreaming” is a funny story about college life and scuba diving. It combines comedy and friendship in a way that shows how silly and entertaining youth can be. Get ready for an exciting and hilarious journey!

Plot: In June 1983, Keiichi moves to a village called Hinamizawa and makes friends with Mion, Shion, Rena, Rika, and Satoko. They find out about the Watanagashi Festival but also learn about some murders in the past that are connected to a curse called the “Oyashiro Curse.” As they investigate further, they uncover some horrifying things. A theory about a syndrome comes up and eventually leads to a very bad event. After going through many different versions of events, they come together to stop the person behind it all and change their destiny. Finally, they find peace.

My Recommendation: “When They Cry” is an exciting and scary story that combines mystery with horror. The plot is complicated, making you guess what will happen next, and the characters are well-written, making you feel both sorry for them and suspicious of them. Get ready to experience a lot of different emotions as you uncover the hidden secrets in a small village full of surprises.

Plot: Yoshifumi Nitta, a member of the Ashikawa-gumi gang, has his peaceful life disrupted when a girl named Hina falls from the sky. Hina possesses special powers and Yoshifumi becomes her makeshift father. However, Hina’s appearance triggers a series of events that impact the whole city. Soon, more girls from the future will arrive with intentions to either take Hina back or harm her. This creates chaos and uncertainty for everyone involved in this futuristic tale.

My Recommendation: “Hinamatsuri” is a funny and heartwarming anime that has both comedy and heartfelt moments. The story revolves around a yakuza member taking care of a girl with psychic powers, which results in funny situations and the growth of the characters. It’s a great choice for anime fans who want something unique and memorable.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.