Summary

• Heartfelt stories and delightful humor in laid-back slice-of-life anime series soothe and entertain fans upon rewatching.
• Barakamon, Asobi Asobase, and Polar Bear Cafe offer funny, heartwarming interactions in calming settings.
• Through endearing characters and relatable themes, these series bring comfort, smiles, and relaxation after a long day.

Although watching a series filled with angst and drama is exciting in its own right, sometimes it is nice to skip the thrills for a simple, calming anime show to unwind to, instead. An uncomplicated slice-of-life or rom-com can easily brighten the audience’s mood, despite how many times fans rewatch.

Either to soothe the soul after a long day or just to revisit a piece of childhood, a heartwarming anime is the perfect remedy. Taking viewers through breezy everyday mundanities, humorous moments between friends, or lighthearted trials, some anime are sure to bring comfort and smiles after a long day.

10 Barakamon Is a Story of Art, Ego, and Positive Changes

Based on the original manga by Satsuki Yoshino

Up-and-coming calligrapher Seishuu Handa is revered for many reasons, although his narcissistic personality rubs some the wrong way. After a master of his field deems his work ‘unoriginal’, Sei handles the criticism poorly, leading him to the harsh punishment of self-reflection. He is exiled to Goto Islands and on his journey to find inspiration, he finds himself changed by the spirited people of the not-so-peaceful countryside.

Despite its humor and crude moments, Barakamon is a beautiful story of developing relationships, introspection, and changing for the better. Characters are organic, and their bonds feel real, making the series easy to relate to as viewers enjoy a sweet slice of life with important messages.

Barakamon is the sequel to the series Handa-kun, which follows Sei Handa in his school years.

WATCH ON CRUNCHYROLL

9 Asobi Asobase Is Cheery, Hilarious, and Perfect to Watch Over and Over

Based on the original manga by Rin Suzukawa

Following three middle school girls, beautiful Olivia, intellectual Kasumi, and cheerful Hanako, Asobi Asobase details their shenanigans in their after-school club. In slapstick, episodic fashion, the show takes viewers through a funny, fun, and cute experience.

This underrated comedy is a perfect blend of everyday school life with over-the-top humor. Each girl’s idiosyncrasies add to the entertainment, sprinkled in with sci-fi, romance, and action. It is lighthearted, loud, and cheery, distinguished for its rewatch value. Although it appears generic and simple, the show will leave the audience in tears from laughing too hard.

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8 Polar Bear Cafe Is an Adorable and Quirky Mingling of Humans and Animals

Based on the original manga by Aloha Higa

Polar Bear Cafe follows just that, a Canadian polar bear that starts a cafeteria near a zoo after quitting his boring job. He finds a new home with a human couple who picked him up and through the business’ clientele who visit for his fascinating personality.

This special day-in-the-life story puts a spin on the genre as viewers follow both human and animal patrons throughout the year. The audience will feel calm after watching a polar bear, a penguin, and a panda do mundane tasks and have silly interactions. Each character is peculiar in their special way, and with the zany humor that gives the show its quirk, this cute series is an easy one to unwind to.

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7 School Babysitters Is a Wholesome Story of Family, Responsibility, and Coming-of-Age

Based on the original manga by Hari Tokeino

School Babysitters centers brothers Ryuuichi and Kotarou Kashima after they suffer the loss of their parents. The Chairwoman of the Morinomiya Academy takes them in, on the condition that Ryuuichi becomes the school’s daycare babysitter. This easy slice-of-life reaches your inner child as it bounces between characters of different ages.

This short series is funny and sweet, as the viewers follow different sets of siblings through school. The characters are clumsy, yet endearing, and through small challenges, the show expands on tender family dynamics. With every episode, watchers are guaranteed to leave with a fuller heart.

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6 Ouran High School Host Club Is a Hilarious and Thoughtful Shojo Classic

Based on the original manga by Bisco Hatori

‘Commoner’ Fujioka Haruhi received a scholarship to the prestigious Ouran Academy. She doesn’t quite fit in, dressing masculinely and coming from a more humble background compared to her peers. Once she stumbles upon the Host Club filled with beautiful and charming boys, she has no choice but to work with them and begrudgingly begins to bond.

Ouran High School Host Club is a bouncy, funny, and sentimental classic of the shojo genre. It is easily digestible with an episodic plot combined with the overarching storyline of navigating love, friendships, and family. Although the animated series was cut short and diverted from the canon manga plot, this series remains a fan-favorite classic.

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5 Sailor Moon Is a Peppy Magical Girl Icon About Love and Destiny

Based on the original manga by Naoko Takeuchi

Usagi Tsukino is a sensitive, average student until her life unexpectedly flips upside down after saving Luna, a cat with a crescent moon on its head. This destined meeting leads her to assume the role of Sailor Moon, Earth’s magical guardian. Usagi journeys to find a lost princess, other Sailor Guardians, and a legendary crystal to keep Earth safe, in a tale of love, hope, and fate.

The original Sailor Moon series received a remake in 2014, titled Sailor Moon Crystal

Sailor Moon has been a crucial part of many people’s childhoods and is fantastic to rewatch in adulthood. Each character’s design and development are lovely, creating an ethereal and subtly mature narrative. It’s a mixture of drama, bright colors, fun magic, and classic music, cementing its title as a magical girl anime icon.

WATCH ON HULU

4 Spy x Family Is a Funny Family Adventure that Tugs on the Heartstrings

Based on the original manga by Tatsuya Endo

In a time of war, spies, and conspiracies, Loid Forger has been sent undercover to stop catastrophe. But to do so, he needs a ‘family’ for alibi. Teaming up with secret assassin "Thorn Princess" Yor, the couple ends up adopting an adorable telepathic child, Anya, and the three embark on family-life trials, all while endeavoring to keep their secrets hidden from each other and the forces that work against them.

Spy x Family combines action-packed sequences and supernatural powers with a wholesome family dynamic for funny, heartfelt adventures. This slice-of-life is adorable, breaking down the hard exteriors of characters, revealing a softhearted, unlikely bond between a mismatched trio. It’s hilarious, adventurous, and sweet, making a perfect episodic series for countless rewatches.

Spy x Family's latest movie, Spy x Family Code: White, was a smash-hit box office success.

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3 Haikyu!! Is a Fan-Favourite Sports Anime About Camaraderie and ion

Based on the original manga by Haruichi Furudate

Shouyou Hinata doesn’t fit the stereotypical look for a volleyball player, but despite his shorter stature, he is a force to be reckoned with on the court. He s the Karasuno High School's volleyball team, finding his old rival Tobio Kageyama, and the two decide to work together with their team to be successful.

Haikyu!! dives into the friendships and bonds that transcend rivalry, infecting viewers with the characters’ drive and ion to succeed. The series is filled with exhilarating volleyball plays and hilarious moments shared between teammates while each character overcomes personal shortcomings and flaws. With a sequel movie coming out in February 2024, this is the best time to watch or re-watch the anime.

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2 Natsume's Book of Friends Is a Gentle Look at Bonds and Overcoming the Past

Based on the original manga by Yuki Midorikawa

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Production studio:	Brain's Base, Shuka
Genre:	Drama, Fantasy, Slice of Life, Supernatural
Watch on:	Crunchyroll, Amazon

Natsume has grown accustomed to being an outcast. Being able to see yokai is not a common trait and has led him to be branded as a freak as he’s ed between caretakers. After moving to his grandmother's hometown and befriending a spirit imprisoned in a Lucky Cat statue, he learns about his past and his gift, while uncovering potential bonds that heal his heart’s wounds.

This series feels like warm sunshine as viewers follow Natsume breaking out of his shell, learning to care for others and be cared for in return. Mixed in with the interesting yokai lore, his troubles always lead to deeper understanding, reflecting the viewers’ wishes for his happiness.

For another slow-paced supernatural series, check out Mushi-Shi

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1 The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. Is a Hilarious Look at a Psychic's Day-to-Day

Based on the original manga by Shūichi Asō

Production studio:	J. C. Staff
Genre:	Comedy, Slice of Life, Supernatural
Watch on:	Netflix, Crunchyroll

Psychic abilities may seem like a dream come true, but to Kusuo Saiki, he only wishes he could be normal. The inconveniences of his gift accumulate but always end up being the needed force to save the day. With his various assortment of supernatural abilities and a rag-tag group of characters, The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. is an understandably adored hilarious slice-of-life.

This quick-paced series is filled with never-ending laughs that hit every time you watch. All characters are dynamic and quirky, and when they mingle during comical ‘trials’, the audience is sure to be entertained. Despite Saiki’s exasperation due to his powers and peers, their riotous ventures prove that friendship prevails, despite the silliness.

WATCH ON NETFLIX

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