Most slice-of-lifeanimeis set in a high school setting. It’s rare to see an anime about characters' daily lives that isn’t focused on teenagers, which shows how popular this specific genre is. Teenagers can naturally relate to these characters because of their similar age, but high school anime is just as popular with older viewers.

This is likely because the older viewers get to relive some of their childhood memories through these characters. They may also experience moments they missed in their youth. Regardless, high school will remain one of the most popular anime genres. This also gives some of the best artists a chance to showcase their talent and create masterpieces.

characters from my dress up darling

10My Dress-Up Darling

My Dress-Up Darling is a wholesome romantic comedy about an outgoing, popular girl and an introverted guy connecting through their passions. Marin is a vibrant cosplay lover who dreams of bringing her favorite characters to life. On the other hand, Gojo is a skilled Hina doll craftsman who helps Marin with her makeup and outfits.

It’s a great anime that addresses each character’s shortcoming and shows their growth. Gojo had past trauma that is slowly healed by Marin. She also helps Gojo and makes him realize that his passion is not something he should be embarrassed about.

Tomo and Jun from the anime “Tomo chan is a girl” fist bumping while Tomo blushes.

9Tomo-Chan Is A Girl!

Tomo-Chan is a unique high school anime about a tomboy girl who has a crush on her childhood friend, Junichiro. Unfortunately for her,Junichiro doesn’t understand her feelingsand treats Tomo like he would treat any other boy. Naturally, Tomo hates this and strives to make Junichiro notice her feminine traits.

The premise may sound a bit ridiculous, but it’s a great story about accepting who you are and not changing yourself for anyone. Tomo-Chan also has many other interesting characters with their own vibrant personalities and stories.

Komi and Tadano from Komi Can’t Communicate walking home.

8Komi Can’t Communicate

Komi Can’t Communicate is a story about an introverted high school student who is too shy to speak. From an outside perspective, she appears as a cold person who wants nothing to do with others. However, she’s actually a sweet girl who just wants to make friends. Fortunately for Komi, she ends up meeting Tadano, who will help her on her journey to making a hundred friends.

Komi Can’t Communicate is mainly a comedy with some romantic aspects to it. It does a great job of showcasing the world through an introverted person’s view. The majority of the show also takes place in a high school, with a few more interesting characters.

Key art showcasing the main cast of Assassination Classroom.

7Assassination Classroom

Moving slightly away from the slice of life high school life, you get a class that is specifically formed to assassinate their teacher. The teacher is called Koro Sensei, an unknown creature that even the world’s strongest armies cannot destroy. If the students fail to fulfill their mission within a year, Koro Sensei will destroy the Earth.

Assassination Classroom is slightly supernatural but mainly takes place within a high school. It also explores how good teaching can help even the worst students grow. It has many thought-provoking aspects combined with the ridiculous premise of assassinating your own teacher.

Horimiya promotional art showing Miyamura and Hori.

6Horimiya

Horimiya is about the romantic journey of two high school students, Hori and Miyamura. Instead of focusing on their journey leading to the confession, Horimiya explores their developing relationship and the difficulties they face.

The characters in Horimiya also have a decent amount of depth, making them much more relatable. It is, without any doubt, one of thebest romance animeout there. Horimiya also portrays the relationship in a realistic way without making it too exaggerated or boring.

Image showing the three main characters of Daily Lives of High School Boys.

5Daily Lives Of High School Boys

Daily Lives of High School Boys lives up to its title and focuses purely on the lives of three students. However, these three boys happen to be one of the most hilarious bunch you will ever come across. They make even the most mundane thing into the funniest adventure.

Daily Lives of High School Boys doesn’t have an overarching plot or goal. It’s a comedy anime that simply follows the boys' day-to-day lives as they make each day funnier than the last. Very few anime offer the humor that you will find in the Daily Lives of High School Boys.

Mai staring at Sakuta with a stunned look on her face in Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai.

4Rascal Does Not Dream Of Bunny Girl Senpai

Bunny Girl Senpai explores the dark struggles that normal high school students might face. However, it adds a supernatural twist called the ‘Adolescence Syndrome.’ This is an interesting storytelling tool that affects each character after they go through something traumatizing.

Bunny Girl Senpai is one of the most unique and fascinating anime you will likely see. It may be a bit darker than your usual high school anime, but it feels rewarding. It also features one of the best romances, shown through the heartfelt and loving relationship betweenSakuta and Mai.

All members of the Kessoku band putting their hands togetherin Bocchi the rock.

3Bocchi The Rock!

Bocchi The Rock is about Bocchi, a lonely girl who has a passion for music. She’s a talented guitarist who dreams of playing in a band in front of many people. Unfortunately, she is a socially awkward girl who struggles to talk with other people. She eventually gets invited to a band with three other members.

Bocchi The Rock is a wholesome and fun anime that music enthusiasts would love. The animation is particularly interesting, with some hilariously unique shots. It also captures the struggles of social anxiety in a hilarious but relatable way.

Haikyu image showing Hinata getting ready to spike the ball.

2Haikyu!!

Haikyu is one of thebest sports animeout there. Set in a high school, it follows a volleyball club competing to reach the nationals before their third-year players graduate. Haikyu has countless characters who all have loveable personalities.

It’s the perfect anime to watch if you want to remain on the edge of your seat from pure excitement and hype. Haikyu is also a great way to learn about volleyball itself, as the anime realistically portrays professional volleyball.

The main cast of Kaguya-sama standing around in a school office

1Kaguya-Sama: Love Is War

Love is War nails every single aspect of romance and comedy perfectly. It follows the elite student council of a prestigious high school and the slow-burning romance between Kaguya and Miyuki. Unlike most romances, these two go through extreme psychological battles every day while trying to make the other person confess their feelings.

While Love is War is mainly a comedy anime, it also has darker aspects that explore the reality some students face. Even Kaguya herself, who may seem perfect from the outside, is carrying a considerable amount of trauma. It’s an amazing story that slowly unravels while making you cry and laugh at the same time.