Some of the bestanimeout there have a complex and emotional plot that spans either the entire show or long arcs. This can leave you yearning for more at the end of every episode. Not all anime is like this though; episodic shows are a bit more self-contained.
Episodic shows follow a loose plot, but the actual events that happen in each episode are a bit more separated. Here, we are going to look at some of the best episodic anime out there that you can watch now. Some of these have an overarching plot, but it’s not the driving force behind everything that happens.
9Mushishi
First up, we have Mushishi. This anime follows Ginko, who travels to find out all he can about Mushi, which are little supernatural creatures that inhabit the world. While traveling, Ginko helps those being troubled by the Mushi as well.
Overall, Mushishi is a true episodic anime. There is no plot or end goal, but in each episode, you’ll get Mushi and Ginko. Aside from that,Mushishi is mesmerizing and calming, which is perfect if you just want to relax with an episodic show.
8Gintama
Gintama is wildly different from Mushishi, and there is a little bit more structure (such as characters or gags appearing and then remaining constant). This anime follows Gintoki, who does odd jobs around the city of Edo alongside Shinpachi and Kagura.
If you are looking for an absolutely hilarious show, then look no further than Gintama. In each episode, you may expect something new and most likely very funny. The side characters themselves are great too.
7Encouragement Of Climb
Encouragement Of Climb is an Iyashikei anime, which means that it’s relaxing or ‘healing’. Anime of this genre typically doesn’t have stressful conflicts, and Encouragement Of Climb fits in perfectly. This show follows a group of girls who just really like climbing mountains.
Each episode brings a new adventure for the main characters to experience. Who knows, watching this may even motivate you to plan a peaceful hike! Episodes of Encouragement Of Climb are shorter than your typical anime, making them perfect if you only have a bit of time to watch.
6The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.
The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. is another episodic comedy. As expected by the name, the show follows Saiki Kusou, who has a lot of different psychic abilities that, more often than not, lead to some difficult situations.
Saiki just wants to attend school and life a quiet life, but the cast of characters in The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. always end up finding trouble around him. Overall, this anime is perfect if you want an episodic slice-of-life show.
5Cowboy Bebop
At this point, you’ve probably heard about Cowboy Bebop. This anime is recommended pretty much everywhere, and it’s for a good reason. Cowboy Bebop is a phenomenal show that first aired in 1998; it still stands up to anime that comes out today.
While there are some overarching plots between episodes (and a general sense of progression),Cowboy Bebop also has many episodic storylinesthat don’t carry over into the next. All four main characters (and Ein the dog) are great, and there is even a movie that you can watch.
4Laid-Back Camp
Laid-Back Camp is another Iyashekei anime (like Encouragement of Climb). Instead of hiking though, this group of girls love camping in beautiful places. Of course, they also like to eat yummy food while doing so.
Each episode of Laid-Back Camp features a new camping trip, with some extending beyond the episode. With no bigger plot (or conflict), this is a perfect show to watch if you want a stress-free anime-watching experience.
3Daily Lives Of High School Boys
Daily Lives of High School Boys is about, well… daily lives of high school boys. As you can expect, this is a slice-of-life anime that follows three boys who are clumsily navigating through teenage-hood.
The humor in Daily Lives of High School Boys is top-notch, with many across the anime community stating that it’s one of the funniest shows that they’ve ever seen. In each episode, you can watch a new situation unfold.
2Spy X Family
Spy X Family doesn’t seem to be too episodic at first glance. The show follows a ‘family’, with each member hiding a secret from the others. There is a general plot, but many of the events that take place seem to be a bit episodic.
Each episode, you can expect to see some new wacky situation arise, with it most likely being resolved by the end. Admittedly, this is more of an honorable mention, but Spy X Family definitely holds up as a great episodic comedy.
1Nichijou
Last but not least,we have Nichijou. This is often thought of as the girl version of Daily Lives of High School Boys, as they both involve a friend group of high schoolers who are just trying to get by. As such, both are packed with comedy and episodic hijinks.
Overall, you can expect to see cute (and weird) characters and comical everyday situations that end up being a bit relatable. We highly suggest watching both Nichijou and Daily Lives of High School Boys.
