As a genre, slice-of-life can often get a disproportionate amount of hate. Though some viewers simply prefer overarching narratives and more action-oriented plots, it's impossible for anyone to say they do not like the genre without giving it a real chance.
Even within the genre, there is much diversity. Slice-of-life series incorporate elements of comedy, romance, fantasy, mystery, and much more. Of course, few if any series are perfect, and there are a fair share of slice-of-life anime that are weighed down by their flaws. However, even some of these anime deserve a fair second chance.
10 Clannad Is Melodramatic, But It Isn't Necessarily A Bad Thing
Anime fans seem to either absolutely love or hate Clannad. What makes the series so divisive is its melodramatic nature. While some viewers find this forced, others enjoy it and find it emotionally impactful.
Following the love story between the delinquent Tomoya Okazaki and the sweet Nagisa Furukawa, the series navigates through life's challenges and surprises. Known for pulling at the heartstrings, Clannad can certainly feel contrived at times. However, it's the perfect cathartic watch for anyone who's in the mood to feel a rollercoaster of emotions.
9 Hyouka Is A Great Detective Fiction Slice-Of-Life
Hyouka is a unique anime as it incorporates mystery into a slice-of-life series. It centers around Kamiyama High School's Classic Literature Club, whose members set out to explore and solve various mysteries in their daily lives.
Viewers who expected Hyouka to have a more overarching plot were very disappointed, citing it as boring and pointless. However, the series is similar to detective fiction rather than a narrative-driven mystery series. Going into the anime knowing it's a slice-of-life series makes it a much more enjoyable watch.
8 Beyond The Boundary Blends Various Genres
Set in a world where supernatural beings called youmu run wild, Beyond the Boundary follows the friendship between a half-youmu boy and a girl with the power to wield her blood as a weapon.
While many had high expectations for the series given the popularity of its light novel source and the reputation of its studio, Kyoto Animation, it falls short of greatness in its execution. However, the series' dark fantasy setting – a welcome change in the slice-of-life genre – and its incredible production value make it worth a watch.
7 Working!! Is Refreshing For Its Workplace Setting
Working!! explores the day-to-day lives of the employees at a family restaurant called Wagnaria. With its cast of quirky and eccentric characters, Working!! is a solid comedy series.
The series has been criticized for its lack of story and originality, and there is some truth in this. It can sometimes be formulaic, and it's a bit generic in terms of slice-of-life anime. While it's not the most memorable or thought-provoking, Working!! is a series that's easy to watch and refreshing for its workplace setting.
6 Squid Girl Is Full Of Hilarious Hijinks
Squid Girl follows its main protagonist as she emerges from her watery depths to exact revenge on humanity for polluting the ocean. With the abilities and mindset of a squid, Squid Girl finds herself unprepared for the surface world and is put to work at a seaside restaurant.
While some supporting characters aren't as fully developed as the main protagonist, Squid Girl makes up for it with her hilarious fish-out-of-water hijinks. Also, like Working!!, a slice-of-life comedy that's set somewhere other than a school is refreshing.
5 Air Is A Gorgeous And Thought-Provoking Series
Air follows its main protagonist, Yukito Kunisaki, as he searches for a legendary winged being. He meets a girl named Misuzu in a small town and slowly becomes closer with her and the rest of the townspeople.
Air's complex supernatural setting, complete with gorgeous visuals and a stellar soundtrack, is enough to draw viewers in. However, the series presents its story in a confusing way and might have benefited from a different format instead of slice-of-life. Still, the series is thought-provoking and well worth a second chance.
4 Lucky Star Follows A Group Of Hilarious High Schoolers
Lucky Star is a "cute girls doing cute things" slice-of-life anime series about a group of high school girls with particular quirks. They discuss various random topics and make jokes as they go about their daily lives.
The lack of tension and conflict, as well as the show's specific style of gag humor, may not appeal to a lot of viewers, especially those who are new to anime. However, it certainly has moments that can make viewers smile and even laugh out loud.
3 Aria The Animation Is Relaxing And Atmospheric
Aria the Animation is set in the far future in Neo Venezia, a city on the planet Mars, which has been colonized and renamed Aqua. The series follows Akari Mizunashi, a guide who shows tourists around the beautiful city on gondolas.
The series is disliked by some for its slow, leisure pace. However, it's this pace, along with its calming, atmospheric feel, that can make Aria the Animation so enjoyable. It's worth watching for anyone who wants to take a break from more fast-paced series and drift into relaxation.
2 SKET Dance Is Gintama But In A School Setting
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SKET Dance centers on Kaimei High School's SKET Brigade, a student club with the mission of helping others. With their name standing for Support, Kindness, Encouragement, and Troubleshoot, the SKET Brigade takes on odd jobs to assist others on campus.
SKET Dance has a similar humor style as Gintama and has often been unfairly compared, despite it being a completely different genre. While most would consider Gintama to be the superior show, SKET Dance deserves a second chance. When judged on its own, it's a highly enjoyable, and hilarious watch.
1 Kino's Journey (2003) Is A Philosophical Treat
Kino's Journey (2003) explores diverse philosophical themes and concepts. The series follows Kino as she travels the world with her companion and mode of transportation, the talking motorcycle Hermes. Following the strict rule of spending only three days in each country she visits, Kino serves as an observer of the different customs and philosophies of those she meets.
The series is slow and contemplative, which may turn some viewers off. Though it's not for everyone, Kino's Journey is a beautiful exploration of human nature, as well as the societies and laws that govern people.