There are few forms of storytelling that are as endlessly versatile as anime. There’s so much creativity in the different animation styles that anime can feature, but the medium becomes even more exciting with the many unique genres that it’s able to explore.
It truly feels like there’s an anime series that caters to every interest and pastime, but it’s the fast-paced and battle-filled action anime that can often get the most attention. Aggressive shonen anime series are certainly popular, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t a wide variety of anime that lean into the opposite extreme.
10 Laid-Back Camp Is A Celebration Of Nature And Friendship
Many anime series are content to just focus on a group of people who are united through a common passion. Laid-Back Camp looks at a group of girls that love to camp in the winter. The anime gives the audience a chance to really connect with all of these lovable characters, but Laid-Back Camp is more intent on focusing on the comfortable moments of connection between the girls themselves when they stop to appreciate the world around them. Laid-Back Camp’s subject matter and characters are calming, but everyone is also bundled in warm, fluffy winter jackets, which makes the anime feel even cozier.
9 Tanaka-Kun Is Always Listless Is About The Pursuit Of Nothingness
Sometimes, the calming energy of an anime series is enough to make it a relaxing experience, but other material specifically focuses on characters who want to spend their days in leisure. Tanaka-kun is Always Listless’ title gives away its central premise. Tanaka is obsessed with doing as little as possible and acts as if he’s allergic to work-filled busy days. Ironically, Tanaka can often jump through considerable hoops in order to secure his slacker agenda, which strangely underscores his commitment to the slacker lifestyle. Tanaka-kun is Always Listless is easy to watch, but its understated humor also really lands.
8 Sweetness And Lightning Appreciates The Importance Of Family Time
Anime can get so bogged down in plot that certain series never have the opportunity to slow down and take in the smaller moments in life that make it special in the first place. Sweetness and Lightning explores a very relatable dynamic when busy father Kouhei strives to give his adorable daughter substantial meals that aren't just bought from stores.
Sweetness and Lightning turns cooking with family into a glorious experience. The circumstances aren't exceptional, but it's so satisfying to watch families grow closer together and turn the mundane into the magical.
7 Gal & Dino Is Just Happy To Lounge And Bask In Its Silliness
Gal & Dino, otherwise known as My Roomie is a Dino, is the perfect variety of low-stakes silliness. The anime indulges in many different vignettes that center around Kaede, a free-spirited young woman, and her unconventional new roommate, a lazy dinosaur. Episodes explore simple ideas like shopping trips, ramen recipes, sleeping tips, or various holiday celebrations. The point isn't what Kaede and her dinosaur friend do, but rather their comfortable chemistry together. Gal & Dino swaps between different styles of animation and even live-action segments, all of which lean into comedic slice-of-life silliness.
6 Non Non Biyori Presents A Simple Country Lifestyle Without The Frills
Non Non Biyori is almost like the seasonal doppleganger to Laid-Back Camp. Both anime focus on a group of breezy girls that are more than happy to take in nature and enjoy each other's company. Non Non Biyori is an accurate and comfortable look into life in Japan's countryside where every element contributes to a warm atmosphere. Non Non Biyori's cast all have infectious personalities and love each other’s company in a way that feels genuine. Non Non Biyori’s gorgeous animation and calming soundtrack also make it the perfect series to escape away in.
5 Dagashi Kashi Celebrates The Simple Joys Of Sweets
There are some exceptional anime series that can successfully entertain their audience while also educating them on niche subject matter. Dagashi Kashi digs into the endless amount of unique and creative candies and snacks that exist in Japan. It’s genuinely exciting to learn about the wild sweets that audiences may not have ever experienced before.
Dagashi Kashi does hint at romantic pursuits and coming-of-age struggles, but its priority is just to kick back with some candy and take pleasure in these simple joys. It’s just a little dangerous to watch Dagashi Kashi on an empty stomach.
4 Flying Witch Eschews Magical Stereotypes With A Low Key Magic-User Who Values Nature
There is no lack of anime that look at witches or young teenagers who come to terms with magical powers. These anime often create lofty obstacles and determined villains to test the hero's powers, which is exactly why Flying Witch is such a fun, relaxing change of pace. Makoto is a teenage witch who struggles with balancing her powers with high school life, but Flying Witch primarily looks at how Makoto applies her powers in humble ways that compliment her simple country lifestyle. It's so much fun to spend time with powerful witches while avoiding the typical fantasy pitfalls.
3 Mushishi Honors The Patience And Personality Of Storytelling
Ginko is a mushi-shi, an individual who investigates entities that can alter the natural human world. Mushishi uses this basic premise to tell thoughtful, elegant stories where each episode has Ginko engage with different creatures, yet appreciate the beauty in them all. Ginko is a laid-back character, which helps give Mushishi a comfortable energy, but the serene forest setting also turns Mushishi into a visually calming experience. Some of Ginko’s stories are sad or even frightening, but his confident control helps rein in the material.
2 Natsume's Book Of Friends Flourishes In Its Familiar Structure And Pacing
Natsume's Book of Friends almost functions like a more lackadaisical and tranquil take on Miyazaki's Spirited Away. Natsume is staffed with the difficult task of helping a wide list of yokai achieve freedom. There's a level of comfort in the procedural aspect of Natsume's Book of Friends where its repetitive structure is reassuring but never derivative. It's soothing when these strange yokai open Natsume's eyes to be more receptive to the world around him. There's also a lot of this series to work through, which makes it an even more appropriate choice for a relaxing escape.
1 Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid Uses Absurdity To Explore Normalcy
Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid has turned into a breakout success, and it's a rare example of an anime series that's simultaneously wild and unpredictable, but also incredibly calm and subdued. Yes, Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid is full of female dragons in human form who aren't afraid to speak their mind, but the anime's plot-less structure and passion for nonsense make it oddly relaxing. The anime creates a strong sense of community with its characters and the comedy is a riot, but it's also proof that loud and busy shows can still create a tranquil energy.