The 10 Best Slice-of-Life Anime from the Last Five Years, Ranked

Light-hearted themes, stories that strike a chord in the hearts, and characters who portray realism are what make a good slice-of-life anime tick. When the audience is more inclined to enjoy the simplicity of life, they prefer to tune into shows that are an interesting reflection of otherwise mundane things. Slice-of-life anime don’t have that larger-than-life energy, nor are the stakes high; rather, these stories are about elevating soft subgenres and tones.

Luckily, there has been a steady supply of heartfelt slice-of-life anime that balances the action and high-profile franchise-dominated seasonal slate. Having said that, fortunately for anime fans, the last five years have produced several quality slice-of-life anime that have impressively blended other subgenres to treat fans with tender tales.

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10. Komi Can’t Communicate Identifies Social Anxiety With A Heartwarming Tale
Where To Watch: Netflix

From an endearing female lead to a story written with great clarity, Komi Can’t Communicate is an absolute modern gem in the slice-of-life category. The series follows the story of a beautiful yet introverted girl who transfers to school and instantly becomes popular. However, no one realizes that Komi wants nothing more than to develop meaningful connections with her peers despite having extreme social anxiety.

Highlighting the importance of self-discovery and social struggles has been done countless times, but no anime has quite been able to capture the essence of these issues via comedy the way Komi Can’t Communicate has. The anime skillfully blends its slice-of-life elements with genuine humor that makes for an incredibly wholesome watch. The series thrives in its simplicity and well-written characters, who are extremely easy to love.

9. Uncle from Another World Is A Unique Slice-of-Life Isekai
Where To Watch: Netflix

It’s difficult to come by isekai stories that aren’t full to the brim with action-packed battle sequences and weakest-to-strongest transformation montages. However, slice-of-life fans would be blown away by the impressive blending of isekai and simplicity of life in the unconventional story of Uncle From Another World. The plot mainly revolves around Takafumi’s uncle, who suddenly wakes up from a 17-year coma, claiming that he’s been fighting mythical creatures in a magical dimension all this time.

This clever twist gives the story a strong backbone while the rest of the plot explores the comical facets of Takafumi’s uncle's return to normal life. His reintroduction to 17 years’ worth of technological advancement and cultural changes is downright hilarious and relaxing to watch since there’s nothing at stake than a man’s sanity.

8. Kotaro Lives Alone Will Surprise the Viewers
Where To Watch: Netflix

While slice-of-life stories are mostly meant to rejuvenate the audience, Kotaro Lives Alone tries to adopt an unconventional approach. The anime initially comes off as quirky and satirical even, but contrary to how usual slice-of-life anime work thematically, Kotaro Lives Alone chooses to take a different route with its topics. The series conceals its dark undertones with humor and by branding the story as comical meetings between a four-year-old and his unruly neighbors.

Surprisingly, the best aspect that makes Kotaro Lives Alone a good slice of life is the fact that the viewers can’t tell when the story transitions from being funny and adorable to emotional and serious. While the themes of neglect and child abandonment can’t be overlooked, they never really affect the relaxing pacing of the story. From its cute animation to the show's take on life experiences, Kotaro Lives Alone offers quality substance on all fronts.

7. My Dress-up Darling Offers A Peek Into the Wondrous World of Cosplaying
Where To Watch: Crunchyroll

My Dress-Up Darling is primarily a romantic story, but its wholesome vibes never let the romance undermine its superior slice-of-life elements. The story revolves around the colliding worlds of Wakana Gojo and Marin Kitagwa, who are at opposite poles from one another. However, while the protagonists openly reflect two highly overused shojo archetypes, the story never lets them lose their genuineness. The series radiates positivity at every turn, and that’s all thanks to Marin’s refreshing personality.

She connects the dots in the story, including the themes, the message, and the romance. While there’s a love story brewing in the background, the real focus is on the fantastical world of cosplaying. Viewers can breeze through the series and have a wonderful time seeing the process of cosplaying unfold before their eyes at the expense of seeing two beautiful souls come together.

6. The Apothecary Diaries Is A Unique Blend of Mystery and Medicine
Where To Watch: Crunchyroll

The Apothecary Diaries follows the adventurous life of Maomao, who becomes the center of attention at the Royal Court despite trying hard to be invisible. However, Maomao can’t help but draw everyone’s eyes to her as she showcases her raw talent for medicine and eye for detail to solve mysteries. It may seem like there’s too much to process in The Apothecary Diaries, but the pacing is so smooth and consistent that it transforms the show into a laid-back watch.

From the lustrous design to impeccable character development, the anime series is a hotpot of good content that’s well-balanced with comedy, romance, and slice-of-life elements. The historic backdrop with a teasing romance and insight into the lives of courtesans is exactly the kind of modern slice-of-life anime watchers deserve.

5. The Yuzuki Family’s Four Sons Explores Family Dynamics With A Lighthearted Tone
Where To Watch: Crunchyroll

The Yuzuki family is currently under the guardianship of its eldest sibling, Hayato, who juggles a million things to take care of his three younger brothers. Although the anime sometimes deals with heavy themes, it does so with great care and without ruining the lighthearted pace. This slice-of-life offers an earthy story that may be relatable to many, especially to older siblings who have taken up parental roles after the demise of their real ones.

Despite the challenging themes, The Yukuzi Family radiates a wholesome vibe and certain connectivity that wins the viewers almost instantly. There’s something special in the conventionality and simplicity of the storytelling that fans can’t help but sway in the mellow tones and feel the effects of the purity of the characters.

4. Blue Box Is An Enthralling Story of Young Love and Ambition
Where To Watch: Netflix

Blue Box is the newest addition to the romance/slice-of-life category that has garnered a huge fan following. The story follows the lives of two high school students who wish to excel in their respective sports, all the while trying to reciprocate the matter of hearts without undermining their ambition. Blue Box’s vivid animation is impeccable, while the smoothness of the pace is so soothing that the audience can’t help but unwind with the story.

It’s safe to say that romance is the prevailing theme, but it's well-balanced by bumps of slice-of-life elements that come in the form of the determination experienced by young athletes. Blue Box also dive into the importance of growth as not everyone is a born superstar, but that doesn’t mean hard work can’t transform an average player into a protégé. All in all, Blue Box is the newest comfort watch for fans who adore a good love story with supportive themes.

3. Laid-Back Camp Is An Interesting Twist on Cute Girl Doing Cute Things
Where To Watch: Crunchyroll

When it comes to glorifying the boring aspects of life, Laid-Back Camp does a fantastic job. It’s difficult to imagine how something as mundane as mountain climbing and cozy camping can be as interesting as Laid-Back Camp has presented. When a mountain-climbing enthusiast is forced to share her space with another classmate, she finds that there’s more to life than solitude.

Like its title, the series explores extremely laid-back themes like admiring nature, the importance of companionship, and the joys of solitude. The show’s most captivating feature is its focus on every aspect of mountain climbing, like the risks of the activity or the satisfaction of conquering a summit. Before the viewers know it, they’d be sucked into the tranquillity of campsite drama and cute girls doing cute things.

2. Horimiya Is A Refreshing Take on High School Friendships
Where To Watch: Hulu

Horimiya is hands down one of the best romance anime to grace the screens. Its soft pacing and focus on the importance of a low-maintenance relationship have been highly relatable, especially to the younger audience. No modern romance anime has been able to perfect the popular girl falling for the unpopular guy trope the way Horimiya has, and that’s also without the cringe and unnecessary drama. However, surprisingly, the series’ standing point has always been its portrayal of high school friendships.

It’s safe to say that every relationship dynamic in the anime is a walking green flag, oozing with the essence of healthiness and purity. Whether the focus is specifically on Hori and Miyamura or their interaction with classmates, the show never forgets to underline the modesty and uncomplicatedness showcased by its characters.

1. Skip and Loafer Was Declared One of The Best Anime of 2023
Where To Watch: Crunchyroll

Skip and Loafer was a pleasant surprise for fans as it took the anime community by storm with its strong dedication to slice-of-life elements. It may have initially been marketed as a romance, but the emotions portrayed in the story were widespread. The winning point for Skip and Loafer was its well-balanced story and pacing that impressively complemented its romantic undertones. The simple yet impactful story of a country girl moving to the big city to fulfill her dreams could have easily fallen victim to clichés.

However, Mitsumi’s energy and tenaciousness, combined with Shima’s easygoing attitude, uplifted the spirit of the show by putting the focus on small things. From subtly exploring social issues to successfully portraying a memorable strong female character, Skip and Loafer won the viewers’ hearts instantly.