Top 60 Best School Anime [Must Watch High School Anime]

 

School anime is a craze amongst many anime fans. It’s also because there are quite a lot of anime viewers who go to school. They’re either in middle or high school. It’s the audience feeling “relatable” that makes it popular.

 

The school anime genre is too deep and diverse. It mostly has a combination of one or more styles in it. There are multiple sub-genres like Romance, Slice of Life, Shounen, Sports, Comedy, Mecha, Isekai, Horror, Science fiction, Fantasy, Drama, and much more.

 

There are crushes, friendships, enmity, and serious fights. They play a big part in making the anime thrilling. Sports animes in this theme have a special rhythm to the plot. Horror and Sci-Fi attract many viewers as they’re the ideal age group.

 

However, this does not mean those mature audiences do not like this genre. Creators of school anime have experimented with a lot of techniques. This makes them unique and vibrant. It has characters that range from bullies and crushes to funny teachers and strict deans.

 

Sometimes even coaches and teachers are the focal point of the plots. When it’s a Shounen combination, it could even portray Harem-like themes. It is robots and machines when it comes to Mecha. School animes have also gifted many adorable couples.

 

Some of them have become immortal. Since school anime has multiple combinations, some animes are a must-watch.

 

 

 

1. Koe no Katachi

 

 

 

Koe no Katachi is an enjoyable magical plot. It has so many subplots that veer off the main one. There could have been so many more adaptations made just from these ones. Some of them would be absent from the source material (manga) itself.

 

That’s how original the anime was. The animation was precise and it followed the ones in the manga. This made the audience recognize them easily. A lot of them were those who had read the manga. The theme song was praised by many critics.

 

Overall, the soundtrack was awesome. The title can be translated to English as – A silent voice. It tells the story of a delinquent Ishida. He’s a sadist who takes pleasure in bullying Nishimiya, a deaf girl. Her mother complains to the authorities and shifts Nishimiya to a new school.

 

Ishida is ostracized and gets bullied, as retaliation. He comes to taste the fruits of his actions. After years of abuse, he seeks closure. He decides to find Nishimiya and apologize. You’d be travelling through a lot of emotions. Anger, despair, hope, sadness, and laughter are some.

 

The scenes have been so polarized that the emotions will tend to flow from them. This may not be the most perfect school anime but its definitely something that people look forward to, when they want some sweet anime within the domain of a school setting.

 

This movie will shake you from the core. And that’s just part of what makes it so fascinating in the first place. Therefore, if you are someone who is out for some eye-watering adventure then this is the movie you should look forward to. 

 

 

 

2. Kimi no Na wa

 

 

 

Kimi no Na wa means “Your name”. You may wonder why and how this name came into existence. Before we go into it, you must know that it has won accolades.

 

Here are some of the awards it won: LAFCA Animation Award Best Animated Film of 2017 Grand Prize Award. It’s a straightforward story. The plot is very frank and tries to remain realistic. This is tough in a supernatural-themed anime. It may be predictable at times.

 

But, that does not stop anyone from enjoying it. The artwork and animation quality is beyond excellent. It’s one of the best anime on this list. The plot is about a body swap between 2 individuals. One is a girl who lives in the countryside – Mistuha.

 

The other is a boy – Taki who struggles to make ends meet, in the city. They end up getting swapped into each other’s bodies mentally. The story is then about searching for each other. The soundtrack and music are awesome.

 

It’s something you ought to watch at a home theatre or with some speakers. The character development was also great. But, there’s not much detailing in it. If you’re looking to enjoy something great, this is the best you can get.

 

Often considered one of the best anime movies to ever come out, this movie encompasses the elements of relationships in a very unique and creative way. And the best part about this is that it goes beyond anything that we see on television.

 

It’s not just limited to the school theme and instead, talks about other aspects of human life as well. 

 

 

 

3. Charlotte

 

 

 

Charlotte is a 2015 anime series with 13 episodes. It’s a quite popular household name. The reason was its plot and the superb direction. It was rated Pg – 13 which is quite viewer-friendly. The beauty of this anime is that it has immersed itself in a few genres.

 

It’s a blend of drama, supernatural, and school. The school touch is very strong in this. It also plays a large role in influencing the plot. The protagonist – Yuu is a teenager. This connects well with the school audience.

 

He is capable of controlling other people’s minds. This makes him feared and keeps the aura of mystery around him. That’s how he managed to do well at school. But, there’s a catch, here. He can do it only for five seconds.

 

This anime is loved by its fans from all their heart. The reason is that the series is very fixated within the domain of the school-setting.

 

And it’s obvious that a show fixated on the school setting with a pinch of uniqueness and flavour is bound to be a fan-favourite without breaking a sweat. That’s why it’s here.

 

 

 

4. Jujutsu Kaisen

 

 

 

There’s a prequel you must see before stepping into this. It may not be popular. But, it’s worth watching. It would help you appreciate this anime better. There are some graphic scenes in it.

 

Apart from this, there’s an adaptation version as well. There are 24 episodes in this. All of them are thrilling. That’s because it’s a supernatural anime. There are demons and loads of action in it. Yuuji is a member of the occult club.

 

He leads a carefree life without a sense of direction. His life changes when he comes in contact with a cursed object. This forces him to become a sorcerer. However, he doesn’t know that there’s no coming back again. Since it’s a Shounen anime, the relevance of the school is higher.

 

That was pivotal in helping the anime reach more viewers. The story is about a high school student who joins a secret club.

 

However, the show isn’t just limited to the school club. Instead, it goes beyond reality and happens to result in activities that will shake you from the core.

 

A lot of people consider this anime to be the best of the new generation. And that’s why, if you wish to experience some insanity then go for it. 

 

 

5. Haikyuu!! Second Season

 

 

 

Brand Haikyuu!! Is quite popular among anime fans. It’s a sports comedy-drama. Though some scenes are a bit dramatic, they are never boring. Its concept was backed by the manga. Since the manga was huge, there have been many variants of it.

 

This anime is the second season of the main story. It is a 2016 anime that had 25 episodes. The thing with long animes is that – they’re binary. They either do well or flop badly. It’s about a basketball team and its players.

 

Hard work, skills, and hunger are what drive the plot ahead. Hinata starts a volleyball club and gets popular soon. But, he meets a crushing defeat at the end of a tournament. To get even he joins a new school.

 

But he does not know that his opponent Kageyama is also there. They’d have to pair up as a team. Realizing each other’s shortcomings, they become supportive. There are interesting competitions in it. Will the new training help them become the best team in Japan?

 

Haikyuu is a show that manages to entertain the audience for so long that even a single match is nothing less than a season of its own. This degree of excellence and entertainment that this anime has to offer is the reason why it is loved so much by anime fans all around the world. 

 

 

6. Great Teacher Onizuka

 

 

 

Great Teacher Onizuka is a slice of life–shounen anime. It’s one of the best-made anime concepts out there. It could even impress those who aren’t slice-of-life fans. That concept tends to discourage certain viewers. That’s because it’s hard to connect the plot.

 

The soundtrack at the opening and ending was superb. But, its animation and artwork weren’t that great. This is why it has fallen lower in the ranking here. The moral message of the anime is subtly hidden in the plot.

 

At times the series may look like it’s dragging on. Sometimes it’s even boring as the backstories are shown again and again. Onizuka, a biker suddenly wants to be a teacher. His intention is to befriend a teenage girl and marry her.

 

But the anime shows how he reforms a class of delinquents.

 

 

7. Mob Psycho 100

 

 

 

The psychic power of Shigeo ‘Mob’ is the centre of the story. He tries hard to impress his love interest – Tsubomi. Mob interns under Reigen who exploits him. Meanwhile, there’s something strange happening and it can’t be stopped. The animation, story pacing, direction, artwork, and sound were excellent.

 

It had the backing of a solid plot. The characterization was also done well. This breathed life into them. That’s how they became part of the viewers’ lives.

 

 

8. SKET Dance

 

 

 

SKET Dance is a comedy anime. It was an adaptation of its manga and was first aired in 2011. There were 77 episodes, making it a long saga. SKET stands for Support, Kindness, Encouragement, and Troubleshoot. The supporting characters and the protagonist influence the plot equally.

 

The story is based on Kaimei High School. That’s where the SKET Brigade is based. Usui is the master brain and Onizuka is the executor. Their leader Yuusuke has the ability to concentrate deeply. Though they spend time not doing much, they don’t hesitate to, when it demands.

 

It’s one of the most entertaining animes you can ever watch. The sound and artwork are top-notch. The characterization is also brilliant. The supporting characters have enough influence and time on the screen. Though it may not entertain you at the start, you will be hooked on it after a while.

 

 

9. Classroom Of The Elite

 

 

If you’re looking for an anime that calls out the reality of what life in high school is all about (beyond all the fun, glitz-glam romance, et al), then Classroom of the Elite is definitely the anime you should be watching.

 

As the name suggests, it focuses on all the flaws the education system brings along and provided in-depth detailing of the same. While Kuodo Ikusei Senior High School might seem like your average high school, it provides a lot more freedom and is also one of Japan’s most well-known institutes.

 

However, there’s much more than meets the eye, cause within the four walls, lies a terrifying ranking system. Students at the top are loved and those at the bottom are treated like outcasts. So, how do those within the school break away from a system that’s been built against them?

 

 

10. Kaguya-sama: Love Is War?

 

 

 

This is a 12-episode-long anime that is a psycho-thriller. It also has good comical moments. Seinen fans would definitely enjoy it. The anime ranked higher up because it did justice to fans. The school genre anime has childish and pampered characters in it.

 

The artwork of it may not be great. That’s because most of those viewers aren’t bothered much about it. The narration was a bit poor. That’s why it has fallen on this rank list. It’s overall a funny rom-com. The specially designed characters would only fit in this kind of plot.

 

The two protagonists – Miyuki and Kagaya also have a good interaction. This relation makes the plot interesting with events that occur subsequently.

 

 

11. My Hero Academia 2

 

 

 

Boku no Hero is a household name that requires little introduction. My Hero Academia 2 is the second season of it. There’s also a side story apart from all this. This is a shounen anime with a superpower touch. These types would go a long way in making a successful school anime.

 

The release of Season 2 was also well-planned. Season 1 of it went on to become a success. This carried the momentum forward. It ended up becoming one of the most popular anime of all time. It was about Izuku Midoriya who is a poor performer. It shows how he is forced to perform for his survival. Raging battles and tough competitions bring out the best in him. It became a trendsetter and created its own style.

 

The 25 episodes played a very good role in pushing the plot. By the end of it, the characters would have touched everyone’s heart.

 

 

12. Horimiya

 

 

 

Horimiya is a well-polished and articulated anime. This is one such anime where you’ll get to know what to expect. The beginning of it has been perfectly coordinated and well planned. The creators have used the best available resources for all this.

 

It’s however laden with clichés and just does a bit above usual rom-com. But, it’s ranked higher up here due to its perfection. It has reminded the viewers that it’s a school anime. And this has helped it do well.

 

Compromise and acceptance are also part of this movie. The anime also conveys the existence of a hidden side. This is a rare topic. The characters are shown with 2 sides – known and hidden. Hori and Izumi become friends.

 

They both are poles apart but soon open up. That’s when they realize that there’s more than one side to a person.

 

 

13. Komi Can’t Communicate

 

 

Komi Can’t Communicate is one of Netflix’s most popular and much-loved school anime. It traces the life of Shoko Komi, a high school girl suffering from extreme social anxiety. However, that doesn’t mean she isn’t loved or is looked down upon, mostly because her friends aren’t aware of her anxieties.

 

On the contrary, her classmates literally worship the ground she walks. Luckily, Hitohito Tadano picks up on her inability to communicate and promises to help her gain at least 100 friends. The story is quite dynamic and has a cute and lovable cast along with a slow-burn romance between Tadano and Komi, making it a fun watch!

 

 

14. Ace of Diamond

 

 

 

Ace of Diamond is more than the typical sports shounen anime. It’s quite long (75 episodes) like an epic. There’s also a sequel series that you must not miss. The adaptations can be skipped, though. Sawamura is a skilled baseball player.

 

He is defeated at a match and vows to win the national trophy. For that, he needs to train. He gets help from a scout who enrols him in Seidou High School. It’s a prestigious school. But, after joining it he has to face a shocking truth.

 

He’s surrounded by highly skilled players and feels overwhelmed. The rest of the story is about how he copes and fights for his place. The art and animation have remained consistent. This is a great feat as it’s 75 episodes long.

 

The story is exciting and keeps you on your toes. It’s like watching a real baseball match.

 

 

15. Ansatsu Kyoushitsu 2nd Season

 

 

 

It was the best action-comedy that came out in 2016. It had so many variant releases as well. This includes a side story, an adaptation, and others. It’s also a motivational anime. It’s something along the lines of Robin Sharma’s book. “Motivate through the story”.

 

The comedy scenes of this anime had been popular. It could connect to most viewers and touch their hearts. This contributed to its success, a lot. The artwork, animation, and characters were superb. But, the soundtrack was just average. It’s a journey about growth and development.

 

When a harsh crisis unfolds, the students of Kunugigaoka Middle School act fast. They become assassins. It’s a struggle against the odds to beat the lows in life. It’s also an enjoyable one that has 25 episodes of awesomeness.

 

 

16. Slam Dunk

 

 

 

One of the best older-generation anime would be Slam Dunk. It’s a series with a sports shounen touch. Athletes and sports enthusiasts would love it. The interesting part of it is that it has many side stories. That makes this plot a singular one.

 

It’s an anime that many anime fans avoid. But, those who have watched it have been glued to it till the end. It had 101 episodes. That’s very long, isn’t it? The anime intended to introduce basketball. It could connect well with Japanese viewers in those days.

 

But, for Western viewers, it would be a bit boring. That’s because of the hyper-focus on basketball. It’s a comedy that helped it make inroads there. Evergreen comedy. Hanamichi’s rejections and losses in Basketball have made him remorseful. He plans to join a new academy to try his luck in finding a girlfriend.

 

He once tried to impress a girl named Akagi. That’s when he realized he has some supernatural powers.

 

 

17. Your lie in April

 

 

 

Avoid Your lie in April if you’ve not watched the prequel. It’s Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso: Moments. It initially appears light and colourful. You’d be able to enjoy this more than once. This is unlike most anime. Also, this is a reason why this has been ranked higher.

 

However, it has a lot of tragedy. Unfortunate events, mishaps, and calculations have gone wrong, and much more to occur. But, it largely fits into the Rom-Com genre. The underlying emotion in this is hope. Healing and care are what would be the right way to put it.

 

It’s a shounen drama with a musical touch. This also makes for a good soundtrack and music. The art and anime are also good enough for the plot. It’s the story of Arima – a pianist. It deals with his depression after he loses his mother.

 

He stops reading the piano till Kaori enters his life. She encourages him to play it. His recovery and comeback are the pleasant climaxes of this anime.

 

 

18. Rokudenashi Majutsu Koushi to Akashic Records

 

 

 

It’s one of the fantasy supernatural school animes that depicted the school genre brilliantly. It’s an adaptation of the first five volumes of its light novel. It’s a 2017 anime that won the hearts of many fans. It even created a cult following!

 

Alzano Empire, where the story takes place, is a coveted academy. They impart “magical” knowledge and train students to become magicians. Sistine, the protagonist, and Rumia are friends. They are also classmates at the academy. Their life changes when one of their instructors is replaced.

 

The dramatic events after that cause a lot of havoc. If this plot interests you, the next thing you’ve to watch is its adaptation.

 

 

19. Orange 

 

 

Orange is a heartfelt and poignant anime series that explores themes of friendship, regret, and second chances. Naho Takamiya receives a letter from her future self, warning her of regrets and urging her to change the past.

 

As Naho and her friends navigate high school life, they confront difficult choices and grapple with the consequences of their actions. The series beautifully captures the complexities of relationships, the importance of seizing the present, and the power of love and friendship.

 

With its emotional depth and captivating storytelling, Orange offers a touching and thought-provoking viewing experience.

 

 

20. Non Non Biyori Nonstop

 

 

 

This anime does a brilliant job in time flow. All the characters and the plot appear to be more than natural. This is to look more engaging. The experience of watching this would be amazing. It’s like you’d be part of the plot as well.

 

You’ll be able to feel that the characters are your friends. Some of them have very little screen time. But, the impact they managed to create was so huge. All of them are so natural. It becomes hard to believe that this is something scripted.

 

It’s a Seinen anime where comedy and slice-of-life are used. The story shows the life of four girls and their lives. They are: Hotaru Ichijou, Komari Koshigaya, Natsumi Koshigaya, and Renge Miyauchi. They live in a sleepy town – Asahigaoka.

 

The plot is all about micro plots where they show rural life and experiences.

 

 

21. Kono Oto Tomare! 2nd Season

 

 

 

Kono Oto Tomare! 2nd Season is based on the manga under the same name. It has a prequel (Season 1) and an adaptation as well. This is to let you know that there’s more to the concept than this. That did a good job of creating the foundation for it.

 

It had an excellent premise and a soundtrack. These made the plot even more interesting to watch. It has been confused if it’s a musical anime though it’s just one aspect of it. All the characters had a team role in it.

 

Apart from the protagonist, only a few had individual ones. Chika, the protagonist joins a Koto club. He is influenced by his grandfather Kudou. Unfortunately, Chika finds it hard to get into as he is a delinquent with a bad reputation.

 

Kurata the chief of the club accepts him reluctantly. The title means – Stop this sound. Now, you would want to know more about it. Watch, to find out what Chika does next!

 

 

22. Doukyuusei

 

 

 

Doukyuusei is an anime movie based on its manga. Do not be offended that it appeared higher on this list. That’s because it was ranked purely on the impact. Some viewers labelled it as a Yaoi anime. It was also under heavy criticism for its portrayal of offensive scenes.

 

Now, coming to the positives. The story is deep and emotional. It’s something with which most people can easily connect. There’s not much conflict in this. Be it a twist and turn or any love triangle. The art style was nice and so was its animation.

 

The characters have been made in a way to make you understand them. This involves their driving factors and motivations. It’s the story of Hikaru Kusakabe who’s a musician in a band. He helps Sajou prepare for a singing event.

 

Though they are on opposite poles, they become good friends. It’s mainly a story of friendship.

 

 

23. Chihayafuru 2

 

 

 

Chihayafuru 2 came as a blessing for fans. They just loved 25 more episodes of pure entertainment. This is the sequel to its first season. But, there’s a lot of addition and change in this one. This makes it rank here on this list.

 

Heartwarming scenes and tear-worthy events in this plot will take you on a roller coaster ride. The wide variety of characters makes it even more interesting. Though some of them are fan service, they did a good job. There’s not one character who is unnecessary.

 

Since it’s a slice of life, you ought to watch the series in order. You can still enjoy Season 2 if you have not watched Season 1. It’s the story of Chihaya Ayase who’s a tomboy. Her meeting with Arata and their consequent partnership take the plot ahead.

 

The duo strives hard to win the championship and prove their mettle.

 

 

24. Sukitte Ii na yo.

 

 

 

Sukitte Ii na yo is a romantic drama anime. It means – Say ‘I love you’. It was a blockbuster that earned 1 billion yen at the Japanese box office. Though it’s a bit old, it suits the school audience.

 

The shoujo part was quite subtle. Mei Tachibana, the protagonist lives with regret. It’s a bit tragic and remorseful. She was wrongly accused of killing. This made her withdraw from the world. It was later, that she changed. Yamato was the man to whom she used to open up to.

 

It shows the struggle she endures in expressing herself. It was a 2012 anime adapted from its manga. There’s also a sequel and a few side stories as well.

 

 

25. Kuzu no Honkai

 

 

 

It roughly means “Scum’s Wish”. It’s a 12-episode-long anime series that was aired in 2017. Its source material was the manga. It was quite a commercial success. Hanabi and Mugi are the protagonists in this story. The couple comes across as perfect.

 

But, there’s more to it. They are attracted to people outside their marriage. The story tells the conflict and pressure endured by them. It’s a striking story with relevance, even today. But, the graphic scenes and language resulted in it getting rated R+.

 

The 12 episodes and their adaptation are worth your time.

 

 

26. The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.

 

 

 

It’s a 2016 supernatural anime that was a hidden gem. Though the art and animation are average, the plot was brilliant. The beauty of this is that all the characters will be remembered by the viewers. That’s due to two reasons.

 

One, they are on the screen for enough time. Two, they do unforgettable things. This is done without forcing any character onto the plot. It was sourced from the manga under the same name. This is another J. C. Staff anime that you would not want to miss.

 

It also has an adaptation and a sequel for you. Kusuo Saiki is a psychic. Though it’s seen as power, there’s more to it. It turns out to be a torment. He tries to keep this a secret but ends up attracting hostile people.

 

Riki and Shun are two such.

 

 

27. Food Wars! The Second Plate

 

 

 

Call this an ecchi school anime, and you won’t be wrong. Added to this is the rare theme of food. The manga it was adapted from did justice to it more than the anime. The so-called food wars (competition) are something that pushes the plot.

 

It’s a bounty of culinary skills and exotic dishes. The other part to watch out for is the clash of ideals. It shows how contestants use simple ingredients to make some of the best dishes. Who wouldn’t like it? The visual quality and animations are more or less the same across all seasons.

 

But, the main difference here is the use of specifications. Again, everything is in the detail.

 

 

28. Suzumiya Haruhi no Shoushitsu

 

 

 

It can be translated as – The disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya. The title makes the plot quite obvious. The previous anime on this list also had a “missing” element in it. The plot begins on a Christmas day. The world recognizes that Haruhi is missing.

 

The stranger part here is that memories have also gone missing. Hardly anyone remembers her existence. Or even that of their brigade. What unfolds will shock you! The anime won a Kobe Award in 2010. This series was based on the 4th light novel.

 

By the way, that was its source material. There is a prequel for this, as well as 2 adaptations. It’s worth watching them too!

 

 

29. Gamers!

 

 

 

Gamers! Is a brilliant description of Keito Amano’s life. It’s a must-watch if you’re a die-hard gamer. The story takes a drastic turn when he meets Karen Tendou. Watch to know what happened! The intricacies of the plot are all about gaming.

 

You got to watch it to know more and enjoy it. It was adapted from its light novels. This concept has another adaptation. Gamers! Is quite recent (2017) though the novels are older. The narration and directing are professional. You may find some areas questioning.

 

But, the beauty lies in that ambiguity. That’s what makes it rank a bit higher here.

 

 

30. Beelzebub

 

 

 

Beelzebub is aired in 2011 and 2012. Yes, it is long – with 60 episodes. Apart from this, it also has an adaptation. The manga is the source material for this anime. It is a shounen drama that resonated well with that audience.

 

Also, demons and supernatural elements made it a thrilling series. It tells the incidents around Ishiyama High which is a school for delinquents. Anarchy and chaos are their metaphors. Oga, the protagonist, is the most dangerous fighter here. Oga suddenly finds a demon attached to him.

 

He doesn’t recognize that it’s the son of a Demon Lord. The rest of the story is about how he manoeuvres around his academic life. There are also clashes with demons and their guardians. Will he survive?

 

 

31. Ouran High School Host Club

 

 

 

This is a 26-episode-long anime. The manga is a hit and that boosted the anime. There’s an adaptation of the story as well. It’s fine if you skip that too. The story revolves around Haruhi Fujioka who accidentally breaks a costly antique vase.

 

This vase belonged to the Ouran high school host club. So, as a punishment, she had to work for them to recover from the loss by her. Stereotyping is something that’s prevalent in this anime. Its soundtrack is not as impressive as you expect it to be.

 

They could have made it much better. Also, the sequencing is not that great as well. But, it ranks much higher because of the plot. The other reason: its characterization. A keen eye for detail will make this more interesting.

 

There is a lot of hidden or less-seen stuff out there. Do watch it and try to find it out!

 

 

32. Magi: The Kingdom of Magic

 

 

 

Here’s a brilliant fantasy anime worth your time. It has 25 episodes that you would like to enjoy at a stretch. Though it’s slightly old, it can connect with today’s audience. The Kingdom of Magic series as such has all that you need in an anime.

 

There are superb soundtracks, brilliant characterization, and even excellent direction. There’s a prequel too, which you must watch if you liked this. The story is heavily influenced by Arabian Nights and it follows Alibaba, Sinbad, and Aladdin The adaptation is also a great one but not as much as this.

 

The anime has an overreaching story. This may make some viewers get distracted and veer off. It got decent ratings for what it stood for.

 

 

33. Grisaia no Kajitsu

 

 

 

Grisaia no Kajitsu means The Fruit of Grisaia. It’s a story that follows the journey of Yuuji Kazami. He is newly admitted to Mihama Academy which has only a few students. The catch here is – they were all girl students.

 

He realizes that all of them have had a troubled past. This is causing harm to them. He then decides to take responsibility for saving them. This anime is a harem romance behind a psychological thriller. It is aired in 2004 as an adaptation of its visual novel.

 

It’s a 13-episode-long series. It’s rated R+.

 

 

34. Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai

 

 

 

A must-watch anime for those who like shorter series. Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai has just 13 episodes. If you’d wish to, you can also watch the sequel of it. It is a bit underrated. But, don’t do it if you aren’t enjoying this one.

 

It has all the thriller elements. The story is all about solving Adolescence Syndrome which the protagonist of the series Sakuta Azusagawa learns and tries to solve. But what is exactly Adolescence Syndrome? You have to find it for yourself.

 

It can be from supernatural and magical realism to comedy and romance. The beauty of it is that it’s not overdone. Some critics have claimed that it ticks all the boxes for an ecchi harem. But, the contextual pieces of evidence don’t seem so.

 

If you’re wondering whether to watch it or not – do give it a try.

 

 

35. Silver Spoon 2nd Season

 

 

 

Do you enjoy watching stories that have value in them? Then Silver Spoon’s 2nd Season must be on your watch list. It’s an empathetic plot of conveying a lot of meaning. At the same time, it does not appear preachy.

 

Some parts of the story are quite repetitive. But, those parts can be skipped if you’d wish to. The other parts are symbolic too, which means you need to have an eye on them always. The story revolves around Hachiken as he becomes vice president and continues to struggle for his goal in life.

 

For those of you who haven’t watched the first season, you should try that first. Its character development is something that must be mentioned at this point. The portrayal is unique and convincing. The ingenuity contributed a lot to move the plot ahead.

 

It is also not overwhelming with too many details and distractions.

 

 

36. The Quintessential Quintuplets 2

 

 

 

The Quintessential Quintuplets 2 is 12 episodes long and is a recent anime. It finished airing in March 2021. It has a prequel which you ought to watch for a better idea. The idea behind it is to address a harem set up on a school theme.

 

Though this isn’t rare, it’s a bit complicated in this plot. It has an open-end climax. This would tempt you to watch the sequel. However, that’s how the anime industry works. The creators often leave gaps for new releases. The source material for this is its manga which is also a commercial success.

 

It has some comical sequences mixed. This makes it a delight for general audiences.

 

 

37. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time

 

 

 

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is based on its science fiction novel. It’s a movie that has just 01:38:00 minutes of entertainment. If you’re looking for something short, this is it. This anime is a prophetic one that deals with the future.

 

It involves a lot of introspection and calculations. Though the characters act childish, the theme is heavy. Yasutaka, the author has mastery of these types of stories. A primary message of the anime is how small acts can cause huge impacts.

 

These disproportionate setbacks are dealt with unforgettable things by the protagonist. If not anything, it can teach you stoicism and the bigger picture.

 

 

38. Nodame Cantabile

 

 

 

Nodame Cantabile is an engaging Slice of Life anime series. The best part of it is that there are little subplots. Though this reduces the potential of the anime, it works well. This is because you’d be glued to the story long enough.

 

The main appeal of this is the plot and its characters. The art is generic and pretty simple. It’s not too graphical or a shoddy job. In some sequences, they were giving a mixed signal. This would have caused trouble if the plot is not clear.

 

It’s 23 episodes long and one of the rare Josei anime. Since it’s also a slice of life, the order and sequences are pivotal. You can even try its adaptation anime or the sequel.

 

 

39. My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU Climax

 

 

 

It’s an awe-inspiring and perfectly crafted anime, at one glance. The story may be a little hard as it’s a slice-of-life anime. You have to be very attentive or you’d miss out on the parts. This is a story, which critics claimed, to have a low potential.

 

The characterization is just average. Some twists in the plot actually become too predictable. Anyway, all these are adaptations from its light novel. The series has 12 episodes and each of them is well-connected. But, as this is a slice of life, you need to watch them in order.

 

Because that’s what connects the plot and storyline.

 

 

40. Toradora!

 

 

 

Toradora! is an adaptation of its light novel. It later became source material for its PSP game too. It is a 2009 game and some of you may have played it, too. The anime and its novels became popular in a short span of time.

 

It’s an enjoyable romantic comedy. These themes are so relatable to the school anime fans as well. Love triangles, tense moments, and twists are what this is full of. The characters are pleasant, unique, and likeable. There’s not one character in it that is unnecessary to the plot.

 

If you enjoy music, this one also promises a good soundtrack.

 

 

41. Highschool of the Dead 

 

 

Highschool of the Dead is a thrilling and intense anime series set in a world overrun by a zombie apocalypse. The story follows a group of high school students and their school nurse as they navigate through hordes of the undead in a desperate struggle for survival.

 

Combining elements of horror, action, and drama, the series delves into the psychological and physical challenges faced by the characters as they fight for their lives and try to find their loved ones.

 

With intense action sequences, compelling character dynamics, and a dark atmosphere, Highschool of the Dead offers a gripping and suspenseful viewing experience.

 

 

42. The Tatami Galaxy

 

 

 

Yojouhan Shinwa Taikei as it is known in Japanese is a mystery thriller. It has some elements of psychological stuff as well. Apart from this, it has an adaptation and a side story. The source material is a novel. You must go through it as well if this list inspires you.

 

It’s a 2004 book. The anime won the grand prize at the Japan Media Arts Festival. It is for the animation category in 2010. Also, be aware that it’s rated 17+ which makes the ranking lower here. School animes get mostly school kids as their viewers.

 

Also, some scenes of this anime were considered graphic and got criticized.

 

 

43. ReLIFE: Kanketsu-hen

 

 

 

ReLIFE: Kanketsu-hen is a romantic anime in the backdrop of a school theme. It’s a 2018 anime and is based on its web manga. Nowadays, even web mangas play a critical role in an anime’s success. Experiments and stuff can be an ideal theme for a romantic anime.

 

It tells the story of two individuals who go through an experiment. One of the protagonists finds it to be a pleasant experience. It becomes a trigger for her change. The other protagonist rediscovers himself. However unknown to them, this would not be a permanent experience.

 

It also has an adaptation and a sequel. However, this is mostly a one-time watch. You may enjoy manga more than anime.

 

 

44. Maid-Sama!

 

 

 

Maid-Sama! is a popular anime and most of you’ve wondered why it is on 42. It doesn’t mean that its popularity is lower. But, when it comes to school, the scenario in Maid-Sama! is different. School happens to be only a subplot there.

 

It tells the story of a girl who becomes the President of her school. The focus of the plot is more on her conflicting identity. She works as a maid at a café to make money and live. But, to her schoolmates, she comes across as a fearless and perfect person.

 

This season has 26 thrilling episodes with unforgettable things. It’s a Shoujo anime that is a bit dramatic. But, never mind. It’s something worth watching and enjoying.

 

 

45. Puella Magi Madoka Magica

 

 

 

Puella Magi Madoka Magica would have ranked higher if not for its complexity. The plot is a great experiment but, it couldn’t yield much. Kaname and Miki, the characters were entertaining. It’s a story of hopefulness and companionship. The visuals and soundtrack were just awesome.

 

It received praise from critics as well. This is something that rarely happens. It’s a simple plot which most of you’d like. It’s about how delusions and deceit can put the characters into trouble. Miki and Kaname are tempted to become magic girls.

 

But, a magical girl herself tells them not to. Should they take the offer or believe her? Watch and find out!

 

 

46. Date A Live

 

 

 

Date A Live is a story of Itsuka that’s both – thrilling and intriguing. It is a Mecha anime with a tinge of Harem and Romance. The plot is about supernatural entities who have immense control over the world. The protagonist takes custody of three such spirits.

 

The adventure commences when they start retaliating. This won’t be a spoiler, so you have to watch it to know more. It is first aired in 2004 and is based on its light novel. There’s a lot of violence and profanity.

 

This affected its ratings badly. If this interests you, there’s a lot more to it. The prequel (which is worth watching) would be one. There’s also a side story and a sequel. These two added up to make a good combination for this concept.

 

 

47. School Babysitters

 

 

 

School Babysitters or Gakuen Babysitters as it is known is released in 2018. It has 12 episodes and is an adaptation of its manga comic. If you’re watching this, also ensure that you watch the sequel too. It’s one of the rare school anime on this list with a Shoujo and slice-of-life theme.

 

The story is about Ryuuichi Kashima and Kotarou. It’s something that people who babysit will easily relate to. Imagine having to babysit many kids to make ends meet! There’s an adaptation of this anime as well. You need to watch that too as it is enjoyable.

 

There’s nothing of adventurous or thrilling nature.

 

 

48. Beastars 2

 

 

 

Beastars 2 is an adaptation of its manga. If you’ve read it, you can enjoy this anime even more. It is rated 17+ because of the violent scenes. But, that’s how a psychological shounen anime would be. Especially, for this type of theme and plot.

 

Beastars, the title of the anime is a coveted position in this. The ones who successfully united the beasts with different eating habits earned it. During some tense moments, the Beastars played a role in calming them down. It mainly revolves around struggles & conflicts faced by the characters.

 

They find it hard to maintain the balance. You must watch it if you’d like conflicts in the plots.

 

 

49. Angel Beats!

 

 

 

If you’re looking for some supernatural action, Angel Beats! will be your favourite. It’s a shorter series with just 13 episodes. Do you know it has 10 lakh + ratings and reviews? The story shows Otonashi who finds himself in the afterlife, one day.

 

He can’t remember anything except his name. It’s Yuri, a girl who tells him where he is. She inspires him to join her organization and fight the battle with Tenshi. Tenshi, the antagonist here is also a female. He tries to negotiate with her and then realizes that it’s not worth it.

 

However, he has to fight an internal battle. The voice inside tells him that he’s drawn toward Tenshi. Did they have any relations before? Watch, to know more!

 

 

50. Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu

 

 

 

Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu is all about action and comedy. If these are themes that impress you, you ought to watch this. Though it did not have a prequel, it has a parent series. You may or may not have to watch it.

 

This is a 2003 anime and it has 12 episodes. It’s a fairly short series that will not take much of your time. It is an adaptation of its light novel under the same name. It tells the story of an introvert with little social skills – Sousuke.

 

He is sent to protect Kaname, whose life is in danger. However, Sousuke ends up putting Kaname in trouble

 

 

51. Nichijou: My Ordinary Life

 

 

 

Nichijou: My Ordinary Life is a 26-episode-long anime series of 2011. It has been almost a decade since its release, right? It has a prequel too, which you must watch to enjoy. There’s also a side story which is mostly a fan service.

 

It is an adaptation of its manga. It’s a slice-of-life – comedy shounen anime that many enjoyed. It received mixed reviews across the spectrum. Though there were some problems with its release in America, it did well. The story is about Mio, Yuuko, and Mai.

 

They own a robot named Nano whose job is to take care of them. Their life story and experiences are what forms the crux of the plot. It’s a roller coaster ride of normal days and terrific moments they face at times.

 

 

52. Yowamushi Pedal: Grande Road

 

 

 

The 2014 anime has 24 episodes. Yowamushi Pedal: Grande Road is an adaptation of the manga under the same name. Apart from this anime, there is a prequel, a sequel, and a summary anime. Yowamushi Pedal is a sports–school combination.

 

It has a blend of Shounen in it as well. Each episode of the anime began with a brief recap of the previous one. This is great because it ran for over 1 year. The creators did a decent job in character development.

 

The anime is such that you would never forget a single character. But, it’s also due to the constant dragging of the plot. If you’re looking to enjoy an entertaining anime, this is a must-watch. It’s something you must watch only if you’ve extra time.

 

 

53. Azumanga Daioh

 

 

If you’re looking for the quintessential high-school anime then Azumanga Daioh! simply has to be a part of that list. The story features six girls who are on a quest to simply annoy each other by taking up silly challenges, daydreaming about another possible life, and then running around during the school fest.

 

Each character has a unique hidden characteristic, like – Sakaki, a tall and stoic girl who has a soft corner for cats, or Chiyo, the kid genius who may have the brains but is really naïve. However, despite being different, it truly is heartwarming to watch all the girls grow together, right up to their graduation, leaving with the question of – where will life lead them next?

 

 

54. Another

 

 

Love horror and wouldn’t mind the genre intertwined with high-school anime? Then you’ve got a sorted weekend with Another. The story is a gruesome horror anime and even though there may be certain cheery scenes online, it’s far from what the anime offers.

 

The story is set in the year 1998 and deals with the story of Koichi Sakakibara, who ends up becoming a part of the notorious class 3-3. He notices a pale girl named Mei Misaki who is always ignored and Koichi sets on a quest to figure out what’s truly wrong with her and also whether the class is cursed or not.

 

The path to discovery isn’t however easy and with all kinds of horror in store, Koichi and his friends might not make it alive.

 

 

55. Yamada-Kun and the Seven Witches

 

 

If you dig classic harem anime and wouldn’t mind watching it with a high school twist, then Yamada-Kun and the Seven Witches surely call for a good watch. It comes with a set of seven magical girls and has tons of high school hijinks.

 

The story traces Ryu Yamada and how after accidentally tripping and knocking over his classmate, they end up swapping bodies! However, don’t worry just yet because turns out that the school is in fact home to seven witches, and sharing a kiss with them leads to borrowing their powers.

 

So now, our lead Ryu is faced with body-swapping, invisibility, mind-reading, and a ton of powers. So, how does he find a way around this?

 

 

56. After the Rain

 

 

Looking for a bit of high-school romance anime? After the Rain is a short and unconventional romance between high school student Akira Tachibana and her middle-aged divorcee boss. However, don’t fret yet, cause there’s more to the story and it deals with the idea of healing and self-confidence.

 

While Akira loves to run track, she’s sidelined due to an unforeseen injury and in the process of healing herself, she ends up falling in love with her boss. Her boss and his son end up providing Akira with all the support and love she needs and help her truly believe that she will be back to running soon.

 

 

57. Kakegurui

 

 

If you’re on the lookout for a high school anime that gives you a bit of a thrilling edge, then Kakegurui is an absolute must-watch. An unlikely story within the high-school anime genre, it has a lot of hijinks. You get to see an elite school where students come from wealthy families and where they’re taught the perfect art of gambling!

 

These are some of the smartest and most cunning boys and girls there are and they put forth all their understanding into some really high-stakes poker, roulette and blackjack. With all the chips down – what truly lies ahead for them?

 

 

58. We Never Learn

 

 

Want to watch a soft and heart-warming high school anime that promises a good story and a cute cast? If yes, then you’d want to give We Never Learn a shot. The plot is quite similar to another famous anime – The Quintessential Quintuplets even though it isn’t really at par.

 

The story traces the life of Nariyuki Yuiga who’s a humble and smart boy. He chooses to tutor three girls named Uruka, Fumino, and Rizu, even though he’d initially decided on tutoring just one of them. However, life does take funny and unforeseen turns sometimes and that’s exactly what happens with him, wherein he ends up getting tangled a lot more than he’d bargained for!

 

 

59. Oresuki

 

 

Similar to most animes, Oresuki too is filled with lots of laughs and fun scenes and what makes it funnier and super fun to watch is the fact that the show is filled with multiple love triangles! The main character called Joro, speaks privately with two beautiful girls, hoping to get both of them to give a love confession to him.

 

However, turns out that both the girls aren’t even into him! In fact, they like his friend Oga, which is why he’s left with choosing the girl Oga ends up rejecting. On the other hand, there’s the quiet library girl named Sumeriko who confesses to liking Joro but turns out that Oga is interested in Sumeriko!

 

If you’ve loved the twists so far, then you’d love to watch what lies ahead!

 

 

60. Magical Sempai

 

 

If you’re looking for a short but sweet school anime, then Magical Sempai definitely deserves a watch. It was first streamed on Crunchyroll during the summer anime season. Each episode is just 12 minutes long and within that short time frame, there’s loads of magic to unwind!

 

There’s an unnamed Sempai who manages to launch her very own stage magic club in school and ends up recruiting a rather hapless underclassman to help her. The problem is, that this helper suffers from terrible stage fright, which is why all her tricks end up going wrong.

 

However, she manages to find a way to not just learn different tricks but also end up learning the art of mind-reading.