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

"Koe no Katachi" (also known as "A Silent Voice") offers a compelling narrative that goes beyond a typical school anime. It beautifully weaves together several subplots, each adding depth to the main story and enriching the overall experience, even inspiring ideas that extend beyond the manga's original scope.

The anime is renowned for its faithful adaptation and meticulous animation, which brings the characters and settings to life. Fans of the manga appreciate how easily they can recognize their favorite moments, and the soundtrack, particularly the theme song, has received widespread critical acclaim.

At its core, the film tells the story of Ishida, a troubled student who cruelly bullies Nishimiya, a deaf classmate. After her mother intervenes and Nishimiya transfers schools, Ishida faces social isolation and becomes a target of bullying himself, ultimately confronting the pain of his actions.

Years later, burdened by guilt, Ishida seeks forgiveness by finding Nishimiya and making amends. The emotional journey is intense, guiding viewers through anger, sadness, hope, and moments of genuine warmth and humor.

The film's raw depiction of complex feelings ensures that audiences resonate deeply with its storytelling. While it may not be regarded as the absolute pinnacle of school anime, "Koe no Katachi" stands out for its heartfelt portrayal of youthful struggles, making it a must-watch for anyone seeking a thought-provoking and emotional experience.

This movie will move you profoundly and linger in your thoughts long after the credits roll. If you're searching for an emotional adventure within a school setting, this is an essential addition to your watchlist.

Kimi no Na wa, which translates to "Your Name," is a film that has garnered widespread acclaim, winning several prestigious awards, including the LAFCA Animation Award and the Grand Prize Award for Best Animated Film of 2017.

This anime stands out for its straightforward yet deeply engaging story. While it features supernatural elements, the narrative remains refreshingly honest and realistic—an impressive feat in this genre. Although some plot points may feel predictable, the movie's appeal remains strong.

The breathtaking artwork and top-tier animation quality elevate the viewing experience to a new level. The story centers on a body-swap between two individuals: Mitsuha, a girl from the countryside, and Taki, a boy who faces struggles in the city. Their journey unfolds as they seek to find each other, leading to a heartfelt search and connection.

The soundtrack and musical score are stunning, making Kimi no Na wa an ideal choice for watching on a home theatre or with powerful speakers. Character development is strong, even if it doesn’t dive too deeply into every detail, allowing viewers to focus on the emotional core of the story.

Frequently hailed as one of the finest anime movies ever made, this film explores the complexities of relationships in a truly unique and creative way. It goes beyond typical school-themed narratives, touching on broader aspects of human life and emotional connection.

Kaguya-sama: Love Is War is a 12-episode anime that stands out as a unique blend of psychological intrigue and sharp comedy. Primarily aimed at seinen fans, it captures the essence of high school rivalry and romance, making it a delightful choice for those who enjoy witty storytelling and clever character dynamics.

While the artwork may not be its strongest feature, most viewers are drawn to the narrative and the lively, expressive cast. The show's humor shines through, though some might find the narration somewhat lacking, which affects its position on this list. Despite this, its distinct characters and rom-com elements make it a memorable watch.

The dynamic between the two main characters, Miyuki and Kaguya, is a highlight of the series. Their interactions create an engaging plot filled with amusing and unpredictable developments, ensuring that the story remains fresh and exciting throughout.

'Suzumiya Haruhi no Shoushitsu' translates to "The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya." As the title suggests, the story revolves around the sudden and mysterious vanishing of Haruhi Suzumiya. Interestingly, this theme of disappearance echoes elements from other entries on this list. The plot is set around Christmas, when the world abruptly realizes that Haruhi is gone.

Even more puzzling is the fact that the memories of Haruhi and the entire brigade seem to have faded from almost everyone's mind. Very few people can recall her or the group. This unsettling turn of events leads to astonishing developments as the mystery unfolds. Notably, the anime won the prestigious Kobe Award in 2010 and is based on the fourth light novel of the series.

This compelling movie is adapted from its original light novel, so be sure to check out that source material for a deeper experience. Additionally, there is a prequel and two anime adaptations related to the series, both of which are also highly recommended!

If you're new to Jujutsu Kaisen, consider watching its prequel first. While it might not be as well-known, it's highly recommended and will deepen your appreciation of the main story. Be aware that the series contains some intense and graphic scenes.

The main Jujutsu Kaisen adaptation consists of 24 gripping episodes, filled with supernatural thrills, fierce demonic battles, and non-stop action. The protagonist, Yuuji, is a member of the occult club who initially lives a carefree and aimless life.

Yuuji’s fate completely changes when he encounters a cursed object, propelling him into the world of sorcery with no turning back. As a Shounen anime, the school setting plays an important role in shaping the story and broadening its appeal to a wider audience.

The narrative follows a high school student who joins a mysterious club, unfolding into events that transcend reality and deliver heart-pounding excitement. Jujutsu Kaisen is often hailed as one of the best new-generation anime, making it a must-watch for fans seeking an intense and unforgettable experience.

Great Teacher Onizuka is a standout slice-of-life shounen anime, known for its unique approach and memorable storytelling. Even those who aren't typically fans of the slice-of-life genre may find themselves impressed by its creative concept and compelling characters.

The anime boasts an outstanding opening and ending soundtrack, though its animation and artwork are somewhat dated. This has affected its placement in rankings, but its powerful, subtly woven moral message still shines through the narrative.

Occasionally, the story can feel prolonged, especially with the recurring backstories that may slow the pacing. The plot follows Onizuka, a former biker, who unexpectedly pursues a teaching career—initially hoping to befriend and marry a student, but soon discovering a greater purpose.

Ultimately, the series focuses on how Onizuka reformulates his approach and transforms a class of troubled students, highlighting redemption and personal growth.

The Tatami Galaxy, known in Japanese as Yojouhan Shinwa Taikei, is a captivating mystery thriller with strong psychological themes. In addition to the main series, there's also an adaptation and an intriguing side story, all based on the original novel. If this anime catches your interest, the novel is equally worth exploring.

The story's source material was published in 2004, and the anime adaptation went on to win the Grand Prize for Animation at the Japan Media Arts Festival in 2010. Please note, however, that it is rated 17+, which may affect its ranking here since most school anime target younger audiences.

Some scenes in The Tatami Galaxy are considered graphic and have received criticism for their mature content. Nonetheless, it remains a significant and highly praised entry among school anime.

Before watching "Your Lie in April," it's best to view its prequel, "Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso: Moments." While the anime starts off appearing vibrant and cheerful, its engrossing story and emotional depth make it highly rewatchable. This distinctiveness is one of the main reasons it's ranked so highly among school anime.

Although it features moments of romance and comedy, "Your Lie in April" is defined by its tragic and heartfelt storyline. Characters face a series of challenges and misfortunes, yet the anime ultimately conveys hope, healing, and compassion as central themes.

With elements of shounen drama intertwined with music, the series captivates viewers through its touching soundtrack and beautiful animation. The story centers on Arima, a pianist, as he struggles with depression following the loss of his mother.

After meeting Kaori, who inspires him to return to the piano, Arima embarks on a journey of recovery and self-discovery. His inspiring comeback and the emotional bonds he forms drive the moving climax of this acclaimed anime.

Shigeo “Mob” Kageyama’s powerful psychic abilities are at the heart of Mob Psycho 100. As a reserved high schooler, Mob strives to win the affection of his crush, Tsubomi, all while interning for the self-serving yet comically charismatic Reigen.

Amidst these challenges, supernatural events spiral out of control, setting the stage for breathtaking action and personal growth. The series excels with its dynamic animation, expert direction, and immersive sound, all anchored by a strong and engaging plot.

Well-crafted characters bring each episode to life, making Mob Psycho 100 an unforgettable experience that draws viewers into its vibrant world.

"Slam Dunk" stands as one of the most iconic sports anime from the earlier generations. Blending the excitement of shounen action with a compelling sports narrative, it's a must-watch for athletes and sports enthusiasts alike. The series is notable for its engaging side stories, contributing to a uniquely layered plot that sets it apart from other school anime.

Despite its acclaim, many anime fans initially overlooked "Slam Dunk." However, those who gave it a chance found themselves captivated through all 101 episodes. The anime's primary goal was to popularize basketball, resonating deeply with Japanese viewers at the time.

Western audiences might find the intense focus on basketball less appealing, yet the show's timeless humor helped it gain international fans. The comedic moments, especially those involving Hanamichi's constant romantic failures and struggles on the court, add a layer of charm and relatability. Determined but often unlucky, Hanamichi even considers joining a new academy in hopes of finally finding a girlfriend.

In a memorable attempt to impress a girl named Akagi, Hanamichi discovers his unexpected talent for basketball—launching him on a journey that would transform his school life in extraordinary ways.

"Nichijou: My Ordinary Life" is a 26-episode anime series that premiered in 2011. Nearly a decade has passed since its debut, and the series still resonates with fans. For a complete experience, make sure to check out its prequel and the side story, which caters more to fan service.

The anime faithfully adapts its manga source into a unique blend of slice-of-life, comedy, and shounen genres. With its quirky humor, "Nichijou" received mixed reviews worldwide but found a passionate following despite some release issues in America. The narrative revolves around Mio, Yuuko, and Mai.

Together, they live with Nano, a robot designed to look after them. Their everyday antics and unpredictable adventures shape the heart of the story, turning ordinary school days into hilarious and memorable experiences.

Released in 2016, Ansatsu Kyoushitsu 2nd Season stands out as a top action-comedy anime with a variety of releases, including side stories and adaptations. This series is also motivational, inspiring viewers much like Robin Sharma’s books by conveying powerful life lessons through its story.

The anime's comedic moments resonated with many, striking a balance between humor and heartfelt emotion. This strong connection with the audience played a key role in its widespread popularity. Its art, animation, and character development are notable highlights, although the soundtrack is more modest. Fundamentally, it’s a story of growth and self-improvement.

As an intense crisis arises, students from Kunugigaoka Middle School are forced to become assassins. The series follows their challenging journey as they fight against the odds, representing the struggle to overcome life's obstacles. With 25 action-packed episodes, this anime offers an engaging and uplifting experience.

“The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.” is a 2016 supernatural anime that initially flew under the radar but quickly became a fan favorite. While the art and animation may seem average at first glance, the show’s brilliant plot and memorable cast set it apart from typical school anime.

The strength of this series lies in its characters. Each one leaves a lasting impression, thanks to their ample screen time and their unique, unforgettable actions. Impressively, the story never feels forced, and every character fits seamlessly into the plot. Adapted from the manga of the same name, it’s another must-watch from J.C. Staff.

The anime also features adaptations and a sequel for fans to enjoy. The story follows Kusuo Saiki, a high schooler and psychic whose powers, despite seeming enviable, are actually a constant source of trouble. He tries to hide his abilities, but this only attracts odd and sometimes troublesome individuals.

Among these are Riki and Shun, whose interactions with Saiki are as entertaining as they are unforgettable.

Kono Oto Tomare! 2nd Season continues the story based on the manga of the same name, following the foundation set by its prequel, Season 1. This anime delves deeper into its compelling concept, building on a strong groundwork laid in the earlier season.

Featuring an outstanding premise and memorable soundtrack, the show keeps viewers engaged throughout. While music plays a significant role, the anime focuses on more than just musical elements, offering a well-rounded plot and meaningful character interactions. Teamwork is at the heart of the story, with every character contributing in their own way.

Although only a few characters take on solo roles outside of the protagonist, Chika, his journey into the Koto club is central to the plot. Inspired by his grandfather, Kudou, Chika strives to join the club despite his delinquent reputation and the challenges he faces.

Kurata, the club's leader, hesitantly accepts Chika, setting the stage for growth and overcoming adversity. The title, which means "Stop This Sound," hints at the journey ahead. To discover what happens next for Chika and the Koto club, give this anime a watch!

"Puella Magi Madoka Magica" stands out as a uniquely complex addition to school anime. While its intricate plot may seem challenging, it delivers an experimental narrative full of gripping twists. The main characters, Kaname and Miki, bring both entertainment and depth to the story. Their journey explores themes of hope and friendship, beautifully complemented by stunning visuals and a captivating soundtrack.

The series has garnered significant critical acclaim, a rarity in the genre. Behind its seemingly simple storyline lies a deeper exploration of deception, delusions, and the dangers they pose to the characters. Kaname and Miki are drawn into the alluring world of magical girls, yet they're warned against accepting such a fate.

Will they follow the enticing offer or heed the mysterious warning? Dive into "Puella Magi Madoka Magica" to uncover how these choices shape their destinies!

Chihayafuru 2 thrilled fans by delivering 25 more episodes of heartfelt storytelling. As the sequel to its acclaimed first season, the series introduces fresh developments and character growth, enhancing its appeal and earning it a well-deserved place on this list.

The show offers a perfect blend of heartwarming moments and emotional twists that will take you on a memorable journey. A diverse cast of characters adds depth and excitement; while some cater to fan preferences, each one contributes meaningfully to the story.

As a slice-of-life anime, watching the series in order is ideal, though Season 2 is enjoyable even without prior knowledge of Season 1. The narrative follows Chihaya Ayase, an energetic tomboy, whose fateful encounter with Arata sparks a partnership that drives the story forward.

Together, they push themselves to the limit, determined to win the championship and show the world their true potential.

"Non Non Biyori Nonstop" masterfully depicts the gentle passage of time, presenting characters and stories that feel remarkably authentic. This natural flow draws viewers in, making the experience truly immersive—as if you're living alongside the characters.

The anime fosters a strong sense of connection, making it easy to see the characters as close friends. Even those with brief appearances leave a memorable impact thanks to their realistic portrayals, helping blur the lines between scripted story and real life.

As a slice-of-life comedy Seinen series, it follows the everyday adventures of four girls—Hotaru Ichijou, Komari and Natsumi Koshigaya, and Renge Miyauchi—who reside in the peaceful rural village of Asahigaoka.

The story unfolds through heartwarming micro-narratives, capturing the simplicity, joys, and unique experiences of rural Japanese life.

At first glance, 'My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU Climax' stands out as a beautifully crafted and awe-inspiring anime. Its slice-of-life approach demands close attention, as you might easily miss crucial moments that are vital to the story's subtle depth. Despite early critical claims suggesting it had limited potential, the show proves otherwise by captivating viewers through its intricate storytelling.

The character development is decent but not extraordinary, and some plot twists become predictable as the series progresses. Nevertheless, these elements are faithful adaptations from the original light novel. The anime consists of 12 interconnected episodes, each contributing meaningfully to the overall narrative. For the best experience, it's important to watch the episodes in sequence, as the slice-of-life format relies heavily on the continuity of both plot and character arcs.

If you appreciate anime with meaningful storytelling, Silver Spoon’s 2nd Season is a must-see for your watch list. The show presents empathy and life lessons without ever feeling preachy, making it both engaging and thoughtful.

While the story can have some repetitive moments, these can easily be skipped if you prefer. Pay attention, though—many scenes are symbolic and carry deeper significance. The plot follows Hachiken as he takes on the role of vice president, continuing his journey to find purpose and direction in life.

If you haven’t watched the first season yet, it's highly recommended you start there. The character development stands out, offering a unique and convincing portrayal that significantly drives the narrative forward. The creativity in storytelling keeps the plot fresh and engaging.

Silver Spoon’s 2nd Season also refrains from overwhelming viewers with unnecessary details, ensuring a focused and enjoyable experience.

"Magi: The Kingdom of Magic" stands out as a fantastic fantasy anime that's definitely worth watching. With its 25 gripping episodes, you'll find yourself eager to binge through the series. Despite being a few years old, it still resonates strongly with today's audience, offering everything fans expect from a top-tier anime.

The show is renowned for its vibrant soundtrack, remarkable character development, and impressive direction. There's also a prequel series, which is a must-watch if you enjoy this one. Heavily inspired by "Arabian Nights," the story introduces engaging characters like Alibaba, Sinbad, and Aladdin. While both series have their merits, "The Kingdom of Magic" is often considered the superior adaptation.

The anime features an expansive, overarching storyline, which may cause some viewers to lose track at times. Still, it earned respectable ratings and is celebrated for bringing something unique to the genre.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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?

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!

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?

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.

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.

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+.

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.

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.

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!

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.