Some days simply prove to be more challenging than others. As an introvert, we all require an escape, and anime can certainly provide that safe haven. Anime isn’t “just for kids” and can sometimes venture into darker themes and deeper issues. However, when you desire something light-hearted to bring you a laugh, these are my top picks for when I’m feeling down or in need of a smile!
The best animes are the ones that evoke emotions. They remind you of the innocence of childhood before feelings of depression and anxiety take hold. Anime has genuinely aided me in overcoming my own struggles with depression and anxiety, and I believe it can support you as well!
So, without further ado…
15. Laid-Back Camp
- Hart, Christopher (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 144 Pages - 07/07/2015 (Publication Date) - Drawing with Christopher Hart (Publisher)
- Shinjuku Press (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 128 Pages - 05/02/2022 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
- Yoai, Yoai (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 144 Pages - 08/24/2021 (Publication Date) - Rock Point (Publisher)
The ultimate chill anime featuring a group of girls passionate about camping, Laid-Back Camp feels like savoring a warm cup of tea on a chilly day. With tranquil landscapes and calming moments, be it pitching tents or simply appreciating nature’s tranquility, this anime delivers all the cozy vibes you seek.
When life feels overwhelming, the girls’ embrace of simple pleasures is precisely what you need to elevate your spirits. Plus, you might develop a newfound appreciation for the great outdoors!
14. The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.
Saiki K. is the comedy you never knew you were missing. Saiki, a high school student endowed with psychic abilities, simply wishes to lead a normal life, but his eccentric classmates and absurd situations constantly disrupt his peace.
This anime is filled with humor, featuring a protagonist who’s hilariously overpowered but just craves peace and quiet. The unpredictability of his daily life will have you in stitches, proving it’s the ideal escape for anyone seeking something completely absurd.
13. Kaguya-sama: Love is War
Kaguya-sama: Love is War is one of those romantic comedies that will genuinely make you laugh out loud. It revolves around two high school prodigies, Kaguya and Miyuki, who harbor feelings for one another but are too stubborn to confess. Instead, they engage in hilarious mind games, aiming to force the other to admit their emotions first.
Their playful rivalry is both cute and absurd, guaranteed to leave you grinning from ear to ear. No heavy drama here—just pure comedic brilliance.
12. Lucky Star
If you’re in dire need of pure, silly fun, Lucky Star is your answer. This slice-of-life anime follows a group of high school girls as they navigate their daily lives. The humor is quirky, the characters are entertaining, and the tone is utterly carefree.
With ridiculous moments and completely random conversations, it’ll undoubtedly brighten your day while requiring minimal emotional investment. It perfectly illustrates how simple and goofy life can be when you don’t sweat the small stuff.
11. One Punch Man
At times, when life is tough, you simply need a laid-back superhero who’s immensely powerful. Meet One Punch Man, where Saitama, the hero, can vanquish any villain with a single blow. Sounds outrageous, right? And it is, in the best way possible!
Observing Saitama casually save the day while appearing utterly bored will not only make you chuckle but also provide the necessary uplift. It’s enjoyable, light, packed with thrilling fights, yet it also serves to remind you that not everything in life should be taken too seriously.
- Banno, Eri (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 384 Pages - 02/01/2020 (Publication Date) - Japan Times (Publisher)
- Used Book in Good Condition
- George Trombley (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 376 Pages - 08/22/2014 (Publication Date) - Learn From Zero (Publisher)
- ToWin, Explore (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 463 Pages - 10/18/2024 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
10. K-On!
This anime feels like a warm embrace. No high-stakes drama, no tense plots—just a group of high school girls forming a band and indulging in cake during club meetings. Yui, the endearingly clumsy guitarist, is simply too adorable not to smile at.
Each episode serves as a serotonin boost, and if you’re feeling low, this light-hearted chaos is precisely what you need. Music, friendship, and fluffy vibes abound. This is a 10/10 comfort anime—no notes necessary.
9. My Ordinary Life
My Ordinary Life may feature “ordinary” in its title, but it’s anything but. It’s delightfully random, with humor that will have you laughing until you cry. One moment you witness a girl grappling with a deer, and the next, a principal is soaring through the air. The combination of deadpan humor and absurd scenarios is simply brilliant.
Following three high school friends—Yūko Aioi, Mio Naganohara, and Mai Minakami—and their interactions with a young genius inventor, her robotic companion, and a talking cat creates just the right amount of chaos.
If you ever find yourself crying on the floor and seeking a reason to laugh, this anime will undoubtedly lift your spirits. Trust me, it’s a definite mood booster.
8. Barakamon
Ughhh, this one hit me right in the feels. It centers around a disgruntled calligrapher who leaves the hustle of city life for a tranquil island filled with quirky locals—including an adorably spirited girl named Naru, who essentially steals the spotlight.
Barakamon feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s packed with humor yet also delivers meaningful insights about life and personal growth. This anime evokes both smiles and introspection.
7. My Roommate is a Cat
This one’s tailored for all my fellow introverted friends. The main character, after losing his parents, unexpectedly shares his life with a stray cat named Haru. What makes this anime particularly heartwarming is experiencing both the human’s and the cat’s perspectives. The simple moments they share are incredibly uplifting.
All in all, it’s sweet, serene, and occasionally emotional—yet in a heartwarming way. Ideal for those rainy days spent snuggled up with a blanket (and perhaps your own cat 🐾).
6. Komi Can’t Communicate
Komi is the embodiment of the shy queen we all adore. She literally can’t speak to anyone yet somehow becomes the most admired girl in the school. Witnessing her gradual journey toward opening up and forming friendships is so heartwarming it could bring you to tears. Despite addressing serious themes, it maintains a funny and light-hearted vibe with an overwhelmingly uplifting energy.
The animation is stunning, the humor is spot-on, and the entire series makes you genuinely cheer for her.
5. InuYasha
InuYasha was among the first anime and manga series I ever explored. I instantly became enamored with the characters from both feudal and contemporary Japan. The story follows Kagome, a human girl, who finds herself transported to feudal Japan, where she encounters Inuyasha, a half-demon bound by a sacred arrow. Together, they embark on a quest to collect the shattered fragments of the Shikon no Tama, a jewel that grants wishes, all while facing adversaries and forming friendships along the way.
This anime is fantastic if you’re in the mood for something cute that carries a nostalgic vibe reminiscent of older shows like Sailor Moon. The romance and humor will keep you smiling for a long time and it has inspired countless delightful fanfictions!
4. Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir
I stumbled upon this anime last year while browsing anime music videos during a tough time. Feeling overwhelmed by depression, I decided to give it a shot. By the end of the first episode, I was completely hooked! And I mean, completely consumed in the best way possible.
In this series, Marinette and Adrien, equipped with magical Miraculous jewels, become Ladybug and Chat Noir to defend Paris from Hawkmoth’s akumas, all while keeping their identities concealed.
This anime exudes cuteness. With a new season just out, I’m eagerly anticipating the next episode. The most entertaining (and frustrating) aspect of the series is the romantic tension: Marinette loves Adrien, Adrien loves Ladybug, and Chat Noir loves Ladybug. They’re all pining for each other, making for an adorable and hilariously frustrating dynamic that will have you throwing pillows at the screen.
3. Shugo Chara
Shugo Chara was one of the initial anime I watched in high school. It revolves around Amu Hinamori, an elementary school girl with a “cool and spicy” facade, who desires the courage to be her authentic self. The following morning, she discovers three colorful eggs that hatch into Guardian Characters: Ran, Miki, and Su.
Amu’s Guardian Characters assist her in uncovering her true self and achieving her aspirations. As she navigates her various “would-be” selves, Amu learns to “chara-nari” (character transform) or “character change” for unique powers, both practical and offensive. Eventually, Amu is recruited as the “Joker” to seek X Eggs and X Characters, corrupted representations of people’s dreams that the Guardians aim to purify.
Shugo Chara will resonate with you emotionally, reminding you of the joy of being a child before depression took hold, when you were still aware of who you wanted to be and what you aspired to achieve in life.
2. Himouto! Umaru Chan
Perhaps you’ve come across images from this one. Essentially, Umaru Doma is perceived as the perfect individual, yet upon returning home, she transforms into a lazy, self-indulgent chibi character who spends her days gaming and watching anime while devouring snacks and chugging cola. Honestly, she resonates with me!
Thus, if you ever feel overwhelmed by adult responsibilities, witnessing Umaru embrace her lazy side without a care in the world is certain to lift your spirits.
1. Ouran High School Host Club
I simply HAD to feature Ouran High on this list. From the moment I first watched it, I was thoroughly captivated. The series follows Haruhi Fujioka, who attends Ouran High on a scholarship, while most of her peers are wealthy students. During her visit to Music Room 3, she inadvertently breaks a vase in front of the eccentric members. In order to repay the debt, they force her to work as their errand boy. In fact, due to her tomboyish appearance and short hair, they initially mistake her for a boy rather than a girl.
Which ones were your favorites? What are the best anime series you would recommend? You can check out the full article on how anime helps overcome anxiety and depression, or you might enjoy some inspiring quotes from Fairy Tail addressing mental illness.
As always,
Keep Smiling!