Fast-paced anime is great, but sometimes you want something slower and calmer. This is a list of slow-paced anime.
Slow-paced anime can be relaxing and calming, or it can be funny and undemanding, but in any case, it offers some time to process what is happening on the screen, which can be welcome. A few slow-paced anime are presented here for your viewing pleasure.
Sailor Moon (Bishōjo Senshi Sērā Mūn)
The original series of Sailor Moon not only showed the world what a magical girl anime can do, it was also paced quite slow, with almost 50% of the series being filler. If you love slice-of-life interrupting your magical girl action, this anime is for you. Do keep in mind that it is about saving the world, so an occasional burst of action and transformation sequences are in order.
Aria: The Animation
Aria is a peaceful futuristic anime about three girls who want to become good gondoliers on planet Aqua in the city of Neo Venezia. It has a bit of comedy and some slice of life, and it is calm and slow-paced like a gondola on water.
Spice and Wolf (Ōkami to Kōshinryō)
Spice and Wolf is about a wolf deity Holo and a traveling merchant Lawrence. Holo is a harvest goddess, and she has been helping her village with harvest, but they have already forgotten about her and are more self-sufficient, which is why Holo decides to go with Lawrence to Yoitsu, her home. Lawrence, in turn, wants to open his own shop. The story is slow-paced, but it is still an adventure tale, with some drama thrown in. Holo is immortal, though, so time passes differently for her.
Kino's Journey —the Beautiful World— (Kino no Tabi —the Beautiful World—)
Kino's Journey is a road trip story. Kino, the protagonist, travels from place to place on her talking motorcycle, giving herself no more than three days to learn about each town she stops at. Kino is never judging, only observing. Despite the fast pace of Kino's traveling, the anime itself is not fast-paced and can accommodate those of us who prefer slower pacing.
The Ancient Magus' Bride (Mahō Tsukai no Yome)
The Ancient Magus' Bride is a story about a human girl Chise who has an ability to see and, as she later learns, to attract all kinds of spirits. The first season is quite slow-paced, with just a couple of arcs, such as Chise getting everything she needs as a Magus' apprentice. There is also a romantic storyline; after all, the Magus does not just want to teach Chise, he also hopes she can become his wife. Some romance and comedy ensue.
Slow-paced, meditative anime is good for a quiet evening when you enjoy a story unfold without giving you whiplash. There may be some fillers, but in general, anime that is slower-paced can be very enjoyable.