These series are the equivalent of a hot cup of cocoa on a rainy day - they'll melt your heart, lift your spirits, and make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
1. Natsume's Book of Friends (2007-2017)
Here's a charming series that takes the age-old trope of the 'lonely protagonist' and adds a supernatural spin. The story revolves around Takashi Natsume, a seemingly ordinary teenager, except for one minor detail – he can see spirits. Takashi has inherited a strange object from his grandmother, a 'Book of Friends' that contains the names of spirits she had subdued and now control. The series beautifully chronicles Natsume's adventures as he tries to release these spirits from the contract and form unlikely friendships along the way. Each episode is a mix of gentle humor, heartfelt moments, and beautiful animation that makes this series a soothing experience. Did you know that this anime has a stellar rating of 8.3 on MyAnimeList?
2. K-On! (2009-2010)
Think of it as the anime version of Friends, but with more tea and less Ross. K-On! follows a group of high school girls who revive their school's music club and form a band, despite some of them having zero knowledge about playing an instrument. Throughout the series, we see the girls navigate the ups and downs of friendship and band dynamics while juggling school work, all with a backdrop of delightfully catchy music. While the premise might sound simple, the execution is pure joy. The show has an impressive 7.8 rating on MyAnimeList and a devoted fanbase who swear by its heartwarming narrative.
3. Barakamon (2014)
Barakamon is a delightful gem of a series that deals with self-discovery and the healing power of rural life. It follows the journey of Seishuu Handa, a young calligrapher from Tokyo who moves to a remote island after a public meltdown. Through his interactions with the quirky islanders and their simple, yet profound, way of life, Handa finds new inspiration for his work and learns valuable life lessons. The show boasts beautifully rendered landscapes and a loveable ensemble of characters that you can't help but root for. Fun fact: Barakamon literally translates to energetic one, fitting for a show that energizes its viewers.
4. A Silent Voice (2016)
This entry might be a film, not a series, but it's too good to skip. A Silent Voice is a beautifully animated movie that deals with themes of bullying, redemption, and friendship. The story follows Shoya Ishida, a former bully who sets out to make amends to Shoko Nishimiya, a girl he tormented in school due to her hearing impairment. As the narrative unfolds, viewers are treated to a heart-tugging story of remorse, reconciliation, and personal growth. Its sensitive portrayal of the characters' struggles has earned it a stellar 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
5. Usagi Drop (2011)
Usagi Drop is like a warm hug in the form of an anime. It tells the story of Daikichi Kawachi, a 30-year-old bachelor who ends up becoming the guardian of Rin, his grandfather's illegitimate six-year-old daughter, after the grandfather's death. Despite his initial reluctance and the struggles of sudden parenthood, Daikichi grows into his role, and his bond with Rin becomes the heart of the series. This anime perfectly captures the trials, tribulations, and joys of parenting, all while maintaining a light-hearted tone.
6. March Comes In Like a Lion (2016-2018)
Beneath its serene surface, March Comes In Like a Lion boasts a narrative that's as compelling as it is heartwarming. The series focuses on Rei Kiriyama, a 17-year-old professional shogi player dealing with emotional turmoil and the pressures of his career. A chance encounter leads him to the Kawamoto sisters, who provide him with the familial warmth he lacks. As Rei navigates through the complexities of adolescence, professional competition, and his own mental health, the series presents a poignant study of human resilience and the power of connection. The series is named after a traditional Japanese saying used to describe the incoming spring, symbolizing the protagonist's journey towards personal growth.
7. My Love Story!! (2015)
The anime revolves around Takeo Goda, a giant high school student with a heart to match. Despite his intimidating appearance, Takeo is a kindhearted soul who can't seem to win the affections of girls, always losing out to his attractive best friend, Makoto Sunakawa. However, his luck takes a turn when he saves Rinko Yamato, a cute girl who falls for him, starting an adorable romance. The series delicately explores their relationship, breaking traditional stereotypes, and offering viewers a refreshing take on high school romance. My Love Story!! won the Best Shoujo Manga at the 37th Kodansha Manga Awards.
8. Haikyuu!! (2014-present)
Sports anime are known for their feel-good moments and Haikyuu!! takes it to another level with its tale of camaraderie, determination, and the love of volleyball. The story follows Shoyo Hinata, a short but passionate volleyball player who dreams of becoming a star player despite his height disadvantage. After joining the Karasuno High School volleyball team, he meets Tobio Kageyama, a volleyball prodigy with whom he initially clashes but eventually forms a dynamic partnership. The series is a rollercoaster of nail-biting matches, heartwarming team bonding, and characters who constantly defy the odds. On Letterboxd, the series has an impressive rating of 4.1 out of 5.
9. Sweetness & Lightning (2016)
Sweetness & Lightning cooks up a delightful mix of food, family, and feels. Widower Kohei Inuzuka is struggling to balance his job as a teacher and raising his young daughter, Tsumugi. When he realizes his lack of cooking skills is affecting Tsumugi, he begins taking cooking lessons from one of his students, Kotori. What ensues is a heartwarming journey of culinary discoveries, father-daughter bonding, and simple joys of everyday life.
10. Flying Witch (2016)
Rounding off our list is Flying Witch, an anime that's as soothing as a countryside breeze. Makoto Kowata, a young witch-in-training, moves to rural Aomori to live with her relatives as part of her witch education. The series follows Makoto's day-to-day life, filled with both mundane and magical happenings. Despite being a witch, Makoto's experiences feel surprisingly grounded, resulting in a slice-of-life anime that's both relaxing and delightful. The series offers a wonderful message – life, whether ordinary or magical, is beautiful and should be enjoyed at a leisurely pace.
