Animehas become renowned for its intense and emotionally resonant stories and its ability to create visually mesmerizing worlds. From shounen to mecha, the genres have often tied themselves to over-the-top fight sequences andgraphic depictions of violence.
While these gore-infused anime series do attract curious outsiders and satiate the true otakus, some viewers may entirely dismiss the medium, assuming anything animated from Japan must inherently be violent or disturbing. But that’s not the case at all.
There are some truly understated anime gems that hook viewers through more delicate narratives. Whether they’re slowly unfolding mysteries, or tackling relatable topics like growth and human connection, they don’t really need to rely on shock factor to beaddictive. These anime series dabble in mature subjects, sure, but they are also low-key and subtle in visuals.
Anime’s vast arsenal of titles harbors charming and mindful series that will satisfy your senses but never trigger them. So, let’s explore 20 lesser-known anime series that are highly addictive because of their graceful storytelling and thought-provoking themes.
20Hanasaku Iroha (2011)
A tender and heartwarming slice-of-life drama,Hanasaku Irohafollows the journey of fitting in of a precocious teen named Ohana Matsumae, who is forced toleave her home in Tokyoto live with her grandmother in a small town in rural Japan. Though bored with the remote setting, Ohana finds excitement in working at her grandmother’s traditional inn, meeting new customers, and eventually grows fond of her quirky friends at school.
What Makes It So Addictive
The story is told with a very lighthearted tone. Ultimately, it is a coming-of-age story, with Ohana’s refreshing perspective and bubby optimism being the main thing about the series that is so relatable. It also offers an immersive look into the ryokan culture of rural Japan and overall flows naturally and comfortably across one season.Stream it on Crunchyroll
19Space Brothers (2012)
After witnessing a UFO one night as children, Mutta Nanba and his younger brother Hibito vow to become astronauts when they grow up. But life has different paths for them, leading the older Mutta to become a factory worker and the younger Hibito to follow regulations and become the first Japanese man to step on the Moon. But after losing his job, Mutta receives a response from the grueling JAXA program, stating that he has been selected as one of the few people to become the next astronaut.
Realistically speaking, the time frame of this series is quite immense, making two seasons feel less than what the story could possibly have accomplished. However, this does not diminish the fact thatSpace Brothersis a wonderful anime that exploresthe joy and thrill of space travel. Rather than focusing on flashy spectacle, the series focuses on the wholesome bond and aspirations of the two brothers.Stream it on Crunchyroll
18After the Rain (2018)
Koi wa Ameagari no You ni, orAfter the Rain, centers around a gorgeous high school teenager named Akira Tachibana, who has had boys advance her all her life, but she has her eyes set on the 45-year-old man Masami Kondou, the manager of Garden Cafe, where she works part-time. Despite the age gap, she finds herself drawn to his soft-spoken nature and kindness. But will confessing her feelings lead anywhere, ever?
20 Anime Quotes That Hit Hard
Here is a selection of quotes from anime shows and movies that hit the nail on the head, sometimes painfully so.
A show that makes you reflect and contemplate,After the Rainmay seem indigestible at first, but the series has such a relaxed flow and poignant feel that it is impossible to put down. No narrative climaxes, no sensational scenes, and absolutely no drama, just a gentle observation of the everyday routine of the protagonist working at her calm café and realizing that love can feel all too fleeting when you have your entire life ahead of you.Stream it on Prime Video
17Shirobako (2014)
Have you and your otaku fan ever dreamed of working in the anime world? Well, we certainly have. And so have these five best friends from Kaminoyama High School.Shirobakochronicles the life of Aoi Miyamori, Ema Yasuhara, Midori Imai, Shizuka Sakaki, and Misa Toudou, who are so enthusiastic about anime that they decide to make a career out of it. From making their first amateur anime together to winning and failing in real life, their talents bring the series alive.
The anime won the Animation of the Year award back in 2016, and the reason for this is its ability to spread an infectious charm in the viewer’s heart. The way it depicts its witty heroines and fills them with spirit and nuance and passion is what drives the technicalities of the series. From Aoi’s triumph in the industry, to Misa’s unsatisfying job in a company,Shirobakostirs emotions you didn’t even know existed inside of you.Rent it on Apple TV+
16Mushi-shi (2005)
What is life? We’ve all had this question stuck in our heads for as long as we can remember. In the world of Mushi-shi, the term starts to make sense. “Mushi,” according to Japanese folklore, are the most basic forms of life in the world. They exist without purpose or being, beyond the fight of good and evil. Mushi-shi, on the other hand, are people who carry out research on “mushi,” and are willing toexplore life’s deeper meaningsthrough whimsical encounters.
By taking one inquisitive protagonist and placing him in a visually poetic and meaningful world,Mushi-shicrafts a soulful scenery that soothes you and makes you think. But do not be fooled by its tender narrative, because Ginko, the protagonist, is often faced with the responsibility of cleaning up the mess made by these creatures, which are also surprisingly dangerous to humans.Stream it on Crunchyroll
15K-ON! (2009)
InK-ON!, the members of Light Music Club enjoy their daily practice times together as school life passes by. They spend more time bonding over their duties than rehearsing. As graduation nears, this comical group will only enhance their closeness through a little magic and a lot of fun.
The best aspect ofK-ON!is the vibrant characters. Despite not having drama to anchor the narrative, the series expresses each character’s personality by infusing them withpassion and youth and lighthearted inspiration. The anime follows a quintessential “cute girls doing cute things” trope but never grows trite. Instead, the progression is easy and soothing.Stream it on HIDIVE
14Food Wars (2015)
Perhaps the most intense and competitive anime series on the list,Food Warsfollows Souma Yukihira, a young and ambitious boy born into a household of chefs. He grew up working alongside his father as a sous chef, but his dreams were bigger. So, Souma transfers into an elite culinary academy that not only houses the most prodigious chefs but is also known for its “Shokugeki,” which are cooking battles with skilled chefs.
Far beyondan anime about cooking,Food Warstakes pride in taking the audience through a journey of discovery by enlightening all of their senses. From the lavish animation to the detailed explanation, there isn’t one thing that won’t stimulate your appetite. Moreover, the main character, Souma, has a unique philosophy towards food, which reflects in his devotion, his recipes, and his flavors.Stream it on Crunchyroll
13The Way of the Househusband (2021)
Tatsu, the legendary yakuza who was known across the globe as “Immortal Dragon,” has left the life of crime and underworld behind and just wants to be a househusband. But chores aren’t easy, we all know that.The Way of the Househusbandfollows the many shenanigans that ensue when Tatsu applies the same vigilance of street fighting to silly tasks like cooking or home repairs.
20 Funny Anime Series for When You Need a Good Laugh
Whether you want a quick mood boost or a wholehearted belly laugh, the anime on this list have all the feel-good stories to delight you.
The deadpan humor and absurdity of daily life is what generates low-key laughs in the anime. The anticlimaxes and visual gags are so thoughtfully paced that you don’t even notice the scenes transitioning from one real domestic setting to another. Plus, with Kenjirô Tsuda’s brilliant voice acting, we’re allowed to look into the life of a humorous ex-criminal and the adventures that erupt when his former life catches up to him.Stream it on Netflix
12Hyouka (2012)
A mystery thriller that strays away from any violence,Hyoukacenters around high school freshman Houtarou Oreki, who wishes nothing more than to live in the shadows, peacefully and away from all the enthusiasm of peers. However, with the courtesy of his sister, Oreki is ropes into the memberless Classics Club, where he must solve mysterious occurrences at his school using logic and observation.
The anime is more for intellectuals than it is for mainstream viewers.Paced carefully like a novel, the audience is allowed enough time to understand clues and solve puzzles. The forensic duo of Oreki and Eru is as charming as it is genuine, and watching them peel back the social and psychological facets is extremely rewarding and addictive.Stream it on Crunchyroll.
11Flying Witch (2016)
Set in a rural Japanese town wheremagic and witchcraftare common practice,Flying Witchjourneys the life of 15-year-old Makoto Kowata, who has moved out of her parents' home in Yokohama to understand, learn, control, and practice her skills. Though new to crafting charms and using spells, Makoto enjoys village life alongside Chito, her black cat.
Flying Witchspreads across one comedic season and feels like a warm brew on a lazy Sunday. Its watercolor style of animation and gentle pacing does a fantastic job at immersing the viewers into the narrative, which isn’t confusing or convoluted at all. There are a few dangerous run-ins and dramatic turns into the plotline, but the anime never gets violent and stays wholesome from start to finish.Stream it on Crunchyroll.
