10 best slice-of-life anime from 2024, ranked
The best slice-of-life anime in 2024 has portrayed life's everyday moments with an interesting and special charm. The stories offer heartfelt moments that attach well with viewers. This year brought fresh tales filled with relatable characters, comforting settings, and emotional journeys that stood out in the simplicity and reality of their scenarios.
From heartwarming tales of friendship to reflection stories on personal growth, the series has delivered laughter, tears, and meaningful experiences. With different themes and beautiful artistry, the best slice-of-life anime in 2024 left a permanent mark on the hearts of fans by bringing out the beauty in ordinary life.
From Tono to Inu to Look Back, here are the 10 best slice-of-life anime from 2024, ranked from least to most popular.
Disclaimer: This article reflects the writer's opinion and includes spoilers from the anime.
Mr. Villain's Day Off, Tono to Inu, and 8 other best slice-of-life anime from 2024, ranked
10) Tono to Inu
Tono to Inu follows the story of a feudal lord who struggles in Japan's Warring States era and discovers and adopts a Corgi, a breed entirely foreign to the time and place. He begins by pitying the dog because of his short legs but soon falls for its charm, and there begins a heartwarming bond.
This anime balances historical elements with an innovative twist, through the unique presence of the Corgi, to give light to the themes of companionship and resilience. Humor, emotional depth, and cultural contrast all come from the simple yet creative premise that makes Tono to Inu stand out in 2024 as one of the best slice-of-life anime.
9) My Deer Friend Nokotan
My Deer Friend Nokotan follows Torako Koshi, an ex-delinquent trying to keep her perfect record intact while keeping her bad boy/bad girl past in the closet. Plans get blown to smithereens when Nokotan shows up, a bizarre new classmate with deer antlers and an uncanny sense of smell for detecting lies. Secrets spill at every turn, and Torako's carefully constructed life begins to spiral into comedic chaos.
This anime shines with its absurd yet innovative humor, turning Nokotan's deer traits into endless comedic gold. The sharp writing and a hilariously memorable opening dance sequence make the story keep the fans tied. This places it among the best slice-of-life anime.
8) Dahlia in Bloom: Crafting a Fresh Start with Magical Tools
In Dahlia in Bloom: Crafting a Fresh Start with Magical Tools, Dahlia is a workplace-overworked reincarnate placed into this magical world after losing her father and breaking her heart. Raised by the great master toolmaker, everything changes. To be determined in her rise, she hones on making the magical tools as a step to shape the path herself.
This anime is special because of the empowering self-discovery and resilience storyline that hits viewers who identify with the importance of taking care of one's well-being. Beautiful animation combined with a heart-wrenching journey makes this one of the best slice-of-life anime coming out in 2024.
7) A Journey Through Another World: Raising Kids While Adventuring
A Journey Through Another World: Raising Kids While Adventuring follows Kayano Takumi, who is sent to a dangerous forest in another world, courtesy of a god's mistake. Within this dangerous forest, he then finds two abandoned children to raise, along with fending for himself.
This anime stands out with a new isekai and slice-of-life take. Instead of focusing on power building or battles, similar to other stories, A Journey Through Another World highlights family bonds and relationships. This gives the series a sincere view of responsibility and growth that places it among the best slice-of-life anime.
6) Hokkaido Gals Are Super Adorable!
Hokkaido Gals Are Super Adorable follows Tsubasa Shiki, a high schooler coming from Tokyo to live in the harsh cold of Hokkaido. The warmth of people, especially the girls, seems to be the best solace for him as he spends his days in this utterly new environment.
This anime shines with its light take on Hokkaido's unique culture, blending humor with the charm of its adorable female characters. It is a refreshing entry in the "cute girls doing cute things" subgenre and one of the best slice-of-life anime from 2024.
5) Jellyfish Can't Swim in the Night
Jellyfish Can't Swim in the Night follows Mahiru Kozuki who abandoned her artistic dreams after classmates ridiculed her mural. When she meets Kano Yamanouchi, a former idol launching a new musical project, Mahiru gets a second chance at creativity by designing its mascot, JELEE. With the support of her childhood friend Kiui and pianist Mei, Mahiru works through personal struggles to bring the project to life.
The anime shines through its inspiring story of friendship and perseverance. The show's themes of self-discovery and surpassing challenges make it one of the best slice-of-life anime from 2024.
4) Mr. Villain's Day Off
Mr. Villain's Day Off is a story about an alien invader, the General, who was assigned to conquer Earth, but he took some days off from his evil task to enjoy the simple human life. He visited zoos, savored ice cream, and many other funny things that were endearing to the softer side of an "evil" character.
Lighthearted and entertaining, the series goes about finding reasons to celebrate even in a very ordinary and mundane moment of life. With charming narration and an original take on villainy, Mr. Villain's Day Off is one of the best slice-of-life anime from 2024.
3) Bartender Glass of God
Bartender Glass of God is the story of Ryu Sasakura, a genius bartender with having mysterious sense concerning the emotional requirements of his patrons as he goes about brewing the perfect drink for them. The chairman of Hotel Cardinal will stop at nothing to get him, but Ryu's independence makes it a tough nut to crack.
This anime stands out because it focuses on mature problems, dealing with adult emotional struggles rather than the typical teenage problems one usually sees in slice-of-life series. Thoughtful storytelling and a unique premise revolving around a cocktail is an immersive and refreshing experience.
2) Grandpa and Grandma Turn Young Again
Grandpa and Grandma Turn Young Again is the story of Shouzou and Ine Saitou, a couple who have devoted their life to each other. This devoted elderly couple turns into their younger selves after splitting a magical golden apple.
With the wisdom of age and the energy of youth, they relive their lives in unexpected and often hilarious ways, much to the bewilderment of their family.
The anime is exceptionally beautiful in its exploration of second chances, mixing well-balanced humor and the joys and challenges of life. Its unique premise has given it a place as among the best slice-of-life anime from 2024.
1) Look Back
In Look Back, the popular and outgoing Fujino, known for drawing comics, is forced to share her workspace with Kyomoto, a reclusive talented artist. Jealous initially at Kyomoto's exceptional talent, Fujino learns from the experience of sharing time and space with Kyomoto that the power of creative collaboration and friendship can be the very source of deep transformative energy.
This anime is the best slice-of-life anime from 2024 as it captures the struggles and beauty of pursuing artistic dreams, showing the highs and lows of friendship and self-discovery. Poignant storytelling, stunning animation, and heartfelt themes all combine to leave a lasting impression.
Final thoughts
The best slice-of-life anime of 2024 has beautifully captured the essence of everyday moments with heartfelt narratives that find their way to the viewers. Shows such as Tono to Inu, Look Back, and Jellyfish Can't Swim in the Night are remarkable works that reflect their own perspectives toward self-growth, bonding with friendship, and the way dreams chase them.
From interactions between an alien invader and a human experience, or the struggles of an artist, these shows offer great emotional depth and stunning artistry.
Related links:
- 10 best slice-of-life anime and manga everyone should watch at least once
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