Comedy is a genre of anime that doesn’t get the respect that it deserves. Shōnen, slice-of-life, and isekai are some of the most popular genres around, but comedy should be up there. There aren’t many comedic anime series out there, and even fewer that can be called genuine 10/10s.
There are a ton of different ways an anime series can go about its humor. Some are joke-heavy, others are filled with gags, and some sit right in the middle, incorporating all types of humor to create a hilarious end product.
Comedy anime series are special because of their ability to lift someone’s mood.The best comedy anime around are exceptional because they can make someone feel better even on their worst days, showing that nothing is impossible to overcome so long as you can find a way to laugh about it.
10Bocchi the Rock!
Animated By CloverWorks, Based on the Manga by Aki Hamazi
There aren’t many series quite likeBocchi the Rock!.It’s equal parts lovable, hilarious, heartwarming, and exciting all at once. The main character, Hitori Gotoh, is one ofthe most adorable characters in anime, and it’s entirely by accident. She’s a high school student who loves playing guitar more than anything, but her extreme social anxiety makes her more introverted than most.
Bocchi the Rock!is hilarious because of how well it captures social anxiety. Being anxious sucks, but Bocchi proves that it isn’t the end of the world. With a great group of friends and family supporting her, Bocchi is learning more about herself and how to express her musical talent without worrying about her overwhelming feelings.
9Spy x Family
Animated By Wit Studio and CloverWorks, Based on the Manga Series By Tatsuya Endo
Spy x Familyis another series that works well within a few genres as well. It’s action-packed, filled with lovable characters, and is always hilarious. The series follows the new Forger family. Loid Forger started the family as a way to accomplish his mission as an undercover spy, but the longer he’s with his family, the more real their relationships become.
Loid, Yor, and Anya’s inherent abilities mixed with their desires to hide them make the series gut-bustingly funny. They each have their own agenda, and for the most part, they do a great job of keeping them hidden. Anya’s telepathy allows her to learn much more than she should, which is one of the best reasons to watchSpy x Family.
8One-Punch Man
Animated By Madhouse and J.C. Staff, Based on the Webcomic By ONE
One-Punch Manis both one of thebest shōnen animes series of the new generationand a perfect subversion of the shōnen genre. The series stars Saitama as the titular One-Punch Man. He’s an amazingly powerful superhero that can defeat nearly any enemy with a single punch. While a lot of people would be excited to have his power, Saitama is bored to death.
Saitama is so strong that he finds little interest in his daily life, and he’s pretty funny juxtaposed against the heroes who take the world’s threats seriously. Every other character in the series (bar King) is portrayed as a normal shōnen character, and it works perfectly.
7City the Animation
Animated By Kyoto Animation, Based on the Manga By Keiichi Arawi
City the Animationis the latest creation by Keiichi Arawi to hit the screens. It’s another collaboration between theNichijoucreator and Kyoto Animation, meaning that anyone who likedNichijouneeds to check outCity the Animation. Nichijouhas an incredibly rare feeling to it, andCity the Animationlooks to recreate something equally similar.
It’s hard to say exactly what this series is about, and that’s kind of the point. The plot ofCity the Animationdoesn’t matter so much as the jokes that are made in it. The series couldn’t care less about anything that isn’t a means to a joke, and that’s just one of the reasons why it’s destined to go down as an all-time great.
6Mob Psycho 100
Animated By Studio Bones, Based on the Webcomic By One
Mob Psycho 100is another series by One, the creator ofOne-Punch Man.It’s such a great series that it’s impressive that One could create not just one, but two hilarious anime series that have nothing to do with one another. The animation Studio Bones brought to the table really brings this series to life.
Studio Bones did a great job bringing the humor ofMob Psycho 100to the screen without even adding any dialogue. When the banterisincluded, however, the series is taken to another level. Whether Reigen is trying to convince Mob of something ridiculous, or Dimple is trying to weasel out of a tough situation,Mob Psycho 100shines as a top-tier comedy anime.
5Gintama
Animated By Sunrise, Based on the Manga By Hideaki Sorachi
Gintamais in the hall of fame when it comes to comedy anime. It’s one ofthe longest-running anime serieswith plenty of movies that keep the story going. The series stars Gintoki Sakata in an alternate universe where aliens have invaded the Earth. Gintoki spends the series doing odd jobs where he can so that he can earn a few bucks.
Gintamawill go down as a great not just for its run time, but for its dedication to comedy. There are a lot of anime series that include comedy in their stories, but there are few that focus on being funny more thanGintama.Humor isGintama’sunapologetic first priority.
4Grand Blue (Grand Blue Dreaming)
Animated By Zero-G, Based on the Manga By Kenji Inoue and Kimitake Yoshioka
In the very first episode,Grand Bluelets audiences know that it’s an anime series that is doing its own thing.Grand Blueis the first thing that most people would think of if they were told that it’s an anime series that combines fraternity escapades with a deep love of the ocean.
Grand Blueis as crass as it gets, and that’s exactly what it wants to be. It’s not a series that has ever been accused of making someone think.Grand Bluestars a university student who is introduced to drinking, getting naked for no reason, and scuba diving all in one hilarious sitting.
3The Eminence in Shadow
Animated By Nexus, Based on the Light Novel By Daisuke Aizawa and Tōzai
The Eminence Shadowis likeOne-Punch Manin that it’s both an isekai series and a series that makes fun of the genre that it finds itself in. Most isekai protagonists get transported to a new world and gain a ton of great powers and a harem of women who love them for seemingly no reason.
Shadow is exactly that character, and he couldn’t care less. He’s always just wanted to do his own thing. As the titular Eminence in Shadow, he’s finally gotten his opportunity.The Eminence in Shadowis hilarious because it feels like it isn’t even trying to be. The funniest moments occur so naturally that it feels like they’re unintentional in the best way possible.
2KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World!
Animated By Studio Deen, Based on the Light Novel Series Written By Natsume Akatsuki and Illustrated By Kurone Mishima
KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World!ranks asthe funniest isekai series ever made. It’s hilarious from the first episode to the last, and it doesn’t drop in quality once. The voice actors inKonoSubaare some of the best in the industry.
The writing inKonoSubais so good that it puts other series to shame. Kazuma’s banter with Megumin, Aqua, and Darkness is second to none. It’s amazing that this series is a 10/10 even when the characters are just talking to one another. While other series need giant set pieces to move their stories along,KonoSubadoesn’t need anything.
1Nichijou
Nichijouis a staple of comedic anime. It’s a series that is funny for anime newcomers and hilarious for veterans of the genre.Nichijouis a vibrant display of comedy in its purest form. It’s hilarious in the same way thatSolo Levelingis exciting, orOne Pieceis captivating. In just 26 episodes,Nichijoucements itself asone of the best anime series of all time.
There are six main characters inNichijouthat steal the series. Each brings something unique and fresh to the franchise that won’t soon be forgotten. The main six are all adorable, lovable, and stand out thanks to their distinct personalities.Nichijouis a must-watch for anyone looking for a laugh who only wants the best of the best.