The last ten years have been a golden age for school anime, with many series offering fresh perspectives on the familiar high school setting. While some stick to classic tropes, many have introduced innovative narratives and realistic characters. This article ranks the best school anime produced in the last decade, focusing on their quality, impact, and originality.
The Rise of Modern School Anime
School anime has long been a popular genre, but the last decade has seen a surge in creativity and depth. Modern series delve into complex themes, present characters with relatable flaws, and offer nuanced stories that resonate with a wide audience. These anime often go beyond the typical slice-of-life formula, incorporating elements of comedy, drama, romance, and even action to create compelling viewing experiences. What sets these more recent anime apart is their focus on making characters feel like real students and teachers, along with addressing deeper and more realistic problems.
Top School Anime of the Last 10 Years
Here are some of the best school anime of the past decade, ranked by their critical acclaim, popularity, and overall impact:
1. Kaguya-sama: Love is War (2019-2023)
Kaguya-sama: Love is War stands out for its ingenious premise and comedic execution. The story revolves around the student council president, Miyuki Shirogane, and vice-president, Kaguya Shinomiya, who are both in love with each other but refuse to confess, instead trying to trick the other into admitting their feelings. The series is filled with hilarious mind games, over-the-top reactions, and genuinely heartwarming moments, making it a consistently engaging watch. Its unique blend of romance and comedy, coupled with the relatable struggles of its characters, has solidified its place as a fan-favorite.
2. My Hero Academia (2016-Present)
Set in a world where the majority of people possess superpowers, My Hero Academia follows Izuku Midoriya, a boy born without any powers, as he strives to become the world’s greatest hero. Enrolling in the prestigious U.A. High School for heroes, Midoriya faces numerous challenges, both physical and emotional, while making friends and learning what it truly means to be a hero. The series is lauded for its vibrant characters, dynamic action sequences, and powerful message about perseverance and hope. Its popularity has made it a flagship anime of the decade.
3. Assassination Classroom (2015-2016)
Assassination Classroom offers a unique and entertaining premise: a class of underachieving students tasked with assassinating their tentacled, superpowered teacher, Koro-sensei, who also happens to be the one who destroyed the moon. This bizarre scenario is surprisingly heartwarming and teaches valuable lessons about friendship, growth, and the importance of learning. With its mix of comedy, action, and poignant moments, the anime provides an unconventional yet compelling take on the school genre.
4. Horimiya (2021)
Horimiya offers a refreshing take on the high school romance genre. It focuses on the blossoming relationship between Kyouko Hori, a popular and seemingly perfect student, and Izumi Miyamura, a quiet and unassuming boy who hides a secret. This anime stands out due to its realistic portrayal of high school life and the complexities of relationships. Its characters are well-developed, their interactions feel authentic, and the series balances lighthearted moments with genuinely emotional ones.
5. Komi Can’t Communicate (2021-Present)
Komi Can’t Communicate tells the story of Shouko Komi, a beautiful and admired high school student who struggles with extreme social anxiety, making it nearly impossible for her to communicate effectively. Her classmate, Hitohito Tadano, sets out to help her achieve her goal of making 100 friends. This anime stands out for its unique premise and the heartfelt portrayal of Komi’s struggles. It’s a touching story about overcoming social anxiety, the value of genuine friendship, and the beauty of human connection.
6. ReLIFE (2016-2018)
ReLIFE offers a unique and thought-provoking concept. The series follows Arata Kaizaki, a 27-year-old unemployed man who is given the opportunity to relive his high school years after taking an experimental drug. As he navigates the challenges of high school once again, he re-evaluates his life and learns valuable lessons about himself and his future. This anime explores themes of disillusionment, second chances, and the complexities of adulthood with humor and insight.
7. Haikyuu!! (2014-2020)
A sports anime centered around high school volleyball, Haikyuu!! has become a phenomenon. The series follows Shoyo Hinata, a small but determined player who dreams of becoming a star volleyball player. His journey alongside his teammates, filled with incredible animation, lovable characters, and intense sports drama, makes for exciting viewing. The series focuses on teamwork, skill development, and the thrill of competition, making it a captivating watch for both sports enthusiasts and anime fans.
8. Hyouka (2012)
Hyouka follows Houtarou Oreki, a high school student who prefers to conserve his energy, as he reluctantly joins the school’s Classic Literature Club. Together with his clubmates, he gets entangled in mysteries, using his sharp deductive skills to solve them. The series is known for its beautiful animation, intricate plots, and well-developed characters. With its intriguing blend of mystery and slice-of-life elements, Hyouka stands out as a unique and visually stunning anime.
9. The Dangers in My Heart (2023-Present)
The Dangers in My Heart is a romantic comedy that follows Kyotaro Ichikawa, a high school boy with dark fantasies, and Anna Yamada, a popular and beautiful classmate. As they spend more time together, their unlikely friendship develops into something more. This anime stands out for its unique characters, humorous situations, and genuinely sweet moments. Its portrayal of awkward yet endearing interactions makes it a standout in the romance genre.
10. Yuri!!! on Ice (2016)
While not solely focused on the school environment, Yuri!!! on Ice is a notable sports anime of the decade with its fair share of high school settings. This series follows Yuri Katsuki, a Japanese figure skater struggling with his career, and his journey to reclaim his confidence and reach the top of the sport. Its beautiful animation, graceful choreography, and endearing characters made it a hit. The series is praised for its portrayal of sportsmanship, personal growth, and the importance of support.
Conclusion
The past decade has seen a remarkable variety of school anime that push the boundaries of the genre. From heartfelt romances to thrilling action series, these anime have offered compelling stories and unforgettable characters. These ten series represent the best of what the genre has to offer, combining originality with high-quality production and storytelling. As the anime landscape continues to evolve, these series will undoubtedly remain classics for years to come.
