[Top 20] High School Anime (Ranked)
High school anime, a delightful and captivating genre of animated storytelling, brings boundless joy to viewers worldwide.
With its colourful characters, enchanting narratives, and dazzling visuals, it transports audiences into the lively and vibrant lives of high school students.
Exploring the exhilarating rollercoaster of adolescence, these shows infuse everyday moments with a sprinkle of magic, celebrating themes of love, friendship, self-discovery, and personal growth.
In this delightful article, we embark on a cheerful journey through the whimsical world of high school anime, discovering its delightful subgenres, endearing characters, and the infectious impact it has on popular culture.
Get ready to immerse yourself in a realm where teenage dreams come to life with a joyful burst of animated wonder!
20. My Hero Academia
Get ready to be captivated by the magical world of My Hero Academia, where superpowers and high school adventures combine.
Follow Izuku Midoriya on an exciting journey that exceeds all expectations. Experience a thrilling mix of action, emotional storytelling, and a colorful cast of characters who embody heroism and friendship.
Explore the fascinating universe of My Hero Academia, where the lines between superhuman abilities and teenage life are blurred. See the profound influence this series has had on pop culture as it encourages us to embrace our strengths and overcome obstacles.
Be amazed by My Hero Academia's world where dreams take flight and heroism knows no limits.
19. Rascal Does Not Dream Of Bunny Girl Senpai
"Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai" is a captivating anime series that seamlessly blends the realms of adolescent struggles and supernatural phenomena.
Set in a modern-day high school, the story revolves around the enigmatic encounters of Sakuta Azusagawa, a seemingly ordinary high school student. However, Sakuta's life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters various girls who are plagued by "Puberty Syndrome" – mysterious and bizarre phenomenon that manifest as supernatural abnormalities. From a girl dressed as a bunny girl who only Sakuta can see, to others facing unique challenges like invisibility and memory loss, each encounter unravels a captivating and emotional narrative.
As Sakuta delves deeper into these supernatural incidents, he becomes entwined in the lives of these girls and discovers the underlying causes behind their troubles. Through thought-provoking dialogue, heartfelt moments, and intricate character development, "Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai" explores themes of identity, friendship, love, and the complex nature of adolescence.
Prepare to be captivated by this unique blend of supernatural elements and heartfelt storytelling as you dive into the fascinating world of "Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai."
18. Yamada-kun And The Seven Witches
"Yamada-kun and the Seven Witches" is a beloved harem anime with a twist. In this unique series, Ryu Yamada's accidental encounter with a classmate leads to a body-swapping phenomenon reminiscent of Makoto Shinkai's "Your Name."
Little did they know, their school harbours seven magical witches, and a simple kiss allows Ryu to borrow their extraordinary powers.
Brace yourself for a rollercoaster of high-school hijinks as Ryu navigates the challenges of body-swapping, mind-reading, invisibility, and much more.
Prepare for a delightful blend of comedy, romance, and supernatural abilities in this captivating anime.
17. Another
"Another" is a captivating Japanese horror novel and anime series that has sent shivers down the spines of its devoted fans.
The story revolves around Koichi Sakakibara, a high school student who undergoes a disconcerting transfer to a new school, only to find himself entangled in a chilling sequence of unexplained deaths that afflict his classmates.
As Koichi delves deeper into the ominous enigma surrounding the curse that haunts his class, he becomes driven to uncover the truth and break free from the relentless cycle of tragedy.
With its masterfully crafted suspense, psychological intricacy, and visually unsettling aesthetics, "Another" offers a gripping and hair-raising experience that continues to captivate viewers who revel in the realm of horror.
16. The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
"The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya" takes you on a captivating journey alongside the spirited high school girl, Haruhi.
With her power to reshape reality, she forms the SOS Brigade to investigate the supernatural. This unique anime combines school life, mystery, and humour, exploring themes of friendship and imagination.
Prepare for an extraordinary adventure filled with mystery and laughter in "The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya."
15. A Silent Voice
"A Silent Voice" is a touching anime film that explores themes of redemption, acceptance, and communication.
It follows Shoya Ishida's journey to make amends for bullying his deaf classmate, Shoko Nishimiya. Through heartfelt storytelling and beautiful animation, the film portrays the importance of empathy, friendship, and second chances.
Prepare to be moved by this profound tale of personal growth and the power of understanding.
14. Ouran High School Host Club
"Ouran High School Host Club" is a delightful anime series that takes place at a prestigious academy.
The story revolves around Haruhi Fujioka, a scholarship student who accidentally stumbles into the Host Club, a group of charming male students who entertain female clients.
Mistaken for a boy, Haruhi becomes a member of the club, leading to hilarious and heartwarming adventures.
With its comedic moments, romantic undertones, and endearing characters, "Ouran High School Host Club" offers a lighthearted and entertaining experience for viewers.
13. Your Name: Kimi no Na wa
"Your Name" (Kimi no Na wa) is a mesmerizing anime film that tells the story of Mitsuha and Taki, who mysteriously swap bodies.
The anime film is a mix of romance and love, bringing forth the love story of these two individuals. As they navigate each other's lives, a profound connection forms.
With stunning visuals and a captivating soundtrack, "Your Name" explores themes of fate, love, and the power of longing. Prepare to be enchanted by this emotionally charged and critically acclaimed masterpiece.
12. Tonari no Seki-kun
"Tonari no Seki-kun" is a comedic anime adaptation of Takuma Morishige's manga. The series revolves around Seki-Kun, a high school student known for his lack of attention in class and his penchant for engaging in unrelated activities.
Yokoi, his seatmate, becomes captivated by Seki-Kun's antics, such as constructing a mini-golf course on his desk or staging paper shogi battles.
Despite the trouble they attract from their teacher, Yokoi and Seki-Kun continue their mischievous and humorous escapades, undeterred by the consequences. Prepare for a delightful and laughter-filled journey with these two seatmates as they create endless entertainment in the classroom.
11. High School of the Dead
High School of the Dead is an exhilarating anime series that plunges viewers into a world overrun by a relentless zombie apocalypse.
Set in a high school, the story follows a group of students fighting for survival against hordes of undead creatures. Amidst the chaos, they face heart-pounding action, make tough decisions, and form unexpected alliances to stay alive.
High School of the Dead seamlessly blends horror, action, and elements of fan service, creating a captivating experience that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. With its dynamic animation, intense fight sequences, and diverse ensemble of characters, the series has garnered a devoted following.
It is praised for its fast-paced storytelling and visually striking portrayal of the harrowing zombie-infested landscape.
10. Sakura-sou no Pet na Kanojo
"Sakura-sou no Pet na Kanojo" follows Sorata Kanda, a passionate cat lover who finds himself in a predicament when he can't bear to part with his feline companions.
To accommodate his furry friends, Sorata moves to the eccentric Sakura Hall, a satellite dorm with its own set of rules. There, he encounters a colorful cast of characters, including Kamiigusa Misaki, Mitaka Jin, Ryuunosuke, Aoyama Nanami, and Shiina Mashiro.
As Sorata adapts to his new lifestyle and strives to find new homes for the cats, he unknowingly embarks on a life-changing journey filled with unexpected twists and turns.
Get ready for a heartfelt and transformative story that explores friendship, self-discovery, and the bonds that form in Sakura-sou.
9. Haikyuu!!
"Haikyuu!!" is a sports and high school anime series centred around Hinata Shoyo, a determined and vertically challenged aspiring volleyball player.
After facing defeat in middle school against Tobio Kageyama's team, Hinata enters Karasuno High School with the aim of honing his skills and becoming a top player.
However, he is surprised to find that Kageyama is also attending the same school due to academic reasons. Together, Hinata and Kageyama must learn to collaborate and develop their abilities as a duo to compete against formidable high school volleyball teams across Japan.
Prepare for an exhilarating journey filled with teamwork, growth, and thrilling matches in "Haikyuu!!"
8. High School DXD
Welcome to the wild and hilarious world of "High School DxD," an anime series that combines supernatural elements, comedy, and fan service in a high school setting.
Follow the story of Issei Hyoudou, a perverted high school student who is unexpectedly killed and revived as a devil by a beautiful demon girl named Rias Gremory.
With his newfound powers and surrounded by a bevvy of supernatural beauties, Issei becomes embroiled in a world of angels, fallen angels, and other mythical creatures.
7. Angel Beats
In this intriguing high school anime series, Yuzuru Otonashi finds himself in an unusual school setting. A mysterious girl with angelic white hair is being targeted, and Yuzuru becomes entangled in the chaos. Little does he know, this high school serves as a purgatory for students with unresolved issues from their previous lives.
As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the enigmatic Angel is not the true antagonist. Instead, the characters must confront their own internal struggles and seek inner peace in order to move on.
Prepare for a thought-provoking journey where self-reflection and personal growth take centre stage in this captivating high school purgatory.
6. Assassination Classroom
Assassination Classroom presents a unique school environment unlike any other. While there are no curses, body-swapping, or gambling, the presence of a peculiar yellow alien named Koro-sensei adds an extraordinary twist. Despite his intention to destroy the Earth, Koro-sensei also takes on the role of a teacher.
The students of his class are entrusted with the task of utilizing specially-designed weapons to attempt to assassinate Koro-sensei.
However, this proves to be a challenging feat in this high school anime series. On top of their assassination attempts, the students must also navigate the usual responsibilities of attending lectures, completing homework, and taking exams.
Prepare for an exhilarating blend of action, comedy, and academic endeavours as the students strive to balance their studies and assassination missions in Assassination Classroom.
5. Kuroko no Basket
"Kuroko no Basket" is an exhilarating sports anime that delves into the competitive world of high school basketball.
The series revolves around the Seirin High team, led by the dynamic duo of Taiga Kagami and the enigmatic Tetsuya Kuroko. Despite his unassuming presence, Kuroko possesses extraordinary skills as a "shadow" player.
Together, they strive to conquer the formidable "Generation of Miracles," a group of exceptionally talented players hailing from different schools.
Brace yourself for thrilling matches, fierce rivalries, and awe-inspiring basketball action as "Kuroko no Basket" takes you on an adrenaline-pumping journey through the court.
4. Fruits Basket
"Fruits Basket" captivated readers with its long-running manga series and gained popularity with its 2000s anime adaptation. In recent years, it received a faithful reboot that closely follows the original manga. The story revolves around Toru Honda, an orphan girl who finds herself taken in by the enigmatic and secluded Sohma family.
To her surprise, she discovers that each member of the family is cursed by the Chinese Zodiac, transforming into animals. As Toru navigates her high school life, she becomes entangled in a complex web of relationships while dealing with the challenges of the Sohma curse and the manipulative family head, Akito.
With its blend of romance, high school life, and the supernatural, "Fruits Basket" stands as a timeless shojo series that captures the hearts of its viewers. Whether you're a fan of high school anime or simply love a captivating romance, this series is a must-watch that will leave a lasting impression.
3. Orange
In the captivating series "Orange," we follow the journey of Naho Takamiya, a teenager who receives a mysterious letter from her future self.
To her dismay, the letter reveals a future filled with regrets and urges her to take action. Guided by the letter's instructions, Naho must watch over a boy named Kakeru, who is absent in her future. Her mission is twofold: to save him and improve her own destiny.
Prepare for a heartfelt story of self-discovery, friendship, and the power of second chances as Naho strives to rewrite her fate and make a difference in "Orange."
2. Toradora
Regarded as one of the top school anime series among fans, "Toradora!" features the feisty and formidable Taiga Aisaka, known for her fierce nature. Unexpectedly, she forms an unlikely friendship with Ryuji, who may appear intimidating but possesses a gentle heart.
Initially, Taiga and Ryuji strike a mutual agreement to help each other pursue their respective crushes, who happen to be their best friends.
However, the romantic dynamics become increasingly complex as Taiga and Ryuji find themselves growing closer to one another instead.
Eventually, they embark on a journey together, seeking time to unravel their own lives and discover their true desires. Prepare for a captivating tale of friendship, love, and self-discovery in "Toradora!"
1. Classroom of the Elite
"Classroom of the Elite" unfolds within the prestigious confines of Koudo Ikusei High School, where academic excellence reigns supreme.
Here, students find themselves immersed in a distinctive class system, their rankings determined by their achievements. Enter Kiyotaka Ayanokouji, a mysterious and introspective student assigned to Class D, which holds the lowest status.
But beneath Ayanokouji's unassuming demeanour lies a wealth of hidden talents and a mysterious past waiting to be unravelled. As the students of Class D navigate the demanding landscape of their competitive institution, they uncover unsettling secrets and the manipulative underbelly of the school.
Brace yourself for a gripping and intellectually stimulating anime series that delves into themes of social hierarchy, personal development, and the pursuit of genuine equality in the captivating world of "Classroom of the Elite."
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