whatanimeshouldiwatchnext · Drama

The best performing arts drama anime you can start from the beginning

31 anime that are both drama and performing arts, ranked by MyAnimeList, with none of the sequels, side stories or recap editions you cannot start cold. Top of the list: Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso, Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu, Medalist.

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The list

1. 1 Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso Your Lie in April TV · 2014 · 22 episodes · A-1 Pictures · #92 on MyAnimeList 93% would recommend
2. 2 Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju TV · 2016 · 13 episodes · Studio Deen · #144 on MyAnimeList 93% would recommend
3. 3 Medalist TV · 2025 · 13 episodes · ENGI · #255 on MyAnimeList 95% would recommend
4. 4 Princess Tutu TV · 2002 · 38 episodes · HAL Film Maker · #524 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend
5. 5 Glass no Kamen (2005) Glass Mask TV · 2005 · 51 episodes · Tokyo Movie Shinsha · #669 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend
6. 6 Hibike! Euphonium Sound! Euphonium TV · 2015 · 13 episodes · Kyoto Animation · #704 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
7. 7 Akane-banashi TV · 2026 · 12 episodes · Zexcs · #847 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
8. 8 Kono Oto Tomare! Kono Oto Tomare!: Sounds of Life TV · 2019 · 13 episodes · Platinum Vision · #853 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
9. 9 Kaleido Star TV · 2003 · 51 episodes · Gonzo · #906 on MyAnimeList 83% would recommend
10. 10 Dance Dance Danseur TV · 2022 · 11 episodes · MAPPA · #1166 on MyAnimeList 66% would recommend
11. 11 Kokoro ga Sakebitagatterunda. The Anthem of the Heart Film · 2015 · A-1 Pictures · #1197 on MyAnimeList 85% would recommend
12. 12 Kageki Shoujo!! Kageki Shojo!! TV · 2021 · 13 episodes · PINE JAM · #1394 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
13. 13 Shoujo☆Kageki Revue Starlight Revue Starlight TV · 2018 · 12 episodes · Kinema Citrus · #1549 on MyAnimeList 80% would recommend
14. 14 Piano no Mori The Piano Forest Film · 2007 · Madhouse · #1717 on MyAnimeList 83% would recommend
15. 15 Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu: Yotarou Hourou-hen OVA · 2015 · 2 episodes · Studio Deen · #2000 on MyAnimeList 82% would recommend
16. 16 Mashiro no Oto Those Snow White Notes TV · 2021 · 12 episodes · Shin-Ei Animation · #2064 on MyAnimeList 82% would recommend
17. 17 Glass no Kamen TV · 1984 · 23 episodes · Eiken · #2806 on MyAnimeList 76% would recommend
18. 18 Saishuu Gakushou Hibike! Euphonium: Zenpen Sound! Euphonium: The Final Movie Part 1 Film · 2026 · Kyoto Animation · #2896 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
19. 19 World Is Dancing The World Is Dancing TV · 2026 · 13 episodes · Cypic · #3010 on MyAnimeList 77% would recommend
20. 20 Piano no Mori (TV) Forest of Piano TV · 2018 · 12 episodes · Gaina · #3054 on MyAnimeList 74% would recommend
21. 21 Ginban Kaleidoscope TV · 2005 · 12 episodes · Karaku · #3082 on MyAnimeList 74% would recommend
22. 22 Nitaboh Film · 2004 · WAO World · #3409 on MyAnimeList 75% would recommend
23. 23 Awajima Hyakkei A Hundred Scenes of Awajima TV · 2026 · 12 episodes · Madhouse · #3549 on MyAnimeList 68% would recommend
24. 24 Ao no Orchestra TV · 2023 · 24 episodes · Nippon Animation · #3666 on MyAnimeList 73% would recommend
25. 25 A3! Season Spring & Summer TV · 2020 · 12 episodes · P.A. Works · #4394 on MyAnimeList 66% would recommend

Why this is not a MyAnimeList search. Every entry here is one you can start from the beginning. Anything with a prequel or a parent story is left out, as are recaps and compilation editions — about half of what MyAnimeList ranks. Ordered by MyAnimeList position. The percentage is the share of MyAnimeList scorers who rated a title 7 or higher.