whatanimeshouldiwatchnext · Drama

The best school drama anime you can start from the beginning

165 anime that are both drama and school, ranked by MyAnimeList, with none of the sequels, side stories or recap editions you cannot start cold. Top of the list: Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch, Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso, Kimi no Suizou wo Tabetai.

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The list

1. 1 Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion TV · 2006 · 25 episodes · Sunrise · #61 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
2. 2 Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso Your Lie in April TV · 2014 · 22 episodes · A-1 Pictures · #92 on MyAnimeList 93% would recommend
3. 3 Kimi no Suizou wo Tabetai I Want To Eat Your Pancreas Film · 2018 · Studio VOLN · #139 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
4. 4 Kaoru Hana wa Rin to Saku The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity TV · 2025 · 13 episodes · CloverWorks · #179 on MyAnimeList 93% would recommend
5. 5 Cross Game TV · 2009 · 50 episodes · SynergySP · #259 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
6. 6 Sakamichi no Apollon Kids on the Slope TV · 2012 · 12 episodes · Tezuka Productions · #342 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
7. 7 Given given TV · 2019 · 11 episodes · Lerche · #354 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
8. 8 Koori no Jouheki The Ramparts of Ice TV · 2026 · 14 episodes · Studio KAI · #390 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
9. 9 Shoujo Kakumei Utena Revolutionary Girl Utena TV · 1997 · 39 episodes · J.C.Staff · #396 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend
10. 10 Seishun Buta Yarou wa Bunny Girl Senpai no Yume wo Minai Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai TV · 2018 · 13 episodes · CloverWorks · #418 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
11. 11 Fruits Basket 1st Season TV · 2019 · 25 episodes · TMS Entertainment · #444 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
12. 12 Cardcaptor Sakura TV · 1998 · 70 episodes · Madhouse · #461 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
13. 13 Chihayafuru TV · 2011 · 25 episodes · Madhouse · #500 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
14. 14 Skip to Loafer Skip and Loafer TV · 2023 · 12 episodes · P.A. Works · #603 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
15. 15 Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo The Girl Who Leapt Through Time Film · 2006 · Madhouse · #622 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
16. 16 Hikaru no Go TV · 2001 · 75 episodes · Studio Pierrot · #627 on MyAnimeList 87% would recommend
17. 17 Angel Beats! TV · 2010 · 13 episodes · P.A. Works · #664 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend
18. 18 Sakura-sou no Pet na Kanojo The Pet Girl of Sakurasou TV · 2012 · 24 episodes · J.C.Staff · #694 on MyAnimeList 87% would recommend
19. 19 Fujimoto Tatsuki 17-26 Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26 ONA · 2025 · 8 episodes · P.A. Works · #702 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
20. 20 Hibike! Euphonium Sound! Euphonium TV · 2015 · 13 episodes · Kyoto Animation · #704 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
21. 21 Toradora! TV · 2008 · 25 episodes · J.C.Staff · #720 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend
22. 22 Kimi ni Todoke Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You TV · 2009 · 25 episodes · Production I.G · #737 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
23. 23 Touch TV · 1985 · 101 episodes · Group TAC · #740 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend
24. 24 Clannad TV · 2007 · 23 episodes · Kyoto Animation · #772 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
25. 25 ReLIFE TV · 2016 · 13 episodes · TMS Entertainment · #825 on MyAnimeList 89% 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.