whatanimeshouldiwatchnext

The best slice of life anime you can start from the beginning

25 slice of life anime ranked by MyAnimeList, with none of the sequels, side stories or recap editions you cannot start cold. Top of the list: Mushishi, Chiikawa, Ookami Kodomo no Ame to Yuki.

Recommend me one slice of life anime

Narrow it down: Iyashikei 65 · School 65 · Music 41 · CGDCT 40 · Fantasy 36 · Supernatural 26 · Pets 26 · Adventure 25

The list

1. 1 Mushishi Mushi-Shi TV · 2005 · 26 episodes · Artland · #87 on MyAnimeList 93% would recommend
2. 2 Chiikawa TV · 2022 · Doga Kobo · #98 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
3. 3 Ookami Kodomo no Ame to Yuki Wolf Children Film · 2012 · Studio Chizu · #135 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
4. 4 Usagi Drop Bunny Drop TV · 2011 · 11 episodes · Production I.G · #326 on MyAnimeList 93% would recommend
5. 5 Natsume Yuujinchou Natsume's Book of Friends TV · 2008 · 13 episodes · Brain's Base · #332 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
6. 6 Tanoshii Muumin Ikka Moomin TV · 1990 · 78 episodes · Telescreen · #344 on MyAnimeList 87% would recommend
7. 7 Yuru Camp△ Laid-Back Camp TV · 2018 · 12 episodes · C-Station · #386 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
8. 8 Shoujo Shuumatsu Ryokou Girls' Last Tour TV · 2017 · 12 episodes · White Fox · #397 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
9. 9 Kotarou wa Hitorigurashi Kotaro Lives Alone ONA · 2022 · 10 episodes · LIDENFILMS · #536 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
10. 10 Kamiina Botan, Yoeru Sugata wa Yuri no Hana Botan Kamiina Fully Blossoms When Drunk TV · 2026 · 12 episodes · Soigne · #555 on MyAnimeList 87% would recommend
11. 11 Hyouka TV · 2012 · 22 episodes · Kyoto Animation · #688 on MyAnimeList 87% would recommend
12. 12 Ruri no Houseki Ruri Rocks TV · 2025 · 13 episodes · Studio Bind · #786 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
13. 13 Eve no Jikan Time of Eve ONA · 2008 · 6 episodes · Studio Rikka · #799 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
14. 14 Non Non Biyori TV · 2013 · 12 episodes · SILVER LINK. · #855 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
15. 15 Love Live! Superstar!! Love Live! SuperStar!! TV · 2021 · 12 episodes · Sunrise · #909 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend
16. 16 Atarashii Joushi wa Do Tennen My New Boss Is Goofy TV · 2023 · 12 episodes · A-1 Pictures · #926 on MyAnimeList 85% would recommend
17. 17 Gakuen Babysitters School Babysitters TV · 2018 · 12 episodes · Brain's Base · #931 on MyAnimeList 87% would recommend
18. 18 Kobayashi-san Chi no Maid Dragon Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid TV · 2017 · 13 episodes · Kyoto Animation · #936 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
19. 19 Shirokuma Cafe Polar Bear Cafe TV · 2012 · 50 episodes · Studio Pierrot · #965 on MyAnimeList 79% would recommend
20. 20 Yuzuki-san Chi no Yonkyoudai. The Yuzuki Family's Four Sons TV · 2023 · 12 episodes · Shuka · #1020 on MyAnimeList 87% would recommend
21. 21 Cool Doji Danshi Play It Cool, Guys TV · 2022 · 24 episodes · Studio Pierrot · #1044 on MyAnimeList 85% would recommend
22. 22 Tanaka-kun wa Itsumo Kedaruge Tanaka-kun is Always Listless TV · 2016 · 12 episodes · SILVER LINK. · #1205 on MyAnimeList 82% would recommend
23. 23 Mujin Wakusei Survive TV · 2003 · 52 episodes · Madhouse · #1284 on MyAnimeList 82% would recommend
24. 24 Tadaima, Okaeri TV · 2024 · 12 episodes · Studio Deen · #1289 on MyAnimeList 80% would recommend
25. 25 The iDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls: U149 TV · 2023 · 12 episodes · CygamesPictures · #1351 on MyAnimeList 83% would recommend

Why this is not MyAnimeList's slice of life ranking. 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 — so there are no second seasons or side stories to work backwards from. Ordered by MyAnimeList position. The percentage is the share of MyAnimeList scorers who rated a title 7 or higher.