Anime has managed to become one of the most popular mediums of entertainment lately. There is barely any genre of storytelling that has not been portrayed by Anime Series.
There is a wide range of Anime Series with High School themes as the backdrop. Whether you like romance, action, sports, mystery, horror, suspense, or even the supernatural genre, there is a piece of cake for everyone.
In this post, we have compiled a list of the 20 Best High School Anime with beautifully crafted plots that are guaranteed to woo your sense.
We have included some of the Best High School Anime of all time to upgrade your watch list into a life-changing experience.
Best High School Anime
Checkout the list
The source of entertainment to choose from has somewhat become limitless in recent times. With so many categories to choose from, it can become confusing to pick just the show for you. Even just considering High Schol Anime, there are so many options that may leave you in uncertainty especially if you are new to the Anime community. However it doesn’t matter if you are an Anime Freak or just getting started, this list contains the 20 Best High School Anime of All Time.
Now, sit back and behold this majestic list of the Greatest High School Anime, each of these series will teleport you into a rich world of marvellous imagination.
20. Ouran High School Host Club
| Aired | 5 April 2006 – 26 September 2006 |
| Total Episodes | 26 |
| IMDB Rating | 7.5/10 |
| Genre | Romantic Comedy |
The story of this anime encircles around a bright scholarship student Haruhi Fujioka who crosses paths with Ouran High School Host Club. This Club is a group of charming boys who entertain female clients. Haruhi’s appearance makes the group mistake her to be a guy. Haruhi ends up becoming a part of the group to settle her debt due to breaking an expensive vase.
Each episode of this anime is packed with hilarious scenarios and misadventures that will surely leave you catching your breath. Ouran High School Host Club has just the right blend of Romance and Comedy not making it too cheesy. If you are a sucker for a Romantic Comedy then Ouran High School Host Club is definitely something that will fit your taste.
19. Another
| Aired | 10 January 2012 – 27 March 2012 |
| Total Episodes | 12 |
| IMDB Rating | 7.5/10 |
| Genre | Mystery, Horror |
If mundane high school scenarios bore you and you are looking for something that tickles your nerves then we recommend trying Another. This mysterious Anime unfolds in Yomiyama North Middle School where a curse lurks around Class 3-3 for 26 years. Koichi Sakakibara gets transferred to this class and gets caught up in the dark mysteries encircling his classrooms.
A series of catastrophic events take place as Koichi attempts to unfold the woven threads of mystery surrounding this curse. If you have a taste for Mystery and Thriller anime then you should definitely try Another!
18. Angel Beats!
| Aired | 3 April 2010 – 26 June 2010 |
| Total Episodes | 13 |
| IMDB Rating | 7.6/10 |
| Genre | Fantasy, Drama |
If you are looking for an intense and emotional thought-provoking experience then Angel Beats! might be just the pick for you! This Anime captures the concept of the Afterlife in a beautiful manner. The plot of this anime unfolds with Otonashi waking up in a High School for souls who have undergone a tragic life. Otonashi comes across a rebellious group called Afterlife Battlefront which is fighting to break the stigma circling the realm.
This show depicts various concepts such as life, death, and the value of existence that are certain to put our view into a more intense perspective.
17. Sakura-sou no Pet na Kanojo
| Aired | 9 October 2012 – 26 March 2013 |
| Total Episodes | 24 |
| IMDB Rating | 7.7/10 |
| Genre | Romantic Comedy, Drama |
Sakura-sou no Pet na Kanojo aka The Pet Girl of Sakura Hall is a heartwarming High School Anime Series that portrays the concept of dreams, talent, and friendship. The anime depicts the tale of Sorata Kanda who resides in the Sakura Hall Dormitory. Sorota is made the caretaker of a socially clueless artist, Mashiro Shiina.
The story further weaves on a group of friends with exquisite talents and big dreams of the future supporting each other to rise above all the challenges. We highly recommend this anime if you are looking for something inspirational.
16. K-On!
| Aired | 3 April 2009 – 26 June 2009 |
| Total Episodes | 39 |
| IMDB Rating | 7.8/10 |
| Genre | Comedy, Musical |
This light-hearted Musical Anime depicts the story of 5 High School girls who get acquainted through Light Music Club. These talented girls end up becoming friends and form a band, Houkago Tea Time” (After School Tea Time). With unique personalities and skills, this girl power gives us the taste of bringing one’s dreams into reality. With just the right blend of Comedy, this Musical Tale is truly inspiring and gifts the viewers with good vibes.
15. The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
| Aired | 2 April 2006 – 2 July 2006 |
| Total Episodes | 28 |
| IMDB Rating | 7.8/10 |
| Genre | Sci-fi, Mystery, Comedy |
The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya portrays the tale of high school students Kyon and Haruhi Suzumiya. Kyon is simply a cynical ordinary high school fellow while Haruhi is an eccentric and intriguing character with superpowers to twist reality. The mundane life bores Haruhi and she creates a club, SOS Brigade to investigate supernatural phenomena. Haruhi is joined by more people like her with special gifts.
14. Hyouka
| Aired | 22 April 2012 – 15 September 2012 |
| Total Episodes | 22 |
| IMDB Rating | 7.8/10 |
| Genre | Mystery, Slice of Life |
Hyouka depicts a tale of two high school students Oreki Houtarou and Chitanda Eru with contrasting personalities. Oreki is a reserved and energy-conserving kind of guy while Chitanda is an extremely energetic and curious girl. Upon their encounter in Literature Club, Oreki gets inspired by Chitanda and finds a common interest in Mystery Solving with her. This duo along with two more of their club friends began their adventures of uncovering life-changing mysteries together.
Along the way, this group of friends evolves with deeper self-awareness and grows intimate emotional bonds with each other.
13. Clannad
| Aired | 4 October 2007 – 2 August 2009 |
| Total Episodes | 23 |
| IMDB Rating | 7.8/10 |
| Genre | Fantasy, Drama |
Clannad is definitely an emotional roller coaster beautifully depicting the wide range of struggles and hardships that come as part of being a human. The story of Clannad encircles around an Apathetic High School boy Tomoya Okazaki who has lost touch with his emotional needs. Tomoya’s life comes to a drastic turnover after meeting the kind and empathetic Nagisa Furukawa. Tomoya ends up helping Nagisa with her Drama club and forms a meaningful friendship with many other beautiful people in the process.
12. Hibike! Euphonium
| Aired | 5 December 2013 – 22 June 2019 |
| Total Episodes | 26 |
| IMDB Rating | 7.8/10 |
| Genre | Drama, Slice of Life, Musical |
Hibike! Euphonium (Sound! Euphonium) is quite a realistic take on concert band life and the efforts it takes to live up to the standards of being a musician. The anime depicts the tale of Kumiko Oumae who has a longing to play the euphonium. The story progresses with the depiction of hard work, teamwork, and perseverance needed to elevate the skill levels of a music band. All this is perfectly blended with the kiss of drama and anchors of friendship holding everyone together.
11. My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU
| Aired | 5 April 2012 – 24 September 2020 |
| Total Episodes | 38 |
| IMDB Rating | 7.9/10 |
| Genre | Romantic Comedy, Slice of Life, Drama |
My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU aka Oregairu is a hilarious anime series with the perfect balance of romance, comedy, and drama. The plot of this anime encircles Hachiman Hikigaya, a high school loner who is forced to join a Service Club. The role of Hachiman in the club is to help fellow students with their problems. Instead of coming up with traditional solutions, Hachiman takes a more blunt and eccentric approach to solving the problems put forth to him. Hachiman along with Yukino Yukinoshita, a sharp, cheerful, and friendly girl makes a wonderful team.
10. Toradora
| Aired | 2 October 2008 – 26 March 2009 |
| Total Episodes | 25 |
| IMDB Rating | 8/10 |
| Genre | Drama, Comedy, Slice of Life |
Toradora is a popular High School Anime that has a hilarious plot and interesting characters. Ryuuji Takasu and Taiga Aisaka are the protagonists of this show who form an unlikely alliance together where they team up together to pursue their love interests together. While working on their discrete mission, they end up forming a beautiful deep bond making them see sides of each other hidden from everyone else. If you love Drama laced with a dose of witty comedy then this Slice of Life Anime is definitely for you.
9. Assassination Classroom
| Aired | 9 January 2015 – 30 June 2016 |
| Total Episodes | 47 + 1 OVA |
| IMDB Rating | 8/10 |
| Genre | Sci-fi, Comedy, Action |
Assassination Classroom is a unique take on the High School Anime Category. The premise of this anime is actually quite dark but is perfectly balanced with the comic elements of the show. The story of Assassination Classroom spins around Koro Sensei who is an alien and the homeroom teacher of a junior high school class. Koro Sensei is an alien who has a disturbing purpose of destroying the Earth. His class is constantly striving to assassinate him in different ways to stop his evil intentions once and for all. Despite his intentions, Koro Sensei actually ends up teaching very harsh life lessons to his students in the most beautiful and unexpected ways.
8. Kimi ni Todoke
| Aired | 6 October 2009 – 30 March 2011 |
| Total Episodes | 37 |
| IMDB Rating | 8/10 |
| Genre | Romance, Comedy, Slice of Life, Coming of Age |
Kimi ni Todoke aka From Me to You is a wholesome and romantic anime that depicts the life of Sawako Kuromuna who is a deeply misunderstand high school student. Sawako is misunderstood as an eerie and cold individual while she is a genuine and authentic person who struggles to accept her intense personality. She has a hard time forming connections and expressing herself until her paths cross with Kazehaya Shouta.
Kazehya is a popular high school boy who is able to see beyond the cold exterior of Sawako and develops feelings for her. Sawako and Kazehya share a deep meaningful connection that brings out the true beautiful personality and authenticity of Sawako. Together they undergo a transformative journey toward self-acceptance and love. This anime is definitely worth your time if you are looking to expand your emotional window.
7. Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day
| Aired | 14 April 2011 – 23 June 2011 |
| Total Episodes | 11 |
| IMDB Rating | 8.4/10 |
| Genre | Romance, Slice of Life, Fantasy |
Anohana is another emotional high school Anime that has a rather melancholic theme. The plot of the anime depicts the life of Jinta Yadomi who is an extremely introverted teenager who begins to see the Ghost of his Childhood friend, Menma who died by slipping into a river as a child. Menma expresses the unfulfilled desires that kept her earth-bound. Jinta proceeds to unite all 6 childhood friends who had been drawn apart after Menma’s death.
Upon reconciliation, all of them were able to express their suppressed feelings and guilt surrounding Menma’s death. Their individual accounts of what had happened on the day Menma died to reveal the actual reason for her death.
6. Great Teacher Onizuka
| Aired | 1999-2000 |
| Total Episodes | 43 |
| IMDB Rating | 8.5/10 |
| Genre | Shonen, Action, Mystery |
Great Teacher Onizuka is a relatively old anime than other picks on this list. However, the anime certainly leaped ahead of its time and still gives active competition to newer anime in this category. The story encircles around Eikichi Onizuka who was a former motorcycle gang member who becomes a teacher. Onizuka uses unconventional teaching methods laced with witty humor and societal references that made him an extremely insightful teacher. He taught his students more than just bookish knowledge, he taught them real-life skills.
5. Your Lie in April
| Aired | 6 April 2011 – 6 February 2015 |
| Total Episodes | 22 |
| IMDB Rating | 8.6/10 |
| Genre | Shonen, Romance |
Your Lie in April is an emotionally resonant musical anime that depicts the lives of Kosei Arima a former child prodigy pianist and Kaori Miyazano, a happy-go-lucky violinist. Kosei stopped playing piano after his mother’s demise as the trauma of the incident made it impossible for him to hear his own music. However, meeting the optimistic and free-spirited Kaori and her unconventional approach toward music inspires Kosei to face his fears and reignite his artistic side.
4. Haikyuu!!
| Aired | 6 April 2014 – 19 December 2020 |
| Total Episodes | 85 |
| IMDB Rating | 8.7/10 |
| Genre | Sports, Comedy, Coming of Age |
Haikyuu!! is an extremely popular Sports Anime Series that depicts the life of Hinata Shoyo. Hinata is a young and passionate High School boy who aspires to become a Volleyball Star. Despite having a short stature, Hinata compensates with his Speed and agility in the game. The anime depicts the theme of teamwork, friendship, and self-growth. Haikyuu!! is a truly inspirational masterpiece that is guaranteed to ignite the lacking passion in your life. We highly recommend watching this anime so that you too never stop believing in the power of your dreams.
3. March Comes in Like a Lion
| Aired | 13 July 2007 – ongoing |
| Total Episodes | 44 |
| IMDB Rating | 8.7/10 |
| Genre | Seinen |
March Comes in Like a Lion is yet another emotionally insightful masterpiece that throws light on emotions like emptiness and loneliness. The protagonist of the series, Rei Kiriyama is a professional Shogi player and is exceptionally skilled in the game. Despite his professional success, Rei deals with a deep void of never-ending loneliness inside his heart. Finally, his encounter with the Kawamoto sisters: Akari, Momo, and Hinata gives him the emotionally comfortable space to open up his emotional wounds and trauma. This anime skillfully throws light on the complexity of human emotions and how suppressing them can eventually detach you from your own emotional needs.
Rei finally meets more positive people along the way and learns to deal with his emotional baggage instead of suppressing it.
2. Steins; Gate
| Aired | 6 April 2011 – 14 September 2011 |
| Total Episodes | 24 |
| IMDB Rating | 8.7/10 |
| Genre | Psychological Thriller, Sci-Fi, Drama, Comedy |
The story of Steins; Gate does unfold from a high school setting, however, the story progresses into a more mature backdrop. Okabe and his friends conduct experiments from their high school days. The story rapidly takes turns toward time travel, psychological exploration, and conspiracies. Okabe and his friends accidentally learn how to send messages into the past, leading them into catastrophic adventures. What started off as fun turns into a serious backfiring mistake. You are surely going in for a mental spin with this one.
If you are into psychological thrillers then Steins; Gate will bring you the right amount of Drama that you need.
1. Death Note
| Aired | 4 October 2006 – 27 June 2007 |
| Total Episodes | 37 |
| IMDB Rating | 9/10 |
| Genre | Mystery, Thriller, Fantasy |
Lastly, we left the No.1 Spot vacant for the Anime with our ultimate favorite high school student Yagami Light, that’s right Death Note! The intellectual Mastermind, Yagami Light is an ace high school student before he got his hands on a book called Death Note. The notebook belonged to a Death God, Ryuk, and possessed the power to kill anyone whose name is written down in it. Upon discovering the abilities of the book, Light becomes driven with the purpose to eliminate all the evil from this world and become the God of this new idealistic world.
Eventually, Light loses the sense of right and wrong and becomes truly consumed in his purpose making him more of a danger than a savior.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the Best High School Anime of all Time?
Well, the selection of the Best High School Anime actually varies from person to person depending on their taste. However, Death Note, March Comes in Like a Lion, Haikyuu!!, You Lie in April, and Anohana are amongst the Top Picks.
Is Steins Gate overrated?
Well, in our personal opinion, Steins Gate is a very skillfully written Anime with intricate concepts such as time travel. We believe anyone who has a taste for Psychological Thrillers will enjoy this anime for sure.
Is Assassination Classroom a dark anime?
Assassination Classroom is actually much darker than it seems. The theme of assassination, handling weapons, and sexually explicit content puts it under the dark category. However, it is very skillfully masked by witty humor and insightful messages.
Could L beat Light?
Well, much like L, Light was extremely skilled in reading people. The fact that Light didn’t hesitate to manipulate anyone to get his way put him in a stronger position constantly.
Conclusion
This brings you to the end of our post on 20 Best High School Anime. We would love to find out how you enjoy our recommendations. So, feel free to comment down your favorite on this list. If you think, we have missed out on any show that belonged on this list, let us know. If you enjoy watching Anime then you may want to check out our Anime Games Recommendations. We will be back with fresh new Anime and Gaming News Soon. Till Then!
