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Anime has cemented its presence across the globe, establishing itself as a popular medium for storytelling that spans a diverse array of genres. Known for its imaginative narratives, the medium encompasses everything from grounded slice-of-life tales to grand, sweeping sagas. Among the various genres within anime, comedy stands out as one that has thrived, consistently engaging audiences with its humor and creativity.
Comedy possesses an innate ability to cross cultural and linguistic boundaries, uniting people through laughter and offering an escape from life’s more serious aspects. In anime, comedy frequently intertwines with other genres, resulting in innovative narratives that have made viewers chuckle for decades. Over the past 25 years, numerous comedic anime series have taken outrageous, fantastical scenarios and transformed them into laugh-out-loud moments. Here are ten of the most entertaining comedy anime from this period.
10
‘The Devil Is a Part-Timer’ (2013 – 2023)
The premise of The Devil Is a Part-Timer is absurd yet captivating: what if the powerful Demon Lord Satan had to trade his ambitions of conquering worlds for a job flipping burgers? After losing a battle, both he and his devoted general, Alsiel, find themselves in modern Tokyo, where they lack their magical abilities and must adapt to mundane life by working at MgRonald’s.
Taming the Demon Lord Himself
This unique twist on the isekai genre, helmed by director Naoto Hosoda, is lauded for its witty dialogues and outlandish scenarios. The series effectively showcases Satan’s trials and tribulations as he navigates corporate life while Emilia, the hero who vanquished him, pursues him to Earth, leading to humorous confrontations. The lively characterizations, accentuated by Ryota Osaka’s voice acting, contribute to the series’ charm.
9
‘SKET Dance’ (2011 – 2013)
Sket Dan’s Funny Shenanigans
8
‘Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-Kun’ (2014)
When Chiyo Sakura, a high school student, confesses her feelings to her crush Umetaro Nozaki, she does not anticipate becoming his assistant in crafting romantic manga. Nozaki, who is renowned for his work yet oblivious in real-life relationships, draws Chiyo into his world of storytelling, making for a uniquely comedic partnership.
Manga Creation and Misadventures
Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-Kun masterfully blends romantic misadventures with a clever portrayal of manga industry tropes. Its humor is driven by the endearing dynamic between Chiyo and Nozaki, sourcing laughs from both their collaborations and their misunderstandings. The series skillfully utilizes visual gags and will delight those who appreciate a humorous take on romance and creativity.
7
‘Spy x Family’ (2022 – Present)
Combining action with heartfelt family drama, Spy x Family follows Loid Forger, an elite spy tasked with an unusual mission to create a fake family. The twist? His “wife” Yor is a skilled assassin, and their adopted daughter, Anya, possesses telepathic abilities. This bizarre family dynamic leads to endless comedic situations as Loid juggles his secret life while trying to maintain normalcy.
Hilarious and Heartwarming Spy Saga
Directed by Kazuhiro Furuhashi, Spy x Family quickly became a fan favorite due to its delightful humor and relatable take on family life amidst espionage. The heartfelt moments interwoven with the comedic misunderstandings create an engaging narrative where the characters’ distinct personalities shine. Anya’s attempts to keep her parents’ secrets coupled with absurd everyday dilemmas result in many humorous situations that make the series endearing.
6
‘One Punch Man’ (2015 – Present)
No list of comedic anime is complete without mentioning One Punch Man. In a world brimming with superheroes, Saitama stands out—not for his charisma but for his overwhelming strength, which allows him to defeat any foe with a single punch. However, this remarkable ability leads him to a crisis of boredom, leading him to take on a cyborg disciple, Genos, who seeks to learn from him.
Superhero Satire At Its Best
One Punch Man cleverly satirizes superhero conventions while chronicling Saitama’s quests for excitement and meaning in a trivial hero life. The juxtaposition of his deadpan demeanor against his outrageous surroundings develops a humorous irony as he combats ludicrous villains and partners with an eclectic group of characters. The series thrives on outstanding animation, sharp writing, and a dynamic cast, all of which enhance the comedic experience.
5
‘Grand Blue’ (2018 – 2025)
Moving away from the familiar high school setting, Grand Blue challenges stereotypes by transforming university life into a comedic arena of chaos. The narrative revolves around Iori Kitahara, who relocates to a coastal area for college but unwittingly becomes entangled with a rowdy diving club more interested in partying than diving.
University Life Just Got More Chaotic
The series embraces the wildness of college life, showcasing aquatic escapades, outrageous gatherings, and the hilarity that ensues. Directed by Shinji Takamatsu, the breathtaking ocean visuals contrast with the unfolding chaos and zany exploits of the diving club. Though less mainstream than other titles, Grand Blue has resonated with fans for its robust comedic elements and cult appeal.
4
‘Prison School’ (2015 – 2016)
Prison School introduces audiences to five boys navigating the overwhelming challenges of a co-ed Hachimitsu Academy. After facing the harsh reality of being caught peeping, they find themselves sentenced to an on-campus prison, where the absurdity of their experiences unfolds.
Irreverent and Outrageous
While Prison School involves overt themes of embarrassment and struggle, it thrives on its surreal humor. The relentless antics of the boys juxtaposed with the oppressive regime of the Student Council deliver absurd situations that incite laughter. Though the humor can be risqué, the clever comedic timing and outlandish visual gags ensure that the story remains entertaining and over-the-top.
3
‘The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.’ (2016 – 2018)
The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. explores the chaotic life of a high school student endowed with psychic powers. Instead of relishing his abilities, Saiki yearns for a mundane life but finds himself in a series of comedic mishaps caused by family members and classmates.
Hilarious Psychic Humor
Despite possessing incredible powers like mind-reading and teleportation, Saiki’s reality is filled with ordinary high school challenges and bizarre dilemmas. His deadpan reactions, teamed with a vibrant cast of characters, keep the humor lively and engaging throughout the series.
2
‘Gintama’ (2005 – 2021)
Set in a fantastical Edo period filled with alien conquerors, Gintama follows the exploits of Gintoki Sakata, a laid-back yet talented swordsman who, along with his quirky group of friends, manages a small odd-jobs agency in this alternate reality.
Creative and Over-the-Top Parody
The series is a treasure trove of comedic brilliance, featuring absurd villains and epic battles spliced with pop-culture parodies ranging from anime to action cinema. Gintama creatively amalgamates numerous genres with its self-reflective humor, character-driven narratives, and riotous camaraderie, making it a beloved classic among comedy anime.
1
‘Nichijou: My Ordinary Life’ (2011)
Nichijou: My Ordinary Life is a surreal slice-of-life comedy that follows three high school friends alongside a child genius, her talking cat, and a robot. As they navigate daily life, the series humorously highlights the bizarre incidents that accompany seemingly ordinary events.
Surreal Humor in Everyday Scenarios
This masterpiece thrives on unexpected humor, showcasing ordinary situations that spiral into extraordinary situations through clever writing and direction. With its unique animation style and playful soundtrack, Nichijou: My Ordinary Life is revered for its innovative humor and inventive scenarios, solidifying its status as one of the funniest anime in recent memory.
Source
movieweb.com