High school is a popular setting for various anime, and these are the ten best shows centring around this classic setting!
High school is one of the most common settings fans will experience in an anime. Given how strong the adult fanbase behind these titles can be, it’s a little shocking to see just how prevalent the concept is. However, high school is an important time of change for young adults, and this ultimately allows for coming-of-age narratives that provide some fascinating drama between characters.
Of course, this isn’t to say that high school anime is restricted to drama or romcoms. There is a large variety of shows out there where the trope is changed up a bit to make it feel new and unique. There’s no limit to what stories can take place in high school, and the medium takes full advantage of this with its large catalogue of potential favourites. With that in mind, here are ten of the very best high school anime that fans can seek out for their next big binge.
10. Mieruko-Chan (2021)
Kicking things off with a not-so-traditional high school anime, Mieruko-Chan is a horror comedy series that follows a schoolgirl named Mieruko who has a dark secret: she’s able to see creepy spirits around her. To avoid suspicion, she chooses to pretend they don’t exist even though she’s absolutely terrified. The high school setting for this series makes it all the more enjoyable since it showcases Mieruko making friends while also trying to stop these ghouls from haunting them. It’s charming, funny, and, at times, can be one of the best horror anime as well thanks to the ghosts’ disturbing designs. Stream it on Crunchyroll
9. Tomo-Chan Is a Girl! (2023)
This fairly recent high school anime also doubles as one of the most adorable love stories in recent memory. It follows a tomboy named Tomo who realizes she has feelings for her best friend Junichiro. However, her crush has seen her as one of the guys for so long that it feels like she is invisible to him. This leads to numerous comedic hijinxs as Tomo attempts to show her feminine side at school and home to win him over while also not losing who she is along the way. The characters and writing here are absolutely stellar with a storyline that’s not afraid to add some darker twists when it needs them. Stream it on Crunchyroll
8. My Love Story!! (2015)
This underrated romcom anime flew under so many radars when it first premiered. However, it’s ultimately become a classic for those who love a good romance set in high school. The series follows a boy named Takeo Gōda who wants to find love for himself but is always overlooked by girls he likes because of his appearance. However, this all changes when he meets Rinko Yamato, a small and shy girl who develops an interest in him. My Love Story!! is a non-traditional romance that really works because it explores love beyond the shallowness of looks. It gets down to what makes two people truly fall for each other. Stream it on Crunchyroll, Hulu
Finished My Love Story! 10/10. Absolutely loved this anime and recommend everyone to watch it! Peak romance forsure. Yamato and Takeo are so cute together and Suna was definitely a favorite of mine throughout the whole show. Best support and friend fr 🥹 pic.twitter.com/f02urXF4uh
— B. Kuchiki 🌹 (@BaeKuchiki) October 21, 2023
7. Kakegurui (2017)
Kakegurui is a unique entry in the high school anime subgenre because it takes school hierarchies to a whole new level. Instead of judging by popularity, the student government of Hyakkou Private Academy determines status based on wealth accumulated through gambling. Newcomer Yumeko discovers just how prevalent gambling is in the school’s system and immediately becomes enamoured with it as a compulsive gambler. This leads to a mission for her to battle every member of the Student Council. This is a series that’s high stakes and loaded with tension for fans of thrillers, making it a perfect watch for those wanting some excitement on their binge list. Stream it on Netflix.
6. My Dress-Up Darling (2022)
My Dress-Up Darling was a sleeper hit when it premiered in 2022, and it’s fairly easy to see why. This high school romcom gave fans some of the cutest moments in that year’s season of anime thanks to its lovable premise. A boy named Wakana has an interest in creating Hina dolls, but he keeps it mainly to himself. However, when a girl named Marin discovers his talent, she encourages him to use his gifts to help her design outfits for her biggest love: cosplay. The chemistry between Wakana and Marin is what makes this series really shine, and it’s so endearing that it had fans begging for more once the first season concluded. Stream it on Crunchyroll.
5. Ouran High School Host Club (2006)
This hit anime based on the popular Shojo manga by Bisco Hatori has become a cult favourite from the 2000s over the years. The premise follows a student named Haruhi, who self-identifies as a biological female but believes that gender is irrelevant to how a person is perceived. Haruhi stumbles upon a host club run by the boys at her school and, after accidentally racking up some debt, she enlists as one of the hosts to pay them off. The show has gained a reputation for being absolute.
