10 Must-Watch High School Anime in 2023

High school anime captures a pivotal time in many lives, filled with new experiences, friendships, drama, and coming-of-age moments. For anime fans, there are numerous series that portray this unique period of adolescence with humor, romance, and sentimentality. From sports to supernatural stories, high school anime offers something for every viewer.

If you're a fan of the nostalgic high school setting and in search of great anime recommendations in this category, here are 10 of the best high school anime worth watching. They offer a glimpse into Japanese high school life and tell compelling stories that will resonate with viewers of all ages.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the writer's opinion and is not ranked in any particular order.

From romance to comedy: Top 10 high school anime you can't miss

1. ReLife

ReLife (Image via TMS Entertainment)

The anime ReLife tells the story of Arata Kaizaki, a 27-year-old unemployed man who is given the opportunity to start his life over. As a participant in the ReLife program, he takes an experimental drug that makes him physically 10 years younger so he can attend high school and experience adolescence once more. Through this insightful anime, viewers are prompted to reconsider their own youth as they watch Arata navigate the complexities of high school friendships and relationships.

2. Hyouka

ReLife offers a thought-provoking perspective on the high school experience, focusing on themes of adulthood disillusionment and taking control of one's future. Despite the project's questionable ethics, the genuine bonds formed by Arata are heartwarming to witness. Don't miss out on this moving high school anime, for a unique take on growing up.

For a visually stunning high school anime that is unassuming, look no further than Hyouka. The series follows the story of Oreki Houtarou, a disinterested high school student who prefers a mundane lifestyle, but is pulled into solving small mysteries by the lively Chitanda. Along with his friends Satoshi and Ibara, Oreki discovers himself becoming more curious and engaged with the world around him.

3. My Hero Academia

Hyouka beautifully portrays the fleeting, bittersweet high school days in a quiet countryside town. Its stunning animation and unhurried pace perfectly match the serene setting, using understated character growth and intriguing mini-mysteries to present a captivating story of youth and self-discovery.

My Hero Academia (Image via Bones)

My Hero Academia is a widely-loved shounen series, set in a high school and packed with action and superpowers. The storyline is based in a world where 80% of people have unique abilities known as "Quirks". The main character, Midoriya Izuku, is part of the minority born without any powers, adding an interesting dynamic to the series.

Midoriya's fortune takes a turn when his idol, the legendary hero All Might, passes on his abilities to him, allowing the boy to attend the prestigious Yuuei superhero academy and fulfill his lifelong dream. Throughout his time at the academy, Midoriya undergoes intense training to master his newfound strength, facing various adversaries and grappling with societal issues that future superheroes must confront. My Hero Academia combines thrilling battles with insightful reflections on contemporary problems, offering a fresh take on the classic high school narrative.

4. Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun

Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun (Image via Doga Kobo)

Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun is a lighthearted high school romantic comedy filled with clever humor and sly jabs at shoujo clichés. It follows the story of cheerful high school student Sakura, who harbors feelings for her tall and reserved classmate, Nozaki-kun. However, she is stunned to learn that Nozaki is actually a famous shoujo manga artist in disguise.

The series follows the comedic chaos that ensues as Sakura becomes entangled in Nozaki's clueless attempts to draw inspiration for his work from their classmates, often making outlandish assumptions. As Sakura tries to win over her oblivious crush, the show playfully parodies various anime and manga tropes while delivering plenty of laughter throughout the school day.

Heartfelt even in its parody, Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun delivers a highly entertaining twist on high school stories with a memorable romance.

5. Haikyuu!!

Haikyuu!! (Image via Production I.G)

Haikyuu!! stands out as a high school volleyball anime that has captured the hearts of sports enthusiasts. The story follows the passionate and short-tempered Hinata as he reluctantly teams up with the talented setter Kageyama in pursuit of their common goal to lead their team to victory at the national volleyball championships. As they face off against formidable opponents from other schools, the underdog tale of the Karasuno boys' volleyball team unfolds, making for a thrilling and inspiring watch.

The electrifying matches, Hinata's astounding jumps, and the team's remarkable development into a unified unit make Haikyuu!! incredibly binge-worthy. In addition to the thrilling volleyball action and strategic analyses, the genuine camaraderie and unwavering passion for the game displayed by the characters infuse this series with so much heart.

6. The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya

The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (Image via Kyoto Animation)

The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, an iconic supernatural high school anime, is a must-watch despite its age. The show follows the unwilling members of the SOS Brigade, an eccentric school club led by the bossy and whimsical Haruhi. Unbeknownst to her, she has reality-warping powers that allow her to seek paranormal adventures.

7. Fruits Basket

Kyon, the only "normal" member, is constantly caught up in bizarre incidents that may be a product of Haruhi's wild imagination. This clever anime features a resourceful heroine, thought-provoking discussions on time travel and supernatural occurrences, and underlying tension as the group tries to prevent Haruhi from unintentionally reshaping the world. Years later, this witty and entertaining anime still holds up remarkably well.

Fruits Basket (Image via TMS Entertainment)

Fruits Basket is a heartwarming high school anime that follows the story of Tohru, an orphaned girl who ends up living in a tent due to renovations at her grandfather's house. The series features lovable characters and explores the theme of breaking generational cycles of trauma.

Upon discovering her situation, Sohma Yuki and Shigure extend an invitation for her to stay in the expansive Sohma house. Unbeknownst to her, the elite Sohma family harbors deep secrets and wounds behind their generous façade, ones that gentle Tohru may be able to help heal. As Tohru interacts with the diverse Zodiac spirits inhabiting the Sohmas, buried pain and abandonment issues resurface. Bittersweet yet heartwarming, Fruits Basket delves into the restorative abilities of unconditional love, intertwining fantastical elements to shed light on enduring real-world challenges.

8. Toradora!

Toradora! (Image via J.C.Staff)

Toradora! is a popular rom-com high school anime that follows an unlikely pair brought together by their closest friends dating each other. Taiga, also known as the “Palmtop Tiger,” has a fierce temper and hides her insecurities, while Ryūji, a gentle giant, manages the household and puts up with his widowed dad’s antics.

As Ryūji helps Taiga connect with her crush and Taiga coaches Ryūji on understanding her bubbly friend, the two start appreciating each other’s hidden depths. Toradora captures awkward high school crushes and self-discovery through Taiga and Ryūji’s slowly budding relationship, with equal parts hilarity and heart. Its vibrant character dynamics keep the story feeling fresh even amidst familiar tropes.

9. Nichijou: My Ordinary Life

Nichijou: My Ordinary Life (Image via Kyoto Animation)

Nichijou's skit-style high school anime is overflowing with creativity, turning ordinary high school scenes into uproarious hilarity. The shy Mai, the eight-year-old professor Hakase, the talking cat Sakamoto, and their classmates experience everyday school situations that are taken to absurd levels by the rules of comedy animation.

From runaway goats to hijacked cafeterias, daring experiments, and intense battles of wits, each skit defies the conventions of slice-of-life storytelling with its unpredictable nature.

10. Clannad

Nichijou: My Ordinary Life captures the essence of youth with its surreal beauty and constant humor. The series brings to life the feeling of small moments being absolutely monumental and the potential for fun overflowing from every day. Dive into the explosive sketch comedy and wild imagination of Nichijou for an outrageously enjoyable time.

Clannad (Image via Kyoto Animation)

Clannad is a touching high school anime that focuses on the coming-of-age story of Tomoya, a disheartened high school student who crosses paths with the quirky Furukawa Nagisa. She brings unexpected light into his bleak life when he agrees to assist her in reviving the defunct school drama club.

Tomoya's newfound friendships with Nagisa and her lively friends, as well as the enigmatic loner Ibuki Fuuko, bring renewed purpose and drive to his life. Despite delving into deep trauma, Clannad's poignant storytelling in the high school anime genre delivers a deeply emotional and impactful narrative.

As Tomoya grapples with grief and stands by Nagisa during her ongoing health challenges, the anime's themes of resilience in adversity and the significance of unconditional love strike a moving chord.

Conclusion

High school anime offers something for everyone, whether you're a fan of sports, comedy, romance, or supernatural elements. From the heartfelt life lessons of ReLife to the intense volleyball matches in Haikyuu!! to the supernatural adventures of Haruhi Suzumiya, these 10 high school anime series provide unique and insightful depictions of Japanese high school life. Whether you're longing for the nostalgia of high school or seeking to see it through the eyes of different characters, these incredible anime series cover a wide range of genres and perspectives. Be sure to check them out.

Editor's P/S

As a passionate anime fan, I am thrilled to see the resurgence of high school anime in recent years. These series capture the essence of adolescence with their relatable characters, heartwarming friendships, and coming-of-age stories. From the thought-provoking ReLife to the visually stunning Hyouka, each anime offers a unique perspective on the high school experience.

ReLife, in particular, stands out for its poignant exploration of adulthood disillusionment and the desire to recapture lost youth. The anime delves into the complexities of human relationships and personal growth, making it a must-watch for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the high school experience. Hyouka, on the other hand, captivates viewers with its breathtaking animation and serene atmosphere, creating a sense of nostalgia for the fleeting days of youth.