10 Surprisingly Successful Anime That Defy Logic

Due to the limitless creativity of the medium, it is not surprising to see occasional releases of absurd anime that push the boundaries of storytelling. These anime either subvert expectations by using a familiar context or tell completely unique stories with unlikely premises, resulting in the creation of ludicrous situations.

However, it is important to note that nonsensical shows do not always succeed. In fact, basing a story on a premise that should not work can be disastrous if not executed properly. Nevertheless, there are instances when all the elements align perfectly, giving rise to something extraordinary that captivates fans.

10. Akiba Maid War

The fusion of the worlds of organized crime and maid cafés in Akiba Maid War proves to be remarkably successful, despite initially seeming incompatible. Directed by Sauichi Masui, known for his work on Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai, this show is set in an alternate version of Akihabara where maids engage in physical combat to ensure the prosperity and stability of their cafés. Balancing customer service and armed warfare, Akiba Maid War skillfully intertwines comedic, serious, and emotional moments to create a truly unforgettable experience.

9. Ya Boy Kongming!

In the realm of anime, stories of reincarnation are quite common, particularly in the popular isekai genre. However, none quite compare to the unique tale of Ya Boy Kongming! This extraordinary series transports Zhuge Kongming, a renowned Chinese strategist from the Three Kingdoms era, into the modern world. Here, he encounters Eiko Tsukimi, an aspiring singer, whose captivating performance and the enchantment of contemporary music inspire him to become her manager and help her achieve stardom. While the concept of a "fish out of water" comedy is not new, especially in the world of anime, this title drew viewers in with its exceptional premise and held them spellbound with its impeccable execution.

8. Assassination Classroom

A former highly skilled assassin has transformed into a monstrous creature resembling an octopus, possessing remarkable abilities such as an astonishing Mach 20 speed and invulnerability to any weapon. Bragging about obliterating the Moon and now setting his sights on annihilating Earth, this formidable individual can only be confronted by a group of misfit students under the tutelage of Koro-sensei. Initially bewildering, Assassination Classroom's premise lends itself effortlessly to absurd comedy. Yet beneath its comedic surface lies a multifaceted series that encompasses gripping action sequences, profound emotional moments, and well-developed characters.

7. Ben-To

Ben-To revolves around a unique concept: the intense warfare that unfolds at a supermarket during its nightly half-off sale on bento boxes. While most people wouldn't engage in a physical battle for discounted food, this anime explores the thrilling conflict that arises among bargain hunters. Despite an excess of fan service, a common characteristic of many shows during its time, those who can overlook this aspect will discover a series that boasts a ludicrous premise and exhilarating action scenes reminiscent of top-notch martial arts anime.

6. Sarazanmai

As the world faces a menacing threat from Kappa zombies, which emerge from the depths of people's desires, the Kappa prince Keppi, who has lost much of his power, is forced to rely on the assistance of others. He recruits three boys, acquires their Shirikodama, and transforms them into Kappa. He emphasizes that their success hinges on their ability to form meaningful connections with one another. While Sarazanmai may initially appear illogical or bizarre, as one would anticipate from the director of Penguindrum, the peculiarity is primarily superficial, serving as metaphors to convey a narrative about the significance of relationships and hidden truths, similar to works like Kiznaiver.

5. Gundam Build Fighters

While Gundam is known for its complex and dramatic storylines, Gundam Build Fighters takes a different approach by focusing on the world of Gunpla. The series centers around Sei Iori, a talented Gunpla builder, and Reiji, a skilled Gunpla fighter, as they team up for tournaments. Despite its lighter tone, the show still captivates audiences with exciting action scenes and an intense soundtrack.

4. Cells at Work!

As suggested by its title, Cells at Work! aimed to portray the daily professional life of cells within the human body. The series predominantly revolves around a red blood cell who, after completing rigorous training, diligently transports oxygen throughout the body while also gaining insights into various other cellular functions. From the neutralization of harmful bacteria by white blood cells to the involvement of platelets in construction projects, collective effort is essential to safeguard the well-being of the host organism. By ingeniously infusing humor into an unconventional and educational concept, Cells at Work! successfully defies expectations, effectively exemplifying the essence of edutainment.

3. Uma Musume: Pretty Derby

Sports anime can be appreciated by even those who aren't typically interested in fitness, as they often portray competitive characters striving for greatness. It's easy to connect with and be inspired by relatable protagonists who are driven by their passions. However, Uma Musume: Pretty Derby takes a different approach by focusing on horse girls, who are horses incarnated as human-like beings training at a specialized academy to become top racers. Despite the initial hesitation towards the idea of humanoid horse girls, the show surprises with its solid sports narrative and compelling characters. The evolution and rivalries among the characters make for an enjoyable viewing experience.

2. Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle

Given the cliché of the villain abducting a defenseless princess, viewers may expect to predict the outcome for Aurora Suya Rhys Kaymin when she falls into the clutches of Demon Lord Tasogare. However, this princess defies expectations. Instead of anxiously awaiting rescue, haunted by the castle's monsters, her only concern is ensuring her own comfort. She constantly seeks new ways to improve her sleep, embarking on bizarre, bite-sized adventures that torment her captor. Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle takes a familiar scenario and transforms it into something entirely different, resulting in a surprisingly delightful comedic experience.

1. Zombieland Saga

The Love Live! franchise has undeniably boosted the popularity of the idol anime genre. It was only a matter of time before a parody like Zombieland Saga emerged, but no one could have foreseen its immense success. The premise centers around resurrecting girls from different historical periods to form a zombie idol group, all in an effort to revive the economy of a Japanese prefecture. While this concept naturally lends itself to ridiculous comedic moments, MAPPA managed to surpass expectations. They skillfully merge lighthearted humor with deeply captivating backstories, fascinating characters, and impactful music.

These series are astonishing in various ways, whether by blending disparate worlds or subverting familiar concepts to share entirely unforeseen narratives. Yet, what unites them all is their ability to skillfully navigate absurd scenarios, delivering stories that remain relatable and enjoyable even amidst the most outrageous contexts. While the distinctiveness of their creative premises ensures that similar experiences may never be replicated, it is precisely this uniqueness that elevates the finest absurd anime shows to greater heights.