The Ultimate Guide to Bocchi The Rock: A Must-Watch for Every Anime Fan!

Since its release in the fall of 2022, Bocchi the Rock! has steadily gained popularity and has even surpassed the highly acclaimed Chainsaw Man in rankings. This slice-of-life comedy follows the relatable struggles of Hitori Gotou, also known as Bocchi, a deeply introverted girl who believes she can win people's love by becoming a legendary guitarist. After three years of diligent practice and building a social media presence by sharing recordings of her incredible playing, the immensely talented Bocchi realizes that she must go against her true nature and join a band.

Having never collaborated with other musicians before, Bocchi not only has to learn how to socialize and sync her playing with her new bandmates but also face the challenge of performing in front of a live audience. As one of the best rock band anime with an introverted protagonist, and with the entire first season already available, fans are left pondering what to watch next. Some may turn to classics like Kimi ni Todoke, while others may seek out more eccentric comedies like Welcome To The N.H.K. One thing is certain, these anime options will definitely satisfy the post-12-episode itch left by Bocchi the Rock!

Super Cub

Stream on Funimation

Super Cub is a heartwarming story that follows the enigmatic life of Koguma, a high school student who leads a solitary existence devoid of friends or family. This wholesome anime chronicles her journey as she discovers a newfound passion for her trusty Super Cub motor scooter, which ultimately leads her to form meaningful connections. Through its minimalist aesthetic, the series beautifully captures the simplicity of Koguma's daily routine, which gradually becomes vibrant and meaningful as she embraces her beloved scooter and cultivates a blossoming social circle.

Mob Psycho 100

The title is an excellent slice-of-life anime that captures the essence of a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. It shares similar themes with Bocchi the Rock!, focusing on introversion and the journey of breaking out of one's shell to form strong connections with others who share common interests. However, instead of tuning a guitar like Bocchi, Koguma embarks on a quest to enhance her Super Cub and explores her prefecture alongside her newfound group of motor-scooter enthusiasts. This journey gradually shapes her character and helps her evolve along the way.

Stream on Crunchyroll

Fourteen-year-old Shigeo "Mob" Kageyama is far from ordinary, a fact that is widely known. With his challenging-to-control psychic abilities, Mob struggles to fit in anywhere. Determined to find guidance, he takes matters into his own hands and seeks out the mentorship of Reigen Arataka, a fake psychic and con artist who continuously takes advantage of Mob's powers for financial gain. In his quest for both self-control and impressing a girl, Mob often finds himself in risky situations.

Throughout Mob Psycho, Mob is able to tap into a reservoir of terrifyingly powerful psychic abilities. Certain triggers cause Mob to completely lose control, granting him the ability to defeat even the most wicked spirits on Earth. Similar to Bocchi the Rock!, Mob Psycho 100 boasts a distinctive blend of humor and animation that is both impressive and hilarious. Mob himself struggles with being "normal" and experiences social awkwardness and visible anxiety when interacting with his peers, much like Bocchi.

Welcome To The N.H.K.

Stream On Funimation

Satou Tatsuhiro, a college dropout, is an expert hikikomori and NEET (Not pursuing Employment, Education, or Training). He has secluded himself from the outside world and only ventures out for life's essential needs.

Tsuritama

With an unwavering belief that the N.H.K., a powerful organization, is dedicated to wrecking every aspect of his life and ensuring his continued isolation, Satou is gripped with fear at the thought of embracing a conventional lifestyle. However, he realizes he can no longer follow the same destructive path he has been on. While Welcome to the N.H.K. may not be the darkest anime available, it skillfully interweaves humorous moments and distinctive facial expressions of the protagonist, akin to Bocchi the Rock!, with its portrayal of brutally realistic, thought-provoking themes.

Stream on Crunchyroll

After relocating to the coastal fishing town of Enoshima with his grandmother, Yuki Sanada, a timid and socially awkward individual, struggles to find his place in each new environment they navigate. However, they hold onto the hope of a fresh start. Yuki's reputation at school is called into question by a peculiar new student named Haru, who boldly declares himself an alien and claims Yuki as his friend.

Reluctantly thrust into the company of Haru and Natsuki, an exceptional angler, the trio embarks on heartwarming escapades that lead to personal growth and self-discovery. Much like Bocchi, Yuki gradually develops socially while discovering the immeasurable worth of friendship and self-acceptance. As Yuki forges new friendships and hones his fishing skills, viewers experience a sense of fulfillment, akin to the satisfaction derived from completing Bocchi the Rock!

WataMote

Stream on Crunchyroll

WataMote, also known as Watashi ga Motenai no wa Dou Kangaetemo Omaera ga Warui!, features one of the most unsettling characters in anime. The series revolves around Tomoko Kuroki, an otaku gamer who believes her extensive experience in life and dating simulation games has fully prepared her for high school. Despite her socially awkward and introverted nature, Tomoko is confident that she will effortlessly become popular. However, she soon learns a harsh reality that challenges her delusions.

WataMote is frequently considered as a comedic and peculiar alternative to Bocchi the Rock!, albeit lacking in the musical elements. Nevertheless, unlike Bocchi who manages to overcome these challenges and evolve, Tomoki remains relatively unchanged. Both main characters eventually succeed in forming strong friendships, all the while exhibiting clear indications of severe social anxiety.

Komi Can't Communicate

Stream on Netflix

Tadano Hitohito yearns for a simple high school experience devoid of any controversies. Little does he know, he is seated next to Komi, the most attractive girl in their class. Considered one of the top high school anime series, "Komi Can't Communicate" depicts Tadano being targeted by his peers, who are ready to do anything to take his place.

What truly makes this anime comparable to "Bocchi the Rock!" is Komi herself. She battles paralyzing anxiety and struggles with communication, rendering her unable to interact with her classmates. Utilizing notes and blackboards as a means of communication, Tadano takes it upon himself to assist Komi in becoming more socially adept and achieving her dream of making one hundred friends, starting with him. Both Bocchi and Komi strive towards similar objectives, aiming to become more at ease in social situations, while each episode showcases endearing yet amusing reactions from these leading ladies.

Kimi Ni Todoke

Stream on Netflix & Crunchyroll

Kimi ni Todoke is a perfect anime choice for beginners. It follows the story of Sawako Kuronuma, a timid high school girl who is misunderstood and ostracized by her classmates due to her resemblance to Sadako from The Ring series. Despite her genuine kindness, people fear her because of her resemblance to the murderous horror character. However, everything changes when the popular student, Shouta Kazehaya, offers her a chance to break free from this misconception.

Hitoribocchi No Marumaru Seikatsu

Stream On Crunchyroll

Hitoribocchi No Marumaru Seikatsu, despite sharing a name with Bocchi, tells the compelling story of Hitori Bocchi in one of the finest short anime series. Hitori, a girl grappling with severe social anxiety as she transitions from elementary to middle school and is separated from her only friend, Kai, receives a promise that if she can befriend all of her classmates, Kai will reconcile with her.

Determined to achieve this, Hitori embarks on a challenging journey towards victory. Similar to Bocchi the Rock!, this anime captivates viewers with the amusing reactions of a lovable girl striving to overcome her fear of social interaction. From fainting when overwhelmed to experiencing nausea when nervous, Hitori's struggles mirror those of Bocchi. Despite not aspiring to become a musician, both characters dedicate themselves to making friends in their respective anime series.

Kids On The Slope

Stream on Crunchyroll

While Kids on the Slope may have a heavier focus on classic music rather than rock, it doesn't disregard the similarities it shares with Bocchi the Rock! Beginning his first year of high school in a different town, introverted pianist Kaoru Nishimi has resigned himself to the notion that fitting in is not in his cards, preparing for yet another year engulfed in solitude.

Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!

Running into delinquent Sentarou Kawabuchi, he is urged by him to join after-school jazz sessions, which leads to a joint experience where Kaoru discovers the joy of sharing his music, forming close friendships, and finding love. The powerful theme of belonging and the impressive musical score in Kids on the Slope make it an ideal anime to watch after Bocchi the Rock!, as both carry similar messages. While it may lack the same level of humor, this anime compensates with its heartwarming story and a satisfying conclusion.

Stream on Netflix & Crunchyroll

Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! is widely regarded as the best slice-of-life club anime of 2020. The series follows Midori Asakusa, a dedicated artist who captures vibrant landscapes from both the real world and her own imagination. When she and her money-conscious best friend, Kanamori, meet a popular model who shares their passion for drawing, they form a motion picture club.

Instead of focusing on music like Bocchi, Midori and her friends highlight the essential elements of successful animations that are both emotionally resonant and unique. Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! captivates viewers with its humorous facial expressions and authentic depiction of the awkwardness of adolescence, all through the endearing character of Midori. This distinctive style sets it apart from other club anime, resulting in a heartwarming story of self-acceptance.