15 Finest Comedy Anime of All Time

Anime isn’t simply over-the-top violence and morally ambiguous characters in bizarre costumes preventing each other to the demise. Anime and comedy work superbly collectively, as you will discover by going by means of the final 40+ years of hit anime exhibits and flicks that have been profitable in not solely their native nation, however all through the remainder of the world, as nicely.

There’s actually no restrict to the vary of genres and subgenres that may be discovered beneath the anime banner. Comedy alone is an unlimited panorama of slapstick, farce and parody, surrealism, romance, friendship, and even the gallows humor we generally enlist to outlive a horrible state of affairs. anime can do all of it, regardless of the restrictions imposed by individuals who have a really, very slender view of what the medium is able to.

We will’t cowl each comedy anime movie or present ever made, however we will least take you thru the perfect comedy anime ever made. You’re assured to seek out one thing that may attraction to your personal humorousness.

The Finest Comedy Anime

15. Cromartie Excessive College

There’s a second early within the first episode of the 2003-2004 TV sequence Cromartie Excessive College the place scholar Takashi Kamiyama cheerfully informs us that if we need to be taught extra about sure backstory, we’ll must learn the manga. This proves true, because the 2000-2006 authentic manga run does present vital character historical past beats that aren’t current within the TV sequence. You may count on this humorousness, which veers between parody and slapstick cartoon delirium, from starting to finish.

Cromartie Excessive College is troublesome to sum up in easy phrases. Freddie Mercury is there. College gangs wage hilarious wars based mostly on motorbike races and hysterical powerful man posturing. There’s a gorilla and a robotic, and issues simply get wilder from there.

The TV sequence is a masterclass within the ridiculous, and impressively sustains itself to the tip of the present’s run. The 2005 dwell motion film is likely to be price a look, too.

14. Tenchi Muyo!

Tenchi Masaki is a pleasant younger man who additionally occurs to dwell with a number of girls from totally different factors within the galaxy. A few of them are very, very sexy for him. Others need to experiment on him. Others nonetheless simply need to make him a pleasant snack. Everybody needs his consideration to a point or one other. That is mainly the plot of any given Tenchi Muyo sequence you would possibly watch.

As a result of there’s fairly a number of totally different Tenchi exhibits and movies to take a look at. There’s additionally manga and lightweight novels, in addition to video video games and a number of other spin-offs. This is without doubt one of the deepest catalogs of something we’re protecting with this have a look at the perfect comedy anime. There are 5 seasons of the unique OVA, 4 totally different tv exhibits, 3 characteristic movies, and nonetheless extra. Begin with the OVA sequence, which is arguably the franchise’s finest mix of comedy and lightweight drama.

13. Ranma ½

It will be nearly unattainable to put in writing about comedy in anime with out mentioning Rumiko Takahashi. Ranma ½ particularly was one of many first main works to be launched within the west on the prime of the 90s anime growth.

A younger martial artist named Ranma Saotome and his father Genma go swimming in a cursed spring, which causes them to rework into a lady and a large panda respectively each time they arrive into contact with chilly water. Solely heat water can change them again. Additional complicating issues is Genma and his buddy Soun Tendo making preparations for Ranma to marry Soun’s daughter Akane.

That’s the fundamental premise for a sequence that started as a manga, earlier than being tailored to a TV sequence in 1989 that was cancelled after only one season. The sequence was retooled and tried once more that very same 12 months and ran for 143 episodes. The 1989-1992 sequence is the place it’s best to go first. Prepare for martial arts silliness, gender woes, rivals for the hearts of Akane and/or Ranma, and much and much (and much) of different characters.

12. The Satan is a Half-Timer!

Devil appears to be a reasonably standard character throughout a variety of manga and anime tales. The Satan is a Half-Timer! seems like one thing out of a sitcom, Devil will get caught in our realm and is compelled to take up a job working at a quick meals joint.

It doesn’t get far more ridiculous than that, however The Satan is a Half-Timer finds surprising comedic depths many times in its 2013 sequence run of 13 episodes. As Devil works to rebuild his energy base, he should take care of not solely his assorted generals and minions, but in addition being pursued by a hero named Emilia.

The Satan is a Half-Timer! is without doubt one of the finest surprises awaiting these simply beginning to get into comedy anime exhibits and flicks. It’s a fast-paced sequence with multi-layered humor and amiable characters who make the present unattainable to place down. A 2022 sequel sequence continues the story.

11. Lupin III: Fort of Cagliostro

Fort of Cagliostro, the primary characteristic movie by Hayao Miyazaki, is just not solely probably the greatest animated comedy-adventure movies of all time, but in addition a improbable introduction to the world of Lupin III. Initially launched in 1967 in serialized manga kind by the late, nice Monkey Punch, Lupin III is the story of grasp thief Arsène Lupin III, his associates, the police investigator who pursues him relentlessly throughout the globe, and their adventures as thieves who’re generally compelled to do the fitting factor.

Fort of Cagliostro retains the above method in thoughts, however in what would change into the usual for Miyazaki’s profession as a author and director, the movie presents a wealth of thematic depth, superb journey, hanging visuals (particularly for 1979) and a few genuinely humorous interactions and dialog.

Lupin III consists of dozens of manga volumes, numerous TV specials and flicks, musicals, TV exhibits, and a lot extra. When you love Fort of Cagliostro, you’re going to be busy for a very long time.

10. Jujutsu Kaisen

That includes an expansive, ongoing manga sequence and TV sequence, Jujutsu Kaisen is without doubt one of the latest releases to get a highlight on this article. The characters, particularly our younger most important protagonist Yuji Itadori, assist with that success an ideal deal.

There’s additionally one thing spectacular and even potent about the way in which this sequence juggles comedy with extra severe components and moments. You could end up sometimes wishing the sequence was slightly extra constant in its tone, however it is a minor situation when put in opposition to the sheer enjoyable of entering into this story and its more and more essential stakes for everybody concerned.

Jujutsu Kaisen additionally will get numerous its recognition from a really attention-grabbing energy system. This technique revolves round one thing generally known as cursed power. Because the title suggests, this power comes from unfavorable sources equivalent to concern and rage. The way in which this method is explored proves to be a driving drive that even influences the comedy to a significant and singular extent.

9. Grand Blue

Slightly than specializing in highschool children, as many comedic sequence and movies do, Grand Blue issues faculty college students. That will not sound like an enormous leap, however the manga and anime each use the setting and normal ages of its characters to seek out some hilarious and interesting outcomes.

Grand Blue is a comedy anime that’s pure slapstick with an emphasis on visible and gag humor. The sequence builds on sturdy characters on this setting, however isn’t afraid to take characters like Chisa and Iori and immerse them in some really ridiculous conditions.

There’s a coronary heart to Grand Blue that makes the 12-episode sequence from 2018 an important watch. That is the kind of coronary heart that brings the characters and their tales to pleasing life, however with out taking any of it too severely. We will solely hope there are extra episodes within the close to future, because the manga sequence has been operating for a couple of decade at this level.

8. Area Dandy

Set in outer house, Area Dandy is the perfect form of obligatory enjoyable. Our hero Dandy is simply one other weirdo searching for clever life within the universe, joined by his robotic QT and a feline-like creature named Meow.

The sequence is co-directed by Shinichirō Watanabe, with many individuals liable for Cowboy Bebop additionally engaged on this sequence. Whereas Area Dandy is fully its personal factor, this comedy anime ought to show to be a winner for anybody who enjoys the fundamental Bebop premise of unlikely heroes making an attempt to make the perfect of a chaotic and harmful state of affairs.

Area Dandy is a wild experience, with the present making it very clear that standard guidelines for storytelling is not going to all the time apply. Characters die and return with out a lot as a reference to what simply occurred. Madness begets additional madness, however the present by no means loses sight of its interesting characters or inventiveness. The present is loaded with intelligent sight gags and visuals of the house opera selection.

7. One Punch Man

A sprawling worldwide hit for the studio Madhouse, One Punch Man is without doubt one of the finest comedies constructed round superhero tropes to be launched within the 2010s. Contemplating how a lot superhero media was launched in that decade alone, the success of a sequence that started as a webcomic by creator One is kind of gorgeous. That is one other easy premise with a stunning capacity to go additional with that premise than anybody might have guessed.

A superhero named Saitama can defeat any opponent with a single punch. Clearly, if issues have been that straightforward, the present could be fairly quick. One Punch Man goes after its topic and character with the form of humor you would possibly count on, solely to then surpass your expectations with fantastic characters and a relentless assault of twists and lengthening its concepts past any kind of logical conclusion.

One Punch Man proves there are all the time methods to narrate a superhero parody with extra than simply the anticipated comedic beats.

6. Nichijou: My Abnormal Life

The peculiar is certainly entrance and middle in Nichijou: My Abnormal Life, an ensemble sequence specializing in a bunch of highschool women that initially started as a manga in 2006. This 2011 sequence ran for 26-episodes and by no means steered away from specializing in these characters in a small, pretty Japanese city in a method that additionally avoids any severe or bigger narrative. My Abnormal Life is mainly only a assortment of moments, and a few of these moments can attain totally surreal heights that have to be seen to be believed.

Nichijou: My Abnormal Life subverts the chance to look into the day by day actions of charming, likable characters like Yūko, Mio, Mai, and Nano (an android schoolgirl constructed by one of many different characters). The guts and honest love for these characters not solely informs their spectacular depth of character, but in addition permits us to change into deeply invested within the ever-bizarre moments that depict their solo and shared lives.

5. Ouran Excessive College Host Membership

The parody ingredient of Ouran Excessive College Host Membership, significantly with tales involving glamorous-looking younger women and men caught up in peculiar highschool drama, is obvious from the very starting. Nevertheless, like most of the finest anime comedy motion pictures and exhibits that target gently roasting standard genres and ideas, Ouran Excessive College Host Membership is greater than only a sequence of jokes for a really particular fanbase.

In different phrases, you don’t must be a fan of harem comedies, humor with a slice of drama for good measure, or romantic comedy-style silliness to understand Ouran Excessive College Host Membership. The present cements itself with a grounded premise of a younger man named Haruhi turning into a member of the Ouran Host Membership after a minor accident.

As soon as it has your belief in these hilarious, heat characters, issues solely get extra entertaining, with Ouran Excessive College Host Membership not being afraid to push itself into extra severe fare at occasions.

4. Nice Trainer Onizuka

Nice Trainer Onizuka will be very tough across the edges at occasions. Eikichi Onizuka himself is a brash ex-motorcycle gang member whose horniness is unsurpassed by nearly every other character from throughout comedy anime that we might focus on. He’ll say something to make a degree, and he additionally has a penchant for getting concerned within the lives of his college students. This has the apparent comedic outcomes you’re hoping for, however we wouldn’t be right here if GTO was simply the sum of its elements. There’s so much to be loved past the present’s occasional want to be as audacious as potential.

The key of GTO and its enduring likability after 25+ years of serialized manga, animation, a number of dwell motion releases (together with a 1999 movie that’s very a lot price your time) isn’t that it tries to redeem Eikichi. He simply occurs to be taught so much whereas concurrently presenting himself as a cool man with all of the solutions.

Nice Trainer Onizuka is surprisingly healthful, and that retains the comedy from ever getting stale.

3. Gintama

An alternate universe feudal Japan that’s been conquered by some significantly feisty aliens is a good premise beneath any circumstances, however Gintama knocks you for a loop again and again with its willingness to be probably the most unhinged motion comedy anime you’ve ever seen.

You may’t assist however change into pulled in by Gintama’s fundamental premise of a world during which swords and samurai are successfully outlawed, with an eccentric warrior named Gintoki Sakata turning into the point of interest as he and his pals tackle any job to outlive. The present doesn’t neglect sturdy characters or the required motion, however these are solely items of a bigger story that features meta humor, tons of references and parodies, and a few of the most absurd-but-satisfying plot developments you’ll ever discover.

No surprise Gintama consists of tons of of episodes, motion pictures, manga, gentle novels, video games, and extra. You’ll need to begin with the perfect, which might be the 2011-2013 sequence.

2. Tokyo Godfathers

Tokyo Godfathers is slightly totally different from the rest we’ve mentioned thus far on the subject of our greatest comedy anime countdown.

This Satoshi Kon-helmed animated characteristic from 2003 isn’t afraid to emphasise bitter tragedy, or somber realities that may depart the viewer feeling flashes of utter powerlessness to assist these fantastic, stunning characters. Equally, Tokyo Godfathers is aware of that there’s humor to be present in three very totally different homeless folks banding collectively to maintain a child discovered within the rubbish on Christmas Eve. This humor by no means overextends itself, and it by no means loses its sweetness or moments of requiring a sharper edge to make a degree. It’s a tragicomedy that doesn’t neglect a kind of issues to help the opposite.

The energy of Tokyo Godfathers, loosely impressed by a 1948 John Wayne/John Ford western (sure, actually) is in its characters. They’re nuanced, flawed, hilarious, and generally deeply miserable. The momentum of watching them veer by means of vicious, unsentimental obstacles carries us nicely previous the tip credit.

1. Urusei Yatsura

Again once more with Rumiko Takahashi, probably the most celebrated creators in fashionable anime historical past. Her lengthy checklist of profitable works actually hit its stride with the preliminary launch of Urusei Yatsura (“These Obnoxious Aliens”) as a manga in 1978. Based mostly on a brief story Takahashi wrote at simply 21 years of age, the sequence was tailored into an animated TV sequence in 1981.

That sequence would run for an astonishing 194 episodes, with OVAs and a number of other theatrical movies to observe. A 2022 reboot sequence is at the moment reintroducing iconic characters like Lum and Ataru, two younger folks from totally different planets whose fates appeared eternally entwined, to a complete new era.

The 1981-1986 animated sequence would possibly look slightly dated within the animation division, however likelihood is you’re going to like these characters and their madhouse existence an excessive amount of to essentially care. Every thing finally appears fascinating and performs brilliantly with sight gags, loony dialog exchanges, and tales that embody parody, romantic comedies, science fiction, horror, and a few of the most surreal plots you’ve ever seen. It nonetheless doesn’t get higher than Urusei Yatsura for joyful, unforgettable anime comedy.

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