Comedy anime has carved out a special place in the hearts of fans across the globe. These shows often serve as an escape from reality, offering light-hearted humor, amusing characters, and outlandish scenarios that will leave viewers laughing until they can’t breathe. The beauty of comedy anime lies in its diverse range, from slapstick and parodies to witty dialogue and situational humor. The laughter may come from quirky characters, misunderstandings, and over-the-top antics, but it’s the depth of character development and the unexpected twists in their relationships that often provide the most joy.
Comedy anime also embraces a variety of genres, making it accessible to fans of all tastes. Whether it’s a school-based comedy, an absurdist slice-of-life, or a wild fantasy, comedy anime often uses humor to explore deeper themes of friendship, love, and personal growth. The combination of funny moments and heartfelt storylines can create an emotional rollercoaster for the viewer. If you’re in the mood for something lighthearted or just want to unwind with a good laugh, comedy anime will deliver every time.
Here are the top 15 comedy anime that have made fans laugh out loud and become cultural touchstones within the anime world.
Table of Contents
1. One Punch Man
Genre: Action, Comedy, Superhero, Parody
Studio: Madhouse
Episodes: 12 (2015), 12 (2019)
One Punch Man is a brilliant parody of the superhero genre, featuring Saitama, a man who can defeat any opponent with a single punch. While his immense power makes him bored and disillusioned, his journey to find a worthy adversary is a comedic rollercoaster. The juxtaposition of his overpowering strength with his desire for a true challenge creates some truly hilarious moments. Additionally, the contrast between Saitama’s deadpan demeanor and the over-the-top personalities of the other heroes and villains makes this anime one of the funniest and most entertaining comedies out there.
2. KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World!
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Isekai
Studio: Studio Deen
Episodes: 10 (2016), 10 (2017), 11 (2021)
KonoSuba is a hilarious deconstruction of the popular isekai genre. After dying in a tragic accident, Kazuma Satou is given the opportunity to be reborn in a fantasy world. He is allowed to bring one item or companion with him, and he chooses the goddess Aqua, who proves to be more trouble than she’s worth. Along with a group of misfit companions—each more incompetent than the last—Kazuma embarks on ludicrous adventures. The show thrives on absurd humor, character-driven jokes, and the relentless incompetence of its protagonists, making it one of the best comedy anime of recent years.
3. Gintama
Genre: Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi, Historical
Studio: Sunrise
Episodes: 201 (2006–2008), 51 (2011–2012), 12 (2015)
Gintama is an epic blend of comedy, action, and heart. Set in an alternate-history version of Edo Japan, Gintama follows the antics of Gintoki Sakata, a carefree, lazy, yet highly skilled samurai who runs a small business with his friends Shinpachi and Kagura. The series is known for its meta-humor, parodying popular anime and real-life events, and features both hilarious episodic moments and deeper, emotionally-charged arcs. Gintama doesn’t take itself too seriously, making fun of anime tropes, but also delivers some of the most heartfelt, meaningful episodes in the medium. Its unique style of humor and unexpected emotional depth has earned it a place among the top comedy anime.
4. Nichijou (My Ordinary Life)
Genre: Slice of Life, Comedy, School
Studio: Kyoto Animation
Episodes: 26 (2011)
Nichijou takes everyday life and turns it into an absurdly exaggerated series of events. The show follows a group of high school girls and the oddball characters around them as they navigate their mundane, yet hilariously bizarre, daily routines. Whether it’s a cat with a machine gun, a robot trying to fit in, or a principal fighting a deer, Nichijou delivers nonstop laughs through its rapid-fire gags, slapstick humor, and surreal situations. Its visual comedy and energetic pacing make it one of the most unique and funniest anime of all time.
5. Saiki Kusuo no Psi-nan (The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.)
Genre: Comedy, Supernatural, School
Studio: J.C. Staff
Episodes: 120 (2016), 24 (2018)
Saiki Kusuo no Psi-nan revolves around Saiki Kusuo, a high school student born with a vast array of psychic powers, from telepathy to teleportation. However, Saiki despises his powers and prefers to live a quiet, normal life. The show’s comedy arises from Saiki’s constant battle to keep his abilities hidden from his eccentric classmates, who are oblivious to his attempts to avoid attention. The series excels at its quirky character interactions, visual gags, and Saiki’s deadpan narration, making it a perfect choice for fans of fast-paced, hilarious humor.
6. Ouran High School Host Club
Genre: Comedy, Romance, School, Slice of Life
Studio: Bones
Episodes: 26 (2006)
Ouran High School Host Club is a romantic comedy that flips the traditional high school harem on its head. Haruhi Fujioka, a scholarship student at the elite Ouran Academy, accidentally breaks a vase belonging to the school’s Host Club, a group of attractive boys who entertain female students. Haruhi is forced to work off the damage, and the club members gradually discover that she’s actually a girl in disguise. The show is a delightful mix of humor, romance, and exaggerated character archetypes, full of witty dialogue, hilarious misunderstandings, and memorable moments.
7. Lucky Star
Genre: Slice of Life, Comedy, School
Studio: Kyoto Animation
Episodes: 24 (2007)
Lucky Star is a charming and quirky slice-of-life comedy that focuses on the everyday lives of four high school girls. The show doesn’t have a traditional plot, instead featuring hilarious conversations about pop culture, school life, and random topics that fans of Japanese culture will especially enjoy. The humor comes from the characters’ unique personalities and their funny interactions with one another. Lucky Star is known for its sharp wit, cultural references, and its light-hearted portrayal of the trials and tribulations of teenage life.
8. Osomatsu-san
Genre: Comedy, Slice of Life, Parody
Studio: Studio Pierrot
Episodes: 25 (2015), 25 (2017), 13 (2020)
Osomatsu-san is a modern, hilarious take on the classic 1960s anime Osomatsu-kun. The series focuses on the six Matsuno brothers, who are all lazy, mischievous adults. They live in a world full of bizarre, often absurd humor, and each episode delivers new gags, parodies of other anime, and social satire. The humor is fast-paced, clever, and often quite dark, with the characters’ antics ranging from slapstick to clever wordplay. If you’re looking for an anime that doesn’t take itself seriously and offers plenty of laughs, Osomatsu-san is a must-watch.
9. Azumanga Daioh
Genre: Slice of Life, Comedy, School
Studio: J.C. Staff
Episodes: 26 (2002)
Azumanga Daioh is a school-based comedy that captures the mundane, yet hilarious, moments of everyday life for a group of high school girls and their quirky teachers. The show has a unique charm, with its blend of heartwarming moments and laugh-out-loud absurdity. Whether it’s the over-the-top antics of the energetic Tomo or the calm, collected demeanor of Chiyo, the series thrives on its offbeat humor, character interactions, and relatable scenarios. It’s a great option for fans of light-hearted, slice-of-life comedy.
10. Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun
Genre: Comedy, Romance, School
Studio: Doga Kobo
Episodes: 12 (2014)
Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun is a romantic comedy that flips the typical romance genre on its head. The show follows Chiyo Sakura, a high school girl who confesses her feelings to her crush, Umetarou Nozaki. To her surprise, Nozaki is a popular manga artist, and instead of reciprocating her feelings, he asks her to become his assistant. What follows is a hilarious series of events where Chiyo and the other characters become involved in Nozaki’s manga, leading to hilarious misunderstandings, romantic tension, and funny character dynamics.
11. Black Lagoon
Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime, Thriller
Studio: Madhouse
Episodes: 12 (2006), 12 (2007)
While Black Lagoon is an action-packed crime thriller, it also features plenty of dark humor and comedic moments. The show follows a group of mercenaries, the Lagoon Company, as they navigate dangerous missions in the underworld of Southeast Asia. The dry humor, sarcastic characters, and absurd situations that arise from their violent adventures create a unique blend of tension and comedy. Black Lagoon balances intense action with moments of levity, making it a compelling mix of genres.
12. Toradora!
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Slice of Life
Studio: J.C. Staff
Episodes: 25 (2008–2009)
Toradora! is a romantic comedy that follows Ryuuji, a high school student with an intimidating face, and Taiga, a small but fiery girl. The two initially dislike each other but end up forming an unlikely friendship and helping each other with their respective crushes. The series skillfully blends comedy with heartfelt moments, as both characters struggle with their emotions and personal growth. The quirky humor and endearing characters make Toradora! a fan-favorite in the romantic comedy genre.
13. The Devil is a Part-Timer!
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Supernatural
Studio: White Fox
Episodes: 13 (2013)
The Devil is a Part-Timer! is a hilarious take on the fantasy genre, with a twist. When the Demon Lord Satan is transported to modern-day Tokyo, he loses his powers and is forced to take a part-time job at a fast-food restaurant to survive. The absurdity of Satan trying to adapt to human life while dealing with his enemies and forming odd alliances provides plenty of laughs. The show expertly blends slapstick humor with fantasy tropes, making it a fun and engaging watch.
14. Shimoneta: A Boring World Where the Concept of Dirty Jokes Doesn’t Exist
Genre: Comedy, Ecchi, Satire
Studio: J.C. Staff
Episodes: 12 (2015)
In a world where lewd jokes and obscene content are banned, Tanukichi Okuma, a high school student, becomes involved with a group that aims to bring “perversion” back to society. The absurdity of the situation, combined with the characters’ outlandish behavior and clever satire, creates a wild, comedic atmosphere. While it pushes the envelope in terms of humor, Shimoneta is a bold, funny series that critiques censorship and societal norms.
15. Soul Eater
Genre: Action, Comedy, Supernatural
Studio: Bones
Episodes: 51 (2008–2009)
Soul Eater balances humor with darker themes, following a group of students at the Death Weapon Meister Academy as they train to become “Meisters” and “Weapons.” The show features a number of comically eccentric characters, including a girl who can turn into a chainsaw and a goofy, yet competent, main protagonist. The action and darker moments are enhanced by the series’ quirky humor, making it an entertaining ride from start to finish.
Conclusion
Comedy anime offers a wide variety of humor, from slapstick to satirical commentary on everyday life, and everything in between. These top 15 comedy anime are just a glimpse into the diverse world of anime that can make you laugh, cry, and reflect on the absurdity of life. Whether you’re a fan of high school hijinks, supernatural absurdities, or heartfelt romance, there’s a comedy anime for everyone. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and prepare for a laughter-filled ride!
