10 best coming-of-age anime you should watch

The emotional essence of youth, growth, and self-discovery has made coming-of-age anime resonate deeply with viewers. Through the struggles of young characters with their identities, changing friendships, first heartbreaks, and familial obstacles, audiences are able to see themselves reflected in their own formative years.

The coming-of-age genre focuses on important moments in a character’s development as they strive to discover meaning, self-reliance, and individuality. Challenges often lead to deep personal growth. While there are countless coming-of-age anime, some stand out for their compassionate and authentic depictions of common struggles during the transition to adulthood.

Join me as we delve into 10 renowned coming-of-age anime praised for their genuine portrayal of the journey to adulthood.

10 Anime Shows About Coming of Age That Will Touch Your Soul

Your Lie in April

Through the story of Kousei Arima, a former child piano prodigy who experiences psychosomatic hearing loss after his controlling mother’s passing, Your Lie in April delves into the profound impact of human connection in the healing process.

After drifting for years, he encounters Kaori Miyazono, a spirited violinist who encourages him to rekindle his love for music. As Kousei finds renewed inspiration and happiness in making music with Kaori, his lingering traumas and creative barriers gradually dissipate, while their intimate connection transcends verbal communication.

Despite their budding romance, Kaori’s tragic secret poses a threat to their future. Through vivid classical performances, this musical melodrama captures the heart-wrenching experiences of youth, including grief and trauma, stifled creativity, and ultimately the power of love.

A Silent Voice

The anime A Silent Voice focuses on the story of two elementary students, Shoya Ishida and Shoko Nishimiya, as they navigate their way through the emotional journey of growing up. Shoko joins Shoya’s school, but her deafness becomes a target for severe bullying. As a result, Shoya experiences social isolation and rejection from his classmates before Shoko eventually transfers to a different school.

The movie delves into the impacts of childhood bullying and loneliness. After many years, while attending high school, Shoya tries to take his own life but ultimately chooses to seek forgiveness by finding Shoko. Their path towards reconciliation, atonement, and bonding showcases the potential for personal growth in individuals.

This slice-of-life drama has been commended for its themes of empathy and compassion, providing a poignant and subtle portrayal of disability and mental health.

Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day

This touching supernatural drama centers on Jinta Yadomi, a reclusive teenager still tormented by regret five years after the untimely death of his childhood friend Menma. However, everything changes when Menma’s ghost unexpectedly returns during the summer, leading Jinta to reunite with their distant friends in a quest to grant her forgotten wish and guide her to the afterlife.

As Jinta gathers his friends together, they gradually rekindle their relationships and come to understand how Menma’s untimely death has stunted their emotional growth since the tragedy. Each of them continues to mourn her absence while also keeping secrets from their last summer spent together.

Anohana delves into the themes of survivor’s guilt, post-traumatic stress, and the bittersweet first love that often emerges during adolescence. Through its exploration of youthful connections and the lasting impact of their sudden end, this coming-of-age anime series strikes a chord with its audience.

Clannad

Clannad is centered around Tomoya Okazaki, a delinquent whose mother passed away in a car accident. This tragedy has caused him to become emotionally distant from his father, who battles alcoholism and emotional deterioration.

Despite lacking direction in life, Tomoya’s fate takes a turn when he crosses paths with Nagisa Furukawa. She is a sickly, angelic girl who is determined to revive her high school’s drama club. As they spend more time together, they find solace in each other’s troubled pasts and dream of a brighter future together. However, their future is constantly tested by Nagisa’s ongoing health struggles.

Clannad is renowned for its ability to evoke strong emotions from viewers, delving into themes of family struggles, resilience in the face of tragedy, and the purity of young love. While it offers heartwarming depictions of friendship, the series also takes audiences on a tumultuous journey dealing with the realities of mortality. It is widely considered a must-watch for anyone interested in the coming-of-age genre in anime.

5. March Comes in Like a Lion

March Comes in Like a Lion (Image via Shaft)

This young adult drama centers on Rei Kiriyama, a 17-year-old shogi genius, as he navigates the challenges of grief and growing up. Following the loss of his family in an accident, Rei moves into his own apartment and must balance school, professional shogi tournaments, depression, and feelings of isolation.

Upon meeting the warm and vivacious Kawamoto sisters next door, Rei gradually begins to emerge from his hardened shell. Their presence coaxes him out and he is finally able to confront his buried trauma.

March Comes in Like a Lion presents a moving depiction of discovering a sense of belonging, conquering inner struggles, and enduring through mental health difficulties, which are prevalent yet frequently overlooked issues in Japan’s demanding youth society.

6. Toradora!

In this unique and heartwarming romantic comedy and coming-of-age anime, Ryuji Takasu, an outsider with a “tiger-like”personality, unexpectedly encounters Taiga Aisaka, also known as the “Palmtop Tiger.”Ryuji soon learns that Taiga harbors a secret crush on his closest friend, Kitamura.

As they form an unlikely bond, the two develop a friendship full of humorous mishaps, wit, and guidance. As they grow closer, they support each other in facing insecurities related to appearance, social standing, challenging family histories, and the bravery to pursue their true desires.

With its portrayal of Ryuji and Taiga’s charming relationship, Toradora! successfully captures the lighthearted and relatable experiences of high school, appealing to viewers’ memories of their own adolescent struggles.

7. Movie Title: From Up on Poppy Hill

From Up on Poppy Hill (Image via Studio Ghibli)

Taking place in 1960s Yokohama, From Up on Poppy Hill depicts the enchanting school days of Umi Matsuzaki, as she discovers new clubs and forms lasting friendships in a stunningly animated coming-of-age anime.

The plot takes a twist when she and Shun Kazama, the boy she develops feelings for, stumble upon information that leads them to suspect they may be related. This causes confusion and doubt in their relationship until the truth is ultimately uncovered.

This stunning animated film by Studio Ghibli beautifully captures the experience of growing up and finding oneself in a post-war setting. It sensitively depicts a seaside community that is undergoing development, which threatens to erode cherished traditions. Amidst this backdrop, a poignant romance between two young characters also unfolds.

8. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (Image via Madhouse)

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is a film adaptation of a popular sci-fi novel. It follows the story of Makoto Konno, a teenage girl who discovers the ability to travel back in time after a near-fatal accident. With this newfound power, she can redo recent moments and make different choices.

Instead of altering significant events, Makoto frequently employs her time-leaping powers impulsively for minor wants such as acing exams or avoiding embarrassment, and occasionally to assist loved ones. This coming-of-age anime utilizes time travel as a symbol for the impulsive and often rash behaviors of adolescence.

The carefree way in which she manipulates time without worrying about the consequences can be seen as a symbol of youth. However, she eventually reaches a crossroads that proves time travel cannot prevent change. This coming-of-age movie is both enjoyable and thought-provoking, providing a personal perspective on dealing with regret and navigating through life’s challenging transitions.

My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU

Despite being a cynical high school student, Hachiman Hikigaya has developed a defense mechanism of social rejection due to years of being ostracized and bullied. However, his blunt teacher Hiratsuka pressures him into joining the Service Club in an attempt to help him make friends. It is here that he crosses paths with Yukino Yukinoshita, also known as the “ice queen,”who shares his cynical perspective.

Despite initially being resistant, the Service Club ultimately aids numerous students in confessing their feelings, making amends, and navigating relationships, causing Hachiman to reluctantly reevaluate his belief system as well.

This anime strikes a chord with those who feel like outcasts through its use of sarcasm and honesty in portraying social anxiety and self-imposed isolation. The protagonist, Hachiman, serves as a unique hero who ultimately embodies self-acceptance and bravery in forming connections. Through its coming-of-age story, this anime delves into the intricacies of teenage social dynamics.

10. Orange

Orange (Image via Telecom Animation Film)

If given the chance to erase past regrets by going back in time, would you take it? This is the unexpected opportunity that Naho Takamiya, the main character of this poignant coming-of-age anime, receives when she inexplicably receives letters from her 26-year-old self on her 16th birthday.

Naho is presented with a series of letters detailing the necessary steps she must take in order to prevent any potential tragedies involving Kakeru Naruse, a transfer student and her newfound love interest. As she races against time to assist him, Naho grapples with questions of self-discovery, predestination, and her own ability to change Kakeru’s seemingly destined future.

With a mix of emotions ranging from both bitter and sweet, Orange delves into the delicate topics of regret and vulnerability within relationships. It also sheds light on the significant impact that small gestures and the simple act of listening can have on someone who may be struggling with inner demons.

Conclusion

The anime genre of coming-of-age has enraptured viewers by vividly depicting the formative moments of youth. Through animation and storytelling, the aforementioned series and films explore themes of friendship, self-discovery, loss, family relationships, young love, and the internal struggles of finding one’s place or forging one’s own journey.

Dive into these touching, triumphant stories of teenagers navigating their way through life’s unexpected challenges, and find glimpses of your own personal journey mirrored in these exceptional coming-of-age anime.

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