The selection of anime on Crunchyroll is undoubtedly one of the largest collections legally available in the modern day, especially since the acquisition of Funimation. Additionally, fans can easily find the perfect series to watch for any occasion, such as Father’s Day, Halloween, or even Friendship Day.
Although the overall medium often includes themes of friendship and camaraderie, there are certain anime on Crunchyroll that specifically focus on these themes. Additionally, there are specific offerings on the platform that are undoubtedly perfect to watch on Friendship Day.
The Best Anime to Watch on Friendship Day from Crunchyroll
Fairy Tail
At the top of the list is Fairy Tail, an anime on Crunchyroll based on the original work of mangaka Hiro Mashima. The series centers around the theme of friendship and uses it as a key element in its storytelling. It follows the adventures of the members of the wizard guild Fairy Tail, who are depicted as a tight-knit group. They are shown to be like friends in their most difficult times and like family in everything but blood at their happiest moments.
This tale of companionship begins when Natsu Dragneel and Lucy Heartfilia (along with her companion Happy) cross paths and develop a strong bond, leading them to join forces in the guild. As time passes, they are introduced to their closest comrades Gray Fullbuster, Erza Scarlet, Wendy Marvell, and Carla (also an Exceed like Happy), and embark on thrilling adventures together.
Naruto
Naruto, one of the popular anime on Crunchyroll, is a great choice to watch on Friendship Day as it needs no introduction. The story, created by Masashi Kishimoto, revolves around a ninja named Naruto from the Uzumaki clan. His journey is a testament to the power of friendship and the importance of making new connections. As a child, Naruto’s dream is to become Hokage, the leader of the Hidden Leaf Village, and earn the respect of all its inhabitants.
As he progresses, he forms numerous friendships before reaching his ultimate goal, with his most loyal companions being Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno, who are also his allies in Team 7 under the guidance of their mentor Kakashi Hatake. As Naruto’s strength grows, he and Sasuke begin to drift apart, leading to a tale of one friend who always extends a helping hand and another who struggles to accept it.
After School Dice Club
After School Dice Club is the first slice-of-life-adjacent anime on Crunchyroll to make it onto this list. However, it differs from the previous series by taking a more down-to-earth and relatable approach to portraying friendships. The show follows a group of friends who share a passion for board games and spend their afternoons bonding over various games.
The main character in the series is Miki Takekasa, a reserved high school student who prefers to keep to herself. However, her life changes after she meets the new transfer student, Aya Takayashiki. Aya encourages Miki to step out of her comfort zone and go on an adventure. During their outing, they run into their classmate Midori Ono, who works at a game shop in the entertainment district. This encounter leads to the formation of the titular group and the development of a heartwarming friendship between the girls.
Love and Relationships
Similarly to its alternative title, Kimi to Boku, You and Me holds the distinction of being the second slice-of-life-style anime featured on Crunchyroll and is a perfect choice for viewing on Friendship Day. However, what sets it apart is that the main group of friends is not portrayed as being exceptionally tight-knit. Instead, it is their mutual appreciation for one another’s company that binds them together, despite their varying personalities and viewpoints.
Comprising this friend group are the attractive Asaba twins Yuta and Yuki, the feminine Shun Matsuoka, and the leader of the class, Kaname Tsukahara, all of whom have been acquainted since their early childhood.
The group of four is eventually joined by Chizuru Tachibana, a half-Japanese transfer student, solidifying the dynamic of this teenage friend group. Together, they embark on lighthearted and comical adventures. The primary focus of the series is on the everyday experiences of being a teenager.
Orange
The inclusion of Orange on Crunchyroll sets it apart from other shows on this list as it tackles mature themes through a blend of romance, slice-of-life, and sci-fi elements. Despite its seemingly romantic plot, the series also highlights the importance of friendship as its central characters go to great lengths to ensure the well-being of their friend. This often involves making difficult sacrifices and conflicting with their own desires, ultimately showcasing the true essence of genuine friendship.
The story revolves around Naho Takamiya, a second-year high school student who starts receiving letters from her future self, ten years ahead. Despite initially doubting the letters’ request to prevent her “biggest regrets,”Naho eventually realizes their accuracy.
Similarly, Naho, along with her friends Hiroto Suwa, Takako Chino, Saku Hagita, and Azusa Murasaka, are determined to stop new transfer student Kakeru Naruse from carrying out a devastating action that would alter the course of their lives.
Laid-Back Camp
This captivating slice-of-life anime available on Crunchyroll is an ideal choice for celebrating Friendship Day, and is also one of the most relaxed shows on this list. Laid-Back Camp follows the story of Rin Shima, a solo camper who unexpectedly crosses paths with Nadeshiko Kagamihara one day.
Nadeshiko persuades Rin to become a member of their school’s camping club, along with classmates Chiako Ogaki and Aoi Inuyama. The four of them embark on various camping trips throughout Japan, bonding and creating unforgettable memories as they develop a strong friendship.
Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day
Commonly referred to as Anohana, this anime can be found on Crunchyroll and is renowned for its portrayal of friendship. It is officially classified as a coming-of-age series and begins with the passing of one of six childhood friends, Meiko “Menma”Honma, when they were in sixth grade. This event causes the group to grow apart, with Jinta Yadomi, the leader and main character, becoming a complete recluse five years later.
This transformation occurs when Jinta is visited by Menma’s ghost, who pleads with him to fulfill her final wish and help her move on to the afterlife. Jinta then reunites the old group of friends, during which Menma reveals herself to them. As they confront their buried emotions and rekindle their friendships, they also find closure in Menma’s passing and strengthen their bond as genuine friends.
The Promised Neverland
Despite being a controversial anime on Crunchyroll, The Promised Neverland is a perfect choice to watch on Friendship Day due to its compelling storyline. The series begins by introducing an orphanage and its 11-year-old protagonist, Emma. Along with her two closest companions, Ray and Norman, Emma is depicted as a leader among the children in the orphanage, offering support and guidance as the oldest among them.
The depth of their love for their siblings is further demonstrated when Emma and Norman go after the adopted Conny one night, in search of her lost stuffed animal from the orphanage. This incident serves as a catalyst for the pair to join forces with Ray and make it their mission to rescue all their other siblings, highlighting their strong sense of care and protectiveness towards their orphanage family.
9) Tokyo Revengers
Another highly popular anime on Crunchyroll in recent years is Tokyo Revengers, which completes this list. This series centers on the theme of friendship and follows the story of 26-year-old Takemichi Hanagaki, who discovers that his middle school ex-girlfriend Hinata Tachibana has passed away. In a twist of fate, Takemichi is suddenly transported back in time after his death on a train platform, giving him a second opportunity to save Tachibana and others.
Similarly, the anime revolves heavily around the theme of friendship, with Takemichi’s character being portrayed as someone who will go to extreme lengths to save his friends. This emotional series, streaming on Crunchyroll, will continually pull at viewers’ heartstrings and inspire them to express their love for their dearest friends, as they witness Takemichi’s relentless efforts to protect his companions.
Final Thoughts
Although Crunchyroll offers a vast selection of anime, the nine mentioned above are among the top choices for watching on Friendship Day due to their strong emphasis on the theme of friendship. However, there are numerous other anime on Crunchyroll that explore the concept of friendship, including popular titles like One Piece and Tamayura Hitotose, that fans should also consider checking out.
Crunchyroll provided them.
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- One Piece: 10 anime characters Luffy would be great friends with
- 10 times an anime protagonist gained a friend by defeating a villain
- 10 anime characters who prioritize their friends above all else
- Crunchyroll confirms Summer 2024 anime lineup and full schedule
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