Top slice-of-life anime for the ultimate summer binge

There’s always that one particular kind of afternoon with breezy atmosphere, sun shining like it’s trying to make us happy and not burn us alive, and the birds chirping away happily. It’s the kind that only anime can perfectly capture in a slice of life drama. There’s no saving anyone, jumping through timelines or post-apocalyptic adventures here. It asks you to simply exist. Summer is the perfect season to fall into that feeling.

Because you don’t want dragons or death games to shoot up your adrenaline all the time. Sometimes, you just want to lazily binge-watch a girl open a small-town bakery and slowly make friends who are eccentric but absolutely adorable. That tug in your chest when you see them smiling, laughing and frolicking across town without a care in the world is wholesome and nostalgic, like a calmness you’ve been craving to feel for so long.

And with the Malaysian weather being either pouring rain or blazing heat, staying in and watching these anime will be the perfect retreat. So, as you go through summer, check out the best slice of life anime series you must add to your watchlist to binge this season that will remind you of the biggest joy in the smallest moments.

Best slice of life anime series that function as summer therapy

1 /5

Cast: Yumiri Hanamori, Nao Tôyama and Aki Toyosaki
IMDb rating: 8.1

Synopsis: The warm, slice-of-life anime follows Rin Shima, a solo camper who loves to set up her camp beside serene nature. Her comforting routine takes a turn when she meets Nadeshiko, an energetic newcomer who has picked up camping as her new hobby. They are joined by a few other classmates as the series explores their growing friendship while highlighting the relaxing vibes of camping in nature.

2 /5

Cast: Kotori Koiwai, Rie Murakawa and Ayane Sakura
IMDb rating: 7.8

Synopsis: The story follows Hotaru, a city girl who transfers to a rural school with only five students in the classroom. Together, they form an unexpected friendship, exploring each other’s adventurous and complementary energies. They go on mini-adventures across the village, explore fields, chase fireflies and find joy in the simplest moments of life.

3 /5

Cast: Jun’ichi Suwabe, Kaede Hondo and Minami Shinoda
IMDb rating: 7.3

Synopsis: The slice-of-life anime about Tetsuo Takahashi, a biology teacher who studies demi-humans and their function in human society. To help them become normalised, he interviews a vampire, a dullahan, and a snow woman, each with unique traits and personality. It’s wholesome, relatable and meaningful.

4 /5

Cast: Yûki Takada, Marika Kôno and Natsumi Hioka
IMDb rating: 6.8

Synopsis: The anime follows Tokyo’s Ueno district, where three spirited elementary school girls who themselves The Colors, get convinced that they are the protectors of their town. They spend their days imagining adventures and turning ordinary moments into missions.

5 /5

Cast: Ari Ozawa, Yûsuke Kobayashi and Kentarô Tone
IMDb rating: 6.7

Synopsis: This charming series follows Mizuki, a member of the club who genuinely cares about art. However, her club is filled with eccentric personalities who are impossible to cooperate with. As Mizuki tries to get the club functioning normally, she must also navigate hilarious misunderstandings, light romance and wholesome school life moments.