Coming-of-age anime series usually prioritize character development over other story elements. Growing up is often full of events that ultimately shape who we are. Coming of age is a story that focuses on character growth and transitioning from childhood to adulthood.
Apart from that, they also show how the characters interact with other people or how they react to a new environment or society.
We love coming-of-age anime because they remind us of the joy and wonder of childhood or show us experiences that can help us keep growing! So, without further ado, here are 10 coming-of-age anime series that will warm your heart!
1. Beck
- Episodes: 26
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Music, Slice of Life
- Studios: Madhouse
Koyuki’s life was dull and boring. One day, he saved a weird-looking dog. The dog belonged to a rock musician named Ryuusuke. Ryuusuke encouraged Koyuki to learn how to play the guitar.
Over time, Koyuki became interested in Western rock music. He eventually joined Ryuusuke’s new band, Beck. Koyuki’s life changed dramatically as Beck became famous and popular in Japan and the United States.
2. Hachimitsu to Clover (Honey and Clover)
- Episodes: 24
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance, Slice of Life
- Studio: JC Staff
This anime series follows the lives of college students Yuuta, Takumi, and Shinobu, who live in the same apartment building. They meet a short but talented artist named Hagu and a beautiful potter named Ayumi.
The five friends go through different events and challenges, such as love triangles, unrequited love, figuring out what to do after college, finding jobs, setting personal goals, and pursuing success and happiness.
3. Nana
- Episodes: 47
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Music, Romance, Slice of Life
- Studios: Madhouse
Nana Osaki is a punk rock band singer who goes to Tokyo to become a professional musician. Nana Komatsu also moves to Tokyo to find her purpose and be with her boyfriend.
The two Nanas meet on a train to Tokyo, where they will pursue their dreams. They become roommates and close friends, even though they have different personalities and beliefs.
The Nanas support each other as they chase their dreams, find love, and seek happiness.
4. Nodame Chantable
- Episodes: 23
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance, Music
- Studio: JC Staff
Chiaki is a musician who aims for perfection and dreams of going to Europe. However, he’s stuck in Japan because he fears flying and the sea.
Then there’s Megumi, also known as Nodame, a piano student with perfect pitch, but she’s a bit eccentric.
Their story is about romance, music, and chasing their dreams. They face challenges and meet new rivals that test their relationship.
5. Clannad After Story
- Episodes: 24
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance, Slice of Life
- Studios: Kyoto Animation
After graduating from high school, Tomoya and Nagisa continue with their lives. They take their relationship to the next level by starting a family. However, they encounter various challenges on this journey.
This coming-of-age sequel to Clannad is an emotional story that emphasizes how Tomoya learns about the responsibilities of growing up and the significance of family.
6. Anohana: Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae wo Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai
- Episodes: 11
- Genre: Drama, Romance, Supernatural
- Studios: A-1 Pictures
A group of childhood friends grows distant after the death of one of them, Menma, in an accident. Then, Menma’s spirit appears to their leader, Jintan.
Jintan reconnects with his estranged friends from childhood to help Menma remember her forgotten wish. In the process, their pain, hidden emotions, inner conflicts, and guilt are uncovered as the group works together to fulfill Menma’s final wish.
In helping Menma, they also find healing and closure for themselves.
7. Sakamichi no Apollon (Kids on the Slope)
- Episodes: 12
- Genre: Drama, Romance, School, Music
- Studio: MAPPA
Kaoru, a classical pianist, moves to Kyushu to live with relatives when he starts high school. He’s used to moving around because of his dad’s job, making him quite shy.
His life turns when he meets Sentarou, a tough guy passionate about jazz music. Together with their classmate Ritsuko, her dad, and a college student named Junichi, they start playing jazz after school.
8. Chihayafuru
- Episodes: 25
- Genre: Drama, School, Sport, Slice of Life
- Studios: Madhouse
Chihaya didn’t have a clear dream until she met Arata, who introduced her to karuta, a Japanese card game.
The three of them, Chihaya, Arata, and Taichi, spent their childhood playing karuta and even made their own team for a competition.
But for some reason, they went their separate ways as they grew up. Chihaya reunites with Taichi in middle school, and they start a karuta club.
Besides wanting her club to be the best, Chihaya aims to be the world’s top karuta player and meet Arata again.
9. Gin no Saji (Silver Spoon)
- Episodes: 11
- Genre: Drama, School, Slice of Life
- Studios: A-1 Pictures
In this coming-of-age anime, we see Yuugo as he adapts to a new environment – an agricultural high school.
Yuugo moves to the countryside to escape family problems, thinking he’ll do fine at his new school. But when classes start, he finds it tough to understand the demanding and rugged world of farming.
Not only is he unfamiliar with rural life, but he’s also uncertain about his future.
As the story unfolds, he makes friends who support him and discovers the importance of working hard.
10. Free!: Eternal Summer
- Episodes: 13
- Genre: Drama, School, Sports, Slice of Life
- Studios: Kyoto Animation
In the anime Free!, the Iwatobi Swim Club members return for their final year of high school. They all have their own plans for the future, and the team needs to find new members for their club. They’re also aiming to compete in the national tournament.
11. March Comes In Like a Lion
- Episodes: 22 (S01), 22 (S02)
- Genre: Drama, Seinen, Slice of Life
- Studios: Shafts
Rei Kiriyama is a professional shogi player who’s often sad and distant from others. The anime shows how he connects with the Kawamoto family, especially their three caring sisters, and how this helps him grow and cope with his depression.
12. Wonder Egg Priority
- Episodes: 13
- Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Psychological
- Studios: CloverWorks
After Ai Ooto’s best friend’s suicide, she feels lost and alone. A mysterious entity guides her to buy a magical egg, the Wonder Egg. In a dream world, AI helps people facing difficult situations. She meets three other girls doing the same.
Together, they confront deep traumas, regrets, and fears and try to save others from their worst nightmares in the anime “Wonder Egg Priority.”
