Bombing the trigonometry final, taking a dodgeball to the face, realizing one's crush is infatuated with the quarterback — experiences like these can sour students towards school. Yet for all the stress that it can bring, school can be magical. It has its glorious moments: making friends, nailing classwork that once seemed impossible, and summoning the courage to step out on stage and be the best Hamlet that 200-person auditorium has ever seen. That makes it all worth it.
Whether elementary, high school, or college, the schools in these anime become breeding grounds for new experiences. They draw shy characters out of their shells, test the mettle of the bravest jocks, and once in a while even force fierce rivals to consider becoming friends.
Sports anime are going to be omitted.
Updated April 8, 2025, by Mark Sammut: Spring 2025 is here, which means a whole host of new shows are debuting, some of which have the potential to eventually rank among the best school anime of all time.
New School Anime Spring 2025
While not containing any all-time great school anime, Winter 2025 was overall a pretty good season that covered most of its bases. As Solo Leveling and Sakamoto Days fade into history, dozens of new anime are taking center stage, all of which are hoping to leave their mark on the industry. As always, stories set in schools and academies are part of the season's lineup, although high schools are arguably not as inescapable as usual.
Spring 2025 Anime Lineup: Where To Watch Every Series
My Hero Academia, Fire Force, and Wind Breaker are a few Spring 2025 anime airing on Crunchyroll, HIDIVE, Netflix, or other streaming services.
Wind Breaker and Aharen Is Indecipherable are among Spring 2025's bigger shows, particularly the former. Both anime are predominantly set in schools, but they hardly need introductions at this point. Consequently, let's highlight a few new school anime that will, hopefully, rank among the setting's best offerings when everything is said and done.
- Rock Is a Lady's Modesty – Girls band anime are starting to rule the industry, and its representatives have been constantly great so far. Although still in its early days, Rock Is a Lady's Modesty seems to have all the necessary ingredients to be fantastic, and it is 100% based around an academy. Since her father married into a rich and powerful family, Lilisa has been trying to fit in at her new all-elite girls' schools. However, she finds the place to be incredibly suffocating, and she has no idea how she is going to survive if she does not find an outlet. Fortunately, one day, she follows the school idol, Otoha, into an abandoned building and joins a rock band.
- Can a Boy-Girl Friendship Survive? – Among Spring 2025's most exciting romance anime, this series revolves around Himari and Yuu, two high school friends who have been close for years. While their friendship seems to have the potential to turn romantic, that future comes under threat when another girl, Rion, walks into their lives. Meant to be the anime's breakthrough character, Himari will likely make or break Can a Boy-Girl Friendship Survive for most people.
- Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray – OK, Uma Musume cannot exactly be described as "new" since the franchise has already produced multiple seasons. That said, Cinderella Gray is a standalone spin-off that does not require audiences to be familiar with the mainline series. More importantly, the manga is brilliant and, so far, the anime seems to be a top-tier adaptation. For the uninitiated, Uma Musume is a sports anime about horsegirls, which might sound stupid but just means they are racers. Cinderella Gray follows Oguri Cap as she joins an academy, all in the hope of becoming the ultimate racer.
35 Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai
Weird Title Aside, This Is A Pretty Good Supernatural-Themed Drama
Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2018 - 2018
WHERE TO WATCH
- Japanese Title
- Seishun Buta Yarou wa Bunny Girl Senpai no Yume wo Minai
- Studio
- CloverWorks
- Based On
- Light Novel
- Creator
- Hajime Kamoshida
- Number of Episodes
- 13
- Streaming Service(s)
- Crunchyroll
The definition of "don't judge a book by its cover," Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai is a pretty great teen drama that does not lean into fanservice all that much, despite the title implying that is the case. The anime revolves around a male student named Sakuta who, one day, sees his classmate, Mai, walking through a library in a bunny suit. To his surprise, nobody else reacts. The two end up learning about Adolescence Syndrome, manifestations based on a person's insecurities. After Mai, Sakuta winds up helping a bunch of other girls going through similar things.
Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai mostly takes place in a school, but it does venture away from that setting on occasion. While the supernatural syndrome is not that interesting of a concept, the anime works due to Mai and Sakuta's relationship, with the characters being likable individuals who come together to create an even stronger couple.
34 The Dangers in My Heart
A Boy And A Girl Meet In A School Library
The Dangers In My Heart
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2023 - 2024-00-00
WHERE TO WATCH
- Japanese Title
- Boku no Kokoro no Yabai Yatsu
- Creator
- Norio Sakurai
- Studio
- Shin-Ei Animation
- Number of Episodes
- 25
- Streaming Service(s)
- HIDIVE
Romance anime are fairly common, so newcomers must be truly special to stand out from the crowd. While starting relatively slowly, The Dangers in My Heart builds momentum throughout its first season, culminating in a strong conclusion that perfectly sets up a fantastic sequel. Ichikawa is a loner with some rather dark fantasies, most of which revolve around his popular classmate named Anna. However, one day, he stumbles across the model as she is eating in the library, a meeting that sets the stage for a beautiful friendship that eventually morphs into something more.
Comedy Anime To Watch If You Love The Dangers In My Heart
The Dangers In My Heart is a lighthearted comedy anime with an enjoyable storyline. Here are some shows similar to the humor-filled title.
Initially, The Dangers in My Heart might seem to be just another basic wish-fulfillment fantasy about an average guy who, for some reason, attracts the attention of the school idol. Fortunately, the anime proves to be much more than just that, with both Ichikawa and Anna being three-dimensional figures with well-defined fears, passions, and depth.
Despite qualifying as a school anime, The Dangers in My Heart is primarily about its core relationship. Season 2 does not spend too much time at the school.
33 Dandadan
Romance, Aliens, And Ghosts
Dandadan
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2024 - 2025-00-00
- Studio
- Science Saru
- Based On
- Manga
- Creator
- Yukinobu Tatsu
- Streaming Service(s)
- Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu
Dandadan is everything. Want romance? Watch it. Want comedy? Watch it. Want action? Watch it. Want creative monster designs that take inspiration from sci-fi and mythology? Watch it. It is all-around brilliant and an easy recommendation for nearly everyone. That said, describing it as a full "school anime" seems a bit incorrect. For one, the characters often wear clothes besides their school uniforms, which must be an automatic disqualification.
In all seriousness, Dandadan spends a fair amount of time at Momo and Ken's high school, with some of the most important moments happening inside the building. The lovable protagonists not only meet at school but their blossoming friendship is also echoed by their interactions with other students. Dandadan might not be a traditional school anime, but it is one of the best anime that occasionally takes place in a school.
32 Toradora
Easy To Get Invested In
Toradora!
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2008 - 2009
- Directors
- Tatsuyuki Nagai
- Writers
- Mari Okada
- Studio
- J.C.Staff
- Creator
- Yuyuko Takemiya
- Number of Episodes
- 25
- Streaming Service(s)
- Amazon Prime Video, Crunchyroll, Tubi
In a rollercoaster ride of love, hate, and emotional growth, Toradora is an excellent slice-of-life slash romance anime for both hard-core fans and newcomers to those genres. Ryuuji, a misunderstood loner with a bad reputation, begins to butt heads with the famous pipsqueak ruffian Taiga, known as the palmtop tiger.
What starts as a charged rivalry quickly turns into a loyal friendship, and then more. Ryuuji discovers more about himself while Taiga learns to handle her emotions better. Toradora has laughs, cries, and some of the best character storylines in anime, and is well worth the watch.
31 Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu!
A High Octane Collection Of Genres
Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- August 26, 2003
- Studio
- Kyoto Animation
- Creator
- Shoji Gatoh
- Number of Episodes
- 12
- Streaming Service(s)
- Crunchyroll, Tubi
Full Metal Panic! Will have watchers scratching their heads at exactly what this anime is about. Mixed with a hodgepodge of genres from mecha to slice-of-life, Full Metal Panic! Can give viewers a bit of whiplash. The spin-off series Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu! Is just as wild a ride, with more variety in the story.
The main characters are Chidori Kaname, a secret military asset attending high school; and Sousuke Sagara, a highly trained soldier ordered to protect her at all costs. The daily lives of these two are unpredictable. Sosuke can not turn his lethal prowess off against average everyday students, and Chidori can't have a normal high school day to save her life.
30 Irregular At Magic High School
Magic Makes High School That Much Weirder
The Irregular at Magic High School
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2014 - 2024-00-00
WHERE TO WATCH
- Japanese Title
- Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei
- Creator
- Tsutomu Satō
- Studio
- Madhouse, 8bit
- Number of Episodes
- 52
- Streaming Service(s)
- Crunchyroll, Hulu
In a world where magic is used for everything from cleaning to military operations, some schools seek to groom and nurture the innate magical power of young students. In the first magic school, Tatsuya Shiba is an enigmatic loner who finds himself constantly enthralled in the social-political climate of his peers.
19 Best Supernatural Anime, Ranked
From shinigami to the occult, anime with supernatural themes have enraptured audiences for years. Here are the best supernatural anime ever.
Having a high skill of magic and a mystery skill, Tatsuya quickly becomes the talk of the town when he's thrust into the spotlight. However, he must make sure that his new-found popularity does not expose his after-hour activities. Irregular at Magic High School is also set to get a sequel this year.
29 Hyouka
The Bonds Of True Friendship
Hyouka
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2012 - 2012
- Directors
- Yasuhiro Takemoto
- Writers
- Shoji Gatoh
- Studio
- Kyoto Animation
- Number of Episodes
- 22
- Streaming Service(s)
- Crunchyroll
Oreki has very little interest in being noticed as he's starting his freshman year in high school. He tries to keep to himself, lives an ordinary, mundane life, and saves his energy for his later years.
This plan is completely thrown off the rails when his sister drags him into saving the Classic Club which places him among the group's small roster where spontaneous and overzealous adventures ensue and change Oreki's view.
28 My Teen Romantic Comedy Snafu
How A Hopeless Loner Finds A Place To Belong
My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2013 - 2020-00-00
- Network
- TBS
- Directors
- Takashi Naoya, Ryutaro Suzuki, Shuhei Matsushita, Shohei Yamanaka, Tatsuya Sasaki, Tomoyuki Kawamura, Satoshi Saga, Risako Yoshida, Noriyuki Nomata, Hirokazu Yamada, Yoshihiro Hiramine, Yoshimichi Hirai, Koji Kobayashi, Koji Aritomi, Shigehisa Iida, Taisuke Tsukuda, Shunsuke Ishikawa, Shuntaro Tozawa, Tomoyuki Kurokawa, Yousuke Hashiguchi
- Japanese Title
- Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru
- Creator
- Wataru Watari
- Studio
- Brain's Base
- Number of Episodes
- 38
- Streaming Service(s)
- HIDIVE
Hikigfaya is a typical loner who has little interest in people or things that he believes conform to societal norms. Having a very harsh worldview that states that love and friendship are fabrications that people full of themselves believe in, he spends most of his time alone and avoids any type of social interaction possible.
Kengan Ashura: 5 Weakest Fighters, Ranked
While still formidable in their own right, some fighters are often ranked among the less powerful participants in the Kengan tournament.
However, Hikigaya's world is flipped upside down when he is reprimanded for writing an insensitive essay that lands him as the newest member of the Volunteer Service Club. Hikigaya is overwhelmed with a number of new responsibilities and a new social life he didn't ask for. My Teen Romantic Comedy Sanfu is a true diamond in the rough that will wow many slice-of-life anime fans.
27 Kakegurui
A High-Stakes School Anime
Kakegurui
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2017 - 2019
WHERE TO WATCH
- Creator
- Homura Kawamoto
- Studio
- MAPPA
- Number of Episodes
- 24
- Streaming Service(s)
- Netflix
Hyakkao Private Academy is a highly esteemed school for the best and brightest in the country on the surface, but behind closed doors, it is a separate world of debauchery and addiction. With the entire student body dominated by gambling which shapes the hierarchy, students sometimes bet their freedom in order to climb the social ranks.
The established order is threatened when Yumeko Jabami, a seemingly innocent new student shakes things up with her lust for playing against high stakes and dethroning the top brass among the debt-filled hallways of the school.
26 Mashle: Magic And Muscle
A Muscle-Brain Heads To A Magic School
Mashle: Magic And Muscles
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- April 8, 2023
- Japanese Title
- Mashle
- Creator
- Hajime Kōmoto
- Studio
- A-1 Pictures
- Streaming Service(s)
- Crunchyroll
Mashle successfully rides the Harry Potter wave by gifting viewers with a hilarious anime parody of the renowned Wizarding World. Mash's goal of becoming Easton Magic Academy's next Chosen One seems impossible, considering the boy doesn't have a magical bone in his body. However, he somehow makes up for this with pure, brute strength, hand-delivered by his incredibly muscular physique.
7 Best Atom Punk Anime, Ranked
Revolving around the idea of the atomic age, these shows largely or subtly reference the atompunk subgenre.
Mash's hilarious adventures at the Hogwarts-inspired establishment are fueled by cream puffs, friendship, and not much in-depth thinking. Basically, if One Punch Man's Saitama swapped places with Harry Potter, what would that anime school life look like exactly? Well, Mash has the answer.