Bullying is one of the most oft-depicted topics in anime, but despite its prominence, it's still an elephant in the room. It's still rather sensitive, and there are plenty of things that can go wrong with its portrayal. Hence, anime that manages to illustrate a progressive and sensible angle on bullying should get the commendations they deserve.
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After all, they address some glaring issues among youth that even some adults find difficult to tackle. There aren't many anime that properly portray or address bullying, which makes the handful of series that do precious to the medium as a whole. Beyond that, they also tell some heartfelt and endearing stories. Here are the best anime about bullying.
Updated February 11, 2025, by Mark Sammut: The Winter 2025 season has one anime that tackles bullying, so it deserves to be highlighted. Another series has also been added, and this one happens to be an isekai.
Honey Lemon Soda (Winter 2025)
Honey Lemon Soda
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2025 - 2025-00-00
- Studio
- J.C.Staff, TMS Entertainment
- Based On
- Manga
- Streaming Service(s)
- Crunchyroll
While not among the best Winter 2025 anime, Honey Lemon Soda is a watchable romance that tackles bullying, especially during its first few episodes. Uka went through hell during junior high, when she was regularly bullied. Now in high school, she wants to start fresh; unfortunately, her tormentors are still around.
Honey Lemon Soda mostly uses its bullies as a way to bring together the main couple, Uka and Kai. They are one-note characters, and the same can be said for the anime's handling of the theme in general. To be fair, the comments are fairly realistic, as is the bullies' dismissive attitude.
18 I'm in Love with the Villainess
Fighting Bullying With Slightly Uncomfortable Love
I'm in Love with the Villainess
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2023 - 2023
- Network
- Tokyo MX
- Studio
- Platinum Vision
- Number of Episodes
- 12
- Based On
- Light Novel
- Creator
- Inori
- Streaming Service(s)
- Crunchyroll
Most villainess isekai anime cast the protagonist as an otome game's baddie, so they automatically drop any of the character's bullying tendencies. However, I'm in Love with the Villainess opts to go down a different route, with Rei becoming Rae, the game's protagonist. Rather than pursue any of the male love interests, Rae's interest is in Claire, the arrogant villainess who wants nothing more than to crush the heroine. Despite Claire trying desperately to bully her schoolmate, all her insults bounce off Rae completely, who retaliates with adoration and praise. The protagonist also ignores Claire's personal space during the first couple of episodes, which can get a touch uncomfortable.
A few poignant moments aside, I'm in Love with the Villainess is primarily a comedy, and a pretty decent one at that. The anime does not have much to say about bullying in general, especially since Rae's reaction is situational and not something that could happen in reality. Still, this anime is fun.
17 Bottom-Tier Character Tomozaki
Confronting The Bully
Bottom-Tier Character Tomozaki
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2021 - 2024
- Japanese Title
- Jaku-Chara Tomozaki-kun
- Studio
- Project No.9
- Number of Episodes
- 27
- Based On
- Light Novel
- Creator
- Yūki Yaku
- Streaming Service(s)
- Crunchyroll
Debuting in 2021, Bottom-Tier Character Tomozaki follows an introverted gamer, the eponymous Tomozaki, who is being "taught" how to break out of his shell by the most popular girl in his class, Aoi. The latter treats real life as a game that can be bested, and while her initial direction helps Tomozaki find confidence and his voice, he eventually starts to go against her philosophy as he searches for his own answers. Season 1 is a fun slice of life/drama centering around two somewhat unlikable but interesting characters, and Tomozaki improves quite a lot as the episodes progress.
Season 2 dedicates most of its opening four episodes to a bullying case happening in Tomozaki and Aoi's class. After noticing that her crush has started dating a girl, the vindictive Erika starts to take out her frustrations on Hanabi, an outspoken girl who struggles to connect with most of her classmates. Despite not taking it lying down, Hanabi's aggressive reactions cause the class to slowly turn against her; consequently, Tomozaki starts to mentor the victim so she can tweak her behavior and hopefully garner support.
Bottom-Tier Character Tomozaki handles this sensitive subject reasonably well, and this arc helped flesh out quite a few characters who were previously defined by just one trait. Hanabi transformed from a forgettable background player to one of the show's most likable figures; meanwhile, Tomozaki continued his development, taking Aoi's teachings and mending them to suit his more optimistic outlook on life. Although repetitive at times, this storyline builds towards a satisfying conclusion.
16 A Little Princess Sara
Social Victim
A Little Princess Sara
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- January 6, 1985
- Japanese Title
- Princess Sara
- Studio
- Nippon Animation
- Number of Episodes
- 46
- Based On
- Novel
For those willing to set their standards back nearly four decades, A Little Princess Sara has lots of lessons to tell. It's a kid's anime, similar to a morning cartoon, but its themes are heavy and relatable even today. Sara was initially a wealthy, kind, and favored girl whose parents enrolled her in a boarding school. Her life took a turn for the worse as news of Sara's parents' bankruptcy reached the school principal's ears.
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Soon enough, all attitudes towards "Princess Sara" changed. She ended up getting bullied not only by her insecure classmates but also by adults. It's a different kind of bullying where the victim is almost helpless after the world doesn't see any utilitarian purpose for her.
15 Peach Girl
Toxic Power Dynamics
Peach Girl
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2005 - 2005-00-00
- Studio
- Studio Comet
- Based On
- Manga
- Creator
- Miwa Ueda
- Number of Episodes
- 25
- Streaming Service(s)
- Crunchyroll
Peach Girl explores another shade of bullying — one that stems from the bully's insecurity. Such is the predicament of Momo Adachi, a tan-skinned protagonist whose crush only likes pale-skinned girls. This compels Momo to reinvent herself and drastically change her appearance to suit her prospect's preferences.
At the same time, Momo's backstabbing friends have ensured that she gets bullied out of rumors of promiscuity. The anime depicts the difficulties of teenage romance when unfair and colonialized beauty standards come into play, along with the toxic power dynamics of high school communities.
14 Oshi No Ko
Online Harassment & Mass Bullying
Oshi No Ko
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- April 12, 2023
- Studio
- Doga Kobo
- Number of Episodes
- 24
- Based On
- Manga
- Creator
- Aka Akasaka
- Streaming Service(s)
- HIDIVE
A borderline recommendation that does not involve traditional bullying, Oshi no Ko warrants a mention due to Akane's arc. While filming a reality show, Akane is encouraged to take a more active role to stand out; consequently, she confronts another cast member, accidentally hurting her in the process. Edited to make her actions seem deliberate, the young actress is relentlessly tormented and bullied online, an outcome that is not only disconcerting but also very real.
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Despite only lasting about two episodes, this storyline was Oshi no Ko's high point so far. Bullying tends to be associated with classrooms, but that is an outdated representation. Bullying happens in offices, sports teams, romantic relationships, and families; naturally, nowadays, harassment runs rampant through online forums and social media.
13 My Clueless First Friend
Laughing Through The Pain
My Clueless First Friend
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end- Release Date
- April 9, 2023
- Japanese Title
- Jijou wo Shiranai Tenkousei ga Guigui Kuru
- Studio
- Studio Signpost
- Number of Episodes
- 13
- Based On
- Manga
- Creator
- Taku Kawamura
- Streaming Service(s)
- Crunchyroll
Spring 2023's definitive anime about bullying, My Clueless First Friend is an oddly wholesome show considering it features some uncomfortably grounded depictions of this type of behavior. In her Elementary School, Akane has been labeled the "Grim Reaper," a nickname that most of the students seem to have adopted as they frequently mock and tease the innocent girl. Totally isolated from her peers, Akane feels alone and helpless; however, that changes when Taiyou transfers to the school.
Relentlessly optimistic, direct, and imaginative, Taiyou is drawn to Akane, and they establish a friendship built on mutual respect. The boy thinks the "Grim Reaper" nickname is the coolest thing ever, and while this drives his initial interest in his classmate, he almost instantly makes a genuine connection with Akane. Also, Taiyou constantly uses logic to throw the bullies' comments back at them, and it is incredibly satisfying.
12 Dear Brother
Not One Of Us
Dear Brother
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 1991 - 1992
- Network
- NHK BS1
- Directors
- Osamu Dezaki, Fumihiro Yoshimura, Hideki Hiroshima, Takuo Suzuki, Shinichi Matsumi, Yutaka Satoh, Kazuo Nogami, Kazuya Miyazaki, Toshiya Shinohara, Yusaku Saotome
- Japanese Title
- Oniisama e...
- Studio
- Tezuka Productions
- Number of Episodes
- 39
- Based On
- Manga
- Creator
- Riyoko Ikeda
Dear Brother is like a high school version of A Little Princess Sara. It sets a troublesome premise for Nanako Misonoo who enrolls at Seiran Academy, an all-girls school. More than that, she also joins a sorority but quickly finds herself outclassed and outgunned by wealthy and high-status members.
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It doesn't take long for everyone to bully the impoverished and unpopular Nanako just because she doesn't belong in the pack and because her classmates are somehow jealous of her. Dear Brother immediately sets its tone and subject — a psychological drama about the struggle of a bullied young girl.
11 Fighting Spirit
Inspiring Change
Fighting Spirit
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2000 - 2002-00-00
WHERE TO WATCH
- Japanese Title
- Hajime no Ippo
- Studio
- Madhouse
- Number of Episodes
- 127
- Based On
- Manga
- Creator
- George Morikawa
- Streaming Service(s)
- Crunchyroll
Plenty of sports anime incorporate bullying in some of their side characters' stories, but in Hajime No Ippo, the main character himself is receiving the brunt of that repulsive human behavior. Before enrolling in a boxing gym, Makunouchi Ippo, the protagonist in question, was regularly bullied physically, verbally, and emotionally.
Yet, despite becoming an elite boxer and a champion, he never harbored ill will towards his bullies. He also didn't try to get revenge and instead rose above his own hatred, even setting an example of improvement for his bullies who eventually became his boxing friends. Ippo's display of emotional maturity is something plenty of bullies and bullied people should strive for.
10 Eyeshield 21
Inspiring Change Part 2
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Eyeshield 21
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- April 6, 2005
- Studio
- Gallop
- Number of Episodes
- 145
- Based On
- Manga
- Creator
- Riichiro Inagaki
- Streaming Service(s)
- Crunchyroll
Eyeshield 21's Sena Kobayakawa's situation isn't too far from Makunouchi Ippo's. Being a small and shy kid, he's constantly being bullied and has made it his daily habit to run away from his bullies in order to survive school. Turns out, all that running made him talented in dodging and evasive maneuvers, which are perfect traits for a Running Back in American Football.
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Hence, Sena was scouted and quickly became the MVP of his school varsity team. He even inspired his bullies to improve themselves and join the team. The anime deserves praise for how it rewards the resilience of bullied characters, and how it gave them the confidence they needed. It also celebrates the way that the American Football team made room for them, whereas other sports and social groups shunned their odd skills.
9 Flowers Of Evil
Blackmail
Flowers of Evil
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- April 5, 2013
- Japanese Title
- Aku no Hana
- Studio
- Zexcs
- Number of Episodes
- 13
- Based On
- Manga
- Creator
- Shūzō Oshimi
The art style is certainly bizarre even for an anime, but viewers will find that this show's aesthetic meshes well with the story that Flowers of Evil wants to tell. It features a different kind of bullying, which is mostly psychological and blackmailing as the male protagonist, Takao Kasuga, is caught stealing the school heartthrob's underwear.
The girl who catches him, Sawa Nakamura, takes advantage of the opportunity to turn the protagonist into a slave, so he can avoid getting bullied by everyone. As it turns out, Sawa is quite twisted, and the anime shows how perceived power can affect a person's behavior. Sawa ends up controlling every aspect of Takao's life and ruining his chances with the girl he has a crush on.