Barakamon is the perfect anime that shows us the peace and serenity of the slice of life genre.
It follows the life of a selfish and narcissistic calligrapher sent to lead the country life on an isolated island after he punches a respected person.
As a city boy, he has a tough life in his new surroundings as he is sent with the hopes of self-discovery and reflection.
However, his new life is fresh, as he finds many interesting and quirky neighbours in the rural town.
In addition, he also runs into a little girl who gives him new inspiration and a different perspective on life.
Barakamon is a light-hearted and feel-good comedy that shines a golden light on the wonders of a slice-of-life anime.
As we see the new adventures of the main character, we can’t help but have thought provoking moments along with the calmness that it presents.
In this list of anime recommendations, we shall look at the best anime like barakamon, which are similar in more ways than one to slice of life anime.
List Of Anime Similar To Barakamon
15. Usagi Drop
- Number of Episodes: 11
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Genres: Comedy, Drama, Slice of Life
- MAL Rating: 8.37
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Prime Video, Tubi
Usagi Drop, similar to Barakamon, is a very calm and wholesome anime with elements of childcare to complement it.
It follows the life of Daikichi, a man with no goal in life who struggles to find his purpose.
On visiting his family members during his grandfather’s funeral, he runs into a strange girl.
It is later revealed that she is his grandfather’s illegitimate child, and many in the family have disdain for her. She is eventually abandoned, much to Daikichi’s dismay.
Following this, Daikichi decides to foster the young girl.
Having no experience with parenthood, we see him learn his way through it while ensuring that his new and young “daughter” feels welcome and hoping that she never feels like an illegitimate daughter.
The character persona and style are also very reminiscent of Barakamon.
Usagi Drop is a warm anime that shows us the growth of its characters and the learnings that the main characters get from each other.
14. Amagi Brilliant Park
- Number of Episodes: 13
- Number of Seasons: 1 + 1 OVA
- Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance, Fantasy
- MAL Rating: 7.47
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Prime Video, Vudu
Based on a light novel of the same name, Amagi brilliant park is a rare anime which combines the elements of a slice of life anime with its fantasy setting.
It follows its extremely smart protagonist, a high school boy named Seiya, as he is tricked into becoming the manager of an amusement park named Amagi brilliant park.
While initially resentful of his new position, he is filled with wonder when he finds out that the joy that park creates nourishes many magical creatures.
In his new life, we see him grow through his many experiences while putting his brain to work to save the park, which is home to many.
While it seems like an intense premise, the anime takes a lighter tone while having a lot of innocent humor and romantic subtext.
There was a lot of potential for things to be over-sexualized with its extremely attractive main characters, but Amagi brilliant park stays true to its slice of life goal, making it a joy to watch.
13. Silver Spoon
- Number of Episodes: 22
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Genres: Comedy, Slice of Life
- MAL Rating: 8.09
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix
Silver Spoon is a coming-of-age story that teaches us several lessons through comedy.
It follows the life of a young and hard-working boy named Yuugo.
While struggling to bear the weight of expectations placed upon him, he decided to enroll and have his high school life in the countryside.
However, he never anticipated the impact that animals, food and nature, in general, would have on his surroundings, and not being accustomed to this, we see him try to make his way through.
Every anime character is unique, and their presence adds weight to the story.
As our main character has a chance encounter with several of them, we see him evolving through his experiences while finding meaning in his life.
Silver Spoon is one anime like Barakamon that you want to take advantage of if you are looking for a good laugh or thought provoking moments.
12. Gugure! Kokkuri-san
- Number of Episodes: 12
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Genres: Comedy, Supernatural
- MAL Rating: 7.56
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
Gugure! Kokkuri-san is a relaxing and jolly anime with plenty of hilarious and gag moments.
It revolves around a plain and normal young child who lives her days on nothing but cup noodles.
However, one day, her life becomes brighter as she unknowingly summons an uncanny ghost.
At first glance, the ghost seems very powerful, but in reality, he has lost all his powers due to society’s lack of belief.
There is one thing he is very useful for, and that is to help Kokkuri-san in improving her life and broadening her horizons past just cup noodles.
Through this, we see the concerned ghost in his life of parenthood and striving to provide opportunities to the strange girl.
The biggest correspondence between Gugure! Kokkuri-San and Barakamon are simplistic stories that hold deep meanings.
11. Non Non Biyori
- Number of Episodes: 36
- Number of Seasons: 3 + 3 OVAS + 1 Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Slice of Life
- MAL Rating: 7.94
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
Non Non Biyori is one of the more popular anime in the Iyashikei genre.
It follows the life of Hotaru, an elementary school girl who shifts into an isolated village.
In the classroom of her new school, however, there are only five students, including her and there is nothing seemingly fun to do in her surroundings.
While the school only goes from elementary to middle school, there are still very limited distractions to enjoy alone.
Away from the city’s madness, she can make new friends in her classmates as they have interesting adventures regularly.
Their cheerful group is able to make the most out of their serene setting as we get a sense of peace through the story.
As an anime like barakamon, Non Non Biyori shows us how characters can have a fun time despite completely new surroundings.
It is also very wholesome while making us have a smile on our faces every episode.
10. Flying Witch
- Number of Episodes: 12
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Genres: Slice of Life, Supernatural
- MAL Rating: 7.51
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Prime Video, HIDIVE
Flying Witch is the perfect relaxation anime for anyone sick of the usual action-packed, explosive battle shows.
It follows the journey of a girl by the name of Makoto, who must leave home to perfect her witchcraft skills.
As she goes to stay with her cousins, her black cat is the only person accompanying her.
In her new surroundings, she has nothing but a normal high school life, as she is known by many for her eccentric interest and involvement in witchcraft.
As she runs into a range of characters who each have different supernatural abilities, her life is filled with peaceful entertainment.
Flying Witch is an enchanting and soothing anime that attracts us into its world while imparting several valuable life lessons.
9. Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun
- Number of Episodes: 12
- Number of Seasons: 1 + 6 OVAS
- Genres: Comedy, Romance
- MAL Rating: 7.84
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix, HIDIVE
Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-Kun, also known as Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-Kun, is a very sweet and cute romantic comedy that came out in the same anime season as Barakamon.
It follows the romantic pursuits of a young girl named Chiyo as she is smitten with a Shoujo manga artist in her class.
While trying to confess to him, she becomes his assistant as they both work daily to produce manga series.
During this time, we see our female protagonist try her best to put words to her feelings, leading to a series of hilarious misunderstandings.
Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-Kun portrays a very innocent light on romantic relationships as it constantly gives us enjoyment through the chemistry between its leads.
It also has an amazing cast of side characters who all have unique personalities and relationships among themselves.
The series is a legendary rarity which is unlike most other anime.
8. Sweetness and Lightning
- Number of Episodes: 12
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Genres: Slice of Life, Cooking
- MAL Rating: 7.53
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Sweetness and Lightning follow the life of a single father who tries his best to provide for his young child after the loss of his wife.
However, due to his busy life, he struggles to give her the proper care and attention required to raise a daughter, especially regarding her food.
On being invited to the restaurant of one of his students, the man is very excited to provide home-cooked meals to his daughter.
Following this, we see him learn the culinary arts’ beauty while further solidifying his bonds with his little girl.
Sweetness and Lightning is an anime with many heart-warming moments that teach us the value of family.
7. Chihayafuru
- Number of Episodes: 74
- Number of Seasons: 3 + 1 OVA
- Genres: Drama, Sports, Romance, Slice of Life
- MAL Rating: 8.19
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix, HIDIVE
While Chihayafuru comes under the Josei demographic, its high stakes and intense moments puts it on par with any Shounen anime.
It follows the story of a girl named Chihaya who runs into the sport of Karuta and falls in love with it.
As she struggles to balance her newfound passion with high school life, we see her grow into a strong and dependable woman.
Chihayafuru has a great cast of loveable and memorable characters and a well-written story.
The series’ love polygon is also done very well without seeming overacted or unnecessary.
6. Laid-Back Camp
- Number of Episodes: 25
- Number of Seasons: 2 + 5 OVAS + 1 Movie
- Genres: Adventure, Slice of Life
- MAL Rating: 8.27
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Disney+
Laid-Back Camp is one of the most popular anime in the Slice of Life genre that has the same ability as Barakamon to give us a peaceful feeling and get us attached to the characters.
It follows a girl named Rin who lives independently and enjoys camping alone near mountains.
Due to a coincidental occurrence, she joins a group of girls and camps out with them.
While initially thinking it to be burdensome, we see her mindset change as they have several fun experiences together.
Laid-Back Camp, sticking true to its name, is an anime you can watch while feeling laid back and puts your mind at ease through its serene atmosphere.
5. March Comes In Like a Lion
- Number of Episodes: 44
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Genres: Drama, Romance, Slice of Life
- MAL Rating: 8.39
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
March comes in like a Lion is a coming of age story surrounding the life of Rei Kiriyama.
Having a very complex life and constant pressure from being a professional Shogi player right from middle school, Rei has a very introverted personality.
However, he finds solace by spending time with a joyful family who he runs into.
As they try to improve our protagonist’s lifestyle, they find comfort in each other while getting through the tragedies of their own lives.
In a place where he never felt like he fits in, Rei also tries to be more outgoing and enjoy life.
March Comes In Like a Lion is unlike most anime as it makes us feel a whole range of emotions going from very sad to extremely happy.
4. Natsume’s Book of Friends
- Number of Episodes: 74
- Number of Seasons: 6 + 6 OVAS + 2 Movies
- Genres: Drama, Slice of Life, Supernatural
- MAL Rating: 8.31
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix
Natsume’s Book of Friends is a unique series with an extraordinary set of characters and a wonderful story.
It follows its protagonist, a young boy who can see supernatural entities.
Due to this ability, he could never get close to others or form meaningful connections.
However, on running into a powerful spirit and finding out about a book with extreme power.
His life changes drastically following this as he meets a plethora of different spirits as well as humans and grows through his experiences.
This supernatural story with an air of mystery keeps us constantly engaged while taking us on the beautiful journey of its protagonist.
3. Mushishi
- Number of Episodes: 46
- Number of Seasons: 2 + 2 Specials + 1 Movie
- Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Mystery, Slice of Life, Supernatural
- MAL Rating: 8.67
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Prime Video, Hulu, Tubi
Mushishi combines many adult themes in a historical setting to provide a very insightful and thought-provoking anime.
It follows the life of a man named Ginko as he travels searching for mysterious entities known as Mushis.
Being very basic forms but still extremely complex to pin down by definition, they are unique creatures requiring more than basic research.
With this entrancing plot, we are completely engrossed in the world of Mushishi and the unique nature of the series.
It has an unforgettable cast of characters who are the main contributors to the amazing quality of this Seinen anime.
Mushishi is one of the closest anime that you will find to Barakamon.
2. Grand Blue
- Number of Episodes: 12
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Genres: Comedy, Slice of Life
- MAL Rating: 8.43
- Where to Watch: Prime Video
Grand Blue is undoubtedly one of the funniest anime ever made.
It follows the life of a boy named Iori, who moves to a coastal town for his university. Taking residence at his uncle’s Scuba Diving shop, he lives with his cousins.
However, his college life is anything but peaceful as his days are filled with crazy activities going from hard drinking to bizarre parties with his upperclassmen.
During his time here, he also finds a love for underwater activities and, in particular, diving.
With the manga having a very enjoyable romance, Grand Blue is an extremely entertaining series to experience.
1. ReLife
- Number of Episodes: 13
- Number of Seasons: 1 + 4 OVAS
- Genres: Drama, Slice of Life, Romance
- MAL Rating: 7.98
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Prime Video
Based on the Webtoon of the same name, ReLife is the best anime any fan of Barakamon can watch.
It follows the story of Arata, a man who is anything but successful.
Having lost his job in only three months after graduating, he spends his days with no purpose.
This is until he runs into a strange man who gives him a pill that reverts him to his younger self.
Getting a chance to relive his life, he attends school while forming new connections and relationships.
In his exciting new life, we see his past experience used as he strives to avoid mistakes and help those around him.
ReLife is an amazing anime with a bittersweet romance that pulls at your heartstrings.
