5 Anime Just in Time for Back-to-School

School is Starting Again…

So I thought this was the perfect time to make a list of five great anime that will get you fired up for back to school. Whether you are just entering middle school, high school, or college, there will be something on the list for everyone. The only rules is that I’ve had to have seen the anime and that it’s about kids at school. Entries are in no particular order. So with that, let’s get right to the list!

5 My Hero Academia

One of the most talked about anime right now, My Hero Academia is an obvious choice for this list. Reminiscent of Saturday-morning American cartoons, My Hero Academia tells the story of an average kid who becomes the greatest super hero. In this world, super powers, called quirks, are just a normal part of everyday life. Not everybody has them though and not everybody uses them for good. It’s a great story of optimism that is sure to get you hyped for the school year.

The only real negatives are that the show is a little too straightforward and there is a lot of unnecessary recap each episode, but it isn’t a deal breaker by any means. Season two is crazy good, having the single best arc in the series thus far in the form of a tournament arc. It’s still airing, so I can’t speak to where it leaves off but for what I’ve seen it is well worth the recommendation.

4 Assassination Classroom

Assassination Classroom will make you wish you had a great teacher like Korosensei (the weird octopus looking thing). Following the middle school rejects in class-E, the students must train and improve themselves in order to prevent their teacher from destroying the Earth by assassinating him. Over the course of two seasons, you’ll ride an emotional rollercoaster with a colorful cast of characters. If you are looking for something unique, while still playing on some more traditional anime troupes, then consider giving this show a look.

I found Assassination Classroom to be a worthwhile surprise that I would have loved even more back when I was in school myself. It hits on a lot of important lessons about school and life in general. If you are in school then this is an even stronger recommendation because it will be more meaningful for you.

3 D-Frag

The Summer 2017 season had a show called Gamers! that many people were hopping would be like my number three pick, D-Frag. Unfortunately, Gamers! wasn’t this but that’s not what’s important. Unlike the other entries on this list thus far, D-Frag is a goofy comedy series about a “game creation club.”

It’s not exactly easy to explain but there are lots of memes that come from this show and it is super funny. Let’s take a look at a clip that features one of my favorite moments in the show. It’s pretty silly but it got me to watch the show. Check it out:

If you are just looking for something fun to unwind with, then D-Frag would be the show for you. Perfect for relaxing after a long day of classes and school-work.

2 Golden Time/Toradora!

Golden Time

Toradora!

Ok, this entry is a two-for-one. Toradora! is a romance story that is perfect for people in middle or high school. Toradora! will have you laughing and crying as it tells a story of boy-meets-girl. Love hexagons and everything, but in a good way. This title is among the most highly recommended romance shows out there and is completely worth the look.

From the same writer as Toradora!, Golden Time is ideal for students in University. While not as strong as the previous work, Golden Time still brings a lot to the table with a more mature story and cast. While there is a bit of writing nonsense, like the main character having amnesia, the romance story and life lessons more than make up for that. I didn’t think the ending was great, but I’m definitely in the minority on that one.

1 The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya

To top the list off, a title that had to be mentioned, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. Giving a giant kick-start for light novel anime adaptations, Haruhi is a whacky adventure that breaks the mold. Told in a non-linear fashion, tons of references, comedy, adventure, suspense, romance, mystery, aliens, time travelers, ESPers, and a whole lot more there is certainly something for everyone.

Following the most sarcastic anime character ever, Kyon, as his completely normal life is turned upside when he meets the eccentric Haruhi. Don’t let the first episode fool you, there is a lot of great stuff going on here. Give this one a go, you won’t regret it. Once you finish the two seasons up (sorry in advance for “Endless Eight”) be sure to watch The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya, one of the best anime movies I’ve ever watched.

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I hope you enjoyed the list and found something to watch as you head back to school (or just were looking for something to watch if you aren’t in school). I know there are plenty of other great titles I didn’t mention, such as Wandering Son (great for people struggling with gender identity) so let me know your favorite school anime in the comments below. Be sure to leave a like if you enjoyed this and I hope to see you back here at Jon Spencer Reviews again soon!

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