If you’re in the mood for some anime with a summer vibe, you might want to consider checking out Barakamon, Free! – Iwatobi Swim Club, My Dress-Up Darling, and Love Is Like A Cocktail.
Summer is a season that’s full of adventure and excitement, making it the ideal time to immerse yourself in a world of dazzling storylines and vibrant colors.
With the arrival of warmer days and longer nights, why not indulge in some of the best summer-themed anime? Whether you’re a seasoned anime lover or new to the genre, these sun-drenched picks are sure to put you in the summer mood.
Dive into Summer with These Must-Watch Anime
Summer is a season that many anime fans look forward to as it provides a sense of freedom and carefree fun, especially during high school or college. The warm weather offers plenty of opportunities for exciting activities like vacationing at the lake, swimming in the pool, and going hiking.
The summer anime vibes that showcase refreshing water scenes or thrilling adventures are a great representation of the lively spirit of this season.
12Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day
Anohana touches our hearts with its story of friendship, loss, and redemption during a sweltering summer in a small Japanese town. The story revolves around a group of childhood friends who drifted apart after the tragic death of one of their own, Menma. As the years pass, Menma’s ghost returns to reunite the friends and help them confront their unresolved feelings.
With its emotional narrative and strikingly realistic portrayal of grief, Anohana is a must-watch for anyone seeking a heartwarming and poignant summer tale. The stunning visuals, particularly the lush backgrounds and vibrant colors, capture the essence of summer, making it the perfect accompaniment to a lazy afternoon in the sun.
11Barakamon
Barakamon is an anime with summer vibes that follows the journey of a young calligrapher named Handa Seishuu. After losing his temper and punching a famous calligrapher, Seishuu’s friends exile him to a remote island to find inspiration and rediscover his passion for art.
The warm and welcoming island community quickly embraces Seishuu, and as he interacts with the locals and adapts to their laid-back lifestyle, he begins to see the world in a whole new light. Barakamon’s endearing characters and heartwarming stories make it ideal for summertime viewing. The bright, sunny island setting creates a comforting atmosphere perfect for unwinding and enjoying simple pleasures.
10Grand Blue – Summer Anime Vibes
Grand Blue, a fun seinen anime series, delivers raunchy comedy with a touch of edutainment. The story follows the hilarious and irresponsible Iori Kitahara, a college freshman who joins Peekaboo, his new college’s diving club. However, this club is far from ordinary.
When Iori isn’t diving into the cool ocean depths, he immerses himself in wild, beer-fueled parties, causing trouble. Although not the most inspiring anime hero, Iori’s antics make for entertaining viewing, and the audience delights in watching him swim through the refreshing waters.
9A Lull in the Sea (Nagi no Asukara)
A Lull in the Sea, a visually stunning anime, narrates the tale of two underwater villages, Shioshishio and Oshiooshi. The villagers possess the unique ability to breathe underwater. However, chaos ensues when their school closes, and the students must attend a school on land.
The series delves into themes of love, friendship, and identity struggles as the characters adapt to their new environment and embrace change.
A Lull in the Sea epitomizes the essence of summer, featuring breathtaking animation with ethereal underwater scenes and sun-drenched landscapes. Its captivating storyline and mesmerizing visuals make it an essential watch for those yearning for a magical escape during the warm months.
8Free! – Iwatobi Swim Club
Free! – Iwatobi Swim Club is a sports anime centered around high school friends who form a competitive swimming team. The series follows their journey as they train, compete, and navigate the ups and downs of friendship and rivalry.
The sunny, poolside setting of Free! makes it the perfect anime to get you into the summer spirit. The series has thrilling swimming competitions, heartwarming friendships, and enough fan service to keep things interesting. With its engaging characters, dynamic animation, and feel-good storyline, Free! – Iwatobi Swim Club is a refreshing summer watch that will make a splash.
7My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, As I Expected (OreGairu)
My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, As I Expected, or OreGairu, is a slice-of-life anime that chronicles the misadventures of cynical high school student Hachiman Hikigaya. Punished for his antisocial behavior, Hachiman reluctantly joins the Service Club, where he encounters the equally cold-hearted Yukino Yukinoshita.
Throughout the series, Hachiman, Yukino, and their clubmates tackle the complexities of high school life, addressing various social issues and forging genuine friendships. With its stunning summer backdrop featuring dazzling sunsets and lively festivals, this anime is ideal for fans searching for a coming-of-age story imbued with a summertime flair.
6K-On! – Summer Theme Anime
K-On! portrays a lighthearted and uplifting story about a group of high school girls who form a music club to revive their school’s struggling light music club. Together, they learn to play instruments, write songs, and perform live shows while navigating the everyday challenges of school life.
The series bursts with vibrant summer colors, creating a cheerful atmosphere that is perfect for those seeking to soak up the summer vibes. K-On! celebrates friendship, music, and the joy of finding one’s passion, making it an ideal choice for a sunny afternoon of binge-watching anime.
5Waiting In The Summer
As its title suggests, Waiting in the Summer unfolds during the sweltering summer months in rural Japan, where teenagers have limited entertainment options. Luckily, protagonist Kaito Kirishima befriends the charming humanoid alien Ichika Takatsuki.
Being an aspiring filmmaker, Kaito finds Ichika eager to assist in creating a short, amateur sci-fi movie, all while she covertly embodies the role of a sci-fi alien guest with advanced technology. However, the show primarily focuses on the joys of idyllic rural life in Japan rather than aliens and space opera themes.
4Summer Wars
Summer Wars presents a visually stunning sci-fi film about a family reunion in the Japanese countryside. The story follows Kenji Koiso, a high school math genius caught up in a dangerous cyber-war after solving a mysterious code.
As Kenji races against time to save the virtual world of OZ from destruction, he also learns the importance of family and togetherness. With its lush, colorful animation and heart-pounding plot, Summer Wars proves to be an excellent choice for those seeking an action-packed summer adventure.
3Tsuritama
Tsuritama presents a quirky, feel-good anime centered around the power of friendship and the joys of fishing. The story follows the socially awkward Yuki Sanada, who moves to the seaside town of Enoshima and quickly befriends Haru, a self-proclaimed alien, and Natsuki, a skilled fisherman.
Together, the trio embarks on a fishing adventure that leads them to uncover a mysterious secret beneath the waters of Enoshima. The vibrant colors, sunny beach setting, and whimsical storyline of Tsuritama create a lively and enchanting summer atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a lighthearted and enjoyable watch.
2Umi Monogatari: Anata ga Ite Kureta Koto
Umi Monogatari, also known as Sea Story, portrays a magical anime that centers on the adventures of two sisters, Marin and Urin, who dwell beneath the sea. When a beautiful ring descends into their world, they journey to the surface to return it to its rightful owner.
As the sisters explore the wonders and face the challenges of the human world, they learn valuable lessons about love, friendship, and self-sacrifice. The enchanting underwater setting and heartwarming storyline of Umi Monogatari evoke a captivating summer atmosphere, making it an excellent addition to any summer anime list.
1Squid Girl (Shinryaku! Ika Musume)
Squid Girl offers a hilarious comedy about a girl who emerges from the ocean depths, determined to conquer humanity in retaliation for polluting the seas. However, her plans go awry when she finds herself working at a beachside restaurant to compensate for the damages she causes.
This lighthearted anime overflows with amusing misunderstandings, endearing characters, and heartwarming moments, all set against a sunny beach backdrop. The breezy, beachy setting and comedic escapades of Squid Girl create a delightful summer-themed anime experience, perfect for those seeking a good laugh.