We all know anime can be epic, action-packed, and tearjerking. But what about when you just need a good laugh? Fear not, anime fans! The world of Japanese animation offers a treasure trove of hilarious series guaranteed to tickle your funny bone. Here are 7 of the best funny anime of all time, each offering a unique brand of humor:
Gintama
This legendary series is a masterclass in absurdist humor. It takes place in an Edo period overrun by aliens, and follows the wacky antics of samurai Gintoki Sakata, his eccentric companions Shinpachi and Kagura, and a whole cast of outrageous characters. Expect self-referential jokes, pop culture parodies, and enough potty humor to make you snort. (Be aware, Gintama starts a bit slow, but the humor truly shines later on.)
Daily Lives of High School Boys
This slice-of-life comedy captures the awkward, hilarious moments of everyday high school life. From mundane conversations blown out of proportion to elaborate pranks gone wrong, this series finds humor in the most relatable situations. Be prepared for side-splitting laughter and a healthy dose of nostalgia for your own school days.
The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.
This anime follows the story of Saiki K., a high school psychic with supernatural powers who just wants to live a normal life. The humor comes from Saiki‘s deadpan reactions to the constant chaos and absurdity surrounding him, caused by his eccentric classmates and his own attempts to avoid using his powers.
Nichijou
Get ready for the bizarre with Nichijou! This series throws everything at the wall – talking cats, a young professor, a ninja principal – and somehow makes it all work in a gloriously nonsensical way. Expect slapstick comedy, surreal situations, and random fourth-wall breaks that will leave you both confused and amused.
Konosuba
This isekai (transported to another world) parody throws Kazuma Satou, a shut-in gamer, into a fantasy realm with a useless goddess by his side. The humor comes from the show’s subversion of isekai tropes, with dysfunctional characters, constant bickering, and an utter lack of heroism.
Mob Psycho 100
Don’t be fooled by the seemingly normal Mob. This middle schooler possesses immense psychic powers that unleash when his emotional state reaches 100. The humor comes from the contrast between Mob’s shy personality and his explosive powers, as well as the eccentric characters surrounding him, including his questionable mentor Reigen Arataka.
One-Punch Man
This superhero satire takes the classic trope of the overpowered hero and cranks it up to eleven. Saitama, the bald protagonist, can defeat any opponent with a single punch. The humor comes from the sheer absurdity of his power, the deadpan delivery, and the constant struggle Saitama faces to find a worthy opponent.
This list is just a starting point – the world of anime comedy is vast and ever-expanding. So, grab some snacks, settle in, and get ready for a laugh-out-loud anime adventure!
