14+ Realistic Anime You Need to Watch!

Updated October 13, 2022 by Ernie

For me, if we are talking about Realistic anime, there are a lot of factors that depict its realism. It could be the art, it could be its plot concerning issues that we all would experience in our day to day lives or something that is timely and relevant that concerns the happenings in our world.

Now mind you, my dear readers, I would like to put up some Trigger Warning in this blog because there are touchy topics here and there that I will be mentioning. So read it with caution and of course enjoy!

 

BEST ANIME CHARACTERS WITH ORANGE HAIR

 

15. Your Lie in April

INFORMATION
Title	Your Lie in April
Author	Naoshi Arakawa
Genre	Drama, Romance
Type	Series
Studio	A-1 Pictures
Premiered	2014
Episode Count	22
Duration	22 mins. per ep.

Now, let us begin with a tear-jerking anime that would surely leave a lasting memory on you because for me it did. The story revolves around Kousei and Kaori. For Kousei, a musical prodigy, he struggles with hearing the sound of the piano he plays after losing someone dear to him. Whilst struggling, he met a violin player, Kaori– this is how their story begins. 

This anime depicts the little things and unexpected situations that we all have probably experienced in life. As a matter of fact, I think most of us, if not all, likely relate to these characters like falling in love with someone and being hopeful that they may like you back. It masterfully depicts the experience of losing someone dear to us , from the long process of grief and to moving forward, as well as personal growth. 

All in all, this anime is packed with tons of real life stuff that we all would relate to. Not to mention, the animation and music as well as the emotions portrayed in this series is on point. So, if you haven’t watched this yet, I suggest you guys take a peek at it and better prepare to bawl your eyes out with this.

 

14. Banana Fish

INFORMATION
Title	Banana Fish
Author	Akimi Yoshida
Genre	Action, Adventure, Drama
Type	Series
Studio	MAPPA
Premiered	2018
Episode Count	24
Duration	22 mins. per ep.

As I have stated above, there will be some trigger warnings in some of the anime’s that I will be mentioning and this one right here is part of it. But, since we are talking about realistic anime, I think this one should be included. 

Anyways, a bit of a summary of this story (for those who don’t know), it talks about an American guy named Ash Lynx, who is a gang leader that is out there for revenge and became involved with a conflict regarding a notorious drug called “Banana Fish.” He met a young japanese man named Eiji Okumura, who went to America as a photographer’s assistant and became friends with him.

Though, Banana Fish is a bit controversial in a way since it dabbles on real life topics like rape, pedophilia, violence, and child trafficking. See what I mean when I say this one is a bit heavy of a topic to talk about? But, I think that, what it emphasizes more is the trauma and its effect on the person as well as how they cope and heal with it.

Though, a lot of fans were left enraged as well as confused with its ending which I won’t spoil it to you guys. But as someone who has watched it, I think the ending is not bad at all. Actually, it made much more sense since that’s how their world works and that everyone is not entirely good.

On a side note, I think not anyone can stomach this anime series, whether in watching or reading it. Though, if you’re planning to watch this series, I totally recommend it to you guys. Also, I highly suggest you read the manga after watching the anime because it’s a bit more detailed there, thank me later. 

 

13. Nana

INFORMATION
Title	Nana
Author	Ai Yazawa
Genre	Drama, Romance, Slice of Life
Type	Series
Studio	Madhouse
Premiered	2006
Episode Count	47 episodes
Duration	23 mins. per ep.

A realistic anime recommendation list should always include this one right here. A classic anime series that would take you on an emotional roller-coaster ride with its twists and turns of the story! This is a series that would probably relate most, if not all, of us. You might likely have experienced love in your life. 

Now mind you, there are all kinds of love out there, and that is between friends, family or with a special person which this anime has highly emphasized. A bit of synopsis of this series is that it revolves around two friends, who met in Tokyo, with the same name Nana Osaki and Nana Komatsu. Nana O. strives for fame and the other Nana strives for romance.

This series depicts a lot of personal issues that happen in our lives. It is surely gonna give you tons of emotions from happiness, sadness, anger to frustration– basically as I mentioned above, an emotional roller coaster.

 

Check Out: Best Slice of Life Manhwa

 

12. A Silent Voice

INFORMATION
Title	A Silent Voice: The Movie
Author	Yoshitoki Oima
Genre	Romance, Drama
Type	Movie
Studio	Kyoto Animations
Premiered	2016
Episode Count	1 episode
Duration	2 hrs. 10 mins.

Another anime series that would surely leave you with another tear-jerking session. A Silent Voice dabbles on issues that are relevant like bullying, mental health and people with disabilities. As well as regret, redemption and forgiveness.

The story starts with Shoya who bullies Shoko who is deaf to the point that it made her transfer to another school. After a few years, Shoya regretted and reflected on his past actions and decided to embark on a path of redemption as well as seek for forgiveness, after meeting with Shoko again.

I think that this movie is very timely and has a lot of life lessons that were portrayed in it. Not only can we see how hard it is for one to be born with a disability, going through mental health issues as well as experiencing bullying. But we could also see how one reflects on their actions and tries their best to amend with their ways and ask forgiveness.

 

11. Tokyo Magnitude 8.0

INFORMATION
Title	Tokyo Magnitude 8.0
Author	Natsuko Takahashi, Kazuya Murata
Genre	Drama, Disaster
Type	Series
Studio	Bones, Kinema Citrus
Premiered	2009
Episode Count	11 episode
Duration	23 mins. per ep.

Apart from it being realistic, this series is also very educational if you look at it in a different perspective. You would be able to see the effects of earthquakes and how this destructive phenomenon affects the daily lives of the people. Not only that, the aftermath of the earthquake as well as emergency response coming from the government.

In addition to that, the people’s mental and physical well-being during and after the earthquake, since they are victims of a natural disaster. Anyways, the story of this series revolves around two young siblings namely, Marai and Yuki who both went out on a trip but suddenly got hit by an Earthquake. In this series, we could see how they both strive so hard in surviving as well as finding their loved ones. 

There are tons of emotions that were portrayed in here, panic, frustration and worry. I couldn’t even begin to imagine how these two young children have to experience such destruction as well as worry if their parents are still even alive in that situation. And if we think about it in a more realistic manner, the parents would also be very worried for their children if they are alive or not.

This series is surely not light-hearted at all, I think it is quite sad and realistic which makes this anime great. In fact, this series has won a lot of awards which says a lot with how this was well-thought out.

 

10. Monster

INFORMATION
Title	Monster
Author	Naoki Urasawa
Genre	Crime, Mystery, Psychological, Suspense, Thriller
Type	Series
Studio	Madhouse
Premiered	2004-2005
Episode Count	74 episode
Duration	24 mins. per ep.

Now this one right here has a very rich plot. The story is about a neurosurgeon who saved the life of a young boy who grew up to be a notorious serial killer. Because of his guilt, he decided that he’ll be the one that would put an end to him since he’s the one who saved him. You see the irony here right?

Actually, once you’ve watched this series, you’ll find yourself to be on the edge of your seat. As well as be mind blown by how the story progresses because it has a lot of unexpected twists and turns. Not to mention, there are truths that will be revealed later on that would leave you in shock.

The realism in this series is the thought that this could actually happen in real life too. We never know what the person we saved actually is and what their true colors were. So, if you are looking for an anime series that has tons of plot holes, this ones for you!

 

9. Garden of Words

INFORMATION
Title	Garden of Words
Author	Makoto Shinkai
Genre	Drama, Romance, Slice of Life
Type	Movie
Studio	CoMix Wave Films
Premiered	2004-2005
Episode Count	1 episode
Duration	46 mins.

Now if we are talking about realistic art, then this anime surely won’t let you down! If you watch this movie you’ll see how the animation is so perfect and close to reality, it’ll leave you in awe! Not to mention, we could also relate with the story in some way.

The plot revolves around a high schooler who dreamed of becoming a shoemaker, Takao and a woman who always skips her work but turns out to be Teacher who is always bullied in school named Yukari. During rainy days they constantly meet in a Gazebo and would engage in conversation until one of them falls in love with the other.

The main point of this series, which was also emphasized by Shinkai is “Loneliness” however, it isn’t what we think it is. Although, loneliness means being alone, it doesn’t mean in a negative light. In this movie, we could subtly see how being alone or “lonely” is okay and it’ll always be a part of our lives whether we like it or not. 

On that note, the depiction of “Loneliness” isn’t the only issue that was shown in this movie, there is more, like depression, eating disorder, personal growth and age vs. maturity. All in all, this movie is packed with a lot of life lessons.

 

8. The Wind Rises

INFORMATION
Title	The Wind Rises
Author	Hayao Miyazaki, Tatsuo Hori
Genre	Drama, Romance
Type	Movie
Studio	Studio Ghibli
Premiered	2013
Episode Count	1 episode
Duration	2 hours and 6 mins.

Another classic film that is created by, none other than, Studio Ghibli! This movie will make you see life and what it means to live in a different perspective. The story revolves around Jiro who loves aircrafts and aspires  to make one. We would be able to see his life throughout a ten year time.

What makes this movie so real is that, we could see the process of the main character in experiencing the roller coaster ride which is life. We’ll see him lose and gain the will to live, how he struggles and cope with his mental health. I think this story captures the essence of life and we all struggle with it, we all get to experience good times and bad times as well as losing hope and finding it again. 

In what I see, I think this movie is basically telling us that there is so much more in life than what meets the eye, hence, the wind rising. Truly, a remarkable movie that would give you a lot of realizations.

 

Check Out: Best School Life Manhwa

 

7. Sing “Yesterday” For Me

INFORMATION
Title	Sing “Yesterday” For Me
Author	Kei Toume
Genre	Drama, Romance, Slice of Life
Type	Series
Studio	Doga Kobo
Premiered	2020
Episode Count	12 episodes
Duration	23 mins. per ep.

This one right here is a very underrated anime series that would surely give you a reality check. This series depicts realism that is experienced by most of us in our daily lives. The little thing called “love” and its complex concept.

Do we really know what love is? What if I tell you, that this anime talks about a man who doesn’t know what love means. Can you imagine someone who doesn’t know what love is let alone have any experience of it, because I can’t.

All in all, this anime series is something I recommend to you guys. This is a good series to watch that will make you emotional. 

 

6. Black Lagoon

INFORMATION
Title	Black Lagoon
Author	Rei Hiroe
Genre	Action, Adventure, Comedy, Thriller, Mystery
Type	Series
Studio	Madhouse
Premiered	2006
Episode Count	24 episode
Duration	24 mins. per ep.

A violent anime series that isn’t for everyone. As we all know, the world we are living in is not rainbows and butterflies, there will always be a flip side of the coin– the dark side. And this Anime depicts it all, the cold hard truth that this world has.

Now, if you are wondering which part of this anime series depicts realism? Since this is an action series, the fight scenes are overly excessive. However, if we look at the inner linings in it, we could see underlying issues that need to be talked about. 

Like being a victim of rape but is too afraid to even report about it. Violence, which included smuggling drugs in and out of the country or city, gangs, and before I forget, gun crimes– like shoot outs and the such. All of these things I have mentioned are issues that are currently happening now, so I think this anime series deserves to be part of this list.

 

5. Orange

INFORMATION
Title	Orange
Author	Ichigo Takano
Genre	Drama, Romance, Slice of Life
Type	Series
Studio	Telecom Animation Film
Premiered	2016
Episode Count	13 episodes
Duration	24 mins. per ep.

A similar anime series like “Your Lie in April,” same with the main character, they both underwent the loss of their loved one. Losing someone dear to you in your life is not easy (trust me, I’ve been there), let alone at such a young age especially that someone is your parent.

This anime series follows the life of Kakeru, he is a young teenage boy who has lost his mother. In this series, we will be able to see how this took a toll on him. When you watch this series, there will be hints of depression as well as constant thinking suicidal ideation. 

And what’s worst is the thought of you, yourself is beyond help so the best solution to that is through yeeting. The issues I have mentioned is a constant pressing matter of how sad our reality is and that depression is not an easy matter to go through. 

 

4. Welcome to the NHK

INFORMATION
Title	Welcome to NHK
Author	Tatsuhiko Takimoto
Genre	Comedy, Drama, Psychological, Slice of Life
Type	Series
Studio	Gonzo
Premiered	2006
Episode Count	24 episodes
Duration	24 mins. per ep.

Now this series right here is somewhat close to the social reality that Japan is currently facing. It mainly talks about this Japanese culture-bound syndrome called “Hikikomori” or NEET (not in education, employment or in training). Basically, this phenomena happens in Japan (although, some studies mentioned this happens to other countries too, just search y’all) wherein, there are teenagers to young adults who lock themselves up in their own home in fear of society. 

This series follows a young man named Tatsuhiro Sato who is a NEET and we could see how he suffers from it. The beauty in this series is that it does not revolve around Tatsuhiro, there are other individuals that are going through their own issues too. What’s great in this series is that, it doesn’t only talks about this specific topic, it also shows a lot about mental health, poverty and suicide. 

Not to mention, how men are attracted to the digital misinterpretation of women that is far from reality. The fact that seeking professional help with regards to one’s mental health is expensive and not anyone can afford it. Lastly, the underlying pressures that society has expected of us. All in all, this series is a good eye-opener of the other side of reality.

 

3. Komi Can’t Communicate

INFORMATION
Title	Komi Can’t Communicate
Author	Tomohito Oda
Genre	Comedy, Romance, Slice of Life
Type	Series
Studio	OLM
Premiered	2021
Episode Count	12 episodes
Duration	23 mins. per ep.

This is another great anime series that talks about mental health, but in a lighter way. The story revolves around a beautiful girl named Komi, she is a popular student in her school and is loved by all. However, the people aren’t aware of one single thing about her and that is, she can’t communicate.

To be more specific, Komi has a hard time communicating with others because of her Social Anxiety. She gets really nervous and has a hard time talking to people to the point that she can only communicate through pen and paper. But, she still wished for her to overcome her anxiety in socializing with people and make one hundred friends. In fact, this was Komi’s goal when she entered high school.

With that, in order for her to achieve her goal, she needs the help of an outgoing person who is her first ever friend, Tadano-kun. Watch how Komi slowly garners a lot of good friends around her and probably a romance blooming her way with Tadano-kun.

 

2. School Live

INFORMATION
Title	School Live
Author	Sadoru Chiba, Norimitsu Kaiho
Genre	Horror, Psychological, Thriller, Slice of life
Type	Series
Studio	Lerche
Premiered	2015
Episode Count	12 episodes
Duration	24 mins. per ep.

This anime series may look cutesy and all but it’s not. This series has way deeper meaning that you won’t expect.

School Live is an anime series that highlights Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues which is another touchy subject that we will be talking about. Although, the story is during the apocalypse wherein, there was a zombie outbreak . Anyways, this series revolves around a young girl named, Yuki who lives inside her school together with her friends.

You see, her friends are working hard to keep Yuki safe since they are the only survivors left in their school. As much as how post-apocalyptic the series is we could see here how each of the characters are going through mentally and physically. From the beginning of the series until the end, you’ll be able to see how they struggle to survive.

 

1. Sweetness and Lightning

INFORMATION
Title	Sweetness and Lightning
Author	Gido Amagakure
Genre	Comedy, Gourmet, Slice of Life
Type	Series
Studio	TMS Entertainment
Premiered	2016
Episode Count	12 episodes
Duration	24 mins. per ep.

This series does not have romance in it, it’s more closely linked to friendships and family. The story is about a young dad who became a single-parent after losing his wife, he decided to raise his daughter himself. Since he can’t cook he fed his daughter ready made food, however, he decided to start learning how to cook from his colleague for his daughter.

This simple family anime series shows the struggles of being a single-parent. Plus good food that makes you salivate. Sweetness and Lighting is a great anime series that would warm your heart as well as your stomach. I highly recommend you guys watch this series since it’s good for your heart.

 

Conclusion

Now for our closing remarks, these series that I have mentioned above are all close to my heart since these anime made me realize a lot of things that are currently happening here in our world right now. So, I hope you guys enjoy your read and if you want more anime recommendations, don’t be shy and comment down below!