10 anime · 8 free to stream

Best Slice of Life Anime to Watch Free & Legally

Discover the top-rated slice of life anime ranked by score. Find where to stream each title for free in your region.

Top 10 Slice of Life Anime

Mushi-shi: Next Passage Part 1
8.7
8.68|10 eps|Adventure, Mystery, Slice of Life|Artland

In a world where the unknown is often feared and misunderstood, a peculiar phenomenon known as the Mushi has come to be. These enigmatic beings, despite their strange nature, harbor no ill will towards humanity. However, their existence can have unintended and far-reaching consequences when exploited by humans. As a skilled Mushishi, Ginko embarks on a journey to facilitate harmony between the visible world and the mysterious Mushi. Along the way, Ginko encounters individuals with extraordinary abilities, some cursed by circumstance and others in delicate balance with the Mushi. As he delves deeper into the world of these strange beings, he is forced to confront the question of whether humanity, regardless of its talents or tribulations, is equipped to handle the responsibility that comes with the unseen. Moreover, Ginko must grapple with the ethics of intervening in the intricate relationships between the Mushi and mankind, weighing the consequences of his actions.

Full streaming guide
Mushi-Shi
8.7
2

Mushi-Shi

蟲師

8.65|26 eps|Adventure, Mystery, Slice of Life|Artland

In a world teeming with life, there exist entities that defy categorization. Known as Mushi, these enigmatic beings lack purpose or motivation, existing solely to be. They can manifest in countless forms, from the natural world to the most abstract phenomena. Yet, despite their ubiquity, humans remain largely oblivious to their presence. Enter Ginko, a renowned Mushishi, who has dedicated his life to uncovering the mysteries of these elusive entities. With an insatiable curiosity, Ginko embarks on a journey to investigate rumors and occurrences that may be connected to the Mushi. His quest is driven by a deeper longing to understand the place of these Mushi in the grand tapestry of life. As Ginko delves deeper into the unknown, he may stumble upon answers that could redefine humanity's understanding of existence itself. Will his tireless pursuit of truth ultimately reveal the secrets of the Mushi, or will the mysteries of these ancient beings remain forever shrouded in mystery?

Full streaming guide
Barakamon
8.4
3

Barakamon

ばらかもん

8.36|12 eps|Slice of Life|Kinema Citrus

In the bustling city, Seishuu Handa, a young and gifted calligrapher, is on the verge of stardom. However, his meteoric rise is short-lived as he's left reeling from a scathing critique by a veteran artist. The harsh words strike a chord, and Seishuu's ego takes a severe blow. As punishment for his outburst, his father sends him to the remote Goto Islands, forcing him to trade his luxurious Tokyo lifestyle for a humble abode amidst the rural landscape. At first, Seishuu struggles to adapt to his new surroundings, finding himself at the mercy of his boisterous neighbors, including the precocious Naru Kotoishi. The island's quirky residents, from fujoshi middle schoolers to energetic seniors, seem to have no qualms about intruding on his solitude. As Seishuu tries to find inspiration and develop his unique art style, he's constantly bombarded by the island's unique charm and eccentricities. Despite the chaos that surrounds him, Seishuu begins to discover the true meaning of art and community. Through his interactions with the islanders, he learns valuable lessons about humility, creativity, and the beauty of imperfection. As he navigates this uncharted territory, Seishuu's ego slowly begins to deflate, replaced by a sense of wonder and belonging. The Goto Islands, once a punishment, become a transformative journey that will forever alter the course of his artistic journey.

Full streaming guide
Natsume's Book of Friends
8.3
8.30|13 eps|Slice of Life, Supernatural|Brain's Base

In a world where the ordinary and extraordinary coexist, Takashi Natsume has always felt like an outcast. His unique ability to perceive the supernatural has led to a life of isolation, with no one willing to believe his extraordinary encounters. After a series of unhappy foster homes, Natsume has become withdrawn, keeping his true nature hidden from the world. However, his life takes a dramatic turn when he inadvertently frees Madara, a powerful spirit manifesting as a lucky cat. Recognizing a striking resemblance to his late grandmother Reiko, a legendary figure in the youkai world, Madara becomes Natsume's unlikely ally. Reiko, known for her remarkable abilities, had created the Book of Friends, a powerful tome containing the written names of the youkai she had defeated. Natsume, now the book's reluctant custodian, decides to keep it as a connection to his grandmother and to safeguard it from those who would misuse its power. As Natsume navigates this new reality, he forges an unlikely bond with Madara, who becomes his unofficial guardian, dubbed Nyanko-sensei. Together, they embark on a journey to free the youkai sealed within the book, slowly rebuilding Natsume's relationships with both humans and supernatural beings. As he confronts the mysteries of his grandmother's past, Natsume begins to find solace in his newfound friendships and a sense of belonging in a world that has long been shrouded in secrecy.

Full streaming guide
Laid-Back Camp
8.3
5

Laid-Back Camp

ゆるキャン△

8.26|12 eps|Slice of Life|C-Station

In a world where solo adventures are her norm, Rin Shima finds solace in the quiet, serene atmosphere of camping alone at the foot of Mount Fuji. With no desire to disrupt her peaceful routine, she's content to spend her days off doing everything on her own terms. However, a chance encounter with a lost and exhausted Nadeshiko Kagamihara shatters Rin's solitude, and the two girls find themselves brought together by circumstance. As they bond over a steaming bowl of ramen and the warmth of a crackling campfire, Rin and Nadeshiko discover a shared appreciation for the simple joys of the great outdoors. Despite their initial hesitation, they find themselves opening up to each other, and the possibility of a future camping trip together begins to take shape. As Nadeshiko is eventually reunited with her sister, the seeds of a newfound friendship are sown, and Rin is forced to confront the idea that maybe, just maybe, having someone to share her adventures with isn't so bad after all.

Full streaming guide
Girls' Last Tour
8.2
6

Girls' Last Tour

少女終末旅行

8.24|12 eps|Adventure, Mystery, Sci-Fi|White Fox

In a post-apocalyptic landscape, the only sound is the rumble of a motorcycle, carrying two young survivors, Chito and Yuuri, through the ruins of a once-thriving city. The duo scavenges for supplies and scraps, exploring abandoned military sites and piecing together the mysteries of the world that was. As they navigate the desolate wasteland, they find solace in each other's company, sharing moments of joy amidst the bleakness. From impromptu shooting practice to snowball fights on the frozen battlefield, they find ways to brighten their days, despite the crushing loneliness that often settles in.

Full streaming guide
Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid S
8.2
7

Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid S

小林さんちのメイドラゴンS

8.21|12 eps|Slice of Life, Supernatural|Kyoto Animation

In the Kobayashi household, life is a whirlwind of excitement and chaos, with Tooru's maid antics and Kanna's innocent enthusiasm keeping everyone on their toes. But when a catastrophic landslide strikes the hill where Tooru and Kobayashi first met, it's clear that a powerful force is at play. Enter Ilulu, the radical Chaos Dragon, whose immense strength and unbridled energy are unmatched even by Tooru's own abilities. Ilulu's motivations are far from pure, driven by a disdain for Tooru's involvement with humans and a desire to settle the score through a brutal battle to the death. Yet, as she watches Kobayashi's effortless ability to form bonds with dragons, Ilulu becomes fascinated and decides to observe the human's unique charm instead. As this new, formidable dragon enters the scene, Kobayashi's already unpredictable life with Tooru takes an even wilder turn.

Full streaming guide
Hyouka
8.1
8

Hyouka

氷菓

8.05|22 eps|Mystery, Slice of Life|Kyoto Animation

In a world where the mundane and ordinary reign supreme, Houtarou Oreki, a high school freshman, has perfected the art of coasting through life with minimal effort. However, his serene existence is disrupted by the sudden appearance of his sister, Tomoe, who sets him on a collision course with the Classics Club. Initially, Oreki's reluctance is palpable, but his path converges with that of Eru Chitanda, a bright and inquisitive first-year student, who unwittingly draws him into the club's orbit. As Oreki's friends Satoshi Fukube and Mayaka Ibara join the club, the group's dynamics are set in motion. Chitanda's boundless curiosity becomes the catalyst for the club's adventures, as they tackle the everyday mysteries that surround them. From deciphering cryptic messages to unraveling the secrets of their school's past, the Classics Club's members delve into the intricacies of their own lives, uncovering hidden truths and forging unbreakable bonds along the way.

Full streaming guide
Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid
7.9
9

Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid

小林さんちのメイドラゴン

7.90|13 eps|Slice of Life, Supernatural|Kyoto Animation

In a peculiar turn of events, Kobayashi's mundane routine is disrupted by the arrival of an extraordinary young woman, Tooru, who transforms from a fearsome dragon into a charming, energetic, and endearing maid. This unexpected development stems from Kobayashi's chance encounter with the dragon during a drunken escapade, where she unwittingly offered the creature a place to stay. As Tooru sets out to repay her savior's kindness, she brings her impressive dragon abilities and unorthodox cleaning methods to Kobayashi's doorstep, often causing more chaos than order. As Tooru settles into her new role, her deep-seated emotions and painful memories begin to surface, hinting at a more complex backstory. Moreover, her presence attracts a diverse cast of mythical beings, each with their own quirks and personalities. Kobayashi, initially overwhelmed by the situation, struggles to adapt to this new reality, finding herself entangled in a series of unpredictable events. As the days pass, Kobayashi's apartment transforms into a haven for these fantastical creatures, and she must navigate the challenges of living with a dragon maid. Despite the mayhem that ensues, Tooru's unwavering dedication to her new role and Kobayashi's growing affection for her create an unlikely bond between the two. As they face the unexpected together, they discover that the line between reality and fantasy is often blurred, and the most ordinary of lives can become extraordinary with the right companion by your side.

Full streaming guide
Aria the Animation
7.7
10

Aria the Animation

ARIA The ANIMATION

7.68|13 eps|Sci-Fi, Slice of Life|HAL Film Maker

In the 24th century, humanity has successfully colonized the once-barren planet of Aqua, now a thriving world reminiscent of 16th-century Venice. Neo Venezia's breathtaking beauty is reflected in its serene canals and picturesque gondolas, which serve as the primary mode of transportation. Amidst this aquatic wonderland, Aria Company offers guided tours, employing novice Undines like Akari Mizunashi, a spirited teenager from Manhome who has traded her homeland for a new life on Aqua. As Akari navigates her new role, she forges unforgettable bonds with her fellow Undines, tourists, and the city's residents. Through her experiences, she discovers the true essence of Neo Venezia, uncovering hidden gems and man-made marvels that defy explanation. Along the way, Akari learns valuable lessons about the beauty of human connection and the importance of embracing the unknown. Join Akari on her journey as she explores the wonders of Neo Venezia, a city that seamlessly blends the past and the future. With its stunning scenery, charming characters, and poignant storytelling, this captivating series invites viewers to drift into the world of Aqua, where the boundaries between reality and fantasy are delightfully blurred.

Full streaming guide

Can't Watch This Anime in Your Region?

Some streaming platforms are geo-restricted. A VPN lets you access anime libraries from any country — unlock Crunchyroll US, Netflix Japan, and more.

See Best VPNs for Anime

About Slice of Life Anime

Slice of life anime celebrates the beauty of everyday moments, offering a relaxing escape into stories about friendship, family, and personal growth. From the cozy warmth of Laid-Back Camp to the bittersweet school days of March Comes in Like a Lion, these anime remind us that ordinary life can be extraordinary. Perfect for unwinding after a long day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Beloved slice of life anime include March Comes in Like a Lion, Barakamon, Laid-Back Camp, K-On!, and Nichijou. These deliver heartwarming, relatable stories about everyday life.

The most relaxing anime include Laid-Back Camp, Mushishi, Aria the Animation, and Flying Witch. These are known as 'iyashikei' (healing) anime designed to be calming.

Slice of life anime are available on Crunchyroll's free tier and YouTube. Some titles are also on Netflix and Hulu with subscriptions.

47 spots left this week|Resets Sunday

Get the Ultimate Anime Pack Free

Most fans pay $20+/month for this. You get it all for $0 — streaming guides, exclusive PFPs, VPN deals & weekly hidden gem picks.

80+ Streaming Guides200 Exclusive PFPsVIP Community

2,847 fans already claimed · No spam, ever