There comes a point in time when everyone has to grow up; it isn’t easy, but it is an essential part of life. Since this relatable experience is a profound transformation, many movies and TV shows tell stories about it, giving rise to the coming-of-age genre. Anime has its fair share of stories, and while some shows likeAttack on TitanandJujutsu Kaisenfeature character development, they are not so profound as to be coming-of-age.
Coming-of-age anime are a bit different, as the primary definition is to grow into adulthood; however, many anime still feature younger protagonists maturing. This list will rank the ten best coming-of-age anime shows based oncharacter development, writing, loss of innocence, originality, critical acclaim, and fan opinion. These shows deliver the best insight into growing into adulthood and maturing.
10’Hunter x Hunter' (2011–2014)
Created by Yoshihiro Togashi
Big-name shōnen anime aren’t usually coming-of-age stories, butHunter x Huntertakes a different approach. Gon sets out to become a Hunter in order to find his father, who abandoned him. However, with childlike innocence and an unbreakable will, he achieves the impossible. This journey takes him down many paths, but he must become stronger to protect his friends.
Hunter x Hunter may be a better anime than most on this list, but it isn’t a better coming-of-age series. However, it still meets the criteria and provides more than enough content for fans to find meaning in the growth.Hunter x Hunterhas phenomenal character development, with Gon’s loss of innocence a significant factor. While it isn’t too apparent or focused on, this anime is surprisingly a coming-of-age series.
Hunter x Hunter
9’Mob Psycho 100' (2016–2022)
Created by ONE
WhileOne Punch Manis the flashier and arguably more popular anime,Mob Psycho 100is a more renowned work by the same mangaka. Despite being the strongest psychic in the world, Shigeo only wants to live an everyday life, but his powers get in the way, forcing him to suppress his feelings. His emotions erupt in psychic outbursts, which are helpful in defeating other espers.
Mob Psycho 100’s primary focus isn’t delivering a coming-of-age story, butits plot naturally incorporates personal growth, navigating relationships, and understanding and expressing emotions,all common signs of entering adulthood. Action, animation, characters, and story are the best parts of Mob Psycho 100, but its coming-of-age undertones help it stand out as amust-watch anime masterpiece.
Mob Psycho 100
8’Aria the Animation' (2005–2008)
Created by Kozue Amano
Set on Mars, now known as Aqua due to its Venice-like setting, the anime follows a girl working as a tour guide on the planet.Aria the Animationis a slice-of-life sci-fi anime that focuses on the little things, such as traveling through the scenic canals and interacting with other tour guides, tourists, locals, and the city itself, all set against a gorgeous backdrop.
Ariaisn’t specifically a coming-of-age story, but most of its moments and development work to grow Akari. While thevisually stunning anime worldis enough to draw fans, it also uses many coming-of-age tropes to make the story more relatable.Ariadelivers a beautiful story aboutmoving on with life and learning to live in the moment, appreciating what they have now.
Aria: The Animation
7’Ranking of Kings' (2021–2022)
Created by Sōsuke Tōka
Before the anime adaptation,Ranking of Kingswas not on anyone’s radar, but after the first couple of episodes, fans fell in love with the endearing characters, stellar animation, and epic fantasy vibe. People pity the mute and deaf prince, but to prove his worth, he goes on a journey of strength, and to become a worthy king in the future, alongside his shadow pal.
While Bojji is too young to lose his innocence, which is the best part of his character, he does embark on a journey of maturity;he develops enough to mature, but remains grounded sufficiently to stay a child. He takes on a lot for his age, but learns the importance of strength and compassion and their role in ruling a country, makingRanking of Kingsone of thebest fantasy anime ever.
Ranking of Kings
6’Silver Spoon' (2013–2014)
Created by Hiromu Arakawa
Most fans knowHiromu Arakawabecause of their legendary work:Full Metal Alchemist, but they also delivered one of the best coming-of-age anime:Silver Spoon. This farming anime follows a spoiled city boy who is forced to attend an agricultural school. Initially against the idea, he learns the importance of many values through the hard work of farming.
Farming is a bigger responsibility than viewers realize, butSilver Spoonteaches fans that the hard work is rewarded through personal growth and fun times with animals. The protagonist embarks on a transformative journey to acquire essential skills and discover their purpose. Developing a sense of self-awareness and being is a key part ofSilver Spoon, making it aremarkable family-friendly anime.
Silver Spoon
5’Ping Pong the Animation' (2014)
Created by Taiyō Matsumoto
Avant-garde anime excel at conveying their themes and messages through unconventional methods, making them more profound and impactful.Ping Pong the Animationtells a relatable sports story through unorthodox storytelling and visual style. It follows two friends: one is excellent at the game but lacks enthusiasm, while the other loves the sport but isn’t the best, marking an arduous journey to winning.
While the two protagonists undergo profound change, many of the characters experience essential arcs that reflect the process of growing up and processing emotions.Ping Pong the Animationis about winning and everything surrounding it, frommessages such as knowing they will never be the best to not finding joy in what they used to. The show conveys a nostalgic message and a unique coming-of-age story, makingPing Pong the Animationa modern classic.
Ping Pong The Animation
4’March Comes in Like a Lion' (2016–2018)
Created by Chica Umino
While most of the anime on this list deals with coming-of-age stories in an entertaining manner,March Comes in Like a Lionwill hit fans hard with its heavily relatable themes and tone. Rei is one of the few elite shogi players, but moving out and living on his own enables his past traumas. However, a neighbouring family helps him open up and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
March Comes in Like a Lionwill dazzle fans with its watercolor style, boasting some ofthe best animation in anime. This only adds to the fantastic coming-of-age themes that help an emotionally stunted person overcome their issues and learn to rely on others. The anime is aboutself-discovery, taking care of oneself, handling adult and financial matters, and navigating emotionally challenging situations, making it a perfect coming-of-age anime that will have fans tearing up.
March Comes in Like a Lion
3’A Place Further Than the Universe' (2018)
Created by Jukki Hanada
Antarctica isn’t the most common travel destination, but maybe it’s what fans need to really discover themselves, at least that’s what happens inA Place Further Than The Universe. The anime is about a group of girls who all travel to Antarctica for different reasons, but they become closer and find answers in this slice-of-life journey.
Growing up is tough, and many people struggle to find their identity. This anime addresses that question for the girls in the show.A Place Further Than The Universewows with its spectacular visuals while also delivering wholesome slice-of-life adventuring. However, the best part is the journey of self-discovery, which involves dealing with emotions, taking on responsibility, maturing, and taking risks in adulthood, making itan underrated anime that fans can binge.
A Place Further Than the Universe
Created by Key (VisualArt’s)
While some 2000s anime took their art style to the extreme, they still delivered profound experiences and worthwhile stories.Clannadis a renowned romance and school anime series about a group of students and their personal struggles. The connections they make and the hardships they encounter shape their adult lives, always striving to improve themselves, regardless of how late or difficult it may be.
While most shows hook fans with their first season,Clannaddelivered a solid first entry, but blew everyone away with its second season. Taking place at multiple points in their lives, fans can see how the characters have grown, for the better and worse, highlighting the tragedy and meaning in their daily lives.Clannadeffectively handles adult issues, exploring them after school through multiple characters, making it a realistic series and one of thebest adult romance anime.
1’FLCL' (2000)
Created by Kazuya Tsurumaki and Yoji Enokido
FLCLis one of the wildest sci-fi avant-garde anime that uses its imaginative narrative to tell a familiar story. Naota is forcing himself to mature and replace his brother, who left overseas. Taking on more responsibility than he needs, his life flips upside down when Haruko smacks him with a guitar. Exposing his natural immaturity, she uses Naota to summon her interdimensional lover.
While many anime shows the downsides of negative things,FLCLtells fans it is inevitable and just a part of life, but they are equally valuable to development. Through chaotic, surreal, and over-the-top storytelling,FLCLtells a tale that everyone will recognize: the trials of adolescence and puberty. The anime features many goofy and ridiculous characters feigning maturity, pointing out that growing up doesn’t mean losing your current self.FLCLis an anime about learning to be a child, but also highlights the importance of growth, creating one of the most unique coming-of-age stories that is anunderrated anime masterpiece.
