2020 has been a rough year, everywhere you look it seems like something stressful is happening. Now, more than ever, it is important to take a mental break from all the stress and have a good laugh, which is why the staff at Right Stuf has decided to write a list of the top ten funniest anime. So enjoy reading this post and hopefully you find an anime that will make you smile.
Though not classified as a Comedic anime it’s undeniable that Jojo's Bizzare Adventure has plenty of funny moments and meme-able content. From a character and his stand (fighting spirit) having the combined name of Vanilla Ice Cream to the character's funny outfits. This shonen anime is one of the most over the top and humorous shonens out there which has also made it one of the most parodied anime. Notable anime with Jojo parodies are Food Wars in the second episode of season two, Gintama and My Hero Academia, both have multiple Jojo references throughout their shows.
Comedy highlights: The flamboyant posing, Vinegar Doppio using anything as a phone, the Passione Torture Dance, Kakoyin and cherries, the Joestar Family secret technique.
9. The Disastrous Life of Saiki-K
Saiki-K just wants to be normal, but can’t due to being an overpowered psychic. The people in Saiki’s life are flamboyant and while Saiki is very cynical because his powers tend to ruin everything for him. An enjoyable part of this anime is how it's structured, rather then following a plot line this anime is divided into skits and situations, which makes it so you can start watching this anime at any episode. This anime is best for those who enjoy silly humor and love a cynical/snarky narrator.
Comedy Highlights: Saiki breaking the 4th wall, Saiki's rants and commentary throughout the series.
8. Konosuba, God's Blessings On This Wonderful World
Konosuba is about the main character, Kazuma Sato, who dies and then gets a wish from a goddess named Aqua. Kazuma then gets a new life in a video game-type world and his wish is for the beautiful Aqua to accompany him. Issues arise when Kazuma has no money in this new world. Not only that, but his partner, Aqua, is useless despite being a goddess, and they are tasked to defeat the devil king. Konosuba’s characters are definitely where the humor comes from. Each of the characters are hilarious: Aqua is a cry baby, Meguim is a pyro-maniac, Kazuma is sarcastic and Darkness well… she likes to get punished.
Comedy highlights: Aqua fighting toads, Kazuma’s trial, Chunchunmaru, The first episode’s montage.
7. Azumanga Daioh
Azumanga Daioh is a slice of life anime following a group of quirky high school girls and their teachers. This is one of the most wholesome picks on this list. This show features healthy female friendships along with adding in a whole lot of humor along the way. There is almost no fan service and each of the girls in the group are funny. The humor can be rather silly at times and borders on absurdity but the plot of Azumanga Daioh is realistic and has a good flow.
Comedy highlights: Osaka almost killing someone, Chiyo-Chan’s dad, Yukari-sensei driving.
6. Kaguya-Sama Love is War
Love is War is a romantic comedy about two teens on a student council— the academically gifted Miyuki Shiroganeand Kaguya Shinomiya.They both love each other but refuse to admit it due to seeing it as a sign of weakness. Hilarious hijinks ensue as these two and their friends come up with schemes to get a confession of love from either side. The schemes start getting crazier as you move through the series, you are constantly routing for the protagonists to get together and Chika is always there to dish out some more humor. This show has even inspired a well know meme involving Chika, you can see the scene below.
Comedy highlights: Miyuki tries to learn volleyball, Miyuki learns how to sing, and the shojo manga episode.
5. Haven't You Heard? I'm Sakamoto
Haven't You Heard? I'm Sakamoto revolves around Sakamoto, a high schooler who does everything in an over-the-top, cool manner. Playing on tropes of anime protagonists being super cool, this anime takes it a step further. Sakamoto's over-the-top perfection drives those around him crazy, women are dying to be with him and men hate him. The jokes throughout the series are stellar and the humor is ridiculous.
Comedy Highlights: Sakamoto being cool.
4. Nichijou, My Ordinary Life
Nichijou is a slice of life anime that involves the strange everyday life of three girls, Mio Naganohara, Yuuko Aioi, and Mai Minakam. The best thing about this anime is how casual the characters act when something outlandish happens. As for sense of humor it is most comparable to Azumanga Daioh, it's pretty silly.
Comedy Highlights: The principal fighting a deer, Mio violently defending her “yaoi art”, The camping trip.
3.One Punch Man
A comedy poking fun at the overpowered heroes of anime, One Punch Man involves an unassuming superhero named Saitama who can beat any opponent in one punch. The villains and heroes in this series are over-the-top. Unlike most anime heroes, Saitama does not take being a hero very seriously and often refers to himself as a hero for fun.
Comedy Highlights: Beating a villain quickly to get to a sale, Crablante, Consecutive normal punches, any time King faces danger.
Assassination Classroom revolves around a group of first year students in Class 3-E, the lowest scoring class, and their octopus-like teacher Koro-Sensei, who will blow up the planet if the Class 3-E students do not assassinate him in a year. Koro-Sensei has many hilarious quirks as a mutant octopus and becomes a very helpful and beloved teacher of the Class 3-E students. The students often concoct over-the-top plans to assassinate Koro-Sensei while Koro-Sensei seems to take it in stride. Koro-Sensei himself is very funny and the English Dub actor really adds humor to the series. The 3-E class students also bring a lot of humor to the series and go through great character development. The quotes in this series are gold and it is a very wholesome show.
Comedy highlights: The Koro-Sensei planet song, the adult magazine trap, Koro-Sensei's class introduction, the various assassination attempts.
1. Gintama
Gintama is about aliens that have invaded Earth and banned all swords making samurais obsolete. Sakata Gintoki was a samurai and along with his friends, must now take odd jobs. Gintoki’s ultimate goal is to fight dishonorable aliens and Yakuza while also paying rent. What makes this series number one on the list is the characters and also the numerous references and parodies of other anime. Perhaps the funniest character is Elizabeth, an assassin that wears a duck costume, is from a planet shaped like a duck’s head and is a part of a race that only eats Famicom cartridges with rice.
Comedy Highlights: Any scene with Elizabeth, toilet fight, hard boiled detective arc.
