Top Ranked Josei Anime You Must Watch

Essential Insights

Discover 10 top-rated josei anime that truly exemplify the genre:
My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! – A charming series filled with humor, where a relatable protagonist must navigate various relationships to escape an inevitable demise in an otome game.
Polar Bear Cafe – This light-hearted workplace comedy features anthropomorphic characters and brings joy and warmth through its slice-of-life approach.

As a more mature extension of shoujo, josei anime is characterized not only by the subjects it addresses but also by its nuanced treatment of these topics. The narratives often revolve around adult themes: relationships, financial struggles, parenting challenges, and personal growth over time.

Romance, emotional depth, and the harsh realities of adulthood are common drivers in these anime. They usually strike a balance between idealism and cynicism. While aimed at older women, the appeal of these stories often transcends gender, resonating with anyone interested in intricately developed characters facing profound issues.

Last updated on October 25, 2024, by Mark Sammut: The Fall 2024 season has established itself, giving us insights into its offerings in josei anime.

Josei Anime of Fall 2024

The Fall 2024 season has nearly completed its first month and is revealing itself as a promising period for anime. While it may not cater to all tastes, the diverse lineup spans various themes and genres. Action enthusiasts can indulge in titles like Bleach, Dandadan, and Shangri-La Frontier, whereas those seeking romance might enjoy Blue Box, 365 Days to the Wedding, TsumaSho, and How I Attended an All-Guy’s Mixer. There are also great options in slice-of-life (Natsume’s Book of Friends), sci-fi (Mecha-Ude: Mechanical Arms), horror (Uzumaki), comedy (Ranma ½), and numerous fantasy and isekai narratives. The slate offers something for nearly every viewer.

However, most anime tend to primarily cater to the shonen and seinen demographics, a trend that continues in this season. There are a few shojo series, but they are limited, and josei offerings are, as usual, somewhat sparse. This quarter is no exception, although it does showcase a couple of notable josei anime. Let’s emphasize the two standout titles.

Haigakura is adapted from a josei manga, though it hasn’t made a strong impression thus far. Nevertheless, it merits a brief mention.

I’ll Become a Villainess Who Goes Down in History – This title could fit into either the shojo or josei categories, but it originates from B’s Log Comic, predominantly a josei publication. Nevertheless, the anime leans more towards shojo aesthetics, especially with a youthful protagonist. Born from the prevalent villainess light novel trend, this narrative follows a woman reincarnated as an antagonist in an otome game. As Alicia, she navigates the villainess role while trying not to derail the heroine’s story. Though it initially seems like a playful twist on the genre’s tropes, the narrative under-reports on its premise. Alicia’s so-called “evil”deeds often come off as kindness, and she quickly becomes beloved by all. That said, it remains quite entertaining.
Nina the Starry Bride – At this stage, Nina the Starry Bride emerges as the standout josei anime of Fall 2024. Named after its orphan heroine, Nina must assume the role of a priestess-princess after the original one passes away. She becomes entwined in a marriage agreement aimed at peace between two kingdoms, where any misstep could trigger war. Prince Azure, who masterminds the plan, gradually finds himself drawn to Nina. While it includes elements of wish-fulfillment, the series also explores mature themes through Nina’s weary yet hopeful perspective, making her the focal point of this remarkable story.

Now, let’s delve into the finest josei anime of all time…

14 Gokusen

MyAnimeList: 7.40

Every child possesses immense potential – this is a familiar theme explored through various films and anime about teachers striving to uncover that potential. Gokusen unapologetically engages with this theme, but puts a unique spin on it: the educator is the granddaughter of a Yakuza boss.

While the animation quality leaves something to be desired, and character designs can verge on the unremarkable, the series shines due to its dynamic protagonist, who is just as equipped to handle thugs as she is a classroom full of unruly students.

13 Pet Shop of Horrors

MyAnimeList: 7.24

While josei anime may be classified as a genre, it’s equally recognized as a stylistic expression, as illustrated by this series. Unlike many excellent yet generic titles, Pet Shop of Horrors stands out due to its horror elements.

Set in a mysterious pet shop, the narrative delves into profound themes surrounding humanity and its darker aspects. Though the series may not suit horror skeptics, those willing to engage with its unsettling elements will find a richly detailed and thought-provoking tale.

12 My Next Life As A Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!

MyAnimeList: 7.46

The majority of villainess isekai anime stem from light novels, with nearly all featuring manga adaptations. Consistently, these stories are published in shojo or josei publications. Notably, titles like Villainess Level 99 and The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen are available as josei manga and both have captivating adaptations. For those particularly interested in an overpowered isekai narrative, Villainess Level 99 might showcase the strongest female lead in this subgenre.

My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! is arguably the most popular villainess anime and presents an excellent introduction to this quirky subgenre. After being reincarnated as a character destined for disaster in an otome game, Catarina must meticulously manage her relationships to evade a grim fate. With a heavy dose of humor and an engaging protagonist who cleverly navigates challenging scenarios, this series is a joy to watch, especially its first season.

11 Polar Bear Cafe

MyAnimeList: 7.90

The anime landscape could benefit from more workplace comedies, and those featuring anthropomorphic animals are a delightful addition. Polar Bear’s Cafe follows the charming owner, Shirokuma, and the quirky clientele that frequents his café. This series embodies slice-of-life perfection and is full of wholesome content, devoid of any harshness. The characters, especially the trio of Shirokuma, Panda, and Penguin, are endearing.

Polar Bear’s Cafe has the remarkable ability to uplift viewers, and with 50 episodes under its belt, it far exceeds the typical length of slice-of-life or josei offerings.

10 Kakuriyo: Bed And Breakfast For Spirits

MyAnimeList: 7.54

While josei often delves into profound drama, it’s not necessary for every narrative to take that path. Kakuriyo: Bed and Breakfast for Spirits delivers exactly what it promises: a cozy retreat for magical beings. Struggling with significant debt, Aoi leverages her ability to interact with spirits by establishing a welcoming getaway for them. Despite being human, her clients are initially distrustful, but a comforting bowl of ramen can mend that.

This anime embodies warmth, presenting gently supernatural slice-of-life tales without any hint of tension, allowing viewers to fully enjoy the cozy ambiance.

9. Mr. Osomatsu

MyAnimeList: 7.93

This might seem like an unusual josei recommendation, but Mr. Osomatsu is rooted in Fujio Akatsuka’s Osomatsu-kun manga, initially a shonen work centering on six identical brothers. The anime premiered in 2015, with a manga adaptation following in a josei magazine a year later. In 2018, the manga shifted to Cookie, a publication aimed at a shojo audience. Therefore, it’s a sequel to a shonen classic that has seen interpretations in both josei and shojo formats. So, which demographic does this series cater to? In all honesty, it appeals to everyone and no one simultaneously.

Mr. Osomatsu serves as an unabashedly chaotic parody, transforming the once-“cute”sextuplets into disruptive forces wherever they go. Its humor is reminiscent of Gintama, but it leans more towards darker comedy that may not hit the mark for all viewers.

Ultimately, I can’t recommend it solely to those seeking josei-centric stories, as it diverges significantly from typical outputs within that demographic and primarily features male protagonists. Although Totoko Yowai appears prominently, she often takes a backseat throughout multiple episodes. As a sketch comedy, Mr. Osomatsu swings between brilliant humor and cringeworthy moments, but when it succeeds, it strikes hard.

8 Paradise Kiss

MyAnimeList: 7.86

One of the most well-known josei anime, Paradise Kiss provides insight into the often-ignored fashion industry through the perspective of Yukari, a student approached to become a model. While the narrative takes a bit of time to establish its characters and the dynamics of their relationships, the series picks up significantly once the groundwork is laid.

The characters, while slightly exaggerated, remain grounded in an environment that thrives on intense passion and fervor. The relationship between Yukari and George serves as the emotional core of the story, showcasing an intriguing evolution.

7 Princess Jellyfish

MyAnimeList: 8.11

Following the journey of five socially awkward teens transforming into similarly awkward adults, Princess Jellyfish centers on their enduring friendship as they navigate a world that often fails to appreciate their uniqueness.

This series gives voice to the struggles of an unemployed otaku, blending charm and cuteness throughout its slice-of-life framework. It prompts viewers to reflect on what it means to be true to oneself in an unaccepting world and whether love can blossom for those who feel like outsiders.

6 Kids On The Slope

MyAnimeList: 8.30

Set in 1966, Kids on the Slope captures the bond between three students united by a mutual love for music and adolescent crushes. This narrative effectively embodies a classic coming-of-age story, and it excels in its character dynamics, making their emotional highs and lows feel authentic.

Crafted by distinguished director Shinichiro Watanabe, the series is visually stunning, combining warm aesthetics with a soundtrack that rivals his previous works, like Cowboy Bebop.

5 Bunny Drop

MyAnimeList: 8.35

At its core, Bunny Drop explores the complexities of child-rearing, illustrating both the joyful and challenging moments that accompany parenting, particularly when the girl, Rin, may be the potential illegitimate daughter of Daikichi’s grandfather.

Upon his family’s refusal to care for Rin and their plan to have her adopted, Daikichi takes it upon himself to ensure her safety. The father-daughter bond he forms with Rin is portrayed with great sensitivity, enriched by humor and expertly crafted direction that enhances the series’ overall appeal.

4 Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju

MyAnimeList: 8.56 (Season 1)

Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju delves into the tale of friendship set against the backdrop of rakugo, a traditional Japanese storytelling performance where a single speaker narrates a story without standing.

Though it may sound mundane, this anime passionately embraces the intricacies of rakugo storytelling, showcasing a cultural treasure rarely encountered by Western audiences. Unlike other shows that merely skim the surface, it thoroughly examines and celebrates the art of narration.

3 Honey And Clover

MyAnimeList: 8 (Season 1)

Navigating life alongside others whose personalities clash with your own can be challenging, yet it can foster growth and ample comedic moments.

This is the foundational premise of Honey and Clover, where five art students reside in the same building. Their experiences are filled with love triangles and emotional turmoil, as this series adeptly captures the intricate emotional landscape that defines adult relationships. It is a beautifully complex and inviting series.

2 Nodame Cantabile

MyAnimeList: 8.26 (Season 1)

Based on a manga by Tomoko Ninomiya, Nodame Cantabile tells the story of two musical prodigies with contrasting approaches. Chiaki, hailing from a prestigious academy, aspires to become a conductor, but his abrasive personality threatens his ambitions. In contrast, Megumi Noda is a free spirit who prioritizes feeling the music over adhering to protocols.

The interplay between these two polar opposites creates a humorous and occasionally touching narrative. The best josei anime often authentically portray relationships, and this series is no exception. Though their individual circumstances may be unique, Chiaki and Nodame’s romance evolves naturally and resonates with relatable challenges.

1 Chihayafuru

MyAnimeList: 8.18 (Season 1)

Chihayafuru is a timeless classic within the josei realm, maintaining its brilliance since its English sub debut in 2013. Centered around the traditional Japanese card game “karuta,”the high-stakes gameplay is as thrilling and nerve-wracking as the most intense shonen battles.

Chihaya Ayase’s passion for the game is contagious, mirrored by her friends and challengers. The soft, ethereal animation complements the series’ gentle aesthetic, while the storyline remains engaging and character-driven. Chihayafuru undoubtedly ranks among the finest anime in the josei category.

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