Check out these anime with summer vibes like Barakamon, Free! – Iwatobi Swim Club, My Dress-Up Darling, and Love Is Like A Cocktail. Summer is a season of excitement and adventure, the perfect time to dive into a world of vibrant colors and dazzling storylines.
As the days get warmer and the nights grow longer, what better way to spend your time than watching some of the best summer-themed anime out there?
Whether you’re a long-time anime fan or new to the genre, these sun-kissed picks will get you in the summer spirit.
Dive into Summer with These Must-Watch Anime
Many anime fans relish summer’s freedom and carefree fun during high school or college. With activities like vacationing at the lake, swimming at the pool, and hiking, the season offers ample opportunities for adventure.
Summer anime vibes highlighting cool water scenes or action-packed escapades perfectly capture this vibrant season’s spirit.
13Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day
Anohana is a touching story of friendship, loss, and redemption during a sweltering summer in a small Japanese town. The story revolves around a group of childhood friends who drifted apart after the tragic death of one of their own, Menma. As the years pass, the ghost of Menma returns to reunite the friends and help them confront their unresolved feelings.
With its emotional narrative and strikingly realistic portrayal of grief, Anohana is a must-watch for anyone seeking a heartwarming and poignant summer tale. The stunning visuals, particularly the lush backgrounds and vibrant colors, capture summer’s essence, making it the perfect accompaniment to a lazy afternoon in the sun.
12Barakamon
Barakamon is an anime with summer vibes that follows the journey of a young calligrapher named Handa Seishuu. After losing his temper and punching a famous calligrapher, Seishuu is exiled to a remote island to find inspiration and rediscover his passion for art.
The warm and welcoming island community quickly embraces Seishuu, and as he interacts with the locals and adapts to their laid-back lifestyle, he begins to see the world in a whole new light. Barakamon’s endearing characters and heartwarming stories make it ideal for summertime viewing. The bright, sunny island setting creates a comforting atmosphere perfect for unwinding and enjoying simple pleasures.
11Grand Blue – Summer Anime Vibes
Grand Blue, a fun seinen anime series, delivers raunchy comedy with a touch of edutainment. The story follows the hilarious and irresponsible Iori Kitahara, a college freshman who joins Peekaboo, his new college’s diving club. However, this club is far from ordinary.
When Iori isn’t diving into the cool ocean depths, he immerses himself in wild, beer-fueled parties, causing trouble. Although not the most inspiring anime hero, Iori’s antics make for entertaining viewing, and watching him swim through the refreshing waters is a delight.
10A Lull in the Sea (Nagi no Asukara)
A Lull in the Sea, a visually stunning anime, narrates the tale of two underwater villages, Shioshishio and Oshiooshi. The villagers possess the unique ability to breathe underwater. However, chaos ensues when their school closes as the students must attend a school on land.
The series delves into themes of love, friendship, and identity struggles as the characters adapt to their new environment and embrace change.
A Lull in the Sea epitomizes the essence of summer, featuring breathtaking animation with ethereal underwater scenes and sun-drenched landscapes. Its captivating storyline and mesmerizing visuals make it an essential watch for those yearning for a magical escape during the warm months.
9Free! – Iwatobi Swim Club
Free! – Iwatobi Swim Club is a sports anime centered around high school friends who form a competitive swimming team. The series follows their journey as they train, compete, and navigate the ups and downs of friendship and rivalry.
The sunny, poolside setting of Free! It makes it the perfect anime to get you into the summer spirit. The series has thrilling swimming competitions, heartwarming friendships, and enough fan service to keep things interesting. With its engaging characters, dynamic animation, and feel-good storyline, Free! – Iwatobi Swim Club is a refreshing summer watch that will make a splash.
8My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, As I Expected (OreGairu)
My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, As I Expected, or OreGairu is a slice-of-life anime that chronicles the misadventures of cynical high school student Hachiman Hikigaya. Punished for his antisocial behavior, Hachiman reluctantly joins the Service Club, where he encounters the equally cold-hearted Yukino Yukinoshita.
Throughout the series, Hachiman, Yukino, and their clubmates tackle the complexities of high school life, addressing various social issues and forging genuine friendships. With its stunning summer backdrop featuring dazzling sunsets and lively festivals, this anime is ideal for fans searching for a coming-of-age story imbued with a summertime flair.
7K-On! – Summer Theme Anime
K-On! is a lighthearted and uplifting anime about a group of high school girls who form a music club to revive their school’s struggling light music club. Together, they learn to play instruments, write songs, and perform live shows while navigating the everyday challenges of school life.
The series is full of vibrant summer colors, and its cheerful atmosphere is perfect for those looking to soak up the summer vibes. K-On! is a celebration of friendship, music, and the joy of finding one’s passion, making it an ideal choice for a sunny afternoon of binge-watching anime.
6Waiting In The Summer
True to its title, Waiting in the Summer unfolds during the sweltering summer months in rural Japan, where teenagers have limited entertainment options. Luckily, protagonist Kaito Kirishima befriends the charming humanoid alien Ichika Takatsuki.
As an aspiring filmmaker, Kaito finds Ichika eager to assist in creating a short, amateur sci-fi movie, all while she covertly embodies the role of a sci-fi alien guest with advanced technology. However, the show primarily focuses on the joys of idyllic rural life in Japan rather than aliens and space opera themes.
5Summer Wars
Summer Wars is a visually stunning sci-fi film about a family reunion in the Japanese countryside. The story follows Kenji Koiso, a high school math genius caught up in a dangerous cyber-war after solving a mysterious code.
As Kenji races against time to save the virtual world of OZ from destruction, he also learns the importance of family and togetherness. With its lush, colorful animation and heart-pounding plot, Summer Wars is an excellent choice for those seeking an action-packed summer adventure.
4Hanasaku Iroha
Hanasaku Iroha is a charming coming-of-age story that follows the journey of Ohana Matsumae, a 16-year-old girl who moves to the countryside to work at her grandmother’s traditional inn. The series explores hard work, family, and self-discovery themes as Ohana navigates her new life and adapts to the challenges of working in the hospitality industry.
The lush, rural setting and heartwarming storylines make Hanasaku Iroha a perfect anime for soaking up summer vibes. With its vividly detailed animation and engaging character development, this series is a delightful pick for fans seeking an uplifting summer escape.
3Tsuritama
Tsuritama is a quirky, feel-good anime centered around the power of friendship and the joys of fishing. The story follows the socially awkward Yuki Sanada, who moves to the seaside town of Enoshima and quickly befriends Haru, a self-proclaimed alien, and Natsuki, a skilled fisherman.
Together, the trio embarks on a fishing adventure that leads them to uncover a mysterious secret beneath the waters of Enoshima. The vibrant colors, sunny beach setting, and whimsical storyline of Tsuritama create a lively and enchanting summer atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a lighthearted and enjoyable watch.
2Umi Monogatari: Anata ga Ite Kureta Koto
Umi Monogatari, also known as Sea Story, is a magical anime that centers on the adventures of two sisters, Marin and Urin, who dwell beneath the sea. When a beautiful ring descends into their world, they journey to the surface to return it to its rightful owner.
As the sisters explore the wonders and face the challenges of the human world, they learn valuable lessons about love, friendship, and self-sacrifice. The enchanting underwater setting and heartwarming storyline of Umi Monogatari evoke a captivating summer atmosphere, making it an excellent addition to any summer anime list.
1Squid Girl (Shinryaku! Ika Musume)
Squid Girl offers a hilarious comedy about a girl who emerges from the ocean depths, determined to conquer humanity in retaliation for polluting the seas. However, her plans go awry when she finds herself working at a beachside restaurant to compensate for the damages she causes.
This lighthearted anime overflows with amusing misunderstandings, endearing characters, and heartwarming moments, all set against a sunny beach backdrop. The breezy, beachy setting and comedic escapades of Squid Girl create a delightful summer-themed anime experience, perfect for those seeking a good laugh.
Summer Anime Vibes
With a wide variety of summer-themed anime, there’s something for everyone, whether you prefer action-packed adventures, heartwarming tales of friendship, or lighthearted comedies.
These anime selections offer sun-soaked settings, captivating storylines, and unforgettable characters, making them the perfect way to embrace the summer season.
So, let yourself be carried away by the warm breeze and explore the exciting world of summer-themed anime!