5 Funniest Anime of All Time, Ranked
Anime comedy series are among the most popular genres, second only to action series. Almost every anime involves humor, even when it contrasts with the overall tone. However, fully comedic series make it clear through their offbeat and silly humor.
These comedy series often feature shorter episodes, especially those derived from 4koma comics, which consist of four panels. Many of these comics get pieced together into single episode storylines. Some may lack continuity, while others use a sketch comedy format. Certain anime comedies follow full storylines, similar to action-focused tales.
5. Space Dandy
Space Dandy showcases a sci-fi comedy about Dandy, a bounty hunter searching for rare aliens to capture for rewards. Accompanied by his robot QT and cat-like alien Meow, he remains blissfully unaware of the madness pursued by Dr. Gel. Each episode differs from the previous one, and some even feature unique animation styles tailored to their stories.
Parodying old sci-fi tropes, Space Dandy includes nostalgic jokes referencing the works of series creator Shinichiro Watanabe, such as Cowboy Bebop. Its disco-themed soundtrack enhances the absurd universe it creates, ensuring a unique visual and auditory experience.
4. One-Punch Man
One-Punch Man follows Saitama, a hero who finds joy in heroics although greatly overpowered. Saitama can defeat any enemy with a single punch, leading him to immense boredom. He eventually joins the hero community, dragged in by Genos, one of the few who recognizes his strength. Saitama’s bluntness and oblivious nature, along with those around him, create plenty of hilarity.
This series flawlessly merges action and comedy, showcasing epic battles intertwined with humor. Generally, the first season is viewed as the stronger one, but both seasons remain entertaining.
3. Kaguya-sama: Love is War
Kaguya-sama: Love is War sets itself apart as a unique high school romantic comedy. At a prestigious academy, stellar students Kaguya and Miyuki are deeply in love but too proud to confess. Their inability drives a humorous competition to determine who will admit their feelings first, resulting in absurd and laughable scenarios.
The series escalates mental warfare reminiscent of Death Note while lightening the stakes, leading to outrageous situations. Its comedic element benefits from an exceptional English dub, making it just as compelling as it is funny.
2. FLCL
FLCL has become a staple of Adult Swim, enjoying years of airplay. Initially focused on Naota and the enigmatic Haruko — who’s likely an alien — the series showcases the chaos Haruko inserts into Naota's life. This coming-of-age tale unfolds with flavors of lunacy, challenging Naota's identity.
With bizarre plots sutural to comedic joy, FLCL’s events leave audiences guessing constantly what may happen next. Haruko's wild antics are comedic treasures, adding layers to the chaotic narrative.
1. Nichijou
Nichijou presents the absurdly "ordinary lives" of its main characters, Yuuko and Mio, at high school. This anime involves extraordinary events that offer a surreal and unique comedic tone, cramming each episode with jokes. Continuous storytelling coexists with scenes designed purely for comedic impact involving elements like robots, scientists, and talking cats.
Nichijou's unpredictable shifts from reality to the fantastical lend to its hilarious nature. This series has inspired a plethora of memes like its manga counterpart. Its charming aesthetics enhance the humor and confirms Nichijou's status as the funniest anime ever created.
Earlier, SSP told about the best shows on Netflix to stream now.
