Student life is a balancing act between lectures, late-night study sessions, caffeine-fueled mornings, and finding that elusive pocket of free time. When you do get a moment to relax, there's nothing quite like getting lost in the incredible worlds of anime. Anime has become a go-to source of comfort for many students, offering a wide variety of genres—from heartfelt slice-of-life series to thrilling adventures.
With so many incredible shows available on Netflix, we’ve rounded up some of the best anime titles that are perfect for helping students de-stress after class. Whether you’re into action-packed sagas, deep emotional narratives, or creative storytelling, Netflix has something to keep you hooked. Here’s the curated list of the best anime on Netflix—perfect for those evenings when you just want to unwind in your student housing near Wilfrid Laurier University or any other campus.
Slice of life: Easygoing stories to help you reset
Sometimes the best way to relax is by watching something that mirrors everyday life with a gentle twist. Slice-of-life anime often focuses on relatable situations with lighthearted tones and heartwarming characters.
Komi Can’t Communicate
Komi is a beautiful and intelligent student who struggles with severe social anxiety. This series follows her journey to make 100 friends, guided by her classmate Tadano. It’s a funny, feel-good anime that celebrates empathy and small victories—ideal for unwinding after a stressful study session.
The Way of the Househusband
This quick-paced, quirky show follows a former gangster who’s turned into a full-time househusband. Episodes are short, making it perfect for brief breaks between assignments. With clever humour and strong visual storytelling, it’s a fun reminder that life after class doesn’t have to be so serious.
Adventure and fantasy: Immerse yourself in another world
For students who prefer to leave reality behind, anime in the fantasy and adventure genre offers complete immersion. These stories are great for engaging the imagination and refreshing your mindset.
Demon Slayer
Known for its breathtaking animation and emotional storytelling, Demon Slayer is a story about family, perseverance, and good versus evil. Though intense at times, the loyalty and courage of its characters can be uplifting when you’re feeling mentally drained.
One Piece
With hundreds of episodes, One Piece is a long-running anime that follows Luffy and his pirate crew as they seek treasure and adventure. While the plot is vast, the lighthearted camaraderie between characters offers ongoing comfort, perfect for binging during study breaks.
Comedy: Get the laughs you didn’t know you needed
Laughter can be one of the best stress-relievers, especially when you’ve had a long day of lectures or group projects. Comedy anime balances smart humour with absurd situations that are sure to brighten your mood.
Gintama
Gintama is famous for its unpredictable humour and fourth-wall-breaking jokes. While it pokes fun at everything from pop culture to politics, it also delivers touching moments. It’s an excellent pick when you need something unpredictable and hilarious.
Saiki K.
The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. follows a high school student with psychic powers who just wants to live a normal life. But his classmates make “normal” nearly impossible. The show moves quickly, packs jokes into every scene, and is ideal for a mental reset before diving back into your textbooks.
Inspiration and growth: Anime that quietly motivates you
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anime that centres on personal growth or overcoming challenges can be both comforting and motivating.
Blue Period
This visually rich series tells the story of Yatora, a student who shifts his focus from academic success to pursuing art. It’s perfect for those moments when you question your path and need a little perspective on passion, risk, and change.
March Comes in Like a Lion
This slow-paced, deeply emotional anime explores themes of grief, healing, and self-discovery through the life of a young professional shogi player. It’s introspective, tender, and ideal for students seeking comfort in meaningful storytelling.
Short but sweet: For when you’re low on time
Sometimes you don’t have an hour to spare, but you still want to unwind. These shorter anime offer quality storytelling in a fraction of the time.
Aggretsuko
This Netflix original follows Retsuko, an office worker red panda who copes with her frustrating job by singing death metal karaoke. Each episode is about 15 minutes, making it an easy way to decompress without falling behind on your reading.
Little Witch Academia
This charming series follows Atsuko, a girl who dreams of becoming a great witch. Its colourful animation and uplifting tone make it a quick source of joy—ideal for short breaks or weekend mornings.
Conclusion
When time is limited but the need to de-stress is high, short-form anime series can be a perfect solution. Shows with shorter episodes, often around 10-15 minutes, offer quick bursts of humor and lightheartedness that can provide a much-needed mental break without requiring a significant time commitment. These are ideal for fitting in a relaxation session between study periods or before bed.
At MyREZ on Lester, we understand how important it is for students to have a peaceful and welcoming environment. Our fully furnished apartments, high-speed internet, and modern amenities create the perfect backdrop for evenings of comfort, creativity, or catching up on your favourite anime. Located conveniently close to campus, living here means less time commuting and more time doing what you love.