10. The Way Of The Househusband
- Japanese Title: Gokushufudou
- Where to stream: Netflix
Split into two short cours, The Way of the Househusband is a Netflix series revolving around an ex-yakuza boss who has decided to become a stay-at-home husband. The anime milks this premise for all its worth, frequently using Tatsu’s intensity to spark misunderstandings with everyone who happens to cross his path.
Gokushufudou‘s static animation style does take some getting used to, but J.C. Staff uses it to good comedic effect. While the anime does get a bit repetitive as most of the humor is built upon the same punchline, The Way of the Househusband is nevertheless a fun and quick watch.
9. My Senpai Is Annoying
- Japanese Title: Senpai ga Uzai Kouhai no Hanashi
- Where to stream: Funimation
An office comedy with quite a bit of romance, My Senpai is Annoying follows Futaba Igarashi, a junior saleswoman who is partnered with an enthusiastic senior coworker, Harumi Takeda. The show bases its comedy on the obvious romantic tension that exists between the characters, some of whom are oblivious while others struggle to accept their own feelings.
My Senpai is Annoying‘s succeeds due to the likability of its characters, all of whom feel grounded in a semblance of reality as they face relatable hurdles at work. Futaba is the star of the show here, as her reactions carry the majority of the humor.
8. The Quintessential Quintuplets 2
- Japanese Title: 5-toubun no Hanayome ∬
- Where to stream: Crunchyroll, Funimation
One of the best harem anime of 2021, The Quintessential Quintuplets 2 also produced some of the biggest laughs of the year, particularly during its earliest episodes. Fuutarou Uesugi’s quest to tutor the Nakano quintuplets so they get passing grades continues to hit one roadblock after another, leading to arguments, surprise appearances by figures from the protagonist’s past, and the occasional need to put on a wig.
The Quintessential Quintuplets 2 doesn’t focus solely on comedy and spends a significant amount of time exploring the characters’ relationships, but whenever the anime tries a joke, it nearly always lands.
7. Life Lessons With Uramichi-Oniisan
- Japanese Title: Uramichi Oniisan
- Where to stream: Funimation
Life Lessons With Uramichi-Oniisan has a classic comedic premise: what if the performers of a children’s show were the complete opposite of the happy-go-lucky characters they portray? On “Together with Maman,” Uramichi Omota pretends to be an energetic and positive person, a facade that (barely) masks his jaded and bitter personality.
Life Lessons With Uramichi-Oniisan plays open this juxtaposition brilliantly, and the anime complements Uramichi’s aggressive disinterest with secondary characters who are also far from pleased with their current situations.
6. Welcome To Demon School! Iruma-kun Season 2
- Japanese Title: Mairimashita! Iruma-kun 2nd Season
- Where to stream: Crunchyroll, VRV
2021 was very kind when it came to anime sequels, and Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun Season 2 more than lived up to its entertaining predecessor. A human adopted by a demon and sent to a school that regularly sings about eating mortal, Iruma has gone from fearing for his life to genuinely enjoying his time in hell.
Season 2 highlights the strength of the anime’s supporting characters; while the original season predominantly focuses on Iruma, Clara, Alice, and Ameri, the sequel allows the rest of Babyls School’s misfits to shine a bit more brightly. Alice and Clara were also one of the year’s best double acts, constantly producing comedy gold.
5. Girlfriend, Girlfriend
- Japanese Title: Kanojo mo Kanojo
- Where to stream: Crunchyroll, VRV
Perhaps the most controversial placement on this list, Girlfriend, Girlfriend is an unapologetically stupid show. Naoya Mukai is such an honest person that he simply cannot get himself to reject the cute Nagisa Minase despite already having a girlfriend, Saki, whom he cares deeply about. Therefore, Naoya proposes that he dates both of them and, somehow, convinces Nagisa and Saki to go along with it.
As long as somebody does not take it too seriously, Girlfriend, Girlfriend is an entertaining parody of harem and romance anime. An honorable two-timing protagonist, Naoya is a breath of fresh air in a genre that tends to over-rely on oblivious or weak-willed main characters. The girls are also pretty decent, especially Saki, a character who is Naoya’s comedic equal.
4. Non Non Biyori Nonstop
- Where to stream: Crunchyroll, VRV, HiDive
Non Non Biyori has been an incredible slice of life anime since its first episode, however, it didn’t transform into a fantastic comedy anime until Nonstop. While the previous seasons have their funny moments, Nonstop took those beats that worked and amplified them, creating a far more consistent experience.
Non Non Biyori Nonstop still revolves primarily around the four girls attending Asahigaoka’s school, all of which are charming and capable of laugh-out-loud moments. What sets this season apart from its predecessors is that it makes more frequent and better use of the show’s supporting characters, who all complement the main girls splendidly.
3. Komi Can’t Communicate
- Japanese Title: Komi-san wa, Comyushou desu.
- Where to stream: Netflix
OLM’s adaptation of Tomohito Oda’s popular manga takes a serious topic, debilitating anxiety, and gives it a comedic spin while still being respectful to the challenges faced by someone suffering from self-doubt. On his first day as a high school student, Hitohito Tadano meets Shouko Komi, a beautiful girl who instantly becomes her class’s idol. Before long, Tadano learns that Komi gets so anxious around other people, she cannot even speak.
As Tadano tries to help Komi achieve her goal of making 100 friends, the latter gifts the world an array of endearing funny reactions as she faces her fears. Komi Can’t Communicate is an uplifting, light-hearted comedy with stellar animation and an irresistible lead in Komi.
2. Laid-Back Camp Season 2
- Japanese Title: Yuru Camp Season 2
- Where to stream: Crunchyroll, VRV
Laid-Back Camp follows a group of girls as they plan camping trips to mountains and lakes. A relaxing show with only brief flashes of drama, Laid-Back Camp is the type of anime that can inspire someone to spend a night under the stars. It can also inspire quite a few chuckles.
Although the anime knows when to stay quiet and let the scenery sink in, Laid-Back Camp also masterfully blends in comedy that reflects and expands the personalities of its characters and the relationships between them. Chiaki Oogaki is the anime’s funniest character, however, everyone is so well defined that they all produce a few hilarious moments.
1. Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid Season 2
- Japanese Title: Kobayashi-san Chi no Maid Dragon S
- Where to stream: Crunchyroll, VRV
Building upon the rock-solid foundations set by its predecessor, Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid Season 2 is an improvement in nearly every way. Along with progressing the cast nicely and throwing in spectacular action sequences that can put to shame some battle shonen anime, Kobayashi-san Chi no Maid Dragon S is a comedic masterpiece with humor that flows organically from its characters.
The anime explores mature subjects that most shows would not dare touch, tackling them with creativity and an overabundance of wit. Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid Season 2 is not only the best anime comedy of 2021 but also one of the year’s greatest shows of any genre.