Who does not enjoy a healthy laugh? Comedy is subjective, but when a joke strikes a bullseye, there are few things better. As it so happens, anime appears to have maximized its accuracy stat as the medium seems to produce multiple hilarious romps per season, and that's before taking into account shonen shows such as One Piece that are funny as a side bonus.
HIDIVE is an anime streaming service that has been building up steam in recent times. Nowadays, the platform has amassed an impressive library of past and present shows, some of which can’t be streamed through other avenues like Crunchyroll or Netflix. The service’s comedy section is especially strong. Which are the best comedy anime on HIDIVE?
Azumanga Daioh: The Animation
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Japanese Title |
Azumanga Daioh |
|---|---|
|
Studio |
J.C.Staff |
|
Number of Episodes on HIDIVE |
26 |
An adaptation of Kiyohiko Azuma’s manga of the same name, Azumanga Daioh is arguably among the most influential and important slice of life comedy anime of all time. Similar to anime like Lucky Star and The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Azumanga Daioh set the standard for many later shows, although very few of its successors have come close to matching the 2002 anime’s brilliance.
Although not devoid of surreal moments, Azumanga Daioh grounds its characters, taking each member of its impeccable cast and revealing hidden depth, insecurities, and nuance.
Haven’t You Heard? I’m Sakamoto
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Japanese Title |
Sakamoto Desu ga? |
|---|---|
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Studio |
Studio Deen |
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Number of Episodes on HIDIVE |
13 |
“Nobody’s perfect” is generally believed to be an indisputable truth, but apparently nobody told Sakamoto. Haven't You Heard? I'm Sakamoto is basically “Marty Stu: The Anime.” The eponymous protagonist is genuinely flawless; Sakamoto can not only do it all but he accomplishes it effortlessly and with jaw-dropping style.
This type of character would be awful in most stories, including comedies, but Haven’t You Heard? I’m Sakamoto commits so completely to the bit that it produces gold. Sakamoto really is flawless.
K-On!
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Japanese Title |
K-On! |
|---|---|
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Studio |
Kyoto Animation |
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Number of Episodes on HIDIVE |
40+OVA+Movie |
One of the defining "cute girls doing cute things" shows, K-On! has spawned so many imitators that the anime can feel a touch uninspired when revisited today. That said, K-On! is too charming to ever become anything less than amusing, and its comedy has aged pretty well.
Although music plays a part in the story, K-On! is predominantly concerned with exploring the daily lives of its main girls, all of which are endlessly endearing. Yui Hirasawa's bubbly personality should inspire a few belly laughs.
Mr. Tonegawa: Middle Management Blues
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Japanese Title |
Chuukan Kanriroku Tonegawa |
|---|---|
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Studio |
Madhouse |
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Number of Episodes on HIDIVE |
24 |
Mr. Tonegawa: Middle Management Blues is such a bizarre spin-off, and that goes for both the manga and anime. A side story to Kaiji, one of the most nail-biting anime of all time, Mr. Tonegawa: Middle Management Blues follows its eponymous businessman as he deals with the day-to-day madness that comes courtesy of being employed with the Teiai Corporation.
Packed to the brim with references to not only Kaiji but other anime like Your Name, Mr. Tonegawa: Middle Management Blues is one of those shows that should not exist or work. Yet, over the course of 24 episodes, this spin-off consistently justifies its existence, producing one laugh-out-loud scene after another. Familiarity with the source material is recommended, and try to push through the first episode as it is one of the weakest in the series.
Hozuki’s Coolheadedness
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Japanese Title |
Hoozuki no Reitetsu |
|---|---|
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Studio |
Wit Studio |
|
Number of Episodes on HIDIVE |
26 |
Bureaucracy is hell, and in the case of this anime, the reverse also holds true. As a subordinate of King Enma, Hozuki is tasked with keeping Hell ticking along, a task that is easier said than done since incompetence is not in short supply. Unsurprisingly, Hell is home to countless colorful figures, most of who are absolutely terrified of getting on Hozuki’s wrong side.
A unique workplace comedy, Hozuki’s Coolheadedness relies heavily on slapstick and contextual humor, both elements the anime executes incredibly well.
Pop Team Epic
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Japanese Title |
Poputepipikku |
|---|---|
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Studio |
Kamikaze Douga |
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Number of Episodes on HIDIVE |
12 |
Pop Team Epic is a collection of fever dreams presented as skits. The series revolves around Popuko and Pipimi, two girls who swap art styles more frequently than most anime characters change clothes. Each episode features a string of sketches that cast a wide net in terms of scope, presentation, and rhythm. Sometimes, a sequence concludes with an irreverent punchline that pushes common decency to its limit; other times, a segment ends without any real payoff.
Love or hate it, Pop Team Epic is unique. The show is truly one of a kind, and it deserves recognition for that. Unsurprisingly, the anime's humor can be hit-and-miss, but the successes are funny enough to justify sticking through the failures.
Teasing Master Takagi-San 3
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Japanese Title |
Karakai Jouzu no Takagi-san 3 |
|---|---|
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Studio |
Shin-Ei Animation |
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Number of Episodes on HIDIVE |
12 |
HIDIVE only has the most recent season of Teasing Master Takagi-San, which makes the anime a tentative recommendation at best. Ideally, newcomers should seek out the previous cours as they are funny in their own right; however, season 3 is relatively accessible even without watching its predecessors. The anime revolves around Takagi and Nishikata, two students who engage in frequent teasing battles to see who will crack first. The answer is almost always Nishikata, a fact that frustrates the boy.
Teasing Master Takagi-San 3 is, ultimately, about two friends who have an unorthodox way of growing closer together. The "battles" are always lighthearted and never amount to anything more than bruised pride; more importantly, they are often endearing and cute.
Student Council Staff Members
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Japanese Title |
Seitokai Yakuindomo |
|---|---|
|
Studio |
GoHands |
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Number of Episodes on HIDIVE |
13+ 2 Movies |
Student Council Staff Members is all about sex jokes. Really, if the idea of listening to girls tell dirty jokes does not sound enticing to someone, then this show might not be for them. Takatoshi Tsuda is the first guy to enroll in what once was an all-girls school, and he quickly finds himself joining the student council. To his surprise, the rest of the members love nothing more than to throw out an M-rated joke, and the punchlines do not stop coming.
Along with season one, HIDIVE has Student Council Staff Members' two movies, which are effectively just extended episodes. While its humor can get repetitive at times, the anime's willingness to go for broke is admirable. If the first episode clicks with a viewer, they are likely to love the rest of the anime.
Non Non Biyori
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Japanese Title |
Non Non Biyori |
|---|---|
|
Studio |
SILVER LINK. |
|
Number of Episodes on HIDIVE |
36+Movie |
Not every slice of life anime is a comedy, but there tends to be a lot of overlap between the two genres. Non Non Biyori offers the best of both worlds; a relaxing slice of life that can heal the mind and a comedy capable of producing laughs that rival Gintama. All of Non Non Biyori’s seasons and its movie are on HIDIVE, so newcomers can look forward to spending a whole lot of time with Asahigaoka’s villagers, particularly the local school’s students.
Non Non Biyori Nonstop, the anime’s third season, is comfortably the funniest, but the entire show is pleasant and charming.
Flying Witch
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Japanese Title |
Flying Witch |
|---|---|
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Studio |
J.C.Staff |
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Number of Episodes on HIDIVE |
12 |
A slice of life comedy, Flying Witch is a relaxing anime designed to heal the soul. Makoto Kowata, a witch in training, makes her way to Aomori to experience independence, which generally involves walking through beautiful locales and interacting with humorous but grounded characters.
Even if it might not produce as many belly laughs as some other anime comedies on HIDIVE, Flying Witch is still among the genre's greatest shows. This anime is all about enjoying the moment.
Humanity Has Declined
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Japanese Title |
Jinrui wa Suitai Shimashita |
|---|---|
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Studio |
AIC ASTA |
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Number of Episodes on HIDIVE |
12 |
A contender for the most surreal slice of life comedy ever, Humanity Has Declined envisions a world where humankind is on the brink of calling it quits. In order to fill the void left by the departing species, fairies have stepped up to the plate, although their “innocent” nature mandates they receive some guidance before they fully inherit the planet. The anime’s female protagonist serves that role.
Humanity Has Declined leads audiences on a vibrant fever dream featuring sentient bread, robots, and time manipulation. It is a trip, to say the least.
Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-Kun
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Japanese Title |
Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun |
|---|---|
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Studio |
Doga Kobo |
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Number of Episodes on HIDIVE |
12 |
The only negative against Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-Kun is that the anime only lasts 12 episodes; otherwise, this is one of the funniest comedy anime ever. Chiyo Sakura has a massive crush on Umetarou Nozaki and decides to ask him out. Unfortunately for Sakura, Nozaki is denser than a black hole and misunderstands her intentions, believing that she is in actuality a big fan of his shojo manga. Long story short, Sakura winds up helping Nozaki with his manga.
Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-Kun’s characters are all hilarious, and that goes beyond the anime’s fantastic leads. Mikoto Mikoshiba and Yuzuki Seo are also fantastic and help balance out the show’s roster nicely.