ReLIFE is a warm, emotionally intelligent anime that explores the complexities of youth, regret, and the opportunity for personal growth through a unique supernatural premise. The story follows Arata Kaizaki, a 27-year-old NEET who is given a chance to restart his life by taking a pill that makes him look 17 again and enrolling him in high school for one year. As he navigates the social complexities of adolescence while keeping his true identity a secret, he forms genuine connections with his classmates and rediscovers his own sense of purpose and self-worth.
The series is defined by its core themes: the power of second chances, the importance of human connection, and the courage required to confront one’s own past mistakes. Arata is a profound underdog—a man who has given up on himself and society, but who is given an opportunity to rebuild his life from the ground up. ReLIFE masterfully subverts expectations by presenting what appears to be a simple supernatural comedy and gradually revealing a deeper, more emotionally resonant narrative about regret, growth, and the value of every moment. It is a series that understands the power of kindness.
For fans of ReLIFE, finding similar anime can be a challenge. The series occupies a unique space—part supernatural slice-of-life, part romantic comedy, part meditation on the nature of adulthood and youth. Yet, many underrated series share its core DNA: a focus on an underdog protagonist who is given a second chance, an exploration of the complexities of high school social dynamics, and a willingness to blend comedy with genuine emotional depth. These shows deserve far more attention for their warmth, their character development, and their refusal to provide easy answers.
Here are 15 underrated anime that capture the spirit of ReLIFE.
1. Kokoro Connect (2012)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 7.7
- Episodes: 13 + 4 OVA
- Studio: SILVER LINK.
- Notable Staff: Directed by Shinya Kawatsura, written by Fumihiko Shimo.
Plot Summary: Five members of the Student Cultural Society find their lives disrupted by a mysterious entity called “Heartseed,” who forces them to undergo supernatural phenomena like body-swapping. These events force the friends to confront their hidden traumas and secret feelings.
Similarities to ReLIFE: Both use a supernatural premise to force characters to confront their inner struggles and grow as people. The focus is on the development of genuine friendships and the emotional vulnerability required to truly connect with others. The series balances comedy with deep emotional drama.
2. The Pet Girl of Sakurasou (2012)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu
- Rating: MAL: 8.0
- Episodes: 24
- Studio: J.C. Staff
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Hajime Kamoshida.
Plot Summary: Sorata Kanda, an ordinary student, is forced to move into Sakurasou, a dormitory for the “problem children” of his school. He must learn to live with the eccentric residents, including Mashiro Shiina, a brilliant artist who cannot take care of herself.
Similarities to ReLIFE: Both are about an ordinary protagonist who is surrounded by eccentric individuals and must learn to navigate the complexities of relationships and personal growth. The focus is on the emotional development of the characters and the bonds they form. The tone balances comedy and drama with a deep investment in character relationships.
3. Oregairu (My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU) (2013)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video
- Rating: MAL: 8.0
- Episodes: 13 (Season 1)
- Studio: Brain’s Base
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Wataru Watari.
Plot Summary: Hachiman Hikigaya, a cynical and isolated high school student, is forced to join the “Service Club” alongside Yukino Yukinoshita and Yui Yuigahama. The club helps students solve their problems, but Hachiman’s methods often expose the hypocrisy of social relationships.
Similarities to ReLIFE: Both are deeply invested in the complexities of human relationships and the difficulty of genuine communication. The characters are flawed and relatable, and the series explores the nuances of their emotional lives with a similar commitment to realism. The protagonist is an underdog who must learn to open up.
4. Tsuki ga Kirei (2017)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 7.9
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: feel.
- Notable Staff: Directed by Seiji Kishi.
Plot Summary: Kotarou Azumi and Akane Mizuno are two shy, awkward third-year middle school students who begin a tentative relationship. The series is a grounded, realistic portrayal of first love, full of awkward silences and quiet moments of joy.
Similarities to ReLIFE: Both are grounded, realistic portrayals of young love that focus on the awkwardness and uncertainty of expressing one’s feelings. The characters are relatable and deeply human, and the series finds beauty in the small, everyday moments. The tone is quiet, gentle, and deeply emotional.
5. Just Because! (2017)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video
- Rating: MAL: 7.3
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Pine Jam
- Notable Staff: Directed by Atsushi Kobayashi, written by Hajime Kamoshida.
Plot Summary: As their final year of high school comes to an end, a group of students must confront their unresolved feelings and the impending changes that graduation will bring. Eita Izumi returns to his hometown and reconnects with old friends.
Similarities to ReLIFE: Both are realistic, character-driven romances that explore the complexities of young love and the fear of missed opportunities. The focus is on the quiet, emotional moments between characters and the unspoken feelings that linger beneath the surface. The tone is melancholic and deeply relatable.
6. Golden Time (2013)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, HiDive
- Rating: MAL: 7.7
- Episodes: 24
- Studio: J.C. Staff
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Yuyuko Takemiya.
Plot Summary: Banri Tada, a college student, has lost all memories of his past due to an accident. He meets and falls in love with Kouko Kaga, but his forgotten past—and his former self—begin to resurface, threatening his new life and relationship.
Similarities to ReLIFE: Both explore the impact of the past on present relationships and the struggle to move forward. The focus is on the emotional consequences of difficult choices and the difficulty of rebuilding a life. The series is a mature, nuanced exploration of identity and love.
7. Toradora! (2008)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu
- Rating: MAL: 8.1
- Episodes: 25
- Studio: J.C. Staff
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Yuyuko Takemiya.
Plot Summary: Ryuuji Takasu, a kind-hearted boy with a scary face, and Taiga Aisaka, a small but fierce girl, form an unlikely alliance to help each other confess to their respective crushes. Their own feelings begin to complicate their plans.
Similarities to ReLIFE: Both are about the unexpected ways that love can develop through everyday interactions and shared experiences. The focus is on the emotional growth of the characters and the slow-burn development of their relationship. The tone balances comedy and drama with a deep investment in character development.
8. Seiren (2017)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 6.8
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Studio Gokumi, AXsiZ
- Notable Staff: Directed by Tomoki Kobayashi.
Plot Summary: Shouichi Kamita, a high school student, navigates three separate romantic arcs, each focusing on his developing relationship with a different heroine. The series explores the awkwardness and uncertainty of young love.
Similarities to ReLIFE: Both are grounded, realistic romance series that focus on the awkwardness and uncertainty of expressing one’s feelings. The omnibus format allows for multiple romantic possibilities to be explored in depth. The tone is warm, gentle, and deeply human.
9. Amagami SS (2010)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 7.4
- Episodes: 25 (Season 1)
- Studio: AIC
- Notable Staff: Based on the visual novel by Enterbrain.
Plot Summary: Junichi Tachibana, a high school student who was stood up on a date two years ago, is given a second chance at romance. The series uses an omnibus format, with each arc focusing on his relationship with a different heroine.
Similarities to ReLIFE: Both are about second chances at love and the courage required to open one’s heart. The focus is on the development of genuine, heartfelt relationships. The tone is warm, optimistic, and deeply invested in character development.
10. One Week Friends (2014)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 7.5
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Brain’s Base
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Matcha Hazuki.
Plot Summary: Yuuki Hase wants to become friends with Kaori Fujimiya, a quiet girl who loses all memories of her friends every Monday. He must work to rebuild their friendship week after week.
Similarities to ReLIFE: Both are gentle, heartfelt stories about the effort required to build and maintain relationships. The focus is on the emotional investment of the characters and the quiet moments of connection. The tone is warm, melancholic, and deeply moving.
11. Kimi ni Todoke (2009)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu
- Rating: MAL: 8.0
- Episodes: 25 (Season 1)
- Studio: Production I.G.
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Karuho Shiina.
Plot Summary: Sawako Kuronuma, a shy girl who is misunderstood because of her resemblance to a horror movie character, struggles to make friends. She gradually opens up through her relationships with her classmates.
Similarities to ReLIFE: Both are about a protagonist who is an outsider and must learn to open up and form genuine connections. The focus is on the emotional growth of the characters and the power of kindness. The tone is warm, heartfelt, and deeply moving.
12. The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (2006)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 7.8
- Episodes: 28
- Studio: Kyoto Animation
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novels by Nagaru Tanigawa.
Plot Summary: Kyon, a cynical high school student, is dragged into the world of the eccentric Haruhi Suzumiya, who is unknowingly a god-like being. She forms the SOS Brigade to find aliens, time travelers, and espers.
Similarities to ReLIFE: Both feature an ordinary protagonist who is thrust into extraordinary circumstances and must learn to navigate the chaos. The focus is on the relationships between the characters and the search for meaning. The series balances comedy with philosophical questions.
13. Clannad (2007)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu
- Rating: MAL: 8.0
- Episodes: 23
- Studio: Kyoto Animation
- Notable Staff: Based on the visual novel by Key.
Plot Summary: Tomoya Okazaki, a cynical and unmotivated high school student, meets Nagisa Furukawa, a gentle girl who is repeating her final year. He becomes involved with her and several other girls, discovering the value of family.
Similarities to ReLIFE: Both are about a protagonist who is initially disconnected from those around him but gradually forms deep bonds. The series explores themes of family, loss, and the power of love to heal. The tone is warm, emotional, and deeply invested in character development.
14. Hyouka (2012)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 8.0
- Episodes: 22
- Studio: Kyoto Animation
- Notable Staff: Based on the novel series by Honobu Yonezawa.
Plot Summary: Houtarou Oreki, a lazy high school student, is forced to join the Classics Club by his sister. He becomes involved in solving a series of mysteries with his clubmates.
Similarities to ReLIFE: Both are about a protagonist who is initially unmotivated and must learn to engage with the world around him. The focus is on the development of relationships and the gradual discovery of what is truly important. The tone is quiet, thoughtful, and beautifully animated.
15. Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day (2011)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Netflix
- Rating: MAL: 8.3
- Episodes: 11
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
- Notable Staff: Directed by Tatsuyuki Nagai, written by Mari Okada.
Plot Summary: Years after the death of their friend Menma, a group of estranged childhood friends is brought back together when Menma’s ghost appears to Jinta. She asks him to grant her a forgotten wish.
Similarities to ReLIFE: Both are about characters who are haunted by their pasts and must find a way to move forward. The focus is on the emotional weight of regret and the healing power of connection. The series is a tear-jerking exploration of friendship and loss.
Why These Anime Work for ReLIFE Fans
Fans of ReLIFE are drawn to stories that are warm, emotionally intelligent, and deeply invested in character development. They appreciate a narrative that takes its time to develop its characters and their relationships, and they are invested in the journey of an underdog protagonist who is given a second chance. They are not looking for simple action or escapism, but for stories that make them feel.
The anime listed above all share this fundamental DNA:
- The Second Chance: Whether it is Arata’s ReLIFE, Junichi’s second chance at romance in Amagami SS, or the emotional healing in Anohana, these series understand that it is never too late to change, to grow, and to find happiness. The focus is on the courage required to seize the opportunity.
- The Underdog Protagonist: The protagonists are often outsiders, cynics, or individuals who have given up on themselves. Their journey is one of learning to open up, to trust others, and to believe in themselves again.
- Subversion of the Romance Genre: These series reject the simple, idealized romance narrative in favor of a more nuanced, realistic portrayal of relationships. They understand that love is not always simple, but that it is always worth fighting for.
These 15 anime, like ReLIFE, are not afraid to be kind. They are underrated gems that offer a warm, emotionally resonant, and deeply moving experience for viewers who are looking for stories that celebrate the power of human connection and the possibility of change.
