10 Must-Watch Anime Perfect for Your Summer Binge

Instead of cooped up indoors while summer’s charm unfolds outside, wouldn’t it be more delightful to make the most of the season’s offerings? But just kidding – nowadays, with technology being portable, we can savor anime that reflects summer vibes whether we’re lounging in the cool, air-conditioned tranquility of our homes or sprawled on a sunny hammock by the beach.

Looking for an anime that’s perfect for your eyes while you bask in the sun? Look no further! Whether you love mysteries, science fiction, drama, romance, or just bright, summery anime as hot as July itself, we have a list tailored to your tastes. So slather on some sunscreen, slip into a swimsuit, and immerse yourself in our sizzling hot picks for the ultimate summer viewing experience!

1) Summer Time Rendering

Following the demise of his parents, Shinpei Ajiro was adopted by the Kofune family, which included Mio and Ushio, their two daughters. Later, he moved to Tokyo for further studies, but returned to his native island of Hitogashima for Ushio’s funeral following her unfortunate drowning while trying to save a young girl. However, during the funeral, his friend stirs doubts when he discloses bruises found on Ushio’s neck, making the accident seem more like a murder. As Shinpei starts probing into the matter, he becomes increasingly suspicious about what truly befell Ushio. Strange occurrences and vanishings ensue as Shinpei uncovers not only the truth behind Ushio’s death but also secrets hidden within the island itself.

Embarking on an adventure set in an enchanting island reminiscent of Tomogashima, filled with the vibrant energy of summer fireworks and festivals, I find myself completely immersed in the thrilling supernatural mystery that unfolds in “Summer Time Rendering”. This captivating series is not just a feast for the eyes but a heart-racing journey that will keep you guessing every step of the way!

Summer Time Rendering can be streamed on Disney+ or Hulu where available.

2) A Lull in the Sea

In ancient times, all humans dwelled under the ocean, but some yearned for life on land and relinquished their aquatic adaptations. Since then, both societies have maintained contact, yet the gap between them has widened over time. When Hikari Sakishima, Manaka Mukaido, Chisaki Hiradaira, and Kaname Isaki are compelled to study on land, they must also confront prejudice. However, upon encountering fellow student Tsumugu Kihara, a fisherman who cherishes the sea, they discover that there are individuals who not only coexist peacefully across the divide, but grow closer despite it.

There’s no experience quite like immersing myself in the sea’s rhythm, whether it’s feeling its pulse on a sun-soaked beach or exploring the depths with marine life as companions – and luckily for me, this show takes place in both settings during summer!

A Lull in the Sea can be streamed on Tubi and Crunchyroll.

3) Words Bubble Up Like Sodapop

Yui “Cherry” Sakura is a young man who spends his summer evenings part-time at a care facility, penning haikus for the internet despite minimal recognition. In contrast, Yuki “Smile” Hoshino, an emerging social media star, strives to bring happiness to others but struggles with self-confidence, frequently concealing her braces and crooked teeth beneath a mask. A chance encounter leads Smile to join Cherry at the same care facility. When a senile old man named Fujiyama, a regular at the facility and owner of an antique record shop, requests assistance in finding an ancient vinyl recording from his late wife, both Cherry and Smile decide to embark on this quest together, uncovering their shared passions and flaws throughout the process.

It turns out that summer break turned out to be quite the labor-intensive affair! “Bubbles Rise like Soda Fizz” is a delightful tale exploring the themes of summer romance and tireless acts of kindness.

Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop can be streamed on Netflix.

4) Summer Wars

On Oz, a globally recognized online platform, people interact using personalized avatars for various daily activities. Security is robust to safeguard both the community and its members. Besides being an occasional moderator on Oz, Kenji Koiso is proficient in math. However, when Natsuki Shinohara unexpectedly invites him on a countryside vacation, intending him to pose as her fiance for her great-grandmother’s 90th birthday celebration, he gets embroiled in an unanticipated predicament. A puzzling coded message on his phone from an unknown source piques his interest as a simple puzzle, unfortunately leading to potential trouble for Oz.

Instead of seeing summer as a time for disconnecting from the digital world and enjoying outdoor activities to make the most of the sun, this movie cleverly combines high-intensity virtual interactions with steamy real-life family get-togethers.

5) Ponyo

One day, when a playful goldfish wanders off from its home, young Sousuke spots her trapped in a bottle by the seashore. He rescues her, sustaining a cut on his finger during the process. Remarkably, the little fish licks his wound and it miraculously heals. Recognizing that she’s unique, Sousuke takes her home, names her Ponyo, and introduces her to his mother, Lisa. Worried because she’s lost, a sorcerer named Fujimoto hunts for his daughter Brunhilde, who turns out to be the goldfish in disguise. Despite being persuaded to accept her fishy nature, Ponyo refuses, preferring the name given by Sousuke and longing to return to him. Empowered by Sousuke’s blood to transform into a human girl, she rushes back to him, causing an upheaval in nature. As their bond deepens, Sousuke and his mother welcome Ponyo warmly as not merely human, but as part of the family.

In the movie from Studio Ghibli titled “Ponyo,” a heartwarming atmosphere reminiscent of carefree summer childhood experiences is created as these two inseparable friends share their affection for the ocean, their coastal dwelling, and an unbreakable bond.

Ponyo can be streamed on Max.

6) Weathering with You

16-year-old Hodaka Morishima, a runaway, grapples with survival in the bustling cityscape of Tokyo, dodging police and finding temporary shelter in internet cafes until he secures work and housing at a small publishing firm. Despite Tokyo’s seemingly endless rain, his life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Hina Amano, a resourceful orphan caring for her younger brother. Hina possesses an extraordinary ability to banish rain and summon sunshine, which Hodaka nicknames the “Sunshine Girl.” Together, they capitalize on this power by offering sunny days to those who desire it. However, their prosperity may come with a heavy cost in the future.

Instead of summoning sunshine on demand during summertime, wouldn’t it be more evocative to say that you’d love to have such power? Moreover, in addition to its contrast between rainy and sunny days, the movie Weathering with You provides a strikingly authentic portrayal of Tokyo’s urban life.

Weathering with You can be streamed on Max where available.

7) Aria

By the 24th century, Earth is now called Manhome, and it has successfully colonized Mars, which is now referred to as Aqua. The planet’s abundant water sources have made it habitable, and one city, Neo Venezia, has been built to resemble Venice from Manhome. Residents and tourists can enjoy guided gondola tours on the canals, waterways, and shimmering seas provided by various companies. Akari Mizunashi, who hails from Manhome, works for one such company, Aria Company. As a novice Undine (gondola tour guide), she spends her days making new friends with tourists, residents, and fellow Undine while learning more about the city she grows increasingly fond of each day.

The panorama, or more accurately, the seascape, of Neo Venezia offers breathtaking views and heartwarming relationships as time progresses as leisurely and peacefully as the gondolas glide on the sparkling waters. Aria is an exceptional Slice-of-Life anime that creates a tranquil ambiance ideal for relaxing summer moments.

Aria the Animation can be streamed on Crunchyroll.

8) A Whisker Away

16-year-old Miyo Sasaki hails from a fractured household that has recently added a stepmother who, somewhat irritatingly for Miyo, tries to bond with her new stepdaughter. In an attempt to escape her personal turmoil, Miyo becomes attached to classmate Kento Hinode, both during and outside of school hours. However, Kento is oblivious to the depth of Miyo’s feelings for him. As she struggles to gain his affection as herself, Miyo instead spends time with him under the guise of a cat he calls Tarou. But when she risks losing her human identity entirely, Miyo must decide whether to maintain a distance from Kento as a human or accept his love while remaining a cat.

Wouldn’t it be delightful if we could rephrase that in a more conversational tone? Here it goes:

“Isn’t it wonderful how the cat is exploring the treetops and enjoying the summer zephyrs? Absolutely, I’d love to see more of that! In this film, Miyo affectionately calls her crush “Hinode Sunrise,” while Kento can’t help but remark that Miyo’s scent is reminiscent of the sun itself. The warm and cozy vibes are really prevalent here.

A Whisker Away can be streamed on Netflix.

9) Waiting in the Summer

On a sultry summer evening, Kaito Kirishima was capturing photos on a bridge with his camera, when all of a sudden he was blinded by a flash of blue light that streaked across the sky. This unexpected event left him unconscious as an unidentified hand reached for him. The next morning, Kaito found himself with few memories or evidence of the strange occurrence. At school, Kaito and his friends brainstormed ways to use his camera and eventually settled on creating a movie as a fun summer project. When they noticed Kaito’s growing fondness for upperclassman Ichika Takatsuki, Tetsurou Ishigaki invited her and her friend Remon Yamano to join their filmmaking endeavor. As they worked together, the friends not only produced a film but also created unforgettable memories filled with laughter and camaraderie.

In this blend of romance and science fiction, it’s not hard to surmise that their summer vacation holds more than just the production of a movie project for these youths.

10) Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day

Jinta Yadomi, a solitary individual, typically skips school and immerses himself in video games. However, during a sweltering summer day, his old friend Menma Honma (who he initially dismisses as a figment of his overheated imagination) mysteriously appears. Despite attempting to ignore her, she persists, asserting that she’s there for good, despite having passed away years earlier. Convinced she’s a ghost, Jinta is eventually compelled to help her fulfill an unremembered promise: granting a forgotten wish. As they work together with their old friends to grant Menma’s wish, they find that it’s not as simple as they thought; instead, they are confronted with the raw emotions and regrets of their past, making it difficult not only for Menma to move on but also for them to heal themselves.

If you’re seeking a supernatural drama with a blend of sweet and bitter emotions set against the backdrop of summer, “Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day“, or simply “Anohana“, could be an excellent choice for you. While many summer shows are typically associated with cheerfulness and brightness, this series offers a deeper, emotional narrative that adds a refreshing twist to the usual summer show themes.

2025-06-03 04:12