Looking for some anime to passively enjoy while you work, clean, or relax? Choosing the right show is key – you want something visually appealing and aurally pleasing, but not so plot-heavy that you'll miss crucial details if you're not paying full attention. This guide explores excellent anime options perfect for background viewing, categorized for different preferences.
What Makes Anime Good Background Viewing?
Before diving into recommendations, let's define what constitutes "good background anime." Ideal shows for background viewing often share these characteristics:
- Visually appealing: The animation style should be pleasant to look at, even without focused attention. Think vibrant colors, fluid animation, or a distinctive art style that's easy on the eyes.
- Repetitive or episodic storylines: Shows with self-contained episodes or a less complex overarching plot are better suited for background watching. You won't miss crucial plot points if you glance away for a moment.
- Relaxing or upbeat soundtrack: The music should complement the visuals without being distracting or jarring. Chillhop, upbeat J-Pop, or instrumental scores work well.
- Minimal dialogue: While some dialogue is fine, excessive or complex conversations can be difficult to follow passively.
Anime Recommendations for Background Watching
Here are some genre-specific recommendations for anime that fit the bill:
Slice-of-Life Anime: Comfort and Calm
- Non Non Biyori: This charming anime depicts the daily lives of four girls living in a peaceful countryside. The gentle pace, warm visuals, and relaxing soundtrack make it perfect for background viewing.
- Yuru Camp△: Similar to Non Non Biyori, Yuru Camp△ offers a calming experience with its focus on the simple joys of camping and friendship. The beautiful scenery and peaceful atmosphere are visually soothing.
- Barakamon: This heartwarming anime follows a calligrapher exiled to a remote island, where he interacts with quirky and lovable villagers. The episodes are mostly self-contained, making it ideal background fare.
Action Anime (with a focus on visuals): Stylish and Engaging
- Gurren Lagann: While plot-driven, the sheer spectacle and over-the-top action sequences in Gurren Lagann make it visually stimulating even without intense focus.
- Kill la Kill: The vibrant colors, dynamic fight choreography, and unique character designs in Kill la Kill ensure it remains engaging even as background noise. (However, the plot is more involved so might not be ideal for complete inattention.)
- FLCL (Fooly Cooly): This surreal and stylish anime is a visual feast, with its unique art style and fast-paced editing. It's less about the plot and more about the experience.
Ghibli Films: Timeless Classics
While not strictly a series, many Studio Ghibli films are excellent choices for background viewing. Their beautiful animation, enchanting music, and generally peaceful nature make them suitable for relaxed environments. Consider My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki's Delivery Service, or Ponyo.
Comedy Anime: Lighthearted and Fun
- Daily Lives of High School Boys: This hilarious anime follows the mundane yet amusing lives of high school boys. Its short episodes and episodic nature are perfect for background viewing.
- Konosuba: Though featuring some action, the majority of the humor in Konosuba relies on situational comedy and character interactions, making it a fun choice for passive viewing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What anime is good to watch while working?
For working, opt for anime with minimal dialogue and a relaxing atmosphere. Slice-of-life shows like Non Non Biyori or Yuru Camp△ are excellent choices as they won't distract you from your tasks. Instrumental soundtracks are highly recommended.
What anime is good to put on in the background while studying?
Music-driven and less plot-heavy anime are best while studying. Something like Yuru Camp△ with its nature scenes and quiet ambiance might prove useful to create a calming and relaxing study environment. However, music-only options (like LoFi hip hop) may in fact be more effective for studying than anime with sound effects and voiceovers.
What kind of anime is good for background noise?
Anime with repetitive or episodic storylines and relaxing music are great for background noise. Slice-of-life shows, or action anime with visually engaging sequences but less complex plots, work well.
Ultimately, the best anime for background viewing depends on your personal preferences and the task at hand. Experiment with different genres and styles to find what works best for you. Happy watching!
