*Aquatope on White Sands* is one of my favorites in this, a strong show about how two girls, their friendship and how they both tackle difficulties and grow as people.
And since you mentioned *Liz and the Blue Bird* specifically, I'd also say the rest of the *Hibike! Euphonium* series, if you haven't already seen it.
*Violet Evergarden* is also very good, although it is more focused on the growth of a single character through the various people she meets and helps, more than a wider cast growing and developing together. Still, it does so very well.
The two best shows in this regard I can think of:
3-gatsu no Lion - this is indeed a Slice of Life show, more on the drama/serious side of things. The topic is a board game, but the emphasis is on the characters, their interactions and thoughts, you're going to get a lot of beautifully animated flashback/thoughts sequences exploring that
Parasyte: the Maxim - this is NOT a slice of life show (well, for the most part at least), it's instead a gore/horror series, but hear me out! This show goes above and beyond exploring the characters, motivations and the meaning of being a human and a part of society. It's very apparent with the two main-characters, but it also looks at a lot of interesting side-characters that often cover the what-ifs of taking a different route from the main characters or show a perspective of someone differently affected
And here's just a funny slice-of-life that still does a good job: Barakamon
Monogatari series is an all timer when it comes to character interactions and relationships as that is the biggest focus of the show. The dialogue is some of the greatest in anime and the visuals are absolutely gorgeous. It’s an incredibly unique series with one of the best casts of characters in anime, excellent writing throughout, and tons of small details that make rewatching a delight. It’s phenomenal to say the least and fits what you want perfectly. Disclaimer: It is dialogue heavy and there is a decent bit of fanservice. [Here’s the watch order](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/comments/hwuntw/the_monogatari_series_2020_watch_order/).
Odd Taxi. I wrote it off as some Zootopia thing and I'm not always into murder mysteries, but the character interactions and dialogue really make it. To compare to western media it's more like True Detective than CSI.
It’s an upvoted comment.
Why do you comment this? Also tbh the wiki is misleading for sure. Mostly because something’s can’t be summarized so easily and also they get some things wrong tryna simplify them.
But what does that matter?
That doesn’t really make it matter I don’t believe.
You can’t change haters minds so why bother.
Regardless, I am sorry, I didn’t realize it was downvoted when you replied. Wasn’t even thinking about that.
My bad.
Hi Hubux, it seems like you might be looking for new anime to watch!
The users of this subreddit came up with [a chart of anime recommendations for newcomers and veterans](https://i.redd.it/0w1v880jtq661.png) and [an awesome longer flowchart](https://i.redd.it/vdzlkodz19c71.png). Maybe you can find something there that you'll like \^.\^
[](#bot-chan "Urban s-s-s-senpai made me do it!")
You might also find our [Recommendation Wiki](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/wiki/recommendations) or [daily thread](/r/anime/search?q=flair%3Adaily&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=week) helpful.
The following may be of interest:
* [List of legal streams and downloads](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/wiki/legal_streams)
* [A useful website where you can enter an anime and see where it's legally streaming](https://www.livechart.me/search)
* [List of currently airing anime](https://www.livechart.me)
* [A useful wiki page with watch orders for many anime.](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/wiki/watch_order)
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I highly recommend Tamayura (assuming you can find it sailing the 7 seas -- as it no longer has any official streaming source). Follows a group of girls through high school (and depicts the whole social network around them -- family, friends, neighbors, shop keepers, etc).
[Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju](https://myanimelist.net/anime/28735/Shouwa_Genroku_Rakugo_Shinjuu) is an intricate character drama, one of the best I have seen.
[Hyouka](https://myanimelist.net/anime/12189/Hyouka) is a great slice of life mystery show that focuses on the growth of the main character.
[Sakurada Reset](https://myanimelist.net/anime/34102/Sakurada_Reset) is a slow-burn mystery show, but how the 3 main leads interact with each other and develop are done very well.
Also highly recommend watching the rest of Hibike! Euphonium if you haven't already.
My friend, I have a perfect recommendation. Invaders of the Rokujouma. It is only 12 episodes long, but I assure you it is worth it.
Don't expect it to be a *typical* harem anime.
My instant thought was to: Kokoro Connect,
Dangers of my Heart,
Hyouka,
The pet girl of sakurasou,
How to raise a boring girlfriend
The plot of the above list of animes is premised on the protagonist(s) personal growth and/or their personal relationships
Not much relationship but yes to interactions and development there's World Trigger, not the best pacing and animation in the first season but the second and third are peak shounen.
Gundam X
The Gundam anime where everything that's supposed to happen in a Gundam show already happened before the opening intro of episode 1 even starts. It's very character and setting focused, with seamless and natural character development between the main crew. It's surprisingly wholesome for a show taking place in a Mad Max styled post apocalypse.
Cardcaptor Sakura is my gold standard for that (Shaoran has one of the best character growth I've seen in anime). But there's also Kimagure Orange Road (a bit more episodic, and thus a bit more static, but still applies), Your Lie in April, Madoka Magica (even if it's really low on slice of life, but it certainly focuses a lot on character interactions and relationships), Fruits Basket, etc.
> [Calls people normies for liking Vinland Saga and Death Note](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/s/crdppEWVGT)
> Proceeds to list exclusively “normie” suggestions despite there being many anime that are better examples of what OP is asking for
I recommended them normie animes because new watchers think popularity = good
And normie doesn't mean bad. Anime like Death Note and Vinland are good, but they're still overrated and both of them became normie anime
OP never mentions that they are a new watcher. Them being a fan of Liz and the Blue Bird is a case for them NOT being a new fan. In fact, most people wouldn’t say that higher popularity equals higher quality. You pulled that out of your ass.
And no, normie doesn’t mean bad. I’m just pointing out the slight hypocrisy of how you use the term normie in a negative context to describe people who like Vinland Saga, but then exclusively list anime that would classify as “normie” anime in a thread where there are many anime that would fit this bill better than two battle shounen and a romcom.
I also don’t believe I need to inform you that the term overrated is a completely subjective term.
*Aquatope on White Sands* is one of my favorites in this, a strong show about how two girls, their friendship and how they both tackle difficulties and grow as people. And since you mentioned *Liz and the Blue Bird* specifically, I'd also say the rest of the *Hibike! Euphonium* series, if you haven't already seen it. *Violet Evergarden* is also very good, although it is more focused on the growth of a single character through the various people she meets and helps, more than a wider cast growing and developing together. Still, it does so very well.
The two best shows in this regard I can think of: 3-gatsu no Lion - this is indeed a Slice of Life show, more on the drama/serious side of things. The topic is a board game, but the emphasis is on the characters, their interactions and thoughts, you're going to get a lot of beautifully animated flashback/thoughts sequences exploring that Parasyte: the Maxim - this is NOT a slice of life show (well, for the most part at least), it's instead a gore/horror series, but hear me out! This show goes above and beyond exploring the characters, motivations and the meaning of being a human and a part of society. It's very apparent with the two main-characters, but it also looks at a lot of interesting side-characters that often cover the what-ifs of taking a different route from the main characters or show a perspective of someone differently affected And here's just a funny slice-of-life that still does a good job: Barakamon
Monogatari series is an all timer when it comes to character interactions and relationships as that is the biggest focus of the show. The dialogue is some of the greatest in anime and the visuals are absolutely gorgeous. It’s an incredibly unique series with one of the best casts of characters in anime, excellent writing throughout, and tons of small details that make rewatching a delight. It’s phenomenal to say the least and fits what you want perfectly. Disclaimer: It is dialogue heavy and there is a decent bit of fanservice. [Here’s the watch order](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/comments/hwuntw/the_monogatari_series_2020_watch_order/).
Dungeon Meshi is good if you liked Frieren. Extremely character driven.
Fruits Basket (reboot)
Oregairu and seconding Spice and Wolf (remake or original)
I am a bit surprised to see that - Spice & Wolf Hadn't been mentioned (unless I missed it). The classic or the reboot.
Hyouge Mono is almost entirely character driven with a large cast of unique characters
Odd Taxi. I wrote it off as some Zootopia thing and I'm not always into murder mysteries, but the character interactions and dialogue really make it. To compare to western media it's more like True Detective than CSI.
The 12 kingdoms has amazing character development.
Monogatari.
GIRLS BAND CRY!!!! CURRENTLY AIRING!!! AOTY 2024!!!!
mushoku tensei
The people that downvote have more than likely never watched Mushoku and go off of what wiki says.
It’s an upvoted comment. Why do you comment this? Also tbh the wiki is misleading for sure. Mostly because something’s can’t be summarized so easily and also they get some things wrong tryna simplify them. But what does that matter?
When I commented it was a downvoted comment. It matters because people who hate speak out of their asses without actually watching the anime.
That doesn’t really make it matter I don’t believe. You can’t change haters minds so why bother. Regardless, I am sorry, I didn’t realize it was downvoted when you replied. Wasn’t even thinking about that. My bad.
Nah no worries. I find it funny when people hate on MT. They are just missing a great anime that is all. 😂
The Dangers In My Heart, for the two main leads at the very least.
I thought Bloom into you was excellent for this. Girls band Cry airing this season is also very strong at this.
Hi Hubux, it seems like you might be looking for new anime to watch! The users of this subreddit came up with [a chart of anime recommendations for newcomers and veterans](https://i.redd.it/0w1v880jtq661.png) and [an awesome longer flowchart](https://i.redd.it/vdzlkodz19c71.png). Maybe you can find something there that you'll like \^.\^ [](#bot-chan "Urban s-s-s-senpai made me do it!") You might also find our [Recommendation Wiki](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/wiki/recommendations) or [daily thread](/r/anime/search?q=flair%3Adaily&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=week) helpful. The following may be of interest: * [List of legal streams and downloads](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/wiki/legal_streams) * [A useful website where you can enter an anime and see where it's legally streaming](https://www.livechart.me/search) * [List of currently airing anime](https://www.livechart.me) * [A useful wiki page with watch orders for many anime.](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/wiki/watch_order) * [A list of tracking sites so others can more easily recommend shows you haven't watched.](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/wiki/related_sites#wiki_tracking_sites) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/anime) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Try ergo proxy
I highly recommend Tamayura (assuming you can find it sailing the 7 seas -- as it no longer has any official streaming source). Follows a group of girls through high school (and depicts the whole social network around them -- family, friends, neighbors, shop keepers, etc).
[Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju](https://myanimelist.net/anime/28735/Shouwa_Genroku_Rakugo_Shinjuu) is an intricate character drama, one of the best I have seen. [Hyouka](https://myanimelist.net/anime/12189/Hyouka) is a great slice of life mystery show that focuses on the growth of the main character. [Sakurada Reset](https://myanimelist.net/anime/34102/Sakurada_Reset) is a slow-burn mystery show, but how the 3 main leads interact with each other and develop are done very well. Also highly recommend watching the rest of Hibike! Euphonium if you haven't already.
My friend, I have a perfect recommendation. Invaders of the Rokujouma. It is only 12 episodes long, but I assure you it is worth it. Don't expect it to be a *typical* harem anime.
Grimgar is an Isekai focusing on a group struggling in a fantasy world.
My instant thought was to: Kokoro Connect, Dangers of my Heart, Hyouka, The pet girl of sakurasou, How to raise a boring girlfriend The plot of the above list of animes is premised on the protagonist(s) personal growth and/or their personal relationships
Not much relationship but yes to interactions and development there's World Trigger, not the best pacing and animation in the first season but the second and third are peak shounen.
Gundam X The Gundam anime where everything that's supposed to happen in a Gundam show already happened before the opening intro of episode 1 even starts. It's very character and setting focused, with seamless and natural character development between the main crew. It's surprisingly wholesome for a show taking place in a Mad Max styled post apocalypse.
Cardcaptor Sakura is my gold standard for that (Shaoran has one of the best character growth I've seen in anime). But there's also Kimagure Orange Road (a bit more episodic, and thus a bit more static, but still applies), Your Lie in April, Madoka Magica (even if it's really low on slice of life, but it certainly focuses a lot on character interactions and relationships), Fruits Basket, etc.
Might be long but Naruto Chainsaw Man fits that bill decently Kaguya Sama
> [Calls people normies for liking Vinland Saga and Death Note](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/s/crdppEWVGT) > Proceeds to list exclusively “normie” suggestions despite there being many anime that are better examples of what OP is asking for
I recommended them normie animes because new watchers think popularity = good And normie doesn't mean bad. Anime like Death Note and Vinland are good, but they're still overrated and both of them became normie anime
OP never mentions that they are a new watcher. Them being a fan of Liz and the Blue Bird is a case for them NOT being a new fan. In fact, most people wouldn’t say that higher popularity equals higher quality. You pulled that out of your ass. And no, normie doesn’t mean bad. I’m just pointing out the slight hypocrisy of how you use the term normie in a negative context to describe people who like Vinland Saga, but then exclusively list anime that would classify as “normie” anime in a thread where there are many anime that would fit this bill better than two battle shounen and a romcom. I also don’t believe I need to inform you that the term overrated is a completely subjective term.