If you've ever asked any anime viewers about live TV series, they've probably mentioned the CGDCT anime.
CGDCT is short for Pretty Girls Doing Pretty Things., is a genre unique to anime. CGDCT is often associated with SoL, but honestly, pretty girl shows can go beyond just Slice of Life.
Thus, a CGDCT series can be either dramatic or sci-fi.
However, my personal experience with it over the years has mostly remained in the realm of SoL... so there will be plenty of fluffy, adorable anime on my personal list. I hope you will like it!
24. Hinako note
Hinako Note is one of the most recent CGDCTs to make my list, and I appreciate what it does: it retains the traditional elements of CGDCT while daring to be a little more horny than the rest.
Studio Passione knew this would divide viewers, as some need only comfortable episodes while others need generous fan service.
But I didn't mind.
On top of that, the girls are cute (i.e. the character designs are by no means terrible) and still have plenty of amazing interactions - and the music is commendable.
23. Sabazh-boo! (Sabagebu! - Survival Game Club! -)
Sabazh-boo! is a CGDCT series in which girls participate in an after school club.
But, as you can see from the name, this is not just your typical art, science, or book club.
Instead, Sabagebu! there's a survival games club... except it's not about games at allon the survival.
Viewers will actually get to see the girls squad fight other teams from other schools, but the show is more about Momoka and how she reacts to different situations.
It's fun, cute (of course), and you can get six extra 10-minute OVA episodes when you're done with the show.
Also Sabaj-boo! a club member works part-time as a gravure model. And a talisman that may or may not be a platypus.
22. Comic Girls
I don't know much about Studio Nexus. But the anime I most associate with them is Comic Girls, a CGDCT series that feels heavier and more rewarding than most games in the unofficial genre.
As the name suggests, Comic Girls showcases young women trying to make it in the comics (or manga in Japan) industry.
But here's the thing:
Kaoruko Moeta is neither a genius nor a prodigy. She is not one of those anime MCs who have special powers or are exceptionally gifted in their field.
So Comic Girls haveserious relationship and feel grounded in reality, with their (yet adorable) acting training, setbacks, and bouncing back because they just need to. I admire how his characters grew on me.
21. Ichigo Mashimaro (Strawberry Marshmallow)
Look, it's called Strawberry Marshmallow.
This alone says a lot about the pleasant moments of everyday life and carefree benefits.
If you've seen the Azumanga Daioh, "Ichigo Mashimaro" is similar to the classic CGDCT series, except it has high school students swapping with a bunch of junior high students.
It's such a warm series and I can't help but think back to my childhood where I had daily random neighborhood adventures with my friends.
The humor works so well here because of the comedic timing and how the lack of exaggerated reactions somehow makes every joke even more fun.
20. Hidamari Sketch
I mentioned that Kaoruko Moeta in Comic Girls was relatively difficult as a mangaka. But here the MC is an undeniably talented artist.
However, that doesn't mean that Hidamari Sketch feels gaudy or lacks realism.
Although Yuno has the skills to attend Yamabuki Art High School, she has self-esteem issues. Similarly, the show has Hiro, who can cook delicious meals with ease... but worries about his weight (and more importantly, his future).
Simply put, this set of characters is undeniably human: they have their own aspirations, anxieties, and characteristics that add color and vibrancy to the group.
19. Konohana Kitan
I love Konohan Kitan. And its placement in the bottom half of my list just shows how much I enjoy the genre in general.
Anyway, let me tell you what is the main thing about this anime:
Chanterelles.
The ultra-cute kimono-clad foxes are all hard at work and teaching everyone a thing or two about Japanese folklore - all in a supernatural place.
Some viewers watched this in anticipation of a ton of Yuri fanservice. But what I got was much better. Yes, it has some yuri in it.
But Konohana Kitan doesall with care for health and beauty.
I admire the uniqueness of the world and how it provides opportunities for charming character dynamics (and some introspection for viewers).
18. Yuru Yuri (YuruYuri: Happy Go Lily)
It's pure coincidence that Yuru Yuuri is next on my list right after I mentioned Yuri in Konohan Kitan.
As one of CGDCT's most popular shows (it has a lot of amazing faces with amazing reactions), YRYR does a lot of things right as another type of anime for after-school clubs.
Yuru Yury really shows young girls (often with humor) who are attracted to other girls. But thisnever seems tasteless or overly sexy. It's the most suggestive and I love how they take romance the way teenagers do.
Besides, it's superbly written. From jokes to lots of cute and funny conversations between characters (both main and secondary).
17. Rolling ☆ Girls (The Rolling Girls)
I never felt that The Rolling Girls deserved the attention they deserved. Particularly because some people didn't like how the rest of the show differed from the ridiculousness of the heavy fighting in the first few episodes.
But you know what?
I love the world of The Rolling Girls. I love how they just travel around a future version of Japan where it is now divided into several countries, meeting many interesting characters and getting to know many cultures along the way.
From the character designs to the watercolor backgrounds (and the show's peak EP 08), The Rolling Girls were visually enticing.
Chiaya Misono is one of my favorite anime girls because she is so cute and the opening song (a cover of the amazing rock track The Blue Hearts) is a great way to start the show.
16. Living love! Project School Idol
Yes, perhaps the most popular anime idol series is by far the CGDCT series. Whether you love Love Live or hate it, you can't deny its impact on pop culture.
There are several best girl contenders in the franchise alone - and I've even seen a page dedicated to posting all the stills from Love Live episodes.
Here's how he's loved (and jokingly trashed).
My favorites are Kotori Minami and Nozomi Tojo. But you can't go wrong with any of them (yes, you can worship Miss "Nico Nico Nia" Nico Yazada).
With two seasons, Love Live has enough content to let you know the stories and ambitions of all the girls and understand why they are all worth rooting for.
15. Urara Meirochu
Urara Meirochou is another CGDCT series with Yuri shades and fan service.
But it seems to them that they exist not only to satisfy a certain segment of the crowd.
Instead, light elements of yuri come into play. And fanservice seems like a natural part of the show - and that's because feral child Chia has no sexual intent whenever she exposes other people's bellies.
In truth, she really likes bellies.
And just like in Konohana Kitan, the world of Urara Meirochou is a character of its own, giving viewers a sense of mystery and individuality. One in which the characters form their own personality.
14. Colors of Mitsuboshi
I remember spending a few nights a few years ago reading the Mitsuboshi Colors manga, enjoying chapter after chapter.
So when I heard about the anime adaptation, I was excited, but also nervous.
How will three children from the Colors group sound? Can an adaptation have detailed backgrounds?
Of course, Mitsuboshi Colors was not a five-star series in terms of art and animation. But it still works well because the original adaptation is so childish and Kotoha is such an interesting, funny character.
I love this trio and their wholesome shenanigans in Ueno, Tokyo, often involving adults and complete strangers reminding them to take a breather from time to time.
13. New game!
Among the fanservice entries on my New Game list! undoubtedly the most beloved among the anime community.
Released in 2016, the series became an unexpected hit.
People knew Doga Kobo was strong when it came to SoL performances. But a new game! was really something else, showing consistently good animation and attention to background detail.
New game! it's not CGDCT where it's all about random, mundane things every day.
Instead, the cute girls argue and support each other as they pursue their dreams in the game development industry.
12. Azumanga Dayoh (Azumanga Dayoh: Animation)
Released way back in 2002 (yes, that was 18 years ago), Azumanga Daioh is the oldest CGDCT here.
But he hasn't lost his charm.
Of course, some may be disabled due to poor image quality.
However, the JC Staff series isstill impressive when it comes to character dynamics and humor.
I love how the scenes (or sketches) are based on a specific theme and how well the gags work. Did you know that this is where the “Oh my God! "?
What's more, many people attribute the popularity of the term "waifu" to the show.
And for a show with so many main characters, Azumanga Dayo did the impossible: developed them all and made them complex, unique personalities, albeit slowly but surely.
11. Lucky Star
Like Doga Kobo, Kyoto Animation has years of experience animating CGDCT series, and Lucky Star is a great piece of work from a beloved studio.
Firstly, the opening theme is easily infectious (I still remember the decade-old parody music video that's still on YouTube).
Second, I love Lucky Star's casual style.
The girls literally have casual conversations, just like any friends would do during their lunch break at school.
And finally, Konata Izumi and Kagami Hiiragi are charming, very close characters.
Today's kids can still connect with them as they both just love playing video games, reading manga and light novels.
10. Kobayashi-san Chi no Maid Dragon
Yes, I'm following Lucky Star with another hit from Kyoto Animation: Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid.
Is there fanservice? A little.
Is it cute and touching?Quite right .
One day, the all-powerful dragon Tohru transforms into a human girl (sometimes with an inverted tail) and decides to become Kobayashi's maid.
From there, one dragon after another enters the fray, and the charming Kanna Kamui provides the greatest dose of attraction.
She doesn't even have to do anything: Kanna's default facial expression is a godsend.
But whether it's Kanna playing in the rain or Tohru warming up Kobayashi holding her hand, there are always quiet, soulful moments to be found in the show to complement its more comedic and loud bits.
9. Cherry Trick
It still baffles me that Sakura Trick has an average rating on anime review sites.
But that won't stop me from putting it in the top ten here.
Sakura's ploy does something that many other yuri shows (and yuri lures) don't: her characters kiss.
Yes, for some reason it's often just teasing viewers instead of explicitly showing such an act of love.
So while some of the entries here have a little bit of yuri, this is Sakura's Trick, where cute girls have the opportunity to (really) reveal their lesbian nature.
Plus Sakura Trick has that warm, soothing aesthetic (along with clean animation) in every episode.
8. Gochuumon wa Usagi Desu ka? (Are they ordering a rabbit?)
With two seasons, a movie, an OVA, and an upcoming third season of Is the Order a Rabbit? – an essential series both in terms of quantity and quality.
I really enjoy seeing urban and rural Japanese landscapes. But the European-style city here (perhaps inspired by Colmar, France) is beautiful, from the architecture and ornate lampposts to the flowers and foliage.
It is enough to see how the characters walk around the city to relax.
GochiUsa's girls are cute, especially Chino Kafuu and Chiya Ujimatsu, but this anime didn't make it to eighth position just because of the character designs: it also has comfortable music and hilarious moments, including the infamous coffee or green tea segment.
7. Kiniro Mosaic (KINMOZA!)
Kiniro Mosaic has more to offer than an ayaya reaction face, Karen Kujou's desu response, and a gif of Yoko Inokuma unexpectedly hugging Alice Cartelet.
First, the show is an easy way to witness the clash of cultures and how differences in upbringing don't necessarily lead to conflict.
With KINMOZA!, viewers can see the value of not only patience, but alsoacceptance different people.
Secondly, the show has an amazing set of main characters. My favorites are Aya Komichi and Karen.
The first is a tsundere (which is also the reason why Karen said "ayaya"), and the second is a very friendly and energetic girl who often leads the group into humorous situations.
Thirdly, great art and voice acting.
The anime doesn't have animation on the level of something like Violet Evergarden. But its light and simple background is very suitable for the show.
Also Studio Gokumi is working on a new KINMOZA! movie, so beware of it.
6. Camp Yuru (calm camp)
If you're feeling stressed, check out the Yuru Camp series.
And if you only have a few seconds, look for a gif or clip of Nadeshiko Kagamihara happily eating her food.
Look, I didn't even know I needed anime camping out of my life until I saw Laid-Back Camp - and that put C-Station on the map.
In a way, this is the perfect show.
It doesn't have unnecessary drama because it never intended to be like that kind of anime. Yuru Camp is all about finding joy in the small and simple things in life, especially with the people you cherish (or will soon cherish).
And on a technical level, Yuru Camp is phenomenal, with superb lighting, detailed natural horizons, consistent high-quality animation, and matching relaxing music.
I can't wait for the second season.
5. Gabriel's departure
I often think of Lucky Star when I see Gabriel DropOut. But that's mainly because Gabriel reminds me of Konata, as they're both avid (or rather addicted) gamers.
Either way, this enjoyment of Doga Kobo's CGDCT (unsurprisingly) made me laugh many times - I still remember the culinary segment.
But perhaps the most interesting thing about Gabriel DropOut is its characters.
Of course, Gabriel and Rafiel are angels. But these are not exactly the girls you would like to see in heaven.
You then consider Vignette and Satanichia, two demons who appear to be more sensible and fun-loving than their divine counterparts.
If Satanicia doesn't become your BFF by the end, we'll be in trouble (I'm joking, sort of).
4. Animation Aria
Aria Animation first aired in 2005.
Since then, I have not found anything like it.
Yes, I can highlight some great SoL, CGDCT and iyashikei anime from the last decade. Butneither atwhom there is no Aria franchise identity.
Akari, Alicia, Alice and Aika (yes, they all start with A) always cheer me up and put my mind at ease - and the setting helps because Neo Venezia is just great.
I love how Akari strives to be an undine (basically a female gondolier) so much that she moved from Japan to Aqua, literally another planet. She is persistent, hardworking and a very good friend.
I admire her vitality.
The way the characters develop is commendable, and that goes for their relationship with others as well as with themselves.
There aren't as many girls here as their later counterparts on my list... but that says more about the changes in anime art style these days than anything else.
So the women of Aria the Animation are 100% cute. Even if they are not members of an elementary school extracurricular club.
3. Nichijo (Nichijo - My Ordinary Life)
To be honest, I can shuffle my top 3 and feel like the rankings are right - they are all so good.
Even if Nichijou is only third, it's still 10/10 in my eyes.
For the SoL and CGDCT series, Nichijo has one of the best animators.
Thanks to a talented crew, the show can go from relaxing to explosively absurd in seconds, taking the source material to the next level.
Exactly the same in the seriesa lot of interesting characters .
Whether Nichijo focuses on Yuuko, Mio, and Mai or Hakase, Sakamoto, and Nano (or even Misato, Kojiro, and his goat), it will always be a quality segment worth re-watching.
Anyway, my only complaint is that Kyoto Animation hasn't announced a second season.
2. Non Non Biyori
To be honest, it's hard to put Non Non Biyori in 2nd place.
But the CGDCT genre is rife with great titles. This is a tough ranking!
But I knew I made the right decision by watching this show within seconds of the first episode:
Non Non Biyori doesn't hesitate to take it slow, focusing on the gorgeous scenery of rural Japan and soothing instrumental music, successfully calming my senses and preparing me for wellness.
I like the whole composition. But Renge Miyauchi (who plays the flute and is known in the anime community for her "nyanpasu" line) is the star of the show.
You can't help but admire her childish wonder, and Renge's sibling relationship with Kaede Kagayama is touching.
And with the release of the third season in 2021, Non Non Biyori has a chance to further solidify its status as one of the most comfortable and beautiful anime in history.
1. K-On!
As expected, Kyoto Animation takes the crown with K-On!
This is a classic 2009 SoL series that helped launch Naoko Yamada's directing career (she went on to direct Tamako's Love Story, Silent Voice, and Liz and the Blue Bird).
I distinctly remember watching the first season when I was in high school. K-on! wasa completely new experience for me because I'm used to shonen and novels.
But I was fascinated before I realized it.
Somehow, the girls from the Light Music Club caught my attention with their first-class character dynamics.
Yes, often they just drink tea and sweets (provided with love by Tsumugi Kotobuki). But when they finally play their really good tracks, it's fascinating.
Seeing these girls chasing their dreams (they want to play Budokan) while enjoying life together is so touching and nostalgic - and I love this K-On! allows viewers to understand the fleeting element of life without ruining the pleasant atmosphere.
Yui, Mio, Tsumugi, Ritsu (and later Azusa) can't stay the same forever just enjoying each other's company in the club room... but there is value and happiness in coming to terms with this reality.
Yamada masterfully directed K-On!
And I will always stick to my belief that this is a modern classic of CGDCT and SoL.
