If your idea of me time this summer looks like iced matcha in one hand, your phone in the other, and 14 open Crunchyroll tabs trying to figure out what to watch next… girl, same.
This is the season of cozy chaos and curated peace. I’m soft-launching my healing era, but also binge-watching shows that emotionally wreck me in the best way. Whether you’re a romantic, a thrill-seeker, or just want something with vibes™—this summer anime list has you covered.
So here it is, the official lineup of what I’m watching this summer when I need a break from content creation, adulting, or simply existing a little too hard. Each anime taps into a different vibe—comfort, chaos, catharsis—and honestly? That’s the point. This summer anime watch list is all about matching my moods, not fighting them.
1. I Have a Crush at Work
This one is peak office romance energy, and when I say that, I mean it’s giving “he handed me a pen and I mentally picked out our wedding venue.” You know the vibe. That soft, slow-burn tension where a shared Excel sheet feels more intimate than a first kiss.
It’s awkward in the cutest way. The kind of awkward that makes you scream into a pillow because someone accidentally brushed your hand reaching for the coffee pot and now you’re writing fanfic in your head. Every glance, every “good morning,” every quiet little moment feels like it means something.
There’s no over-the-top drama. No unnecessary chaos. Just two people figuring out how to navigate feelings that are very much not in the job description—and I live for it. It’s wholesome, it’s heart-fluttering, and it’s giving “I saw him smile at me and now I believe in love again.”
Watch if you’re: obsessed with flirty subtext, delicious slow-burn tension, and the kind of romance that hides in spreadsheets and sneaks up on you when you least expect it. A must-add to your summer anime watch list.
If you love romance-heavy anime as much as I do, check out my post on the best romance anime series and their perfect book pairings—because sometimes one love story just isn’t enough.
2. Anyway, I’m Falling in Love With You
Okay, so this one? This one is like being wrapped in a weighted blanket of emotional safety. It’s soft in a way that doesn’t feel slow—it feels secure. The romance doesn’t rush. It doesn’t scream for your attention. It just exists in this quiet, comforting way that makes you feel like you’re watching two people genuinely figure it out without all the mess.
No toxicity. No over-the-top drama. Just gentle moments, thoughtful conversations, and those low-key scenes that make you pause and say, “Wait… this is how love is supposed to feel?”
It’s sweet without being corny. Intimate without being cringey. The characters have this quiet chemistry that builds in such a real way—you don’t even realize you’re falling for their love story until suddenly you’re six episodes in and emotionally invested in whether or not they brush hands during a bookstore scene.
This show is for the girls who are tired of trauma bonding and just want a romance that feels good. Like actually good.
Watch if you’re: in your healing + softness era, craving connection without chaos, and want a romance that feels like a warm hug, a long exhale, and the relationship advice your therapist would actually approve of.
3. Kowloon Generic Romance
Okay… this one’s a vibe. Like, you don’t just watch this anime—you feel it in your chest and lowkey wonder if you’ve lived this life before. It’s giving retro-futuristic cityscape. And it’s giving “I miss you, but I don’t know why.” It’s giving confused but emotionally invested.
The story unfolds in this hazy, dreamlike way. It’s got that dystopian energy, but not in a dramatic, end-of-the-world way—in more of a “something feels off but I can’t put my finger on it” way. You’re watching people fall in love (maybe?), reconnect (possibly?), or spiral (definitely)—and yet you can’t look away.
It’s romantic, but not obvious. There’s this soft tension that lingers in the air like secondhand perfume. You can tell there’s more to the story, and that’s what makes it hit. It’s not just about what happens—it’s about how it happens. The silence. The subtext. The city lights flickering behind unsaid feelings.
The whole thing feels like reading a love letter you were never supposed to find. And somehow, it still manages to make you believe that even in the most confusing, glitchy corners of life—love is still possible.
Watch if you’re: into soft sci-fi, citycore aesthetics, emotional slow burns, and beautifully layered heartbreak that leaves you staring at the ceiling like “wow.” Bonus points if you like your romance served with a light existential crisis and zero hand-holding.
4. Witch Watch
This show? Absolute chaotic good energy. No notes.
It’s giving teen witch with a heart of gold, a himbo bodyguard who takes his job way too seriously (and we love him for it), and a magical world where spells go wrong at least twice per episode—but somehow it all still works.
It feels like Saturday morning cartoons grew up, got emotional depth, and decided to hit you with a plot twist right after making you laugh so hard you choke on your drink. It’s unpredictable in the best way. One minute you’re giggling over a ridiculous magic mishap, and the next you’re like, “Wait, why am I… lowkey emotional right now?”
The characters are so lovable it’s disrespectful. You will get irrationally attached. You will root for them like they’re your own chaotic little found family. Every single one has their own quirks, flaws, and soft moments that make you want to protect them at all costs—even while they’re literally blowing up furniture with spells that were supposed to make pancakes. It’s wholesome, hilarious, and absolutely belongs on your summer anime watch list.
Watch if you’re: in your “I want to laugh, feel things, and maybe fight someone for my comfort character” era. If you love magic, comedy that sneaks up on you, and squad dynamics that feel like an anime version of your group chat, this one’s for you. Bonus points if you’re weak for himbos with emotional range. (Guilty.)
5. 7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Life Married to Her Worst Enemy
The reincarnation genre? Still undefeated. And sStill top-tier. Still giving the girls what they need.
This queen has been through seven lifetimes—seven. And by this point, she’s officially over the people-pleasing. No more being polite. And no more playing the nice girl. No more trying to survive the plot. She’s done. She’s choosing herself, her peace, and her pettiest possible timeline.
This time around? She’s marrying her worst enemy—not for love, not for power, but because it’s strategic. And honestly? Mood.
What makes this show hit is that it doesn’t just play with the villainess trope—it completely owns it. The writing is smart. The main character is clever in a way that makes you want to high-five the screen. And instead of trying to be liked, she’s just out here being powerful, self-aware, and lowkey iconic.
She’s not cruel. She’s not cold. Honestly, she’s just… done. And she finally gets to live on her own terms.
Watch if you’re: a fan of villainess reincarnation stories, love it when the female lead has actual emotional intelligence, and want to see a girlboss actually win, without losing her softness or sanity. Perfect for anyone tired of watching women be punished for being smart, strategic, or slightly petty. A must-add to your summer anime watch list if you’re craving clever storytelling with a feminine edge.
6. Rent a Girlfriend
Listen. This show is an absolute disaster—and that’s exactly why it’s so entertaining.
It’s the kind of mess you can’t look away from. The kind where you’re yelling at the screen like, “Nooooo, don’t say that,” and then five minutes later you’re like, “Okay but now I need to know what happens next.” It’s chaotic, dramatic, occasionally delusional—and somehow it still gets you in your feels when you least expect it.
It’s giving:
- “Fake dating but oops, real feelings?”
- Emotional spirals in public
- Everyone making the worst possible choices and doubling down
- Secondhand embarrassment that somehow makes you root for them anyway
You will spend most of your time saying “this man is unserious,” and the rest of your time lowkey hoping he figures it out. And the main girl? ICON. She’s clearly too good for this situation, but she’s making the best out of it—and honestly, she deserves better (but we’re still watching).
Watch if you’re: deep in your “I’m not here for life lessons, I’m here for vibes” phase. If you love messy dynamics, fake dating tropes, and chaotic energy that doesn’t take itself too seriously—but still hits you with the occasional emotional gut punch, this one’s for you.
And if you’re craving even more emotional damage (the good kind), don’t miss my list of best romantasy books that will ruin you—ideal for fans of dramatic plots and swoony tension.
7. Kaiju No. 8 (Season 2)
If you need a break from romance but still want a show with actual heart, this is your go-to. It’s giving big monsters, bigger emotions, and a main character who will absolutely make you root for him—even when he’s literally transforming into the thing he’s supposed to be fighting. Definitely one to add to your summer anime watch list.
Kaiju No. 8 is fast-paced, high-stakes, and the animation? CLEAN. Like, the fight scenes actually make sense. You’re not just watching cool punches—you’re watching strategy, emotional conflict, and those little moments that make you go “ohhh wait this has depth.”
It’s intense in a way that keeps you on your toes, but it doesn’t forget to give you those quiet, emotional beats. The story isn’t just about saving the world—it’s about identity, duty, and trying to stay human when everything around you is asking you to be something else.
Also: the main character is loveable in that “I did not expect to be this emotionally attached to a grown man with trauma” kind of way. He’s flawed, funny, and carrying way too much responsibility—but you’ll end up cheering for him anyway.
Watch if you’re: craving solid storytelling, sharp action, and a show that actually respects your intelligence as a viewer. Bonus points if you’re into sci-fi thrillers with a soft center and a little found family energy on the side.
8. Dandadan (Season 2)
Aliens? Ghosts? High schoolers with unresolved trauma and way too much happening at once? Check, check, and check.
Dandadan is one of those shows where you watch one episode and immediately question what you just experienced—but in the best way possible. It feels like someone grabbed three completely different anime concepts, smashed them together with a lightning bolt, and somehow made it… work. Like really work.
It’s chaotic, absurd, and beautiful.
One minute you’re watching a ghost possession, and the next you’re watching an alien fight that looks like it came out of an interdimensional acid trip. And just when you think it can’t get weirder—it does. And somehow, you’re still completely locked in.
But here’s the thing: Dandadan doesn’t just throw weirdness at the wall for fun. The story actually has heart. The characters are quirky and flawed, but also layered in that “please protect them at all costs” kind of way. And the animation? Absolutely stunning. It’s giving fluid fight choreography, wild visual effects, and artistic direction that’ll leave you blinking at the screen like “how is this real?”
Watch if you’re: deep in your “I want vibes, chaos, and a plot that makes me question everything” era. Perfect for anyone who loves supernatural absurdity, fast pacing, genre-mixing, and characters you’ll accidentally fall in love with while aliens are trying to destroy the planet.
Basically? It’s a fever dream—but you want to stay asleep.
If you haven’t watched these yet.. add to your summer anime watch list:
These aren’t all on my current queue, but they embody the soft girl energy, emotional depth, and dreamy vibes that make summer feel magical. Think: healing, romance, growth, and a touch of whimsy. Perfect for those slow mornings, cozy nights, or journaling breaks.
- My Happy Marriage – A quiet, emotional romance about self-worth and blooming love.
- The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten – Pure fluff and kindness that feels like sunshine in anime form.
- Kakuriyo: Bed and Breakfast for Spirits – Studio Ghibli-esque comfort with delicious food and gentle fantasy.
- Anyway, I’m Falling in Love With You – High school romance that captures the heart-fluttering awkwardness of first love.
- Wind Breaker – For when you need a little action but still want heart and loyalty at the core.
- That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime – Surprisingly cozy worldbuilding with found family feels and glow-up energy.
- Snow White with the Red Hair – A slow-burning fairy tale with a strong female lead and gorgeous animation.
- Fruits Basket – Peak girlhood healing. Emotional, tender, and full of lessons about love and acceptance.
Whether you’re catching up or watching for the first time, these series are perfect for your soft life summer.
Final Thoughts: Anime + Soft Girl Summer Energy? Say Less.
Whether you’re in your feels, in your healing era, or just in need of a break from real life—there’s something on this list for every mood. So light a candle, make a snack, and let your summer anime watch list carry you through the season with joy, drama, and a little bit of magic.
Whether you’re watching to laugh, cry, escape, or simply feel something—this list has a little something for every mood.
Soft girl summer includes binge-watching, by the way. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
If you’re building out your summer watchlist like me, don’t miss my Soft Girl Summer Rewatch List and Summer Romance Reading List—because vibes matter, whether you’re watching anime, rewatching your childhood faves, or falling in love with your next book boyfriend.
So tell me—what are you watching this summer? Drop your recs in the comments or DM me so I can pretend I’m not already 10 shows behind. We’re in this together.
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