Summer is the perfect time to unwind, relax, and dive into a new world of anime that captures the carefree spirit of the season. Whether you’re on a break from school or just looking to beat the heat, there’s no shortage of anime that aligns with the vibe of sunny adventures and refreshing escapes. From lighthearted comedies to shows set around cool water, these series evoke the essence of summer fun—be it vacations by the beach, hiking trips, or lazy days spent by the pool. With the right anime, you can transport yourself to a world of excitement, adventure, and summer memories, no matter where you are. Here’s a selection of 10 must-watch anime to make your summer truly unforgettable.
10. Grand Blue Dives Right Into The Water
Grand Blue Dreaming is a raunchy and comedic seinen anime that features the outrageous antics of Iori Kitahara, a college freshman who joins his college’s diving club, Peekaboo. This isn’t your typical club – while diving into the ocean’s cool waters is a primary focus, much of the time is spent on beer-soaked parties and hilariously wild behavior.
The show’s mix of beautiful diving sequences and chaotic college life is what makes Grand Blue Dreaming so appealing, especially during the summer months. Iori’s carefree, sometimes reckless, lifestyle might not make him an inspiring protagonist, but his adventures are incredibly entertaining. The vibrant aquatic scenes provide a refreshing feel as viewers follow the cast through their hilarious and often absurd escapades. If you’re looking for a combination of humor and the chill vibes of ocean waters, this is a perfect choice for summer watching.
9. Aria: The Masterpiece Is All About Gondolas & Venetian Canals
Aria: The Masterpiece is an iyashikei anime that transports viewers to the tranquil and serene canals of Neo-Venezia, a futuristic city modeled after Venice. Set on Mars, this anime follows the daily lives of gondola rowers known as Undines, who take tourists on calm, soothing rides through the city’s waterways.
The show is all about relaxation and beauty, with its gentle atmosphere and gorgeous art style. It’s the ideal anime to watch during a hot summer day when you’re craving some peace and quiet. The characters’ journeys through the tranquil blue canals under the bright summer sun make Aria a perfect pick for anyone looking to cool off with some visual beauty and easygoing stories.
8. Waiting in the Summer Is a Charming Little Anime to Watch
Waiting in the Summer is a heartwarming anime set in rural Japan during the summer. The series revolves around Kaito Kirishima, an aspiring filmmaker, and his new friend, Ichika Takatsuki, who, unbeknownst to Kaito, is actually an alien.
The anime blends slice-of-life elements with light sci-fi, but its main appeal lies in the depiction of the carefree and lazy summer days spent by the characters. The characters work on their short sci-fi film together while navigating the emotions of adolescence and young love. The slow-paced, sunlit atmosphere of rural Japan is wonderfully depicted, making Waiting in the Summer a great pick for when you’re longing for the quieter, simpler moments of summer.
7. Love is Like a Cocktail Features Some Icy Cold Drinks
If you’re looking for a bite-sized anime series with refreshing drinks to match the summer heat, Love is Like a Cocktail is just right. The story follows Chisato, a hard-working businesswoman, and her husband Sora, a homemaker who loves preparing cocktails for her.
Each short episode introduces a new cocktail recipe, most of which are refreshing cold drinks like margaritas and rum and Coke on the rocks. The mix of romance, humor, and drinks makes this anime the perfect companion for a warm summer evening, offering not only some entertainment but also ideas for real-life summer cocktails to try.
6. A Place Further Than the Universe Keeps Things Chill
For those looking to escape the summer heat, A Place Further Than the Universe is the ultimate anime to transport you to a much colder climate – Antarctica. This anime follows four high school girls as they embark on a life-changing expedition to the icy continent.
While much of the show is lighthearted and adventurous, focusing on friendship and personal growth, there’s an emotional depth to the story, particularly for Shirase, one of the girls, who is searching for her mother lost in an Antarctic blizzard. The stunning visuals of snow-covered landscapes, icebergs, and the cold atmosphere provide a perfect contrast to the hot summer, making this series a cooling balm for summer days.
5. Arpeggio of Blue Steel Features Naval Combat
If you want some action-packed naval warfare to break up your summer days, Arpeggio of Blue Steel delivers intense sea battles with a sci-fi twist. In this futuristic world, advanced sentient warships, known as the Fleet of Fog, take over the seas, and humanity’s only hope is the crew of a rogue Fog ship, the I-401.
The anime combines thrilling naval combat with sleek, futuristic ship designs, making it a unique choice for fans of both sci-fi and maritime adventures. As the characters navigate treacherous waters and battle sentient battleships, the backdrop of the open ocean provides the perfect cool setting for high-stakes action under the summer sun.
4. Black Lagoon Features High-Seas Adventures Under the Hot Sun
Black Lagoon brings intense, high-octane action to the sunny seas of Southeast Asia. This series follows Rokuro Okajima, a businessman turned mercenary, and the rest of the Lagoon Company as they navigate the dangerous underworld of pirates, gangsters, and warlords.
With its relentless action, stylish gunfights, and sun-soaked locales, Black Lagoon is a perfect pick for summer anime lovers. The series has a constant backdrop of tropical seas and coastal settings, but instead of relaxing on the beach, these characters are caught up in shootouts, explosions, and thrilling escapes. It’s the ultimate summer adventure anime – with plenty of grit and gunfire.
3. Rio: Rainbow Gate! Is a Stylish Vacation Anime
Summer is synonymous with vacations, and Rio: Rainbow Gate! sets its action at a high-end resort, where Rio Rollins Tachibana works as a casino dealer. This anime combines gambling, sunny beach settings, and resort life to create a vibrant, lighthearted vacation vibe.
While the story revolves around Rio’s ability to win at any game she plays, the glamorous backdrop of the Howard Resort offers a different kind of summer anime experience. The combination of luxury, games, and sun-soaked beach views make it a great choice for viewers wanting to experience a stylish summer getaway without leaving their living room.
2. My Dress-Up Darling Is Mostly Set in Summer
My Dress-Up Darling is a charming high school romance that’s set during the start of summer vacation. Marin Kitagawa and Wakana Gojo form an unlikely friendship through their shared interest in cosplay. As summer rolls in, the two dive into the world of crafting costumes, attending events, and even enjoying a beach trip together.
The show does a great job of capturing the carefree, experimental nature of summer, with its emphasis on hobbies, creativity, and youthful fun. The warmth of the season is felt throughout the series, with sunlit beach scenes and lazy summer days adding to its relaxing, feel-good vibes.
1. Samurai Champloo Is a Sunny Adventure
Samurai Champloo might not have a traditional beach episode, but the whole series exudes a sense of summer adventure. Set in feudal Japan, the series follows Fuu, Mugen, and Jin on their journey to find the samurai who smells of sunflowers.
The bright, sunny landscapes, fields of flowers, and the group’s casual wandering give the anime an easygoing, summery atmosphere. One standout episode, “Baseball Blues,” even involves a baseball game under the blazing sun. The mix of samurai action, humor, and warm weather make Samurai Champloo an iconic summer watch – full of unpredictable adventures and unforgettable moments.