What is this genre all about? Absurdist (surreal) humour is a form of humour based on violations of causal reasoning with events and behaviours that are logically incongruent. Constructions of surreal humour involve bizarre juxtapositions, non-sequiturs, irrational situations, and/or expressions of nonsense.
The humour arises from a subversion of audience's expectations, so that amusement is founded on unpredictability, separate from a logical analysis of the situation.
We present you the list of Absurdist Humour anime you should watch right now.
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Top 19 Absurdist Humour anime you should watch right now. [2024 List]
- 19. One Piece
- 18. Shikanoko Nokonoko Koshitantan
- 17. Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
- 16. Saiki Kusuo no Ψ-nan (TV)
- 15. Kill la Kill
- 14. Durarara!!
- 13. Mononoke: Karakasa
- 12. Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo
- 11. Saiki Kusuo no Ψ-nan (TV) 2
- 10. Lucky☆Star
- 9. Space☆Dandy
- 8. Himesama "Goumon" no Jikan desu
- 7. Akiba Maid Sensou
- 6. Yuusha ga Shinda!
- 5. Plastic Neesan
- 4. Keijo!!!!!!!!
- 3. Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu
- 2. Helck
- 1. Hayate no Gotoku!
19. One Piece
Gol D. Roger was known as the "Pirate King," the strongest and most infamous being to have sailed the Grand Line. The capture and death of Roger by the World Government brought a change throughout the world. His last words before his death revealed the existence of the greatest treasure in the world, One Piece. It was this revelation that brought about the Grand Age of Pirates, men who dreamed of finding One Piece—which promises an unlimited amount of riches and fame—and quite possibly the pinnacle of glory and the title of the Pirate King.
Enter Monkey D. Luffy, a 17-year-old boy who defies your standard definition of a pirate. Rather than the popular persona of a wicked, hardened, toothless pirate ransacking villages for fun, Luffy’s reason for being a pirate is one of pure wonder: the thought of an exciting adventure that leads him to intriguing people and ultimately, the promised treasure. Following in the footsteps of his childhood hero, Luffy and his crew travel across the Grand Line, experiencing crazy adventures, unveiling dark mysteries and battling strong enemies, all in order to reach the most coveted of all fortunes—One Piece.
One Piece is currently airing and will have Episodes. It is also Known as: ONE PIECE, ワンピース
18. Shikanoko Nokonoko Koshitantan
Koshi Torako has everyone fooled. Her classmates see her as the perfect honor student, unaware of her secret delinquent past. But her new picturesque school life is thrown into chaos when she bumps into Shikanoko Noko, a girl with antlers! Mayhem seems to follow this strange doe-eyed girl. Who, or what, is she?
Note: Each episode streamed 4 days early on ABEMA. The original TV broadcast started on July 7th, 2024.
My Deer Friend Nokotan has finished airing and it has 12 Episodes. It is also Known as: しかのこのこのここしたんたん, Shikanoko Nokonoko Koshitantan
17. Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
Simon and Kamina were born and raised in a deep, underground village, hidden from the fabled surface. Kamina is a free-spirited loose cannon bent on making a name for himself, while Simon is a timid young boy with no real aspirations. One day while excavating the earth, Simon stumbles upon a mysterious object that turns out to be the ignition key to an ancient artifact of war, which the duo dubs Lagann. Using their new weapon, Simon and Kamina fend off a surprise attack from the surface with the help of Yoko Littner, a hot-blooded redhead wielding a massive gun who wanders the world above.
In the aftermath of the battle, the sky is now in plain view, prompting Simon and Kamina to set off on a journey alongside Yoko to explore the wastelands of the surface. Soon, they join the fight against the "Beastmen," humanoid creatures that terrorize the remnants of humanity in powerful robots called "Gunmen." Although they face some challenges and setbacks, the trio bravely fights these new enemies alongside other survivors to reclaim the surface, while slowly unraveling a galaxy-sized mystery.
Gurren Lagann has finished airing and it has 27 Episodes. It is also Known as: 天元突破グレンラガン, Tengen Toppa Gurren-Lagann, Making Break-Through Gurren Lagann, Heavenly Breakthrough Gurren Lagann, TTGL, Gurren Laggan
16. Saiki Kusuo no Ψ-nan (TV)
To the average person, psychic abilities might seem a blessing; for Kusuo Saiki, however, this couldn't be further from the truth. Gifted with a wide assortment of supernatural abilities ranging from telepathy to x-ray vision, he finds this so-called blessing to be nothing but a curse. As all the inconveniences his powers cause constantly pile up, all Kusuo aims for is an ordinary, hassle-free life—a life where ignorance is bliss.
Unfortunately, the life of a psychic is far from quiet. Though Kusuo tries to stay out of the spotlight by keeping his powers a secret from his classmates, he ends up inadvertently attracting the attention of many odd characters, such as the empty-headed Riki Nendou and the delusional Shun Kaidou. Forced to deal with the craziness of the people around him, Kusuo comes to learn that the ordinary life he has been striving for is a lot more difficult to achieve than expected.
Note: Originally aired as 120 5min episodes that were later compiled into 24 normal lenght episodes
The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. has finished airing and it has 120 Episodes. It is also Known as: 斉木楠雄のΨ難, Saiki Kusuo no Psi Nan
15. Kill la Kill
After the murder of her father, Ryuuko Matoi has been wandering the land in search of his killer. Following her only lead—the missing half of his invention, the Scissor Blade—she arrives at the prestigious Honnouji Academy, a high school unlike any other. The academy is ruled by the imposing and cold-hearted student council president Satsuki Kiryuuin alongside her powerful underlings, the Elite Four. In the school's brutally competitive hierarchy, Satsuki bestows upon those at the top special clothes called "Goku Uniforms," which grant the wearer unique superhuman abilities.
Thoroughly beaten in a fight against one of the students in uniform, Ryuuko retreats to her razed home where she stumbles across Senketsu, a rare and sentient "Kamui," or God Clothes. After coming into contact with Ryuuko's blood, Senketsu awakens, latching onto her and providing her with immense power. Now, armed with Senketsu and the Scissor Blade, Ryuuko makes a stand against the Elite Four, hoping to reach Satsuki and uncover the culprit behind her father's murder once and for all.
Kill la Kill has finished airing and it has 24 Episodes. It is also Known as: キルラキル, KILL la KILL, KLK, Dressed to Kill, Kiru ra Kiru
14. Durarara!!
In Tokyo's downtown district of Ikebukuro, amidst many strange rumors and warnings of anonymous gangs and dangerous occupants, one urban legend stands out above the rest—the existence of a headless "Black Rider" who is said to be seen driving a jet-black motorcycle through the city streets.
Mikado Ryuugamine has always longed for the excitement of the city life, and an invitation from a childhood friend convinces him to move to Tokyo. Witnessing the Black Rider on his first day in the city, his wishes already seem to have been granted. But as supernatural events begin to occur, ordinary citizens like himself, along with Ikebukuro's most colorful inhabitants, are mixed up in the commotion breaking out in their city.
Durarara!! has finished airing and it has 24 Episodes. It is also Known as: デュラララ!!, Dhurarara!!, Dyurarara!!, Dulalala!!, Dullalala!!, DRRR!!
13. Mononoke: Karakasa
In the chambers of the Edo harem, two newcomers uncover political intrigue, rivalry, and a vengeful spirit only one traveling medicine seller can vanquish.
Mononoke The Movie: The Phantom in the Rain has finished airing and it has 1 Episodes. It is also Known as: モノノ怪 唐傘, Mononoke: The Movie, Mononoke: Paper Umbrella, Mononoke Movie, 劇場版 モノノ怪
12. Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo
When abandoned kittens and his good conscience force second year Sorata Kanda to move into Suimei High School’s infamous Sakura Hall, the satellite dorm and its eccentric, misfit residents turn his life upside down. The decidedly average Sorata finds it difficult to fit in with the bizarre collection of dorm residents like Misaki, an energetic animator; Jin, a playwright playboy; Ryuunosuke, a reclusive programmer; and Chihiro, the dorm manager, art teacher, and party girl.
Sorata's friend Nanami, a second year student and aspiring voice actress, pushes him to find new owners for the many cats so that he can quickly move back into the regular dorms. However, his desire to escape Sakura Hall wavers when the pet-like and infantile second year Mashiro Shiina, a world-class artistic savant looking to become a mangaka, transfers in during the spring trimester and quickly latches onto him.
Supported by each other's quirks, Sorata and Mashiro come out of their shells and trigger change in the lives of those around them. Based on the light novel series of the same name, Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo explores the fine threads connecting talent, hard work, romance, and friendship with its ensemble cast.
The Pet Girl of Sakurasou has finished airing and it has 24 Episodes. It is also Known as: さくら荘のペットな彼女, Sakura-sou no Pet na Kanojo
11. Saiki Kusuo no Ψ-nan (TV) 2
Sequel to Saiki Kusuo no Ψ-nan (TV).
The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. 2 has finished airing and it has 24 Episodes. It is also Known as: 斉木楠雄のΨ難 2, Saiki Kusuo no Psi Nan 2
10. Lucky☆Star
Lucky☆Star follows the daily lives of four cute high school girls—Konata Izumi, the lazy otaku; the Hiiragi twins, Tsukasa and Kagami (sugar and spice, respectively); and the smart and well-mannered Miyuki Takara.
As they go about their lives at school and beyond, they develop their eccentric and lively friendship and making humorous observations about the world around them. Be it Japanese tradition, the intricacies of otaku culture, academics, or the correct way of preparing and eating various foods—no subject is safe from their musings.
Lucky☆Star has finished airing and it has 24 Episodes. It is also Known as: らき☆すた, Lucky Star
9. Space☆Dandy
The universe is a mysterious and strange place, full of even stranger and more mysterious aliens. Dandy's job is to hunt down unclassified aliens and register them for a reward. It sounds easy enough, but something weird always seems to happen along the way, like chance meetings with zombies, mystical ramen chefs, and adorable orphans. Hunting down aliens may not be easy, but it's definitely never boring.
With the help of his sidekicks, the adorable robot vacuum QT and cat-like alien Meow, and his slightly-used ship the Aloha Oe, Dandy roams the galaxy searching for new alien species. What he usually finds, however, is adventure, danger, and romance, and no two journeys (or universes) are ever the same. This is Space☆Dandy, baby!
Space Dandy has finished airing and it has 13 Episodes. It is also Known as: スペース☆ダンディ, Space☆Dandy
8. Himesama "Goumon" no Jikan desu
As the war between the Imperial Army and Hellhorde rages on, the Princess, despite being armed with her mythical sword Excalibur, is captured and imprisoned. What kind of torture does she face at the hands of the chief demon interrogator? Fluffy fresh-baked toast! Hot, steaming ramen! Oh, the humanity! Can the Princess withstand these tormenting treats and keep her kingdom’s secrets safe?
'Tis Time for "Torture," Princess has finished airing and it has 12 Episodes. It is also Known as: 姫様“拷問”の時間です, It's Time for "Interrogation", Princess!, Hime-sama "Goumon" no Jikan desu
7. Akiba Maid Sensou
Akihabara is the center of the universe for the coolest hobbies and quirkiest amusements. In the spring of 1999, bright-eyed Nagomi Wahira moves there with dreams of joining a maid café. She quickly dons an apron at café Ton Tokoton, AKA the Pig Hut. But adjusting to life in bustling Akihabara isn’t as easy as serving tea and delighting customers. Paired with the dour Ranko who never seems to smile, Nagomi must do her best to elevate the Pig Hut over all other maid cafés vying for top ranking. Along the way she’ll slice out a place for herself amid the frills and thrills of life at the Pig Hut. Just when Nagomi’s dreams are within her grasp, she discovers not everything is as it seems amid the maid cafés of Akihabara.
Akiba Maid War has finished airing and it has 12 Episodes. It is also Known as: アキバ冥途戦争, Akiba Maid Sensou
6. Yuusha ga Shinda!
Touka is just your average (slightly perverted) farmer in the village of Cheza. While he daydreams about being a hero and getting the girl, the real hero, Sion, is out battling demons that threaten to invade the world! But one day, Touka accidentally kills the hero…?! With the Legendary Hero dead, who’s going to save the world now?! Touka quickly buries Sion’s body to hide the evidence, but wakes up the next day to discover he is no longer in his own body…!!
The Legendary Hero Is Dead! has finished airing and it has 12 Episodes. It is also Known as: 勇者が死んだ！, Yuusha ga Shinda!
5. Plastic Neesan
Iroe Genma is a third-year high school student often referred to as "Elder Sister" despite her short height. This troublemaking teenager is the president of her school's Model Club, which is dedicated to building plastic models of various objects and structures, such as cars, boats, and even robots.
Joined by her two underclassmen, the violent Hazuki "Okappa" Okamoto and the rational Makina "Makimaki" Sakamaki, the small group aims to carry out their club duties but are often sidetracked by a myriad of distractions. From battles between club members to lessons on how to confess to your crush, these three schoolgirls get caught up in all sorts of wacky, and downright outrageous situations!
Plastic Neesan has finished airing and it has 12 Episodes. It is also Known as: ＋チック姉さん, +tic Nee-san, +tic Elder Sister, Plustic Neesan, Plastic Nee-san, Purasu Chikku Neesan, Plastic Elder Sister
4. Keijo!!!!!!!!
Kaminashi Nozomi (17) is an exceptional gymnast. So much so that colleges with some of the best gymnastic programs are trying to recruit her. Unfortunately for them, she has other plans. Due to her family being extremely poor, money is everything to her. That's why she wants to step into the world of "Keijo." "Keijo" is a type of gambling sport where girls stand on a small floating platform and compete against one another. The aim is to push the other contestant off of the platform into the water, but they are only allowed to use their butt or breasts to push the others off. Will Nozomi be able to compete in the intense world of "Keijo" and bring wealth and fortune for her family?
Keijo!!!!!!!! has finished airing and it has 12 Episodes. It is also Known as: 競女!!!!!!!!, Keijo!!!!!!!!
3. Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu
The story centers around Akihisa Yoshii, the "baka" of the title. His academy rigidly divides up the student body into classes based on the results of tests. The prodigies are in the A class with reclining seats complete with air conditioning, but Akihisa is in F class, the lowest rung of the school ladder which is furnished only with low, decrepit tables and worn-out straw tatami mats. A girl named Mizuki Himeji is actually one of the smartest girls in Akihisa's sophomore year, but she had a fever on test day and was pigeonholed into the F class. Besides Mizuki (who Akihisa secretly adores), the F class also has Yuuji Sakamoto, the class president who has been Akihisa's friend and partner-in-crime since the freshman year.
The school happens to have developed experiments to summon fantasy creatures, and Akihisa decides to rally F class to take on the higher-tiered classes and seize their perks. The F class uses the summoned creatures in an all-out battle for school supremacy.
Baka & Test - Summon the Beasts has finished airing and it has 13 Episodes. It is also Known as: バカとテストと召喚獣, The Idiot, the Tests, and the Summoned Creatures, Baka to Test to Shokanju, BakaTest, The Idiot, the Tests, and the Summoned Creatures
2. Helck
A certain country in the demon world. The Demon King was defeated by the hands of one of the heroes, and a competition was held for the title of the New Demon King. The Imperial Four Heavenly Kings Vermilio, who is in charge of the tournament, is furious at the participation of the human hero Helck, who is supposed to be her enemy. After receiving news of the fall of the castle of Urum before the final, Vermilio sets out to retake Urum Castle with Helck and other finalists. With a smile, Helck says, "Let's destroy humans." Are those words true? The truth behind the smile is...
Notes:
・The first and second episode premiered at Anime Expo 2023 on July 1.
Helck has finished airing and it has 24 Episodes. It is also Known as: ヘルク, Helck
1. Hayate no Gotoku!
According to Murphy's Law, "anything that can go wrong, will go wrong," and truer words cannot describe the unfortunate life of the hard-working Hayate Ayasaki. Abandoned by his parents after accumulating a debt of over one hundred fifty million yen, he is sold off to the yakuza, initiating his swift getaway from a future he does not want. On that fateful night, he runs into Nagi Sanzenin, a young girl whom he decides to try and kidnap to pay for his family's massive debt.
Unfortunately, due to his kind-hearted nature and a string of misunderstandings, Nagi believes Hayate to be confessing his love to her. After saving her from real kidnappers, Hayate is hired as Nagi's personal butler, upon which she is revealed to be a member of one of the wealthiest families in Japan.
Highly skilled but cursed with the world's worst luck, Hayate gets straight to work serving his employer all the while trying to deal with the many misfortunes that befall him. From taking care of a mansion to fending off dangerous foes, and even unintentionally wooing the hearts of the women around him, Hayate is in over his head in the butler comedy Hayate no Gotoku!
Hayate the Combat Butler has finished airing and it has 52 Episodes. It is also Known as: ハヤテのごとく！, Hayate no Gotoku!
