Genres in the world of anime are more extensive than any other form of entertainment. From thrilling horror pictures to action-packed shounen masterpieces, Japanese animation continues to grow with each season. However, no genre makes for a better visual novel in particular than slice-of-life.

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Visual novels explore worlds more than their traditional counterparts, especially given their heavier focus on imagery. With that in mind, it makes sense that slice-of-life would fit some of the best visual novels; a genre focused on the day-to-day lifestyles of the characters rather than on a specific plot makes for better world-building.

10 Clannad

Naturally, one of the best slice-of-life anime comes from a visual novel. Clannad focuses on the story of a high-school boy named Tomoya Okazaki, who is plagued with a skewed perception of happiness. Throughout the story, the player will watch as he, and the heroines he encounters, face their past traumas and move into the future day-by-day.

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Among the anime and gaming communities, Clannad became the most well-known of Key's visual novels. The story is heartfelt, dramatic, and famous for leaving audiences with teary eyes. A perfect choice for players just entering into the slice-of-life genre, as well as for romance and drama lovers.

9 Senren * Banka: A Thousand Colors of Love

The slice-of-life genre has become saturated with school-life fantasies. That said, many visual novel and anime fans miss the more dream-like, imaginative worlds of novels like that of Senren * Banka: A Thousand Colors of Love. Set in the remote village of Hoori, players will find themselves taken back by the daily customs of a more feudal-like atmosphere.

The protagonist, Masaomi, finds himself in a sticky situation. Breaking the legendary sword, marriage to the shrine maiden princess, a secret curse. Audiences will find the plot of Senren * Banka hilarious, as the story's hero finds himself in one ridiculous event after another as days go on.

8 Katawa Shoujo

Key and Type-Moon visual novels may dominate the medium, but indie developers have a lot to offer too. Most notoriously, Katawa Shoujo became one of the best visual novels of the decade (not just among slice-of-life.) In the story, Hisao Nakai must transfer into a school for people with disabilities after a long hospitalization; the novel tells of his everyday relationships with each of the five heroines.

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Katawa Shoujo makes for a heart-warming story that discusses important issues in society. Few other visual novels approach disclusion and the struggles of disabilities in this manner, putting the novel in its own tier. The visual novel is perfect for audiences looking for a heartfelt story that is easy to get into.

7 Steins;Gate

Not all slice-of-life visual novels take place in high school (a common mistake for newcomers.) Any narrative that focuses on a daily progression rather than by plot has the potential to be slice-of-life; Steins;Gate gives evidence to this fundamental truth. The visual novel explores the daily life of Rintaro Okabe, a "mad scientist" of sorts.

Accidentally discovering a means of time travel, the visual novel explores the consciences of meddling with time. Though the artwork is a little grainier than other novels, Steins;Gate offers a one-of-a-kind sci-fi anime experience with thrilling suspense. Sci-fi and mystery lovers will love Steins;Gate, as well as the first entry of the Science Adventure series, Chaos;Head. 

6 Rewrite

Key visual novels, like Clannad, are known for their distinct style that focuses primarily on a school setting. However, Rewrite offers a different take on what a Key visual novel can be, as well as a unique take on slice-of-life in general. Most slice-of-life visual novels keep their focus purely on school life, however, Rewrite quickly makes the story unfold into the mystery genre.

The story focuses on the many strange circumstances surrounding Kotarou Tennouji, from the forested Kazamatsuri city to alternate dimensions. The fantasy elements are more pronounced in Rewrite than in other Key novels, making for an interesting addition to the slice-of-life genre.

5 Higurashi: When They Cry

Many view slice-of-life as being happy-go-lucky or dramatic. However, many horror novels have come to light in the industry. Higurashi: When They Cry became the best starting point for horror when it first released, remaining so to this day even when compared to its sibling Umineko. Focusing on the town of Hinamizawa, players will explore the murder-filled days of Keiichi Maebara.

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Higurashi is perfect for anime lovers that love a good murder mystery. Granted, the novels require a hefty viewing time, as well as a lot of gore (warning to uncomfortable players.) However, in the end, the visual novel is a classic among visual novels and a thrilling read all around. Perhaps, this comes from the fact that viewers can really perceive the events day-by-day in the protagonist's shoes.

4 Utawarerumono

The term "visual novel" may be a little bit loose when it comes to the Utawarerumono series. It's best to think of the games as being half visual novel, half JRPG (much like the Fire Emblem series.) Nonetheless, the three-game series makes for a fun time for any player that likes slice-of-life.

Focused on the journey of an amnesiac man named Hakuowlo (or Haku depending on the game,) the series explores the diverse nation of Tuskur. The world is vast, so a lot of the gameplay focuses on world-building the daily lives of the animal-like inhabitants. For anime watchers that want an RPG-like visual novel with a vast story, Utawarerumono makes for the best option by far.

3 Symphonic Rain

Music is one of the most instrumental parts of daily life, whether it be anime soundtracks or real-life pop. Sounds make up the backdrop of any given situation, and Symphonic Rain shows the best ways to use sound in a visual novel. Focused on the story of a music student in Italy named Chris, the novel introduces rhythm into gameplay.

Love in the town where the rain never ends, Symphonic Rain ensures that its striking backgrounds match its top-tier soundtrack. The plot offers up an interestingly unique take on slice-of-life, with a heavier focus on the soundtrack, a European setting, and much more.

2 Ever17 -The Out of Infinity-

Ever17 -The Out of Infinity- can't be described by any word but unique. To be fair, it only barely qualifies as a slice-of-life visual novel; while the plot runs on an end goal with a time limit, it does revolve around real-time pacing. The story takes place in the underwater park LeMU, which due to circumstances will implode after 119 hours.

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Interestingly, the game gives the player two options for the protagonist: Takeshi Kuranari and the Kid. Unlike other entries, Ever17 has a sense of urgency that makes for a more suspenseful playthrough. This makes it a perfect choice for readers that love a good thriller, as opposed to a slow romance.

1 The Fruit Of Grisaia

Many consider school to be a prison, but never in the literal sense. Well, this is exactly what players get in The Fruit of Grisaia, as they follow the view of Yuji Kazami. Enrolled in the mysterious, prison-like Mihama Academy, readers soon find that each of the five heroines has their own circumstances for being in attendance.

Dramatic and twisting, players will find themselves allured by the hidden personalities of the game's five heroines. The mix of comedy and suspense, complex yet simple enough to understand; The Fruit of Grisaia delivers an experience that any slice-of-life fan can enjoy.

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