2022 has had an undeniably strong first half for slice-of-life anime. The third season of Kaguya-Sama: Love is War in spring and the breakout season 1 of My Dress-Up Darling highlight an ever-growing genre that showcases just how exciting everyday life can be.
It's no surprise that thousands on MyAnimeList have several slice-of-life protagonists among their favorites. The year alone has had absolute stars like Loid Forger and Shirogane Miyuki. Between new favorites and old classics, it's no exaggeration to say slice-of-life anime may have the top protagonists of any anime genre.
Yatora Yaguchi - 2,704 favorites
Yatora Yaguchi lives a relatively dreary life until he happens upon a painting of an angel created by his senior Mori. The painting sparks in him an appreciation for art.
Yaguchi's tumultuous journey to becoming an artist makes it hard not to root for him. Throughout Blue Period, fans experience both the joy and heartache of those that try to pursue the arts professionally as well as the grueling process of entrance exams for prestigious art schools. Yaguchi's perseverance matches that of any anime protagonist.
Haruhi Fujioka - 6,464 favorites
Haruhi Fujioka is a middle-class student at an elite private school. After breaking a vase owned by the school's goofy host club, Haruhi has to pay it off by working for them.
Haruhi's clashes with the host club members are always entertaining, and the show does a great job at showcasing how Haruhi is from another world than the other members of the club. Whether she's complaining about "those damn rich people" or struggling to deal with the eccentric private school girls that attend the host club, Haruhi is a great comedic protagonist.
Miyuki Shirogane - 5,234 favorites
Miyuki Shirogane is a beloved student council president and one of the two protagonists and primary POV characters in Kaguya-Sama: Love is War.
Whether he's training with student council secretary Chika in sports anime-like montages, spending quality time with his best friend and treasurer Ishigami, or pining after his love interest and vice president Kaguya, Miyuki is a fantastic president and an even better friend.
Legoshi - 7,436 favorites
The protagonist of Beastars, Legoshi, is a powerful wolf who dedicates himself to protecting the weaker herbivores after an accident with a rabbit named Hal.
While Beastars has some Shonen elements, the show ultimately is a slice-of-life revolving around the daily life of Legoshi, Hal, and Louis. Legoshi's dedication to protecting those around him makes him an admirable character that's easy to root for. Unlike other main characters, he also doesn't always say or do the right thing, which makes him as relatable as he is admirable.
Tohru Honda - 9,041
The orphaned Tohru lives on her own until she gets the opportunity to live with the odd Soma family. She grows very close with Yuki and Kyo Soma and eventually discovers their unique family secret.
While Shonen anime has plenty of great couples, it's hard to argue that slice-of-life is the genre best known for great romances. No show does romance better than Fruits Basket. The main pair, Tohru and Kyo, are a beautiful couple with many fans. Even apart from Kyo, Tohru is a strong and compassionate person who perseveres through tragedy.
Konata Izumi - 14, 503
Lucky Star's protagonist, Konata Izumi, is the leader of the Lucky Star crew. She's both athletic and intelligent, but doesn't compete in sports and has horrible grades.
Konata's failings are due to a key cornerstone of the series: her intense love for anime and video games. Much of Lucky Star and Konata's funniest moments are parodies of famous video games and anime. Fans are often drawn to Lucky Star after seeing clips of the show parodying classics like Yu-Gi-Oh! and Pokémon.
Haruhi Suzumiya - 15,306
The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya revolves around two central protagonists: Haruhi and Kyon. Together, they form the SOS Brigade in search of fascinating beings.
While the bulk of POV in the story comes from Kyon, he and Haruhi c0-star throughout the story. Haruhi's lack of knowledge about her supernatural powers does make it difficult to make the character have much POV dialogue, but the titular character is made even funnier by both her ignorance and mystery.
Marin Kitagawa - 17,956
Marin Kitagawa is an amateur cosplayer and one of the two co-protagonists of My Dress-Up Darling. Together with her friend Gojo, Marin explores the world of both cosplay and romance.
My Dress-Up Darling is one of the funniest anime currently out, and Marin is a huge reason why the show had such a breakout season 1. She's confident, outgoing, and compassionate. However, all of that goes out the window when it comes to her crush on Gojo, the creator of her cosplays.
Houtaro Oreki - 22,354 favorites
Houtaro Oreki, the protagonist of Hyouka, was a high school first year with a "gray" view of the world and a penchant for cutting corners.
Houtaro's decision to join the classical lit club threw his world for a loop. Just watching his interactions with fellow leading character Eru is a joy, and Houtaro's growth throughout the series is immense. From an average Joe to mystery solver extraordinaire, it isn't hard to see why fans love Houtaro.
Kaguya Shinomiya - 23,470 favorites
Kaguya Shinomiya is the student council vice president and co-protagonist of Kaguya-Sama: Love is War along with her love interest Shirogane Miyuki.
Kaguya-Sama: Love is War has become one of the most popular Slice-of-Life anime in the world, and it isn't hard to see why fans love the titular protagonist so much. Kaguya's schemes are brilliant and her wars of love with Shirogane are hysterical. Anime fans don't know who will win their war of love by the end, but Kaguya and Miyuki deserve to be the stars of one of the decade's hit shows.