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- Zero-G
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- P.A. Works
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- Studio Hibari
The Best Anime Set By The Ocean, Ranked
Vote for the ocean-themed anime that make you want to dive right in.
The ocean has always held a special allure in anime, offering a stunning backdrop for tales of adventure, growth, and camaraderie. From tranquil beaches to the mysteries of the deep, anime set by the sea captures the magic and wonder of life near the water. These stories transport viewers to breathtaking coastal worlds, where the ocean isn’t just a setting - it’s a vital force shaping the narrative.
In The Aquatope on White Sand, the serene beauty of Okinawa’s shores mirrors a heartfelt journey of self-discovery and healing. Meanwhile, Grand Blue delivers unrestrained laughter, pairing wild escapades with the refreshing charm of seaside living. These two series exemplify how anime set by the ocean can evoke powerful emotions and memorable experiences.
This list ranks the best anime inspired by oceanic settings, showcasing how the sea serves as both a muse and a stage for captivating storytelling. Whether you crave heartfelt drama, high-energy comedy, or tales of exploration, these ocean-themed anime promise something extraordinary. Dive into the rankings and explore these coastal gems.
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- P.A. Works
The Setting:
Nagi-Asu: A Lull in the Sea depicts a stunning underwater world where human-inhabitants navigate the ethereal beauty and mysticism of the oceanic depths. With breathtaking aquatic vistas and captivating sea life, this anime explores themes of change and coexistence amidst the ocean's serene embrace and swirling tides.
What It's About:
Four students from the sea must attend middle school on the land due to the closure of their school.Recommend this?- Photo:
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- P.A. Works
2The Aquatope on White Sand
The Setting:
In The Aquatope on White Sand, the story is set against the picturesque backdrop of Okinawa's coastline, where azure waves meet sun-kissed shores. The series skillfully captures the mesmerizing allure of the sea, blending stunning visuals with a story about dreams and finding solace in the tranquil ocean setting.
What It's About:
Kukuru Misakino, a young girl chasing her dream by working at an aquarium, meets Fuka Miyazawa, an idol from Tokyo who has given up her position and journeyed to Okinawa in search of something new.
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- Zero-G
The Setting:
Grand Blue offers a lighthearted and comedic take on seaside college life, immersing viewers in the sun-drenched beaches and crystal-clear waters of coastal Japan. The anime expertly captures the vibrant and carefree atmosphere of the ocean, juxtaposing moments of comedy with the beauty of underwater adventures.
What It's About:
A college student spends his year at the seaside town of Izu with high hopes and dreams about having the ideal college experience.
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- Bones
The Setting:
Josee, the Tiger and the Fish weaves a tender narrative set against the vivid blue sea, capturing the essence of dreams unfurling like waves upon the shore. The ocean becomes an inspiring backdrop, reflecting the hopes and emotions of its protagonists as they navigate the uncharted waters of life.
What It's About:
Tsuneo, an ordinary college student and avid diver, unexpectedly becomes the caretaker of a wheelchair-bound young woman and helps her overcome her fears of interacting with the outside world.
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- Kyoto Animation
The Setting:
In Free!, the water is not merely a setting but a pulse for the soul, capturing the spirit of youth through suspenseful swim races and the tranquil serenity of deep blue pools. Fluid animation and the rhythmic dance of sunlight through water breathe life into the athletes’ emotionally charged journey of friendship and rivalry.
What It's About:
Members of a school swimming club become friends.Recommend this?- Photo:
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- HAL Film Maker
The Setting:
Aria the Animation transports viewers to a futuristic, water-covered Mars reminiscent of Venice, where gondolas glide silently along sunlit canals. This anime weaves a sense of nostalgia and wonder into its oceanic setting, as tranquil waterways host journeys imbued with introspective charm and gentle camaraderie.
What It's About:
In the city of Neo Venezia, Akari Mizunashi and her friends train to become gondoliers.Recommend this?- Photo:
