7.2 / 10 (based on 162 reviews)
Yuigaoka Girls High School is a newly established school that lies between the Omotesando, Harajuku, and Aoyama neighborhoods of Tokyo. The story centers on its first batch of students. With no history, no upperclassmen or alumni, and no reputation, it is a school full of unknowns. Five girls, among them Kanon Shibuya, have a fateful encounter with school idols. Kanon decides, “I love singing. I want to make something come true with song!” Many feelings converge upon a star that has only started to grow. The future is blank and full of possibility for these girls, and their story that everyone will make possible has only just begun. Soar with your wings, our Love Live.
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Music
Main Cast: Sayuri Date, Liyuu, Nako Misaki, Naomi Payton
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes
Shows Most Like Love Live! Superstar!! (2021)
Love Live!: School Idol Project (2013)
7.2 / 10 (based on 1036 reviews)
When news gets out that the school is going to close due to poor numbers of new students Honoka and several of her friends rally together and form a school Idol group in order to prevent the school from closing.
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Drama, Music
Main Cast: Emi Nitta, Aya Uchida, Pile, Suzuko Mimori
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 27 episodes, 25.0-minute runtime
Love Live! Sunshine!! (2016)
7 / 10 (based on 534 reviews)
The second term has started and the members of Aqours work harder than ever to save their school from being shut down.
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Drama, Music
Main Cast: Anju Inami, Rikako Aida, Nanaka Suwa, Arisa Komiya
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 27 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
Love Live! Nijigasaki Gakuen School Idol Doukoukai (2020)
7 / 10 (based on 176 reviews)
The story centers on the members of the School Idol Club in Nijigasaki, and their attempt to prevent the club from being abolished.
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Music
Main Cast: Hinaki Yano, Aguri Onishi, Mayu Sagara, Kaori Maeda
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 14 episodes
Kageki Shoujo!! (2021)
7.4 / 10 (based on 190 reviews)
Founded in the Taisho era, the “Red Flower Opera Company” attracts people’s hearts across generations on a beautiful and gorgeous stage created only by unmarried women. The 100th generation students who have passed through a high magnification and entered the “Red Flower Opera Music School” to develop the human resources. Sarasa Watanabe, an innocent girl with a height of 178 cm who longs for “Oscar-sama.” Ai Narada, a former national idol who is indifferent to everything, both dreams and friends. The music school life full of hope and conflict, where everything is disjointed, is about to begin.
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Drama
Main Cast: Kayleigh McKee, Kestin Howard, Sayaka Senbongi, Yumiri Hanamori
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 13 episodes
Genjitsu-shugi-yûsha no ôkoku-saiken-ki (2021)
7.2 / 10 (based on 1617 reviews)
O, Hero! When Kazuya Souma is unexpectedly transported to another world, he knows the people expect a hero. But Souma’s idea of heroism is more practical than most, he wants to rebuild the flagging economy of the new land he’s found himself in! Betrothed to the princess and abruptly planted on the throne, this realist hero must gather talented people to help him get the country back on its feet–not through war, or adventure, but with administrative reform.
Genre: Animation, Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Romance
Main Cast: Yûsuke Kobayashi, Inori Minase, Show Hayami, Ikumi Hasegawa
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 14 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
Shiroi Suna no Aquatope (2021)
7.3 / 10 (based on 311 reviews)
The anime takes place at Gama Gama Aquarium, a small aquarium in Okinawa, an hour’s bus ride from Naha. Kukuru Misakino is an 18-year-old high school student who works there, and she knows about the “secret” of the aquarium: sometimes you can see mysterious things. One day Kukuru meets Fuuka, standing in front of a water tank with flowing hair and a tear rolling down her cheek. Fuuka has given up on her dream of becoming an idol and she has run away from Tokyo to Okinawa. Wanting to find a place to belong, Fuuka earnestly asks to work at the aquarium. The anime follows Kukuru and Fuuka as they deal with the issues of the secret of the aquarium and a looming crisis of its possible closure.
Genre: Animation, Drama
Main Cast: Miku Itou, Rikako Aida, Shimba Tsuchiya, Lynn
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 24 episodes
Taisho Otome Otogi Banashi (2021)
7.6 / 10 (based on 443 reviews)
Tamahiko finds himself exiled to the countryside by his wealthy family because of his disability. His lonely life is turned upside down by the arrival of Yuzuki, his arranged bride.
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Drama, History, Romance
Main Cast: Yûsuke Kobayashi, Saya Aizawa, Yûna Mimura, Yume Miyamoto
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes, 23.0-minute runtime
Kaizoku oujo (2021)
7 / 10 (based on 824 reviews)
Fena Houtman, a young orphan girl, has been raised on an island where there is no hope of becoming anything more than chattel, to be used and discarded by soldiers of the British Empire. But Fena is more than just another powerless orphan. When her mysterious past comes knocking, Fena will break the chains of her oppressors. Her goal: forge a new identity, free of bondage, and search for a place where she can truly belong and find out the true mysteries behind a keyword “Eden.”
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Main Cast: Asami Seto, Ryouta Suzuki, Takahiro Sakurai, Aoi Yûki
Creators: Kazuto Nakazawa
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes
Bokutachi no Remake (2021)
7 / 10 (based on 913 reviews)
Hashiba Kyouya is a 28 year old game developer. With his company going bankrupt, and him losing his job, he returns to his hometown. Looking at the success of creators of his age, he finds himself regretting his life decisions as he lay distressed on his bed. But when he opens his eyes, he finds that he has travelled 10 years back to the time before he entered college. Will he finally make things right? This is a story about a failed person who is given a second opportunity to follow his dreams.
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Drama, Sci-Fi
Main Cast: Masahiro Itô, Aimi, Aoi Koga, Hidenori Takahashi
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes, 25.0-minute runtime
Shinigami Bocchan to Kuro Maid (2021)
7.2 / 10 (based on 611 reviews)
A cursed duke who kills everyone he touches lives in a mansion in the forest, with only a butler and a seductive maid for company. Will he free himself of his curse?
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Natsuki Hanae, Ayumi Mano, Wakana Kuramochi, Hôchû Ôtsuka
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 13 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
Tsuki to Laika to Nosferatu (2021)
6.7 / 10 (based on 331 reviews)
In an alternate 1960s, a space program recruits a vampire to serve as an astronaut and go into space.
Genre: Animation, Drama, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Main Cast: Megumi Hayashibara, Koki Uchiyama, Hina Kino, Takaya Hashi
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes, 23.0-minute runtime
In the world of anime, few genres have the staying power and widespread appeal of the idol genre. Among the shining stars in this category, “Love Live! Superstar!!” has carved out its own niche, captivating audiences since its debut in 2021. This show isn’t just another entry in the idol anime roster; it’s a fresh take that both honors the legacy of its predecessors and charts its own unique course. Let’s take a closer look at what makes “Love Live! Superstar!!” stand out.
The Premise
At its core, “Love Live! Superstar!!” follows a tried-and-true formula: a group of high school girls band together to form an idol group, aiming for the stars in the competitive world of school idols. This time, the story centers around Yuigaoka Girls’ High School, a brand-new institution without history, alumni, or even an upperclassman to speak of. Here, we meet Kanon Shibuya, a girl with a passion for singing but plagued by stage fright. Her encounter with Keke Tang, an enthusiastic girl with dreams of creating the ultimate school idol group, sets the stage for the duo’s quest to recruit members and make their dreams a reality.
Characters That Resonate
What truly sets “Love Live! Superstar!!” apart are its characters. Each member of Liella!, the school idol group at the heart of the series, is crafted with care, ensuring they’re more than just archetypes.
- Kanon Shibuya is the relatable protagonist, whose struggles with stage fright and self-doubt provide a compelling narrative drive.
- Keke Tang brings an infectious enthusiasm and serves as a catalyst for the formation of Liella!. Her background as a Chinese transfer student adds a layer of cultural diversity.
- Chisato Arashi, Sumire Heanna, and Ren Hazuki round out the group, each bringing their own unique challenges, backgrounds, and aspirations. This diversity in character backgrounds and motivations adds depth to the narrative, making their journey to stardom all the more engaging.
The Music
No discussion of “Love Live! Superstar!!” would be complete without mentioning the music. The songs are not just performances; they’re integral to the story, reflecting the characters’ growth, dreams, and the bonds they form. From catchy pop tunes to emotional ballads, the music of “Love Live! Superstar!!” is a highlight that sets it apart from its peers. Each performance is a spectacle, combining vibrant animation with stellar choreography, making each concert a memorable event.
The Animation
Speaking of animation, “Love Live! Superstar!!” benefits from the high production values typical of the franchise. The character designs are distinctive and appealing, and the animation during performances captures the energy and excitement of live concerts. The attention to detail, from the movements of the characters to the expressions they make while performing, adds a layer of realism and immersion that is sometimes missing in other idol anime.
Themes and Messages
Beyond the glitz and glamour of the idol world, “Love Live! Superstar!!” delves into themes that resonate with its audience. The struggle with self-doubt, the importance of friendship, and the pursuit of one’s dreams are central to the narrative. The show doesn’t shy away from the challenges and setbacks the characters face, making their successes all the more rewarding. It’s a reminder that with perseverance and support, it’s possible to overcome obstacles and achieve one’s goals.
Impact and Legacy
Since its debut, “Love Live! Superstar!!” has made a significant impact on the idol anime genre. It has breathed new life into the “Love Live!” franchise, attracting both longtime fans and newcomers. The show’s emphasis on diversity, its fresh take on the idol genre, and its high production values have set a new standard for what an idol anime can be.
Conclusion
“Love Live! Superstar!!” is more than just another idol anime. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of the genre and a standout entry in the “Love Live!” franchise. With its compelling characters, engaging story, fantastic music, and stunning animation, it’s a show that captures the heart and imagination of its audience. Whether you’re a longtime fan of idol anime or new to the genre, “Love Live! Superstar!!” is a series that deserves a spot on your watchlist.