Everyday Powers: The Best Slice of Life Anime with Supernatural Twists from the 2010s

The 2010s were a golden era for anime experimentation, particularly in the Slice of Life (SoL) genre. While the early 2000s thrived on “cute girls doing cute things,” the following decade pushed creative boundaries, blending everyday moments with supernatural abilities.

This combination, often called “Supernatural Slice of Life,” creates a strangely comforting mix: characters who could level cities with their powers but would rather stress over school exams, friendships, or their next cup of coffee.

For Western audiences, these shows became comfy, binge-worthy essentials, offering a perfect balance of relatable life struggles and jaw-dropping powers.

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If you’re hunting for the ultimate mix of heartfelt slice of life and fantastical abilities, here’s a curated guide to the best supernatural slice of life anime of the 2010s.

1. The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. (2016)

Why It’s a Must-Watch: Hilarious Subversion of Overpowered Tropes

If there’s one series that nails the “what if having unlimited powers was inconvenient?” concept, it’s Saiki K.

• The Premise: Kusuo Saiki is a psychic powerhouse—he can read minds, teleport, travel through time, and basically do anything. But all he wants is a quiet life, free from social interaction… and maybe a coffee jelly dessert or two.
• Why It Works: Instead of using powers for heroics or combat, Saiki treats them as constant nuisances. The comedy arises from his desperate attempts to live normally despite god-level abilities.
• 2010s Vibe: Fast-paced humor, meta-commentary, and a cast of “normal” classmates who are somehow more exhausting than any natural disaster.

Personal Take: Watching Saiki dodge social situations using psychic powers never gets old. It’s a refreshing, laugh-out-loud take on the overpowered protagonist trope.

2. Mob Psycho 100 (2016–2019)

Why It Stands Out: Emotional Depth Meets Jaw-Dropping Powers

Although Mob Psycho 100 is often labeled as shonen action, at its core, it’s a coming-of-age slice of life story.

• The Premise: Shigeo “Mob” Kageyama is a timid, overpowered psychic. Working under the quirky self-proclaimed psychic Reigen, Mob’s goal isn’t to be the strongest—it’s to be normal and socially accepted.
• Why It Works: The series emphasizes that true strength comes from choices, kindness, and personal growth—not supernatural ability. The mundane daily life moments, like Mob’s self-improvement club, are the real heart of the show.
• Visuals & Style: Studio BONES’ animation is nothing short of revolutionary, blending fluid fight sequences with subtle, slice-of-life charm.

Personal Take: Mob’s struggle to balance normal life with supernatural chaos is incredibly relatable. The emotional resonance hits even if you’re not a fan of flashy powers.

3. Hinamatsuri (2018)

Why It’s Unique: Alien Powers Collide With Heartwarming Chaos

Hinamatsuri is a standout for blending absurd comedy with touching emotional arcs.

• The Premise: Yakuza member Nitta discovers Hina, a telekinetic girl from another world, suddenly living in his apartment. Despite her overwhelming power, Hina’s presence turns Nitta’s life upside down.
• Why It Works: Beyond the laughs, the show balances emotional depth, particularly in the side story of Anzu, a powered girl navigating homelessness and responsibility. It’s a perfect mix of chaos and heart.

Personal Take: Hinamatsuri is the kind of anime where laughter and tears often hit in the same episode—a rare achievement in SoL with powers.

4. The Devil is a Part-Timer! (2013)

Why It’s Fun: The Ultimate Reverse-Isekai Comedy

Before isekai dominated anime trends, this series flipped the genre entirely.

• The Premise: Satan flees his magical world and ends up in modern Tokyo, stripped of most powers. To survive, he takes the only job available: part-time fast food work at “MgRonald’s.”
• Why It Works: The series highlights absurd contrasts—the world’s most feared demon obsessing over employee benefits and punctuality. It’s clever, witty, and surprisingly relatable for anyone who’s ever worked a mundane job.

Personal Take: The comedy of a world-threatening demon worrying about scheduling and promotions is an underrated slice-of-life gem.

5. Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day (2011)

Why It’s Emotional: Supernatural Powers as a Tool for Healing

For fans who lean toward drama, Anohana is unforgettable.

• The Premise: A group of childhood friends drifts apart after Menma’s death. Years later, Menma appears as a ghost, requesting help to fulfill a forgotten wish.
• Why It Works: Menma’s “supernatural presence” drives a profound story about grief, guilt, and friendship. It’s a quiet, contemplative series with emotional depth rarely seen in SoL anime.

Personal Take: Prepare tissues. Anohana blends everyday life and subtle supernatural storytelling to craft one of the most heartfelt series of the decade.

Honorable Mentions

Why the 2010s Supernatural Slice of Life Resonates in the U.S.

The charm of these shows often comes from balancing escapism with real-life struggles. Saiki K. and Mob Psycho 100, for example, connect with audiences because they reflect universal challenges: fitting in, handling responsibilities, and balancing personal quirks—albeit with powers nobody else understands.

Accessibility played a huge role in their popularity. Platforms like Crunchyroll and Funimation made it easy for Western fans to discover niche subgenres, creating dedicated followings that still thrive today.

Final Thoughts

The 2010s proved that slice of life anime doesn’t have to be small-scale or mundane. With a supernatural twist, everyday struggles become more poignant, hilarious, and, most importantly, relatable. Whether you’re laughing at Saiki’s psychic mishaps, marveling at Mob’s self-improvement journey, or crying with Menma, there’s a supernatural slice of life anime for every mood.

So, which of these classics defines your 2010s anime experience?