The "cute girls doing cute things" or CGDCT anime genre has surged in popularity in recent years. These slice-of-life series follow groups of spirited girls pursuing school clubs, interests, or adventures together.
Cheery optimism roots these stories in wholesome themes of friendship and enjoying one's youth. CGDCT anime shows stand out through creative settings and passionate characters that connect with viewers across generations.
The genre also frequently infuses comedy with emotional warmth and wisdom. At their core, they celebrate universal experiences like personal growth, laughs with friends, and nostalgia for more innocent times.
10 must-watch cute girls doing cute things anime
1. K-On!

K-On! pioneered the modern CGDCT anime genre in 2009, initially following four girls in the Sakuragaoka High School Light Music Club. Despite some members having little initial musical talent, the girls charm viewers with their passion and distinct personalities.
Ditzy Yui fumbles her way through learning guitar while dealing with distracting food cravings. Cool beauty Mio writes emotional lyrics but gets too flustered to take center stage performing. Spunky drummer Ritsu leads chaotic practices, and proper rich girl Tsumugi provides tasty snacks and tea in the clubroom.
Somehow, the group discovers an endearing musical chemistry along with lifelong friendship. K-On! surprises later on by evoking the emotional weight of graduation and transitions to adulthood. This balance of comedy and drama set the standard for future CGDCT hits.
2. Yuru Camp

Yuru Camp anime instantly transports viewers away from life's stresses by embracing the soothing appeal of camping. It follows Rin, a dedicated solo camper, and Nadeshiko, a cheery novice still learning the ropes of outdoor life. Despite seeming opposites, their shared love of nature brings the pair together.
After meeting by chance, Rin inspires Nadeshiko to learn proper camping techniques, from selecting gear to preparing hotpot under the stars. Their trips and Outdoor Club excursions to locations modeled on real Japanese camping sites exude cozy charm. Lush nature views soak the screen in nostalgia.
Comedy springs from Rin's seasoned talents playing off Nadeshiko's eagerness and clumsiness. But the real joy comes from Yuru Camp's therapeutic vibe as Rin discovers the appeal of camping with good company.
3. Bocchi the Rock!

Bocchi the Rock! instantly won fans over thanks to its blend of quirky comedy and passionate pursuit of music. Young Bocchi Hitori dreams of joining a band to become a rock star guitarist, an ambitious goal for this awkward introvert prone to panic attacks.
Right away, Bocchi's social anxiety leads to delightful humor as she tries psyching herself up just to greet potential bandmates. But she slowly opens up through music, befriending kind drummer Nijika, stoic bassist Ryo, and energetic vocalist and guitarist Ikuyo.
Their wacky practice sessions brim with laughs as Bocchi fumbles towards minor social victories while unleashing fierce solo guitar playing. Bocchi the Rock! stands out in the CGDCT anime genre for emphasizing passion and personal growth through music.
4. Non Non Biyori

Non Non Biyori anime immerses viewers in the lush Japanese countryside with stunning scenery. When schoolgirl Hotaru moves to tiny rural Asahigaoka village, she adjusts to wonderfully slow days spent playing with friends, doing chores, and exploring the area's forests, rice fields, and swimming holes.
Together with fellow students Komari, Natsumi, and first-grader Renge, Hotaru comes to appreciate village life away from the bustling city. Whether picking fresh vegetables, making questionable crafts, or getting lost on the walk home, the girls encounter both comedy and nostalgia in their picturesque surroundings.
Non Non Biyori's watercolor visuals dazzle with color and light, capturing rural beauty. Its playful yet poignant storytelling makes village living seem magical. The show nourishes the soul through nature's simple joys.
5. Lucky Star

Lucky Star deserves recognition for igniting the CGDCT anime genre's popularity in the late 2000s with its unique comedic energy. The show follows otaku girl Konata and her friends navigating school life while constantly cracking meta jokes about anime fandom and nerd culture.
Konata skips homework to marathon episodes and rant about tropes, while level-headed Kagami attempts to keep her on track in their classes together. Miyuki and Tsukasa round out the group as the polite, knowledgeable girl and the ditzy sweetheart, respectively.
Its rapid-fire joke style and dynamic friend group laid crucial groundwork for the genre. Whether cosplaying at conventions, gushing over cute anime boys, or just eating desserts, Lucky Star shed early light on CGDCT's appeal, rooted in passionate interests and everyday interactions.
6. Is the Order a Rabbit?

For an extra serving of sweetness, Is the Order a Rabbit? is the perfect choice. The show follows high schooler Cocoa, who begins working at a rabbit-themed café in a European fantasy town full of blooming flowers and storybook architecture.
It builds an enchanting storybook world brimming with charm at every turn. The main group of waitress friends—shy Chino, sophisticated Rize, traditional Chiya, and diligent but poor Syaro—make for a colorful cast with fantastic interactions.
Each episode sees the girls experiment with new dessert recipes, craft detailed latte art designs, or plan their town’s next special event. From Halloween parties to Christmas celebrations, this anime delivers cozy, high-energy fun with heaps of heart throughout.
7. Yuru Yuri

Yuru Yuri cranks absurd comedy to new heights in following middle schoolers who revive their school's defunct Amusement Club so they have a headquarters to relax in. Unfortunately, few members take club activities seriously, as they soon get lost in hilarious tangents instead.
Cheerful Akari struggles and fails to grab her peers' fleeting attention spans. Wild child Kyoko launches various crazy money-making schemes, from selling photo books to hosting elaborate events. Meanwhile, student council’s Ayano tries to rein them in, but her own goofy side slips out.
Yuru Yuri leaves no room for drama, just scene after scene of these vibrant characters playing off each other for maximum enjoyable bizarre situational comedy. Jokes fly rapidly as the girls embrace freedom and fun above all else in their colorful world.
8. New Game!

The CGDCT anime genre isn’t limited to school settings, as workplace series like New Game! demonstrate. Protagonist Aoba lands her dream job at a major game studio behind her favorite fictional game series, Fairy Story.
There she meets a colorful cast of coworkers, including her team leader Ko Yagami, shy character designer Hifumi, the art director Rin, and more. Each employee brings unique talents and quirks that keep the creative energy flowing in their studio office.
New Game! captures all the excitement, creative highs and lows, and close bonds formed when pursuing your artistic passions. Beyond game development, it explores the transition from school life into early adulthood and a growing career that many can relate to.
9. Kinmoza!

Kinmoza! radiates positivity with its heartwarming tale of cross-cultural friendship. Ever since her childhood homestay in England, Japanese schoolgirl Shinobu has shared an incredibly close bond with Alice, the English transfer student now attending her high school.
Beyond the lead pair, their friend group, which includes both Japanese and British students, has vibrant interactions brimming with cultural appreciation. Alice loves Japanese traditions but constantly trips up on etiquette, while Shinobu is obsessed with English culture despite being comically bad at the language.
These culture clash moments drive much of the show’s gentle and accessible situational comedy. Kinmoza!'s message of understanding and community makes it a rare treat.
10. Slow Loop

Slow Loop is a 2022 fishing CGDCT anime about shy Hiyori, who bonds with her new, eccentric stepsister, Koharu, through their shared, newfound passion for fly fishing. It enchants with its patience in exploring characters and emotional growth.
Stunning watercolor visuals capture the allure of riverside tranquility as Hiyori incrementally overcomes her introversion to better engage with those around her. The technical detail in fly fishing equipment and technique also impresses.
It deserves praise for avoiding genre pitfalls like excessive fanservice or repetitive gags. It tells a subtle yet uplifting tale that stays compelling over its 12-episode run. Fans of heartwarming coming-of-age stories cannot afford to miss this hidden gem.
Conclusion
The CGDCT anime genre clearly captivates audiences by celebrating friendship and youth through rose-tinted storytelling. Despite similar settings and themes, each anime approaches comedy, drama, and heart in creative ways that resonate deeply.
Honorable mentions beyond this list include excellent series like Comic Girls, Tamako Market, and more pushing the genre forward today. In the end, CGDCT anime endures by promoting togetherness and enjoying life’s simple pleasures—universal messages that relax viewers and bring smiles in tough times.
The future looks bright for these cute girls who conquer life’s challenges and spread joy.
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