Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) revolutionized storytelling with its blend of fairy tale charm, resilient protagonists, and timeless themes.
This article highlights 15 underrated anime that mirror its core elements: underdog narratives, transformative character arcs, and creative subversions of classic tropes.
These series, often overlooked despite their quality, offer fresh perspectives on perseverance and growth.
1. The Legend of Snow White (1994)
Streaming: Limited availability (physical media/archives)
Episodes: 52
MAL Rating: 6.7
A faithful anime adaptation of the Grimm tale, expanding Snow White’s journey with deeper lore and character moments. Its focus on resilience against adversity and royal court dynamics aligns with the original’s themes.
2. Snow White with the Red Hair (2015–2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
Episodes: 24
MAL Rating: 7.8
Shirayuki, a herbalist, defies a prince’s tyranny and forges her own path in a neighboring kingdom. Like Snow White, she navigates political intrigue while maintaining moral integrity, emphasizing self-reliance over traditional damsel tropes.
3. Saiunkoku Monogatari (2006–2008)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 78
MAL Rating: 8.0
A scholar, Shuurei, becomes the first female court official in a patriarchal empire. Her underdog rise mirrors Snow White’s perseverance, blending political drama with subtle romance and ethical dilemmas.
4. Princess Tutu (2002–2003)
Streaming: HiDive
Episodes: 38
MAL Rating: 7.9
A duck-turned-girl, Ahiru, restores a prince’s shattered heart through ballet. The series reimagines The Ugly Duckling and Swan Lake with meta-narrative depth, echoing Snow White’s fusion of innocence and agency.
5. Arte (2020)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 7.3
In Renaissance Italy, Arte challenges gender norms to become a painter. Her determination mirrors Snow White’s resilience, showcasing triumph over societal constraints through sheer willpower.
6. Ranking of Kings (2021)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 23
MAL Rating: 8.4
Bojji, a deaf prince, defies low expectations to claim his throne. The series’ fairy-tale aesthetic and focus on inner strength parallel Snow White’s emphasis on kindness overcoming prejudice.
7. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (2023)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 28
MAL Rating: 9.0
An elf mage reflects on mortality after her adventuring party’s demise. Its melancholic yet hopeful tone mirrors Snow White’s balance of darkness and optimism, with lush fantasy world-building.
8. Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor (2007–2011)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 52
MAL Rating: 8.3
A debt-ridden man gambles his life in high-stakes games. While tonally darker, Kaiji’s underdog survival instincts and psychological depth resonate with Snow White’s theme of overcoming cruel odds.
9. Rokka no Yuusha (2015)
Streaming: HiDive
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 7.2
Six heroes must unmask an impostor among them. The mystery-driven plot subverts typical “chosen one” narratives, akin to how Snow White redefined fairy tale expectations.
10. The Twelve Kingdoms (2002–2003)
Streaming: Amazon Prime
Episodes: 45
MAL Rating: 8.3
A high schooler is thrust into a mythical realm to claim her destiny. Its focus on self-discovery and moral governance mirrors Snow White’s journey from vulnerability to leadership.
11. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit (2007)
Streaming: Netflix
Episodes: 26
MAL Rating: 8.3
A warrior protects a prince harboring a magical spirit. The series’ strong female lead and themes of sacrificial guardianship align with Snow White’s emphasis on empathy and courage.
12. Kemono no Souja Erin (2009)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 50
MAL Rating: 8.1
A girl bonds with mythical beasts while navigating political strife. Erin’s coming-of-age arc reflects Snow White’s blend of personal growth and external conflict.
13. Akatsuki no Yona (2014–2015)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu
Episodes: 24
MAL Rating: 8.0
A princess allies with warriors to reclaim her kingdom. Yona’s evolution from sheltered royal to resilient leader mirrors Snow White’s transformative journey.
14. Ancient Magus’ Bride (2017)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 24
MAL Rating: 7.8
A girl finds belonging in a mystical world. The series’ gothic aesthetic and focus on healing from trauma parallel Snow White’s mix of darkness and hope.
15. Natsume’s Book of Friends (2008–Present)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 74+
MAL Rating: 8.3
A boy interacts with spirits using a inherited book. Its episodic, character-driven storytelling echoes Snow White’s emphasis on kindness and understanding.
Why These Anime Work for Snow White Fans
These series share Snow White’s DNA: protagonists who defy expectations, narratives that balance adversity with hope, and creative twists on familiar tropes.
From Ranking of Kings’ disability-positive hero to Princess Tutu’s meta-storytelling, they prove that resilience and moral clarity remain timeless. Their underrated status makes them hidden gems for fans seeking depth beyond mainstream hits.
