Walt Disney’s Cinderella (1950) redefined fairy tales with its themes of resilience, kindness, and transformative journeys. These underrated anime echo its spirit through underdog protagonists, magical realism, and narratives that subvert expectations.
From forgotten classics to hidden gems, these series deserve recognition for their unique storytelling and emotional depth.
1. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (2023)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: An elf mage reflects on her past adventures after her companions pass away, embarking on a new journey to understand humanity.
Similarities: Explores legacy and hope through quiet, introspective moments, mirroring Cinderella’s reflective resilience.
Details:
- MAL Rating: 9.04 (Ranked #1)
- Episodes: 28+
- Studio: Madhouse
- Awards: 2024 Anime of the Year (Crunchyroll Awards).
2. Ranking of Kings (2021)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu
Plot: A deaf prince, dismissed by his kingdom, teams up with a shadow creature to prove his worth.
Similarities: Bojji’s underdog journey parallels Cinderella’s perseverance against societal neglect.
Details:
- MAL Rating: 8.47
- Episodes: 23
- Studio: WIT Studio
- Unique Style: Childlike art contrasts dark themes.
3. Prétear: The New Legend of Snow White (2001)
Streaming: Amazon Prime Video
Plot: A girl becomes the Prétear, uniting with elemental knights to save the world from destruction.
Similarities: Blends magical girl tropes with Cinderella’s “rags-to-empowerment” arc.
Details:
- MAL Rating: 7.15
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: HAL Film Maker.
4. Princess Knight (1967)
Streaming: Archive.org
Plot: A princess raised as a boy battles gender norms to claim her throne.
Similarities: Subverts fairy tale tropes, much like Cinderella’s reimagined agency.
Details:
- Episodes: 52
- Studio: Mushi Production
- Legacy: First shojo anime ever made.
5. Fruits Basket (2019–2021)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu
Plot: An orphaned girl befriends a family cursed to transform into zodiac animals.
Similarities: Tohru’s Cinderella-esque kindness heals fractured relationships714.
Details:
- MAL Rating: 8.62
- Episodes: 63
- Awards: 2022 Anime of the Year (Anime Trending Awards)7.
6. My Happy Marriage (2023)
Streaming: Netflix
Plot: A mistreated woman discovers supernatural powers while navigating an arranged marriage.
Similarities: Miyo’s abuse and magical liberation mirror Cinderella’s transformative arc.
Details:
- MAL Rating: 7.94
- Episodes: 12
- Awards: Best Voice Acting (Anime Trending Awards 2024)8.
7. Snow White with the Red Hair (2015–2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
Plot: A herbalist flees her kingdom to forge her own destiny, earning a prince’s respect.
Similarities: Shirayuki’s proactive agency contrasts passive fairy tale heroines.
Details:
- MAL Rating: 8.03
- Episodes: 24
- Studio: Bones.
8. To the Abandoned Sacred Beasts (2019)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: War veterans turned monstrous “Sacred Beasts” seek redemption.
Similarities: Explores societal outcasts, akin to Cinderella’s marginalization.
Details:
- MAL Rating: 6.41
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: MAPPA.
9. Rilakkuma and Kaoru (2019–2022)
Streaming: Netflix
Plot: A woman navigates adult life with whimsical anthropomorphic bears.
Similarities: Blends whimsy with emotional resilience, echoing Cinderella’s hope.
Details:
- Episodes: 17
- Style: Stop-motion animation.
10. Princess Tutu (2002–2003)
Streaming: Amazon Prime Video, Hidive
Plot: A duck transforms into Princess Tutu to restore a prince’s shattered heart while navigating a meta-narrative about fate and storytelling.
Similarities: Blends fairy tale motifs with self-sacrifice, echoing Cinderella’s transformative journey and emphasis on inner strength over circumstance.
Details:
- MAL Rating: 8.01
- Episodes: 26
- Studio: Hal Film Maker
- Awards: Cult classic status for its avant-garde narrative structure.
11. Kaleido Star (2003–2004)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Prime Video
Plot: An aspiring performer joins a circus troupe, overcoming setbacks to master death-defying acts and earn her place as a star.
Similarities: Sora’s underdog rise mirrors Cinderella’s perseverance, with a focus on hard work over innate talent.
Details:
- MAL Rating: 7.85
- Episodes: 51
- Studio: Gonzo
- Legacy: Praised for its uplifting themes and dynamic animation.
12. The Familiar of Zero (2006–2012)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu
Plot: A magically inept noblewoman summons a boy from modern-day Japan, forging a bond that defies societal expectations711.
Similarities: Louise’s marginalization (“Zero”) parallels Cinderella’s initial low status, with romance as a catalyst for empowerment.
Details:
- MAL Rating: 7.43
- Episodes: 49
- Studio: J.C.Staff
- Unique Style: Mixes fantasy and comedy with gradual character growth.
13. Cardcaptor Sakura (1998–2000)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix
Plot: A girl accidentally unleashes magical cards and must retrieve them, balancing her duties with school life and friendships.
Similarities: Sakura’s kindness and resilience reflect Cinderella’s moral core, wrapped in a whimsical, family-friendly package.
Details:
- MAL Rating: 8.33
- Episodes: 70
- Studio: Madhouse
- Awards: 1999 Anime Grand Prix winner.
14. Little Witch Academia (2017)
Streaming: Netflix
Plot: A non-magical girl enrolls in a witchcraft academy, proving determination can rival natural talent.
Similarities: Akko’s underdog journey mirrors Cinderella’s rags-to-riches arc, emphasizing self-belief and camaraderie.
Details:
- MAL Rating: 7.64
- Episodes: 25
- Studio: Trigger
- Style: Vibrant animation with Western-inspired magical aesthetics.
15. Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple (2006–2007)
Streaming: Prime Video, Hulu
Plot: A bullied teen trains under martial arts masters to protect others and redefine his self-worth.
Similarities: Kenichi’s transformation from weakling to hero aligns with Cinderella’s theme of inner potential triumphing over external limitations.
Details:
- MAL Rating: 7.78
- Episodes: 50
- Studio: TMS Entertainment
- Legacy: Combines slapstick humor with earnest character development.
Why These Anime Work for Cinderella Fans
These series capture the essence of Cinderella’s timeless themes: kindness amid adversity, transformative self-discovery, and subverting traditional narratives.
Whether through magical realism (My Happy Marriage) or quiet introspection (Frieren), they offer fresh perspectives on resilience. Their underrated status highlights overlooked gems that deserve a place alongside classic tales.
