Kung Fu Panda blends martial arts mastery, comedic timing, and heartwarming storytelling into an unforgettable underdog journey.
At its core, the franchise celebrates self-discovery, inner strength, and the idea that greatness can come from the most unlikely of places.
Its use of Eastern philosophy, stylized animation, and evolving power dynamics sets it apart.
This list highlights 15 underrated anime series that echo those same themes—be it through humble heroes, creative fight choreography, or stories that challenge destiny.
These picks aren’t just great anime; they’re hidden gems that Kung Fu Panda fans will deeply connect with.
1. Shin Chuuka Ichiban! (2019)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 24
Rating: 6.7 (MAL)
Studio: Production I.G
Plot: Mao, a young culinary prodigy, embarks on a journey across 19th-century China to become a legendary chef like his late mother. He faces off in intense cooking battles that blend food, emotion, and martial prowess.
Why It Fits: Like Po, Mao learns that true mastery lies in humility and purpose. The show fuses martial energy with heart, just like Kung Fu Panda.
2. Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple (2006)
Streaming: Funimation
Episodes: 50
Rating: 8.0 (MAL)
Studio: TMS Entertainment
Plot: Bullied teen Kenichi stumbles into a dojo where he begins training under eccentric martial arts masters to protect the people he cares about.
Why It Fits: A classic underdog arc packed with comedic grit, philosophical teachings, and the same mentor-student growth fans love in Kung Fu Panda.
3. Shounen Ashibe: Go! Go! Goma-chan (2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 96 (Shorts)
Rating: 6.2 (MAL)
Studio: Bridge
Plot: Elementary school kid Ashibe and his pet seal Goma-chan navigate innocent, slice-of-life adventures filled with warmth and humor.
Why It Fits: While not action-focused, its heartwarming tone, comedic rhythm, and pure intentions echo the spirit of Po’s journey of inner peace.
4. Hitori no Shita: The Outcast (2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 36 (3 seasons)
Rating: 6.9 (MAL)
Studio: Namu Animation, Pandanium
Plot: Zhang Chulan discovers he belongs to a world of martial arts clans and supernatural powers, triggering a mysterious family legacy.
Why It Fits: Its Chinese folklore influence, martial arts combat, and reluctant hero trope strongly parallel Kung Fu Panda’s setting and protagonist arc.
5. Saraiya Goyou (House of Five Leaves) (2010)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12
Rating: 7.8 (MAL)
Studio: Manglobe
Plot: A timid ronin joins a gang of misfits and slowly finds purpose and strength among their mysterious dealings.
Why It Fits: Themes of found family, confidence building, and a slow-burn transformation align beautifully with Po’s evolution.
6. Gugure! Kokkuri-san (2014)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12
Rating: 7.4 (MAL)
Studio: TMS Entertainment
Plot: A stoic girl summons a fox spirit who becomes a protective, if often exasperated, guardian.
Why It Fits: This offbeat supernatural comedy balances emotional growth and quirky mentor dynamics akin to Shifu and Po.
7. Angolmois: Record of Mongol Invasion (2018)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12
Rating: 7.0 (MAL)
Studio: NAZ
Plot: Exiled samurai lead a last stand against the Mongol invasion of Japan, showcasing loyalty, honor, and inner resolve.
Why It Fits: With heavy use of historical martial ethics and stylized brushwork visuals, it resonates with Kung Fu Panda’s Eastern aesthetic.
8. Majestic Prince (2013)
Streaming: HIDIVE
Episodes: 24
Rating: 7.3 (MAL)
Studio: Doga Kobo, Orange
Plot: A group of genetically modified kids are forced into elite mecha combat, each fighting their own flaws and self-doubt.
Why It Fits: Like Po, these characters evolve from incompetence to excellence through teamwork and belief.
9. Shoukoku no Altair (2017)
Streaming: Amazon Prime
Episodes: 24
Rating: 7.6 (MAL)
Studio: MAPPA
Plot: Mahmut, a young Pasha in a war-torn empire, seeks peace through diplomacy and strategy but is forced into battles.
Why It Fits: Underdog diplomacy, personal honor, and stylized storytelling parallel Kung Fu Panda’s balance of war and wisdom.
10. Katanagatari (2010)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12
Rating: 8.3 (MAL)
Studio: White Fox
Plot: A strategist recruits a swordless swordsman to help her collect twelve powerful weapons across feudal Japan.
Why It Fits: Blends introspective martial arts philosophy with dramatic duels and rich Eastern mythology, much like Kung Fu Panda.
11. RIN: Daughters of Mnemosyne (2008)
Streaming: Funimation
Episodes: 6
Rating: 7.3 (MAL)
Studio: Xebec
Plot: Rin, an immortal detective, tackles paranormal mysteries across decades of a haunting modern world.
Why It Fits: While darker, its strong female lead and stylized battles reflect Kung Fu Panda’s mature spiritual undertones.
12. Yona of the Dawn (2014)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu
Episodes: 24
Rating: 8.0 (MAL)
Studio: Pierrot
Plot: A pampered princess becomes a rebel leader after a coup, learning martial arts and resilience along the way.
Why It Fits: A classic transformation arc filled with loyalty, mentorship, and character-driven fight scenes.
13. Shiyan Pin Jiating (Frankenstein Family) (2018)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12
Rating: 7.0 (MAL)
Studio: Big Firebird Cultural Media
Plot: A boy raised in a house of human experiments must guide his mutated siblings into society.
Why It Fits: Quirky, heartfelt, and focused on self-worth—themes that align with Po’s personal journey and group dynamics.
14. Garo: The Animation (2014)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 24
Rating: 7.2 (MAL)
Studio: MAPPA
Plot: A young prince inherits a mystical armor to fight demonic horrors, struggling to live up to his father’s legacy.
Why It Fits: The burden of legacy and mastery mirrors Po’s journey toward Dragon Warrior status.
15. Reikenzan: Hoshikuzu-tachi no Utage (2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12
Rating: 7.1 (MAL)
Studio: Studio Deen
Plot: A genius slacker enters a mystical sect to become a sage, outwitting enemies with brains over brawn.
Why It Fits: Subverts martial tropes with satire and strategy—perfect for fans who love Po’s unconventional path to heroism.
Why These Anime Work for Kung Fu Panda Fans
These anime explore more than just flashy fight scenes. They’re stories of growth, heart, and courage that emerge in the most unexpected ways.
With diverse cultural backdrops, rich animation styles, and powerful character arcs, each title captures the essence of Kung Fu Panda, a celebration of finding greatness in the least likely hero.
Whether you’re in it for wisdom, whimsy, or warrior spirit, these underrated gems deliver.
