Turbo (2013) follows Theo, a garden snail who gains super-speed to pursue his racing dreams, blending underdog perseverance with a unique power system and subverted expectations of traditional sports narratives. Its core themes—unconventional power dynamics, overcoming societal limitations, and defying tropes—resonate with audiences seeking fresh storytelling.
The anime below deserve more attention for mirroring these elements while offering distinctive animation styles, emotional depth, and creative twists.
1. Land of the Lustrous (2017)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Plot: Gemstone beings defend their world from lunar invaders, focusing on Phos, a fragile gem who seeks strength through transformation.
- Similarities: Underdog protagonist, unique power system (gem abilities), and existential themes that subvert fantasy tropes.
- Details: 12 episodes; Studio Orange (3D animation pioneer); MAL: 8.2/10.
2. Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! (2020)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: High school girls create anime, blending reality and imagination to overcome creative hurdles.
- Similarities: Celebrates underdog passion; innovative storytelling mirroring Turbo’s “dream big” ethos.
- Details: 12 episodes; Directed by Masaaki Yuasa; MAL: 8.1/10.
3. Ping Pong: The Animation (2014)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Two ping-pong prodigies navigate rivalry and self-discovery in a visually experimental sports drama.
- Similarities: Underdog arcs, unconventional power dynamics (mental resilience), and bold animation.
- Details: 11 episodes; MAL: 8.5/10.
4. Casshern Sins (2008)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A cyborg grapples with immortality in a post-apocalyptic world, seeking redemption for past sins.
- Similarities: Themes of self-reinvention and subverted heroism; stylized, bleak animation.
- Details: 24 episodes; Studio Madhouse; MAL: 7.7/10.
5. The Tatami Galaxy (2010)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Plot: A college student relives timelines to fix regrets, exploring fate vs. free will.
- Similarities: Narrative subversion, surreal pacing, and underdog introspection.
- Details: 11 episodes; Directed by Masaaki Yuasa; MAL: 8.4/10.
6. Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo (2004)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Plot: A sci-fi reimagining of Dumas’ classic, focusing on revenge and moral ambiguity.
- Similarities: Subverted expectations, intricate power plays, and avant-garde art style.
- Details: 24 episodes; MAL: 8.1/10.
7. Kaiba (2008)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Plot: A amnesiac traverses a world where memories are commodified, questioning identity and humanity.
- Similarities: Surreal power systems (memory storage), underdog protagonist, and retro-futuristic visuals.
- Details: 12 episodes; Directed by Masaaki Yuasa; MAL: 7.9/10.
8. Space Dandy (2014)
- Streaming: Hulu
- Plot: A space adventurer’s episodic misadventures blend comedy with existential twists.
- Similarities: Subverts sci-fi tropes; celebrates individuality like Turbo’s racing defiance.
- Details: 26 episodes; Studio Bones; MAL: 7.7/10.
9. Kyousougiga (2013)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A family navigates a surreal mirror world, balancing chaos and connection.
- Similarities: Vibrant animation, underdog familial bonds, and narrative unpredictability.
- Details: 10 episodes; MAL: 7.9/10.
10. Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu (2016)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A former convict masters rakugo (storytelling), battling tradition and personal demons.
- Similarities: Underdog artistry, subverted redemption arcs, and nuanced character growth.
- Details: 25 episodes; MAL: 8.6/10.
11. Deca-Dence (2020)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Plot: A dystopian humanity fights monsters, unaware their world is a corporate game.
- Similarities: Subverts post-apocalyptic tropes; underdog protagonist challenges systemic control.
- Details: 12 episodes; Studio Nut; MAL: 7.7/10.
12. Sonny Boy (2021)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Students stranded in a void develop powers while grappling with societal hierarchies.
- Similarities: Unconventional power dynamics, existential themes, and abstract storytelling.
- Details: 12 episodes; MAL: 7.9/10.
13. Dorohedoro (2020)
- Streaming: Netflix
- Plot: A amnesiac seeks answers in a gritty world where magic users exploit humans.
- Similarities: Gritty underdog quest; subverted fantasy tropes; unique hybrid animation.
- Details: 12 episodes; MAPPA; MAL: 8.0/10.
14. The Vision of Escaflowne (1996)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A teen is transported to a mecha-fantasy world, battling destiny and war.
- Similarities: Underdog heroine, hybrid genre subversion, and iconic studio Sunrise visuals.
- Details: 26 episodes; MAL: 7.8/10.
15. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit (2007)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A warrior protects a prince cursed with a water spirit, defying political schemes.
- Similarities: Underdog protector narrative; Studio Production I.G’s lush animation.
- Details: 26 episodes; MAL: 8.2/10.
Why These Anime Work for Turbo Fans
These series mirror Turbo’s DNA: underdog protagonists defying limits (Land of the Lustrous, Ping Pong), innovative power systems (Deca-Dence, Kaiba), and narrative subversion (The Tatami Galaxy, Gankutsuou). Their unique animation styles and lesser-known status make them hidden gems for fans seeking fresh, emotionally resonant stories.
