15 Wholesome Anime Like Luca With Friendship & Magic

By Matt Hudson

Updated on:

Pixar’s Luca (2021) explores themes of friendship, identity, and overcoming prejudice through its tale of sea monsters navigating human society. Its core themes—underdog journeys, transformative power dynamics, and subverting societal expectations—resonate deeply in anime.

The following series, often overlooked despite their brilliance, mirror these elements while offering unique storytelling and visual styles.


Underrated Anime Recommendations

1. Ranking of Kings (2021)

Ranking Of Kings
  • Streaming: Crunchyroll
  • Plot: A deaf prince, Bojji, teams up with a shadow creature to prove his worth in a kingdom that underestimates him.
  • Similarities: Themes of societal prejudice, underdog triumph, and heartfelt friendships. Unique childlike art contrasts with mature storytelling.
  • Details: 23 episodes | MAL: 8.3 | Studio: WIT Studio (Attack on Titan) | Won Crunchyroll Anime Award (2022).

2. Golden Kamuy (2018)

Golden Kamuy
  • Streaming: Crunchyroll
  • Plot: A soldier and an Ainu girl hunt for gold in post-war Hokkaido, battling criminals and harsh terrain.
  • Similarities: Adventure-driven bonds, subversion of historical tropes, and focus on marginalized perspectives.
  • Details: 48 episodes | MAL: 8.2 | Studio: Geno | Nominated for Tokyo Anime Award (2019).

3. Land of the Lustrous (2017)

Land Of The Lustrous
  • Streaming: HiDive
  • Plot: Gem-based beings defend their world from lunar invaders, exploring identity and resilience.
  • Similarities: Themes of transformation, stunning 3D animation, and existential depth.
  • Details: 12 episodes | MAL: 8.0 | Studio: Orange (Beastars) | praised for innovative CGI.

4. Princess Tutu (2002)

Princess Tutu
  • Streaming: RetroCrush
  • Plot: A duck-turned-girl uses magical ballet to heal a prince’s shattered heart, defying fairy-tale norms.
  • Similarities: Subverts classic tropes, blends whimsy with emotional grit.
  • Details: 26 episodes | MAL: 8.0 | Studio: Hal Film Maker | Cult classic status.

5. Ping Pong: The Animation (2014)

Ping Pong The Animation
  • Streaming: Crunchyroll
  • Plot: Two ping-pong prodigies navigate rivalry and self-discovery in a visually experimental style.
  • Similarities: Underdog narratives, avant-garde art, and focus on personal growth.
  • Details: 11 episodes | MAL: 8.5 | Studio: Tatsunoko | Won Tokyo Anime Award (2015).

6. Odd Taxi (2021)

Odd Taxi
  • Streaming: Crunchyroll
  • Plot: A walrus taxi driver unravels a mystery linking passengers in anthropomorphic Tokyo.
  • Similarities: Layered storytelling, quirky charm, and subverted expectations.
  • Details: 13 episodes | MAL: 8.4 | Studio: OLM | Won Anime of the Year (2021, Crunchyroll).

7. The Rolling Girls (2015)

The Rolling Girls
  • Streaming: Funimation
  • Plot: A girl joins a motorcycle gang to restore peace in a fragmented Japan, blending action and slice-of-life.
  • Similarities: Vibrant animation, themes of unity, and understated character arcs.
  • Details: 12 episodes | MAL: 6.59 | Studio: Wit Studio | Notable for color palette.

8. Rainbow (2010)

Rainbow
  • Streaming: Netflix
  • Plot: Six teens survive brutal incarceration in 1950s Japan, forging unbreakable bonds.
  • Similarities: Gritty underdog perseverance, emotional depth.
  • Details: 26 episodes | MAL: 8.52 | Studio: Madhouse | Critically acclaimed, low visibility.

9. Natsume’s Book of Friends (2008)

Natsume’s Book Of Friends
  • Streaming: Crunchyroll
  • Plot: A boy interacts with spirits while grappling with his supernatural inheritance.
  • Similarities: Quiet introspection, themes of belonging, and episodic warmth.
  • Details: 78 episodes | MAL: 8.3 | Studio: Brain’s Base | Long-running cult favorite.

10. One Outs (2008)

One Outs
  • Streaming: Crunchyroll
  • Plot: A gambler joins a baseball team, using psychological warfare to outsmart opponents.
  • Similarities: Underdog ingenuity, subversion of sports tropes.
  • Details: 25 episodes | MAL: 8.36 | Studio: Madhouse | Praised for mind-game depth.

11. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (2023)

Frieren Beyond Journey’s End
  • Streaming: Crunchyroll
  • Plot: An elf mage reflects on mortality after outliving her adventuring party.
  • Similarities: Slow-burn emotional growth, fantasy subversion.
  • Details: 24 episodes | MAL: 9.0 | Studio: Madhouse | Won Anime of the Year (2024).

12. ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Dept. (2017)

ACCA Territory Inspection Dept
  • Streaming: Crunchyroll
  • Plot: A bureaucrat uncovers a coup in a meticulously crafted political world.
  • Similarities: Low-stakes tension, nuanced character alliances.
  • Details: 12 episodes | MAL: 7.68 | Studio: Madhouse | Stylish, dialogue-driven.

13. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit (2007)

Moribito Guardian Of The Spirit
  • Streaming: Hulu
  • Plot: A warrior protects a prince harboring a water spirit, blending action and folklore.
  • Similarities: Maternal themes, lush worldbuilding.
  • Details: 26 episodes | MAL: 8.2 | Studio: Production I.G | NHK cultural award winner.

14. Medalist (2025)

Medalist
  • Streaming: Disney+
  • Plot: A failed skater mentors a shy girl aiming for Olympic glory.
  • Similarities: Underdog partnership, emotional resilience.
  • Details: 12 episodes | Studio: ENGI | Newcomer with critical buzz.

15. Kemono no Souja Erin (2009)

Kemono No Souja Erin
  • Streaming: HiDive
  • Plot: A girl bonds with magical beasts while navigating political intrigue.
  • Similarities: Coming-of-age in a prejudiced world, ecological themes.
  • Details: 50 episodes | MAL: 8.35 | Studio: Production I.G | Adapted from acclaimed novels.

Why These Anime Work for Luca Fans

These series mirror Luca’s focus on outsider perspectives, emotional bonds, and defying expectations. From Ranking of Kings’ triumph-over-prejudice narrative to Odd Taxi’s interconnected mysteries, each offers a unique lens on growth and belonging. Their underrated status often stems from unconventional animation or niche appeal, but their depth makes them perfect for fans seeking heartfelt, imaginative storytelling.

Leave a Comment