The Owl House (2020–2023) follows Luz, a human girl who discovers a magical realm, challenging societal norms and embracing self-discovery. Its core themes — found family, resistance to oppression, and subverting narrative expectations — resonate through unconventional storytelling and LGBTQ+ representation.
These 15 underrated anime deserve attention for mirroring these elements while offering unique perspectives on identity, power dynamics, and rebellion.
Recommendations
1. Princess Tutu (2002)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Plot: A duck-turned-girl must collect shards of a prince’s heart, navigating a meta-narrative that deconstructs fairy tales.
- Similarities: Blends whimsy with existential themes, subverting traditional hero journeys like Luz’s growth.
- Details: 26 episodes | MAL: 8.0 | Studio: Hal Film Maker
2. Land of the Lustrous (2017)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Plot: Gemstone beings defend their world from lunar invaders, exploring identity and purpose through Phos’ evolution.
- Similarities: Non-binary-coded protagonists and themes of self-actualization.
- Details: 12 episodes | MAL: 8.1 | Studio: Orange (3D animation pioneers)
3. Kyousougiga (2013)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A girl searches for her mother in a surreal mirror world, blending familial bonds with existential chaos.
- Similarities: Found family dynamics and chaotic, rule-breaking worlds.
- Details: 10 episodes | MAL: 7.9 | Director: Rie Matsumoto (Little Witch Academia)
4. Akudama Drive (2020)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Plot: Criminals execute a heist in a cyberpunk dystopia, questioning morality in oppressive systems.
- Similarities: Anti-establishment themes and fluid LGBTQ+ representation.
- Details: 12 episodes | MAL: 7.6 | Studio: Pierrot
5. The Twelve Kingdoms (2002)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Plot: A teenager rules a mythical kingdom, grappling with leadership and self-doubt.
- Similarities: Protagonists thrust into unfamiliar worlds, emphasizing growth.
- Details: 45 episodes | MAL: 8.3 | Novel-based epic
6. Dorohedoro (2020)
- Streaming: Netflix
- Plot: A amnesiac seeks answers in a grim city where magic users exploit humans.
- Similarities: Gritty worldbuilding and morally gray characters.
- Details: 12 episodes | MAL: 7.8 | Studio: MAPPA
7. Sonny Boy (2021)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Students drift through abstract dimensions, confronting existential crises.
- Similarities: Surreal storytelling and themes of societal rejection.
- Details: 12 episodes | MAL: 7.8 | Director: Shingo Natsume (One-Punch Man)
8. Deca-Dence (2020)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A girl fights biomechanical monsters in a rigged post-apocalyptic system.
- Similarities: Twists on power hierarchies and underdog protagonists.
- Details: 12 episodes | MAL: 7.5 | Studio: Nut
9. Kemono Jihen (2021)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A detective agency of supernatural beings solves mysteries, forming unlikely bonds.
- Similarities: Found family and marginalized protagonists.
- Details: 12 episodes | MAL: 7.4 | Manga adaptation
10. The Vision of Escaflowne (1996)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Plot: A girl aids a prince in a mecha-fantasy war, blending romance and rebellion.
- Similarities: Genre-blending narratives and defiance of destiny.
- Details: 26 episodes | MAL: 7.8 | Studio: Sunrise
11. From the New World (2012)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Plot: Children in a utopian society uncover dark secrets about psychic powers.
- Similarities: Critique of oppressive systems and moral ambiguity.
- Details: 25 episodes | MAL: 8.1 | Novel adaptation
12. Sarazanmai (2019)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Three boys combat kappa-like creatures, exploring desire and connection.
- Similarities: LGBTQ+ themes and surreal symbolism.
- Details: 11 episodes | MAL: 7.6 | Director: Kunihiko Ikuhara (Revolutionary Girl Utena)
13. The Great Pretender (2020)
- Streaming: Netflix
- Plot: Con artists execute global heists, blending humor and emotional depth.
- Similarities: Vibrant art style and morally complex relationships.
- Details: 23 episodes | MAL: 8.0 | Studio: Wit Studio
14. Humanity Has Declined (2012)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Plot: A mediator navigates a post-apocalyptic world ruled by fairies, using dark satire.
- Similarities: Subversive humor and critique of societal norms.
- Details: 12 episodes | MAL: 7.8 | Studio: Madhouse
15. Odd Taxi (2021)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A walrus taxi driver unravels a mystery tying passengers to a missing girl.
- Similarities: Interconnected narratives and unconventional protagonists.
- Details: 13 episodes | MAL: 8.4 | Studio: OLM
Why These Anime Work for The Owl House Fans
These series mirror The Owl House’s focus on self-discovery, defiance of rigid systems, and celebration of individuality. From Princess Tutu’s meta-storytelling to Odd Taxi’s layered mysteries, each challenges genre norms while centering marginalized voices. Their blend of whimsy and grit offers fresh perspectives on resilience, making them essential for fans seeking meaningful, underrated narratives.
