15 Animes Similar to Sabrina: The Animated Series

Sabrina: The Animated Series (1999) blends magical adventures, school-life humor, and underdog charm as it follows a young witch balancing spells with middle-school chaos. Its themes of friendship, everyday magic, and lighthearted episodic storytelling resonate with viewers who enjoy character-driven narratives. Despite its cult following, many anime with similar qualities remain overlooked.

This list highlights 15 underrated series that capture Sabrina‘s spirit—focusing on magic, underdog triumphs, and witty character dynamics—while offering unique animation styles and storytelling.

1. The Tatami Galaxy (2010)

• Streaming: Crunchyroll
• Plot: A college student relives his university years through parallel timelines, joining different clubs to pursue his idealized “rose-colored campus life,” only to face comedic disillusionment each time.
• Similarities: Episodic structure with magical realism, witty humor, and themes of self-discovery mirror Sabrina‘s charm. Both use everyday settings to explore personal growth and the absurdity of youthful idealism.
• Details: 11 episodes, MAL: 8.4. Directed by Masaaki Yuasa (Science SARU). Won the Japan Media Arts Award.

2. Future Boy Conan (1978)

• Streaming: RetroCrush
• Plot: In a post-apocalyptic world, a boy with superhuman strength embarks on a journey to rescue his friend from a tyrannical organization, uncovering secrets about their broken world.
• Similarities: Youthful adventure, strong friendships, and a balance of lightheartedness with high stakes. Like Sabrina, it blends everyday challenges with supernatural elements.
• Details: 26 episodes, MAL: 8.1. Hayao Miyazaki’s directorial debut. Praised for its environmental themes.

3. Ping Pong the Animation (2014)

• Streaming: Crunchyroll
• Plot: Two childhood friends—a lazy prodigy and a determined underdog—compete in intense table tennis tournaments, facing rivals who challenge their bond and ambition.
• Similarities: Underdog focus and school-life dynamics akin to Sabrina‘s Harvey and Sabrina. Uses sports as a metaphor for personal growth and resilience.
• Details: 11 episodes, MAL: 8.6. Directed by Masaaki Yuasa. Unique rotoscope animation.

4. Katanagatari (2010)

• Streaming: Crunchyroll
• Plot: A swordsman who fights bare-handed and a strategist embark on a quest to collect 12 legendary swords, battling eccentric foes across Edo-era Japan.
• Similarities: Witty banter between leads and episodic adventures echo Sabrina‘s dynamic with Salem. Blends action with humor and character-driven storytelling.
• Details: 12 episodes (50-min each), MAL: 7.9. Studio: White Fox. Features stylized art and dialogue-heavy narratives.

5. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit (2007)

• Streaming: Crunchyroll, Tubi
• Plot: A spearwoman protects a prince from assassination after he’s possessed by a water spirit, navigating political intrigue and supernatural threats.
• Similarities: Strong mentorship (like Sabrina’s aunts) and themes of protecting loved ones. Balances magic with heartfelt character arcs.
• Details: 26 episodes, MAL: 8.2. Studio: Production I.G. Based on Nahoko Uehashi’s novels.

6. Hyouka (2012)

• Streaming: Crunchyroll
• Plot: An energy-conserving high schooler joins the Classic Literature Club, solving mundane mysteries sparked by his curious classmate’s whims.
• Similarities: School-life focus and low-stakes, episodic puzzles mirror Sabrina‘s magical mishaps. Emphasizes curiosity and friendship.
• Details: 22 episodes, MAL: 7.9. Studio: Kyoto Animation. Won awards for visual storytelling.

7. Tonari no Seki-kun: The Master of Killing Time (2014)

• Streaming: Crunchyroll
• Plot: A studious girl is endlessly distracted by her desk neighbor’s elaborate, silent hobbies during class, from miniature golf to robot battles.
• Similarities: Slice-of-life humor and school-based antics recall Sabrina‘s comedic tone. Celebrates creativity in everyday settings.
• Details: 21 episodes (7-min each), MAL: 7.2. Studio: Shin-Ei Animation.

8. Saint Seiya (1986)

• Streaming: Netflix, Crunchyroll
• Plot: Orphaned warriors wield magical armor based on constellations to protect the Greek goddess Athena from vengeful deities.
• Similarities: Underdog heroes and magical battles akin to Sabrina‘s netherworld adventures. Focuses on teamwork and moral courage.
• Details: 114 episodes, MAL: 7.7. Studio: Toei. Influential classic with themes of sacrifice.

9. Black Clover (2017)

• Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu
• Plot: A magicless boy in a world of wizards defies expectations by joining the Magic Knights, using anti-magic to protect his kingdom.
• Similarities: Underdog perseverance and magical-school rivalries echo Sabrina‘s themes. Features comic relief and heartfelt friendships.
• Details: 170 episodes, MAL: 7.6. Studio: Pierrot. Critically acclaimed for character growth.

10. Night Is Short, Walk On Girl (2017)

• Streaming: Crunchyroll
• Plot: A college student’s surreal night out involves magical encounters, from a book-fair demon to a floating deity, as her admirer tries to win her heart.
• Similarities: Whimsical magic in everyday life and quirky humor align with Sabrina‘s tone. Explores youth and serendipity.
• Details: Film, MAL: 7.9. Directed by Masaaki Yuasa. Companion to The Tatami Galaxy.

11. Samurai Champloo (2004)

• Streaming: Hulu, Crunchyroll
• Plot: A waitress recruits two swordsmen—one chaotic, one stoic—to find a mysterious samurai, leading to episodic adventures across feudal Japan.
• Similarities: Banter-driven trio dynamic and episodic quests mirror Sabrina‘s core group. Blends humor with action.
• Details: 26 episodes, MAL: 8.5. Directed by Shinichirō Watanabe. Iconic hip-hop soundtrack.

12. Reincarnated as a Sword (2022)

• Streaming: HIDIVE
• Plot: A sentient sword mentors a catgirl in a fantasy world, turning her into a powerful adventurer while they tackle dungeon challenges.
• Similarities: Mentor-student bond and lighthearted magic akin to Sabrina and Salem. Focuses on growth through absurd predicaments.
• Details: 12 episodes, MAL: 7.5. Studio: C2C. Subverts isekai tropes.

13. Baccano! (2007)

• Streaming: Crunchyroll
• Plot: Immortal alchemists, mafia gangs, and thieves collide on a 1930s train, with non-linear storytelling revealing their chaotic connections.
• Similarities: Ensemble cast and supernatural comedy. Like Sabrina, it balances dark themes with whimsy and episodic flair.
• Details: 13 episodes, MAL: 8.3. Studio: Brain’s Base. Won awards for narrative innovation.

14. Kaiba (2008)

• Streaming: Crunchyroll
• Plot: In a world where memories are stored in chips, a boy with amnesia travels through surreal planets to reclaim his identity and lost love.
• Similarities: Creative world-building and themes of self-discovery. Echoes Sabrina‘s blend of the ordinary and magical.
• Details: 12 episodes, MAL: 7.9. Directed by Masaaki Yuasa. Unique retro-futuristic art.

15. The Eccentric Family (2013)

• Streaming: Crunchyroll
• Plot: A shape-shifting tanuki navigates family drama and supernatural politics in modern Kyoto after his father’s death.
• Similarities: Whimsical magic in daily life and family-centric humor. Reflects Sabrina‘s focus on quirky relatives and personal growth.
• Details: 13 episodes, MAL: 7.8. Studio: P.A. Works. Based on Tomihiko Morimi’s novel.

Why These Anime Work for Sabrina: The Animated Series Fans

These series capture Sabrina‘s core appeal: underdog protagonists, magic in mundane settings, and character-driven humor. Like Sabrina, they prioritize growth through episodic challenges—whether solving school mysteries (Hyouka), battling supernatural foes (Moribito), or navigating absurd magic (Night Is Short). Their underrated status stems from niche genres (e.g., The Tatami Galaxy’s surrealism) or overshadowing by mainstream hits (Black Clover vs. Naruto). Yet all offer unique animation styles—from Ping Pong’s kinetic energy to Kaiba’s psychedelic visuals—that enrich their storytelling. For fans seeking Sabrina’s blend of heart and whimsy, these anime deliver fresh, imaginative escapes.