Ruby Gloom stands out for its gothic aesthetic blended with heartfelt humor, supernatural themes, and emphasis on friendship in a whimsical setting. These elements—coupled with its unique art style and optimistic tone—create a distinct charm that resonates with viewers seeking stories where darkness meets hope.
While mainstream anime often dominates conversations, these 15 underrated gems share Ruby Gloom’s spirit through their focus on quirky friendships, supernatural escapades, and visually distinctive worlds. They deserve more attention for their creativity and emotional depth.
1. Ranking of Kings (2021)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix
- Plot: A deaf prince named Bojji teams up with a shadow creature to prove his worth in a kingdom that underestimates him. Their journey redefines strength through compassion and resilience.
- Similarities: Like Ruby Gloom, it pairs an underdog protagonist with a supportive found family, blending dark fantasy with uplifting themes of acceptance. Its fairy-tale art style echoes Ruby’s gothic whimsy.
- Ratings: MAL 8.7/10 | 23 episodes | Studio: WIT Studio | Awards: Crunchyroll Anime Award (Best Fantasy, 2022).
2. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (2023)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix
- Plot: An elf mage reflects on mortality and connection after her adventuring party’s victory, forming new bonds while honoring past friendships.
- Similarities: Shares Ruby Gloom’s focus on interpersonal growth and muted, storybook-like animation that contrasts melancholic themes with warmth. Both celebrate small moments of joy in eerie settings.
- Ratings: MAL 9.3/10 | 28 episodes | Studio: Madhouse | Awards: New York Comic Con Award (Best Anime, 2023).
3. Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead (2023)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix
- Plot: A disillusioned office worker embraces life during a zombie apocalypse, ticking off absurd bucket-list items with newfound friends.
- Similarities: Its vibrant color symbolism mirrors Ruby Gloom’s use of gothic palettes for emotional contrast. Both blend horror elements with humor and emphasize living joyfully despite chaos.
- Ratings: MAL 7.9/10 | 12 episodes | Studio: Bug Films | Awards: Nominated for Anime Trending Awards (Best Comedy, 2024).
4. Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun (2020)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Disney+, Hulu
- Plot: A girl bonds with a ghost haunting her school bathroom, unraveling supernatural mysteries while navigating school life.
- Similarities: Gothic watercolor visuals and lighthearted horror-comedy align with Ruby Gloom’s tone. Both feature eccentric ensembles (e.g., Hanako’s spirit friends vs. Ruby’s mansion crew) and balance spookiness with heart.
- Ratings: MAL 7.8/10 | 12 episodes | Studio: Lerche | Awards: Tokyo Anime Award (Best Character Design, 2021).
5. Mushi-Shi (2005)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime
- Plot: A “Mushi Master” travels through mystical landscapes, helping communities coexist with ethereal creatures.
- Similarities: Episodic, atmospheric storytelling and focus on harmony between humans and the supernatural evoke Ruby Gloom’s theme of finding beauty in darkness.
- Ratings: MAL 8.7/10 | 46 episodes | Studio: Artland | Awards: Japan Media Arts Award (Excellence Prize, 2006).
6. Natsume’s Book of Friends (2008)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix
- Plot: A boy inherits a book binding spirits to his grandmother and spends his life releasing them while forming friendships.
- Similarities: Gentle exploration of loneliness and connection, akin to Ruby’s optimistic friendships. Both use supernatural elements to highlight empathy.
- Ratings: MAL 8.3/10 | 74 episodes | Studio: Brain’s Base | Awards: Tokyo Anime Award (Best TV Series, 2017).
7. Princess Tutu (2002)
- Streaming: HiDive, Amazon Prime
- Plot: A duck-turned-girl battles fate using ballet magic to heal a prince’s shattered heart in a storybook world.
- Similarities: Gothic-fairy-tale aesthetic and themes of hope amid darkness parallel Ruby Gloom’s style. Both subvert expectations with whimsical storytelling.
- Ratings: MAL 8.0/10 | 38 episodes | Studio: Hal Film Maker | Awards: Mainichi Film Award (Best Animation, 2003).
8. The Ancient Magus’ Bride (2017)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Plot: An orphan with magical abilities is purchased by a mysterious sorcerer, discovering her worth through supernatural trials.
- Similarities: Combines gothic visuals with themes of found family and self-acceptance, echoing Ruby’s mansion-bound camaraderie.
- Ratings: MAL 8.0/10 | 24 episodes | Studio: Wit Studio | Awards: Sugoi Japan Award (Top 20 Manga, 2018).
9. Haibane Renmei (2002)
- Streaming: Funimation, Crunchyroll
- Plot: Winged beings in a walled town confront their pasts while seeking purpose in a purgatorial world.
- Similarities: Moody, painterly art and focus on community in an isolated setting resonate with Ruby Gloom’s ensemble-driven narratives.
- Ratings: MAL 8.1/10 | 13 episodes | Studio: Radix | Awards: Animation Kobe Award (TV Series, 2003).
10. Barakamon (2014)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu
- Plot: A calligrapher moves to a rural island after a career setback, bonding with quirky locals who reignite his creativity.
- Similarities: Its humor and emphasis on unconventional friendships mirror Ruby Gloom’s feel-good dynamic, replacing gothic with rustic charm.
- Ratings: MAL 8.2/10 | 12 episodes | Studio: Kinema Citrus | Awards: Newtype Anime Award (Best Slice of Life, 2015).
11. Aria the Animation (2005)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, VRV
- Plot: In a terraformed Mars, novice gondoliers find joy in daily life while exploring Neo-Venezia’s serene canals.
- Similarities: Optimistic tone and focus on small, meaningful interactions align with Ruby Gloom’s celebration of everyday wonders.
- Ratings: MAL 7.8/10 | 13 episodes | Studio: Hal Film Maker | Awards: Tokyo Anime Award (Best Background Art, 2006).
12. Someday’s Dreamers (2003)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Plot: A young mage apprentices in Tokyo, learning to balance magic with human emotions through mentorship.
- Similarities: Gentle exploration of supernatural in mundane settings, akin to Ruby’s blend of eerie and comforting elements.
- Ratings: MAL 7.2/10 | 12 episodes | Studio: J.C.Staff | Awards: None, but cult classic status.
13. D.Gray-man (2006)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu
- Plot: Exorcists battle demonic creatures using ancient weapons, forging bonds in a Victorian-inspired world.
- Similarities: Gothic-industrial aesthetic and team-driven fights against darkness reflect Ruby Gloom’s supernatural camaraderie.
- Ratings: MAL 7.8/10 | 103 episodes | Studio: TMS Entertainment | Awards: Shogakukan Manga Award (2009).
14. Kyousougiga (2013)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Plot: A girl chases her rabbit into a surreal mirror world, uniting a fractured family of deities and spirits.
- Similarities: Vibrant, chaotic animation and themes of unconventional family bonds mirror Ruby’s mansion antics.
- Ratings: MAL 7.9/10 | 10 episodes | Studio: Toei Animation | Awards: Nominated for Tokyo Anime Award (2014).
15. Little Witch Academia (2017)
- Streaming: Netflix
- Plot: A non-magical girl enrolls in a witch academy, proving herself through perseverance and friendship.
- Similarities: Feel-good humor and ensemble cast dynamics align with Ruby Gloom’s emphasis on individuality and support.
- Ratings: MAL 7.8/10 | 25 episodes | Studio: Trigger | Awards: Anime of the Year (Crunchyroll Awards, 2018).
Why These Anime Work for Ruby Gloom Fans
These series capture Ruby Gloom’s essence through their celebration of found family, supernatural whimsy, and art styles that transform darkness into warmth. Like Ruby, they prioritize character growth over plot intensity, using humor and visual flair to explore themes of belonging. Their underrated status often stems from niche appeal, but each offers a rich, cohesive world where optimism shines through unconventional aesthetics—perfect for fans seeking more stories where the macabre meets the heartfelt.
