15 Animes Similar to PAW Patrol

While PAW Patrol is a beloved children’s series about heroic rescue missions, the anime landscape offers lesser-known gems with similar themes of teamwork, underdog perseverance, and unique problem-solving—but tailored for older audiences.

These 15 underrated series emphasize character growth, innovative power systems, and narrative subversion, often overlooked despite their exceptional storytelling and thematic depth.

1. Full Metal Panic! (2002)

• Streaming: Crunchyroll
• Plot: Child soldier Sousuke Sagara protects Kaname Chidori, a girl with latent technological knowledge, blending mecha action with comedic and dramatic relationship development.
• Similarities: Team-based missions (Mithril organization), underdog protagonist adapting to civilian life, and gadget-driven problem-solving like PAW Patrol’s specialized tools.
• Details: 24 episodes (S1), Gonzo studio. MAL: 7.8.

2. X/1999 (2001)

• Streaming: Crunchyroll
• Plot: Kamui Shirou chooses between saving or destroying humanity amid a war between Dragons of Heaven and Earth, driven by apocalyptic stakes and moral ambiguity.
• Similarities: Ensemble teamwork (dragons’ factions), high-stakes rescues, and themes of sacrifice mirroring PAW Patrol’s heroic ethos.
• Details: 24 episodes, Madhouse studio. MAL: 7.3.

3. Welcome to the NHK (2006)

• Streaming: Crunchyroll
• Plot: Hikikomori Satou battles social isolation with help from Misaki, navigating darkly comedic challenges to reclaim his life.
• Similarities: Unconventional “rescue” narrative (emotional vs. physical), focus on incremental growth, and mentor-student dynamics akin to Ryder and the pups.
• Details: 24 episodes, Gonzo studio. MAL: 8.0.

4. Air Gear (2006)

• Streaming: Funimation
• Plot: Ikki Minami joins A-T skate gangs, transforming inline skating into high-flying battles for supremacy and camaraderie.
• Similarities: Team-based rivalries, gadget-centric action (A-T gear), and underdog rise through ingenuity.
• Details: 25 episodes, Toei Animation. MAL: 7.4.

5. Sonny Boy (2021)

• Streaming: Crunchyroll
• Plot: Students with supernatural abilities navigate a void dimension, confronting existential crises and societal hierarchies.
• Similarities: Group survival dynamics, inventive problem-solving, and leadership parallels (Ryder-like figures emerging).
• Details: 12 episodes, Madhouse studio. MAL: 7.9.

6. Saint Seiya (1986)

• Streaming: Crunchyroll
• Plot: Bronze Saints defy gods to protect Athena, overcoming impossible odds through loyalty and courage.
• Similarities: Team-based heroism, mentorship (Athena as Ryder analog), and episodic “rescue” missions against escalating threats.
• Details: 114 episodes, Toei Animation. MAL: 7.8.

7. Akame ga Kill! (2014)

• Streaming: Hulu
• Plot: Assassin group Night Raid fights imperial corruption, facing moral compromises and tragic sacrifices.
• Similarities: Mission-driven structure, diverse team roles, and subversion of typical hero tropes.
• Details: 24 episodes, White Fox studio. MAL: 7.5.

8. Ping Pong the Animation (2014)

• Streaming: Crunchyroll
• Plot: Smile and Peco evolve from rivals to allies in table tennis, exploring ambition and self-doubt.
• Similarities: Underdog perseverance, teamwork in competition, and unique visual storytelling.
• Details: 11 episodes, Tatsunoko Production. MAL: 8.5.

9. BNA: Brand New Animal (2020)

• Streaming: Netflix
• Plot: Michiru, a human-turned-tanuki, uncovers conspiracies in a beastman sanctuary with wolf ally Shirou.
• Similarities: Outcast protagonists solving community crises, vibrant team dynamics, and inventive transformations.
• Details: 12 episodes, Trigger studio. MAL: 7.3.

10. Black Clover (2017)

• Streaming: Crunchyroll
• Plot: Magicless Asta defies nobility through anti-magic and teamwork in the Magic Knights.
• Similarities: Underdog triumph, squad-based missions, and persistent optimism against systemic bias.
• Details: 170 episodes, Pierrot studio. MAL: 7.6.

11. Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple (2006)

• Streaming: Hulu
• Plot: Weakling Kenichi trains under martial arts masters to protect friends from bullies.
• Similarities: Growth from helplessness to heroism, mentor-led skill development, and episodic challenges.
• Details: 50 episodes, TMS Entertainment. MAL: 7.7.

12. Kekkaishi (2006)

• Streaming: Tubi
• Plot: Teenagers Yoshimori and Tokine defend their town from supernatural threats using barrier magic.
• Similarities: Territorial protection duties, unique power system (kekkai barriers), and family legacy themes.
• Details: 52 episodes, Sunrise studio. MAL: 7.8.

13. Tiger & Bunny (2011)

• Streaming: Netflix
• Plot: Veteran hero Tiger and rookie Barnaby solve crimes in a corporatized superhero society.
• Similarities: Hero partnerships, public rescue operations, and balancing ego with teamwork.
• Details: 25 episodes, Sunrise studio. MAL: 7.8.

14. The Law of Ueki (2005)

• Streaming: Crunchyroll
• Plot: Ueki battles in a tournament granting powers via trash-based abilities, defending his values.
• Similarities: Creative power usage (like PAW Patrol’s tools), underdog ingenuity, and moral integrity.
• Details: 51 episodes, Studio Deen. MAL: 7.9.

15. World Trigger (2014)

• Streaming: Crunchyroll
• Plot: Border agents defend Earth from interdimensional invaders using tactical triggers and squad synergy.
• Similarities: Strategic team missions, gadget-based combat, and underdog protagonists rising through ranks.
• Details: 99 episodes, Toei Animation. MAL: 7.8.

Why These Anime Work for Fans of Underdog Stories and Unique Themes

These series resonate by transforming PAW Patrol’s core ethos—teamwork, resilience, and mission-focused storytelling—into nuanced narratives for mature viewers. They emphasize:

• Character Development: Protagonists like Asta (Black Clover) and Kenichi evolve from powerless to pivotal through grit.
• Innovative Systems: Powers in Kekkaishi (barriers) and World Trigger (triggers) mirror PAW Patrol’s specialized tools, encouraging creative problem-solving.
• Subversive Depth: Akame ga Kill! and Sonny Boy challenge expectations, revealing heroism’s moral complexities.
• Visual Uniqueness: Studios like Trigger (BNA) and Shaft (Madoka) use experimental animation to enhance thematic impact.

Prioritizing lesser-known titles ensures discovery of hidden gems that redefine teamwork and heroism beyond mainstream hits. Their underrated status often stems from niche appeal or overshadowed releases, yet their thematic richness offers rewarding engagement for fans seeking depth.