Sally Bollywood: Super Detective (2009–2013) follows Sally, a 12-year-old Indian detective in Cosmopolis, who solves neighborhood mysteries with her tech-savvy friend Doowee. The series blends episodic detective work, youthful curiosity, and lighthearted problem-solving.
These 15 underrated anime share its themes of underdog protagonists, creative mystery-solving, and unique team dynamics, offering fresh takes on detective narratives beyond mainstream hits.
1. The File of Young Kindaichi (1997–2020)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Summary: High-schooler Hajime Kindaichi solves complex murder cases using inherited deductive skills. Each arc features intricate puzzles and locked-room mysteries.
- Similarities: Episodic detective format, youthful protagonist underestimated by adults, and emphasis on logical deduction like Sally’s cases.
- Stats: 148 episodes, MAL: 7.8/10. Directed by Daisuke Nishio.
2. ID: Invaded (2020)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Summary: A jailed detective dives into criminals’ subconscious “id wells” to solve real-world crimes. A psychological thriller with mind-bending investigations.
- Similarities: Creative problem-solving (like Doowee’s tech) and episodic structure. Focuses on unraveling mysteries through unconventional methods.
- Stats: 13 episodes, MAL: 7.5/10. Won “Best Voice Acting” at Anime Trending Awards 2021.
3. Kubikiri Cycle: The Blue Savant and the Nonsense User (2016)
- Streaming: Not widely streamed (Blu-ray/DVD)
- Summary: Geniuses trapped on an island solve a series of gruesome murders. A cerebral locked-room mystery.
- Similarities: Isolated setting parallels Sally’s neighborhood mysteries; ensemble cast with unique skills.
- Stats: 8 episodes, MAL: 7.3/10. Produced by Shaft (Monogatari series).
4. Trickster (2016–2017)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Summary: A detective agency recruits an immortal boy to solve supernatural cases. Blends noir and sci-fi.
- Similarities: Youth-led detective team dynamic (like SBI) and episodic “case-of-the-week” format.
- Stats: 24 episodes, MAL: 6.5/10. Based on Edogawa Rampo’s novels.
5. B: The Beginning (2018–2021)
- Streaming: Netflix
- Summary: A genius investigator hunts a serial killer in a tech-driven city, uncovering supernatural conspiracies.
- Similarities: Tech-aided investigations (à la Doowee) and multicultural setting like Cosmopolis.
- Stats: 18 episodes, MAL: 6.9/10. Directed by Kazuto Nakazawa (Animatrix).
6. Sonny Boy (2021)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Summary: Students with superpowers drift through alternate dimensions, using logic to survive. A surreal survival mystery.
- Similarities: Youth-led problem-solving and creative use of abilities (cf. Sally’s Kalaripayattu).
- Stats: 12 episodes, MAL: 7.8/10. Praised for experimental animation by Madhouse.
7. Ranking of Kings (2021–2023)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Summary: Prince Bojji, a deaf underdog, teams with a shadow creature to prove his worth in a world ranking kings.
- Similarities: Underdog protagonist overcoming doubt and focus on friendship (Bojji/Kage ≈ Sally/Doowee).
- Stats: 23 episodes, MAL: 8.4/10. Produced by Wit Studio (Attack on Titan).
8. The Amazing Spiez! (2009–2011)
- Streaming: Tubi
- Summary: Sibling spies balance school and global missions using gadget-driven teamwork.
- Similarities: Youth-led agency solving episodic cases and tech-based solutions like SBI.
- Stats: 52 episodes, IMDb: 6.5/10. Co-produced by France and South Korea.
9. Shuriken School (2006–2007)
- Streaming: Not widely streamed (DVD)
- Summary: Students at a ninja academy tackle comedic missions, blending action and school-life antics.
- Similarities: Lighthearted youth adventures and diverse ensemble cast like Sally’s classmates.
- Stats: 52 episodes, IMDb: 6.2/10. Co-produced by Xilam (Oggy and the Cockroaches).
10. The Problem Solverz (2011–2013)
- Streaming: HBO Max
- Summary: Eccentric detectives Alfe, Roba, and Horace solve absurd mysteries in their surreal town.
- Similarities: Quirky detective trio dynamic and episodic “neighborhood” cases.
- Stats: 26 episodes, IMDb: 4.7/10. Notable for its unique vector-based animation.
11. Busytown Mysteries (2007–2010)
- Streaming: Prime Video
- Summary: Animal friends solve everyday puzzles in Richard Scarry’s Busytown. Educational and mystery-focused.
- Similarities: Child-friendly episodic mysteries and community-centered storytelling.
- Stats: 50 episodes, IMDb: 5.8/10. Based on classic children’s books.
12. Fuuto PI (2022–present)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Summary: A hardboiled detective wielding a Gaia Memory device battles gadget-wielding criminals.
- Similarities: Tech-enhanced detective work and urban mystery-solving.
- Stats: 12 episodes, MAL: 7.2/10. Spin-off of Kamen Rider W.
13. Mezzo Forte (2000–2001)
- Streaming: RetroCrush
- Summary: A risky detective agency takes on dangerous cases with high-tech gadgets.
- Similarities: Gadget-driven investigations and unconventional team dynamics.
- Stats: 13 episodes, MAL: 6.3/10. Early digital animation pioneer.
14. Danganronpa: The Animation (2013)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Summary: Trapped students must solve murders to escape, blending deduction and psychological thrills.
- Similarities: Youth-led mysteries and creative problem-solving under pressure.
- Stats: 13 episodes, MAL: 7.1/10. Adapted from hit video games.
15. Neuro: Supernatural Detective (2007–2008)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Summary: A demon helps a high-schooler solve supernatural crimes to satiate his curiosity.
- Similarities: Unlikely detective duo and episodic supernatural cases.
- Stats: 24 episodes, MAL: 7.6/10. Based on Yūsei Matsui’s manga.
Why These Anime Work for Sally Bollywood Fans
These series mirror Sally Bollywood’s core appeal: underdog protagonists (e.g., Bojji in Ranking of Kings), creative problem-solving (tech in ID: Invaded, gadgets in The Amazing Spiez!), and episodic mysteries (Young Kindaichi’s puzzles). They emphasize teamwork and youthful ingenuity, often in vibrant, diverse settings. While less mainstream, their unique animation styles—like Sonny Boy’s surrealism or Problem Solverz’ vector art—offer fresh storytelling approaches. For fans seeking clever mysteries with heart, these titles deliver inventive twists on detective tropes without sacrificing charm.
