Noddy is a wooden toy who lives in Toyland and was later adapted into a Canadian live-action/animated series that aired in 1998-1999. His small size and constant need to prove himself make every episode an underdog lesson, while characters such as Big Ears—who can cast spells—and the mischievous goblins give the setting a light “power-system” feel that regularly flips expectations.
Fans who enjoy that mix of optimism, unique abilities and surprise turns can find the same spirit in the 15 underrated anime below.
1. Ranking of Kings (2021)
- Stream: Crunchyroll / Funimation
- Episodes: 23 | MAL: 8.55
- Studio: WIT Studio – Dir. Yosuke Hatta
- Awards: Tokyo Anime Award Festival 2023 TV Grand Prize
- Plot: Deaf prince Bojji sets off to become the world’s greatest king after being denied the throne.
- Noddy Link: Tiny hero, big heart; friendship and clever thinking beat raw power.
2. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (2023)
- Stream: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: (2-cour, ongoing) | MAL: 9.0
- Studio: Madhouse – Dir. Keiichirō Saitō
- Plot: Elf mage Frieren retraces her past quest to understand human bonds.
- Noddy Link: Warm reflection on friendship and the quiet power of empathy.
3. Full Metal Panic! (2002)
- Stream: Crunchyroll / Funimation
- Episodes: 24 | MAL: 7.58
- Studio: Gonzo – Based on Shōji Gatō’s novels
- Plot: Child soldier Sousuke must guard schoolgirl Kaname while hiding his military mindset.
- Noddy Link: Fish-out-of-water comedy and a lead who misreads everyday life, echoing Noddy’s learning curve.
4. Ghost Hound (2007)
- Stream: HiDive
- Episodes: 22 | MAL: 7.24
- Studio: Production I.G – Dir. Ryūtarō Nakamura
- Plot: Three teens step into a spirit realm to face buried trauma (general knowledge).
- Noddy Link: Kids confronting unseen worlds; each “ability” is tied to personal growth. Mentioned as an overlooked gem.
5. Gunslinger Girl (2003)
- Stream: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 13 | MAL: 7.43
- Studio: Madhouse – Dir. Morio Asaka
- Plot: Cyber-augmented orphan girls serve as government operatives (general knowledge).
- Noddy Link: Young protagonists rely on special gear while seeking acceptance. Frequently cited as underrated.
6. Flying Witch (2016)
- Stream: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12 | MAL: 7.50
- Studio: J.C.STAFF – Dir. Katsushi Sakurabi
- Plot: Apprentice witch Makoto brings low-key magic to rural Aomori (general knowledge).
- Noddy Link: Everyday slice-of-life with gentle supernatural “powers,” much like Toyland’s low-stakes wonders.
7. Last Exile (2003)
- Stream: HiDive / Funimation
- Episodes: 26 | MAL: 8.00
- Studio: Gonzo – Dir. Kōichi Chigira
- Plot: Pilot duo Claus and Lavie brave sky wars in steam-fantasy airships (general knowledge).
- Noddy Link: Tight-knit partners navigate a technology-rich world; inventive gadgets mirror Toyland contraptions.
8. One Outs (2008)
- Stream: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 25 | MAL: 8.40
- Studio: Madhouse – Dir. Yuzo Sato
- Plot: Gambler Toua Tokuchi turns pro baseball into psychological warfare (general knowledge).
- Noddy Link: Outsmarting stronger rivals—an underdog mindset taken to extremes. Flagged as heavily underrated.
9. Symphogear (2012)
- Stream: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 13 (Season 1) | MAL: 7.17
- Studio: Satelight – Dir. Katsumi Ono
- Plot: Idol warriors sing to power ancient armor against alien Noise (general knowledge).
- Noddy Link: Music-driven “powers” and teamwork—echoes Noddy Shop sing-alongs.
10. .hack//SIGN (2002)
- Stream: Funimation
- Episodes: 26 | MAL: 7.02
- Studio: Bee Train – Dir. Kōichi Mashimo
- Plot: Player Tsukasa wakes up trapped inside MMORPG The World (general knowledge).
- Noddy Link: Self-contained fantasy realm with its own rules, mirroring Toyland’s closed setting. Listed among seldom-mentioned classics.
11. Ghost Hunt (2006)
- Stream: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 25 | MAL: 7.73
- Studio: J.C.STAFF – Dir. Rei Maniwa
- Plot: Teen Mai joins a paranormal research team solving hauntings (general knowledge).
- Noddy Link: Young cast faces mysteries no adults can see, much like Toyland’s secret life.
12. Toward the Terra (2007)
- Stream: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 24 | MAL: 7.55
- Studio: Aniplex / A.C.G.T – Dir. Osamu Yamasaki
- Plot: Psychic “Mu” children rebel against an oppressive space regime (general knowledge).
- Noddy Link: Youths with special gifts pushing against prejudice—an underdog through-line.
13. Cuticle Detective Inaba (2013)
- Stream: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12 | MAL: 7.19
- Studio: Zexcs – Dir. Susumu Nishizawa
- Plot: Part-wolf sleuth Hiroshi Inaba solves absurd crimes with hair analysis (general knowledge).
- Noddy Link: Anthropomorphic comedy and toy-box energy; blends mystery with whimsy.
14. Blassreiter (2008)
- Stream: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 24 | MAL: 6.93
- Studio: Gonzo – Dir. Ichiro Itano
- Plot: Riders merge with biomechs to fight “Demoniacs” in near-future Germany (general knowledge).
- Noddy Link: Distinct “ability” system and themes of identity—darker but still an outsider story.
15. Angolmois: Record of Mongol Invasion (2018)
- Stream: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12 | MAL: 7.24
- Studio: NAZ – Dir. Takayuki Kuriyama
- Plot: Samurai defenders resist the 1274 Mongol invasion of Tsushima (general knowledge).
- Noddy Link: Small group vs. overwhelming force; strategy and courage over brute strength, matching Noddy’s pluck.
Why These Anime Work for Mentioned Anime Fans
Each title pairs a likeable underdog with a clear but inventive “ability” system—be it magic, song armor, psychic powers or sheer wit—and then bends expectations in ways Noddy watchers already appreciate. They stay overlooked compared with blockbuster hits, yet they share the same heart: young (or young-at-heart) heroes who turn quirks into strengths, lean on loyal friends and find clever solutions when the odds look stacked against them.
