The selected anime in this article share Origin’s core themes of ecological and dystopian settings, power dynamics and systems, underdog protagonists struggling against overwhelming forces, and narrative subversions that challenge genre expectations. Despite their quality, these titles have flown under the radar for many viewers, either due to limited exposure, niche appeal, or overshadowing by mainstream hits.
This list highlights lesser-known titles from various periods, emphasizing unique animation styles and compelling storytelling that fans of Origin: Spirits of the Past will appreciate.
1. A Tree of Palme (2002)
- Streaming: Occasionally available on select platforms; physical copies recommended
- Plot: Palme, a mechanical puppet, embarks on a surreal journey reminiscent of Pinocchio to protect his creator’s wife’s memory by confronting his own humanity.
- Similarity: Like Origin, it presents a contemplative post-apocalyptic world with a deeply philosophical narrative on identity and existence. The animation is artistically unique, using simple designs with stunning visuals, and it explores environmental themes subtly.
MAL Rating: ~6.6
Duration: 136 min (movie)
Studio: Palm Studio
Notable: Directed by Takashi Nakamura, known for beautifully surreal visuals
2. Armitage III: Dual Matrix (2001)
- Streaming: Available on DVD/Blu-ray; sometimes on sci-fi anime channels
- Plot: Set on colonized Mars, police officer Ross teams with the advanced android Naomi Armitage to investigate rogue robots and uncover complex truths about android-human coexistence.
- Similarity: Shares Origin’s blend of sci-fi action with themes of artificial life, coexistence issues, and dystopian futures. The cyberpunk setting complements Origin‘s eco-dystopian narrative with questions of identity and morality.
MAL Rating: ~7.1
Duration: 90 min (movie)
Studio: AIC, GONZO
Notable Staff: Directed by Hiroyuki Ochi
3. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
- Streaming: Available on various streaming services with Studio Ghibli collections
- Plot: Princess Nausicaä strives to save her kingdom and a toxic jungle by understanding the ecological balance between humans and nature.
- Similarity: The foremost inspiration for Origin, it presents a post-apocalyptic world ruled by nature’s wrath and promotes environmental coexistence. Its narrative depth and thematic weight influenced Origin’s design and message.
MAL Rating: 8.9
Duration: 117 min (movie)
Studio: Studio Ghibli
Notable: Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, highly influential environmental anime
4. Karas (2005)
- Streaming: Available on Blu-ray; occasionally streaming
- Plot: In a neo-Shinjuku, ancient spirits battle over the modern city’s future through shapeshifting warriors known as Karas.
- Similarity: Dark urban fantasy with a complex narrative and innovative blending of 2D/3D animation. Shares Origin’s serious tone, subverted heroism, and the intertwining of humanity and supernatural forces.
MAL Rating: 7.3
Episodes: 6 (OVA)
Studio: Tatsunoko Production, Madhouse
5. BNA: Brand New Animal (2020)
- Streaming: Netflix
- Plot: Michiru, transformed into a tanuki beastman, seeks refuge in Anima City and unravels tensions between beastmen and humans.
- Similarity: Explores coexistence tensions like Origin, through a vibrant, unique animation style by Studio Trigger. Mixes social issues with action and a hopeful underdog story.
MAL Rating: 7.5
Episodes: 12
Studio: Studio Trigger
Notable: Stylish animation, social allegories on discrimination
6. Darwin’s Game (2020)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Plot: High schooler Kaname is forced into a deadly survival game where players wield unique abilities called Sigils.
- Similarity: Underdog narrative with powering-up themes and intense life-or-death stakes reminiscent of Origin’s struggle in a hostile environment.
MAL Rating: 7.0
Episodes: 11
Studio: Nexus
7. Getsumen to Heiki Mina (2007)
- Streaming: Limited; DVD release
- Plot: The story follows Ray and his efforts to protect Okinawa’s natural environments from destruction.
- Similarity: Strong ecological and environmental themes focus on conservation and coexistence, aligning with Origin’s core concerns.
MAL Rating: ~6.2
Episodes: 11
Studio: Gonzo
8. The Elusive Samurai (2024–)
- Streaming: Currently airing on platforms like Crunchyroll
- Plot: A historically inspired fantasy about Hojo Tokiyuki, a master of stealth avenging his clan using unique powers.
- Similarity: Underdog story with strong character development, mirroring Origin’s theme of individual struggle against a larger system.
MAL Rating: 7.4 (recent)
Episodes: Ongoing
Studio: CloverWorks
9. Princess Tutu (2002)
- Streaming: Available on Crunchyroll and Funimation
- Plot: A duck transforms into a magical girl to restore the broken heart of a prince, unraveling tropes as the story progresses.
- Similarity: Subverts fairy tale and magical girl expectations, akin to Origin’s philosophical twists. Focus on destiny and challenging narratives aligns well.
MAL Rating: 8.1
Episodes: 26
Studio: Hal Film Maker
10. No Game No Life (2014)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix (varies)
- Plot: Sora and Shiro, gaming siblings, enter a fantasy world where everything is decided by games.
- Similarity: Unique animation and narrative style with an underdog duo mastering a complex system, reflecting Origin’s emphasis on cleverness and power systems.
MAL Rating: 8.2
Episodes: 12
Studio: Madhouse
11. Mononoke (2007)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Plot: A mysterious medicine seller uncovers spirits and monsters plaguing feudal Japan in surreal tales.
- Similarity: Visually arresting with a unique style and subversive storytelling, it shares Origin’s ambition in narrative depth and moral complexity.
MAL Rating: 8.3
Episodes: 12
Studio: Toei Animation
12. Tatami Galaxy (2010)
- Streaming: Available on Funimation
- Plot: A college student experiences multiple timelines exploring choices and their consequences in a surreal world.
- Similarity: Unique art and narrative style with philosophical undertones akin to Origin’s deeper reflections on fate and human relationship with environment.
MAL Rating: 8.7
Episodes: 11
Studio: Madhouse
13. FLCL (2000)
- Streaming: Hulu, Funimation, Netflix (varies)
- Plot: Surreal coming-of-age story of a boy encountering bizarre events in a quiet town with dynamic animation.
- Similarity: Subversion of coming-of-age tropes with wild, unpredictable narrative style relates to Origin’s blend of action and unexpected themes.
MAL Rating: 8.1
Episodes: 6 (original season)
Studio: Gainax
14. SSSS.Gridman (2018)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: High school students partner with a digital hero to fight mysterious kaiju threats threatening their city.
- Similarity: Unconventional mecha anime with layered storytelling and underdog protagonists fighting against overwhelming forces.
MAL Rating: 7.9
Episodes: 12
Studio: Trigger
Why These Anime Work for Origin: Spirits of the Past Fans
These anime weave environmental awareness, moral complexity, and underdog perseverance into imaginative worlds where humanity’s relationship with nature, technology, or fate is continually questioned. Like Origin: Spirits of the Past, they feature protagonists who must navigate hostile landscapes—whether ecological dystopias, futuristic cities, or magical realms—while dealing with themes of balance, destruction, and hope for coexistence.
Distinctive animation techniques and bold storytelling set many apart, pushing the boundaries of conventional anime. From the artistic surrealism of A Tree of Palme and Karas to the socially charged narratives of BNA and Darwin’s Game, these series blend power system mechanics, underdog growth arcs, and subversions of familiar tropes, offering fresh experiences that deserve more attention in the anime community.
