Kyoukai no Rinne, also known as Rin-ne, follows the adventures of high schooler Rinne Rokudo, a part-shinigami who helps restless spirits pass on while dealing with everyday teen struggles and supernatural mishaps. Created by Rumiko Takahashi, the series blends comedic exorcisms, underdog triumphs against otherworldly odds, and clever subversions of typical power dynamics in a lighthearted, episodic format.
These 15 underrated anime deserve more attention for capturing similar vibes of supernatural comedy, spiritual themes, and character growth, often overlooked in favor of mainstream hits, offering fresh takes on exorcism, yokai encounters, and personal redemption that reward patient viewers with hidden depth.
1. Gugure! Kokkuri-san (2014)
Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu
Brief Plot Summary: A self-proclaimed doll girl named Kohina summons a fox spirit, Kokkuri-san, who becomes her guardian to improve her unhealthy lifestyle, leading to chaotic household antics with other quirky spirits joining the mix
Specific Similarities to Kyoukai no Rinne: Like Rinne’s humorous spirit-guiding duties, this series features comedic supernatural housekeeping and underdog character arcs where spirits subvert expectations by forming unlikely family bonds.
MAL Rating: 7.4/10
Episode Count: 12
Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Directed by Yoshimasa Hiraike at TMS Entertainment, known for whimsical animation.
Awards/Recognition: Nominated for Best Comedy at the 2015 Anime Grand Prix.
2. Fukigen na Mononokean (2016)
Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Brief Plot Summary: High schooler Hanae Ashiya accidentally binds himself to a yokai and enlists the help of exorcist Abeno Haruitsuki to resolve spirit-related troubles in a hidden tea room.
Specific Similarities to Kyoukai no Rinne: Both emphasize episodic exorcisms with underdog protagonists navigating power imbalances and subverting spirit-world norms through witty, character-driven humor.
MAL Rating: 7.5/10
Episode Count: 13 (Season 1)
Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Studio Pierrot, with director Akira Iwanaga blending fluid animation for yokai designs.
Awards/Recognition: Praised for character development at the 2017 Seiyu Awards.
3. Muhyo & Roji’s Bureau of Supernatural Investigation (2018)
Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Prime Video
Brief Plot Summary: Genius executor Toru Muhyo and his assistant Jiro Roji run a bureau that sentences evil spirits using magical law, tackling cases that test their partnership and resolve.
Specific Similarities to Kyoukai no Rinne: Shares procedural exorcism narratives with underdog assistants growing through subversion of supernatural hierarchies, infused with comedic banter.
MAL Rating: 7.0/10
Episode Count: 12 (Season 1)
Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Studio Deen, based on Yoshiyuki Nishi’s manga with unique legal-fantasy visuals.
Awards/Recognition: Won Best New Anime at the 2019 Tokyo Anime Award Festival.
4. Re-Kan! (2015)
Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Brief Plot Summary: Amami Hibiki, a girl who can see ghosts, navigates high school life while helping spirits find peace, often leading to humorous misunderstandings with her friends.
Specific Similarities to Kyoukai no Rinne: Mirrors the blend of school comedy and spirit assistance, with underdog empathy subverting ghostly expectations for heartfelt growth.
MAL Rating: 6.9/10
Episode Count: 13
Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Pierrot Plus, directed by Masashi Kudo with soft, ethereal animation styles.
Awards/Recognition: Recognized for slice-of-life innovation at the 2016 Anime Expo.
5. Mushishi (2005)
Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu
Brief Plot Summary: Wanderer Ginko investigates mushi, ethereal beings causing supernatural phenomena, helping afflicted people in a serene, folklore-inspired world.
Specific Similarities to Kyoukai no Rinne: Echoes spiritual problem-solving and underdog stories through episodic tales that subvert human-mushi power dynamics with philosophical depth.
MAL Rating: 8.7/10
Episode Count: 26 (Season 1)
Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Artland, directed by Hiroshi Nagahama with acclaimed minimalist animation.
Awards/Recognition: Won Best TV Anime at the 2006 Tokyo Anime Awards.
6. Natsume Yuujinchou (2008)
Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Brief Plot Summary: Orphan Takashi Natsume inherits a book of yokai contracts and, with his cat guardian, returns names to bound spirits while uncovering his family’s legacy.
Specific Similarities to Kyoukai no Rinne: Features gentle exorcism-like resolutions and underdog growth, subverting yokai expectations through emotional bonds.
MAL Rating: 8.3/10
Episode Count: 13 (Season 1)
Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Brain’s Base, directed by Takahiro Omori with evocative seasonal visuals.
Awards/Recognition: Multiple wins at the Japan Media Arts Festival for storytelling.
7. Jibaku Shounen Hanako-kun (2020)
Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, HBO Max
Brief Plot Summary: Nene Yashiro summons school ghost Hanako to grant wishes, leading to supernatural mysteries and alliances against darker forces.
Specific Similarities to Kyoukai no Rinne: Combines school-based comedy with spirit exorcisms, underdog partnerships subverting ghostly tropes.
MAL Rating: 7.8/10
Episode Count: 12
Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Lerche, with Aida Iro’s distinctive art style.
Awards/Recognition: Nominated for Best Animation at Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2021.
8. Inu x Boku SS (2012)
Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Brief Plot Summary: Ririchiyo Shirakiin moves into a mansion for yokai descendants, forming bonds with her fox spirit bodyguard while confronting her sheltered past.
Specific Similarities to Kyoukai no Rinne: Humorous yokai interactions and underdog self-discovery subvert power expectations in a comedic setting.
MAL Rating: 7.4/10
Episode Count: 12
Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: David Production, directed by Naoyuki Tatsuwa.
Awards/Recognition: Praised for romance elements at the 2013 Newtype Anime Awards.
9. Kemono Jihen (2021)
Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Brief Plot Summary: Half-ghoul boy Kabane joins a detective agency solving supernatural cases, uncovering his origins amid yokai conflicts.
Specific Similarities to Kyoukai no Rinne: Underdog protagonist’s growth through comedic monster investigations subverts spiritual hierarchies.
MAL Rating: 7.4/10
Episode Count: 12
Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Ajia-do, directed by Masaya Fujimori.
Awards/Recognition: Noted for mystery at the 2022 Seiyu Awards.
10. Dark Gathering (2023)
Current Streaming Availability: HIDIVE
Brief Plot Summary: College student Keitaro teams with ghost-seeing Eiko to collect spirits for a cursed child, blending horror and humor in haunted explorations.
Specific Similarities to Kyoukai no Rinne: Episodic spirit hunts with underdog alliances subvert dark themes through witty dynamics.
MAL Rating: 7.6/10
Episode Count: 25
Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: OLM, directed by Hiroshi Ikehata.
Awards/Recognition: Emerging hit at Anime Expo 2024.
11. Ghost Hunt (2006)
Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Brief Plot Summary: Teen Mai joins a psychic research team investigating haunted sites, using tech and exorcisms to unravel mysteries.
Specific Similarities to Kyoukai no Rinne: Procedural ghost-busting with underdog team growth subverts supernatural expectations.
MAL Rating: 7.8/10
Episode Count: 25
Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: J.C. Staff, directed by Rei Mano.
Awards/Recognition: Cult favorite at the 2007 Tokyo Anime Fair.
12. Mokke (2007)
Current Streaming Availability: Not widely available (check Crunchyroll archives)
Brief Plot Summary: Sisters Shizuru and Mizuki deal with yokai possessions in rural Japan, learning coexistence from their grandparents.
Specific Similarities to Kyoukai no Rinne: Family-focused spiritual resolutions and underdog adaptation subvert yokai tropes gently.
MAL Rating: 7.2/10
Episode Count: 24
Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Madhouse, with serene countryside animation.
Awards/Recognition: Praised for folklore accuracy in 2008 reviews.
13. Hanada Shounen-shi (2002)
Current Streaming Availability: Not widely available (DVD or niche sites)
Brief Plot Summary: Bratty boy Ichiro gains the ability to see ghosts after an accident, helping them resolve unfinished business.
Specific Similarities to Kyoukai no Rinne: Comedic ghost assistance with underdog maturation subverting bratty expectations.
MAL Rating: 7.5/10
Episode Count: 25
Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Madhouse, directed by Masayuki Kojima.
Awards/Recognition: Won Best Animation at the 2003 Tokyo International Anime Fair.
14. Ushio to Tora (2015)
Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Brief Plot Summary: Teen Ushio releases demon Tora and wields a spear to fight yokai, forming an uneasy alliance.
Specific Similarities to Kyoukai no Rinne: Action-comedy exorcisms with underdog duos subverting demon alliances.
MAL Rating: 7.6/10
Episode Count: 26 (Season 1)
Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: MAPPA, with dynamic fight animation.
Awards/Recognition: Nominated for Best Action at Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2016.
15. Shounen Onmyouji (2006)
Current Streaming Availability: Not widely available (check Funimation archives)
Brief Plot Summary: Young exorcist Masahiro, grandson of a legendary onmyouji, battles demons with his spirit ally Mokkun.
Specific Similarities to Kyoukai no Rinne: Heritage-driven exorcisms and underdog prowess subvert spiritual legacies comically.
MAL Rating: 7.6/10
Episode Count: 26
Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Studio Deen, directed by Kunihiko Yuyama.
Awards/Recognition: Recognized for historical fantasy at the 2007 Japan Media Arts Festival
Why These Anime Work for Kyoukai no Rinne Fans
These series excel by mirroring Rin-ne’s charm through supernatural comedy, underdog narratives, and clever twists on spirit-world rules, often in episodic formats that build character depth over time. They offer a refreshing escape for fans seeking lesser-known titles that blend humor with heartfelt themes, proving that underrated anime can deliver just as much subversion and satisfaction without the hype.
