My Little Monster (Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun) offers a refreshing mix of romantic tension, quirky character dynamics, and emotional growth. The series stands out for its honest portrayal of awkward teenage affection, character-driven storytelling, and a lead couple that constantly challenges traditional romantic archetypes. Its charm lies not just in the love story but in how its characters mature through emotional vulnerability and comedic chaos.
For fans craving similarly layered, underrated anime with coming-of-age arcs, emotional depth, and subversions of romantic clichés, here are 14 lesser-known titles that share its heart and soul.
1. Lovely★Complex (2007)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix
Episodes: 24
MAL Rating: 8.03
A tall girl and a short boy constantly bicker over their complex about height differences—until their rivalry stumbles into romantic territory.
Why it’s similar: Like My Little Monster, it pairs two emotionally immature but strong personalities in a hilarious slow-burn romance that gradually reveals deeper vulnerabilities.
Studio: Toei Animation
Notable staff: Directed by Konosuke Uda (One Piece, Galaxy Express 999)
2. Kimi to Boku (2011)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 13 (Season 1) + 13 (Season 2)
MAL Rating: 7.72
Follows the daily lives of five close-knit high school boys navigating adolescence, relationships, and identity with understated charm.
Why it’s similar: Features dry humor, slice-of-life pacing, and emotionally grounded moments akin to My Little Monster‘s quieter scenes.
Studio: J.C. Staff
Notable staff: Directed by Mamoru Kanbe (Elfen Lied)
3. Ojisan to Marshmallow (2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12 (shorts)
MAL Rating: 6.61
A reserved middle-aged man becomes the target of a younger coworker’s odd and obsessive affection—all over his love of marshmallows.
Why it’s similar: Offbeat romance, one-sided pursuit, and emotional misunderstandings echo Haru and Shizuku’s dynamic in a more comedic, compact format.
Studio: Creators in Pack
Notable staff: Based on Rekomaru Otoi’s manga
4. Soredemo Sekai wa Utsukushii (2014)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 7.66
A rain-summoning princess is forced to marry a young, powerful king—only to find romance in unexpected warmth.
Why it’s similar: A headstrong female lead, unusual romance pacing, and emotional growth drive this slow-burn relationship just like in My Little Monster.
Studio: Pierrot
Notable staff: Directed by Hajime Kamegaki (Air Gear)
5. Junjou Romantica (2008)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 7.59
Centers on three interconnected couples navigating romance, awkward communication, and emotional baggage in a realistic yet dramatic manner.
Why it’s similar: Unfiltered emotional tension, standoffish characters, and an exploration of love’s emotional messiness resonate with My Little Monster fans.
Studio: Studio Deen
Notable staff: Directed by Chiaki Kon (Nodame Cantabile, Golden Time)
6. Hatsukoi Limited (2009)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 7.18
An anthology of intertwining love stories among middle and high school students exploring the beauty and pain of first love.
Why it’s similar: Features emotionally messy characters and authentic teen interactions with surprising depth and charm.
Studio: J.C. Staff
Notable staff: Written by Mizuki Kawashita (Ichigo 100%)
7. Tsurezure Children (2017)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12 (short-format)
MAL Rating: 7.97
A collection of short vignettes showing different couples experiencing the awkward stages of young love.
Why it’s similar: Brings the same clumsy emotional honesty, quirky relationships, and charming pacing that fans of My Little Monster crave.
Studio: Studio Gokumi
Notable staff: Directed by Hiraku Kaneko (The Qwaser of Stigmata)
8. Dengeki Daisy (Manga, 2007–2013)
Streaming: Not animated yet (Manga only)
Volumes: 16
MAL Rating: 8.29
A lonely girl finds emotional support in mysterious text messages from someone calling himself “Daisy”—unaware he’s closer than she thinks.
Why it’s similar: Emotionally guarded heroine and emotionally messy male lead bond through vulnerability, echoing Haru and Shizuku’s growth.
Creator: Kyousuke Motomi
Awards: Top-ranked shojo title multiple years in Kono Manga ga Sugoi!
10. Tonari no Seki-kun (2014)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 21 (shorts)
MAL Rating: 7.56
A silent genius distracts his neighbor with increasingly elaborate desk-side shenanigans during class.
Why it’s similar: Lighthearted tone, school setting, and two contrasting leads interacting in amusing, wordless chemistry.
Studio: Shin-Ei Animation
Notable staff: Directed by Yuji Mutoh (Crayon Shin-chan)
11. Nijiiro Days (2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 24
MAL Rating: 7.41
Four high school boys stumble through romance and friendship, each bringing their own emotional baggage.
Why it’s similar: Balances friendship and romance while exploring teenage vulnerability with a soft animation style.
Studio: Production Reed
Notable staff: Directed by Tetsuro Amino (Macross 7)
12. Kimi ni Todoke (2009)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix
Episodes: 25 (Season 1) + 12 (Season 2)
MAL Rating: 8.00
A misunderstood girl struggles to make friends due to her eerie appearance—until one boy changes her life.
Why it’s similar: Slow-burn development, emotional realism, and socially awkward leads make it a perfect tonal match.
Studio: Production I.G
Awards: Kodansha Manga Award for Shojo (2008)
13. ReLIFE (2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 13 + 4 OVA
MAL Rating: 8.01
A disillusioned adult is given a chance to relive high school for one year to fix his life.
Why it’s similar: Tackles emotional immaturity, romantic confusion, and personal growth with a blend of humor and honesty.
Studio: TMS Entertainment
Notable staff: Directed by Kosuke Kawatsura (OreGairu Zoku)
14. Bokura wa Minna Kawaisou (2014)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 7.59
A high school student moves into a boarding house with eccentric residents—including his beautiful, bookish crush.
Why it’s similar: Witty banter, slow-burning attraction, and emotionally awkward interactions parallel My Little Monster’s character energy.
Studio: Brain’s Base
Notable staff: Directed by Shigeyuki Miya (Blood Lad)
15. Kimi to Koi no Tochuu (OVA, 2009)
Streaming: YouTube (fan uploads), DVD
Episodes: 1 (OVA)
MAL Rating: 6.83
A sweet, single-episode story of a quiet girl falling for a clueless classmate, told through gentle pacing and pastel visuals.
Why it’s similar: Captures the same warm, character-driven storytelling and soft romantic tone in a bite-sized format.
Studio: AIC Frontier
Why These Anime Work for My Little Monster Fans
These anime echo what makes My Little Monster special: emotionally raw characters, subversions of shojo romance tropes, and humor layered with heartfelt moments. Whether it’s the messy honesty of adolescent feelings, the oddball romantic pairings, or the evolving relationships built on flawed but sincere people, each title captures a different facet of what fans love about Haru and Shizuku’s chaotic chemistry. From old gems to recent underrated picks, they all deserve a spot on your to-watch list.
