The Yokai Watch anime is often dismissed as just a kids’ show, but beneath its playful surface lies a surprisingly layered world filled with inventive power systems, stories of growth, and clever subversions of genre tropes. Whether it’s following the adventures of Nate and Whisper or exploring the spiritual side of daily life, the series strikes a rare balance between lighthearted fun and meaningful storytelling.
If you loved the quirky world-building, heartwarming character arcs, or the way Yokai Watch reimagines spirits and monsters as metaphors for real-life problems, these 15 underrated anime might be exactly what you’re looking for. These picks echo its themes of otherworldly adventures, friendship, emotional development, and clever humor—yet remain underappreciated in the wider anime community.
1. Natsume’s Book of Friends (2008)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
MAL Rating: 8.31
Episodes: 74 (6 seasons + OVAs)
Studio: Brain’s Base, Shuka
A quiet teen named Natsume can see spirits, a trait that’s caused him endless trouble—until he inherits a book binding these spirits’ names and sets out to free them.
Why it’s similar: Like Yokai Watch, this series features a kind-hearted protagonist navigating emotional stories about spirits and unseen worlds, wrapped in slice-of-life tones.
2. The Morose Mononokean (2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.38
Episodes: 26
Studio: Pierrot Plus
After being possessed by a yokai, high schooler Hanae seeks help from a mysterious exorcist, only to end up working with him.
Why it’s similar: Both shows explore the daily lives of humans dealing with yokai, balancing comedy with deeper emotional arcs and strong character development.
3. Elegant Yokai Apartment Life (2017)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.03
Episodes: 26
Studio: Shin-Ei Animation
Yūshi moves into a cheap apartment complex—only to find it’s inhabited by spirits and yokai with unique personalities.
Why it’s similar: Shares Yokai Watch‘s quirky charm, emphasizing yokai-human relationships and comedic yet touching life lessons.
4. GeGeGe no Kitarō (2018)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.22
Episodes: 97
Studio: Toei Animation
Kitarō, a yokai boy, works to maintain peace between humans and spirits in a world increasingly forgetful of the supernatural.
Why it’s similar: As a spiritual predecessor to Yokai Watch, this show offers a more mature, lore-rich take on yokai folklore while still delivering charm and creativity.
5. Kemono Jihen (2021)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
MAL Rating: 7.45
Episodes: 12
Studio: Ajia-do
A stoic boy with mysterious powers joins a detective agency specializing in yokai-related crimes.
Why it’s similar: Combines yokai lore, emotional character arcs, and an underdog narrative in a darker, more action-focused tone.
6. Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan (2010)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.65
Episodes: 48 (2 seasons)
Studio: Studio Deen
Rikuo is part human, part yokai—and struggles to accept his role as leader of a yokai clan.
Why it’s similar: Explores dual identities, power struggles, and acceptance, much like Nate’s journey of balancing human life with supernatural responsibilities.
7. Shounen Ashibe: Go! Go! Goma-chan (2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 6.55
Episodes: 96
Studio: Bridge
Young Ashibe and his adorable pet seal Goma-chan get into lighthearted, funny everyday adventures.
Why it’s similar: While not yokai-based, it mirrors the episodic, character-driven charm and slice-of-life comedy of Yokai Watch.
8. Tsukumogami Kashimasu (2018)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 6.83
Episodes: 12
Studio: TMS Entertainment
In Edo-period Japan, siblings rent out possessed objects (tsukumogami) and solve spiritual mysteries.
Why it’s similar: The idea of ordinary items and beings becoming sentient echoes Yokai Watch‘s core theme, with a historical twist.
9. Mokke (2007)
Streaming: Not currently streaming
MAL Rating: 7.25
Episodes: 24
Studio: Madhouse
Two sisters with spiritual sensitivity encounter yokai in their rural village, learning lessons along the way.
Why it’s similar: Focuses on subtle, often heartwarming encounters with the supernatural, with a calm and introspective tone akin to Yokai Watch‘s quieter moments.
10. Youkai Watch Shadowside (2018)
Streaming: YouTube (region-limited)
MAL Rating: 6.83
Episodes: 49
Studio: OLM
A darker, more mature sequel series set in the same universe, focusing on new characters and deeper lore.
Why it’s similar: Directly tied to Yokai Watch, but with a more serious tone and complex character development that appeals to older fans.
11. Binbougami ga! (Good Luck Girl!) (2012)
Streaming: Funimation
MAL Rating: 7.65
Episodes: 13
Studio: Sunrise
A lucky girl draws the attention of the goddess of misfortune, leading to outrageous battles of wits and spirit.
Why it’s similar: Combines supernatural beings with slapstick comedy and hidden emotional beats in a way that mirrors Yokai Watch’s balance of humor and heart.
12. Re-Kan! (2015)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 6.88
Episodes: 13
Studio: Pierrot Plus
Hibiki can see ghosts and spirits, often helping them with their unfinished business.
Why it’s similar: Another story about a protagonist coexisting with spirits, blending episodic storytelling with sentimentality and friendship.
13. Obake Zukan! (2016)
Streaming: YouTube (limited)
MAL Rating: 6.29
Episodes: 24
Studio: Fanworks
Short animated stories featuring Japanese ghosts and monsters, narrated in a fun and educational style.
Why it’s similar: Feels like Yokai Watch mini-episodes—quirky, kid-friendly, and full of yokai folklore with a comedic edge.
14. Jibaku Shounen Hanako-kun (Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun) (2020)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.80
Episodes: 12
Studio: Lerche
A girl summons the ghost of a boy who haunts her school’s bathroom, only to be swept into the world of school-based spirits.
Why it’s similar: Brilliant mix of school-life, ghost lore, and stylized animation, echoing Yokai Watch‘s fun supernatural setting with more mystery and visual flair.
15. Kitaro’s Yokai Encyclopedia (2023)
Streaming: Not yet officially localized
MAL Rating: 6.90
Episodes: Ongoing
Studio: Toei Animation
A modern reboot of yokai-focused educational anime, aimed at introducing new generations to Japanese spirits and legends.
Why it’s similar: Shares the same mission of Yokai Watch—making yokai stories accessible and entertaining for all ages.
Why These Anime Work for Yokai Watch Fans
Each of these underrated series captures the core of what makes Yokai Watch special—whether it’s the imaginative handling of spirits, meaningful relationships between humans and the supernatural, or stories that start lighthearted but grow in emotional depth. Many of them layer humor with heartfelt messages, creating a viewing experience that’s both fun and impactful. If you’ve been missing the unique vibe of Yokai Watch, these titles offer fresh but familiar worlds to get lost in.
