Planetes is a mature, thoughtful sci-fi anime that explores the human side of space exploration, focusing on the ordinary people who do the unglamorous work that makes progress possible. Set in the year 2075, the story follows the crew of the “Toy Box,” a debris collection ship tasked with clearing dangerous space junk from Earth’s orbit. The series follows their daily lives as they deal with the mundane realities of blue-collar work in space, while also pursuing their personal dreams and navigating the complexities of human relationships.
The series is defined by its core themes: a power system rooted in the practical realities of space technology and the economic and political structures that shape space exploration, where the greatest challenges are not alien threats but the everyday struggles of work and life. The protagonists are profound underdogs—ordinary workers who are often overlooked and underappreciated, but whose contributions are essential to the future of humanity. Planetes masterfully subverts expectations by rejecting the typical space opera formula, instead delivering a grounded, character-driven narrative about ambition, love, and the search for meaning in a vast, indifferent universe. It is a series that understands the dignity of labor.
For fans of Planetes, finding similar anime can be a challenge. The series occupies a unique space—part hard sci-fi, part workplace drama, part meditation on the human condition. Yet, many underrated series share its core DNA: a focus on the practical and emotional realities of a specialized profession, an exploration of the bonds formed between colleagues, and a willingness to tell grounded, character-driven stories that celebrate the ordinary. These shows deserve far more attention for their emotional depth, their intellectual rigor, and their refusal to rely on melodrama.
Here are 15 underrated anime that capture the spirit of Planetes.
1. Space Brothers (2012)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 8.4
- Episodes: 99
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Chuya Koyama.
Plot Summary: Mutta Nanba, a down-on-his-luck salaryman, decides to pursue his childhood dream of becoming an astronaut after his younger brother is selected for a mission to the moon. The series follows his journey through the rigorous selection process and training.
Similarities to Planetes: Both are grounded, realistic portrayals of the space industry, focusing on the challenges and sacrifices required to pursue a career in space. The focus is on the personal journeys of the characters and their relationships with their colleagues. The series is a warm, inspiring exploration of perseverance and the pursuit of dreams.
2. Vinland Saga (2019)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video
- Rating: MAL: 8.7
- Episodes: 24 (Season 1)
- Studio: Wit Studio
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Makoto Yukimura, the same creator as Planetes.
Plot Summary: Thorfinn, a young Viking, seeks revenge against the man who killed his father. The series explores the brutality of war and the search for a meaningful life in a violent world.
Similarities to Planetes: Both are from the same creator, Makoto Yukimura, and share a deep focus on character development and the exploration of complex moral themes. The focus is on the internal struggles of the protagonist and the consequences of violence. The series is a masterclass in storytelling.
3. The Wind Rises (2013)
- Streaming Availability: Not currently available on major platforms.
- Rating: MAL: 8.0
- Episodes: 1 (Film)
- Studio: Studio Ghibli
- Notable Staff: Directed by Hayao Miyazaki.
Plot Summary: The film is a fictionalized biography of Jiro Horikoshi, the designer of the Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighter plane. It explores his passion for aviation and the moral complexities of his work.
Similarities to Planetes: Both are about the passion and dedication required to pursue meaningful work, and the moral complexities that come with it. The focus is on the beauty of craftsmanship and the pursuit of one’s dreams. The film is a thoughtful, character-driven exploration of creativity.
4. Silver Spoon (2013)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 8.0
- Episodes: 11 (Season 1)
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Hiromu Arakawa.
Plot Summary: Yuugo Hachiken, a city boy, enrolls in an agricultural high school to escape the pressures of his family. He learns about farming, food production, and the realities of rural life.
Similarities to Planetes: Both are about a protagonist who is thrust into a specialized field and must learn the practical realities of the work. The focus is on the bonds formed with colleagues and the satisfaction of a job well done. The series is a warm, heartfelt exploration of growth and self-discovery.
5. Shirobako (2014)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, HiDive
- Rating: MAL: 8.3
- Episodes: 24
- Studio: P.A. Works
- Notable Staff: Directed by Tsutomu Mizushima.
Plot Summary: Aoi Miyamori and her friends pursue their dreams of working in the anime industry. The series follows Aoi as she navigates the challenges of her job as a production assistant.
Similarities to Planetes: Both are workplace dramas that focus on the practical realities of a specialized industry and the bonds formed between colleagues. The focus is on the passion and dedication required to pursue one’s dreams. The series is a warm, insightful exploration of the creative process.
6. Mushishi (2005)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu
- Rating: MAL: 8.7
- Episodes: 26 (Season 1)
- Studio: Artland
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Yuki Urushibara.
Plot Summary: Ginko, a “Mushi-shi,” travels the countryside investigating “Mushi”—primordial, ethereal lifeforms that exist alongside humanity. His journey is one of quiet observation and understanding.
Similarities to Planetes: Both are atmospheric, contemplative series that explore the relationship between humans and the natural world. The focus is on understanding rather than fighting, and the tone is quiet, meditative, and deeply philosophical. Both series share a deep reverence for the mysteries of existence.
7. The Great Passage (2016)
- Streaming Availability: Amazon Prime Video
- Rating: MAL: 7.7
- Episodes: 11
- Studio: Zexcs
- Notable Staff: Based on the novel by Shion Miura.
Plot Summary: Mitsuya Majime, a socially awkward man with a passion for words, is recruited to help create a new dictionary. The series follows his journey and the people he works with.
Similarities to Planetes: Both are about the passion and dedication required to pursue meaningful work, and the bonds formed through shared labor. The focus is on the quiet satisfaction of a job well done and the importance of collaboration. The series is a thoughtful, character-driven exploration of the power of language.
8. Nana (2006)
- Streaming Availability: HiDive, Amazon Prime Video
- Rating: MAL: 8.4
- Episodes: 47
- Studio: Madhouse
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Ai Yazawa.
Plot Summary: Two young women, both named Nana, meet on a train to Tokyo and become roommates. The series follows their intertwined lives, their romantic relationships, and their struggles to pursue their dreams.
Similarities to Planetes: Both are mature, realistic dramas that explore the complexities of adult relationships and the pursuit of one’s dreams. The focus is on the emotional lives of the characters and the messy, often painful reality of human connection. The series is a landmark of the josei genre.
9. Kino’s Journey (2003)
- Streaming Availability: Amazon Prime Video, HiDive
- Rating: MAL: 8.3
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: A.C.G.T.
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Keiichi Sigsawa.
Plot Summary: Kino, a young traveler, journeys with a talking motorcycle through a variety of strange and unique countries. Kino’s rule is to stay in each country for only three days.
Similarities to Planetes: Both are philosophical journeys that explore the complexities of human nature and society. The tone is quiet, observational, and often melancholic. The focus is on understanding rather than judging, and the protagonists are wanderers who observe the world.
10. The Eccentric Family (2013)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 7.8
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: P.A. Works
- Notable Staff: Based on the novel by Tomihiko Morimi.
Plot Summary: Yasaburou Shimogamo, a young tanuki, navigates the complex social dynamics of Kyoto while dealing with the aftermath of his father’s death. The series explores the bonds of family and the search for identity.
Similarities to Planetes: Both are about the bonds of family and community, and the search for belonging in a world that is often strange and confusing. The focus is on the quiet, everyday moments that define a life. The series is a blend of comedy, drama, and fantasy.
11. March Comes in Like a Lion (2016)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 8.6
- Episodes: 22 (Season 1)
- Studio: Shaft
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Chica Umino.
Plot Summary: Rei Kiriyama, a young professional shogi player, struggles with depression and isolation. He forms a connection with the Kawamoto sisters, who provide him with warmth and support.
Similarities to Planetes: Both are about a lonely protagonist who finds healing through connection with a warm, loving community. The focus is on the emotional journey of the protagonist and the bonds that help them overcome their struggles. The tone is melancholic but ultimately hopeful.
12. Aria: The Animation (2005)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 7.8
- Episodes: 13 (Season 1)
- Studio: Hal Film Maker
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Kozue Amano.
Plot Summary: Akari Mizunashi is a young woman training to be a gondolier in the city of Neo-Venezia, a replica of Venice on a terraformed Mars. The series follows her daily life and her discovery of the small wonders of the world.
Similarities to Planetes: Both are “iyashikei” (healing) anime that focus on the quiet beauty of everyday life and the importance of appreciating the present moment. The protagonists are kind-hearted underdogs who are learning to find their place in a gentle, peaceful world. The tone is warm, contemplative, and deeply soothing.
13. The Tatami Galaxy (2010)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 8.5
- Episodes: 11
- Studio: Madhouse
- Notable Staff: Directed by Masaaki Yuasa, based on the novel by Tomihiko Morimi.
Plot Summary: An unnamed college student reflects on his failures, wondering how his life would have been different if he had made different choices. The series uses a time-loop structure to show him living through alternate realities.
Similarities to Planetes: Both are about the search for meaning and the consequences of one’s choices. The focus is on the philosophical questions about life, purpose, and the nature of happiness. The series is a unique, visually stunning exploration of the human condition.
14. Welcome to the N.H.K. (2006)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 8.3
- Episodes: 24
- Studio: Gonzo
- Notable Staff: Based on the novel by Tatsuhiko Takimoto.
Plot Summary: Tatsuhiro Sato, a 22-year-old hikikomori, has withdrawn from society and lives in isolation, convinced that a vast conspiracy is responsible for his failures. He meets Misaki Nakahara, who claims she can cure him.
Similarities to Planetes: Both are about characters who are struggling to find their place in society and overcome their personal demons. The focus is on the psychological toll of isolation and the search for connection. The series is a darkly comic but deeply human exploration of mental illness.
15. Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet (2013)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 7.5
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: Production I.G.
- Notable Staff: Written by Gen Urobuchi.
Plot Summary: Ledo, a soldier from a militaristic space-faring society, is stranded on Earth and taken in by the peaceful inhabitants of a floating fleet. He must adapt to their way of life while questioning his upbringing.
Similarities to Planetes: Both are thoughtful, character-driven sci-fi series that explore the human side of space exploration and the clash between different cultures. The focus is on the emotional journey of the protagonist and their relationships with others. The series is a mature, intelligent exploration of what it means to be human.
Why These Anime Work for Planetes Fans
Fans of Planetes are drawn to stories that are mature, thoughtful, and deeply invested in character development. They appreciate a narrative that takes its time to build its world and its characters, and they are invested in the quiet, everyday moments that define a life. They are not looking for action or melodrama, but for stories that celebrate the dignity of ordinary people doing ordinary things.
The anime listed above all share this fundamental DNA:
- The Dignity of Labor: Whether it is the debris collectors of Planetes, the anime production assistants of Shirobako, or the dictionary editors of The Great Passage, these series understand that the most meaningful work is often the most unglamorous. The focus is on the passion and dedication required to pursue one’s craft.
- The Bonds of Colleagues: These series are built around the relationships between people who work together. The focus is on the warmth of camaraderie and the support that colleagues provide each other.
- Subversion of the Sci-Fi Genre: These series reject the typical space opera formula, instead focusing on the human side of space exploration and the practical realities of life in the future. They understand that the most compelling stories are not about alien battles, but about the people who make progress possible.
These 15 anime, like Planetes, are not afraid to be quiet. They are underrated gems that offer a warm, emotionally resonant, and intellectually stimulating experience for viewers who are looking for stories that celebrate the beauty of ordinary life and the dignity of work.
