Carole & Tuesday is a heartfelt anime about two girls from vastly different backgrounds who come together to create music in a futuristic world dominated by AI.
The series explores themes of friendship, creativity, and perseverance while tackling societal issues like fame and identity.
For fans of its unique blend of music, character-driven storytelling, and emotional depth, here are 15 underrated anime that share similar themes and narrative styles.
1. Kids on the Slope (2012)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: Shy pianist Kaoru befriends delinquent Sentarou through their shared love for jazz, forming a deep bond as they play music together.
Similarities: Both series revolve around music as a unifying force, with characters from contrasting backgrounds finding common ground.
2. Given (2019)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Netflix
Plot Summary: High schooler Ritsuka discovers his passion for music after meeting Mafuyu, whose haunting voice inspires him to form a band.
Similarities: Explores themes of self-expression and emotional healing through music, much like Carole & Tuesday.
3. Your Lie in April (2014)
Streaming Availability: Netflix, Hulu
Plot Summary: Pianist Kousei regains his passion for music after meeting Kaori, a free-spirited violinist who changes his life forever.
Similarities: Both series highlight the transformative power of music and feature emotionally resonant character arcs.
4. Nodame Cantabile (2007)
Streaming Availability: Netflix, RetroCrush
Plot Summary: Talented but eccentric pianist Nodame and perfectionist conductor Chiaki navigate their musical careers and budding romance.
Similarities: Focuses on the struggles and triumphs of musicians pursuing their dreams.
5. Bocchi the Rock! (2022)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: Shy guitarist Hitori joins a band and overcomes her social anxiety while chasing her dream of performing on stage.
Similarities: Both series emphasize personal growth through music and the importance of teamwork.
6. Sound! Euphonium (2015)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: High schoolers in a brass band strive for excellence while navigating friendships and personal challenges.
Similarities: Shares themes of dedication to music and the bonds formed through creative collaboration.
7. K-On! (2009)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Roku
Plot Summary: A group of high school girls forms a light music club, balancing their passion for music with everyday life.
Similarities: Both celebrate the joy of creating music with friends in a slice-of-life setting.
8. Chance Pop Session (2001)
Streaming Availability: Not widely available
Plot Summary: Three girls from different walks of life come together to pursue their dreams of becoming pop idols.
Similarities: Explores the challenges of breaking into the music industry with heartfelt storytelling.
9. Piano no Mori (2007)
Streaming Availability: Netflix
Plot Summary: Two boys from different social backgrounds bond over their shared love for piano and strive to master their craft.
Similarities: Highlights how music bridges social divides, much like Carole & Tuesday.
10. White Album 2 (2013)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: A love triangle unfolds between three students as they prepare for a school festival performance.
Similarities: Combines romance with the emotional highs and lows of pursuing musical dreams.
11. Iroduku: The World in Colors (2018)
Streaming Availability: Amazon Prime Video
Plot Summary: Hitomi, a colorblind girl from a magical family, rediscovers her emotions through art and relationships in a vibrant world.
Similarities: Shares themes of self-discovery and artistic expression in a visually stunning setting.
12. Detroit Metal City (2008)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: A shy musician moonlights as the lead singer of a death metal band while struggling to reconcile his dual lives.
Similarities: Explores identity conflicts within the music industry with humor and heart.
13. Uta no Prince-sama (2011)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: Aspiring composer Haruka works with idol trainees at an elite academy to create hit songs while navigating romantic tensions.
Similarities: Features aspiring musicians striving for success amidst personal challenges.
14. BanG Dream! (2017)
Streaming Availability: HIDIVE
Plot Summary: Kasumi forms an all-girl band to perform at live houses, overcoming obstacles with her friends along the way.
Similarities: Celebrates friendship and passion for music in an uplifting narrative.
15. Wake Up, Girls! (2014)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: A struggling idol group works hard to make it big in Japan’s competitive entertainment industry.
Similarities: Tackles the ups and downs of pursuing fame in the music world with sincerity.
Why These Anime Work for Carole & Tuesday Fans
These anime share Carole & Tuesday‘s core themes: the transformative power of music, underdog stories, and heartfelt character development.
Whether through slice-of-life narratives or emotional journeys set against musical backdrops, these series offer similar experiences that resonate with fans who value creativity, perseverance, and meaningful connections in storytelling.
