15 Fascinating Animes Like Fruits Basket

Fruits Basket is a beloved shoujo anime that follows Tohru Honda as she becomes entwined with the enigmatic Sohma family, each member cursed to transform into animals of the Chinese zodiac.

The series stands out for its deep exploration of trauma, healing, acceptance, and the transformative power of kindness—often subverting expectations with its blend of supernatural elements and heartfelt character development.

While Fruits Basket is unique, many underrated anime share its emotional resonance, nuanced storytelling, and focus on growth and found family. Here are 15 such gems that deserve more attention.

1. Kobato (2009)

• Streaming: Peacock
• Episodes: 24
• MAL Rating: 7.77
• Studio: Madhouse (CLAMP adaptation)
• Summary: Kobato, a sweet and earnest girl, is tasked with healing the hearts of others to fulfill her own wish, guided by a talking stuffed dog.
• Similarities: Healing emotional wounds, a compassionate heroine, gentle supernatural elements, and a focus on helping others find happiness.

2. Taisho Otome Fairy Tale (2021)

• Streaming: Crunchyroll
• Episodes: 12
• MAL Rating: 7.79
• Studio: SynergySP
• Summary: Exiled by his family, Tamahiko finds hope and warmth when a cheerful girl named Yuzuki arrives to care for him.
• Similarities: Broken family dynamics, healing through kindness, a warm female lead, and character-driven romance.

3. Kamisama Kiss (2012)

• Streaming: Hulu, Amazon Prime, Crunchyroll
• Episodes: 25 + 7 OVAs
• MAL Rating: 8.11
• Studio: TMS Entertainment
• Summary: Homeless Nanami becomes a land god and forms a bond with fox familiar Tomoe, navigating supernatural challenges and her insecurities.
• Similarities: Strong, empathetic heroine, supernatural romance, themes of belonging, and personal growth.

4. Orange (2016)

• Streaming: Crunchyroll
• Episodes: 13 + 1 movie
• MAL Rating: 7.63
• Studio: Telecom Animation Film
• Summary: Naho receives letters from her future self urging her to save a classmate from tragedy, leading to a bittersweet story of friendship and regret.
• Similarities: Found family, emotional healing, confronting trauma, and the importance of support networks.

5. My Happy Marriage (2023)

• Streaming: Netflix
• Episodes: 12 (S2 upcoming)
• MAL Rating: 7.73
• Studio: Kinema Citrus
• Summary: Abused and unwanted, Miyo finds solace and self-worth after marrying into a family with supernatural secrets.
• Similarities: Healing from abuse, gentle romance, overcoming family trauma, and supernatural undertones.

6. Natsume’s Book of Friends (2008)

• Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
• Episodes: 74 (6 seasons)
• MAL Rating: 8.33
• Studio: Brain’s Base, Shuka
• Summary: Natsume, who can see spirits, inherits a book binding them and seeks to free them, finding connection and peace along the way.
• Similarities: Supernatural slice-of-life, empathy, healing, and the search for belonging.

7. Skip Beat! (2008)

• Streaming: VRV, Crunchyroll
• Episodes: 25
• MAL Rating: 8.09
• Studio: Hal Film Maker
• Summary: Betrayed by her childhood friend, Kyoko sets out to become a star in the entertainment industry, discovering self-worth and new friendships.
• Similarities: Underdog story, self-discovery, overcoming emotional wounds, and strong character growth.

8. Horimiya (2021)

• Streaming: Crunchyroll, Prime Video
• Episodes: 13
• MAL Rating: 8.00
• Studio: CloverWorks
• Summary: Hori and Miyamura, seemingly opposites, discover each other’s hidden sides and form a supportive, genuine relationship.
• Similarities: Identity, self-acceptance, gentle romance, and overcoming societal expectations.

9. Ouran High School Host Club (2006)

• Streaming: Netflix, Crunchyroll
• Episodes: 26
• MAL Rating: 8.17
• Studio: Bones
• Summary: Haruhi, mistaken for a boy, joins her elite school’s host club, helping its eccentric members confront their personal struggles.
• Similarities: Found family, healing through friendship, comedic drama, and helping others grow.

10. Snow White with the Red Hair (2015)

• Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
• Episodes: 24
• MAL Rating: 7.77
• Studio: Bones
• Summary: Herbalist Shirayuki flees an unwanted prince and finds new purpose and love in a neighboring kingdom.
• Similarities: Wholesome romance, supportive relationships, self-discovery, and overcoming adversity.

11. Kakuriyo: Bed and Breakfast for Spirits (2018)

• Streaming: Crunchyroll
• Episodes: 26
• MAL Rating: 7.51
• Studio: Gonzo
• Summary: Aoi, able to see spirits, is taken to the hidden realm to repay her grandfather’s debt, finding community and acceptance among supernatural beings.
• Similarities: Supernatural slice-of-life, healing, found family, and gentle romance.

12. Ao Haru Ride (2014)

• Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
• Episodes: 12
• MAL Rating: 7.64
• Studio: Production I.G
• Summary: Futaba reunites with her first love, now changed by the past, and navigates friendship and romance in high school.
• Similarities: Emotional realism, coming-of-age, overcoming misunderstandings, and character-driven drama.

13. My Little Monster (2012)

• Streaming: Crunchyroll
• Episodes: 13
• MAL Rating: 7.44
• Studio: Brain’s Base
• Summary: Stoic Shizuku and wild Haru form an unlikely bond, learning to express emotions and support each other.
• Similarities: Social misfits, emotional growth, and learning to open up to others.

14. Princess Tutu (2002)

• Streaming: HIDIVE, Prime Video
• Episodes: 26
• MAL Rating: 8.13
• Studio: Hal Film Maker
• Summary: A duck transformed into a girl and magical ballerina helps others recover their lost hearts, blending fairy tale and tragedy.
• Similarities: Magical realism, healing, self-sacrifice, and the transformative power of kindness.

15. Kotaro Lives Alone (2022)

• Streaming: Netflix
• Episodes: 10
• MAL Rating: 8.54
• Studio: LIDENFILMS
• Summary: Kotaro, a quirky child living alone, touches the lives of his neighbors as they uncover the reasons behind his independence.
• Similarities: Found family, emotional healing, gentle humor, and the impact of kindness.

Why These Anime Work for Fruits Basket Fans

Each of these anime explores the journey from pain to healing, the importance of found family, and the power of empathy—core to Fruits Basket’s appeal.

Whether through supernatural elements, heartfelt romance, or character-driven drama, these series offer rich emotional experiences, nuanced growth, and the kind of warmth and hope that Fruits Basket fans cherish.