NANA is a groundbreaking anime that delves into the complexities of adult relationships, music, and personal growth, following two women named Nana as they navigate love, ambition, and heartbreak in Tokyo.
The series is celebrated for its mature storytelling, raw emotional depth, and realistic character dynamics.
For fans seeking anime that mirror NANA’s themes of self-discovery, intricate relationships, and understated drama, here are 15 underrated gems worth exploring.
1. Paradise Kiss (2005)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.72
- Studio: Madhouse
- Summary: A high school girl is swept into the world of fashion design, forming complex bonds with a group of avant-garde artists.
- Similarities: Shares NANA’s creator (Ai Yazawa), themes of rebellion, and mature exploration of love and ambition.
2. Honey and Clover (2005)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: 8.13
- Studio: J.C.Staff
- Summary: Art college students navigate unrequited love, career struggles, and existential crises in this bittersweet slice-of-life drama.
- Similarities: Focus on flawed, relatable characters and the tension between passion and practicality.
3. Nodame Cantabile (2007)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 23
- MAL Rating: 8.33
- Studio: J.C.Staff
- Summary: A perfectionist pianist and a chaotic prodigy clash and grow through music, romance, and rivalry.
- Similarities: Music-driven narrative, quirky yet deep character relationships, and emotional growth.
4. Kids on the Slope (2012)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 8.13
- Studio: MAPPA (Director: Shinichirō Watanabe)
- Summary: Two boys bond over jazz in 1960s Japan, confronting societal expectations and personal trauma.
- Similarities: Music as emotional catharsis, nuanced friendships, and retro coming-of-age setting.
5. Kimi ga Nozomu Eien (2003)
- Streaming: HIDIVE
- Episodes: 14
- MAL Rating: 7.07
- Studio: Studio Fantasia
- Summary: A tragic accident fractures a friend group, leading to years of guilt, love triangles, and reconciliation.
- Similarities: Complex relationships, moral ambiguity, and intense emotional stakes.
6. Welcome to the NHK (2006)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: 8.01
- Studio: Gonzo
- Summary: A reclusive man and a mysterious girl confront social anxiety, addiction, and societal pressures.
- Similarities: Dark humor, psychological depth, and critique of modern isolation.
7. Chihayafuru (2011)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 74 (3 seasons)
- MAL Rating: 8.23
- Studio: Madhouse
- Summary: A girl dedicates herself to competitive karuta, balancing friendships, rivalry, and self-discovery.
- Similarities: Strong female lead, ensemble growth, and themes of passion versus societal norms.
8. Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu (2016)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 25
- MAL Rating: 8.63
- Studio: Studio Deen
- Awards: Tokyo Anime Award for Best TV Animation
- Summary: A former convict immerses himself in the dying art of rakugo, uncovering a mentor’s tragic past.
- Similarities: Artistic ambition, generational trauma, and deeply human storytelling.
9. Nana Maru San Batsu (2017)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.22
- Studio: TMS Entertainment
- Summary: A high schooler discovers his talent for competitive quiz bowls, forging bonds through intellectual rivalry.
- Similarities: Underdog narrative, team dynamics, and personal reinvention.
10. 3-gatsu no Lion (2016)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 44
- MAL Rating: 8.39
- Studio: Shaft
- Summary: A depressed shogi player finds solace in a warm family, healing through connection and self-acceptance.
- Similarities: Mental health themes, found family, and atmospheric storytelling.
11. Usagi Drop (2011)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 11
- MAL Rating: 8.32
- Studio: Production I.G
- Summary: A man adopts his grandfather’s illegitimate child, navigating parenthood and societal judgment.
- Similarities: Focus on unconventional family bonds and quiet emotional growth.
12. Skip Beat! (2008)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 25
- MAL Rating: 8.09
- Studio: Hal Film Maker
- Summary: A girl enters showbiz for revenge, discovering self-worth and love in the entertainment industry.
- Similarities: Themes of reinvention, humor, and resilient female protagonist.
13. Carole & Tuesday (2019)
- Streaming: Netflix
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: 7.73
- Studio: Bones
- Summary: Two girls pursue music in a futuristic world dominated by AI, challenging systemic barriers.
- Similarities: Music as rebellion, female camaraderie, and social commentary.
14. Princess Jellyfish (2010)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 11
- MAL Rating: 7.84
- Studio: Brain’s Base
- Summary: A reclusive manga artist befriends a cross-dressing model, embracing self-confidence and community.
- Similarities: Quirky characters, themes of acceptance, and subversion of societal norms.
15. Rumbling Hearts (2003)
- Streaming: HIDIVE
- Episodes: 14
- MAL Rating: 7.07
- Studio: Oriental Light and Magic
- Summary: A tragic accident forces friends to confront guilt, love, and responsibility over a decade.
- Similarities: Emotional weight, moral complexity, and long-term relationship fallout.
Why These Anime Work for NANA Fans
These series echo NANA’s exploration of love, loss, and identity through rich character arcs and mature storytelling.
Whether through music, art, or quiet introspection, each anime delves into the messy beauty of human connections, offering cathartic journeys for viewers who crave depth and authenticity.
For fans of NANA’s blend of drama and heart, these underrated picks are essential viewing.
