When it comes to anime that echo the spirit of A Good Dinosaur-with its blend of underdog journeys, inventive world-building, and heartfelt character arcs-many fans overlook a trove of lesser-known series.
A Good Dinosaur stands out for its imaginative take on prehistoric adventure, emotional growth, and the power of unlikely friendships.
Similarly, the following 15 underrated anime series deliver fresh perspectives on coming-of-age, survival, and the triumph of the unexpected, making them perfect for fans seeking more hidden gems with comparable themes and narrative depth.
1. Daikyouryuu Jidai (Age of the Great Dinosaurs, 1979)
- Streaming: DVD/rare streaming (check niche platforms)
- Plot: Three modern-day kids are transported by an alien to the age of dinosaurs, where they must learn about survival and the circle of life.
- Similarities: Prehistoric setting, survival, and the importance of empathy and learning from adversity.
- Episodes: 1 (movie)
- Studio: Toei Animation
- MAL Rating: 6.2
- Awards: None notable, but a cult classic for dinosaur fans.
2. Casshern Sins (2008)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Plot: In a ruined world, an amnesiac hero searches for redemption and the truth about his existence among dying robots and humans.
- Similarities: Post-apocalyptic journey, underdog protagonist, existential themes1.
- Episodes: 24
- Studio: Madhouse, Tatsunoko Production
- MAL Rating: 7.4
- Awards: None, but praised for its philosophical depth.
3. Somali and the Forest Spirit (2020)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A golem and a human child traverse a mystical world, forging a bond as they search for other humans.
- Similarities: Parent-child dynamic, journey through dangerous lands, emotional growth1.
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Satelight, Hornets
- MAL Rating: 7.8
- Awards: None, but lauded for its visuals and heartwarming story.
4. The Beast Player Erin (2009)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A young girl with a unique connection to mystical beasts struggles to find her place in a divided world.
- Similarities: Animal empathy, coming-of-age, overcoming prejudice.
- Episodes: 50
- Studio: Production I.G, Trans Arts
- MAL Rating: 8.3
- Awards: Nominated for several anime awards in Japan.
5. From the New World (Shin Sekai Yori, 2012)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- Plot: Children in a dystopian future uncover dark secrets about their society and themselves as they grow up.
- Similarities: Power systems, subversion of expectations, deep character evolution.
- Episodes: 25
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
- MAL Rating: 8.3
- Awards: Tokyo Anime Award for Best Screenplay.
6. Ergo Proxy (2006)
- Streaming: Funimation, Hulu
- Plot: In a post-apocalyptic city, a detective unravels mysteries involving sentient robots and existential threats.
- Similarities: Journey of self-discovery, atmospheric world-building, challenging power structures.
- Episodes: 23
- Studio: Manglobe
- MAL Rating: 7.9
- Awards: None, but a cult favorite for its psychological complexity.
7. Wolf’s Rain (2003)
- Streaming: Funimation, Hulu
- Plot: Wolves disguised as humans search for a mythical paradise in a dying world.
- Similarities: Survival, journey motif, themes of hope and loss.
- Episodes: 26 (+4 OVAs)
- Studio: Bones
- MAL Rating: 8.1
- Awards: Best Anime at the 2004 Tokyo International Anime Fair.
8. Kaze no Stigma (2007)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Plot: A banished heir returns with new powers to protect his family and unravel his past.
- Similarities: Underdog protagonist, elemental power systems, redemption arcs1.
- Episodes: 24
- Studio: Gonzo
- MAL Rating: 7.2
- Awards: None.
9. Tatami Galaxy (2010)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Plot: A college student relives parallel versions of his life, seeking the best outcome.
- Similarities: Subversion of narrative expectations, character introspection, unique storytelling style.
- Episodes: 11
- Studio: Madhouse
- MAL Rating: 8.5
- Awards: Grand Prize at the 2010 Japan Media Arts Festival.
10. Barakamon (2014)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Plot: A calligrapher finds personal growth and unexpected friendships in a rural island village.
- Similarities: Emotional growth, healing through connection, rural adventure.
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Kinema Citrus
- MAL Rating: 8.4
- Awards: Sugoi Japan Award (2016).
11. Made in Abyss (2017)
- Streaming: HIDIVE, Amazon Prime
- Plot: A girl and her robot friend descend into a mysterious, deadly abyss in search of her mother.
- Similarities: Child protagonists, perilous journey, subversion of expectations.
- Episodes: 13 (+movies)
- Studio: Kinema Citrus
- MAL Rating: 8.7
- Awards: Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2017 (Best Score).
12. Heroic Age (2007)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Plot: A mysterious boy helps humanity survive interstellar war, guided by prophecy and ancient powers.
- Similarities: Underdog hero, epic journey, power systems.
- Episodes: 26
- Studio: Xebec
- MAL Rating: 7.3
- Awards: None.
13. Astra Lost in Space (2019)
- Streaming: Funimation, Hulu
- Plot: A group of students stranded in space must work together to survive and return home.
- Similarities: Teamwork, survival, character growth under pressure.
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Lerche
- MAL Rating: 8.1
- Awards: Manga Taisho Award (2019, for the original manga).
14. 91 Days (2016)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Plot: A young man seeks revenge in a Prohibition-era mafia world, but finds himself changed by the journey.
- Similarities: Underdog narrative, moral ambiguity, transformation through adversity8.
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Shuka
- MAL Rating: 7.8
- Awards: None.
15. Mushishi (2005)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu
- Plot: A wandering “Mushi Master” helps people plagued by mysterious lifeforms, exploring nature’s mysteries.
- Similarities: Quiet, introspective journeys, connection with nature, episodic storytelling.
- Episodes: 26 (+2nd season)
- Studio: Artland
- MAL Rating: 8.7
- Awards: Tokyo Anime Award (2006, Best Art Direction).
Why These Anime Work for Mentioned Anime Fans
Each of these series offers a unique blend of imaginative worlds, underdog protagonists, and journeys that transform both the characters and the viewers.
Whether it’s the prehistoric wonder of Daikyouryuu Jidai, the emotional odysseys of Somali and the Forest Spirit and Wolf’s Rain, or the philosophical explorations of Ergo Proxy and Mushishi, these anime push boundaries, subvert expectations, and deliver powerful messages about growth, friendship, and survival.
For fans seeking more than just mainstream hits, these underrated gems promise adventure, heart, and inspiration in equal measure.
