Up follows Carl Fredricksen’s journey to fulfill a promise to his late wife, blending themes of grief, adventure, and rediscovery through unlikely friendships.
These 15 underrated anime mirror its focus on emotional resilience, intergenerational bonds, and quiet triumphs, offering heartfelt narratives for fans seeking depth beyond mainstream hits.
1. Planetes (2003)
Streaming: HiDive | MAL Rating: 8.28
Episodes: 26 | Studio: Sunrise
Plot: Space debris collectors grapple with personal dreams and environmental responsibility in a near-future society.
Similarities: Balances grand ambitions with intimate character growth, akin to Carl’s journey from isolation to purpose.
2. Haibane Renmei (2002)
Streaming: Funimation | MAL Rating: 7.94
Episodes: 13 | Studio: Radix
Plot: Angel-like beings in a walled town confront past sins to earn their wings.
Similarities: Explores redemption and healing through community, mirroring Carl’s emotional thaw.
3. Girls’ Last Tour (2017)
Streaming: Amazon Prime | MAL Rating: 7.96
Episodes: 12 | Studio: White Fox
Plot: Two girls traverse a post-apocalyptic world, finding beauty in desolation.
Similarities: Quiet optimism amid loss, reflecting Carl and Ellie’s cherished memories.
4. Sora no Woto (2010)
Streaming: Crunchyroll | MAL Rating: 7.45
Episodes: 12 | Studio: A-1 Pictures
Plot: A soldier joins a remote platoon, discovering hope in a war-torn world.
Similarities: Found family dynamics and healing through shared purpose.
5. Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju (2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll | MAL Rating: 8.67
Episodes: 25 | Studio: Studio Deen
Plot: A released convict learns rakugo, grappling with legacy and artistic passion.
Similarities: Themes of honoring the past while forging new paths.
6. Barakamon (2014)
Streaming: Funimation | MAL Rating: 8.37
Episodes: 12 | Studio: Kinema Citrus
Plot: A calligrapher relocates to a rural village, bonding with a spirited child.
Similarities: Humorous yet heartfelt exploration of mentorship and self-discovery.
7. Mushi-Shi (2005)
Streaming: Hulu | MAL Rating: 8.45
Episodes: 46 | Studio: Artland
Plot: A wanderer resolves supernatural phenomena tied to primal spirits.
Similarities: Episodic serenity and philosophical depth, akin to Carl’s reflective moments.
8. Natsume’s Book of Friends (2008)
Streaming: Crunchyroll | MAL Rating: 8.38
Episodes: 74 | Studio: Brain’s Base
Plot: A boy returns spirits’ names while confronting loneliness and belonging.
Similarities: Gentle healing through connection, mirroring Carl and Russell’s bond.
9. A Place Further Than the Universe (2018)
Streaming: Crunchyroll | MAL Rating: 8.64
Episodes: 13 | Studio: Madhouse
Plot: Girls embark to Antarctica to confront grief and unfulfilled dreams.
Similarities: Adventure as a vehicle for closure and personal growth.
10. Kino’s Journey (2003)
Streaming: HiDive | MAL Rating: 8.13
Episodes: 13 | Studio: A.C.G.T
Plot: A traveler explores surreal countries, each reflecting human nature’s extremes.
Similarities: Philosophical musings on life’s fleeting beauty, like Carl’s scrapbook.
11. Wolf’s Rain (2003)
Streaming: Funimation | MAL Rating: 7.78
Episodes: 26 | Studio: Bones
Plot: Wolves seek paradise in a dying world, battling despair and betrayal.
Similarities: Post-apocalyptic hope and loyalty amid desolation.
12. Space Brothers (2012)
Streaming: Crunchyroll | MAL Rating: 8.54
Episodes: 99 | Studio: A-1 Pictures
Plot: Brothers pursue astronaut dreams, confronting failure and perseverance.
Similarities: Underdog spirit and intergenerational inspiration.
13. March Comes in Like a Lion (2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll | MAL Rating: 8.72
Episodes: 44 | Studio: Shaft
Plot: A shogi prodigy battles depression, finding warmth in a found family.
Similarities: Emotional resilience through community, akin to Carl’s arc.
14. Kyousougiga (2013)
Streaming: Crunchyroll | MAL Rating: 7.69
Episodes: 10 | Studio: Toei Animation
Plot: A surreal tale of family reunion in a chaotic, animated world.
Similarities: Whimsical adventure layered with poignant familial bonds.
15. The Eccentric Family (2013)
Streaming: HiDive | MAL Rating: 7.82
Episodes: 24 | Studio: P.A. Works
Plot: A tanuki family navigates grief and unity in modern Kyoto.
Similarities: Blends whimsy with themes of legacy and resilience.
Why These Anime Work for Up Fans
These series prioritize emotional authenticity and quiet triumphs, using imaginative settings to explore grief, connection, and renewal.
From Planetes’ cosmic introspection to Barakamon’s rural charm, each title reframes personal growth through adversity.
Their underrated status ensures fresh storytelling, free from mainstream tropes, ideal for viewers craving heartfelt journeys akin to Carl’s skyward odyssey.
