Shrek’s charm lies in its subversion of fairy tale tropes, underdog narratives, and humor rooted in defying expectations. These anime capture similar magic, blending unconventional heroes, whimsical worlds, and themes of self-discovery.
Below are 15 underrated gems that mirror Shrek’s spirit while carving their own unique identities.
1. Ranking of Kings (2021)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A deaf, powerless prince teams up with a shadow creature to prove his worth in a kingdom obsessed with strength rankings.
Shrek parallels: Subverts fantasy tropes with a protagonist dismissed for his appearance, emphasizing inner strength and loyalty.
Stats: 23 episodes | MAL: 8.5 | Studio: Wit Studio (Attack on Titan)
Awards: Crunchyroll Anime Awards nominee (Best Fantasy, 2022).
2. Princess Tutu (2002)
Streaming: Amazon Prime
Plot: A duck-turned-girl must collect fragments of a prince’s heart while navigating a meta-narrative about storytelling.
Shrek parallels: Satirizes fairy tale logic with self-aware humor and explores identity beyond societal roles.
Stats: 26 episodes | MAL: 8.0 | Studio: Hal Film Maker
Notable: Praised for its ballet-inspired animation and philosophical depth.
3. Full Metal Panic! (2002)
Streaming: Funimation
Plot: A militarized mecha pilot poses as a high school student to protect a girl with secret psychic abilities.
Shrek parallels: Blends absurd comedy (via cultural misunderstandings) with heartfelt character growth.
Stats: 24 episodes | MAL: 7.8 | Studio: Gonzo
Legacy: Cult classic for its mix of action, romance, and slapstick.
4. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (2023)
Streaming: Netflix, Crunchyroll
Plot: An elf mage reflects on mortality and connection after her adventuring companions pass away.
Shrek parallels: Questions traditional heroism and highlights quiet, emotional growth over epic battles.
Stats: 28 episodes | MAL: 9.1 | Studio: Madhouse
Awards: Top-rated anime of 2023 for its introspective storytelling.
5. Air Gear (2006)
Streaming: HIDIVE
Plot: A delinquent discovers high-tech roller skates and joins a subculture of street-racing gangs.
Shrek parallels: Over-the-top humor, underdog rise, and a focus on found family.
Stats: 25 episodes | MAL: 7.4 | Studio: Toei Animation
Style: Flashy, kinetic animation with a punk-rock aesthetic.
6. Oregairu (My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU) (2013)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A cynical loner navigates high school club life while dissecting societal hypocrisy.
Shrek parallels: Protagonist challenges superficiality, prioritizing authenticity over fitting in.
Stats: 38 episodes | MAL: 8.4 | Studio: Feel
Legacy: Acclaimed for its sharp dialogue and anti-romance take.
7. The Tatami Galaxy (2010)
Streaming: Netflix
Plot: A college student relives alternate timelines to fix his regrets, questioning the illusion of “ideal” choices.
Shrek parallels: Subverts coming-of-age expectations with surreal humor and existential themes.
Stats: 11 episodes | MAL: 8.5 | Studio: Madhouse
Awards: Japan Media Arts Festival Excellence Prize.
8. Kemono no Souja Erin (2009)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A girl bonds with mythical beasts while confronting political corruption in a feudal world.
Shrek parallels: Balances dark, mature themes with whimsical creature designs and anti-authority messaging.
Stats: 50 episodes | MAL: 8.3 | Studio: Production I.G
Style: Studio Ghibli-esque pastoral animation.
9. Kyousougiga (2013)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A chaotic family navigates a surreal mirror world tied to their missing parents.
Shrek parallels: Absurdist comedy meets heartfelt family dynamics in a reality-bending setting.
Stats: 10 episodes | MAL: 7.9 | Studio: Toei Animation
Notable: Directed by Rie Matsumoto (Blood Blockade Battlefront).
10. Humanity Has Declined (2012)
Streaming: HIDIVE
Plot: A snarky mediator interacts with tiny fairies in a post-apocalyptic world where humans are obsolete.
Shrek parallels: Dark comedy critiquing societal norms through fantasy satire.
Stats: 12 episodes | MAL: 7.8 | Studio: AIC A+
Tone: Sardonic humor with a pastel, grotesque art style.
11. Somali and the Forest Spirit (2020)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A golem becomes a father figure to a human girl in a world where humans are hunted.
Shrek parallels: Subverts monster tropes, focusing on unconventional family bonds.
Stats: 12 episodes | MAL: 7.9 | Studio: Satelight
Style: Visually lush, emotionally poignant.
12. Deca-Dence (2020)
Streaming: Funimation
Plot: In a dystopian future, a tank mechanic and a rebellious fighter uncover a virtual reality conspiracy.
Shrek parallels: Blends humor, action, and meta-commentary on systemic control.
Stats: 12 episodes | MAL: 7.6 | Studio: Nut
Twist: Mid-series genre shift akin to Shrek’s fairy tale deconstruction.
13. The Eccentric Family (2013)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A family of shape-shifting tanuki navigate grief and tradition in modern Kyoto.
Shrek parallels: Whimsical fantasy with themes of identity and resisting conformity.
Stats: 24 episodes | MAL: 8.0 | Studio: P.A. Works
Awards: Nominated for Tokyo Anime Award.
14. Mushi-Shi (2005)
Streaming: Hulu
Plot: A wanderer studies ethereal creatures tied to human emotions in episodic, philosophical tales.
Shrek parallels: Quiet, atmospheric storytelling that values empathy over action.
Stats: 46 episodes | MAL: 8.7 | Studio: Artland
Legacy: Critically acclaimed for its meditative tone and visuals.
15. Sarazanmai (2019)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: Three boys become kappa-like creatures to fight desires manifesting as monsters.
Shrek parallels: Absurd humor, LGBTQ+ themes, and critique of societal expectations.
Stats: 11 episodes | MAL: 7.5 | Studio: MAPPA
Director: Kunihiko Ikuhara (Revolutionary Girl Utena).
Why These Anime Work for Shrek Fans
These series mirror Shrek’s DNA through underdog protagonists, genre subversion, and heartfelt humor. They reject simplistic moralizing, opting instead for stories where outcasts redefine heroism.
Whether through surreal animation (Kyousougiga) or emotional depth (Frieren), each offers a fresh lens on familiar themes-proving that, like Shrek, greatness often lies in the margins.
