Shrek 2 masterfully blends humor, heartfelt character growth, and critiques of societal expectations, all wrapped in a fairy-tale package. These underrated anime echo its themes of self-acceptance, found family, and defying tropes, offering fresh perspectives on identity and belonging.
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 2 parallels: Subverts fantasy tropes with an underdog protagonist dismissed for his appearance, emphasizing inner strength over societal judgment.
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 collects fragments of a prince’s heart while navigating a meta-narrative about storytelling and destiny.
Shrek 2 parallels: Satirizes fairy-tale logic with self-aware humor and explores identity beyond predetermined roles.
Stats: 26 episodes | MAL: 8.0 | Studio: Hal Film Maker
Style: Ballet-inspired animation with philosophical depth.
3. Full Metal Panic! (2002)
Streaming: Funimation
Plot: A militarized mecha pilot poses as a high school student to protect a girl targeted for her psychic abilities.
Shrek 2 parallels: Balances absurd comedy (cultural misunderstandings) with heartfelt growth, mirroring Shrek’s blend of humor and sincerity.
Stats: 24 episodes | MAL: 7.8 | Studio: Gonzo
Legacy: Cult classic for its mix of action and character-driven humor.
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 2 parallels: Questions traditional heroism, focusing on quiet emotional growth rather than 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 joins a subculture of high-tech rollerblading gangs to rise from underdog to legend.
Shrek 2 parallels: Over-the-top humor, ragtag camaraderie, and a focus on defying societal labels.
Stats: 25 episodes | MAL: 7.4 | Studio: Toei Animation
Style: Punk-rock aesthetics and kinetic action sequences.
6. My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU (2013)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A cynical loner navigates high school club life while dissecting societal hypocrisy.
Shrek 2 parallels: Protagonist challenges superficial norms, prioritizing authenticity over conformity.
Stats: 38 episodes | MAL: 8.4 | Studio: Feel
Legacy: Acclaimed for its sharp, anti-romance dialogue.
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 2 parallels: Surreal humor and existential themes that subvert coming-of-age expectations.
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 2 parallels: Balances dark 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 2 parallels: Absurdist comedy meets heartfelt family dynamics in a reality-bending setting.
Stats: 10 episodes | MAL: 7.9 | Studio: Toei Animation
Director: 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 2 parallels: Dark comedy critiquing societal norms through satirical fantasy.
Stats: 12 episodes | MAL: 7.8 | Studio: AIC A+
Tone: Sardonic humor with pastel, grotesque visuals.
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 2 parallels: Subverts monster tropes, focusing on unconventional family bonds.
Stats: 12 episodes | MAL: 7.9 | Studio: Satelight
Style: Visually lush and emotionally poignant.
12. Deca-Dence (2020)
Streaming: Funimation
Plot: A tank mechanic and a rebellious fighter uncover a virtual reality conspiracy in a dystopian future.
Shrek 2 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 2 parallels: Whimsical fantasy with themes of identity and resisting conformity.
Stats: 24 episodes | MAL: 8.0 | Studio: P.A. Works
Awards: Tokyo Anime Award nominee.
14. Mushi-Shi (2005)
Streaming: Hulu
Plot: A wanderer studies ethereal creatures tied to human emotions in episodic, philosophical tales.
Shrek 2 parallels: Quiet storytelling valuing empathy over action, akin to Shrek’s heartfelt moments.
Stats: 46 episodes | MAL: 8.7 | Studio: Artland
Legacy: Critically acclaimed for meditative tone and visuals.
15. Sarazanmai (2019)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: Three boys become kappa-like creatures to fight desires manifesting as monsters.
Shrek 2 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 2 Fans
Like Shrek 2, these series champion underdog protagonists, subverted tropes, and emotional authenticity. Whether through surreal comedy (The Tatami Galaxy) or introspective fantasy (Frieren), they redefine heroism by celebrating imperfections.
For fans who love Shrek’s mix of humor and heart, these hidden gems prove that true magic lies in embracing what makes us unique.
