Shrek the Third explores familial responsibility, legacy, and the struggle to redefine oneself beyond societal expectations.
These underrated anime echo its blend of humor, heartfelt character growth, and subverted tropes, offering fresh takes on identity, duty, and unconventional heroism.
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: Underdog protagonist grappling with familial legacy and societal judgment, emphasizing inner strength over royal expectations.
Stats: 23 episodes | MAL: 8.5 | Studio: Wit Studio
Awards: Crunchyroll Anime Awards nominee (Best Fantasy, 2022).
2. The Eccentric Family (2013)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A family of shape-shifting tanuki navigate grief and tradition in modern Kyoto after their father’s death.
Shrek parallels: Whimsical yet poignant exploration of family bonds and resisting societal pressures.
Stats: 24 episodes | MAL: 8.0 | Studio: P.A. Works
Recognition: Tokyo Anime Award nominee.
3. 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: Quiet meditation on legacy and the weight of outliving loved ones.
Stats: 28 episodes | MAL: 9.1 | Studio: Madhouse
Awards: Top-rated anime of 2023 for introspective storytelling.
4. Full Metal Panic! (2002)
Streaming: Funimation
Plot: A militarized mecha pilot poses as a high school student to protect a girl with psychic abilities.
Shrek parallels: Balances absurd humor with heartfelt growth, akin to Shrek’s tonal blend.
Stats: 24 episodes | MAL: 7.8 | Studio: Gonzo
Legacy: Cult classic for its mix of action and character-driven comedy.
5. Air Gear (2006)
Streaming: HIDIVE
Plot: A delinquent joins a subculture of high-tech rollerblading gangs to rise from underdog to legend.
Shrek parallels: Over-the-top camaraderie and defiance of societal labels.
Stats: 25 episodes | MAL: 7.4 | Studio: Toei Animation
Style: Punk-rock aesthetics and kinetic action.
6. Kemono no Souja Erin (2009)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A girl bonds with mythical beasts while confronting political corruption in a feudal world.
Shrek parallels: Challenges authority and blends dark themes with whimsical creature designs.
Stats: 50 episodes | MAL: 8.3 | Studio: Production I.G
Style: Studio Ghibli-esque pastoral animation.
7. Sarazanmai (2019)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: Three boys become kappa-like creatures to fight desires manifesting as monsters.
Shrek parallels: Absurd humor and critique of societal expectations, especially LGBTQ+ themes.
Stats: 11 episodes | MAL: 7.5 | Studio: MAPPA
Director: Kunihiko Ikuhara (Revolutionary Girl Utena).
8. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit (2007)
Streaming: Amazon Prime
Plot: A warrior protects a prince harboring a water spirit from royal assassins.
Shrek parallels: Explores duty and parental responsibility in the face of danger.
Stats: 26 episodes | MAL: 8.2 | Studio: Production I.G
Legacy: Praised for grounded storytelling and strong female lead.
9. Princess Tutu (2002)
Streaming: Amazon Prime
Plot: A duck-turned-girl collects fragments of a prince’s heart in a meta-narrative about storytelling.
Shrek parallels: Satirizes fairy-tale logic with self-aware humor and explores identity.
Stats: 26 episodes | MAL: 8.0 | Studio: Hal Film Maker
Style: Ballet-inspired animation and philosophical depth.
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 satirical fantasy.
Stats: 12 episodes | MAL: 7.8 | Studio: AIC A+
Tone: Sardonic humor with pastel, grotesque visuals.
11. 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
Director: Rie Matsumoto (Blood Blockade Battlefront).
12. 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 and emotionally poignant.
13. Deca-Dence (2020)
Streaming: Funimation
Plot: A tank mechanic and a rebellious fighter uncover a virtual reality conspiracy in a dystopian future.
Shrek parallels: Meta-commentary on systemic control and subverting expectations.
Stats: 12 episodes | MAL: 7.6 | Studio: Nut
Twist: Mid-series genre shift akin to Shrek’s fairy-tale deconstruction.
14. 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: Surreal humor and existential themes that subvert coming-of-age tropes.
Stats: 11 episodes | MAL: 8.5 | Studio: Madhouse
Awards: Japan Media Arts Festival Excellence Prize.
15. Mushi-Shi (2005)
Streaming: Hulu
Plot: A wanderer studies ethereal creatures tied to human emotions in episodic, philosophical tales.
Shrek 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.
Why These Anime Work for Shrek the Third Fans
Like Shrek the Third, these series tackle familial duty, self-doubt, and defying stereotypes with humor and heart. Whether through surreal worlds (Kyousougiga) or introspective journeys (Frieren), they champion underdogs who rewrite their destinies.
For fans moved by Shrek’s struggle to embrace fatherhood and legacy, these hidden gems prove that true growth comes from accepting imperfection-and laughing along the way.
