How to Train Your Dragon captivates audiences with its themes of unlikely friendships, challenging societal norms, and underdog protagonists forging bonds with mythical creatures.
These underrated anime mirror its heartwarming narratives, blending adventure, emotional growth, and subversive storytelling. Below are 15 hidden gems that deserve recognition for their unique takes on camaraderie, resilience, and redefining destiny.
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.
HTTYD parallels: Focus on underdog heroism, bond between outcasts, and challenging societal prejudice.
Stats: 23 episodes | MAL: 8.5 | Studio: Wit Studio (Attack on Titan)
Awards: Crunchyroll Anime Awards nominee (Best Fantasy, 2022).
2. 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.
HTTYD parallels: Unconventional family bonds and themes of coexistence between species.
Stats: 12 episodes | MAL: 7.9 | Studio: Satelight
Style: Visually lush, emotionally poignant storytelling.
3. Kemono no Souja Erin (2009)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A girl bonds with mythical beasts while confronting political corruption in a feudal world.
HTTYD parallels: Human-creature relationships and anti-authority messaging.
Stats: 50 episodes | MAL: 8.3 | Studio: Production I.G
Legacy: Studio Ghibli-esque pastoral animation and mature themes.
4. Dragon Pilot: Hisone & Masotan (2018)
Streaming: Netflix
Plot: A rookie pilot bonds with a dragon-like creature in a secret military unit, blending whimsy and existential themes.
HTTYD parallels: Dragon-human partnerships and defying militaristic norms.
Stats: 12 episodes | MAL: 7.0 | Studio: Bones (My Hero Academia)
Unique Aspect: Quirky humor mixed with introspective character arcs.
5. Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy (2021)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A banished teen allies with dragons and non-humans to carve his path in a fantasy world.
HTTYD parallels: Dragon companions and challenging divine authority.
Stats: 37 episodes | MAL: 7.7 | Studio: C2C, J.C.Staff
Tone: Balances comedy with heartfelt world-building.
6. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit (2007)
Streaming: Amazon Prime
Plot: A warrior protects a prince harboring a water spirit from royal assassins.
HTTYD parallels: Protector-mentor dynamics and spiritual bonds.
Stats: 26 episodes | MAL: 8.2 | Studio: Production I.G
Awards: Praised for its strong female lead and grounded storytelling.
7. Deca-Dence (2020)
Streaming: Funimation
Plot: A tank mechanic and a rebellious fighter uncover a virtual reality conspiracy in a dystopian future.
HTTYD parallels: Unlikely duos challenging systemic control.
Stats: 12 episodes | MAL: 7.6 | Studio: Nut
Twist: Mid-series genre shift akin to HTTYD’s narrative subversion.
8. The Ancient Magus’ Bride (2017)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A girl sold into slavery forms a bond with a mystical sorcerer in a world of fae and dragons.
HTTYD parallels: Human-mythical being relationships and emotional healing.
Stats: 24 episodes | MAL: 8.0 | Studio: Wit Studio
Style: Gothic fantasy with lush, ethereal animation.
9. Wolf’s Rain (2003)
Streaming: Hulu
Plot: Wolves seek paradise in a post-apocalyptic world, disguising themselves as humans.
HTTYD parallels: Themes of loyalty, survival, and interspecies understanding.
Stats: 26 episodes | MAL: 7.8 | Studio: Bones
Legacy: Cult classic with a haunting soundtrack and philosophical depth.
10. Grimgar: Ashes and Illusions (2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: Stranded in a fantasy world, teens rely on teamwork to survive, grappling with loss and identity.
HTTYD parallels: Underdog teamwork and gritty, emotional realism.
Stats: 12 episodes | MAL: 7.5 | Studio: A-1 Pictures
Tone: Focuses on vulnerability over power fantasy.
11. Children of the Whales (2017)
Streaming: Netflix
Plot: Islanders on a sand sea discover dark truths about their world while bonding with mystical creatures.
HTTYD parallels: Curiosity-driven exploration and societal rebellion.
Stats: 12 episodes | MAL: 7.3 | Studio: J.C.Staff
Style: Surreal watercolor aesthetics and existential themes.
12. Natsume’s Book of Friends (2008)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A boy sees spirits and seeks to free them from contracts, forming bonds along the way.
HTTYD parallels: Bridging human and spirit worlds through empathy.
Stats: 74 episodes | MAL: 8.3 | Studio: Brain’s Base
Legacy: Beloved for its episodic, heartwarming storytelling.
13. Ride Your Wave (2019 Film)
Streaming: Netflix
Plot: A surfer grieves her lover’s death, finding solace through a spiritual connection with water.
HTTYD parallels: Healing through bonds with the mystical.
Stats: Film | MAL: 7.8 | Studio: Science SARU
Awards: Nominated for Japan Academy Prize (Best Animation).
14. Arte (2020)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A Renaissance noblewoman defies gender norms to become an artist, finding allies in unexpected places.
HTTYD parallels: Defying societal roles and underdog perseverance.
Stats: 12 episodes | MAL: 7.3 | Studio: Seven Arcs
Theme: Empowerment through creativity and resilience.
15. A Lull in the Sea (2013)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: Sea-dwelling teens adapt to life on land, navigating prejudice and forbidden romances.
HTTYD parallels: Cultural coexistence and youthful rebellion.
Stats: 26 episodes | MAL: 8.0 | Studio: P.A. Works
Style: Stunning aquatic animation and poignant coming-of-age drama.
Why These Anime Work for How to Train Your Dragon Fans
These series resonate with HTTYD’s core themes: unlikely bonds, defiance of tradition, and growth through empathy. Whether through dragon riders (Dragon Pilot) or spirit mediators (Natsume), they celebrate underdogs who reshape their worlds with compassion.
For fans inspired by Hiccup and Toothless’ journey, these hidden gems offer richly crafted worlds where understanding bridges divides-proving that even the smallest heroes can spark monumental change.
