True Beauty (2024) poignantly explores societal beauty standards through Jugyeong Lim, a girl who masters makeup to escape bullying, only to grapple with self-worth beneath her transformed exterior.
For fans drawn to its themes of identity, societal pressure, and quiet resilience, these 15 underrated anime deliver nuanced character growth and emotional depth—often overlooked in mainstream circles.
1. Kimi ni Todoke (2009)
- Streaming: Netflix
- Plot: Socially isolated Sawako, nicknamed “Sadako” due to her resemblance to a horror character, slowly opens up with the help of a popular classmate.
- Similarities: Tackles societal judgment and the journey to self-acceptance, mirroring Jugyeong’s struggle with perception vs. reality.
- Stats: 38 episodes | MAL: 8.3 | Studio: Production I.G (Haikyuu!!)
2. Skip Beat! (2008)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Kyoko seeks revenge on her ex by entering showbiz, but discovers self-worth through acting.
- Similarities: Explores reinvention and reclaiming agency in a looks-driven industry.
- Stats: 25 episodes | MAL: 8.1 | Studio: Hal Film Maker
3. Wandering Son (2011)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Two transgender teens navigate adolescence while grappling with gender identity and societal norms.
- Similarities: Raw, sensitive portrayal of hiding one’s true self, akin to Jugyeong’s makeup-as-armor narrative.
- Stats: 11 episodes | MAL: 7.8 | Director: Ei Aoki (Fate/Zero)
4. Lovely Complex (2007)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A tall girl and short boy form an unlikely bond, challenging societal expectations about appearance.
- Similarities: Humorous yet heartfelt take on defying beauty stereotypes.
- Stats: 24 episodes | MAL: 8.0 | Studio: Toei Animation
5. Peach Girl (2005)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Plot: Rumors about Momo’s appearance spiral, forcing her to confront toxic friendships and self-image.
- Similarities: Highlights how gossip and beauty myths distort self-perception.
- Stats: 25 episodes | MAL: 7.4 | Studio: Studio Comet
6. Nana (2006)
- Streaming: Hulu
- Plot: Two women named Nana navigate love, careers, and identity in Tokyo’s punk-rock scene.
- Similarities: Mature exploration of self-discovery and societal roles beyond appearances.
- Stats: 47 episodes | MAL: 8.5 | Studio: Madhouse
7. Orange (2016)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A letter from the future compels Naho to prevent a friend’s suicide, addressing regret and self-forgiveness.
- Similarities: Emotional depth in confronting past mistakes and valuing inner worth.
- Stats: 13 episodes | MAL: 7.9 | Studio: Telecom Animation Film
8. Ao Haru Ride (2014)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Futaba reunites with her middle-school crush, now emotionally distant, sparking a journey of mutual healing.
- Similarities: Themes of change and reconciling past selves.
- Stats: 12 episodes | MAL: 7.7 | Studio: Production I.G
9. Haganai (2011)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Socially inept teens form a club to learn friendship, blending dark humor with vulnerability.
- Similarities: Satirizes societal norms while exploring loneliness beneath facades.
- Stats: 24 episodes | MAL: 7.0 | Studio: Brain’s Base
10. Girls Band Cry (2024)
- Streaming: Unavailable outside Japan
- Plot: A rural teen joins a Tokyo band, confronting insecurities through music.
- Similarities: Rebellion against societal expectations via creative expression.
- Stats: 13 episodes | MAL: 7.8 | Studio: Toei Animation
11. Sing “Yesterday” for Me (2020)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A listless graduate navigates unresolved feelings for his past crush and a younger coworker.
- Similarities: Quiet introspection on missed connections and self-worth.
- Stats: 18 episodes | MAL: 7.2 | Studio: Doga Kobo
12. My Love Story!! (2015)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A gentle giant with low self-esteem finds love, challenging conventional attractiveness.
- Similarities: Celebrates inner beauty and defying societal “norms.”
- Stats: 24 episodes | MAL: 8.1 | Studio: Madhouse
13. Chihayafuru (2011)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A karuta prodigy balances passion for the card game with personal growth.
- Similarities: Underdog narrative emphasizing talent beyond appearances.
- Stats: 74 episodes | MAL: 8.3 | Studio: Madhouse
14. Eden of the East (2009)
- Streaming: HIDIVE
- Plot: An amnesiac and a college student unravel a conspiracy tied to societal rebirth.
- Similarities: Questions identity and societal roles in a tech-driven world.
- Stats: 11 episodes | MAL: 7.9 | Director: Kenji Kamiyama (Ghost in the Shell)
15. Honey and Clover (2005)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Art students navigate unrequited love and self-doubt in a bittersweet coming-of-age tale.
- Similarities: Poignant exploration of longing and finding one’s path.
- Stats: 36 episodes | MAL: 8.3 | Studio: J.C.Staff (Toradora!)
Why These Anime Work for True Beauty Fans
These series resonate with True Beauty’s core themes: societal judgment (Kimi ni Todoke, Peach Girl), reinvention (Skip Beat!, Girls Band Cry), and inner resilience (Wandering Son, Orange).
Each challenges superficial norms while celebrating personal growth, offering heartfelt alternatives to cookie-cutter romances.
For fans seeking depth beyond aesthetics, these hidden gems deliver emotional authenticity and understated brilliance.
