Rocket & Grook stands out with its electrifying duo, unique power mechanics, and the emotional growth of its underdog protagonists. It subverts expectations with sharp twists and layered storytelling, combining high-stakes battles with moments of surreal comedy and heartfelt introspection.
The following 15 anime carry the same spark—delivering strong character arcs, inventive world-building, and a narrative pulse that resonates with Rocket & Grook fans. These titles remain criminally underrated and deserve a place on your watchlist.
1. Kaiba (2008)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.9 | Episodes: 12
Studio: Madhouse | Director: Masaaki Yuasa
Plot: In a world where memories can be digitized and transferred between bodies, a boy awakens with no memory and a locket containing a photo of a woman.
Similarities: Explores identity and memory like Rocket & Grook, with a wild art style and unpredictable storytelling.
2. Deadman Wonderland (2011)
Streaming: Funimation
MAL Rating: 7.2 | Episodes: 12
Studio: Manglobe
Plot: After a massacre at his school, Ganta is falsely accused and sent to a prison that doubles as a brutal entertainment complex.
Similarities: Features unique power systems tied to blood and survival, with a central underdog framed for something he didn’t do—very Grook-like.
3. No Guns Life (2019)
Streaming: Hulu, Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.4 | Episodes: 24
Studio: Madhouse
Plot: A war veteran with a gun for a head becomes a resolver for other augmented humans in a dystopian city.
Similarities: Unusual character designs and gritty cyberpunk themes reflect Rocket & Grook’s genre-bending style.
4. The Tatami Galaxy (2010)
Streaming: Funimation, Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 8.6 | Episodes: 11
Studio: Madhouse | Director: Masaaki Yuasa
Plot: A nameless university student relives different versions of his college life, each ending in absurdity.
Similarities: A chaotic, fast-paced narrative structure and existential themes similar to Rocket & Grook’s offbeat tone.
5. Kekkai Sensen (Blood Blockade Battlefront) (2015)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.6 | Episodes: 12
Studio: Bones
Plot: After a portal opens in NYC, supernatural creatures flood in. A secret society keeps balance between dimensions.
Similarities: Explosive action, bizarre humor, and citywide chaos mirror the kinetic energy of Rocket & Grook.
6. Sarazanmai (2019)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.3 | Episodes: 11
Studio: MAPPA | Director: Kunihiko Ikuhara
Plot: Three boys are transformed into kappas and must retrieve zombie desires to return to normal.
Similarities: Wild transformations, emotional trauma, and absurd humor make it a tonal cousin to Rocket & Grook.
7. Planet With (2018)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.5 | Episodes: 12
Studio: J.C.Staff
Plot: An amnesiac boy gets caught in a battle between psychic heroes and an alien cat—revealing his forgotten mission.
Similarities: Hidden identities and evolving allegiances, wrapped in bright visuals and layered sci-fi.
8. Ergo Proxy (2006)
Streaming: Hulu, Funimation
MAL Rating: 7.9 | Episodes: 23
Studio: Manglobe
Plot: In a dystopian dome-city, a detective uncovers disturbing truths about humanity, androids, and ancient proxies.
Similarities: Dark philosophy, reality-questioning narrative—ideal for Rocket & Grook fans who crave depth.
9. Boogiepop and Others (2019)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.0 | Episodes: 18
Studio: Madhouse
Plot: A string of mysterious disappearances at a school leads to the reawakening of Boogiepop, a shinigami-like protector.
Similarities: Fractured storytelling, psychological horror, and a brooding tone evoke the mysterious edge of Grook.
10. Kyousougiga (2013)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.9 | Episodes: 10
Studio: Toei Animation
Plot: A girl enters a surreal mirror world ruled by spiritual beings and broken families.
Similarities: Whimsical yet emotional storytelling mirrors Rocket & Grook‘s shifting tones and family themes.
11. Bounen no Xamdou (Xam’d: Lost Memories) (2008)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.6 | Episodes: 26
Studio: Bones
Plot: After a terrorist attack, a boy is infected with a mysterious power and joins a freedom-fighting airship crew.
Similarities: Organic tech, coming-of-age journeys, and character evolution under conflict.
12. Casshern Sins (2008)
Streaming: Funimation
MAL Rating: 7.3 | Episodes: 24
Studio: Madhouse
Plot: In a dying world, a robotic assassin with no memories roams in search of redemption.
Similarities: Atmospheric, reflective tone with identity crisis and dystopia—feels like Grook in a somber key.
13. Flip Flappers (2016)
Streaming: HIDIVE
MAL Rating: 7.7 | Episodes: 13
Studio: Studio 3Hz
Plot: Two girls journey through psychedelic dreamscapes while uncovering their hidden selves.
Similarities: Creative animation, otherworldly adventures, and deep emotional subtext like Rocket & Grook.
14. Gad Guard (2003)
Streaming: N/A (DVD only)
MAL Rating: 6.9 | Episodes: 26
Studio: Gonzo
Plot: In a polluted future, young mechanics bond with robotic beings called Gads to fight for their city.
Similarities: Urban grit meets friendship and mecha action—perfect for Rocket & Grook fans.
15. Zetman (2012)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 6.9 | Episodes: 13
Studio: TMS Entertainment
Plot: A genetically engineered being battles monsters while grappling with what it means to be a hero.
Similarities: Moral ambiguity, superpower evolution, and tight emotional arcs.
Why These Anime Work for Rocket & Grook Fans
Each of these titles blends genre-defying storytelling with deep character evolution and thrilling, often bizarre, world mechanics. They’re raw, creative, and emotionally rich—just like Rocket & Grook. Whether it’s identity, rebellion, or redemption, these underrated gems carry the same pulse and promise that made Rocket & Grook unforgettable.
