Noragami captivates audiences with its blend of supernatural action, heartfelt character development, and exploration of Japanese mythology.
Following the adventures of Yato, a minor god seeking recognition, and Hiyori, a schoolgirl whose soul becomes untethered from her body, the series delves into themes of identity, redemption, and the complex relationships between gods and humans.
For fans craving more stories with similar elements, here are 15 underrated anime that capture the spirit of Noragami while offering their own unique twists.
1. Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun (2020)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
MAL Rating: 7.85
Episodes: 12
Studio: Lerche
Nene Yashiro summons the legendary school ghost Hanako-kun, only to become entangled in the supernatural world of Kamome Academy’s Seven Mysteries. Like Noragami, it blends Japanese folklore with modern settings, featuring a similar dynamic between a human girl and a supernatural being.
2. Kamisama Kiss (2012)
Streaming: Funimation, Hulu
MAL Rating: 7.91
Episodes: 13 + OVAs
Studio: TMS Entertainment
Nanami becomes a land god after a chance encounter and must navigate her new divine responsibilities with the help of her familiar, Tomoe. It shares Noragami’s exploration of Shinto mythology and the challenges of godhood in the modern world.
3. The Morose Mononokean (2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.22
Episodes: 13
Studio: Pierrot Plus
Hanae Ashiya becomes indebted to an exorcist named Haruitsuki Abeno and starts working for the Mononokean, helping youkai return to their world. This series offers a lighter take on supernatural problem-solving, reminiscent of Yato’s odd jobs.
4. Natsume’s Book of Friends (2008)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 8.39
Episodes: 74 (across 6 seasons)
Studio: Brain’s Base, Shuka
Takashi Natsume inherits his grandmother’s Book of Friends, which contains the names of spirits she defeated, and decides to return the names. While more slice-of-life than Noragami, it shares themes of connecting the human and spirit worlds.
5. Bungo Stray Dogs (2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
MAL Rating: 7.87
Episodes: 37
Studio: Bones
Gifted individuals with supernatural abilities form detective agencies and criminal organizations in Yokohama. Though set in a more modern context, it features similar themes of found family and characters grappling with their powers.
6. Kyoukai no Rinne (2015)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.07
Episodes: 75
Studio: Brain’s Base
Sakura Mamiya can see ghosts and meets Rinne Rokudou, a part-human, part-shinigami boy who helps spirits move on. It offers a comedic take on the afterlife and spirit world, reminiscent of Noragami’s lighter moments.
7. Blue Exorcist (2011)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix
MAL Rating: 7.51
Episodes: 37
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Rin Okumura discovers he’s the son of Satan and decides to become an exorcist to defeat his father. While more action-focused, it shares themes of found family and characters struggling with their supernatural heritage.
8. Noragami Aragoto (2015)
Streaming: Funimation, Hulu
MAL Rating: 8.41
Episodes: 13
Studio: Bones
The second season of Noragami delves deeper into Yato’s past and the complexities of the god world. While not underrated, it’s essential for fans who may have missed it after the first season.
9. The Devil Is a Part-Timer! (2013)
Streaming: Netflix, Funimation
MAL Rating: 7.90
Episodes: 13
Studio: White Fox
Satan flees his world and ends up working part-time in fast food in modern Tokyo. It offers a humorous take on supernatural beings adapting to the human world, similar to Yato’s struggles.
10. Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits (2018)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
MAL Rating: 7.39
Episodes: 26
Studio: Gonzo
Aoi Tsubaki is spirited away to the hidden realm of ayakashi to pay off her grandfather’s debt by working at an inn. It explores the intersection of human and spirit worlds, with a focus on relationships similar to Noragami.
11. Kekkai Sensen (Blood Blockade Battlefront) (2015)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
MAL Rating: 7.69
Episodes: 24
Studio: Bones
In a New York City fused with a supernatural realm, Leonardo Watch joins a secret organization to protect the world. It shares Noragami’s blend of urban fantasy and action, with a diverse cast of characters.
12. Nurarihyon no Mago (Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan) (2010)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.52
Episodes: 48
Studio: Studio Deen
Rikuo Nura is part human, part yokai, and must navigate both worlds as he’s set to inherit his grandfather’s yokai clan. It explores Japanese folklore and the challenges of balancing human and supernatural lives.
13. Gugure! Kokkuri-san (2014)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.39
Episodes: 12
Studio: TMS Entertainment
Kohina Ichimatsu summons the fox spirit Kokkuri-san, who decides to stay and take care of her. This comedy series offers a lighter take on human-spirit relationships, with quirky characters reminiscent of Noragami’s cast.
14. Inu x Boku SS (2012)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.39
Episodes: 12
Studio: David Production
Ririchiyo Shirakiin moves into a high-security apartment complex and is assigned a secret service agent with yokai powers. It blends supernatural elements with character growth in a way that might appeal to Noragami fans.
15. Kyousougiga (2013)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.92
Episodes: 10 + ONA
Studio: Toei Animation
In a parallel world called Kyoto, a family of supernatural beings deals with their complex past and relationships. Its vibrant animation and exploration of family dynamics echo Noragami’s emotional depth.
Why These Anime Work for Noragami Fans
These series capture the essence of what makes Noragami special: the blend of supernatural elements with human drama, complex character relationships, and the exploration of mythology in modern settings.
While each offers its unique flavor, they all provide the mix of action, humor, and heart that Noragami fans crave.
Whether you’re drawn to the god-human dynamics, the exploration of Japanese folklore, or the character growth amidst supernatural challenges, these underrated gems offer fresh perspectives on familiar themes, ensuring that the spirit of Noragami lives on in new and exciting ways.
