Doug is a coming-of-age slice-of-life series centered around Doug Funnie, a daydreaming middle schooler who navigates friendships, fears, school crushes, and self-doubt, all while writing in his diary and imagining heroic alter-egos like Quailman.
Its core strength lies in portraying emotional honesty, awkward adolescence, and the value of imagination, kindness, and introspection.
While not an anime, Doug’s tone, narrative style, and character-driven storytelling can be found in several lesser-known anime series that tackle adolescence with sincerity and creativity.
Below are 15 underrated titles that explore similar themes, some grounded, some surreal, but all connected by heart.
1. Aoi Hana (2009)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 11
Studio: J.C. Staff
MAL Rating: 7.1
Fumi, a shy high school girl, reconnects with her childhood friend Akira and navigates identity, relationships, and emotional growth.
Similarities: Soft-paced storytelling, emotional vulnerability, and a sincere portrayal of teenage uncertainty and personal discovery.
2. My Neighbors the Yamadas (1999)
Streaming: HBO Max
Episodes: Film
Studio: Studio Ghibli
MAL Rating: 7.5
A comedic and tender anthology-style film about the everyday misadventures of a quirky Japanese family.
Similarities: Sketch-like episodic moments, stylized animation, and heartwarming takes on ordinary life reminiscent of Doug’s diary entries.
3. Tsurezure Children (2017)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12
Studio: Studio Gokumi
MAL Rating: 7.5
A series of short romantic stories showcasing various high school students struggling to express their feelings.
Similarities: Awkward, charming teen interactions with a strong focus on relatable social anxiety and emotional honesty.
4. Azumanga Daioh (2002)
Streaming: HIDIVE
Episodes: 26
Studio: J.C. Staff
MAL Rating: 7.7
A slice-of-life comedy about a group of high school girls and their eccentric teachers.
Similarities: Episodic structure, whimsical daydreams, quirky personalities, and gentle exploration of friendship and adolescence.
5. Tonari no Seki-kun (2014)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 21
Studio: Shin-Ei Animation
MAL Rating: 7.6
Yokoi, a diligent student, is constantly distracted by her classmate Seki’s bizarre desk-side inventions.
Similarities: Light comedy with imaginative escapism and school-life scenarios echoing Doug’s fantasy sequences.
6. Just Because! (2017)
Streaming: HIDIVE
Episodes: 12
Studio: Pine Jam
MAL Rating: 7.3
A subtle and introspective look at the emotional complexities of graduating high school and revisiting unresolved feelings.
Similarities: Focused on emotional realism, youth introspection, and subtle shifts in relationships over dramatic plots.
7. Boys Be… (2000)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 13
Studio: Hal Film Maker
MAL Rating: 6.6
A quiet, reflective anthology of romance and self-discovery from the perspective of teenage boys.
Similarities: Understated emotional arcs, character-driven episodes, and adolescent reflection, much like Doug’s introspective narration.
8. Gugure! Kokkuri-san (2014)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12
Studio: TMS Entertainment
MAL Rating: 7.4
A lonely girl summons a fox spirit, who ends up becoming her quirky guardian.
Similarities: Surreal elements blend with emotional warmth and childlike loneliness—similar to Doug’s fantasies meeting emotional truths.
9. Ojisan to Marshmallow (2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12 (shorts)
Studio: Creators in Pack
MAL Rating: 6.6
A workplace comedy centered on a shy middle-aged man and his sweet-toothed obsession with marshmallows.
Similarities: Focuses on socially awkward interactions with humor and heart, similar to Doug’s earnest awkwardness.
10. Poco’s Udon World (2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12
Studio: LIDENFILMS
MAL Rating: 7.8
A man returns to his childhood home and finds a magical child that leads him to reconnect with his past.
Similarities: Nostalgic tone, personal reflection, and heartfelt storytelling grounded in simple, everyday life.
11. Kimi to Boku. (2011)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 13
Studio: J.C. Staff
MAL Rating: 7.5
A low-key anime following the lives and growth of a group of high school boys as they deal with life and love.
Similarities: Relatable slice-of-life pace, male friendships, and emotional introspection comparable to Doug and Skeeter’s bond.
12. Hyouka (2012)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 22
Studio: Kyoto Animation
MAL Rating: 8.0
A minimalist, disinterested student is drawn into the world of mystery-solving through his curious classmate.
Similarities: Observational storytelling, understated character development, and teens working through emotional and intellectual dilemmas.
13. Tsuritama (2012)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12
Studio: A-1 Pictures
MAL Rating: 7.6
A socially anxious teen, an alien, and a fisherman form an unlikely friendship while saving the world through fishing.
Similarities: Quirky, emotional, and deeply metaphorical approach to anxiety, friendship, and finding your place in the world.
14. Kujira no Kora wa Sajou ni Utau (Children of the Whales) (2017)
Streaming: Netflix
Episodes: 12
Studio: J.C. Staff
MAL Rating: 7.2
On a floating island, a boy chronicles his people’s secrets and pain as war and wonder unfold.
Similarities: Diary narration, inner emotional voice, and themes of loss, memory, and adolescence wrapped in fantastical world-building.
15. Hidamari Sketch (2007)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12
Studio: Shaft
MAL Rating: 7.5
Art school girls live in the same apartment complex and support one another in small but meaningful ways.
Similarities: Charming slice-of-life vibes, slow narrative rhythm, and introspective moments grounded in creative youth expression.
Why These Anime Work for Doug Fans
Fans of Doug are drawn to its honest, sometimes awkward but always heartfelt portrayal of growing up.
The anime listed above mirror that emotional sincerity, offering a quiet yet powerful look into adolescence, identity, relationships, and imagination.
From introspective narration and subtle humor to expressive character development and charming visual styles, these shows embrace the small moments that make big emotional impacts—just like Doug did with a pencil, a journal, and a whole lot of heart.
