Fillmore! is a one-of-a-kind animated series that reimagines middle school drama as a gritty police procedural.
With its noir-inspired visuals, morally complex storytelling, and brilliant character dynamic between reformed troublemaker Cornelius Fillmore and razor-sharp partner Ingrid Third, the show explores justice, redemption, and doing the right thing—even when it’s difficult.
While its format is uniquely Western, several underrated anime tap into similar ideas: school-based investigations, misunderstood protagonists, sharp ethical dilemmas, and clever dialogue.
Here’s a curated list of anime series that share Fillmore!’s sense of purpose and style—minus the cafeteria crime scenes.
1. Tantei Gakuen Q (2003)
Streaming: YouTube (fan-subbed)
Episodes: 45
Studio: Pierrot
MAL Rating: 7.9
Five students attend a detective academy and solve real cases while competing to become the next top investigator.
Similarities: School-based mystery, youthful detectives, and a protagonist with natural intuition like Fillmore.
2. Ghost Hound (2007)
Streaming: HIDIVE
Episodes: 22
Studio: Production I.G
MAL Rating: 7.8
Three teenagers investigate strange events in their town tied to trauma, spirituality, and consciousness.
Similarities: Psychological depth, character-driven mysteries, and haunting yet grounded storytelling.
3. Hyouka (2012)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 22
Studio: Kyoto Animation
MAL Rating: 8.0
A passive high schooler joins the Classic Literature Club and solves low-stakes, high-concept mysteries through observation and deduction.
Similarities: Sharp dialogue, detective duo dynamic, and subtle coming-of-age arcs that mirror Fillmore and Ingrid’s emotional growth.
4. Sakamoto Desu Ga? (Haven’t You Heard? I’m Sakamoto) (2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12
Studio: Studio Deen
MAL Rating: 7.5
Sakamoto is the perfect high school student who solves every problem with style and grace—often without lifting a finger.
Similarities: Cool-under-pressure protagonist, exaggerated tone, and subversion of typical school roles.
5. The Millionaire Detective – Balance: UNLIMITED (2020)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
Episodes: 11
Studio: CloverWorks
MAL Rating: 7.5
A wealthy detective with limitless resources teams up with a justice-driven partner to solve high-tech crimes.
Similarities: Contrasting partner dynamic, moral friction, and slick procedural structure reminiscent of Fillmore!’s buddy-cop setup.
6. Zettai Shounen (2005)
Streaming: YouTube (fan-subbed)
Episodes: 26
Studio: Ajia-do Animation Works
MAL Rating: 7.0
Mysterious disappearances and strange phenomena unsettle a rural town, and a group of teens begin investigating with quiet determination.
Similarities: Low-key but sharp storytelling with a strong sense of mystery and character introspection.
7. Sket Dance (2011)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 77
Studio: Tatsunoko Production
MAL Rating: 8.0
The SKET Brigade helps students with oddball problems—often acting like detectives, therapists, or bodyguards depending on the request.
Similarities: High school justice squad, comedic tone balanced with emotional arcs, and strong trio dynamics.
8. Kindaichi Shounen no Jikenbo (1997)
Streaming: YouTube (select seasons fan-subbed)
Episodes: 148
Studio: Toei Animation
MAL Rating: 7.8
High schooler Hajime Kindaichi solves gruesome mysteries with brilliant deduction and emotional insight.
Similarities: Crime-solving in a school-age setting with a protagonist who masks sharp intellect under a laid-back exterior.
9. Gosick (2011)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 24
Studio: Bones
MAL Rating: 7.8
In a fictional 1920s European country, an aloof genius girl and a military student uncover murders and conspiracies.
Similarities: Noir tone, detective partnership, period mystery vibe that mirrors Fillmore!’s stylized aesthetic.
10. Danganronpa: The Animation (2013)
Streaming: Funimation
Episodes: 13
Studio: Lerche
MAL Rating: 7.2
Trapped in a school by a killer teddy bear, students must solve each other’s murders in a deadly trial system.
Similarities: Murder mysteries in a school setting, psychological tension, and justice through deduction—though more intense than Fillmore!.
11. ReLife (2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 13
Studio: TMS Entertainment
MAL Rating: 8.0
A 27-year-old man gets a chance to redo high school for one year to reevaluate his life.
Similarities: Redemption arc, school-life reintegration, and discovering personal worth through new relationships—echoing Fillmore’s second chance theme.
12. Great Pretender (2020)
Streaming: Netflix
Episodes: 23
Studio: Wit Studio
MAL Rating: 8.3
A group of elite con artists takes down corrupt figures across the globe using high-level schemes and sharp moral reasoning.
Similarities: Stylish storytelling, complex character motives, and underdog outlaws doing good with unconventional methods.
13. Bungou Stray Dogs (2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 36+
Studio: Bones
MAL Rating: 7.8
An agency of superpowered detectives solves supernatural crimes while exploring their own traumatic pasts.
Similarities: Redemption, personal justice, and a balance of comedy and deep psychological themes.
14. Majin Tantei Nougami Neuro (2007)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 25
Studio: Madhouse
MAL Rating: 7.5
A demon feeds on mysteries and partners with a high school girl to solve bizarre, often violent crimes.
Similarities: Odd-couple detective duo, puzzle-solving with a twist, and dry, witty dialogue.
15. Library Wars (Toshokan Sensou) (2008)
Streaming: HIDIVE
Episodes: 12
Studio: Production I.G
MAL Rating: 7.5
In a world where the government censors books, an elite Library Defense Force fights for the freedom to read.
Similarities: Law enforcement ethics, teen recruits fighting for justice, and institutional critique with heart and humor.
Why These Anime Work for Fillmore! Fans
At its core, Fillmore! isn’t just a parody of cop dramas—it’s a sincere exploration of morality, second chances, and ethical leadership in a school setting.
These anime echo that balance of high-stakes mystery with emotional intelligence, layered protagonists, and sharp writing.
Whether it’s partners investigating wrongs or characters wrestling with past mistakes, these series prove that justice isn’t about rules—it’s about doing what’s right, even when it’s hard.
