Finding Dory follows the forgetful blue tang fish Dory as she navigates the ocean to reunite with her family, emphasizing themes of memory, belonging, and resilience through adversity.
These 15 underrated anime series mirror its focus on self-discovery, found family, and overcoming personal limitations, offering heartfelt narratives for fans seeking emotional depth in lesser-known titles.
1. One Week Friends (Isshuukan Friends) (2014)
Streaming: Crunchyroll | MAL Rating: 7.52
Episodes: 12 | Studio: Brain’s Base
Plot: A girl’s memory resets weekly, but a classmate persistently rebuilds their friendship each time.
Similarities: Explores memory challenges and unwavering support, akin to Dory’s journey.
2. Amanchu! (2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll | MAL Rating: 7.11
Episodes: 24 | Studio: J.C.Staff
Plot: A shy girl finds confidence through scuba diving and an eccentric friend’s encouragement.
Similarities: Celebrates personal growth and aquatic exploration, mirroring Dory’s ocean odyssey.
3. Symphogear (2012)
Streaming: Crunchyroll | MAL Rating: 7.04
Episodes: 65 | Studio: Satelight
Plot: Girls combat threats using song-powered armor, confronting trauma through teamwork.
Similarities: Resilient underdogs forging bonds amid adversity, like Dory’s reliance on friends.
4. Ghost Hound (2007)
Streaming: Funimation | MAL Rating: 7.39
Episodes: 22 | Studio: Production I.G
Plot: Teens confront repressed trauma by traversing a psychological realm tied to a town’s secrets.
Similarities: Metaphorical journey through inner struggles, paralleling Dory’s quest for identity.
5. Flying Witch (2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll | MAL Rating: 7.50
Episodes: 12 | Studio: J.C.Staff
Plot: A novice witch discovers magic in rural Japan, embracing self-discovery.
Similarities: Gentle exploration of new environments and personal potential.
6. Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water (1990)
Streaming: Retrocrush | MAL Rating: 7.84
Episodes: 39 | Studio: Gainax
Plot: An orphan girl embarks on a sea adventure, uncovering her past with newfound allies.
Similarities: Aquatic quest for belonging and confronting legacy.
7. Arpeggio of Blue Steel (2013)
Streaming: HiDive | MAL Rating: 7.22
Episodes: 12 | Studio: Sanzigen
Plot: A crew battles sentient warships, blending AI humanity lessons with naval strategy.
Similarities: Unlikely allies overcoming existential challenges, akin to Dory’s alliances.
8. Grand Blue Dreaming (2018)
Streaming: Crunchyroll | MAL Rating: 8.44
Episodes: 12 | Studio: Zero-G
Plot: A college student navigates chaotic friendships and diving misadventures.
Similarities: Humorous yet heartfelt emphasis on camaraderie and new experiences.
9. Ghost Hunt (2006)
Streaming: Funimation | MAL Rating: 7.67
Episodes: 25 | Studio: J.C.Staff
Plot: A team investigates supernatural cases, bonding through shared trials.
Similarities: Trust-building in high-stakes scenarios, reflecting Dory’s reliance on others.
10. Gunslinger Girl (2003)
Streaming: HiDive | MAL Rating: 7.38
Episodes: 13 | Studio: Madhouse
Plot: Cyborg girls grapple with loyalty and identity amid missions.
Similarities: Explores programmed duty vs. personal agency, like Dory’s self-determination.
11. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit (2007)
Streaming: Amazon Prime | MAL Rating: 8.12
Episodes: 26 | Studio: Production I.G
Plot: A warrior protects a prince, balancing duty with maternal empathy.
Similarities: Guardianship and healing fractured bonds, resonating with Dory’s familial drive.
12. A Sign of Affection (2024)
Streaming: Crunchyroll | MAL Rating: 8.21
Episodes: 12 | Studio: Ajia-do
Plot: A deaf student navigates love through sign language, emphasizing empathy.
Similarities: Overcoming communication barriers, akin to Dory’s memory struggles.
13. Haibane Renmei (2002)
Streaming: Funimation | MAL Rating: 7.94
Episodes: 13 | Studio: Radix
Plot: Angel-like beings confront past sins to earn redemption in a walled town.
Similarities: Themes of self-forgiveness and community support.
14. Mushishi (2005)
Streaming: Hulu | MAL Rating: 8.45
Episodes: 46 | Studio: Artland
Plot: A wanderer resolves supernatural phenomena tied to primal spirits.
Similarities: Episodic serenity and understanding life’s mysteries, like ocean exploration.
15. The Eccentric Family (2013)
Streaming: HiDive | MAL Rating: 7.82
Episodes: 24 | Studio: P.A. Works
Plot: A tanuki family navigates grief and legacy in modern Kyoto.
Similarities: Whimsical yet poignant exploration of familial bonds and resilience.
Why These Anime Work for Finding Dory Fans
These series champion resilience, empathy, and self-discovery, mirroring Dory’s journey to overcome limitations through connection. From One Week Friends’ tender portrayal of memory to Amanchu!’s aquatic optimism, each title reframes personal growth as a collective triumph. Their underrated status ensures fresh storytelling for viewers craving heartfelt narratives about finding strength in adversity and community.
