Gravity Falls stands as a genre-defying animated series that mixes mystery, supernatural phenomena, and rich character development within a quirky small-town setting.
Its charm lies in its layered storytelling, cryptic world-building, and emotional depth, all wrapped in a style that appeals to both kids and adults.
With its themes of family, identity, hidden truths, and the courage to face the unknown, it’s no surprise fans crave more stories with similar energy.
This list highlights 15 underrated anime series that capture the essence of Gravity Falls—whether through smart mysteries, magical realism, cryptic conspiracies, or heartfelt coming-of-age journeys.
1. Dennou Coil (2007)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 26
Studio: Madhouse
MAL Rating: 8.0
In a near-future world where augmented reality blends with daily life, a group of children investigates digital ghosts and strange anomalies.
Similarities: Urban legends, kid-led investigations, advanced tech as magic, and a tone mixing humor, mystery, and emotion.
2. Kyousougiga (2013)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 10
Studio: Toei Animation
MAL Rating: 7.7
In a surreal alternate Kyoto, a girl named Koto and her brothers unravel family secrets amidst chaos, gods, and paradoxes.
Similarities: Multiverse weirdness, chaotic visuals, strong sibling bonds, and emotional core hidden under a wild narrative.
3. Mononoke (2007)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12
Studio: Toei Animation
MAL Rating: 8.4
A mysterious medicine seller exorcises spirits by uncovering their “Form,” “Truth,” and “Reason.” Each arc presents a unique haunting.
Similarities: Stylized animation, mystery-of-the-week format, cryptic folklore, and an eerie yet philosophical atmosphere.
4. The Eccentric Family (2013)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 13
Studio: P.A. Works
MAL Rating: 7.9
Set in a Kyoto where humans, tengu, and tanuki coexist, a young tanuki navigates family duty and supernatural politics.
Similarities: Hidden world among us, witty tone, magical realism, and themes of family, grief, and transformation.
5. Kamichu! (2005)
Streaming: Funimation
Episodes: 12
Studio: Brain’s Base
MAL Rating: 7.4
A shy middle schooler suddenly becomes a goddess, and must balance adolescence with divine responsibilities in her small coastal town.
Similarities: Slice-of-life with spiritual weirdness, childlike wonder mixed with deeper emotions, and a gentle comedic tone.
6. Gugure! Kokkuri-san (2014)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12
Studio: TMS Entertainment
MAL Rating: 7.4
A lonely girl accidentally summons a fox spirit who becomes her overbearing guardian, with other spirits joining the chaotic “family.”
Similarities: Supernatural hijinks, found family dynamics, deadpan humor, and underlying emotional vulnerability.
7. Zettai Shounen (2005)
Streaming: YouTube (fan-subbed)
Episodes: 26
Studio: Ajia-do Animation Works
MAL Rating: 7.0
A teenage boy visiting a rural town becomes wrapped in a series of strange events involving otherworldly entities and unseen forces.
Similarities: Slow-burn supernatural mystery, summer vibes, and an uncanny blend of mundane and magical.
8. Mokke (2007)
Streaming: Unofficial sources
Episodes: 24
Studio: Madhouse
MAL Rating: 7.3
Two sisters interact with spirits in their countryside village, each episode delivering folklore-inspired encounters with quiet poignancy.
Similarities: Episodic yokai tales, calm tone, sibling closeness, and a strong focus on self-discovery through the supernatural.
9. Natsume Yuujinchou (Natsume’s Book of Friends) (2008–2017)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 74
Studio: Brain’s Base / Shuka
MAL Rating: 8.3
A boy inherits a book that binds spirits and seeks to release them, growing emotionally through each encounter.
Similarities: Supernatural secrets, heartfelt themes, introspection, and a gentle atmosphere despite mysterious undertones.
10. Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou (1998, 2002)
Streaming: YouTube (OVA, fan-subbed)
Episodes: 4
Studio: Ajia-do
MAL Rating: 8.1
In a quiet post-apocalyptic world, an android café owner observes slow, beautiful changes in life and the world around her.
Similarities: Subtle sci-fi elements, nostalgia, emotional storytelling, and deep reflection on time and memory.
11. Flip Flappers (2016)
Streaming: HIDIVE
Episodes: 13
Studio: Studio 3Hz
MAL Rating: 7.6
Two girls journey through surreal dimensions, unlocking their inner selves and exploring themes of identity and desire.
Similarities: Surreal adventure, cryptic narrative, vibrant visuals, and psychological metaphors masked by childlike adventure.
12. Mahou Shoujo Nante Mou Ii Desu Kara. (2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12 (shorts)
Studio: Pine Jam
MAL Rating: 6.2
A girl is chosen to be a magical girl—but all she does is hang out with her alien mascot.
Similarities: Dry comedy, subversion of magical tropes, and slice-of-life weirdness reminiscent of Gravity Falls filler episodes.
13. The World of Narue (2003)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12
Studio: Studio Live
MAL Rating: 6.7
A boy discovers his classmate is half-alien and gets swept into intergalactic adventures wrapped in high school awkwardness.
Similarities: Ordinary characters pulled into extraordinary mysteries, with a focus on character heart over spectacle.
14. Urahara (2017)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12
Studio: Shirogumi
MAL Rating: 5.6
Three Harajuku girls fight off alien invaders using art, fashion, and their own inner creativity.
Similarities: Whimsical logic, pastel surrealism, youth empowerment, and strong visual world-building.
15. Paranoia Agent (2004)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 13
Studio: Madhouse
MAL Rating: 8.0
A mysterious figure on rollerblades assaults people around Tokyo, and each victim’s story reveals disturbing truths about modern life.
Similarities: Urban mystery, eerie undertones, strange humor, and reality-bending storytelling that rewards close attention.
Why These Anime Work for Gravity Falls Fans
These anime resonate with Gravity Falls fans because they embrace the intersection of whimsy and weirdness, youth and mystery.
They feature thoughtful protagonists who grow through solving puzzles, whether personal or paranormal, and worlds full of cryptic symbolism and layered truths.
Whether you’re drawn to sibling dynamics, cosmic horror in disguise, or slow reveals that reward curiosity, these series offer the same magical blend of humor, mystery, and heart that makes Gravity Falls unforgettable.
