Haven’t You Heard? I’m Sakamoto masterfully blends deadpan humor, surreal school life antics, and a protagonist whose unshakable coolness turns mundane situations into comedic gold.
The series thrives on subverting expectations, satirizing societal norms, and celebrating eccentric characters.
These underrated picks mirror its absurd charm, offering fresh takes on humor, identity, and the art of staying unflappably stylish.
1. Asobi Asobase: Workshop of Fun (2018)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: Three girls form a chaotic “Pastimers Club,” navigating absurd school challenges with over-the-top humor and zero regard for normalcy.
Similarities: Surreal comedy and exaggerated character reactions, akin to Sakamoto’s ability to turn trivial tasks into epic feats.
Details: 12 episodes · MAL 7.8 · Studio: Lerche.
2. The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. (2016)
Streaming: Netflix
Plot: A psychic teenager tries to live a normal life while dealing with his chaotic classmates and supernatural mishaps.
Similarities: Deadpan delivery and satirical take on school life, mirroring Sakamoto’s effortless problem-solving.
Details: 120 episodes · MAL 8.4 · Studio: J.C.Staff.
3. Tanaka-kun is Always Listless (2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A lethargic teen strives for maximum laziness, countered by his energetic friend’s antics.
Similarities: Subverts school anime tropes with dry humor, paralleling Sakamoto’s calm defiance of norms.
Details: 12 episodes · MAL 7.7 · Studio: Silver Link.
4. Daily Lives of High School Boys (2012)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A group of friends navigates hilariously mundane school scenarios, from fake philosophy to failed romances.
Similarities: Slice-of-life absurdity and quirky camaraderie, echoing Sakamoto’s knack for trivial chaos.
Details: 12 episodes · MAL 8.0 · Studio: Sunrise.
5. Hinamatsuri (2018)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A yakuza member adopts a telekinetic girl, balancing crime with paternal chaos.
Similarities: Supernatural meets slapstick, highlighting growth through bizarre partnerships.
Details: 12 episodes · MAL 8.0 · Studio: Feel.
6. Nichijou (2011)
Streaming: Funimation
Plot: Students and robots face surreal daily life, from explosive cafeteria fights to talking cats.
Similarities: Absurdist humor and visual gags, akin to Sakamoto’s stylized problem-solving.
Details: 26 episodes · MAL 8.3 · Studio: Kyoto Animation.
7. Cromartie High School (2003)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: Delinquents, robots, and a gorilla attend a school where logic is optional.
Similarities: Parodies delinquent tropes with surreal flair, mirroring Sakamoto’s satirical edge.
Details: 26 episodes · MAL 7.8 · Studio: Production I.G.
8. Wasteful Days of High School Girls (2019)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: Eccentric students embrace absurdity, from questionable art projects to fake literary clubs.
Similarities: Celebrates mundane chaos and quirky friendships, much like Sakamoto’s school life.
Details: 12 episodes · MAL 7.4 · Studio: Passione.
9. Gintama (2006)
Streaming: Hulu/Crunchyroll
Plot: A samurai in a sci-fi Edo period navigates odd jobs and fourth-wall-breaking humor.
Similarities: Satirical tone and genre parody, reflecting Sakamoto’s subversive wit.
Details: 367 episodes · MAL 9.0 · Studio: Sunrise.
10. Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun (2014)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A girl helps her crush write a romance manga, uncovering his oblivious genius.
Similarities: Parodies tropes with deadpan humor, akin to Sakamoto’s unintentional coolness.
Details: 12 episodes · MAL 8.1 · Studio: Doga Kobo.
11. Sabage-bu! (Survival Game Club!) (2014)
Streaming: HiDIVE
Plot: Girls engage in hyper-dramatic airsoft battles, blending action with ridiculous theatrics.
Similarities: Over-the-top scenarios and quirky characters, mirroring Sakamoto’s flair for drama.
Details: 12 episodes · MAL 7.2 · Studio: Lerche.
12. Level E (2011)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: An alien prince trolls humans with elaborate pranks, testing their patience.
Similarities: Absurd humor and a protagonist who thrives on chaos, like Sakamoto’s antics.
Details: 13 episodes · MAL 7.7 · Studio: Pierrot.
13. Detroit Metal City (2008)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A shy musician becomes a death metal icon, hiding his double life.
Similarities: Explores duality and societal satire, akin to Sakamoto’s effortless persona shifts.
Details: 12 episodes · MAL 7.8 · Studio: Studio 4°C.
14. Prison School (2015)
Streaming: Hulu
Plot: Boys in a strict girls’ school endure brutal humor and exaggerated punishments.
Similarities: Pushes boundaries with extreme comedy, reflecting Sakamoto’s subversive edge.
Details: 12 episodes · MAL 7.5 · Studio: J.C.Staff.
15. Excel Saga (1999)
Streaming: RetroCrush
Plot: A hyperactive girl and her alien overlord attempt world domination via chaotic schemes.
Similarities: Relentless parody and breakneck energy, mirroring Sakamoto’s unpredictable style.
Details: 26 episodes · MAL 7.4 · Studio: J.C.Staff.
Why These Anime Work for Haven’t You Heard? I’m Sakamoto Fans
These series capture the essence of absurdity, deadpan humor, and societal satire that define Sakamoto’s legacy.
From Asobi Asobase’s chaotic school club antics to Level E’s alien pranks, each offers a unique lens on embracing life’s weirdness with style.
Their underrated status ensures fresh narratives and inventive comedy, perfect for fans craving more irreverent, character-driven storytelling.
Whether through surreal parodies or quiet defiance of norms, these picks deliver the same cathartic laughter and clever subversion that make Sakamoto timeless.
