Jellyfish Can’t Swim in the Night (2024) explores the struggles of four girls forming an anonymous music group, blending raw emotional vulnerability with themes of artistic passion and self-discovery.
For fans drawn to its mix of modern creative hurdles, found-family dynamics, and character-driven growth, these 15 underrated anime offer similar journeys of overcoming insecurities, chasing dreams, and redefining identity.
1. Girls Band Cry (2024)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A rural teen and a disillusioned musician form a band to channel their frustrations, navigating societal expectations and personal trauma.
Similarities: Focuses on diverse personalities clashing and bonding through music, with gritty realism about modern creative industries.
Details: 12+ episodes | Studio: Toei Animation | MAL: 7.9/10
2. Bocchi the Rock! (2022)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A socially anxious guitarist joins a band, confronting her fears through music while balancing school life.
Similarities: Balances comedy and heartfelt drama, emphasizing growth through collaboration.
Details: 12 episodes | Studio: CloverWorks | MAL: 8.4/10
3. Carole & Tuesday (2019)
Streaming: Netflix
Plot: Two girls from截然不同 backgrounds unite to create music on Mars, facing industry exploitation and self-doubt.
Similarities: Explores artistic integrity vs. commercial success, with a focus on female empowerment.
Details: 24 episodes | Studio: Bones | Awards: Best Soundtrack (Crunchyroll Awards 2020)
4. Ya Boy Kongming! (2022)
Streaming: HIDIVE
Plot: A reincarnated tactician helps a struggling singer rise to fame using ancient strategies.
Similarities: Mixes humor with heartfelt exploration of music’s emotional impact.
Details: 12 episodes | Studio: P.A. Works | MAL: 8.1/10
5. A Place Further Than the Universe (2018)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: Four girls embark on an Antarctic expedition, confronting personal regrets and forging unbreakable bonds.
Similarities: Celebrates friendship and self-discovery through shared ambition.
Details: 13 episodes | Studio: Madhouse | MAL: 8.4/10
6. Blue Period (2021)
Streaming: Netflix
Plot: A disillusioned teen pursues art professionally, battling imposter syndrome and societal pressure.
Similarities: Raw portrayal of artistic insecurity and the grind of creative careers.
Details: 12 episodes | Studio: Seven Arcs | MAL: 7.8/10
7. The Many Sides of Voice Actor Radio (2024)
Streaming: HIDIVE
Plot: Rival voice actors co-host a radio show, masking personal animosity while navigating industry politics.
Similarities: Explores performative identities and the tension between public personas and private struggles.
Details: 12 episodes | Studio: A-1 Pictures | MAL: 7.5/10
8. Anonymous Noise (2017)
Streaming: HIDIVE
Plot: A vocalist reconnects with childhood friends through music, unraveling unresolved emotions and rivalry.
Similarities: Passionate, drama-heavy narrative about music as emotional catharsis.
Details: 12 episodes | Studio: Brain’s Base | MAL: 7.1/10
9. Kageki Shoujo!! (2021)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: Aspiring theater performers endure rigorous training while confronting traumatic pasts.
Similarities: Focus on overcoming personal demons through artistic expression.
Details: 13 episodes | Studio: Pine Jam | MAL: 7.9/10
10. Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad (2004)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A teen joins a rock band, navigating love, rivalry, and the grind of indie success.
Similarities: Grounded take on band dynamics and the sacrifices behind artistic passion.
Details: 26 episodes | Studio: Madhouse | MAL: 8.1/10
11. Skip and Loafer (2023)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A rural girl adapts to Tokyo life, forming unexpected friendships while chasing her dreams.
Similarities: Gentle, slice-of-life approach to self-discovery and community.
Details: 12 episodes | Studio: P.A. Works | MAL: 8.0/10
12. Wave, Listen to Me! (2020)
Streaming: HIDIVE
Plot: A brash waitress stumbles into radio hosting, using her unfiltered persona to carve a niche.
Similarities: Unconventional protagonist navigating creative industries with authenticity.
Details: 12 episodes | Studio: Sunrise | MAL: 7.6/10
13. Given (2019)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A guitarist helps a bandmate process grief through music, sparking a poignant LGBTQ+ romance.
Similarities: Balances emotional healing with the collaborative joy of music.
Details: 11 episodes | Studio: Lerche | MAL: 8.1/10
14. Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! (2020)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: Three students create anime, tackling technical challenges and creative disagreements.
Similarities: Celebrates the messy, exhilarating process of artistic creation.
Details: 12 episodes | Studio: Science SARU | MAL: 8.0/10
15. White Album 2 (2013)
Streaming: HIDIVE
Plot: A love triangle forms within a school music group, complicating friendships and ambitions.
Similarities: Intense drama exploring how personal conflicts shape artistic expression.
Details: 13 episodes | Studio: Satelight | MAL: 7.5/10
Why These Anime Work for Jellyfish Can’t Swim in the Night Fans
These series resonate with the struggle to balance creativity and self-worth, offering nuanced takes on ambition, identity, and resilience.
From Girls Band Cry’s raw defiance to Eizouken’s whimsical ingenuity, each mirrors Jellyfish’s core theme: art as a lifeline.
Whether through music, animation, or theater, these stories celebrate the messy, beautiful process of finding one’s voice—proving that underrated gems often shine brightest.
