Monsters, Inc. is a beloved animated film that blends imaginative world-building, heartfelt underdog stories, and subversion of expectations through the lens of a monster society powered by children’s laughter.
Its core themes- unique power systems, unlikely heroes, and rich character development- make it a standout. Yet, many anime series explore similar ideas, often with their own creative twists.
Here are 15 underrated anime series that echo the spirit of Monsters, Inc., each deserving more attention for their inventive storytelling and emotional depth.
1. Dragon Drive (2002)
- Streaming: DVD import, select streaming platforms
- Episodes: 38
- MAL Rating: 6.88
- Studio: Studio Deen
- Plot: Unmotivated Reiji discovers a virtual reality game where players train dragons, only to realize the stakes are much higher than they seem.
- Similarities: Features a hidden world of fantastical creatures, underdog heroism, and a power system built around monster partnerships.
2. Dandadan (2024)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 8.12
- Studio: Science SARU
- Plot: Two teens are swept into a world of spirits and aliens, forming bonds with supernatural beings while navigating chaotic adventures.
- Similarities: Blends the supernatural with heartfelt character growth, quirky humor, and a vibrant animation style.
3. Kaijudo: Rise of the Duel Masters (2012)
- Streaming: DVD import, select digital platforms
- Episodes: 52
- MAL Rating: 6.45
- Studio: Hasbro Studios
- Plot: A boy discovers he can summon creatures from another realm, leading to adventures in a world where monsters are both allies and threats.
- Similarities: Monster-powered society, unique elemental systems, and subversion of typical hero tropes.
4. Wolf’s Rain (2003)
- Streaming: Funimation, DVD
- Episodes: 30 (including OVAs)
- MAL Rating: 8.07
- Studio: Bones
- Plot: Disguised as humans, wolves search for paradise in a dying world, forming deep bonds and facing existential threats.
- Similarities: Explores hidden societies, outsider perspectives, and strong emotional development.
5. Death Parade (2015)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 8.18
- Studio: Madhouse
- Plot: Deceased souls are judged through games in a mysterious bar, revealing their true selves and past regrets.
- Similarities: Hidden worlds, moral dilemmas, and the subversion of expectations in a fantastical setting.
6. Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead (2023)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.71
- Studio: Bug Films
- Plot: Freed from corporate drudgery by a zombie apocalypse, Akira finds joy in chaos and forges unlikely friendships.
- Similarities: Underdog narrative, comedic tone, and the theme of finding hope in unexpected places.
7. Hinamatsuri (2018)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 8.18
- Studio: feel.
- Plot: A yakuza’s life is turned upside down when a telekinetic girl from another world crashes into his apartment.
- Similarities: Supernatural meets slice-of-life, oddball character pairings, and heartfelt comedy.
8. Oban Star-Racers (2006)
- Streaming: DVD import
- Episodes: 26
- MAL Rating: 7.59
- Studio: Hal Film Maker
- Plot: A girl enters an intergalactic race with her alien teammates to find her missing mother.
- Similarities: Diverse cast of creatures, underdog competition, and imaginative world-building.
9. Kaiju No. 8 (2024)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: Ongoing
- MAL Rating: 7.82
- Studio: Production I.G
- Plot: Kafka gains the power to become a kaiju and joins the Defense Force to fight monsters, hiding his secret identity.
- Similarities: Monster society, underdog protagonist, and subversion of monster/hero roles.
10. Fire Force (2019)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu
- Episodes: 48 (2 seasons)
- MAL Rating: 7.67
- Studio: David Production
- Plot: Firefighters with supernatural abilities battle fire demons, uncovering conspiracies in a world powered by unique energy systems.
- Similarities: Inventive power systems, team dynamics, and a balance of humor and action.
11. Skip Beat! (2008)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Episodes: 25
- MAL Rating: 8.09
- Studio: Hal Film Maker
- Plot: A scorned girl enters showbiz to get revenge, discovering her own talents and forming unlikely bonds.
- Similarities: Underdog journey, character transformation, and comedic subversion of expectations.
12. AnoHana: The Flower We Saw That Day (2011)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix
- Episodes: 11
- MAL Rating: 8.37
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
- Plot: Childhood friends reunite when the ghost of a lost friend asks them to fulfill her final wish.
- Similarities: Emotional healing, supernatural presence in everyday life, and deep character arcs.
13. Monster (2004)
- Streaming: Netflix
- Episodes: 74
- MAL Rating: 8.87
- Studio: Madhouse
- Plot: A doctor’s life unravels after saving a boy who becomes a notorious criminal, leading to a psychological cat-and-mouse game.
- Similarities: Exploration of morality, identity, and the “monsters” within society.
14. Dragon Quest: Dai no Daibouken (2020)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu
- Episodes: 100
- MAL Rating: 7.91
- Studio: Toei Animation
- Plot: A young hero teams up with monsters and humans to save the world from evil.
- Similarities: Monster allies, coming-of-age themes, and power system evolution.
15. Kaiba (2008)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 8.14
- Studio: Madhouse
- Plot: In a world where memories and bodies can be swapped, Kaiba journeys through bizarre societies to reclaim his identity.
- Similarities: Surreal world-building, subversion of expectations, and emotional storytelling.
Why These Anime Work for Monsters, Inc. Fans
These anime capture the essence of Monsters, Inc. through their imaginative settings, inventive power systems, and heartfelt underdog stories.
Each series offers a fresh take on the bonds between humans and monsters, the challenges of hidden societies, and the humor and heart that arise from unlikely friendships.
For fans seeking more whimsical, emotional, and creative adventures beyond Monstropolis, these underrated gems are a perfect fit.
