Ratatouille tells the story of Remy, a rat with an extraordinary sense of taste and smell, who dreams of becoming a chef in the culinary capital of Paris.
The film is a celebration of underdogs, creativity, and following one’s passion despite overwhelming odds and societal expectations.
Like Ratatouille, the following anime series spotlight unlikely heroes, the pursuit of dreams, and the transformative power of talent and perseverance—making them hidden gems worth discovering.
1. Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma (2015)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu
- Episodes: 86
- MAL Rating: 8.16
- Studio: J.C. Staff
Soma Yukihira enrolls in an elite culinary school, determined to surpass his father and prove himself among Japan’s best young chefs.
Similarities: Underdog chef, creative cooking battles, and subversion of culinary traditions echo Remy’s journey and inventive spirit.
2. Pui Pui Molcar (2021)
- Streaming: Netflix, YouTube
- Episodes: 12 (S1), 24 total
- MAL Rating: 8.01
- Studio: Shin-Ei Animation
Stop-motion guinea pig cars help their community through teamwork and kindness, often solving problems in unexpected ways.
Similarities: Whimsical animation, unlikely heroes, and the theme of making a difference regardless of one’s size or status.
3. Appare-Ranman! (2020)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Episodes: 13
- MAL Rating: 7.24
- Studio: P.A. Works
A quirky inventor and a samurai partner enter a wild transcontinental race, learning about themselves and others along the way.
Similarities: Underdogs chasing big dreams, inventive problem-solving, and vibrant, character-driven storytelling.
4. Capeta (2005)
- Streaming: DVD/import
- Episodes: 52
- MAL Rating: 7.82
- Studio: Studio Comet
A boy’s passion for racing propels him from humble beginnings to the competitive world of karting and beyond.
Similarities: Overcoming adversity, mentorship, and a focus on growth and perseverance.
5. Barakamon (2014)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 8.39
- Studio: Kinema Citrus
A calligrapher finds unexpected inspiration and personal growth after moving to a rural island, thanks to the quirky locals.
Similarities: Self-discovery, creative pursuit, and learning from unlikely sources.
6. Silver Spoon (2013)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, HiDive
- Episodes: 22
- MAL Rating: 8.10
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
A city boy enrolls in an agricultural school, facing new challenges and learning the value of hard work and community.
Similarities: Fish-out-of-water protagonist, embracing new skills, and subverting expectations.
7. Sweetness & Lightning (2016)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.54
- Studio: TMS Entertainment
A widowed teacher learns to cook for his daughter with the help of a student, creating heartfelt meals together.
Similarities: Food as a bridge for connection, learning by doing, and the warmth of sharing meals.
8. Yakitate!! Japan (2004)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 69
- MAL Rating: 7.91
- Studio: Sunrise
A bread-making prodigy dreams of creating a national bread for Japan, facing off against eccentric rivals in baking battles.
Similarities: Culinary creativity, underdog story, and humorous take on food culture.
9. Restaurant to Another World (2017)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: 7.34
- Studio: Silver Link, OLM
A mysterious restaurant serves delicious dishes to patrons from fantastical worlds, changing lives one meal at a time.
Similarities: Transformative power of food, diverse cast, and culinary wonder.
10. Amaama to Inazuma (2016)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.54
- Studio: TMS Entertainment
A single father learns to cook healthy meals for his daughter, with help from a high school student, forging new bonds through food.
Similarities: Cooking as self-expression, nurturing relationships, and overcoming personal limitations.
11. Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits (2018)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Episodes: 26
- MAL Rating: 7.44
- Studio: Gonzo
A young woman works at a mystical inn, using her culinary skills to connect with supernatural guests and resolve their troubles.
Similarities: Cooking as a means of acceptance, magical realism, and finding one’s place.
12. Moyashimon (2007)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 11
- MAL Rating: 7.62
- Studio: Telecom Animation Film
A student who can see microbes with the naked eye navigates agricultural college, learning about fermentation, food, and friendship.
Similarities: Unique talent, scientific curiosity, and blending humor with learning.
13. Oishinbo (1988)
- Streaming: DVD/import
- Episodes: 136
- MAL Rating: 7.56
- Studio: Shin-Ei Animation
A food journalist seeks the ultimate menu, exploring Japanese cuisine and culture with each new dish.
Similarities: Passion for food, dedication to craft, and exploring culinary traditions.
14. Isekai Izakaya: Japanese Food From Another World (2018)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: 7.60
- Studio: Sunrise
A bar in Kyoto serves magical dishes to visitors from another world, bridging cultures through food and hospitality.
Similarities: Food as a universal language, fantasy elements, and the joy of discovery.
15. Wakakozake (2015)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.40
- Studio: Office DCI
A young woman explores different eateries after work, savoring each meal and reflecting on life’s simple pleasures.
Similarities: Celebration of food, personal growth, and finding happiness in everyday experiences.
Why These Anime Work for Mentioned Anime Fans
Each of these anime captures the essence of Ratatouille: underdogs striving for greatness, the transformative power of food, and the courage to pursue one’s passion against the odds.
They blend heartfelt storytelling, inventive animation, and character-driven narratives, making them perfect for anyone inspired by Remy’s journey from outsider to culinary star.
Whether through cooking, racing, or creative self-discovery, these series offer fresh perspectives on what it means to chase a dream—and why everyone deserves a seat at the table.
