Straight Outta Nowhere: Scooby-Doo! Meets Courage the Cowardly Dog combines the best of supernatural comedy, underdog spirit, and heartfelt friendship.
The film’s charm lies in its blend of quirky horror, offbeat humor, and the emotional journeys of two unlikely heroes facing their fears together.
For fans who enjoy such themes—power systems, underdog stories, and subverting expectations, there’s a wealth of underrated anime that deserve more attention for their unique storytelling, character growth, and imaginative worlds.
1. Ranking of Kings (2021)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Episodes: 23
- MAL Rating: 8.6
- Studio: Wit Studio
- Awards: Multiple Crunchyroll Anime Awards nominations, Best Boy (Bojji) winner
- Plot: Deaf, powerless prince Bojji dreams of becoming a great king despite ridicule and betrayal.
- Similarities: Underdog hero, whimsical art, subverted fantasy tropes, and deep emotional growth.
2. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (2023)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 28 (ongoing)
- MAL Rating: 9.1
- Studio: Madhouse
- Awards: Most nominated at 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards
- Plot: Elf mage Frieren grapples with mortality and memory after her hero party’s quest ends.
- Similarities: Quiet, reflective tone; explores friendship, time, and facing inner fears.
3. Encouragement of Climb (2013)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 61 (multiple seasons)
- MAL Rating: 7.5
- Studio: Eight Bit
- Plot: Shy Aoi confronts her fear of heights through mountain climbing with supportive friends.
- Similarities: Overcoming fears, gentle comedy, strong friendship, and slice-of-life warmth.
4. Link Click (2021)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Bilibili
- Episodes: 24 (3 seasons)
- MAL Rating: 8.6
- Studio: Studio LAN
- Awards: Golden Dragon Award, international acclaim
- Plot: Two friends use supernatural powers to enter photos and solve emotional mysteries.
- Similarities: Mystery, supernatural elements, emotional stakes, and creative narrative style.
5. NANA (2006)
- Streaming: HiDive, Amazon Prime
- Episodes: 47
- MAL Rating: 8.5
- Studio: Madhouse
- Plot: Two women named Nana support each other through love, heartbreak, and ambition in Tokyo.
- Similarities: Deep character development, friendship, overcoming adversity, and emotional realism.
6. Megalo Box (2018)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu
- Episodes: 13
- MAL Rating: 7.88
- Studio: TMS Entertainment
- Plot: “Junk Dog” enters a high-tech boxing tournament as an underdog fighting for respect.
- Similarities: Underdog narrative, gritty style, unique animation, and themes of perseverance.
7. The Eccentric Family (2013)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 13
- MAL Rating: 7.8
- Studio: P.A. Works
- Plot: A tanuki family navigates Kyoto’s magical underworld after their father’s mysterious death.
- Similarities: Surreal humor, supernatural elements, quirky character dynamics.
8. Kaiba (2008)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 8.2
- Studio: Madhouse
- Plot: In a world where memories can be transferred, Kaiba journeys to recover his lost identity.
- Similarities: Surreal visuals, emotional storytelling, and existential themes.
9. Sarazanmai (2019)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 11
- MAL Rating: 7.5
- Studio: MAPPA, Lapin Track
- Plot: Three boys are transformed into kappas and must reveal their secrets to save loved ones.
- Similarities: Bizarre supernatural comedy, themes of connection, and overcoming shame.
10. The Tatami Galaxy (2010)
- Streaming: Funimation, Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 11
- MAL Rating: 8.5
- Studio: Madhouse
- Plot: A nameless student relives his college life in surreal, looping narratives.
- Similarities: Offbeat humor, experimental storytelling, and subversion of expectations.
11. Kyousougiga (2013)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 10
- MAL Rating: 7.6
- Studio: Toei Animation
- Plot: Koto and her brothers search for their missing parents in a fantastical mirror city.
- Similarities: Whimsical world, family bonds, and bold animation.
12. Dennou Coil (2007)
- Streaming: Netflix
- Episodes: 26
- MAL Rating: 8.1
- Studio: Madhouse
- Plot: Children explore a city where augmented reality blurs with the real world.
- Similarities: Mystery, supernatural tech, and child protagonists navigating danger.
13. Hakumei and Mikochi (2018)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.7
- Studio: Lerche
- Plot: Tiny women live peacefully in a lush forest, finding adventure in everyday life.
- Similarities: Cozy atmosphere, gentle humor, and slice-of-life charm.
14. The Devil is a Part-Timer! (2013)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu
- Episodes: 13
- MAL Rating: 7.8
- Studio: White Fox
- Plot: Demon lord Satan adapts to life as a fast-food worker in modern Tokyo.
- Similarities: Comedy from supernatural beings in mundane settings, underdog humor.
15. Ghost Hound (2007)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Episodes: 22
- MAL Rating: 7.7
- Studio: Production I.G
- Plot: Three boys investigate supernatural phenomena in a rural town, confronting their traumas.
- Similarities: Rural horror, psychological depth, and coming-of-age themes.
Why These Anime Work for Mentioned Anime Fans
Each of these series offers something special for fans of Straight Outta Nowhere: Scooby-Doo! Meets Courage the Cowardly Dog, whether it’s quirky horror, heartfelt underdog journeys, or the power of friendship overcoming fear.
These shows blend humor and darkness, experiment with narrative style, and deliver memorable character growth, making them perfect for anyone seeking more than just the mainstream hits.
