The Boss Baby combines humor, heart, and a subversive take on power dynamics through the lens of a baby-turned-corporate-agent.
These underrated anime echo its themes of underdog protagonists, quirky power systems, and narratives that challenge societal expectations. Below are 15 hidden gems that blend whimsy, strategy, and emotional depth for fans seeking similar charm.
1. Ranking of Kings (2021)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A deaf prince teams up with a shadow creature to prove his worth in a kingdom obsessed with strength rankings.
Similarities: Underdog protagonist defying expectations, blending heartfelt bonds with strategic power struggles.
Stats: 23 episodes | MAL: 8.5 | Studio: Wit Studio (Attack on Titan)
Awards: Crunchyroll Anime Awards nominee (Best Fantasy, 2022).
2. Somali and the Forest Spirit (2020)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A golem becomes a guardian to a human girl in a world where humans are hunted.
Similarities: Found family dynamics and defying societal prejudice, akin to The Boss Baby’s sibling bond.
Stats: 12 episodes | MAL: 7.9 | Studio: Satelight
Style: Visually lush animation with poignant emotional beats.
3. Dragon Pilot: Hisone and Masotan (2018)
Streaming: Netflix
Plot: A rookie pilot bonds with a dragon-like creature in a military unit, blending whimsy and existential themes.
Similarities: Quirky humor and unconventional partnerships, mirroring Tim and Boss Baby’s teamwork.
Stats: 12 episodes | MAL: 7.0 | Studio: Bones
Unique Aspect: Absurdist tone with introspective character growth.
4. Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy (2021)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A teen rejected by a goddess allies with dragons and non-humans to carve his own path.
Similarities: Underdog protagonist challenging divine authority, blending comedy and strategic rebellion.
Stats: 37 episodes | MAL: 7.7 | Studio: C2C, J.C.Staff
5. Deca-Dence (2020)
Streaming: Funimation
Plot: A tank mechanic and a rebellious fighter uncover a virtual reality conspiracy in a dystopian future.
Similarities: Subversive critique of systemic control, akin to corporate espionage in The Boss Baby.
Stats: 12 episodes | MAL: 7.6 | Studio: NUT
Twist: Mid-series genre shift disrupts expectations.
6. The Ancient Magus’ Bride (2017)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A girl sold into slavery forms a bond with a mystical sorcerer in a world of fae and dragons.
Similarities: Unconventional partnerships and defying societal norms, blending magic with emotional depth.
Stats: 24 episodes | MAL: 8.0 | Studio: Wit Studio
7. Wolf’s Rain (2003)
Streaming: Hulu
Plot: Wolves seek paradise in a post-apocalyptic world, disguising themselves as humans.
Similarities: Underdogs pursuing utopia against impossible odds, with philosophical undertones.
Stats: 26 episodes | MAL: 7.8 | Studio: Bones
Legacy: Cult classic with a haunting soundtrack.
8. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit (2007)
Streaming: Amazon Prime
Plot: A warrior protects a prince harboring a water spirit from royal assassins.
Similarities: Protector-mentor dynamics and defying authoritarian expectations.
Stats: 26 episodes | MAL: 8.2 | Studio: Production I.G
9. Children of the Whales (2017)
Streaming: Netflix
Plot: Islanders on a sand sea discover dark truths while bonding with mystical creatures.
Similarities: Society challenging norms through curiosity and rebellion.
Stats: 12 episodes | MAL: 7.3 | Studio: J.C.Staff
Style: Surreal watercolor aesthetics.
10. A Lull in the Sea (2013)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: Sea-dwelling teens adapt to life on land, navigating prejudice and forbidden romances.
Similarities: Cultural coexistence and youthful defiance of tradition.
Stats: 26 episodes | MAL: 8.0 | Studio: P.A. Works
11. Arte (2020)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A Renaissance noblewoman defies gender norms to become an artist, finding allies in unexpected places.
Similarities: Underdog story challenging societal roles, blending determination with humor.
Stats: 12 episodes | MAL: 7.3 | Studio: Seven Arcs
12. Natsume’s Book of Friends (2008)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A boy sees spirits and seeks to free them from contracts, forming bonds along the way.
Similarities: Empathy-driven narrative bridging human and spirit worlds.
Stats: 74 episodes | MAL: 8.3 | Studio: Brain’s Base
13. The Girl from the Other Side (2022 Film)
Streaming: HiDive
Plot: A cursed guardian protects a human girl in a world divided between light and dark.
Similarities: Guardian-child bond and themes of sacrificial love.
Stats: Film | MAL: 7.5 | Studio: WIT Studio
14. Cells at Work! (2018)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: Personified body cells combat germs and viruses in a humorous, educational allegory.
Similarities: Subversive take on mundane systems, akin to baby espionage.
Stats: 21 episodes | MAL: 7.3 | Studio: David Production
15. Poco’s Udon World (2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A man discovers a shape-shifting raccoon child in his family’s udon shop, becoming an unexpected guardian.
Similarities: Whimsical family dynamics and healing through responsibility.
Stats: 12 episodes | MAL: 7.7 | Studio: Liden Films
Why These Anime Work for The Boss Baby Fans
These series mirror The Boss Baby’s blend of humor, heart, and subversive storytelling. Whether through underdog protagonists (Ranking of Kings), quirky partnerships (Dragon Pilot), or critiques of power systems (Deca-Dence), they celebrate resilience and redefine heroism. For fans who love Tim and Boss Baby’s mix of strategy and sincerity, these hidden gems prove that even the smallest heroes can challenge the status quo-one diaper or dragon at a time.
