Timon and Pumbaa, the beloved Disney spin-off, is more than just comic relief. Beneath the laughs lie stories about friendship, survival, self-discovery, and questioning the status quo, all wrapped in a whimsical buddy-comedy format.
With its themes of underdogs rising, found family, and navigating life through humor and heart, it connects deeply with audiences of all ages.
The anime series listed below share those same quirky tones, layered character arcs, and narrative charm, while offering fresh animation styles, unique storytelling, and heartfelt friendships.
If you’re a fan of Timon and Pumbaa’s balance of laughs and life lessons, these 15 underrated anime are worth adding to your watchlist.
1. Shirokuma Cafe (2012)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 50
- Rating: MAL 7.9
- Studio: Studio Pierrot
A polar bear runs a café frequented by animals and humans alike, blending dry humor with sweet slice-of-life moments.
Similarities: Like Timon and Pumbaa, it uses animal characters to mirror human flaws and joys, with clever dialogue and friendship-driven narratives.
2. Bonobono (2016)
- Streaming: YouTube (Official), Crunchyroll (some regions)
- Episodes: 300+ (shorts)
- Rating: MAL 7.4
- Studio: Eiken
Follows a sea otter named Bonobono and his woodland pals as they tackle life’s little mysteries with philosophical humor.
Similarities: Childlike wonder mixed with adult commentary, much like the balance Timon and Pumbaa strike in their escapades.
3. Aggretsuko (2018)
- Streaming: Netflix
- Episodes: 5 seasons (~50 episodes)
- Rating: MAL 7.6
- Studio: Fanworks
A red panda vents her work-life stress through death metal karaoke in this satirical look at adulthood.
Similarities: Uses animal characters to deliver real emotional depth, navigating responsibility, friendship, and identity.
4. Polar Bear Café: Petit (2015)
- Streaming: Not widely available
- Episodes: 10
- Rating: MAL 6.7
- Studio: Studio Pierrot
Mini-episodes with shorter, funnier spins on the original Shirokuma Café series.
Similarities: The short format and breezy tone echo Timon and Pumbaa’s punchy comedic rhythm.
5. Bananya (2016)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 13 (3-min each)
- Rating: MAL 6.4
- Studio: Gathering
Follows a banana-cat hybrid on his whimsical dreams of becoming a stylish dessert.
Similarities: Light, humorous tone with quirky worldbuilding and a playful, animal-centric premise.
6. Ojisan to Marshmallow (2016)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12 (3-min each)
- Rating: MAL 6.7
- Studio: Creators in Pack
A gentle office romance between a shy marshmallow-loving man and his quirky coworker.
Similarities: Odd-couple dynamic and warm humor similar to Timon’s sarcasm vs. Pumbaa’s innocence.
7. Youkai Watch Shadowside (2018)
- Streaming: YouTube (Selected), TV Tokyo
- Episodes: 49
- Rating: MAL 7.0
- Studio: OLM
A darker, more mature reboot of Youkai Watch with new characters and supernatural mystery arcs.
Similarities: Blends comedy with supernatural lore, much like the unexpected situations Timon and Pumbaa navigate.
8. Sarazanmai (2019)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Episodes: 11
- Rating: MAL 7.5
- Studio: MAPPA, Lapin Track
- Award: Jury Selection, Japan Media Arts Festival
Three boys are turned into kappas and must retrieve desires to return to human form.
Similarities: Absurdist humor meets emotional undertones and unconventional character bonds, mirroring Timon and Pumbaa’s emotional arc.
9. Gugure! Kokkuri-san (2014)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- Rating: MAL 7.3
- Studio: TMS Entertainment
A self-reliant girl is haunted by a fox spirit who becomes her reluctant guardian.
Similarities: Oddball pairings, found-family vibes, and absurd yet touching plotlines.
10. Nyanbo! (2016)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 26
- Rating: MAL 6.8
- Studio: Shirogumi
Cat-shaped aliens made of boxes try to fix their UFO and return to space.
Similarities: Whimsical exploration, misfit camaraderie, and short-form storytelling.
11. Chi’s Sweet Home (2008)
- Streaming: Prime Video, Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 104 (3-min each)
- Rating: MAL 7.7
- Studio: Madhouse
Follows the daily adventures of an adopted kitten named Chi.
Similarities: Simple moments with big heart, just like the day-to-day joys of Timon and Pumbaa.
12. Kuruneko (2009)
- Streaming: YouTube, NicoNico
- Episodes: 100+ (shorts)
- Rating: MAL 6.9
- Studio: DLE
A woman lives with many cats, each bringing chaotic charm into her life.
Similarities: Celebrates companionship through animals with minimalistic yet expressive storytelling.
13. Poyopoyo Kansatsu Nikki (2012)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 52 (3-min each)
- Rating: MAL 7.4
- Studio: Studio Deen
A perfectly round cat named Poyo causes amusing trouble in his human family’s daily life.
Similarities: Wholesome animal antics with a humorous slice-of-life rhythm.
14. Hozuki’s Coolheadedness (2014)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 39 (3 seasons)
- Rating: MAL 7.8
- Studio: Wit Studio
A bureaucrat demon manages Hell’s affairs with dry wit and deadpan humor.
Similarities: Offbeat comedy, stylized visuals, and philosophical undertones cloaked in humor.
15. Kaiketsu Zorori (2004)
- Streaming: Not widely available (Fan subs, DVDs)
- Episodes: 97
- Rating: MAL 7.2
- Studio: Ajia-do Animation Works
A mischievous fox embarks on wacky adventures with two boar brothers.
Similarities: Adventure-driven episodes, slapstick comedy, and a fox-pig trio echoing Timon-Pumbaa-Simba dynamics.
Why These Anime Work for Timon and Pumbaa Fans
These anime might not feature meerkats or warthogs, but they do champion what Timon and Pumbaa are all about, laughter through adversity, heartwarming bonds, and lessons hidden beneath silliness.
Whether it’s through absurd humor, thoughtful friendships, or misfit camaraderie, each series captures a flavor of Timon and Pumbaa’s wild yet wonderful journey. If you’re ready to wander off the beaten anime path, these hidden gems await.
