How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World explores themes of sacrifice, coexistence, and the bittersweet growth that comes with letting go.
These underrated anime mirror its emotional depth, underdog narratives, and bonds between humans and mythical beings, offering fresh perspectives on love, legacy, and challenging societal norms.
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.
HTTYD parallels: Underdog protagonist forming an unlikely bond to challenge societal expectations.
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.
HTTYD parallels: Focus on found family and protecting bonds against societal prejudice.
Stats: 12 episodes | MAL: 7.9 | Studio: Satelight
Style: Visually lush animation with poignant emotional beats.
3. Kemono no Souja Erin (2009)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A girl bonds with mythical beasts while confronting political corruption in a feudal society.
HTTYD parallels: Human-animal connections and themes of empathy over violence.
Stats: 50 episodes | MAL: 8.3 | Studio: Production I.G
Legacy: Studio Ghibli-esque storytelling with mature themes.
4. 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.
HTTYD parallels: Dragon-human partnerships and defying militaristic norms.
Stats: 12 episodes | MAL: 7.0 | Studio: Bones
Unique Aspect: Quirky humor and introspective character growth.
5. Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy (2021)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A rejected hero allies with dragons and non-humans to carve his path in a fantasy world.
HTTYD parallels: Challenging divine authority and fostering interspecies unity.
Stats: 37 episodes | MAL: 7.7 | Studio: C2C, J.C.Staff
Tone: Balances comedy with heartfelt world-building.
6. Deca-Dence (2020)
Streaming: Funimation
Plot: A tank mechanic and a rebellious fighter uncover a virtual reality conspiracy in a dystopian future.
HTTYD parallels: Underdog duos challenging systemic control and redefining heroism.
Stats: 12 episodes | MAL: 7.6 | Studio: Nut
Twist: Mid-series genre shift akin to HTTYD’s narrative subversion.
7. 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.
HTTYD parallels: Healing through empathy and understanding misunderstood beings.
Stats: 24 episodes | MAL: 8.0 | Studio: Wit Studio
Style: Gothic fantasy with ethereal animation.
8. Wolf’s Rain (2003)
Streaming: Hulu
Plot: Wolves seek paradise in a post-apocalyptic world, disguising themselves as humans.
HTTYD parallels: Loyalty, survival, and the cost of pursuing utopia.
Stats: 26 episodes | MAL: 7.8 | Studio: Bones
Legacy: Haunting soundtrack and philosophical depth.
9. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit (2007)
Streaming: Amazon Prime
Plot: A warrior protects a prince harboring a water spirit from royal assassins.
HTTYD parallels: Protector-mentor dynamics and spiritual bonds.
Stats: 26 episodes | MAL: 8.2 | Studio: Production I.G
Awards: Praised for strong female lead and grounded storytelling.
10. Children of the Whales (2017)
Streaming: Netflix
Plot: Islanders on a sand sea discover dark truths while bonding with mystical creatures.
HTTYD parallels: Curiosity-driven exploration and societal rebellion.
Stats: 12 episodes | MAL: 7.3 | Studio: J.C.Staff
Style: Surreal watercolor aesthetics and existential themes.
11. A Lull in the Sea (2013)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: Sea-dwelling teens adapt to life on land, navigating prejudice and forbidden romances.
HTTYD parallels: Cultural coexistence and youthful defiance of tradition.
Stats: 26 episodes | MAL: 8.0 | Studio: P.A. Works
Style: Stunning aquatic animation and coming-of-age drama.
12. 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.
HTTYD parallels: Sacrificial love and bridging divides between species.
Stats: Film | MAL: 7.5 | Studio: WIT Studio
Style: Ethereal, chalk-like animation and melancholic tone.
13. Arte (2020)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A Renaissance noblewoman defies gender norms to become an artist, finding allies in unexpected places.
HTTYD parallels: Defying societal roles through perseverance.
Stats: 12 episodes | MAL: 7.3 | Studio: Seven Arcs
Theme: Empowerment through creativity and resilience.
14. 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.
HTTYD parallels: Bridging human and spirit worlds through empathy.
Stats: 74 episodes | MAL: 8.3 | Studio: Brain’s Base
Legacy: Beloved for episodic, heartwarming storytelling.
15. Ride Your Wave (2019 Film)
Streaming: Netflix
Plot: A surfer grieves her lover’s death, finding solace through a spiritual connection with water.
HTTYD parallels: Healing through bonds with the mystical.
Stats: Film | MAL: 7.8 | Studio: Science SARU
Awards: Nominated for Japan Academy Prize (Best Animation).
Why These Anime Work for How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World Fans
These series resonate with HTTYD’s core themes: unlikely bonds, sacrificial love, and growth through letting go.
Whether through dragon riders (Dragon Pilot) or spirit mediators (Natsume), they celebrate protagonists who redefine heroism by prioritizing empathy over conquest. For fans moved by Hiccup and Toothless’ farewell, these hidden gems offer richly crafted worlds where love means knowing when to hold on-and when to let go.
