15 Underrated Anime Series Similar to Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead
Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead (2023) redefines the zombie apocalypse genre by blending dark humor, existential freedom, and a celebration of life’s simple joys. These underrated picks mirror its themes of embracing chaos, defying societal norms, and finding purpose in unexpected places.
1. School-Live! (2015)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, HiDive
- Plot: A group of girls survives a zombie outbreak while maintaining a facade of everyday school life, masking trauma with slice-of-life routines.
- Similarities: Balances modern aesthetics with psychological horror, subverting expectations of both genres.
- Rating: MAL 7.5 | 12 episodes
- Studio: Lerche
2. Zombie Land Saga (2018)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, HiDive
- Plot: A ragtag group of zombie girls becomes an idol group to revive their prefecture, blending undead antics with musical comedy.
- Similarities: Absurd humor, heartfelt character arcs, and satire of idol culture.
- Rating: MAL 7.7 | 24 episodes
- Studio: MAPPA
3. Silver Spoon (2013)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A city boy enrolls in an agricultural school, discovering joy in rural life while confronting societal pressures.
- Similarities: Themes of self-discovery and escaping toxic routines.
- Rating: MAL 8.1 | 22 episodes
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
4. Dorohedoro (2020)
- Streaming: Netflix
- Plot: A amnesiac with a lizard head hunts sorcerers in a gritty, magic-riddled city, blending grotesque humor and mystery.
- Similarities: Chaotic energy, dark comedy, and eccentric characters.
- Rating: MAL 8.0 | 12 episodes
- Studio: MAPPA
5. Kekkai Sensen (2015)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Supernatural agents maintain peace in a surreal New York overrun by interdimensional beings.
- Similarities: Stylish action, quirky humor, and found-family dynamics.
- Rating: MAL 7.8 | 24 episodes
- Studio: Bones
6. Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet (2013)
- Streaming: Hulu
- Plot: A soldier stranded on a waterlogged Earth learns to embrace peace after a lifetime of war.
- Similarities: Post-apocalyptic optimism and fish-out-of-water comedy.
- Rating: MAL 7.6 | 13 episodes
- Studio: Production I.G
7. Humanity Has Declined (2012)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A sarcastic mediator navigates a dystopian world where fairies outnumber humans, critiquing societal collapse through surreal satire.
- Similarities: Dark humor, subversive storytelling, and candy-colored apocalypse.
- Rating: MAL 7.8 | 12 episodes
- Studio: Madhouse
8. ReLife (2016)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A NEET gets a second chance by reliving high school and confronting past regrets with a newfound perspective.
- Similarities: Themes of redemption and seizing life’s opportunities.
- Rating: MAL 7.9 | 17 episodes
- Studio: TMS Entertainment
9. The Tatami Galaxy (2010)
- Streaming: Netflix, Crunchyroll
- Plot: A college student relives parallel timelines, learning to cherish imperfections in life.
- Similarities: Unconventional narrative, existential themes, and rapid-fire wit7.
- Rating: MAL 8.5 | 11 episodes
- Studio: Madhouse
10. A Place Further Than the Universe (2018)
- Streaming: Netflix
- Plot: Four girls embark on an Antarctic expedition to fulfil personal dreams, defying societal expectations.
- Similarities: Inspirational storytelling and celebrating life’s adventures.
- Rating: MAL 8.5 | 13 episodes
- Studio: Madhouse
11. Grand Blue Dreaming (2018)
- Streaming: Prime Video
- Plot: College diving club members prioritize chaotic parties over underwater exploration.
- Similarities: Absurd humor, camaraderie, and anti-establishment vibes5.
- Rating: MAL 8.0 | 12 episodes
- Studio: Zero-G
12. Hinamatsuri (2018)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A yakuza adopts a psychic girl, leading to comedic chaos and unexpected familial bonds.
- Similarities: Balances heartwarming moments with slapstick absurdity.
- Rating: MAL 8.1 | 12 episodes
- Studio: Feel.
13. Sunday Without God (2013)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Plot: A gravekeeper traverses a world where God has abandoned humanity, blending existential drama with whimsy.
- Similarities: Post-apocalyptic whimsy and focus on human connections.
- Rating: MAL 7.3 | 12 episodes
- Studio: Madhouse
14. Sankarea: Undying Love (2012)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Plot: A boy obsessed with zombies revives his crush as one, navigating undead romance.
- Similarities: Dark comedy, unconventional love story, and zombie lore.
- Rating: MAL 7.1 | 12 episodes
- Studio: Studio Deen
15. Deca-Dence (2020)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A dystopian warrior and her cyborg mentor uncover systemic lies in a humanity-preserving fortress.
- Similarities: Genre-blending twists and critique of societal control.
- Rating: MAL 7.6 | 12 episodes
- Studio: Nut
Why These Anime Work for Zom 100 Fans
- Joy in Chaos: Series like Zombie Land Saga and Grand Blue find humor and humanity in apocalyptic or absurd settings.
- Underdog Protagonists: Characters in Silver Spoon and ReLife redefine success by rejecting societal pressures.
- Genre Subversion: From School-Live!’s moe horror to Humanity Has Declined’s satirical edge, these titles reinvent tired tropes.
- Visual Flair: Dorohedoro’s grungy aesthetics and Kekkai Sensen’s psychedelic action mirror Zom 100’s vibrant storytelling.
For fans craving wit, heart, and a fresh take on existential themes, these hidden gems deliver.
