A Lull in the Sea masterfully blends themes of cultural divides, coming-of-age struggles, and emotional resilience through its tale of sea and land dwellers navigating love and prejudice.
For fans captivated by its lush animation, intricate relationships, and exploration of identity, these 15 underrated anime offer similar depth, often overlooked in mainstream discourse.
1. Tsurune: Kazemai Koukou Kyuudoubu (2018)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 13
- MAL Rating: 7.70
- Studio: Kyoto Animation
- Summary: A former archer overcomes trauma with the help of a high school archery club, rebuilding confidence through teamwork and self-forgiveness.
- Similarities: Serene aesthetics, ensemble growth, and healing through shared passion.
2. Hyouka (2012)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Episodes: 22
- MAL Rating: 8.05
- Studio: Kyoto Animation
- Summary: A lethargic teen joins a classics club, solving mundane mysteries that spark introspection and camaraderie.
- Similarities: Subtle character development and atmospheric, dialogue-driven storytelling.
3. Natsume’s Book of Friends (2008)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 74 (6 seasons)
- MAL Rating: 8.33
- Studio: Brain’s Base, Shuka
- Summary: A boy who sees spirits inherits a book binding them, forging bonds while confronting loneliness and belonging.
- Similarities: Supernatural elements, themes of isolation, and emotional quietude.
4. Hanasaku Iroha (2011)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 26
- MAL Rating: 8.01
- Studio: P.A. Works
- Summary: A city girl works at her grandmother’s rural inn, navigating family strife and self-discovery.
- Similarities: Stunning visuals, intergenerational conflict, and protagonist growth.
5. Sound of the Sky (2010)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.58
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
- Summary: In a post-war world, soldiers find hope through music and camaraderie in a secluded town.
- Similarities: Found family, hope amid despair, and melodic emotional beats.
6. Glasslip (2014)
- Streaming: HIDIVE
- Episodes: 13
- MAL Rating: 5.41
- Studio: P.A. Works
- Summary: A group of friends’ relationships unravel when one gains visions of the future.
- Similarities: Serene rural setting, fractured dynamics, and introspective pacing.
7. Aria the Animation (2005)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 13
- MAL Rating: 7.80
- Studio: Hal Film Maker
- Summary: Trainee gondoliers in a Martian Venice learn life lessons through serene daily adventures.
- Similarities: Aquatic ambiance, community bonds, and slice-of-life tranquility.
8. From the New World (2012)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 25
- MAL Rating: 8.30
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
- Summary: In a dystopian future, children uncover dark secrets about their utopian society’s moral compromises.
- Similarities: Societal divides, moral ambiguity, and slow-burn tension.
9. Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day (2011)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix
- Episodes: 11
- MAL Rating: 8.34
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
- Awards: Tokyo Anime Award Winner
- Summary: Childhood friends reunite to help a ghost move on, confronting grief and guilt.
- Similarities: Bittersweet group dynamics and cathartic emotional arcs.
10. The Ancient Magus’ Bride (2017)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: 8.00
- Studio: Wit Studio
- Summary: A girl sold to a mystical mage discovers self-worth in a world blending magic and humanity.
- Similarities: Ethereal aesthetics, cultural bridging, and healing from trauma.
11. Children of the Whales (2017)
- Streaming: Netflix
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.20
- Studio: J.C.Staff
- Summary: Islanders on a sand sea confront outsiders, challenging their isolated society’s beliefs.
- Similarities: Aquatic isolation, societal critique, and ensemble curiosity.
12. Kimi ni Todoke (2009)
- Streaming: Netflix, Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 38 (2 seasons)
- MAL Rating: 8.00
- Studio: Production I.G
- Summary: A misunderstood girl navigates high school, breaking social barriers through kindness.
- Similarities: Slow-burn relationships and overcoming prejudice.
13. Barakamon (2014)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 8.32
- Studio: Kinema Citrus
- Summary: A calligrapher moves to a rural island, finding inspiration through quirky locals.
- Similarities: Community integration and humorous, heartfelt growth.
14. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006)
- Streaming: Hulu
- Episodes: 1 (Movie)
- MAL Rating: 8.66
- Studio: Madhouse
- Awards: Japan Academy Prize for Animation
- Summary: A girl gains time-leaping abilities, learning the consequences of altering fate.
- Similarities: Time-skip introspection and bittersweet coming-of-age.
15. Kakuriyo: Bed and Breakfast for Spirits (2018)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 26
- MAL Rating: 7.51
- Studio: Gonzo
- Summary: A woman works at a spirit inn to repay debts, bridging human and supernatural worlds.
- Similarities: Cultural reconciliation and found family in a mystical setting.
Why These Anime Work for A Lull in the Sea Fans
These series mirror A Lull in the Sea’s exploration of cultural divides, emotional resilience, and the beauty of human connection.
Whether through aquatic motifs, societal critiques, or nuanced character arcs, each anime offers a poignant journey into self-discovery and communal bonds.
For viewers drawn to stories where heartache and hope intertwine, these hidden gems are essential.
