Disney’s Aladdin (1992) isn’t just a beloved classic — it’s a story that captured imaginations through magic, daring adventures, and an underdog’s rise to greatness. Beneath the romance and comedy lies a deeper exploration of power systems, class divides, and how wit and courage can upend expectations.
For anime fans, there are many lesser-known series that reflect these same themes: magical realms, underdog heroes, self-discovery, and journeys full of danger and wonder. Here are 15 underrated anime series that echo Aladdin’s charm while offering fresh takes on adventure and storytelling.
1. Arabian Nights: Sinbad no Bouken (1993)
- Streaming: Rare, DVD import only (no major streaming platforms currently)
- Plot: A fantastical retelling of Sinbad’s voyages, blending magic, romance, and treacherous seas.
- Similarities: Shares the Arabian Nights roots, with treasure-hunting adventures, trickster heroes, and mystical settings.
- Details: 52 episodes | Studio: Nippon Animation | MAL rating: 7.0 | Staff included Osamu Dezaki, known for stylistic direction.
2. The Twelve Kingdoms (2002)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- Plot: A high school girl is transported to a mystical kingdom where she must prove her worth as a ruler.
- Similarities: Like Aladdin’s rise from street rat to hero, the protagonist undergoes immense growth while exploring themes of destiny and power.
- Details: 45 episodes | Studio: Pierrot | MAL rating: 8.0 | Known for deep world-building and political intrigue.
3. Scrapped Princess (2003)
- Streaming: Funimation (limited), DVD
- Plot: A girl prophesied to destroy the world journeys with her siblings, pursued by soldiers and sorcery alike.
- Similarities: The “misfit against destiny” story mirrors Aladdin’s underdog climb, with a blend of adventure and hidden truths.
- Details: 24 episodes | Studio: Bones | MAL rating: 7.4 | Recognized for its mix of fantasy and sci-fi elements.
4. Magic Knight Rayearth (1994)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Three schoolgirls are summoned to a magical world where they must awaken mystical powers to save a princess.
- Similarities: Combines magic, friendship, and an evolving power system, echoing Aladdin’s journey from ordinary to extraordinary.
- Details: 49 episodes | Studio: Tokyo Movie Shinsha (TMS) | MAL rating: 7.4 | Created by CLAMP, known for unique art styles.
5. The Story of Saiunkoku (2006)
- Streaming: Funimation, DVD
- Plot: A determined young woman enters the imperial court to reform a lazy emperor and navigate political intrigue.
- Similarities: Underdog themes and subverting expectations, much like Aladdin defying social barriers to rise above his station.
- Details: 39 episodes | Studio: Madhouse | MAL rating: 7.9 | Praised for its courtly drama and character depth.
6. Seirei no Moribito (2007)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- Plot: A wandering warrior protects a prince marked for assassination while uncovering spiritual mysteries.
- Similarities: Richly animated adventure with strong character development, akin to Aladdin’s themes of protecting what matters most.
- Details: 26 episodes | Studio: Production I.G | MAL rating: 8.1 | Award-winning for animation quality and storytelling.
7. The Vision of Escaflowne (1996)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Plot: A girl is pulled into a war-torn fantasy world filled with magic, prophecy, and giant mechs.
- Similarities: Balances romance, action, and fate-driven journeys, much like Aladdin’s unexpected role in a world bigger than himself.
- Details: 26 episodes | Studio: Sunrise | MAL rating: 7.7 | Notable for its unique art style and Yoko Kanno’s music.
8. Romeo’s Blue Skies (1995)
- Streaming: Rare (part of Nippon Animation’s World Masterpiece Theater)
- Plot: A boy sold into labor fights for freedom and loyalty among fellow chimney sweeps.
- Similarities: An underdog’s struggle against class oppression reflects Aladdin’s fight to break free of his “street rat” status.
- Details: 33 episodes | Studio: Nippon Animation | MAL rating: 7.7 | Part of a series of literary-inspired anime.
9. Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits (2018)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Plot: A young woman is whisked into a spirit realm and must work to pay off her grandfather’s debt.
- Similarities: Magical otherworld setting, negotiations with spirits, and growth through courage — reminiscent of Aladdin’s cleverness.
- Details: 26 episodes | Studio: Gonzo | MAL rating: 7.4
10. Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water (1990)
- Streaming: HIDIVE
- Plot: Two young adventurers are swept into a world-spanning conflict involving ancient civilizations and hidden treasures.
- Similarities: Strong Arabian Nights vibe, treasure hunting, and mystical artifacts align closely with Aladdin’s adventurous energy.
- Details: 39 episodes | Studio: Gainax | MAL rating: 7.6 | Directed by Hideaki Anno (Evangelion).
11. Kemono no Souja Erin (2009)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A girl with a gift for communicating with mystical beasts grows into a leader caught in war and politics.
- Similarities: Underdog rising into greatness, with compassion as strength, like Aladdin’s ability to win with heart over brute force.
- Details: 50 episodes | Studio: Trans Arts | MAL rating: 8.3 | NHK award-winning for storytelling depth.
12. The World is Still Beautiful (2014)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A rain-summoning princess is forced into marriage with a young sun-king, leading to a tale of love and politics.
- Similarities: Themes of power, unexpected romance, and overcoming prejudice reflect Aladdin and Jasmine’s dynamic.
- Details: 12 episodes | Studio: Pierrot | MAL rating: 7.6
13. Fushigi Yuugi (1995)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Plot: A girl is pulled into a mystical book, where she becomes a priestess tasked with gathering celestial warriors.
- Similarities: Parallel world, magical systems, and underdog heroism echo Aladdin’s fantastical rise.
- Details: 52 episodes | Studio: Pierrot | MAL rating: 7.7 | Based on Yuu Watase’s manga.
14. Children of the Whales (2017)
- Streaming: Netflix
- Plot: A drifting island civilization struggles with magical powers and a tragic destiny.
- Similarities: Fantastical settings, themes of hidden truths, and underdog survival mirror Aladdin’s deeper storytelling core.
- Details: 12 episodes | Studio: J.C. Staff | MAL rating: 7.0 | Known for its watercolor-inspired visuals.
15. Mahoujin Guruguru (1994, remake 2017)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A comedic, parodic take on fantasy RPG tropes, following a boy destined to be a hero and a quirky mage girl.
- Similarities: Lighthearted humor mixed with real stakes, like Aladdin balancing comedy and adventure.
- Details: 45 episodes (1994), 24 episodes (2017 remake) | Studio: Nippon Animation / Production I.G | MAL rating: ~7.5
Why These Anime Work for Aladdin Fans
Each of these anime captures the same spirit that made Aladdin (1992) timeless: magical journeys, underdog heroes, unexpected twists, and richly imagined worlds. While some lean toward Arabian-inspired settings and others emphasize character-driven fantasy, they all reflect the core idea that courage, cleverness, and heart can rewrite destiny. For fans of Aladdin’s charm and wonder, these underrated gems deserve a place on your watchlist.
