Amphibia captivated audiences with its blend of adventure, character growth, and fantastical world-building. For fans seeking similar underrated gems, this list highlights anime that echo Amphibia’s themes of self-discovery, found family, and underdog triumphs.
These selections prioritize lesser-known titles with unique narratives and heartfelt storytelling.
1. Ranking of Kings (2021)

- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Plot: Prince Bojji, born deaf and physically frail, teams up with Kage—a shadow creature—to prove his worth in a world where kings are ranked by power. Their journey challenges societal expectations and redefines strength.
- Similarities: Like Amphibia’s Anne, Bojji is an underestimated protagonist who turns perceived weaknesses into strengths. Both series emphasize resilience and unconventional heroism.
- Episodes: 23
- Studio: WIT Studio (Attack on Titan)
- Awards: Nominated for Crunchyroll Anime Awards (2022).
2. Glitch Techs (2020)

- Streaming: Netflix
- Plot: Teens Miko and Five join a secret organization that battles video-game glitches invading the real world, blending action with humor and teamwork.
- Similarities: Shares Amphibia’s fish-out-of-water premise, where characters adapt to a bizarre new reality. Its focus on friendship and chaotic problem-solving mirrors Anne and Sprig’s dynamic.
- Episodes: 19
- Studio: Nickelodeon Animation
- Ratings: 8/10 IMDb.
3. Summer Camp Island (2018–2023)

- Streaming: HBO Max, Cartoon Network
- Plot: Oscar and Hedgehog navigate a magical summer camp filled with witches, aliens, and sentient objects, blending slice-of-life charm with surreal adventures.
- Similarities: Echoes Amphibia’s whimsical setting and emphasis on childhood curiosity. The bond between Oscar and Hedgehog parallels Anne and the Plantars’ found-family theme.
- Episodes: 100+
- Studio: Cartoon Network Studios
- Notable Staff: Created by Julia Pott (Adventure Time writer).
4. Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur (2023–present)

- Streaming: Disney+, fuboTV
- Plot: Genius teen Lunella Lafayette partners with a giant dinosaur to protect her neighborhood, balancing heroics with middle-school life.
- Similarities: Lunella’s outsider status and unconventional companion (Devil Dinosaur) reflect Anne’s journey. Both series celebrate courage and self-acceptance.
- Episodes: 20+
- Awards: 11 wins including Annie Awards (2024–2025).
5. Dead End: Paranormal Park (2022)

- Streaming: Netflix
- Plot: Teens Barney and Norma battle supernatural forces at a haunted theme park, tackling personal insecurities while saving the world1.
- Similarities: Combines Amphibia’s humor and supernatural threats with LGBTQ+ representation. Its ensemble cast mirrors Amphibia’s focus on diverse friendships.
- Episodes: 10
- Studio: Netflix Animation
6. The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack (2008–2010)

- Streaming: Max, Apple TV
- Plot: Young Flapjack and pirate mentor Captain K’nuckles seek Candied Island, facing absurd challenges in a grotesquely charming world.
- Similarities: Flapjack’s wide-eyed optimism and chaotic adventures align with Amphibia’s tone. Both use vibrant animation to explore themes of ambition and loyalty.
- Episodes: 46
- Studio: Cartoon Network Studios
7. Hilda (2018–present)

- Streaming: Netflix
- Plot: A blue-haired girl explores a wilderness filled with trolls and giants, later adapting to city life while maintaining her adventurous spirit1.
- Similarities: Like Amphibia, Hilda’s curiosity drives her through a beautifully crafted world. Both highlight environmental wonder and the courage to embrace change.
- Episodes: 26+
- Awards: BAFTA Children’s Award (2019).
8. Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts (2020)

- Streaming: Netflix
- Plot: In a post-apocalyptic surface world, Kipo befriends mutant animals while searching for her father, promoting unity between species.
- Similarities: Shares Amphibia’s message of empathy across species. Kipo’s optimism and the vibrant world-building parallel Anne’s journey.
- Episodes: 30
- Studio: DreamWorks Animation
9. Star vs. the Forces of Evil (2015–2019)

- Streaming: Disney+
- Plot: Princess Star Butterfly teams up with human Marco Diaz to battle interdimensional villains, blending magical combat with teen drama1.
- Similarities: The portal-fantasy premise and humor mirror Amphibia. Star’s growth from reckless to responsible echoes Anne’s arc.
- Episodes: 77
- Studio: Disney Television Animation
10. Milo Murphy’s Law (2016–2019)

- Streaming: Disney+
- Plot: Milo Murphy, descendant of Murphy’s Law’s namesake, turns daily disasters into adventures with friends Zack and Melissa.
- Similarities: Like Amphibia, it balances chaos with heart, showing how optimism transforms adversity. The episodic structure and humor align closely.
- Episodes: 40
- Studio: Disney Television Animation
11. Bee and Puppycat (2013–2023)

- Streaming: Netflix
- Plot: Drifter Bee and her alien companion Puppycat take odd jobs in surreal dimensions, blending slice-of-life with sci-fi.
- Similarities: The quirky, character-driven adventures and found-family dynamics resonate with Amphibia’s charm.
- Episodes: 16
- Studio: Frederator Studios
12. Over the Garden Wall (2014)

- Streaming: Hulu, Max
- Plot: Brothers Wirt and Greg journey through a mysterious forest, encountering eerie beings while seeking a way home.
- Similarities: Its atmospheric adventure and emotional depth mirror Amphibia’s balance of whimsy and gravity. The bond between the brothers parallels Anne and Sprig.
- Episodes: 10
- Awards: Emmy for Outstanding Animated Program (2015).
13. Teen Titans (2003–2006)

- Streaming: Max
- Plot: Robin, Starfire, Cyborg, Raven, and Beast Boy fight villains while navigating teenage life, blending action with coming-of-age struggles.
- Similarities: The team’s found-family dynamic and mix of humor/drama align with Amphibia. Beast Boy’s growth parallels Sprig’s loyalty.
- Episodes: 65
- Studio: Warner Bros. Animation
14. Castlevania (2017–2021)

- Streaming: Netflix
- Plot: Monster hunter Trevor Belmont allies with sorcerer Sypha and vampire Alucard to save Europe from Dracula’s wrath.
- Similarities: While darker, its themes of found family and battling oppressive forces echo Amphibia’s stakes. The character-driven narrative is similarly compelling.
- Episodes: 32
- Awards: IGN’s Best Animated Series (2018).
15. Big City Greens (2018–present)

- Streaming: Disney+
- Plot: The Green family moves from rural life to a chaotic metropolis, finding humor in everyday mishaps.
- Similarities: Shares Amphibia’s humor and heartwarming family focus. Cricket Green’s adaptability mirrors Anne’s resilience.
- Episodes: 100+
- Studio: Disney Television Animation
Why These Series Work for Amphibia Fans
These anime and anime-inspired shows capture Amphibia’s core spirit: underdog protagonists, vibrant worlds, and themes of growth and belonging. Series like Ranking of Kings and Glitch Techs mirror Anne’s journey from self-doubt to heroism, while Hilda and Summer Camp Island offer comparable whimsy and emotional depth. Despite varying tones—from Castlevania’s grit to Flapjack’s absurdity—each prioritizes character-driven storytelling and inventive animation. For fans seeking more stories where ordinary characters navigate extraordinary worlds, this list provides a roadmap to hidden treasures.