Beetlejuice (1989–1991) redefined supernatural comedy with its gothic whimsy, chaotic friendship between Lydia and Beetlejuice, and adventures across the mortal world and the Neitherworld. Like Beetlejuice, these underrated gems blend horror, humor, and heart while celebrating eccentric characters and unconventional narratives.
They deserve attention for their unique animation styles, subversive storytelling, and thematic depth.
1. The Witch and the Beast (2024)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- Plot: Cynical beast Guideau and mage Ashaf hunt witches in a gothic world. Guideau’s curse—trapped in a female body—drives their quest for vengeance.
- Similarities: Partners with clashing personalities (like Lydia and BJ), horror-comedy balance, and a vividly grotesque world.
2. Karakuri Circus (2018)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 36
- Plot: Heir Masaru teams with narcoleptic fighter Narumi and puppeteer Shirogane to battle automaton threats. Their journey explores legacy and found family.
- Similarities: Macabre puppetry (akin to Beetlejuice’s transformations), absurd villains, and a mix of action and dark humor.
3. Hozuki’s Coolheadedness (2014)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 39
- Plot: Demon bureaucrat Hozuki manages Hell’s dysfunctional departments, satirizing corporate life with mythological twists.
- Similarities: Supernatural bureaucracy (like Neitherworld’s politics), deadpan humor, and eccentric side characters.
4. You’re Being Summoned, Azazel (2011)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Episodes: 24
- Plot: Detective Akutabe enslaves demons like lust-driven Azazel to solve cases, blending crime with dark comedy.
- Similarities: Irreverent supernatural antics, morally gray protagonists, and episodic chaos.
5. Ghost Hound (2007)
- Streaming: RetroCrush
- Episodes: 22
- Plot: Three traumatized boys explore a parallel “Unseen World” where spirits bleed into reality, unraveling psychological horrors.
- Similarities: Supernatural realms affecting the mundane world, psychological depth, and atmospheric dread.
6. Symphogear (2012)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 65
- Plot: Idols use power-armor fueled by music to fight interdimensional Noise monsters. Combines J-pop with mecha battles.
- Similarities: Thematic embrace of “strange and unusual” talents, vibrant aesthetics, and unapologetic camp.
7. Excel Saga (1999)
- Streaming: RetroCrush
- Episodes: 26
- Plot: Overzealous Excel and stoic Hyatt work for world-domination group Across, parodying anime tropes with meta humor.
- Similarities: Absurdist satire, chaotic character dynamics, and fourth-wall breaks akin to BJ’s meta gags.
8. Flying Witch (2016)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- Plot: Teen witch Makoto moves to rural Japan, blending slice-of-life with low-stakes magic. Celebrates quiet wonder.
- Similarities: Whimsical magic in everyday settings, akin to Lydia’s mortal-world adventures.
9. Mushishi (2005)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 46
- Plot: Wandering exorcist Ginko studies ethereal Mushi, solving supernatural phenomena with philosophical nuance.
- Similarities: Episodic exploration of the supernatural, atmospheric storytelling, and focus on coexistence.
10. Last Exile (2003)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Episodes: 26
- Plot: Couriers Claus and Lavie navigate sky battles and political intrigue in a steam-punk world.
- Similarities: Unlikely heroes in a richly built world, aerial adventures mirroring Neitherworld escapades.
11. One Outs (2008)
- Streaming: Netflix
- Episodes: 25
- Plot: Gambler-pitcher Toua Tokuchi uses psychological warfare in baseball, turning games into high-stakes mind games.
- Similarities: Clever underdog tactics and Beetlejuice-esque con-artist charm.
12. Gunslinger Girl (2003)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Episodes: 28
- Plot: Brainwashed cyborg girls work as assassins for a corrupt agency, exploring trauma and morality.
- Similarities: Dark humor juxtaposed with tragedy, found family dynamics, and gothic aesthetics.
13. Full Metal Panic! (2002)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 24
- Plot: Mecha soldier Sousuke protects psychic Kaname in high school, blending action with fish-out-of-water comedy.
- Similarities: Clash of mundane and extraordinary, similar to Lydia’s goth life meeting BJ’s chaos.
14. Mob Psycho 100 (2016)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 37
- Plot: Psychic Mob seeks self-worth beyond his powers, battling spirits with explosive emotional growth.
- Similarities: Supernatural comedy with heartfelt character arcs, and visual creativity in power displays.
15. Le Chevalier D’Eon (2006)
- Streaming: Amazon Prime
- Episodes: 24
- Plot: 18th-century knight D’Eon hunts occult conspiracies while channeling his sister’s spirit. Combines history with body horror.
- Similarities: Gothic tone, possession themes, and a protagonist balancing dual identities.
Why These Anime Work for Beetlejuice Fans
These series mirror Beetlejuice’s core appeal: embracing the strange through unconventional heroes (e.g., Guideau’s curse, Tokuchi’s schemes), supernatural-worldbuilding (Neitherworld parallels in Hozuki’s Hell or Karakuri’s automaton battles), and tone-blending horror with humor. Like Beetlejuice, they prioritize character chemistry—Lydia and BJ’s chaotic friendship echoes in partnerships like Ashaf/Guideau or Sousuke/Kaname. Their underrated status stems from niche genres (dark comedy, gothic fantasy) or overshadowing by mainstream hits, yet they offer richer narratives and stylistic boldness for fans seeking the delightfully macabre.
