Being Ian is a Canadian animated series that follows the imaginative adventures of a young boy navigating everyday life through creative scenarios. While not an anime, its core themes—underdog protagonists, inventive power systems, and narratives that subvert expectations—resonate deeply with several underrated Japanese series.
These 15 anime, often overlooked despite their brilliance, mirror Being Ian’s spirit through unique character journeys, thematic depth, and innovative storytelling.
1. Black Clover (2017)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Netflix
- Plot Summary: In a world where magic defines social hierarchy, Asta—born without powers—defies fate by wielding anti-magic swords to become the Wizard King. His journey challenges systemic oppression while forging alliances in the Clover Kingdom.
- Similarities to Being Ian: Like Ian’s imaginative resilience, Asta embodies the underdog trope, turning perceived weaknesses into strengths. The series subverts shōnen norms by emphasizing growth through perseverance rather than innate talent.
- Ratings: MAL: 7.5/10
- Episodes: 170
- Studio: Pierrot (Naruto, Bleach)
- Awards: Nominated for Crunchyroll Anime Awards (2018).
2. Sonny Boy (2021)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Plot Summary: A class of students drifts into a dimensionless void, developing supernatural abilities while grappling with existential questions about reality and identity. The enigmatic narrative blends surrealism with introspective character studies.
- Similarities to Being Ian: Echoes Ian’s theme of navigating imagined worlds, using abstract settings to explore self-discovery. Its subversion of traditional storytelling mirrors Ian’s creative escapism.
- Ratings: MAL: 7.8/10
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Madhouse (One Punch Man)
- Notable Staff: Directed by Shingo Natsume.
3. Golden Kamuy (2018)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu
- Plot Summary: Set in 1900s Hokkaido, war veteran Saichi Sugimoto hunts for hidden Ainu gold with an indigenous girl, battling assassins and harsh wilderness. The story intertwines historical accuracy with survivalist grit.
- Similarities to Being Ian: Focuses on an underdog’s quest against overwhelming odds, paralleling Ian’s resourcefulness. Subverts adventure tropes by prioritizing cultural authenticity over fantasy.
- Ratings: MAL: 8.0/10
- Episodes: 48
- Studio: Geno Studio
- Awards: Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize nominee.
4. Land of the Lustrous (2017)
- Streaming Availability: Amazon Prime, HiDive
- Plot Summary: Immortal gem-based beings defend their world from lunar invaders, focusing on Phosphophyllite’s evolution from fragility to strength. The series blends metaphysical themes with stunning 3D animation.
- Similarities to Being Ian: Phosphophyllite’s underdog journey mirrors Ian’s growth through adversity. The unique power system (gem abilities) innovates on fantasy tropes, much like Ian’s imaginative solutions.
- Ratings: MAL: 8.2/10
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Orange (Beastars)
- Awards: Tokyo Anime Award for Best Art Direction.
5. Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! (2020)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Plot Summary: Three high school girls form an animation club, battling bureaucratic obstacles to bring their creative visions to life. The series celebrates artistic passion through dynamic visuals.
- Similarities to Being Ian: Directly mirrors Ian’s theme of creativity as empowerment. Its focus on turning imagination into tangible art subverts typical school-life narratives.
- Ratings: MAL: 8.1/10
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Science SARU
- Notable Staff: Directed by Masaaki Yuasa (Devilman Crybaby).
6. MARS RED (2021)
- Streaming Availability: Funimation
- Plot Summary: In 1920s Tokyo, a military unit hunts vampires threatening society, blending noir aesthetics with poetic tragedy. The story questions morality through vampiric allegories.
- Similarities to Being Ian: Its underdog protagonists (vampire agents) defy societal labels, akin to Ian challenging norms. The art style’s whimsy contrasts dark themes, subverting horror expectations.
- Ratings: MAL: 6.9/10
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: Signal.MD
- Awards: Adapted from a critically acclaimed stage play.
7. Darwin’s Game (2020)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Plot Summary: High schooler Kaname enters a lethal mobile game where players wield supernatural “Sigils,” forcing him to strategize against deadly opponents. The series merges battle-royale tension with psychological depth.
- Similarities to Being Ian: Kaname’s evolution from vulnerability to leadership mirrors Ian’s resourcefulness. The power system (Sigils) innovates survival narratives, subverting game-genre clichés.
- Ratings: MAL: 7.2/10
- Episodes: 11
- Studio: Nexus (Tonikawa)
- Notable Staff: Based on FLIPFLOPs’ manga.
8. Casshern Sins (2008)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Plot Summary: In a post-apocalyptic wasteland, amnesiac android Casshern battles rogue machines while seeking redemption. The series explores existential dread through atmospheric storytelling.
- Similarities to Being Ian: Casshern’s underdog quest for purpose parallels Ian’s imaginative journeys. Its bleak world subverts mecha tropes by prioritizing philosophy over action.
- Ratings: MAL: 7.7/10
- Episodes: 24
- Studio: Madhouse
- Awards: Tokyo International Anime Fair Excellence Prize.
9. Violet Evergarden (2018)
- Streaming Availability: Netflix
- Plot Summary: A former child soldier becomes an “Auto Memory Doll,” writing letters to help others while processing her own trauma. The series juxtaposes emotional healing with breathtaking animation.
- Similarities to Being Ian: Violet’s underdog transformation—from weapon to empath—mirrors Ian’s emotional growth. Its episodic structure subverts war-drama expectations by focusing on quiet humanity.
- Ratings: MAL: 8.7/10
- Episodes: 13 + films
- Studio: Kyoto Animation
- Awards: Crunchyroll Anime Award for Best Animation.
10. A Place Further Than the Universe (2018)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Plot Summary: Four girls embark on an Antarctic expedition to fulfill personal dreams, confronting insecurities and forging unbreakable bonds. The adventure blends coming-of-age sincerity with stunning vistas.
- Similarities to Being Ian: Celebrates underdog determination (e.g., Shirase’s quest to find her mother) and subverts travel narratives by emphasizing emotional over physical challenges.
- Ratings: MAL: 8.7/10
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: Madhouse
- Awards: Newtype Anime Award for Best Original Work.
11. Ping Pong the Animation (2014)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Plot Summary: Two ping-pong prodigies—one arrogant, one aimless—clash and evolve through tournaments, redefining rivalry and ambition. The series uses dynamic animation to dissect athletic psychology.
- Similarities to Being Ian: Focuses on underdog growth (Peco’s redemption) and subverts sports tropes by prioritizing internal conflict over victory.
- Ratings: MAL: 8.7/10
- Episodes: 11
- Studio: Tatsunoko Production
- Notable Staff: Directed by Masaaki Yuasa.
12. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit (2007)
- Streaming Availability: Amazon Prime
- Plot Summary: Warrior Balsa protects a prince possessed by a water spirit, navigating political intrigue and supernatural threats. The series blends Ainu folklore with intimate character studies.
- Similarities to Being Ian: Balsa’s underdog defiance of royal corruption mirrors Ian’s imaginative rebellion. Its folklore integration subverts fantasy conventions.
- Ratings: MAL: 8.2/10
- Episodes: 26
- Studio: Production I.G (Ghost in the Shell)
- Awards: Japan Media Arts Festival Excellence Prize.
13. Katanagatari (2010)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Plot Summary: Swordless martial artist Shichika and strategist Togame collect 12 legendary blades, facing eccentric foes in feudal Japan. The dialogue-driven narrative deconstructs samurai tropes.
- Similarities to Being Ian: Shichika’s journey from naivety to wisdom parallels Ian’s growth. Its minimalist combat subverts action expectations, emphasizing wit over strength.
- Ratings: MAL: 8.5/10
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: White Fox
- Notable Staff: Written by Nisio Isin (Monogatari series).
14. The Night Is Short, Walk On Girl (2017 film)
- Streaming Availability: HBO Max
- Plot Summary: A college girl’s surreal night out involves magical realism, eccentric encounters, and a lovestruck admirer’s quest to find her. The film blends absurdist comedy with visual poetry.
- Similarities to Being Ian: Captures Ian’s whimsical approach to ordinary life, turning a simple night into an odyssey. Subverts romance tropes through surrealism.
- Ratings: MAL: 8.3/10
- Runtime: 93 minutes
- Studio: Science SARU
- Awards: Annie Award nominee for Best Animated Feature.
15. Kemonozume (2006)
- Streaming Availability: RetroCrush (free)
- Plot Summary: A monster-hunting clan heir falls for a flesh-eating demon, igniting a tragic romance that challenges societal divides. The series fuses grotesque horror with raw emotionality.
- Similarities to Being Ian: Its underdog lovers defy rigid power systems, echoing Ian’s subversion of norms. The art style’s chaos mirrors imaginative storytelling.
- Ratings: MAL: 7.5/10
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: Madhouse
- Notable Staff: Directed by Masaaki Yuasa.
Why These Anime Work for Being Ian Fans
These series resonate because they prioritize character-driven underdog journeys over formulaic plots, much like Ian’s transformative imagination. Each subverts genre expectations—whether through unconventional power systems (e.g., Black Clover’s anti-magic or Darwin’s Game’s Sigils) or narrative experimentation (e.g., Sonny Boy’s abstract reality). Their shared focus on growth through adversity and creative problem-solving offers a natural bridge for fans of Being Ian’s heartfelt, inventive spirit. Despite limited mainstream recognition, their thematic richness and artistic innovation make them essential viewing.
