BNA: Brand New Animal (2020) is an original anime series produced by Studio Trigger, following Michiru Kagemori, a high school girl who transforms into a tanuki beastman and seeks refuge in Anima City amid human-beastman prejudice.
The show blends high-energy action, mystery, and social commentary on discrimination, with Michiru’s underdog rise showcasing unique powers and unexpected narrative twists. Its core themes of intricate power systems, underdog protagonists overcoming societal barriers, and subversion of genre expectations make it a standout; the following 15 underrated series echo these elements through similar themes of transformation, identity struggles, and bold storytelling, deserving more attention for their innovative takes that often fly under the radar compared to mainstream hits.
1. Beastars (2019)
- Streaming Availability: Netflix
- Plot Summary: In a world of anthropomorphic animals divided into carnivores and herbivores, wolf student Legoshi grapples with his predatory instincts while investigating a murder at his school, forming an unlikely bond with a rabbit named Haru.
- Similarities to BNA: Like BNA, it explores prejudice and coexistence between animal-like beings, with underdog characters navigating power dynamics and identity crises in a society rife with tension; both subvert expectations by delving into psychological depth amid flashy action.
- MAL Rating: 7.8/10
- Episode Count: 12 (Season 1)
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Shinichi Matsumi at Studio Orange, known for 3D animation innovation.
- Awards/Recognition: Nominated for Crunchyroll Anime Awards in multiple categories, praised for unique CGI style.
2. Sarazanmai (2019)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Plot Summary: Three middle school boys are transformed into kappa creatures by a mysterious prince and must extract desires from zombie-like beings to survive, uncovering personal secrets in the process.
- Similarities to BNA: Shares themes of transformation and animal-human hybrids, with underdog protagonists subverting slice-of-life norms through surreal power systems and emotional revelations about identity and connection.
- MAL Rating: 7.5/10
- Episode Count: 11
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Kunihiko Ikuhara at MAPPA and Lapin Track, blending whimsical animation with deep symbolism.
- Awards/Recognition: Won awards at the Tokyo Anime Award Festival for originality in storytelling.
3. Aggretsuko (2018)
- Streaming Availability: Netflix
- Plot Summary: Retsuko, a red panda office worker, vents her frustrations through death metal karaoke while dealing with workplace stress and personal growth in a anthropomorphic animal society.
- Similarities to BNA: Mirrors BNA’s anthropomorphic world and underdog narrative, subverting cute animal tropes with raw emotional power systems tied to inner rage and societal pressures.
- MAL Rating: 7.6/10
- Episode Count: 10 (Season 1)
- Notable Staff/Studio: Produced by Fanworks and Sanrio, with direction by Rareko emphasizing stop-motion-like charm.
- Awards/Recognition: Received Emmy nominations for its relatable take on adulting.
4. Gleipnir (2020)
- Streaming Availability: Funimation
- Plot Summary: High schooler Shuichi transforms into a monstrous mascot suit with immense power, teaming up with clairvoyant girl Claire to collect mysterious coins while hiding his abilities from society.
- Similarities to BNA: Echoes transformation powers and underdog secrecy, subverting horror tropes with partnership dynamics and unexpected twists on human-monster coexistence.
- MAL Rating: 6.9/10
- Episode Count: 13
- Notable Staff/Studio: Animated by Pine Jam, with character designs by Takahiro Kishida.
- Awards/Recognition: Noted for bold narrative risks in seinen anime circles.
5. B: The Beginning (2018)
- Streaming Availability: Netflix
- Plot Summary: Genius investigator Keith Flick teams with a supernatural entity to solve serial killings in a futuristic city, unraveling a conspiracy involving enhanced humans.
- Similarities to BNA: Features mystery-driven plots with power systems involving enhanced beings, underdog detectives subverting action norms through intellectual depth and societal critique.
- MAL Rating: 7.2/10
- Episode Count: 12 (Season 1)
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Kazuto Nakazawa at Production I.G., blending noir with sci-fi.
- Awards/Recognition: Praised at Annecy International Animation Film Festival for animation quality.
6. Guilty Crown (2011)
- Streaming Availability: Funimation
- Plot Summary: In a post-apocalyptic Japan, shy student Shu gains the ability to extract weapons from people’s hearts and joins a resistance group to fight a tyrannical government.
- Similarities to BNA: Parallels underdog empowerment through unique power systems, subverting mecha tropes with emotional weapon manifestation and themes of rebellion against prejudice.
- MAL Rating: 7.4/10
- Episode Count: 22
- Notable Staff/Studio: Produced by Production I.G., with music by Hiroyuki Sawano.
- Awards/Recognition: Won Tokyo Anime Award for best music.
7. Ninja Slayer From Animation (2015)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Plot Summary: In a cyberpunk Neo-Saitama, salaryman Kenji becomes the Ninja Slayer, using supernatural ninja powers to avenge his family against a corporate ninja syndicate.
- Similarities to BNA: Shares Studio Trigger’s hyper-stylized action and underdog revenge arc, subverting ninja tropes with outlandish powers and satirical takes on societal hierarchies.
- MAL Rating: 6.0/10
- Episode Count: 26
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Akira Amemiya at Trigger, known for experimental visuals.
- Awards/Recognition: Cult following for its meme-worthy absurdity.
8. Black Bullet (2014)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Plot Summary: In a world overrun by parasitic monsters, cursed child soldier Enju and her promoter Rentaro fight to protect humanity using enhanced abilities derived from the virus.
- Similarities to BNA: Explores discrimination against powered individuals, with underdog pairs subverting post-apocalyptic norms through emotional bonds and power system innovations.
- MAL Rating: 7.1/10
- Episode Count: 13
- Notable Staff/Studio: Animated by Kinema Citrus and Orange, with sharp action sequences.
- Awards/Recognition: Recognized for character designs at industry panels.
9. Majestic Prince (2013)
- Streaming Availability: HIDIVE
- Plot Summary: A team of genetically engineered teens pilot mechs to defend Earth from alien invaders, growing from failures into heroes through intense battles.
- Similarities to BNA: Features underdog growth via advanced power systems, subverting mecha genre expectations with humor and team dynamics akin to beastman alliances.
- MAL Rating: 7.3/10
- Episode Count: 24
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Keitaro Motonaga at Dogakobo and Orange.
- Awards/Recognition: Noted for mecha animation innovation.
10. Revolutionary Girl Utena (1997)
- Streaming Availability: HIDIVE
- Plot Summary: Aspiring prince Utena duels in a surreal academy to protect a mysterious girl, challenging gender roles and fate through symbolic sword fights.
- Similarities to BNA: Subverts magical girl tropes with underdog empowerment and identity exploration, mirroring BNA’s themes of societal norms and transformative powers.
- MAL Rating: 8.2/10
- Episode Count: 39
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Kunihiko Ikuhara at J.C.Staff, iconic for surrealism.
- Awards/Recognition: Multiple wins at Tokyo Anime Awards, influential in LGBTQ+ representation.
11. FLCL (2000)
- Streaming Availability: Adult Swim
- Plot Summary: Ordinary boy Naota’s life turns chaotic when alien girl Haruko arrives, unlocking bizarre powers and robots from his head in a coming-of-age frenzy.
- Similarities to BNA: Echoes subversive narrative style with underdog awakening to wild powers, blending absurdity and growth like BNA’s transformative chaos.
- MAL Rating: 8.0/10
- Episode Count: 6
- Notable Staff/Studio: Produced by Gainax and Production I.G., directed by Kazuya Tsurumaki.
- Awards/Recognition: OVA of the Year at Animation Kobe Awards.
12. Higehiro (2021)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Plot Summary: Office worker Yoshida takes in runaway teen Sayu, helping her rebuild her life while confronting his own loneliness without crossing ethical lines.
- Similarities to BNA: Subverts romance tropes with underdog mentorship and personal growth, akin to BNA’s themes of refuge and identity in a judgmental world.
- MAL Rating: 7.3/10
- Episode Count: 13
- Notable Staff/Studio: Animated by Project No.9, focusing on mature themes.
- Awards/Recognition: Praised for handling sensitive topics responsibly.
13. Princess Tutu (2002)
- Streaming Availability: HIDIVE
- Plot Summary: A duck transformed into a girl becomes a magical ballerina to restore a prince’s shattered heart, defying fairy tale destinies through dance battles.
- Similarities to BNA: Features animal-to-human shifts and underdog subversion of fairy tale expectations, with power systems tied to emotion and narrative twists.
- MAL Rating: 8.1/10
- Episode Count: 26
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Junichi Sato at Hal Film Maker.
- Awards/Recognition: Won best TV anime at Tokyo International Anime Fair.
14. Tokyo Mew Mew (2002)
- Streaming Availability: HIDIVE
- Plot Summary: Teen Ichigo gains cat-like powers to fight aliens threatening Earth, balancing heroism with everyday life alongside a team of animal-infused girls.
- Similarities to BNA: Parallels beastman transformations and underdog team-ups against prejudice, subverting magical girl formulas with environmental themes.
- MAL Rating: 7.0/10
- Episode Count: 52
- Notable Staff/Studio: Produced by Studio Pierrot, based on a manga by Reiko Yoshida.
- Awards/Recognition: Influential in early 2000s magical girl revival.
15. Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha (2004)
- Streaming Availability: HIDIVE
- Plot Summary: Young Nanoha discovers a magical device granting her immense powers, evolving from a novice to a formidable mage battling interdimensional threats.
- Similarities to BNA: Showcases underdog ascension through escalating power systems, subverting cute magical girl tropes with intense action and character depth.
- MAL Rating: 7.4/10
- Episode Count: 13 (Season 1)
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Keizo Kusakawa at Seven Arcs.
- Awards/Recognition: Spawned a long-running franchise, praised for genre evolution.
Why These Anime Work for BNA Fans
These series capture the essence of BNA’s vibrant world-building, underdog empowerment, and clever subversions, offering fresh perspectives on transformation and societal divides through underrated gems. They provide engaging alternatives with unique animation and narratives that reward fans seeking depth beyond the mainstream, encouraging exploration of anime’s diverse underbelly.
