Castle in the Sky (1986), directed by Hayao Miyazaki, is a timeless Studio Ghibli masterpiece that whisks viewers into a steampunk-inspired adventure of floating islands and ancient mysteries. Its core themes—environmentalism, the struggle of underdog protagonists against overwhelming odds, and the subversion of expectations through the misuse of powerful technology—resonate deeply with audiences of all ages .
The following 15 underrated anime series, blending older classics and recent gems, mirror these elements and offer unique animation styles and narratives that deserve a spotlight for their creativity and emotional depth.
1. Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water (1990)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- MAL Rating: 7.5
- Episode Count: 39
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Hideaki Anno, Gainax
- Awards/Recognition: Inspired by Miyazaki’s early concepts
- Plot Summary: Set in a steampunk 19th-century world, Nadia follows a young circus performer, Nadia, and an inventive boy, Jean, as they embark on a journey aboard the submarine Nautilus to uncover the secrets of Nadia’s mysterious pendant. They face pirates, secret organizations, and ancient technology tied to the lost city of Atlantis.
- Similarities to Castle in the Sky: Shares a steampunk aesthetic with airships and ancient tech, alongside a focus on environmentalism and the balance between nature and human ambition. The dynamic between Nadia and Jean mirrors the protective, evolving bond of Sheeta and Pazu.
2. Last Exile (2003)
- Streaming Availability: Funimation, Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: 7.8
- Episode Count: 26
- Notable Staff/Studio: Gonzo, directed by Koichi Chigira
- Awards/Recognition: Praised for pioneering CGI in anime
- Plot Summary: In a world of endless skies, young pilots Claus and Lavie take on a dangerous courier mission that entangles them in a war between nations, all while seeking the mythical ship Exile. Their journey unfolds aboard airships amidst political intrigue and breathtaking aerial battles.
- Similarities to Castle in the Sky: Features a steampunk world with airships and floating technology, echoing Laputa’s aesthetic. The underdog story of Claus and Lavie parallels Pazu and Sheeta’s fight against larger forces.
3. Shangri-La (2009)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: 7.1
- Episode Count: 24
- Notable Staff/Studio: Gonzo, directed by Makoto Bessho
- Awards/Recognition: Noted for its environmental commentary
- Plot Summary: In a future where Tokyo is a jungle absorbing carbon dioxide, Kuniko leads a resistance against the oppressive Atlas government, fighting for environmental justice and a sustainable world. The story explores stark social divides and humanity’s impact on nature.
- Similarities to Castle in the Sky: Strong environmental themes akin to Miyazaki’s focus on nature versus technology, with a determined underdog protagonist challenging systemic power.
4. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit (2007)
- Streaming Availability: Amazon Prime Video, Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: 8.2
- Episode Count: 26
- Notable Staff/Studio: Production I.G, directed by Kenji Kamiyama
- Awards/Recognition: Critically acclaimed for character depth
- Plot Summary: Balsa, a skilled warrior, is tasked with protecting Chagum, a young prince possessed by a water spirit, from assassins sent by his own father. Their journey through a richly crafted fantasy world reveals themes of sacrifice and duty.
- Similarities to Castle in the Sky: Focuses on a protective relationship akin to Pazu and Sheeta’s bond, with underdog characters defying powerful forces. The storytelling emphasizes harmony with nature.
5. Turn A Gundam (1999)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: 7.7
- Episode Count: 50
- Notable Staff/Studio: Sunrise, directed by Yoshiyuki Tomino
- Awards/Recognition: Unique take on the Gundam franchise
- Plot Summary: Loran Cehack, a young pilot from the Moonrace, is sent to Earth to assess its suitability for colonization but becomes torn when war erupts between his people and Earth’s inhabitants. The series blends steam-powered tech with mecha in a pastoral setting.
- Similarities to Castle in the Sky: Features steampunk-inspired technology and a conflict over ancient power, much like Laputa’s allure. Loran’s underdog status and moral dilemmas echo Pazu’s journey.
6. Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress (2016)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video
- MAL Rating: 7.3
- Episode Count: 12
- Notable Staff/Studio: WIT Studio, directed by Tetsuro Araki
- Awards/Recognition: Praised for its unique steampunk-zombie blend
- Plot Summary: In a post-apocalyptic Japan, Ikoma and Mumei fight undead Kabane aboard a fortified steam train, seeking safety while battling both monsters and human conflicts. Their struggle reveals hidden strengths and tragic pasts.
- Similarities to Castle in the Sky: Combines steampunk aesthetics with high-stakes adventure, featuring underdog heroes against overwhelming odds. The train’s role mirrors Laputa as a symbol of refuge and danger.
7. Deca-Dence (2020)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu
- MAL Rating: 7.0
- Episode Count: 12
- Notable Staff/Studio: NUT, directed by Yuzuru Tachikawa
- Awards/Recognition: Noted for innovative world-building
- Plot Summary: In a post-apocalyptic world, humanity lives in a mobile steam-powered fortress, Deca-Dence, while fighting monstrous Gadoll. Natsume, a young girl, uncovers dark secrets about her society alongside a mysterious ally.
- Similarities to Castle in the Sky: Shares a steampunk setting with mechanical fortresses and a focus on technology’s double-edged nature. Natsume’s underdog story reflects the perseverance of Pazu and Sheeta.
8. Katanagatari (2010)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- MAL Rating: 7.7
- Episode Count: 12
- Notable Staff/Studio: White Fox, directed by Keitaro Motonaga
- Awards/Recognition: Celebrated for unique art style
- Plot Summary: Shichika, a swordless swordsman, travels with strategist Togame to collect 12 legendary blades, facing powerful foes and unraveling personal truths along the way. Their quest subverts traditional samurai tropes with wit and tragedy.
- Similarities to Castle in the Sky: Offers a narrative that subverts expectations, much like the surprising twists in Laputa’s story. The evolving bond between Shichika and Togame mirrors the deep connection of the protagonists.
9. Princess Principal (2017)
- Streaming Availability: HIDIVE, Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: 7.7
- Episode Count: 12
- Notable Staff/Studio: Studio 3Hz, Actas, directed by Masaki Tachibana
- Awards/Recognition: Praised for steampunk espionage
- Plot Summary: In an alternate steampunk London divided by conflict, a team of female spies infiltrates a prestigious school to execute covert missions for the Commonwealth. Their intricate plans reveal personal stakes and hidden loyalties.
- Similarities to Castle in the Sky: Features a richly detailed steampunk world with Victorian influences and themes of misused power. The underdog spies’ fight against a larger system echoes Sheeta and Pazu’s struggle.
10. The Twelve Kingdoms (2002)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: 8.0
- Episode Count: 45
- Notable Staff/Studio: Pierrot, directed by Tsuneo Kobayashi
- Awards/Recognition: Classic isekai with critical acclaim
- Plot Summary: Youko, a high school girl, is transported to a fantasy realm of twelve kingdoms, where she must embrace her destiny as a ruler amidst political turmoil and magical beasts. Her journey transforms her from timid to resolute.
- Similarities to Castle in the Sky: Focuses on character growth through adversity, akin to Sheeta’s arc, with an underdog protagonist discovering inner strength. The world-building reflects a balance of power and nature.
11. Steam Detectives (1998)
- Streaming Availability: Limited availability, check Crunchyroll archives
- MAL Rating: 6.6
- Episode Count: 26
- Notable Staff/Studio: Xebec, directed by Nobuo Tomizawa
- Awards/Recognition: Cult classic in steampunk circles
- Plot Summary: In Steam City, young detective Narutaki and his team battle criminals using steam-powered robots and machinery. Their cases uncover deeper conspiracies in a fog-shrouded, industrial world.
- Similarities to Castle in the Sky: Immerses viewers in a steampunk universe with mechanical innovations akin to Laputa’s tech. Narutaki’s determination mirrors Pazu’s relentless spirit.
12. Rage of Bahamut: Genesis (2014)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- MAL Rating: 7.6
- Episode Count: 12
- Notable Staff/Studio: MAPPA, directed by Keiichi Sato
- Awards/Recognition: Noted for dynamic animation
- Plot Summary: In a fantasy world of gods and demons, bounty hunter Favaro and a mysterious girl, Amira, become entangled in a battle over an ancient power that could destroy everything. Their adventure is filled with epic clashes and moral dilemmas.
- Similarities to Castle in the Sky: Centers on a powerful artifact akin to Sheeta’s crystal, with underdog characters navigating a world of larger forces. The subversion of expected roles mirrors Laputa’s narrative twists.
13. Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash (2016)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- MAL Rating: 7.6
- Episode Count: 12
- Notable Staff/Studio: A-1 Pictures, directed by Ryosuke Nakamura
- Awards/Recognition: Praised for emotional storytelling
- Plot Summary: A group of strangers awakens in a fantasy world with no memories, forced to survive as adventurers in a harsh, unforgiving land. Their struggles forge deep bonds and reveal personal growth amidst loss.
- Similarities to Castle in the Sky: Emphasizes character development through hardship, much like Pazu and Sheeta’s journey. The watercolor-style animation echoes Ghibli’s visual poetry.
14. Alderamin on the Sky (2016)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: 7.5
- Episode Count: 13
- Notable Staff/Studio: Madhouse, directed by Tetsuo Ichimura
- Awards/Recognition: Recognized for strategic depth
- Plot Summary: Ikta, a reluctant soldier, rises through the ranks of a war-torn kingdom’s military with his tactical genius, joined by loyal friends facing betrayal and loss. Their story blends fantasy with military intrigue.
- Similarities to Castle in the Sky: Features an underdog protagonist overcoming societal expectations, akin to Pazu’s determination. Themes of power and corruption resonate with Laputa’s cautionary tale.
15. Children Who Chase Lost Voices (2011)
- Streaming Availability: HIDIVE, Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: 7.5
- Episode Count: Movie (116 minutes)
- Notable Staff/Studio: CoMix Wave Films, directed by Makoto Shinkai
- Awards/Recognition: Noted for emotional and visual impact
- Plot Summary: Asuna, a young girl, ventures into a mythical underground world to find a lost friend, guided by a mysterious boy and facing otherworldly dangers. Her quest explores themes of grief and connection.
- Similarities to Castle in the Sky: Mirrors the adventurous spirit and fantastical setting of Laputa, with a focus on personal growth through loss. The journey into a hidden realm parallels the search for the floating castle.
Why These Anime Work for Castle in the Sky Fans
For fans of Castle in the Sky, these series offer a blend of adventure, emotional depth, and thematic richness that resonate with Miyazaki’s vision. Whether it’s the steampunk aesthetics of Last Exile and Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress, the environmental consciousness of Shangri-La and Moribito, or the underdog triumphs in Alderamin on the Sky and Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash, each anime captures elements of wonder and struggle. Their unique animation styles and storytelling approaches—from watercolor dreamscapes to gritty industrial worlds—provide fresh yet familiar experiences, making them hidden gems worthy of exploration. Dive into these worlds and rediscover the magic of untold stories.
