15 Animes Similar to Chicken Run

Published on: June 16, 2025

While mainstream hits dominate conversations, these lesser-known series deliver compelling character growth, unique power dynamics, and unexpected twists. From psychological depth to unconventional animation, they redefine storytelling norms.

1. Mushishi (2005)

Streaming: Crunchyroll, MAX
Episodes: 46 | MAL: 8.67
Plot: A wandering “Mushi Master” investigates supernatural creatures tied to life’s mysteries. Each episodic tale explores humanity’s relationship with nature.
Similarities: Like Chicken Run’s resourcefulness, Ginko solves problems through intuition rather than brute force. Themes of balance mirror underdog perseverance.
Notable: Studio Artland’s atmospheric animation; won Tokyo Anime Award (2006).

2. Ping Pong the Animation (2014)

Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 11 | MAL: 8.62
Plot: Two childhood friends clash in competitive table tennis, grappling with ambition and self-worth.
Similarities: Raw character arcs rival Chicken Run’s teamwork-driven triumphs. Visual experimentation (Masaaki Yuasa’s direction) subverts sports anime tropes.
Awards: Japan Media Arts Festival Excellence Prize.

3. Haibane Renmei (2002)

Streaming: Funimation
Episodes: 13 | MAL: 8.06
Plot: Winged beings in a walled town confront guilt and redemption, blending existential philosophy with quiet drama.
Similarities: Understated resilience mirrors Chicken Run’s covert rebellion. Worldbuilding emphasizes community over individual power.
Studio: Radix (Serial Experiments Lain team).

4. The Tatami Galaxy (2010)

Streaming: Netflix
Episodes: 11 | MAL: 8.47
Plot: A college student relives parallel timelines, seeking ideal relationships and self-actualization.
Similarities: Non-linear storytelling and antihero growth echo Chicken Run’s strategic plotting. Won Tokyo Anime Award for originality.

5. Kaiba (2008)

Streaming: HiDive
Episodes: 12 | MAL: 7.94
Plot: In a dystopia where memories are tradable, an amnesiac journeys to reclaim his identity.
Similarities: Surreal visuals and class warfare themes align with Chicken Run’s rebellion against oppression. Directed by Masaaki Yuasa.

6. Paranoia Agent (2004)

Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 13 | MAL: 7.87
Plot: A bat-wielding assailant exposes societal anxieties in Tokyo, blending psychological horror with dark satire.
Similarities: Satoshi Kon’s subversive narrative mirrors Chicken Run’s critique of systemic control. Rotten Tomatoes: 100% critics’ score.

7. Sonny Boy (2021)

Streaming: Netflix
Episodes: 12 | MAL: 7.94
Plot: Students stranded in a void dimension develop powers while questioning reality.
Similarities: Abstract take on power dynamics and isolation. Studio Madhouse’s experimental animation.

8. Dorohedoro (2020)

Streaming: Netflix
Episodes: 12 | MAL: 8.21
Plot: A amnesiac lizard-man hunts sorcerers in a grungy, magic-infused dystopia.
Similarities: Gritty underdog quest with grotesque humor. MAPPA’s hybrid 2D/3D animation.

9. Land of the Lustrous (2017)

Streaming: HiDive
Episodes: 12 | MAL: 8.23
Plot: Gemstone-human hybrids defend against lunar invaders while grappling with identity.
Similarities: Unique power system (gem durability = lifespan); Studio Orange’s CGI innovation.

10. Girls’ Last Tour (2017)

Streaming: Amazon Prime
Episodes: 12 | MAL: 7.92
Plot: Two girls traverse a post-apocalyptic wasteland, finding beauty in desolation.
Similarities: Quiet resilience and bonding akin to Chicken Run’s camaraderie. White Fox studio’s minimalist aesthetic.

11. Shōwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjū (2016)

Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 25 | MAL: 8.54
Plot: A released convict apprentices under a rakugo (storytelling) master, navigating art and rivalry.
Similarities: Underdog’s pursuit of legacy through non-combat skills. Won Anime Trending Award (2016).

12. Kemono Jihen (2021)

Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12 | MAL: 7.54
Plot: A half-human detective solves supernatural cases with a misfit team.
Similarities: Found family dynamics and hybrid powers. Ajia-Do studio’s fluid action.

13. Deca-Dence (2020)

Streaming: Funimation
Episodes: 12 | MAL: 7.62
Plot: Humans in a mobile fortress battle monsters, unaware their world is a game.
Similarities: Meta-commentary on control systems; Nut studio’s twist-heavy narrative.

14. The Eccentric Family (2013)

Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 24 | MAL: 8.02
Plot: A tanuki family navigates grief and tradition in a modern Kyoto filled with spirits.
Similarities: Whimsical yet profound exploration of legacy. P.A. Works’ lush backgrounds.

15. Michiko & Hatchin (2008)

Streaming: Funimation
Episodes: 22 | MAL: 8.02
Plot: A fugitive and an orphan girl trek across Latin America-inspired landscapes.
Similarities: Gritty female-led odyssey with anti-establishment themes. Manglobe studio’s jazz soundtrack.

Why These Anime Work for Underdog Story Fans

Subverted Tropes: Series like Paranoia Agent and Sonny Boy reject formulaic plots, prioritizing psychological depth.
Power as Burden: Land of the Lustrous and Mushishi treat abilities as double-edged swords, mirroring Chicken Run’s strategic ingenuity.
Visual Innovation: From Tatami Galaxy’s rapid-fire dialogue to Dorohedoro’s grunge aesthetic, these series redefine storytelling through style.
Quiet Triumphs: Girls’ Last Tour and Haibane Renmei prove underdog victories don’t require epic battles—sometimes survival is the win.