Doraemon is more than a childhood staple, it’s a heartfelt science fiction journey exploring friendship, growth, and imagination through whimsical gadgets and timeless lessons.
At its core, Doraemon thrives on strong character bonds, fantastical yet moral-driven storytelling, and the ever-reliable charm of an underdog protagonist.
The following 15 underrated anime titles echo these values.
Whether it’s their slice-of-life warmth, gadgetry-fueled adventures, or the innocent misadventures of growing up, these lesser-known gems carry the same heart and soul that make Doraemon a generational favorite.
1. Nintama Rantarou (1993)
Streaming: Amazon Prime Japan, unofficial fan subs
Summary: Three young ninja students navigate the quirky challenges of ninja school with humor, gadgets, and teamwork.
Why it’s similar: Like Doraemon, it blends education with humor, features misfit characters, and leans on episodic moral-driven plots.
Episodes: 2000+
MAL Rating: 6.9
Studio: Ajia-do Animation Works
Notable: One of Japan’s longest-running children’s anime.
2. Chiisana Obake Acchi, Kocchi, Socchi (1991)
Streaming: YouTube (fan uploads)
Summary: Three friendly ghosts explore human inventions, solve problems, and help others while learning about the world.
Why it’s similar: Focuses on invention, curiosity, and problem-solving from a child’s perspective, much like Doraemon’s gadget episodes.
Episodes: 50
MAL Rating: 6.7
Studio: Pierrot
Notable: Beloved for its soft animation and curious spirit.
3. Fushigi na Koala Blinky (1984)
Streaming: Unofficial platforms
Summary: Sandy and her magical koalas go on daily adventures, blending the real world with fantasy and lessons in kindness.
Why it’s similar: Wholesome, magical companion helps a young child grow through small life lessons.
Episodes: 26
MAL Rating: 6.3
Studio: Tohokushinsha
Notable: Internationally aired, yet underappreciated today.
4. Kaiketsu Zorori (2004)
Streaming: Crunchyroll (JP), YouTube
Summary: A mischievous fox sets out to be the best prankster, accompanied by two goofy boar brothers.
Why it’s similar: Episodic hijinks, gentle moral lessons, and a charming, flawed lead character like Nobita.
Episodes: 97
MAL Rating: 7.1
Studio: Ajia-do
Notable: Based on a beloved children’s book series in Japan.
5. Kiteretsu Daihyakka (1988)
Streaming: YouTube (official JP)
Summary: A boy genius and his robot friend go on whimsical adventures using inventions from an ancestor’s encyclopedia.
Why it’s similar: Created by the same author as Doraemon (Fujiko F. Fujio) and mirrors its themes and character types.
Episodes: 331
MAL Rating: 7.0
Studio: Gallop
Notable: Often considered Doraemon’s cousin series.
6. Obocchama-kun (1989)
Streaming: None officially
Summary: A spoiled rich boy learns humility and friendship through absurd and humorous daily life situations.
Why it’s similar: Comedic exaggeration with grounded takeaways about behavior, values, and relationships.
Episodes: 164
MAL Rating: 6.8
Studio: Shin-Ei Animation
Notable: From the same studio as Doraemon.
7. Mojacko (1995)
Streaming: YouTube (fan uploads)
Summary: Sora meets an alien named Mojacko and is pulled into wild space adventures.
Why it’s similar: Boy-alien dynamic mimics the Nobita-Doraemon friendship, full of gadgets and intergalactic comedy.
Episodes: 74
MAL Rating: 6.5
Studio: OLM
Notable: Also created by Fujiko F. Fujio.
8. Atashin’chi (2002)
Streaming: Crunchyroll (JP), YouTube
Summary: A slice-of-life comedy about a quirky family and their everyday absurdities.
Why it’s similar: Shares Doraemon’s knack for humor rooted in daily domestic life.
Episodes: 330
MAL Rating: 7.4
Studio: Shin-Ei Animation
Notable: Award-winning family show in Japan.
9. Hello Sandybell (1981)
Streaming: RetroCrush
Summary: A kind-hearted girl travels across Europe searching for her mother, learning about life and love.
Why it’s similar: Emotional growth, innocent worldview, and a strong moral backbone like Nobita’s evolving journey.
Episodes: 47
MAL Rating: 6.7
Studio: Toei Animation
Notable: Popular in Europe and the Middle East.
10. Neko Ramen (2006)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Summary: A talking cat runs a ramen shop and interacts with odd customers and surreal events.
Why it’s similar: Bizarre yet wholesome humor, and childlike absurdity in an adult-free world.
Episodes: 13
MAL Rating: 6.9
Studio: Gathering
Notable: Based on a popular 4-koma manga.
11. Kyouryuu Boukenki Jura Tripper (1995)
Streaming: Unavailable
Summary: A group of kids are transported to a dinosaur world and must learn to survive with prehistoric help.
Why it’s similar: Parallel world adventures with problem-solving and teamwork themes.
Episodes: 39
MAL Rating: 6.5
Studio: Nippon Animation
Notable: Great retro sci-fi for kids.
12. Perman (1983)
Streaming: YouTube (JP official)
Summary: A normal boy becomes a superhero with alien gadgets, but must hide his identity.
Why it’s similar: Created by Fujiko F. Fujio, combines humor with light superhero action and identity struggle.
Episodes: 526
MAL Rating: 7.1
Studio: Shin-Ei Animation
Notable: Early influence on the shonen superhero genre.
13. Denno Coil (2007)
Streaming: Netflix
Summary: Kids use augmented reality glasses to interact with digital creatures and secrets of the virtual world.
Why it’s similar: Tech + childlike curiosity, grounded in everyday life with a touch of mystery.
Episodes: 26
MAL Rating: 8.0
Studio: Madhouse
Notable: Winner of the 2008 Japan Media Arts Festival.
14. Shounen Ashibe GO! GO! Goma-chan (2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Summary: Follows the innocent friendship between a young boy and his pet seal, Goma-chan.
Why it’s similar: Pure-hearted companionship and simple, emotionally rich stories like Doraemon and Nobita.
Episodes: 96
MAL Rating: 6.4
Studio: Bridge
Notable: Based on a 1990s manga, revived for a new generation.
15. Nono-chan (2001)
Streaming: Unofficial platforms
Summary: Chronicles the life of a young girl and her quirky family through short episodes full of dry humor.
Why it’s similar: Life lessons through comedy and subtle family dynamics, much like Nobita’s world.
Episodes: 61
MAL Rating: 7.0
Studio: Toei Animation
Notable: Later adapted into Studio Ghibli’s film My Neighbors the Yamadas.
Why These Anime Work for Doraemon Fans
These series may not all feature time machines or pocket gadgets, but they carry the same spirit that makes Doraemon unforgettable: warmth, imagination, and meaningful life lessons wrapped in humor.
Whether it’s robot friends, mysterious worlds, or coming-of-age silliness, these underrated titles are perfect companions for anyone who grew up loving Nobita and Doraemon’s adventures.
