Dr. Stone captivates audiences with its unique blend of science, teamwork, and the underdog spirit.
It follows Senku Ishigami, a scientific genius, as he rebuilds civilization from scratch in a post-apocalyptic world.
With its focus on innovation, camaraderie, and overcoming challenges through intellect, this anime has carved a niche for itself. Below are 15 underrated anime that share similar themes or storytelling styles.
1. Ascendance of a Bookworm (2019)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Urano Motosu, a book lover, is reincarnated into a medieval world where books are scarce. Determined to make books accessible, she uses her knowledge to create them.
- Similarities: Both protagonists are driven by their love for knowledge and work to transform their worlds using ingenuity[1][3].
- MAL Rating: 7.99
- Episodes: 36 (3 seasons)
- Studio: Ajia-Do
- Awards: Nominated for “Best Fantasy” at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards.
2. Astra Lost in Space (2019)
- Streaming Availability: Funimation
- Plot: A group of students is stranded in space after their ship is sabotaged. They must rely on teamwork and resourcefulness to survive and return home.
- Similarities: Both series emphasize survival through scientific principles and teamwork[4][9].
- MAL Rating: 8.08
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Lerche
- Awards: Winner of the Seiun Award for Best Dramatic Presentation.
3. Silver Spoon (2013)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Yuugo Hachiken enrolls in an agricultural school to escape family pressures and learns the value of hard work through farming.
- Similarities: Both protagonists apply practical knowledge to solve problems and improve their environments[10].
- MAL Rating: 8.09
- Episodes: 22 (2 seasons)
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
4. The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. (2016)
- Streaming Availability: Netflix
- Plot: Kusuo Saiki, a psychic high schooler, just wants a normal life but constantly faces absurd situations due to his powers.
- Similarities: Both shows mix humor with intellectual problem-solving and feature quirky side characters[5][10].
- MAL Rating: 8.41
- Episodes: 120 (short episodes)
- Studio: J.C.Staff
5. The Promised Neverland (2019)
- Streaming Availability: Hulu, Crunchyroll
- Plot: Orphans discover their idyllic home is a farm for demons and must use their wits to escape.
- Similarities: Both series feature intelligent protagonists using strategy to overcome life-threatening challenges[6][10].
- MAL Rating: 8.50
- Episodes: 23 (2 seasons)
- Studio: CloverWorks
6. Are You Lost? (2019)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Four high school girls stranded on an island use survival skills to stay alive.
- Similarities: Focuses on survival tactics and practical applications of knowledge in dire situations[7].
- MAL Rating: 6.63
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Ezo’la
7. Planetes (2003)
- Streaming Availability: Funimation
- Plot: A team of space debris collectors tackles environmental issues in orbit while dreaming of greater aspirations.
- Similarities: Both series explore scientific concepts with grounded realism and character-driven narratives[7].
- MAL Rating: 8.29
- Episodes: 26
- Studio: Sunrise
8. From the New World (2012)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Plot: In a future society where humans have psychic powers, students uncover dark secrets about their world.
- Similarities: Both explore post-apocalyptic settings and the ethical implications of scientific advancements[10].
- MAL Rating: 8.28
- Episodes: 25
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
9. Moyashimon (2007)
- Streaming Availability: Funimation
- Plot: Tadayasu Sawaki can see microbes with the naked eye, which helps him navigate agricultural university life.
- Similarities: Both feature protagonists with unique scientific abilities that drive the narrative[7].
- MAL Rating: 7.52
- Episodes: 22 (2 seasons)
- Studio: Telecom Animation Film
10. Eden of the East (2009)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Akira Takizawa wakes up with no memory but finds himself part of a game involving saving Japan with limited resources.
- Similarities: Both protagonists use intellect and strategy to solve large-scale problems[7].
- MAL Rating: 7.83
- Episodes: 11 + movies
- Studio: Production I.G
11. Uninhabited Planet Survive (2003)
- Streaming Availability: Not widely available; check niche platforms or physical media.
- Plot: A group of students crash-land on a mysterious planet and must work together to survive while uncovering the secrets of their new environment.
- Similarities: Like Dr. Stone, this series focuses on survival in a harsh, unfamiliar world, using teamwork and resourcefulness to overcome challenges.
- MAL Rating: 7.62
- Episodes: 52
- Studio: Madhouse
12. 7 Seeds (2019)
- Streaming Availability: Netflix
- Plot: After a catastrophic event, selected individuals awaken from cryogenic sleep to find themselves in a transformed world where they must rebuild society.
- Similarities: Both series deal with post-apocalyptic worlds and the rebuilding of civilization, though 7 Seeds leans more on emotional survival than scientific exploration.
- MAL Rating: 6.56
- Episodes: 24 (2 seasons)
- Studio: Gonzo
13. Made in Abyss (2017)
- Streaming Availability: HIDIVE
- Plot: Riko and her robot friend Reg descend into the mysterious Abyss to uncover its secrets and find her missing mother.
- Similarities: Both shows feature young protagonists driven by curiosity and intellect, exploring unknown worlds filled with wonder and danger.
- MAL Rating: 8.66
- Episodes: 25 + movies
- Studio: Kinema Citrus
- Awards: Crunchyroll Anime Awards for Best Score and Best Anime of the Year.
14. Log Horizon (2013)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Thousands of players are trapped in an MMORPG world where they must adapt to their new reality by building societies and solving problems through strategy.
- Similarities: Both series feature intelligent protagonists who use logic and planning to solve complex challenges in a group setting.
- MAL Rating: 7.95
- Episodes: 62 (3 seasons)
- Studio: Satelight
15. Dandadan (2024)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu
- Plot: Momo and Ken navigate a world filled with yokai and aliens while developing their relationship through comedic banter and intense battles.
- Similarities: Although more fantastical, it shares Dr. Stone‘s mix of humor, adventure, and creative problem-solving.
- MAL Rating: 8.70
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Science Saru
Why These Anime Work for Dr. Stone Fans
Fans of Dr. Stone will appreciate these anime for their shared emphasis on intellect-driven narratives, teamwork, and the thrill of overcoming challenges through science or ingenuity. Each series offers unique perspectives while maintaining the core themes that make Dr. Stone so engaging—whether it’s survival, innovation, or character growth in extraordinary circumstances.
