Drifting Dragons stands out for its grounded fantasy world, blue-collar protagonists, and episodic storytelling centered on survival rather than spectacle. Beneath its dragon-hunting premise lies a story about found family, underdogs navigating dangerous systems, and a world that feels lived-in rather than heroic.
The following anime share similar strengths—carefully constructed power systems, underdog narratives, workplace camaraderie, and quiet subversions of fantasy and sci-fi tropes. Though often overlooked, these series deserve far more attention for their unique animation styles, thoughtful character development, and immersive storytelling.
1. Last Exile (2003)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: ~7.9
- Episodes: 26
- Studio/Staff: Gonzo | Director: Koichi Chigira
- Awards: Animation Kobe Award (TV Category)
Plot: Two courier pilots are pulled into a global conflict between airship nations while struggling to survive in a rigid class-based society.
Similarities: Detailed aerial worldbuilding, working-class protagonists, and a harsh ecosystem where skill matters more than destiny.
2. Planetes (2003)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: ~8.3
- Episodes: 26
- Studio/Staff: Sunrise | Director: Gorō Taniguchi
Plot: Space debris collectors risk their lives daily to keep Earth’s orbit safe while grappling with personal ambition and systemic inequality.
Similarities: Workplace realism, episodic missions, underappreciated laborers, and slow-burn character growth.
3. Hakumei and Mikochi (2018)
- Streaming: HIDIVE
- MAL Rating: ~7.7
- Episodes: 12
- Studio/Staff: Lerche | Director: Masaomi Andō
Plot: Two tiny women live quietly in a forest world filled with talking animals and handcrafted culture.
Similarities: Slice-of-life pacing, survival through craftsmanship, and a gentle subversion of fantasy scale and power.
4. Kemurikusa (2019)
- Streaming: Amazon Prime Video
- MAL Rating: ~7.0
- Episodes: 12
- Studio/Staff: Yaoyorozu | Director: Tatsuki
Plot: A group of girls survive in a desolate world using mysterious “leaf” powers governed by strict rules.
Similarities: Minimalist storytelling, unconventional power systems, and gradual world discovery.
5. Sora no Woto (2010)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: ~7.5
- Episodes: 12
- Studio/Staff: A-1 Pictures | Director: Mamoru Kanbe
Plot: Young soldiers stationed in a remote fortress navigate military life during a slow cultural collapse.
Similarities: Found family dynamics, workplace routine, and a focus on atmosphere over action.
6. Ergo Proxy (2006)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: ~7.9
- Episodes: 23
- Studio/Staff: Manglobe | Director: Shūkō Murase
Plot: An investigator uncovers dark truths about humanity in a domed city ruled by hidden systems.
Similarities: Heavy worldbuilding, philosophical undertones, and subversion of sci-fi power hierarchies.
7. Dennou Coil (2007)
- Streaming: HIDIVE
- MAL Rating: ~8.0
- Episodes: 26
- Studio/Staff: Madhouse | Director: Mitsuo Iso
- Awards: Japan Media Arts Festival Excellence Prize
Plot: Children explore an augmented-reality city governed by unseen digital rules.
Similarities: Soft power systems, everyday stakes, and gradual revelation of systemic danger.
8. Kaiba (2008)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: ~7.7
- Episodes: 12
- Studio/Staff: Madhouse | Director: Masaaki Yuasa
Plot: In a world where memories and bodies are commodities, a boy searches for his identity.
Similarities: Deceptively simple art, emotional depth, and critique of power structures.
9. Simoun (2006)
- Streaming: No official stream (availability varies)
- MAL Rating: ~7.4
- Episodes: 26
- Studio/Staff: Studio Deen
Plot: Young pilots control sacred flying machines tied to gender and social status.
Similarities: Aviation focus, ritualized power systems, and character-driven conflict.
10. House of Five Leaves (2010)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: ~7.8
- Episodes: 12
- Studio/Staff: Manglobe
Plot: A timid samurai joins an unconventional crime family in Edo-era Japan.
Similarities: Quiet storytelling, outsider protagonist, and emphasis on human connection over action.
11. Fantastic Children (2004)
- Streaming: No official stream
- MAL Rating: ~7.5
- Episodes: 26
- Studio/Staff: Nippon Animation
Plot: Mysterious white-haired children appear throughout history, bound by a cosmic tragedy.
Similarities: Long-form mystery, subdued pacing, and emotionally grounded sci-fi.
12. Fractale (2011)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: ~6.9
- Episodes: 11
- Studio/Staff: A-1 Pictures
Plot: A boy uncovers the dark truth behind a utopian system powered by technology and illusion.
Similarities: Exploration-driven narrative and critique of centralized power.
13. Texhnolyze (2003)
- Streaming: No official stream
- MAL Rating: ~7.7
- Episodes: 22
- Studio/Staff: Madhouse
Plot: A broken man becomes entangled in a decaying city ruled by brutal factions.
Similarities: Bleak worldbuilding, slow pacing, and systemic collapse themes.
14. Kemono no Souja Erin (2009)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: ~8.3
- Episodes: 50
- Studio/Staff: Production I.G
Plot: A young girl studies powerful beasts while challenging societal taboos.
Similarities: Ethical treatment of creatures, survival learning curves, and emotional realism.
15. Oban Star-Racers (2006)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: ~7.2
- Episodes: 26
- Studio/Staff: Sav! The World Productions
Plot: A human girl competes in deadly intergalactic races representing Earth.
Similarities: Underdog stakes, team-based survival, and richly imagined worlds.
## Why These Anime Work for Drifting Dragons Fans
These series succeed for the same reasons Drifting Dragons resonates: they prioritize lived-in worlds over spectacle, emphasize teamwork over chosen-one power, and let systems—social, mechanical, or ecological—shape their stories naturally. For viewers who appreciate methodical pacing, understated character arcs, and immersive worldbuilding, these underrated anime offer deeply rewarding experiences.
