FLCL (Fooly Cooly) is a cult classic known for its chaotic energy, surreal visuals, and coming-of-age narrative that subverts expectations at every turn. At its core, the anime blends underdog stories, unique power systems, and absurdist humor into a whirlwind of character growth and emotional resonance.
While it has gained a devoted following, there are several lesser-known anime series that capture a similar spirit but remain underappreciated. These shows deserve more attention for their bold storytelling, experimental animation, and inventive exploration of adolescence.
1. Diebuster (Gunbuster 2) (2004)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 6
- MAL Rating: 7.45
- Studio/Staff: Gainax; Directed by Kazuya Tsurumaki (FLCL)
- Awards/Recognition: Cult following among Gainax fans
Plot: A clumsy girl dreams of becoming a space pilot and finds herself entangled in humanity’s battle against massive alien threats.
Similarities: Like FLCL, Diebuster thrives on wild animation, adolescent struggles, and a blend of over-the-top action with heartfelt character arcs.
2. Abenobashi Mahou☆Shoutengai (2002)
- Streaming: HIDIVE
- Episodes: 13
- MAL Rating: 7.18
- Studio/Staff: Gainax; Directed by Hiroyuki Yamaga (Royal Space Force)
Plot: Two kids find themselves transported into bizarre alternate worlds, each parodying different pop culture genres.
Similarities: The surreal, fast-paced comedy and the exploration of childhood vs. growing up echo FLCL’s chaotic but meaningful storytelling.
3. Kemonozume (2006)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 13
- MAL Rating: 7.41
- Studio/Staff: Madhouse; Directed by Masaaki Yuasa (Mind Game)
Plot: A forbidden romance blooms between a monster hunter and a flesh-eating demon woman.
Similarities: Yuasa’s experimental animation, emotional intensity, and unconventional storytelling mirror FLCL’s unpredictable and raw tone.
4. Kaiba (2008)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 8.16
- Studio/Staff: Madhouse; Directed by Masaaki Yuasa
- Awards: Excellence Prize at Japan Media Arts Festival
Plot: In a futuristic society where memories can be transferred, a boy with no past embarks on a journey of identity and love.
Similarities: Its surreal visuals, identity struggles, and heartfelt exploration of growing up resonate strongly with FLCL’s themes of self-discovery.
5. The Tatami Galaxy (2010)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll / Funimation
- Episodes: 11
- MAL Rating: 8.61
- Studio/Staff: Madhouse; Directed by Masaaki Yuasa
Plot: A college student relives different versions of his life in search of an ideal university experience.
Similarities: Rapid-fire narration, eccentric visuals, and a narrative about wasted youth mirror FLCL’s chaotic, reflective storytelling.
6. Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica (2011)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 8.36
- Studio/Staff: SHAFT; Written by Gen Urobuchi
- Awards: Tokyo Anime Award (2012)
Plot: A seemingly ordinary magical girl story takes a dark and existential turn.
Similarities: Both series subvert genre expectations, blending surreal visuals with explorations of identity and growing up under pressure.
7. Kyousougiga (2011 ONA / 2013 TV)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 10 + ONA
- MAL Rating: 7.73
- Studio/Staff: Toei Animation; Directed by Rie Matsumoto
Plot: A girl with mysterious powers stumbles into a world of living paintings and tangled family dynamics.
Similarities: Its frenetic animation, family themes, and balance of comedy with heartfelt drama echo FLCL’s emotional core.
8. Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko (2011)
- Streaming: HIDIVE
- Episodes: 12 + OVA
- MAL Rating: 7.12
- Studio/Staff: SHAFT; Directed by Akiyuki Shinbo
Plot: A teenage boy meets his eccentric cousin, who claims to be an alien, and navigates bizarre adolescence.
Similarities: Alien elements, eccentric characters, and metaphorical coming-of-age struggles connect it closely to FLCL.
9. Ping Pong the Animation (2014)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 11
- MAL Rating: 8.63
- Studio/Staff: Tatsunoko; Directed by Masaaki Yuasa
- Awards: Tokyo Anime Award (2015)
Plot: Two childhood friends face off in high-stakes table tennis matches while questioning their paths in life.
Similarities: Its unconventional art style and themes of identity, competition, and youth echo FLCL’s raw energy and personal storytelling.
10. Space Patrol Luluco (2016)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 13
- MAL Rating: 7.59
- Studio/Staff: Trigger; Directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi
Plot: A middle schooler becomes an unwilling space patrol officer, thrown into interdimensional chaos.
Similarities: Over-the-top comedy, emotional beats, and a coming-of-age arc tie it directly to FLCL’s energy and themes.
11. The Eccentric Family (2013, 2017)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 25 (2 seasons)
- MAL Rating: 7.91
- Studio/Staff: P.A. Works; Directed by Masayuki Yoshihara
Plot: A family of tanuki struggle with tradition, identity, and their place in modern Kyoto.
Similarities: Like FLCL, it blends whimsy, comedy, and reflective coming-of-age themes with fantastical elements.
12. Sarazanmai (2019)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 11
- MAL Rating: 7.07
- Studio/Staff: MAPPA; Directed by Kunihiko Ikuhara (Revolutionary Girl Utena)
Plot: Three boys are transformed into kappas and must extract “desires” from others to survive.
Similarities: Surreal visuals, bizarre transformations, and exploration of adolescence make it a spiritual cousin to FLCL.
13. Wonder Egg Priority (2021)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12 + Special
- MAL Rating: 7.42
- Studio/Staff: CloverWorks
Plot: A withdrawn girl discovers mysterious eggs that let her save others in dreamlike battles.
Similarities: Combines surreal action with emotional exploration of teenage struggles, echoing FLCL’s layered storytelling.
14. Heike Monogatari (The Heike Story) (2021)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Episodes: 11
- MAL Rating: 8.16
- Studio/Staff: Science SARU; Directed by Naoko Yamada (A Silent Voice)
Plot: A retelling of Japan’s medieval Heike clan downfall through the eyes of a girl who can see the future.
Similarities: Its emotional storytelling, unique animation style, and poetic reflection on impermanence mirror FLCL’s artistry.
15. Sonny Boy (2021)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.76
- Studio/Staff: Madhouse; Directed by Shingo Natsume (One-Punch Man)
Plot: A group of students are suddenly transported into strange dimensions where mysterious powers awaken.
Similarities: Shares FLCL’s surreal world-building, metaphorical themes of adolescence, and experimental visual style.
Why These Anime Work for FLCL Fans
Each of these series shares something vital with FLCL: surreal presentation, experimental animation, and deeply personal stories about adolescence and identity. While they may not have the same cultural footprint, these underrated gems embrace the chaos of youth, the awkwardness of growing up, and the beauty of finding meaning in the absurd. For FLCL fans seeking shows that feel equally unconventional, heartfelt, and inventive, this list offers a perfect next watch.
