15 Animes Similar to Franklin

Franklin is a beloved animated series that follows a young anthropomorphic turtle navigating life lessons, friendships, and everyday adventures in the idyllic Woodland. While not an anime itself, its themes of personal growth, community bonds, and gentle problem-solving resonate across animation styles.

Below are 15 underrated anime series that capture Franklin’s spirit through their focus on character development, interpersonal dynamics, and heartfelt storytelling, often overlooked despite their quality.

1. Flying Witch (2016)

• Streaming: Crunchyroll, HiDive
• Plot: A novice witch moves to rural Japan to complete her training, blending everyday life with whimsical magic. Her interactions with neighbors and nature foster self-discovery.
• Similarities to Franklin: Emphasizes low-stakes learning through community interactions and nature exploration, mirroring Franklin’s episodic growth.
• Details: 12 episodes – MAL: 7.8 – Studio: J.C.Staff – Awards: None, but praised for soothing atmosphere.

2. Tamayura (2010)

• Streaming: No official streaming (DVD-only)
• Plot: After her father’s death, a girl moves to her hometown, using photography to heal and reconnect with friends and family.
• Similarities to Franklin: Gentle pacing and focus on emotional resilience, akin to Franklin’s supportive family dynamics.
• Details: 48 episodes (4 seasons) – MAL: 7.5 – Studio: TYO Animations – Awards: Japan Media Arts Festival selection.

3. Aria the Animation (2005)

• Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
• Plot: On a terraformed Mars, novice gondoliers in Neo-Venezia learn to appreciate life’s small joys while mastering their craft.
• Similarities to Franklin: Celebrates mentorship, friendship, and incremental personal achievements in a tranquil setting.
• Details: 13 episodes – MAL: 8.0 – Studio: Hal Film Maker – Awards: Tokyo Anime Award nominee.

4. Natsume’s Book of Friends (2008)

• Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix
• Plot: A boy who sees spirits inherits a “Book of Friends” and spends his life returning names to yokai, forming unexpected bonds.
• Similarities to Franklin: Centralizes empathy and understanding differences, reflecting Franklin’s moral-driven adventures.
• Details: 74 episodes – MAL: 8.4 – Studio: Brain’s Base – Awards: Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize nominee.

5. Barakamon (2014)

• Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu
• Plot: A calligrapher moves to a rural island after a creative slump, finding inspiration through quirky locals and a spirited child.
• Similarities to Franklin: Showcases intergenerational friendships and humble life lessons, much like Franklin’s village interactions.
• Details: 12 episodes – MAL: 8.3 – Studio: Kinema Citrus – Awards: None, but cult following for its warmth.

6. Usagi Drop (2011)

• Streaming: Crunchyroll
• Plot: A man adopts his late grandfather’s young daughter, navigating single parenthood with tender missteps.
• Similarities to Franklin: Focuses on familial love and growth through small challenges, echoing Franklin’s parent-child themes.
• Details: 11 episodes – MAL: 8.3 – Studio: Production I.G – Awards: Kodansha Manga Award source material.

7. Sweetness & Lightning (2016)

• Streaming: Crunchyroll
• Plot: A widowed teacher learns to cook for his daughter with help from a student, bonding over meals and grief.
• Similarities to Franklin: Uses food and cooperation to explore healing, akin to Franklin’s community-centered problem-solving.
• Details: 12 episodes – MAL: 7.8 – Studio: TMS Entertainment – Awards: None, but lauded for emotional authenticity.

8. Non Non Biyori (2013)

• Streaming: Crunchyroll, HiDive
• Plot: Children in a depopulated countryside find joy in seasonal activities, from bug-catching to festivals.
• Similarities to Franklin: Captures childhood curiosity and rural camaraderie, paralleling Franklin’s outdoor escapades.
• Details: 36 episodes – MAL: 8.0 – Studio: Silver Link – Awards: Newtype Anime Award (2014).

9. Yuru Camp (2018)

• Streaming: Crunchyroll
• Plot: High schoolers bond over camping trips, sharing stories, food, and quiet moments under the stars.
• Similarities to Franklin: Highlights teamwork and appreciation for nature, reminiscent of Franklin’s pond adventures.
• Details: 25 episodes – MAL: 8.3 – Studio: C-Station – Awards: Crunchyroll Anime Award (2021).

10. Mitsuboshi Colors (2018)

• Streaming: HiDive
• Plot: Three girls form a “Colors” club to protect their town from “evil,” tackling imaginary missions with earnestness.
• Similarities to Franklin: Episodic, playful problem-solving through a child’s lens, evoking Franklin’s innocent perspective.
• Details: 12 episodes – MAL: 7.0 – Studio: Silver Link – Awards: None, but beloved for chaotic charm.

11. Poco’s Udon World (2016)

• Streaming: Crunchyroll
• Plot: A web designer returns home to inherit his father’s udon shop, adopting a shapeshifting tanuki child.
• Similarities to Franklin: Blends supernatural elements with heartfelt parenting themes, similar to Franklin’s family focus.
• Details: 12 episodes – MAL: 7.7 – Studio: Liden Films – Awards: None, but noted for emotional depth.

12. Hakumei and Mikochi (2018)

• Streaming: Crunchyroll
• Plot: 3-inch-tall forest dwellers craft tiny lives—foraging, befriending animals, and attending bug-sized festivals.
• Similarities to Franklin: Anthropomorphic characters and whimsical daily hurdles mirror Franklin’s animal-community dynamic.
• Details: 12 episodes – MAL: 7.5 – Studio: Lerche – Awards: Japan Expo selection (2018).

13. Somali and the Forest Spirit (2020)

• Streaming: Crunchyroll
• Plot: A golem protects a human child in a monster-dominated world, journeying to find her kin while forming a father-daughter bond.
• Similarities to Franklin: Explores protective relationships and found family, echoing Franklin’s parental guidance.
• Details: 12 episodes – MAL: 7.8 – Studio: Satelight, HORNETS – Awards: Anime Trending Award nominee.

14. Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun (2020)

• Streaming: Crunchyroll, HBO Max
• Plot: A girl bonds with Hanako, a ghost haunting her school’s bathroom, solving supernatural mysteries with quirky allies.
• Similarities to Franklin: Balances humor and earnest growth through teamwork, akin to Franklin’s school-based lessons.
• Details: 12 episodes – MAL: 8.0 – Studio: Lerche – Awards: Crunchyroll Anime Award nominee (2021).

15. Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits (2018)

• Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
• Plot: To pay her grandfather’s debt, a girl works at a spirit inn, using culinary skills to befriend yokai guests.
• Similarities to Franklin: Centers on hospitality, cultural exchange, and gentle conflict resolution, reflecting Franklin’s community ethos.
• Details: 26 episodes – MAL: 7.4 – Studio: Gonzo – Awards: None, but praised for food-focused storytelling.

Why These Anime Work for Franklin Fans

These series prioritize character-driven growth over high-stakes plots, much like Franklin’s focus on everyday lessons. They share Franklin’s emphasis on community, whether through familial bonds (Usagi Drop), friendships (Non Non Biyori), or inter-species understanding (Somali). Their soothing narrative pacing and lack of edginess create a comforting, accessible viewing experience, while understated conflicts—like cooking challenges (Sweetness & Lightning) or camping logistics (Yuru Camp)—mirror Franklin’s low-stakes problem-solving. Most importantly, they celebrate small triumphs, teaching resilience and empathy without cynicism, making them ideal for fans seeking Franklin’s heartfelt spirit in anime form.