Inspector Gadget remains a beloved classic for its blend of bumbling detective antics, inventive gadgetry, and lighthearted crime-fighting. The series’ core appeal lies in its clumsy yet well-intentioned hero, comedic escapades, and straightforward good-versus-evil narratives.
While mainstream hits often dominate discussions, these 15 underrated anime capture similar charm through eccentric protagonists, gadget-driven action, or comedic crime-solving, yet remain overlooked gems deserving of attention.
1. Brave Police J-Decker (1994)
Streaming: Not available on major platforms
Plot: Ten-year-old Yuuta Tomonaga leads sentient robots in the Brave Police unit, combining crime-solving with Super Robot action. Their missions balance chaos and heroism against various threats.
Similarities: Features a gadget-equipped robot team and lighthearted law enforcement, echoing Inspector Gadget’s blend of tech and accidental heroism.
Details: 48 episodes, Studio Sunrise production, MAL score: 7.25.
2. You’re Under Arrest (1996)
Streaming: HIDIVE
Plot: Traffic cops Natsumi and Miyuki tackle petty crimes and absurd cases in Tokyo, mixing slapstick comedy with light detective work.
Similarities: Shares Gadget’s comedic “clumsy cop” trope and episodic crime-solving structure, minus gadgets but with equal chaos.
Details: 52 episodes, Studio Deen, MAL score: 7.45.
3. Hamatora (2014)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: Detectives Nice and Murasaki solve crimes using supernatural abilities (“Minimum”) in Yokohama, stumbling into darker conspiracies.
Similarities: Gadget-like absurdity in its “stylish detective” approach and gadget-esque powers, wrapped in humor.
Details: 24 episodes, NAZ studio, MAL score: 6.98.
4. The File of Young Kindaichi (1997)
Streaming: RetroCrush
Plot: Lazy high-schooler Hajime Kindaichi solves complex murders using inherited detective genius, despite his clumsy demeanor.
Similarities: Mirrors Gadget’s “unlikely hero” dynamic, blending apparent incompetence with surprising cleverness.
Details: 148 episodes, Toei Animation, MAL score: 7.78.
5. Tantei Opera Milky Holmes (2010)
Streaming: HIDIVE
Plot: Four detective girls with superpowers bumble through cases in a parody-driven world after losing their abilities.
Similarities: Direct homage to gadget-reliant heroes with exaggerated comedy and gadget-themed powers.
Details: 24 episodes, J.C.Staff, MAL score: 6.32.
6. Ghost Hunt (2006)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A team of paranormal investigators uses tech-driven tools to solve supernatural cases, led by the pragmatic Naru.
Similarities: Gadget-esque tech (EVP meters, motion sensors) and comedic team mishaps during investigations.
Details: 25 episodes, J.C.Staff, MAL score: 7.72.
7. KochiKame: Tokyo Beat Cops (1996)
Streaming: Not available
Plot: Veteran cop Kankichi Ryotsu’s lazy antics disrupt Tokyo police work, featuring episodic slapstick and low-stakes crime.
Similarities: Embodies Gadget’s “clumsy cop” spirit with relentless physical comedy and inept crime-solving.
Details: 373 episodes, Studio Gallop, MAL score: 7.85.
8. Cyborg 009: The Cyborg Soldier (2001)
Streaming: RetroCrush
Plot: Nine cyborgs with unique abilities fight global terrorism, led by the idealistic Joe Shimamura.
Similarities: Gadget-like bionic heroes and tech-driven action, though more serialized4.
Details: 51 episodes, Production Reed, MAL score: 7.25.
9. Patlabor: The Early Days (1988)
Streaming: HiDive
Plot: Tokyo’s Patrol Labor Unit uses giant mechs for comedic police work, balancing bureaucracy and kaiju chaos.
Similarities: Gadget-esque “tech-as-comedy” approach with malfunctioning mechs and bureaucratic satire.
Details: 7 OVA episodes, Headgear/Studio Deen, MAL score: 7.65.
10. Sherlock Hound (1984)
Streaming: Disc-only
Plot: Sherlock Holmes reimagined as a dog in steampunk London, solving crimes with analog gadgets and wit.
Similarities: Gadget-style retro tech (e.g., transforming cars) and family-friendly mystery-solving.
Details: 26 episodes, TMS Entertainment, directed by Hayao Miyazaki.
11. Princess Principal (2017)
Streaming: HIDIVE
Plot: Steampunk spies in alternate London use inventive gadgets for espionage, blending action with dry humor.
Similarities: Creative gadgetry (e.g., hover-tech) and lighthearted spy antics akin to Penny’s covert help.
Details: 12 episodes, Actas/Studio 3Hz, MAL score: 7.60.
12. Cop Craft (2019)
Streaming: Funimation
Plot: Human cop Kei Matoba and fairy knight Tirana solve interdimensional crimes with clashing personalities.
Similarities: Odd-couple dynamic and comedic police work reminiscent of Gadget and Brain.
Details: 12 episodes, Millepensee, MAL score: 6.95.
13. Beautiful Bones: Sakurako’s Investigation (2015)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: Osteologist Sakurako Kujo solves murders via bone analysis, aided by high-schooler Shotaro.
Similarities: Gadget-like “niche expert” focus (bones vs. gadgets) and episodic mysteries.
Details: 12 episodes, TROYCA, MAL score: 7.15.
14. Astro Fighter Sunred (2008)
Streaming: Disc-only
Plot: Unemployed hero Sunred lazes about while his nemesis Florsheim plots inept villainy in a satirical superhero world.
Similarities: Subverts Gadget’s “hero vs. incompetent villain” trope with deadpan humor and minimal stakes.
Details: 32 episodes, AIC, MAL score: 7.40.
15. Dual! Parallel Trouble Adventure (1999)
Streaming: Disc-only
Plot: High-schooler Kazuki stumbles into mecha battles across dimensions, blending sci-fi action with comedy.
Similarities: Gadget-esque accidental heroism and gadget-driven mecha fights, wrapped in absurdity.
Details: 13 episodes, AIC, MAL score: 6.80.
Why These Anime Work for Inspector Gadget Fans
These series embrace Inspector Gadget’s spirit through eccentric protagonists who triumph despite incompetence, gadget-centric problem-solving, and episodic humor. They prioritize charm over complexity, echoing Gadget’s emphasis on lighthearted adventure rather than grim stakes. While lesser-known, their inventive takes on crime-fighting—from bionic heroes to parody-driven detectives—offer the same nostalgic blend of chaos and heart that defined the classic series. For fans seeking underdog stories with tech-flavored comedy, these titles deliver refreshing alternatives to mainstream hits.
