InuYasha captivated audiences with its blend of action, romance, and Japanese folklore, following Kagome and the half-demon InuYasha as they navigate a perilous feudal world.
The series masterfully combines themes of love, identity, and the clash between humanity and supernatural forces. For fans seeking hidden gems with similar storytelling depth, here are 15 underrated anime that echo InuYasha’s charm while offering fresh adventures.
1. Kamisama Kiss (2012)
Streaming Availability: Hulu, Funimation
MAL Rating: 7.91
Episodes: 13 + OVAs
Studio: TMS Entertainment
Plot Summary: Homeless high schooler Nanami becomes a land god and partners with the fox spirit Tomoe to navigate divine duties and supernatural conflicts.
Similarities: Blends Shinto mythology, humor, and slow-burn romance, mirroring InuYasha’s dynamic between a human and supernatural partner.
2. The Vision of Escaflowne (1996)
Streaming Availability: Funimation, Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.80
Episodes: 26
Studio: Sunrise
Plot Summary: Hitomi, a high schooler, is transported to the mystical world of Gaea, where she aids a prince in battling empires using a mecha called Escaflowne.
Similarities: Combines fantasy, mecha, and romance in an epic quest, akin to InuYasha’s mix of action and emotional stakes.
3. Blue Seed (1994)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll Amazon Channel
MAL Rating: 6.90
Episodes: 26
Studio: Production I.G
Plot Summary: Momiji, a descendant of a priestess, battles demonic Aragami with allies to prevent an ancient catastrophe.
Similarities: Focuses on Shinto lore and human-demon alliances, echoing InuYasha’s mythological roots and ensemble battles.
4. Tsubasa Chronicle (2005)
Streaming Availability: Funimation
MAL Rating: 7.60
Episodes: 52
Studio: Bee Train
Plot Summary: Syaoran travels across dimensions to retrieve Princess Sakura’s memories, encountering allies and foes from CLAMP’s multiverse.
Similarities: Multiverse adventure with romantic and supernatural elements, paralleling InuYasha’s quest-driven narrative.
5. Rin-ne (2015)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.39
Episodes: 75
Studio: Brain’s Base
Plot Summary: Sakura partners with Rinne, a broke shinigami, to help spirits pass on while navigating comedic supernatural mishaps.
Similarities: Created by Rumiko Takahashi, featuring quirky humor and human-spirit partnerships like InuYasha and Kagome.
6. The Morose Mononokean (2016)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.22
Episodes: 26
Studio: Pierrot Plus
Plot Summary: Hanae works with exorcist Abeno to guide troubled yokai, blending slice-of-life charm with supernatural drama.
Similarities: Balances humor and emotional depth in spirit-world adventures, akin to InuYasha’s lighter moments.
7. Zetsuen no Tempest (2012)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.90
Episodes: 24
Studio: Bones
Plot Summary: Mahiro and Yoshino seek revenge in a world where magic and logic collide, uncovering a plot tied to a resurrected sorceress.
Similarities: Merges fantasy, mystery, and Shakespearean tragedy, reflecting InuYasha’s mix of action and intricate lore.
8. Kyokou Suiri (In/Spectre) (2020)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, HBO Max
MAL Rating: 7.10
Episodes: 24
Studio: Brain’s Base
Plot Summary: Kotoko, a mediator between humans and yokai, teams up with immortal Kurou to solve supernatural mysteries.
Similarities: Focuses on folklore and a human-supernatural duo, mirroring InuYasha’s investigative and romantic undertones.
9. Ushio and Tora (2015)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.70
Episodes: 39
Studio: MAPPA
Plot Summary: Ushio wields a mystical spear to battle yokai alongside the demon Tora, forging an unlikely alliance.
Similarities: Classic monster-of-the-week format with evolving partnerships, reminiscent of InuYasha’s demon-slaying quests.
10. Yona of the Dawn (2014)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
MAL Rating: 8.04
Episodes: 24
Studio: Pierrot
Plot Summary: Princess Yona flees her kingdom and gathers warriors to reclaim her throne, evolving from sheltered royal to fierce leader.
Similarities: Character growth in a historical fantasy setting, akin to Kagome’s journey from modern teen to warrior.
11. Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun (2020)
Streaming Availability: Hulu, Funimation
MAL Rating: 7.85
Episodes: 12
Studio: Lerche
Plot Summary: Nene partners with Hanako, a ghost haunting her school, to solve supernatural mysteries tied to Japanese folklore.
Similarities: Blends dark humor, folklore, and a human-spirit partnership, echoing InuYasha’s tone and themes.
12. The Twelve Kingdoms (2002)
Streaming Availability: Not legally streamed (DVD/Blu-ray)
MAL Rating: 8.20
Episodes: 45
Studio: Pierrot
Plot Summary: Youko, a high schooler, is thrust into a feudal world where she must embrace her destiny as a ruler.
Similarities: Epic isekai with deep lore and protagonist growth, paralleling Kagome’s adaptation to feudal Japan.
13. D.Gray-man (2006)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
MAL Rating: 8.02
Episodes: 103
Studio: TMS Entertainment
Plot Summary: Exorcist Allen Walker battles Akuma and the Millennium Earl, grappling with his cursed eye and tragic past.
Similarities: Dark shonen with moral ambiguity and gothic aesthetics, akin to InuYasha’s battles against existential threats.
14. Noragami (2014)
Streaming Availability: Anime Times Amazon Channel
MAL Rating: 7.98
Episodes: 25
Studio: Bones
Plot Summary: Minor god Yato teams up with human Hiyori and Regalia Yukine to gain followers and battle phantoms.
Similarities: Explores divine-human bonds and redemption, mirroring InuYasha’s themes of identity and partnership.
15. Fushigi Yuugi (1995)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.65
Episodes: 52
Studio: Pierrot
Plot Summary: Miaka is transported into a mystical book’s world, becoming a priestess in a war-torn ancient China.
Similarities: Classic isekai with romance and betrayal, reflecting InuYasha’s blend of historical fantasy and emotional stakes.
Why These Anime Work for InuYasha Fans
These series capture InuYasha’s essence through folklore-rich worlds, complex character bonds, and the interplay of humor and darkness.
From Kamisama Kiss’s divine romance to The Twelve Kingdoms’ epic quests, each anime offers underrated storytelling that balances action, mythology, and emotional growth. Whether exploring feudal Japan or mystical realms, these hidden gems provide the same blend of adventure and heart that made InuYasha unforgettable.
