Katanagatari stands as a unique masterpiece in the anime world — a blend of historical fantasy, quirky dialogue-driven storytelling, minimalist but striking animation, and unconventional character development. Its core revolves around deconstructing the hero’s journey, presenting power not as brute strength but as nuanced manipulation, strategy, and resolve. With a monthly episodic release and a distinct visual identity, it subverts the expectations of a typical action-adventure anime.
If you were captivated by Katanagatari’s slow-burn narrative, evolving character dynamics, and philosophical underpinnings, this list is curated just for you. Below are 15 underrated anime that mirror its themes, narrative depth, or artistic boldness — and absolutely deserve more attention.
1. Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu (2016)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- MAL Rating: 8.60
- Episodes: 13 (Season 1), 12 (Season 2)
- Studio: Studio DEEN
Plot Summary: A former convict aspires to become a rakugo (Japanese storytelling) performer under a master haunted by his own tragic past. The story unravels through flashbacks that reveal generational bonds, betrayal, and unfulfilled dreams.
Why It’s Similar: Like Katanagatari, it’s dialogue-heavy, character-centric, and explores the art of performance as a metaphor for identity and transformation. It also subverts traditional narrative expectations through non-linear storytelling.
2. House of Five Leaves (2010)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- MAL Rating: 7.82
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Manglobe
Plot Summary: A timid ronin becomes entangled with a mysterious gang who kidnaps people for ransom — but their motives may not be as dark as they seem.
Why It’s Similar: Set in the Edo period, it has a similar minimalist aesthetic and slow-burning character development. Its themes of loyalty, morality, and identity mirror the introspective depth of Katanagatari.
3. Sarazanmai (2019)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- MAL Rating: 7.48
- Episodes: 11
- Studio: MAPPA, Lapin Track
- Notable Staff: Kunihiko Ikuhara (Revolutionary Girl Utena)
Plot Summary: Three middle school boys are transformed into kappas and must collect “shirikodama” to fulfill their desires and protect their bonds.
Why It’s Similar: It uses surreal visuals and abstract storytelling to explore emotional transformation and hidden motives, much like Katanagatari’s symbolic battles and layered dialogue.
4. The Tatami Galaxy (2010)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: 8.57
- Episodes: 11
- Studio: Madhouse
- Notable Staff: Masaaki Yuasa
Plot Summary: A college student relives different timelines of his university life, each time making different choices that lead to surreal consequences.
Why It’s Similar: Dense, witty dialogue and an experimental visual style make this a cousin to Katanagatari in tone. Both dissect human choice, personal growth, and the consequences of perception.
5. Kyousougiga (2013)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: 7.75
- Episodes: 10 + 1 OVA
- Studio: Toei Animation
Plot Summary: A girl enters a mirror world ruled by gods, time loops, and forgotten memories as she searches for her missing family.
Why It’s Similar: Combines chaotic worldbuilding with deep emotional storytelling. Like Katanagatari, it blends folklore and philosophy with vibrant animation and intimate character arcs.
6. Ergo Proxy (2006)
- Streaming: Funimation, Hulu
- MAL Rating: 7.91
- Episodes: 23
- Studio: Manglobe
Plot Summary: In a dystopian future, a female inspector investigates mysterious murders linked to androids and uncovers existential truths.
Why It’s Similar: Heavy dialogue, philosophical themes, and slow narrative pacing define this cult classic. The show, like Katanagatari, doesn’t spoon-feed answers and requires active viewer engagement.
7. Kaiba (2008)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: 8.16
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Madhouse
- Notable Staff: Masaaki Yuasa
Plot Summary: In a future where memories can be transferred between bodies, a boy wakes up without his memory and seeks the truth of his identity.
Why It’s Similar: Stylistically bold and philosophically rich, Kaiba and Katanagatari both use unconventional animation to explore the soul, memory, and what defines a person.
8. Kujira no Kora wa Sajou ni Utau (Children of the Whales) (2017)
- Streaming: Netflix
- MAL Rating: 7.56
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: J.C.Staff
Plot Summary: On a drifting island, a group of psychics called “Marked” live under mysterious rules until their utopia is shattered by an outside threat.
Why It’s Similar: Both feature isolated protagonists in unique worlds, slowly uncovering ancient systems of power and political manipulation. The lush visual style also evokes Katanagatari‘s aesthetic flair.
9. Un-Go (2011)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: 7.42
- Episodes: 11 + 1 OVA
- Studio: Bones
Plot Summary: A detective duo solves crimes in a dystopian Japan where truth is a commodity and reality is shaped by propaganda.
Why It’s Similar: Both shows question surface truths and unravel the motivations behind facades. The dynamic between the main duo also recalls the complex interplay between Shichika and Togame.
10. Mouryou no Hako (2008)
- Streaming: Not widely available (may require DVD or niche services)
- MAL Rating: 7.63
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: Madhouse
Plot Summary: A gruesome serial killing sparks an investigation involving folklore, cults, and the supernatural, told from multiple perspectives.
Why It’s Similar: Dense with dialogue and psychological tension, it blends mystery with the surreal, offering a similar slow-build storytelling approach to Katanagatari.
11. Shiki (2010)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- MAL Rating: 7.74
- Episodes: 22 + 2 specials
- Studio: Daume
Plot Summary: A peaceful rural village becomes the epicenter of a vampiric plague that divides the community’s morals and beliefs.
Why It’s Similar: Unfolds in arcs with a thematic focus on morality, choice, and survival. The progression mirrors Katanagatari‘s shift from episodic structure to overarching conflict.
12. Hakumei to Mikochi (2018)
- Streaming: HIDIVE
- MAL Rating: 7.64
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Lerche
Plot Summary: Follows the peaceful daily life of two tiny women living in a forest society of small creatures and animals.
Why It’s Similar: While gentler in tone, its worldbuilding, attention to small character moments, and episodic charm echo Katanagatari‘s early pacing and aesthetics.
13. Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo (2004)
- Streaming: Funimation
- MAL Rating: 7.96
- Episodes: 24
- Studio: Gonzo
Plot Summary: A sci-fi reimagining of the classic revenge tale, focusing on a noble family manipulated by a mysterious stranger with a grand plan.
Why It’s Similar: Lavish visual design and long-game storytelling mirror Katanagatari‘s approach. Themes of manipulation, betrayal, and fate are central.
14. Kino no Tabi: The Beautiful World (2003)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: 8.38
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: A.C.G.T
Plot Summary: A traveler journeys across strange lands with her talking motorcycle, encountering different philosophies and societies.
Why It’s Similar: Episodic storytelling with philosophical undertones. Each stop reveals a truth or contradiction about the human condition — similar to Katanagatari‘s thematic structure.
15. Natsume Yuujinchou (2008)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- MAL Rating: 8.31
- Episodes: 6 seasons, 74 episodes total
- Studio: Brain’s Base, Shuka
Plot Summary: A boy who can see spirits tries to return their names, healing emotional scars in both yokai and humans.
Why It’s Similar: While more melancholic, its episodic arcs build into a larger emotional journey, mirroring Katanagatari‘s development. It shares that blend of folklore and self-discovery.
Why These Anime Work for Katanagatari Fans
Each of these anime embodies key elements that made Katanagatari so compelling — whether it’s a focus on intricate dialogue, slow-burning character evolution, or a strong thematic core wrapped in visual innovation. From surreal journeys and philosophical battles to deconstructed narratives and artistic expression, they challenge viewers to engage beyond the surface. For fans craving more anime that reward patience and thought, this list opens up a world of underappreciated gems waiting to be discovered.
