Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989) is a beloved Studio Ghibli film directed by Hayao Miyazaki, following a young witch named Kiki who leaves home to train independently in a new town, facing challenges of self-doubt, personal growth, and building community ties. At its core, the story explores themes of independence, maturation through everyday struggles, self-confidence in the face of comparison, and the uplifting role of female relationships in a whimsical, magical setting.
While it’s a classic, many anime series echo these elements but remain underappreciated; this article highlights 15 such underrated gems that deserve more attention for their heartfelt coming-of-age narratives, subtle fantasy elements, and focus on emotional resilience, often overshadowed by more action-packed mainstream hits.
1. Flying Witch (2016)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- MAL Rating: 7.52
- Episode Count: 12
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Katsushi Sakurabi; produced by J.C. Staff
- Awards/Recognition: Nominated for Best Animation at the 2017 Tokyo Anime Award Festival
A young witch named Makoto moves to a rural town to live with relatives and hone her magical skills, navigating daily life and minor supernatural mishaps with her talking cat companion. This series mirrors Kiki’s Delivery Service through its slice-of-life exploration of a young witch’s independence, self-discovery in a new environment, and gentle themes of growing up amid everyday magic and community bonds.
2. Little Witch Academia (2017)
- Streaming Availability: Netflix
- MAL Rating: 7.81
- Episode Count: 25
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Yoh Yoshinari; produced by Trigger
- Awards/Recognition: Won Best TV Anime at the 2018 Tokyo Anime Award Festival
Atsuko “Akko” Kagari enrolls in a magical academy despite lacking innate talent, striving to become a great witch through sheer determination and friendship. Like Kiki’s, it emphasizes underdog maturation, self-confidence amid comparisons to more skilled peers, and the theme of independence through magical training and personal growth in a supportive, whimsical world.
3. Tweeny Witches (2004)
- Streaming Availability: Not widely available (check Tubi or DVD)
- MAL Rating: 7.02
- Episode Count: 40 (short episodes)
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Yoshiharu Ashino; produced by Studio 4°C
- Awards/Recognition: Praised for innovative animation at international festivals, though no major awards
A girl named Arusu is transported to a magical world where witches capture fairies for power, and she challenges the status quo with her optimistic ideals. It shares Kiki’s focus on a young girl’s maturation in a magical society, themes of independence and self-belief against established norms, and subtle critiques of conformity through heartfelt character development.
4. Barakamon (2014)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- MAL Rating: 8.37
- Episode Count: 12
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Masaki Tachibana; produced by Kinema Citrus
- Awards/Recognition: Nominated for Comedy Anime of the Year at the 2015 Anime Grand Prix
A calligrapher exiled to a remote island after a professional setback finds inspiration and personal growth through interactions with quirky villagers, especially children. Echoing Kiki’s narrative, it highlights artistic independence, overcoming self-doubt in a new community, and maturation via everyday challenges and uplifting relationships.
5. Non Non Biyori (2013)
- Streaming Availability: HIDIVE, Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: 7.93
- Episode Count: 12 (Season 1; multiple seasons available)
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Shinya Kawatsura; produced by Silver Link
- Awards/Recognition: Won Best Slice-of-Life at fan polls, but largely underrecognized
A city girl moves to a rural village and adapts to slow-paced life with her school friends, discovering joy in simple adventures. Similar to Kiki’s, it captures themes of independence in a new setting, personal growth through community ties, and the quiet maturation of youth in a feel-good, nature-infused style.
6. Silver Spoon (2013)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: 8.07
- Episode Count: 11 (Season 1; 2 seasons)
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Tomohiko Ito; produced by A-1 Pictures
- Awards/Recognition: Based on manga by Hiromu Arakawa (Fullmetal Alchemist author); won Manga Taisho Award indirectly
A stressed urban teen enrolls in an agricultural high school to escape expectations, learning about hard work and self-reliance through farm life. It parallels Kiki’s underdog journey of independence, self-confidence building, and maturation via practical challenges and supportive peer relationships.
7. A Place Further Than the Universe (2018)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: 8.52
- Episode Count: 13
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Atsuko Ishizuka; produced by Madhouse
- Awards/Recognition: Won Anime of the Year at the 2019 Crunchyroll Anime Awards
Four high school girls band together to travel to Antarctica, overcoming personal fears and societal doubts to pursue their dreams. Like Kiki’s, it focuses on female-driven independence, maturation through adventure, and themes of self-confidence and mutual upliftment in a coming-of-age tale.
8. Violet Evergarden (2018)
- Streaming Availability: Netflix
- MAL Rating: 8.66
- Episode Count: 13
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Taichi Ishidate; produced by Kyoto Animation
- Awards/Recognition: Won Best Animation at the 2019 Crunchyroll Anime Awards
A former child soldier becomes an Auto Memory Doll, writing letters to understand emotions and find her place in a post-war world. It shares Kiki’s emphasis on emotional independence, personal growth from loss, and self-discovery through service-oriented work in a beautifully animated, introspective style.
9. March Comes in Like a Lion (2016)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: 8.36
- Episode Count: 22 (Season 1; 2 seasons)
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Akiyuki Shinbo; produced by Shaft
- Awards/Recognition: Nominated for multiple awards; praised for mental health portrayal
A young professional shogi player battles depression and isolation, finding solace in a supportive family and his passion. Mirroring Kiki’s, it explores maturation amid self-doubt, building confidence through community, and quiet independence in a unique, artistic animation style.
10. Tamayura (2011)
- Streaming Availability: HIDIVE
- MAL Rating: 7.32
- Episode Count: 12 (multiple seasons/OVAs)
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Junichi Sato; produced by TYO Animations
- Awards/Recognition: Underrecognized but lauded for healing themes
A girl returns to her hometown and pursues photography to heal from her father’s death, forming bonds with friends. It echoes Kiki’s themes of independence after loss, self-confidence through creative pursuits, and community-driven maturation.
11. Sound of the Sky (2010)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: 7.51
- Episode Count: 12
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Mamoru Kanbe; produced by A-1 Pictures
- Awards/Recognition: Noted for anti-war themes; cult following
A young trumpeter joins a military outpost in a post-apocalyptic world, learning about friendship and purpose amid peace. Similar to Kiki’s, it highlights female independence, growth in isolation, and uplifting relationships in a subtle fantasy setting.
12. Hidamari Sketch (2007)
- Streaming Availability: HIDIVE
- MAL Rating: 7.41
- Episode Count: 12 (Season 1; multiple seasons)
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Akiyuki Shinbo; produced by Shaft
- Awards/Recognition: Praised for experimental animation
Art school students navigate daily life and creative aspirations in a dorm. It parallels Kiki’s artistic independence, self-doubt, and maturation through peer support in a cozy, slice-of-life format.
13. The Great Passage (2016)
- Streaming Availability: Amazon Prime
- MAL Rating: 7.57
- Episode Count: 11
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Toshimasa Kuroyanagi; produced by Zexcs
- Awards/Recognition: Based on award-winning novel; subtle acclaim
A socially awkward man joins a dictionary team, finding purpose and growth through meticulous work. Like Kiki’s, it focuses on professional independence, self-confidence, and quiet maturation in a unique, intellectual narrative.
14. Tanaka-kun is Always Listless (2016)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: 7.82
- Episode Count: 12
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Shinya Kawatsura; produced by Silver Link
- Awards/Recognition: Fan-favorite for comedy; underrated gem
A perpetually lazy student relies on friends to navigate school life, slowly gaining motivation. It shares Kiki’s themes of self-discovery, independence through relationships, and lighthearted growth.
15. Somali and the Forest Spirit (2020)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: 7.81
- Episode Count: 12
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Kenji Yasuda; produced by Satelight
- Awards/Recognition: Praised for emotional depth; underseen fantasy
A golem protects a human girl in a world of monsters, embarking on a journey to find her kind. Echoing Kiki’s, it explores surrogate family bonds, maturation in a magical world, and independence amid loss.
Why These Anime Work for Kiki’s Delivery Service Fans
These series resonate with Kiki’s Delivery Service enthusiasts by emphasizing personal growth, independence, and community in understated ways, often blending slice-of-life with subtle fantasy. Their underrated status means they offer fresh perspectives without the hype of blockbusters, rewarding viewers with intimate character arcs and emotional depth that capture the magic of everyday maturation. If you loved Kiki’s whimsical journey, these hidden gems provide similar heartwarming escapes deserving of a wider audience.
