Kung Fu Panda 3 centers on Po’s journey to embrace mentorship, reconcile his dual heritage, and unite a community against existential threats through shared strength.
These 15 underrated anime mirror its themes of self-discovery, found family, and balancing humor with emotional depth, offering fresh takes on growth through collective resilience.
1. Run with the Wind (2018)
Streaming: Crunchyroll/HiDive | MAL: 8.43 | Episodes: 23
A college track team of novices trains for Japan’s elite marathon, learning teamwork and self-worth through grueling practice.
Similarities: Underdog camaraderie and incremental growth mirror Po’s training of the pandas, emphasizing perseverance over innate talent.
2. Mushishi (2005)
Streaming: Hulu | MAL: 8.67 | Episodes: 46
A “Mushi Master” solves supernatural phenomena tied to primal life forms, blending existential themes with serene storytelling.
Similarities: Explores interconnectedness and acceptance of life’s mysteries, akin to Po’s journey toward inner peace.
3. Scissor Seven (2018)
Streaming: Netflix | MAL: 8.1 | Episodes: 40
A bumbling amnesiac assassin balances comedic mishaps with dark past revelations while protecting his island community.
Similarities: Mixes slapstick humor and emotional stakes, paralleling Po’s transition from clown to selfless hero.
4. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit (2007)
Streaming: Crunchyroll | MAL: 8.3 | Episodes: 26
A warrior woman protects a prince harboring a destructive spirit, blending action with spiritual introspection.
Similarities: Balances combat with philosophical depth, reflecting Kung Fu Panda 3’s narrative layers.
5. The Twelve Kingdoms (2002)
Streaming: HiDive | MAL: 8.34 | Episodes: 45
A high school girl thrust into a mythical realm confronts insecurities while leading a fractured kingdom.
Similarities: Focuses on self-discovery and leadership, mirroring Po’s evolution from doubt to confidence.
6. House of Five Leaves (2010)
Streaming: Crunchyroll | MAL: 7.7 | Episodes: 12
A timid samurai joins kidnappers, uncovering their tragic pasts and shared loneliness.
Similarities: Explores found family dynamics, echoing Po’s bonds with the panda village.
7. Karakuri Circus (2018)
Streaming: Prime Video | MAL: 7.16 | Episodes: 36
An heir, a martial artist, and a puppeteer battle sentient automatons tied to a centuries-old curse.
Similarities: Balances spectacle with emotional stakes, akin to Po’s struggle against Kai.
8. Dororo (2019)
Streaming: Prime Video | MAL: 8.25 | Episodes: 24
A disfigured samurai regains his body by defeating demons, grappling with humanity and vengeance.
Similarities: Themes of reclaiming identity align with Po’s quest to embrace his panda heritage.
9. Children of the Whales (2017)
Streaming: Netflix | MAL: 7.2 | Episodes: 12
Islanders on a floating vessel confront harsh truths about their existence while seeking hope.
Similarities: Emphasizes community resilience, mirroring Po’s fight to protect his home.
10. Samurai Champloo (2004)
Streaming: Hulu | MAL: 8.55 | Episodes: 26
A trio travels feudal Japan, blending hip-hop culture with swordplay while confronting personal demons.
Similarities: Mixes humor and existential themes, echoing Kung Fu Panda 3’s tonal balance.
11. Somali and the Forest Spirit (2020)
Streaming: Crunchyroll | MAL: 7.8 | Episodes: 12
A golem becomes a surrogate father to a human girl in a world where humans are hunted.
Similarities: Explores non-traditional family bonds, akin to Po’s relationship with Li Shan and Mr. Ping.
12. Tsurune (2018)
Streaming: Crunchyroll | MAL: 7.8 | Episodes: 13
An archery team overcomes personal traumas to master the art of “tsurune” (bowstring resonance).
Similarities: Focuses on teamwork and healing, paralleling Po’s community-centric growth.
13. A Place Further Than the Universe (2018)
Streaming: Crunchyroll | MAL: 8.7 | Episodes: 13
Four girls embark on an Antarctic expedition to confront grief, regrets, and self-doubt.
Similarities: Highlights collective empowerment, mirroring the pandas’ mobilization under Po.
14. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013)
Streaming: Max | MAL: 8.3 | Episodes: Film (2h 17m)
A celestial princess struggles with earthly expectations, yearning for freedom and authenticity.
Similarities: Focuses on self-definition against societal pressures, akin to Po’s defiance of labels.
15. Silver Spoon (2013)
Streaming: Crunchyroll | MAL: 8.17 | Episodes: 22
A city boy enrolls in an agricultural school, learning resilience and community through farm life.
Similarities: Balances humor with life lessons, reflecting Po’s blend of comedy and mentorship.
Why These Anime Work for Kung Fu Panda 3 Fans
These series prioritize communal growth over solo heroism, blending lighthearted moments with introspective arcs. Like Po, their protagonists confront self-doubt, redefine their identities, and harness collective strength to overcome adversity.
Whether through mentorship, found family, or balancing tradition with innovation, they resonate with fans seeking stories where triumph stems from unity and authenticity.
