Look Back (2021), an emotionally resonant short film by Tatsuki Fujimoto (author of Chainsaw Man), tells a powerful story of artistic growth, friendship, and tragedy. With its minimalist yet expressive animation and deeply introspective storytelling, Look Back strikes a balance between youthful ambition and life’s unpredictability.
At its heart, it’s about the pursuit of creativity, the intensity of personal growth, and the quiet yet powerful bond formed through shared passions. If you found Look Back moving, these 15 underrated anime series might just speak to you in a similar way. They explore underdog characters, psychological depth, subversion of tropes, and narrative artistry—and they deserve a place on your watchlist.
1. The Tatami Galaxy (2010)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
Episodes: 11
MAL Rating: 8.6
Studio: Madhouse
Notable Staff: Masaaki Yuasa (Director)
Awards: Grand Prize at Japan Media Arts Festival (2010)
A nameless college student explores different timelines in search of an ideal campus life, only to realize the consequences of inaction and regret.
Like Look Back, this series delves into themes of self-doubt, creative paralysis, and existential yearning, using a unique, fast-paced narrative and bold visual design.
2. Ping Pong the Animation (2014)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
Episodes: 11
MAL Rating: 8.6
Studio: Tatsunoko Production
Notable Staff: Masaaki Yuasa (Director), Taiyō Matsumoto (Original Creator)
Awards: Tokyo Anime Award (2015)
Two childhood friends chase greatness in the world of ping pong, navigating rivalry, pressure, and purpose.
Mirroring Look Back’s core, it’s a story about ambition, friendship, and personal evolution—with a distinct, unconventional animation style.
3. Aoi Bungaku Series (2009)
Streaming: HIDIVE
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 8.0
Studio: Madhouse
Notable Staff: Tetsurō Araki (Death Note) on select episodes
An anthology adapting famous Japanese literary works, each segment explores dark psychological themes through rich visual direction.
Its narrative experimentation and emotional depth align with Look Back’s tone, particularly stories like No Longer Human.
4. Blue Period (2021)
Streaming: Netflix
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 7.8
Studio: Seven Arcs
Notable Staff: Koji Masunari (Chief Director)
A high school student discovers the world of art and pushes himself into the competitive world of art school admissions.
Echoes Look Back’s artist’s journey, inner doubt, and discipline versus inspiration, with a realistic take on creative struggle.
5. Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu (2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 13 (Season 1)
MAL Rating: 8.6
Studio: Studio Deen
Notable Staff: Mamoru Hatakeyama (Director)
Awards: Sugoi Japan Award (2017)
A man learns the traditional storytelling art of rakugo, tracing legacies, relationships, and personal cost.
The series is deeply character-driven, meditative, and steeped in creative legacy, much like Look Back.
6. Sarazanmai (2019)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 11
MAL Rating: 7.5
Studio: MAPPA & Lapin Track
Notable Staff: Kunihiko Ikuhara (Director)
Three teens connect through surreal experiences involving desire, secrets, and transformation.
Like Look Back, this series blends surrealism with grounded emotional themes and explores what bonds people.
7. Run with the Wind (2018)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 23
MAL Rating: 8.4
Studio: Production I.G
Notable Staff: Kazuya Nomura (Director)
College misfits come together to form a long-distance running team.
It’s a slow-burn underdog story with introspective character arcs and quiet emotional payoff—mirroring Look Back’s character evolution.
8. Wonder Egg Priority (2021)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 7.6
Studio: CloverWorks
Notable Staff: Shin Wakabayashi (Director)
A girl enters a surreal world to save her deceased friend, unraveling trauma and identity.
Shares Look Back’s themes of loss, creativity as coping, and strong visual storytelling.
9. Beast Player Erin (2009)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 50
MAL Rating: 8.3
Studio: Trans Arts
Notable Staff: Takayuki Hamana (Director)
A young girl bonds with mythical creatures amid political unrest.
Its quiet storytelling, emotional realism, and growth from solitude connect deeply with Look Back’s tone.
10. Dennou Coil (2007)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 26
MAL Rating: 8.1
Studio: Madhouse
Notable Staff: Mitsuo Iso (Director)
Awards: Nihon SF Taisho Award (2008)
Kids investigate digital phenomena that blur the line between AR and reality.
Its childlike curiosity layered with deep existential questions mirrors Look Back’s approach to youth and purpose.
11. Kaiba (2008)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 8.1
Studio: Madhouse
Notable Staff: Masaaki Yuasa (Director)
In a world where memories can be stored and sold, a man searches for identity.
This one stands out for its bold animation and introspective storytelling, much like the aesthetic experimentation in Look Back.
12. Kujira no Kora wa Sajou ni Utau (2017)
Streaming: Netflix
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 7.3
Studio: J.C. Staff
A drifting island of empaths uncovers brutal truths about their origin.
Balances beautiful visuals with tragic undertones, similar to Look Back’s contrast of youthful optimism and grim reality.
13. Pet (2020)
Streaming: Amazon Prime Video
Episodes: 13
MAL Rating: 6.8
Studio: Geno Studio
Psychic “Pets” manipulate memories for shadowy organizations.
It shares Look Back’s subversion of genre tropes and a haunting exploration of mind and identity.
14. Oniisama e… (1991)
Streaming: RetroCrush, YouTube
Episodes: 39
MAL Rating: 7.7
Studio: Tezuka Productions
Notable Staff: Osamu Dezaki (Director)
A girl enters a prestigious academy and unravels emotional complexities and dark secrets.
Despite its vintage style, it presents emotional character arcs and subtle pacing akin to Look Back.
15. Hoshiai no Sora (2019)
Streaming: Funimation
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 7.4
Studio: 8bit
A middle school soft tennis team becomes a space for emotional healing and connection.
Like Look Back, this series is about quiet emotional struggles, trauma, and fragile relationships, often hiding beneath the surface.
Why These Anime Work for Look Back Fans
If Look Back spoke to you, it’s likely because of its emotional sincerity, introspective character development, and raw depiction of artistic drive. The anime listed here may differ in setting or genre, but they share a commitment to human complexity, unconventional storytelling, and thematic weight. These are shows that don’t shout for attention—but they linger, just like Look Back did.
