Mushishi (2005) is a quiet masterpiece of atmospheric storytelling, known for its introspective tone, episodic structure, and spiritual themes. Centered around Ginko, a “Mushi Master,” the anime explores the subtle interactions between nature and supernatural beings called Mushi. With its minimalist visuals and meditative pace, Mushishi forgoes traditional action-driven narratives in favor of existential wonder and emotional depth.
The anime stands out by subverting typical power-system tropes and delivering thought-provoking tales of human vulnerability, resilience, and the invisible forces that shape life. If you’ve already walked the path of Ginko and are seeking more hidden gems that echo Mushishi’s quiet brilliance, this list will guide you through 15 underrated series that share thematic or stylistic kinship.
1. Natsume’s Book of Friends (2008)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- Plot: Takashi Natsume can see spirits and inherits a mysterious book that binds them. He seeks to free them while understanding their sorrow.
- Similarities: Episodic structure, gentle storytelling, spirit-human dynamics, emotional resolutions.
- MAL Rating: 8.29
- Episodes: 74 + 6 OVAs
- Studio: Brain’s Base, Shuka
- Notable Staff: Directed by Takahiro Omori (Durarara!!)
- Awards: Multiple Tokyo Anime Awards nominations
2. The Eccentric Family (2013)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: In Kyoto, tanuki, tengu, and humans live hidden lives. Yasaburou, a carefree tanuki, navigates family drama and spiritual politics.
- Similarities: Focus on folklore, subtle character arcs, slow-paced narrative, whimsical yet melancholic tone.
- MAL Rating: 7.99
- Episodes: 25 (2 seasons)
- Studio: P.A. Works
- Notable Staff: Writer Tomihiko Morimi (The Tatami Galaxy)
- Awards: Jury recommended at Japan Media Arts Festival
3. Mononoke (2007)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Prime Video
- Plot: A mysterious medicine seller exorcises vengeful spirits, revealing their Form, Truth, and Reason.
- Similarities: Episodic, folklore-rooted tales, spiritual themes, unique art reminiscent of Mushishi’s ambiance.
- MAL Rating: 8.45
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Toei Animation
- Notable Staff: Kenji Nakamura (Gatchaman Crowds)
- Awards: Excellence Prize at Japan Media Arts Festival
4. Kemono no Souja Erin (2009)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Erin, a young girl with a deep connection to mystical beasts, grows up uncovering truths about her world’s war and politics.
- Similarities: Coming-of-age in a natural world, gentle pacing, introspective narration, moral dilemmas.
- MAL Rating: 8.18
- Episodes: 50
- Studio: Production I.G, Trans Arts
- Notable Staff: Writer Nahoko Uehashi (Moribito)
- Awards: Recommended Work, Japan Media Arts Festival
5. Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu (2016)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A former prisoner seeks to become a rakugo storyteller, unraveling the complex past of his master.
- Similarities: Deep character studies, quiet emotional unraveling, strong use of traditional art and culture.
- MAL Rating: 8.61
- Episodes: 25 (2 seasons)
- Studio: Studio Deen
- Notable Staff: Director Shinichi Omata (Kaguya-sama)
- Awards: Tokyo Anime Award 2017 – Best TV Anime
6. Haibane Renmei (2002)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Plot: Rakka awakens as a winged being in a walled town, slowly unraveling the meaning of her new existence.
- Similarities: Mystical ambiguity, spiritual symbolism, soft tone, reflections on life and redemption.
- MAL Rating: 8.12
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: Radix
- Notable Staff: Creator Yoshitoshi ABe (Serial Experiments Lain)
- Awards: Best Art Direction, Tokyo Anime Fair
7. Hakumei and Mikochi (2018)
- Streaming: HIDIVE
- Plot: Two tiny women live in a world of small forest creatures, crafting, cooking, and exploring their vibrant surroundings.
- Similarities: Nature-centric storytelling, slow pace, immersive world-building, everyday wonder.
- MAL Rating: 7.66
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Lerche
- Notable Staff: Director Masaomi Andou (Scum’s Wish)
8. Kaiba (2008)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: In a world where memories can be transferred between bodies, Kaiba searches for his past.
- Similarities: Existential themes, surreal storytelling, minimal dialogue, deep emotional arcs.
- MAL Rating: 8.14
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Madhouse
- Notable Staff: Masaaki Yuasa (Ping Pong the Animation)
- Awards: Excellence Prize, Japan Media Arts Festival
9. NieA Under 7 (2000)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Plot: A broke student lives with a freeloading alien in a post-economic slump Japan, blending slice-of-life with quiet sci-fi.
- Similarities: Understated sci-fi, social commentary, quiet humor, subtle character development.
- MAL Rating: 6.93
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: Triangle Staff
- Notable Staff: Yoshitoshi ABe and Chiaki J. Konaka (Serial Experiments Lain)
10. The Big O (1999)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: In a city where people lost their memories, a negotiator uses a giant robot to uncover forgotten truths.
- Similarities: Episodic noir style, mystery-building, philosophical undercurrents, retro design.
- MAL Rating: 7.51
- Episodes: 26
- Studio: Sunrise
- Notable Staff: Keiichi Sato (Tiger & Bunny)
11. Mahoutsukai no Yome: Hoshi Matsu Hito (2016 OVA)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: These OVAs explore Chise’s life before the events of The Ancient Magus’ Bride, focusing on her loneliness and budding curiosity.
- Similarities: Spiritual fantasy, emotional depth, mysterious mentor figures, atmospheric storytelling.
- MAL Rating: 7.91
- Episodes: 3
- Studio: Wit Studio
- Notable Staff: Norihiro Naganuma (The Ancient Magus’ Bride)
12. Mokke (2007)
- Streaming: Unavailable officially (DVD import only)
- Plot: Two sisters can see spirits and confront various yokai in their daily rural lives.
- Similarities: Slice-of-life meets supernatural, familial warmth, episodic tales like Mushishi.
- MAL Rating: 7.19
- Episodes: 24
- Studio: Madhouse
- Notable Staff: Masayoshi Nishida (Trigun)
13. Kino’s Journey (2003)
- Streaming: HIDIVE
- Plot: Kino travels from country to country on a talking motorcycle, staying only three days to observe and learn.
- Similarities: Episodic structure, philosophical themes, meditative tone, outsider perspective.
- MAL Rating: 8.36
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: A.C.G.T
- Notable Staff: Directed by Ryutaro Nakamura (Serial Experiments Lain)
14. Sarazanmai (2019)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Three boys are turned into kappas and must reveal hidden secrets to reclaim their human forms.
- Similarities: Abstract symbolism, episodic spiritual themes, introspective character focus.
- MAL Rating: 7.52
- Episodes: 11
- Studio: MAPPA
- Notable Staff: Kunihiko Ikuhara (Revolutionary Girl Utena)
15. House of Five Leaves (2010)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A timid samurai becomes entangled with a mysterious gang and begins to question morality and loyalty.
- Similarities: Slow-burn character development, historical tone, soft visuals, subtle tension.
- MAL Rating: 7.79
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Manglobe
- Notable Staff: Director Tomomi Mochizuki (Twin Spica)
Why These Anime Work for Mushishi Fans
These titles, though often overlooked, mirror Mushishi‘s unique blend of reflective storytelling, spiritual exploration, and emotionally resonant characters. From quiet journeys through the supernatural to deeply personal tales of growth and connection, each offers a fresh perspective grounded in human experience. Whether you’re drawn to nature, folklore, or simply slow-paced narratives with heart, these anime prove that powerful storytelling doesn’t require explosions—just depth, subtlety, and soul.
