Fans of Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan know its unique blend of folklore-inspired power systems, the underdog’s journey, and the clever subversion of shonen tropes. With its focus on supernatural clans, loyalty, and evolving strength, it delivers far more than just action—it’s about identity, legacy, and responsibility.
Yet, many other anime share these qualities but remain overlooked. Here’s a curated list of 15 underrated anime that echo the spirit of Nura and deserve more recognition.
1. Black Blood Brothers (2006)
- Streaming: HIDIVE, RetroCrush
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.1
- Studio: Group TAC
- Plot: A veteran vampire warrior protects his younger brother while navigating conflicts between vampire clans in a modern city.
- Why It’s Similar: Much like Nura, it explores clan politics, loyalty, and supernatural hierarchies, with a protagonist struggling to reconcile his monstrous side with his human heart.
2. Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales (2006)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 11
- MAL Rating: 7.2
- Studio: Toei Animation
- Plot: An anthology of classic Japanese horror stories brought to life with rich period detail and eerie atmosphere.
- Why It’s Similar: Fans of Nura’s yokai themes will appreciate this series’ authentic folkloric storytelling and its roots in traditional Japanese ghost tales.
3. Kekkaishi (2006–2008)
- Streaming: Hulu, Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 52
- MAL Rating: 7.6
- Studio: Sunrise
- Plot: Teenagers Yoshimori and Tokine inherit the duty of defending their school from supernatural creatures using barrier-based powers.
- Why It’s Similar: A hidden world of monsters, clan rivalries, and young heirs struggling with their inherited responsibilities echoes Rikuo’s journey in Nura.
4. Mokke (2007–2008)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: 6.9
- Studio: Madhouse
- Plot: Two sisters with spiritual sensitivities navigate encounters with supernatural beings while learning valuable life lessons.
- Why It’s Similar: It blends slice-of-life charm with yokai encounters, mirroring Nura’s mix of lighthearted moments and darker folklore.
5. Shounen Onmyouji (2006–2007)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- Episodes: 26
- MAL Rating: 7.5
- Studio: Studio Deen
- Plot: The grandson of the famous Abe no Seimei trains to surpass his grandfather and protect the Heian capital from demons.
- Why It’s Similar: Like Nura, it deals with spiritual legacy, youthful determination, and the burden of inheriting a great name.
6. Mononoke (2007)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 8.4
- Studio: Toei Animation
- Awards: Highly praised for avant-garde art style and storytelling
- Plot: A mysterious Medicine Seller travels across Japan, exorcising malevolent spirits with both wisdom and ritual.
- Why It’s Similar: The folkloric roots and emphasis on yokai exorcism align closely with Nura, while offering an experimental visual style.
7. Natsume Yuujinchou (Natsume’s Book of Friends, 2008–)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- Episodes: 74+ (across 6 seasons)
- MAL Rating: 8.3
- Studio: Brain’s Base / Shuka
- Plot: A boy who can see spirits inherits a book binding yokai and works to return their names while forging new bonds.
- Why It’s Similar: Shares Nura’s themes of yokai-human coexistence, but with a gentler, emotional lens.
8. Ga-Rei: Zero (2008)
- Streaming: Funimation, Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.6
- Studio: AIC Spirits, Asread
- Plot: Two young exorcists, bound by fate and tragedy, face supernatural threats while confronting betrayal.
- Why It’s Similar: Like Nura, it blends action and emotional stakes, focusing on loyalty, family ties, and supernatural warfare.
9. Hakkenden: Eight Dogs of the East (2013)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 25
- MAL Rating: 7.3
- Studio: Studio Deen
- Plot: A boy and his companions, each bearing a bead tied to their destiny, unravel secrets of demons and reincarnation.
- Why It’s Similar: Echoes Nura’s themes of destiny, inherited power, and assembling loyal allies.
10. Mushibugyou (2013)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 26
- MAL Rating: 7.3
- Studio: Seven Arcs
- Plot: Samurai warriors defend Edo from monstrous insects, combining period action with fantastical battles.
- Why It’s Similar: Fans of Nura will enjoy its blend of Edo-era setting, youthful warriors, and supernatural battles against overwhelming odds.
11. Ayakashi Ayashi (2006–2007)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Episodes: 25
- MAL Rating: 7.0
- Studio: Bones
- Plot: An expert in exorcising spiritual beings joins a government group to fight supernatural threats in Edo-period Japan.
- Why It’s Similar: Much like Nura, it mixes folklore with structured hierarchies of power and clan dynamics.
12. Nurarihyon no Mago: Sennen Makyou (2011)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: 8.0
- Studio: Studio Deen
- Plot: The second season of Nura, often overlooked, expands on Rikuo’s leadership and the larger yokai world.
- Why It’s Similar: Underrated in its own right, it deepens the legacy, themes, and action fans already loved in the first season.
13. Tokyo Majin Gakuen Kenpucho: Tou (2007)
- Streaming: HIDIVE, RetroCrush
- Episodes: 26
- MAL Rating: 7.2
- Studio: AIC Spirits, BeSTACK
- Plot: High schoolers gain mysterious powers to fight demons threatening Tokyo.
- Why It’s Similar: Blends school life with dark supernatural action, much like Rikuo balancing normalcy with his yokai lineage.
14. Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits (2018)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Episodes: 26
- MAL Rating: 7.5
- Studio: Gonzo
- Plot: A college student sees ayakashi and becomes entangled in the spirit world, running an inn to pay off her grandfather’s debt.
- Why It’s Similar: Emphasizes coexistence with yokai, familial legacies, and the charm of mystical everyday life.
15. Otogi Zoshi (2004–2005)
- Streaming: HIDIVE
- Episodes: 26
- MAL Rating: 6.9
- Studio: Production I.G
- Plot: A retelling of classic Heian legends with supernatural intrigue, following a heroine and her allies across eras.
- Why It’s Similar: Shares Nura’s historical-fantasy fusion and layered storytelling rooted in folklore.
Why These Anime Work for Nura Fans
Each of these series captures elements that made Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan so memorable—whether it’s the deep ties to Japanese folklore, the struggles of heirs and underdogs, or the balance between lighthearted bonds and darker battles. By spotlighting these underrated gems, fans can continue exploring supernatural legacies, clan conflicts, and richly imagined worlds beyond the familiar.
