Princess Jellyfish (2010) is a heartfelt josei anime that blends quirky humor, nuanced character growth, and themes of self-discovery with a light touch of romance. At its core, the series is about underdogs—socially awkward dreamers—finding connection and empowerment in unexpected places. Through its unique mix of comedy, fashion, and empathy, it challenges stereotypes while celebrating individuality.
While Princess Jellyfish remains a cult classic, many other underrated anime carry similar DNA. They highlight outsiders, explore unconventional friendships, and embrace stories that defy expectations. Here are 15 lesser-known series that share those same heartfelt and refreshing qualities.
Kuragehime (Princess Jellyfish) Special (2010)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 1 OVA
- MAL Rating: 7.4
- Studio: Brain’s Base
- Plot: A continuation of the TV series that expands on the eccentric Amamizukan residents.
- Similarity: Extends the same quirky storytelling, perfect for those craving just a little more of Princess Jellyfish.
Paradise Kiss (2005)
- Streaming: HIDIVE, RetroCrush
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.8
- Studio: Madhouse (directed by Osamu Kobayashi)
- Plot: A high schooler stumbles into the world of eccentric fashion students, transforming her outlook on life.
- Similarity: Like Princess Jellyfish, it blends fashion, identity, and romance while spotlighting unconventional characters striving for creative freedom.
Honey and Clover (2005)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- Episodes: 24 (Season 1) + 12 (Season 2)
- MAL Rating: 8.0
- Studio: J.C.Staff
- Plot: Art school students navigate love, growing pains, and the uncertainty of early adulthood.
- Similarity: Both series thrive on subtle humor and deeply relatable portrayals of quirky, struggling creatives.
Nodame Cantabile (2007)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- Episodes: 23 (Season 1) + sequels
- MAL Rating: 8.3
- Studio: J.C.Staff
- Plot: An eccentric pianist and a perfectionist conductor inspire and challenge each other in their musical pursuits.
- Similarity: Like Princess Jellyfish, it balances comedy with heartfelt character arcs while celebrating artistry and individuality.
Skip Beat! (2008)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- Episodes: 25
- MAL Rating: 8.1
- Studio: Hal Film Maker
- Plot: After being betrayed, a young girl dives into show business, discovering her own talent and identity.
- Similarity: Strong underdog energy and character growth echo Tsukimi’s journey of self-discovery in Princess Jellyfish.
Welcome to the NHK (2006)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: 8.2
- Studio: Gonzo
- Plot: A socially withdrawn man is confronted by a girl who vows to help him break free from his hikikomori lifestyle.
- Similarity: Both series feature misfits, humor, and compassionate looks at people who don’t fit neatly into society’s expectations.
Arakawa Under the Bridge (2010)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- Episodes: 13 + sequel
- MAL Rating: 7.6
- Studio: Shaft
- Plot: A privileged man ends up living under a bridge with an eccentric cast of outcasts led by a mysterious woman.
- Similarity: Surreal humor mixed with themes of unconventional families mirrors Princess Jellyfish’s quirky ensemble dynamics.
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Episodes: 11
- MAL Rating: 8.6
- Studio: Madhouse (directed by Masaaki Yuasa)
- Plot: A nameless college student reflects on wasted years as he reimagines his choices through surreal storytelling.
- Similarity: Shares Princess Jellyfish’s offbeat narrative style and focus on young adults searching for belonging and purpose.
Ore Monogatari!! (My Love Story!!) (2015)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: 8.0
- Studio: Madhouse
- Plot: A gentle giant unexpectedly finds love, defying the tropes of shoujo romance.
- Similarity: Like Princess Jellyfish, it subverts romance expectations, pairing humor with surprisingly tender emotional beats.
Hataraki Man (2006)
- Streaming: HIDIVE
- Episodes: 11
- MAL Rating: 7.1
- Studio: Gallop
- Plot: A workaholic magazine editor struggles to balance professional ambition with personal life.
- Similarity: Both feature josei heroines navigating adult responsibilities while finding strength in vulnerability.
Eden of the East (2009)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Episodes: 11 + films
- MAL Rating: 7.7
- Studio: Production I.G
- Plot: A mysterious man with no memory and a young woman are drawn into a survival game tied to Japan’s future.
- Similarity: Like Princess Jellyfish, it fuses romance and mystery, with a heroine unexpectedly caught in extraordinary circumstances.
Koi wa Ameagari no You ni (After the Rain) (2018)
- Streaming: Amazon Prime Video
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.5
- Studio: Wit Studio
- Plot: A high school track star finds herself falling for her middle-aged restaurant manager.
- Similarity: Both series highlight unusual relationships, emotional honesty, and characters pushing beyond societal expectations.
Kuragehime Live-Action Drama (2014)
- Streaming: Unofficial fan subs, region-limited
- Episodes: 11
- MAL Rating: N/A (Drama)
- Studio: Fuji TV
- Plot: A live-action retelling of Tsukimi’s story with added depth and character moments.
- Similarity: Directly tied to Princess Jellyfish, it expands the themes of acceptance, love, and transformation.
Recovery of an MMO Junkie (2017)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Episodes: 10 + OVA
- MAL Rating: 7.6
- Studio: Signal.MD
- Plot: A 30-year-old woman quits her job to escape into online gaming, where she forms unexpected bonds.
- Similarity: Like Princess Jellyfish, it celebrates awkward but genuine characters carving out spaces to belong.
Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku (2018)
- Streaming: Amazon Prime Video
- Episodes: 11 + OVA
- MAL Rating: 7.9
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
- Plot: Office workers who share otaku hobbies navigate romance with humor and relatability.
- Similarity: Both highlight otaku culture with warmth, subverting stereotypes by presenting otaku as complex, lovable people.
Why These Anime Work for Princess Jellyfish Fans
Each of these series captures what makes Princess Jellyfish so special: heartfelt underdog stories, quirky ensembles, and emotional journeys that embrace imperfection. They share the same balance of humor, tenderness, and social commentary, making them perfect for fans who crave more anime that celebrates individuality and the beauty of unconventional lives.
