Puss in Boots: The Last Wish captivated audiences with its blend of surreal animation, underdog heroism, and genre-defying storytelling.
These 15 underrated anime mirror its themes of subverted expectations, dynamic power systems, and visual experimentation, offering fresh narratives for fans seeking similar adventures.
1. Flip Flappers (2016)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Two girls traverse surreal worlds to collect magical fragments, blending whimsy with psychological depth.
- Similarities: Matches Puss in Boots’ surreal visuals and magical quest structure, with a focus on friendship and self-discovery.
- Details: 13 episodes | MAL: 7.4 | Studio: Studio 3Hz
2. Black Clover (2017–2021)
- Streaming: Netflix, Crunchyroll
- Plot: Magicless Asta defies odds in a wizard-dominated world using anti-magic swords.
- Similarities: Underdog protagonist mirroring Puss’ resilience; high-energy battles and camaraderie.
- Details: 170 episodes | MAL: 7.5 | Studio: Pierrot
3. Akame ga Kill! (2014)
- Streaming: Hulu, Crunchyroll
- Plot: A rebel group battles a corrupt empire, facing brutal consequences.
- Similarities: Subverts shōnen tropes like Puss in Boots’ mortality themes, blending action with emotional gut-punches.
- Details: 24 episodes | MAL: 7.1 | Studio: White Fox
4. Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann (2007)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Underground dwellers overthrow a tyrannical regime using mechas.
- Similarities: Over-the-top action and themes of defiance, akin to Puss’ larger-than-life heroism.
- Details: 27 episodes | MAL: 8.6 | Studio: Gainax
5. BNA: Brand New Animal (2020)
- Streaming: Netflix
- Plot: A human-turned-beastman uncovers conspiracies in a segregated city.
- Similarities: Studio Trigger’s vibrant animation and social commentary parallel Puss in Boots’ visual flair.
- Details: 12 episodes | MAL: 7.3 | Studio: Trigger
6. Kemonozume (2006)
- Streaming: RetroCrush
- Plot: A monster-hunter falls for a flesh-eating Shokujinki.
- Similarities: Bold, experimental art style and morally gray storytelling.
- Details: 13 episodes | MAL: 7.5 | Studio: Madhouse
7. Mind Game (2004)
- Streaming: Amazon Prime
- Plot: A man’s near-death experience triggers a psychedelic rebirth.
- Similarities: Surreal visuals and existential themes, echoing Puss in Boots’ introspective moments.
- Details: Film | MAL: 7.7 | Director: Masaaki Yuasa
8. Afro Samurai (2007)
- Streaming: Hulu
- Plot: A swordsman seeks vengeance in a dystopian samurai world.
- Similarities: Fusion of Eastern/Western aesthetics and hyper-stylized action.
- Details: 5 episodes | MAL: 7.2 | Studio: Gonzo
9. Kyousougiga (2013)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A family navigates a surreal mirror-world to reunite.
- Similarities: Whimsical storytelling and metaphysical themes.
- Details: 10 episodes | MAL: 7.8 | Studio: Toei Animation
10. The Tatami Galaxy (2010)
- Streaming: Hidive
- Plot: A college student relives timelines to fix regrets.
- Similarities: Abstract animation and narrative experimentation.
- Details: 11 episodes | MAL: 8.5 | Studio: Madhouse
11. Dorohedoro (2020)
- Streaming: Netflix
- Plot: An amnesiac seeks identity in a brutal, magic-infused city.
- Similarities: Gritty humor and chaotic world-building.
- Details: 12 episodes | MAL: 8.0 | Studio: MAPPA
12. Kaiba (2008)
- Streaming: Amazon Prime
- Plot: A amnesiac travels through bodies to reclaim memories.
- Similarities: Masaaki Yuasa’s surreal art and existential themes.
- Details: 12 episodes | MAL: 7.8 | Studio: Madhouse
13. Sonny Boy (2021)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Students stranded in a void develop supernatural powers.
- Similarities: Philosophical depth and minimalist animation.
- Details: 12 episodes | MAL: 7.7 | Studio: Madhouse
14. Redline (2009)
- Streaming: Tubi
- Plot: Racers compete in a deadly intergalactic tournament.
- Similarities: Hyper-kinetic animation and adrenaline-fueled stakes.
- Details: Film | MAL: 7.5 | Studio: Madhouse
15. Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo (2004)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A sci-fi retelling of Dumas’ revenge epic.
- Similarities: Thematic parallels to Puss’ redemption arc and visual opulence.
- Details: 24 episodes | MAL: 7.8 | Studio: Gonzo
Why These Anime Work for Puss in Boots Fans
These series share Puss in Boots’ DNA: underdog protagonists (Black Clover, Gurren Lagann), subversive narratives (Akame ga Kill!, Mind Game), and daring animation (Flip Flappers, Afro Samurai). They reward viewers seeking stories where style and substance collide, proving heroism thrives in unexpected places.
