Scrapped Princess (2003) is a unique gem in the anime world, blending medieval fantasy with sci-fi undertones, political intrigue, and character-driven storytelling. Its themes of misunderstood power, the underdog’s journey, and constant subversion of expectations set it apart from typical fantasy anime. Yet, despite its brilliance, it often flies under the radar.
To help fans of Scrapped Princess discover more hidden treasures, here are 15 underrated anime series that share its spirit—whether through themes of prophecy and fate, richly developed characters, or narrative twists that challenge expectations.
1. The Twelve Kingdoms (2002)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- Episodes: 45
- MAL Rating: 8.0
- Studio: Pierrot
- Awards: Recognized at the Tokyo Anime Award Festival
Plot: A high school girl is thrust into a parallel world where she is revealed to be a chosen ruler, but her journey is anything but simple.
Similarities: Like Scrapped Princess, it explores destiny versus free will, character growth in hostile worlds, and layers of political and mythological complexity.
2. Now and Then, Here and There (1999)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, RetroCrush
- Episodes: 13
- MAL Rating: 7.9
- Studio: AIC
- Awards: Praised internationally for anti-war themes
Plot: A boy is transported to a dystopian future where water is scarce and war consumes everything.
Similarities: Shares Scrapped Princess’ tone of despair clashing with hope, the burden of destiny, and moral challenges under oppressive regimes.
3. Seirei no Moribito (2007)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- Episodes: 26
- MAL Rating: 8.1
- Studio: Production I.G
- Awards: Winner of the 2008 Seiun Award
Plot: A wandering bodyguard protects a prince carrying a dangerous spirit, unraveling deep political conspiracies.
Similarities: Strong sibling-like bonds, fugitive narratives, and a balance between action and reflective storytelling echo Scrapped Princess.
4. Mai-Hime (2004)
- Streaming: HIDIVE
- Episodes: 26
- MAL Rating: 7.4
- Studio: Sunrise
Plot: Girls with unique powers fight against mysterious forces, but their battles come at deeply personal costs.
Similarities: Like Scrapped Princess, it subverts expectations by blending fantasy action with tragic character arcs and emotional sacrifices.
5. Erin (Kemono no Souja Erin, 2009)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 50
- MAL Rating: 8.3
- Studio: Trans Arts, NHK
- Awards: Excellent Children’s Program, Japan Prize
Plot: A girl who can communicate with beasts grows up amidst political struggles and war.
Similarities: The mix of political tension, mythical creatures, and the destiny of a young protagonist mirrors Scrapped Princess’ layered storytelling.
6. Texhnolyze (2003)
- Streaming: Funimation, HIDIVE
- Episodes: 22
- MAL Rating: 7.7
- Studio: Madhouse
Plot: In a decaying underground city, a fighter with prosthetic limbs becomes entangled in a brutal struggle for survival.
Similarities: Though darker in tone, its existential themes, slow-burn narrative, and underdog perspective resonate with Scrapped Princess fans.
7. Haibane Renmei (2002)
- Streaming: Funimation, Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 13
- MAL Rating: 8.0
- Studio: Radix
- Awards: Highly praised by critics for atmosphere and themes
Plot: Winged beings awaken in a mysterious walled town with no memory of their past lives.
Similarities: Shares Scrapped Princess’ quiet, reflective exploration of fate, identity, and humanity within a fantastical setting.
8. Gasaraki (1998)
- Streaming: RetroCrush, HIDIVE
- Episodes: 25
- MAL Rating: 6.9
- Studio: Sunrise
Plot: A mix of political thriller and mecha action, it explores ancient rituals tied to modern warfare.
Similarities: The fusion of myth and technology, along with themes of hidden power and conspiracies, connects it to Scrapped Princess.
9. Shounen Onmyouji (2006)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 26
- MAL Rating: 7.3
- Studio: Studio Deen
Plot: A young spiritualist learns to master his powers while defending humanity against demons.
Similarities: Like Scrapped Princess, it blends destiny-driven character arcs with family bonds and supernatural forces.
10. Zegapain (2006)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 26
- MAL Rating: 7.2
- Studio: Sunrise
Plot: A high school boy joins a mecha resistance, only to learn the truth about his own existence.
Similarities: Both series challenge viewer expectations with shocking reveals and themes of humanity versus systems of control.
11. Tears to Tiara (2009)
- Streaming: HIDIVE
- Episodes: 26
- MAL Rating: 7.2
- Studio: White Fox
Plot: Based on a strategy RPG, it follows a rebellion against an empire steeped in myths and prophecies.
Similarities: The medieval fantasy setting, ensemble cast, and political resistance echo Scrapped Princess.
12. Simoun (2006)
- Streaming: Funimation, HIDIVE
- Episodes: 26
- MAL Rating: 7.4
- Studio: Studio Deen
Plot: Priestesses pilot magical aircraft in a world where gender is chosen at adulthood.
Similarities: Strong character-driven drama, themes of destiny, and unusual worldbuilding resonate with Scrapped Princess fans.
13. Armitage III (1995)
- Streaming: RetroCrush, Tubi
- Episodes: 4 (OVA)
- MAL Rating: 7.0
- Studio: AIC
Plot: A cyberpunk OVA about android identity and the divide between humanity and technology.
Similarities: While more sci-fi, its exploration of humanity, persecution, and hidden truths aligns with Scrapped Princess.
14. Giant Robo: The Day the Earth Stood Still (1992–1998)
- Streaming: RetroCrush
- Episodes: 7 (OVA)
- MAL Rating: 8.0
- Studio: Phoenix Entertainment
Plot: A boy and his massive robot are caught in a worldwide conflict of ideals and power.
Similarities: Shares the tragic weight of destiny, ensemble storytelling, and emotional character arcs akin to Scrapped Princess.
15. X/1999 (2001)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: 7.2
- Studio: Madhouse
Plot: A young man must choose between saving humanity or destroying it, torn between two prophesied factions.
Similarities: Like Scrapped Princess, it thrives on prophecy, emotional conflicts, and the inevitability of fate colliding with free will.
Why These Anime Work for Scrapped Princess Fans
Each of these series, though often overlooked, captures what made Scrapped Princess so compelling: layered storytelling, the burden of destiny, and heartfelt character journeys set against worlds brimming with myth, politics, or technology. For fans longing for anime that balance emotional depth with adventurous scope—and consistently defy expectations—these hidden gems are essential viewing.
