Shadows House is a gothic mystery anime that blends eerie atmospheres, hidden power systems, and an underdog story rooted in characters striving to define themselves within strict hierarchies. With its subversion of expectations and layered storytelling, the series stands out as one of the most unique modern anime.
For fans who crave similar shows filled with intrigue, psychological depth, and unconventional narratives, we’ve gathered 15 underrated anime that deserve far more recognition.
1. Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo (2004)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: 7.9
- Studio: Gonzo
- Awards: Tokyo International Anime Fair – Excellence Award (2005)
Plot: A futuristic retelling of the classic revenge tale, where a mysterious aristocrat manipulates high society.
Similarities: Like Shadows House, it thrives on secrets, manipulations, and visually unique storytelling that mirrors psychological tension.
2. Ergo Proxy (2006)
- Streaming: Funimation, Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 23
- MAL Rating: 7.9
- Studio: Manglobe
Plot: In a domed city controlled by an authoritarian regime, a detective uncovers mysteries surrounding humanoid robots and enigmatic beings called Proxies.
Similarities: Shares Shadows House’s dystopian hierarchy, slow-burn mystery, and a protagonist discovering unsettling truths.
3. The Twelve Kingdoms (2002)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 45
- MAL Rating: 8.0
- Studio: Studio Pierrot
Plot: A high school girl is whisked into a parallel world where she must adapt and fight for survival amidst complex political struggles.
Similarities: Mirrors Shadows House’s theme of powerless individuals thrown into rigid systems where identity and growth drive the narrative.
4. Shoujo Kakumei Utena (Revolutionary Girl Utena) (1997)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 39
- MAL Rating: 8.1
- Studio: J.C.Staff
Plot: A girl enters a surreal academy where duels determine the fate of the “Rose Bride.”
Similarities: Gothic undertones, power struggles disguised as ritual, and the deconstruction of hierarchy echo Shadows House’s thematic style.
5. Kino’s Journey (2003)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Episodes: 13
- MAL Rating: 8.3
- Studio: A.C.G.T
Plot: Kino travels across strange lands, observing the beauty and cruelty of different societies.
Similarities: Philosophical storytelling, atmospheric tone, and subtle critiques of societal structures align with Shadows House.
6. Dennou Coil (2007)
- Streaming: Netflix (Japan), VRV
- Episodes: 26
- MAL Rating: 8.1
- Studio: Madhouse
Plot: In a near-future city where augmented reality glasses are widespread, children uncover hidden digital mysteries.
Similarities: Like Shadows House, it mixes coming-of-age themes with hidden systems and unsettling mysteries.
7. Mononoke (2007)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 8.4
- Studio: Toei Animation
Plot: A mysterious medicine seller exorcises spirits by uncovering the truth behind their existence.
Similarities: Both rely on haunting atmospheres, unconventional art styles, and unraveling hidden truths through layered narratives.
8. Kasimasi: Girl Meets Girl (2006)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 6.7
- Studio: Studio Hibari
Plot: After a bizarre accident, a boy is transformed into a girl and must navigate identity and relationships.
Similarities: Focuses on self-discovery and the struggle of characters forced to redefine themselves—central to Shadows House.
9. Texhnolyze (2003)
- Streaming: Funimation, HIDIVE
- Episodes: 22
- MAL Rating: 7.7
- Studio: Madhouse
Plot: In a decaying underground city, cybernetic implants become tools of power and oppression.
Similarities: Mirrors Shadows House’s oppressive social systems, with themes of control, rebellion, and despair.
10. Hakumei and Mikochi (2018)
- Streaming: HIDIVE, Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.6
- Studio: Lerche
Plot: Two tiny girls live in a whimsical forest village filled with charming yet mysterious details.
Similarities: While lighter, it echoes Shadows House’s focus on atmospheric detail, hidden worlds, and character-driven storytelling.
11. Mouryou no Hako (2008)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 13
- MAL Rating: 7.3
- Studio: Madhouse
Plot: A string of grisly murders entangles detectives, journalists, and mystics in a layered supernatural mystery.
Similarities: Its eerie investigative tone and puzzle-box storytelling parallel Shadows House’s creeping mysteries.
12. Aoi Bungaku Series (2009)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 8.0
- Studio: Madhouse
Plot: An anthology adapting classic Japanese literature into haunting animated tales.
Similarities: Like Shadows House, it emphasizes psychological depth, tragedy, and subverting narrative expectations.
13. NieA_7 (2000)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Episodes: 13
- MAL Rating: 7.0
- Studio: Triangle Staff
Plot: A poor student shares her apartment with an eccentric alien, exploring themes of poverty and alienation.
Similarities: Its quiet storytelling, class disparities, and layered character development mirror Shadows House.
14. Red Garden (2006)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Episodes: 22
- MAL Rating: 6.9
- Studio: Gonzo
Plot: After waking up from mysterious deaths, four girls are forced into nightly battles for survival.
Similarities: Much like Shadows House, it blends gothic tones with hidden truths and the struggles of fragile characters against greater forces.
15. Pet (2020)
- Streaming: Amazon Prime Video
- Episodes: 13
- MAL Rating: 6.8
- Studio: Geno Studio
Plot: People with psychic powers manipulate memories, leading to betrayal and tragedy.
Similarities: Psychological manipulation, oppressive systems, and fragile characters resonate with Shadows House’s core themes.
Why These Anime Work for Shadows House Fans
What makes Shadows House special is its blend of atmosphere, mystery, and subversive character arcs. The anime above—ranging from haunting psychological tales like Texhnolyze to atmospheric gems like Hakumei and Mikochi—share these qualities in their own ways. Whether through eerie worldbuilding, fragile characters striving for agency, or narratives that challenge expectations, each series expands on the core themes fans love. For viewers seeking more than just surface-level anime, these underrated titles deliver layered, haunting, and rewarding experiences.
