Someday’s Dreamers (Mahou Tsukai ni Taisetsu na Koto) is a quiet, contemplative anime that explores the ethical and emotional dimensions of magic in a realistic, modern setting. The story follows Yume Kikuchi, a young girl who travels to Tokyo to become a certified magic user. She must complete a training program under the guidance of a mentor, learning not just how to use her magic, but when and why it should be used. The series is a gentle meditation on responsibility, empathy, and the importance of understanding the consequences of one’s actions.
The series is defined by its core themes: a power system rooted in magic that is treated as a skill requiring training and ethical consideration, where the ability to use magic wisely is more important than raw power. Yume is a quintessential underdog—a naive, somewhat clumsy girl who is initially overwhelmed by the complexities of her training, but who grows through her experiences and her determination to help others. Someday’s Dreamers masterfully subverts expectations by rejecting the typical magical action narrative, instead delivering a quiet, introspective slice-of-life that celebrates the beauty of everyday moments and the importance of empathy. It is a series that understands the weight of a choice.
For fans of Someday’s Dreamers, finding similar anime can be a challenge. The series occupies a unique space—part magical training, part slice-of-life, part philosophical meditation. Yet, many underrated series share its core DNA: a focus on a young woman learning to use her powers responsibly, an exploration of the ethical and emotional dimensions of magic, and a willingness to prioritize quiet, character-driven storytelling over action. These shows deserve far more attention for their warmth, their character development, and their refusal to provide easy answers.
Here are 15 underrated anime that capture the spirit of Someday’s Dreamers.
1. Aria: The Animation (2005)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 7.8
- Episodes: 13 (Season 1)
- Studio: Hal Film Maker
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Kozue Amano.
Plot Summary: Akari Mizunashi is a young woman training to be a gondolier in the city of Neo-Venezia, a replica of Venice on a terraformed Mars. The series follows her daily life and her discovery of the small wonders of the world.
Similarities to Someday’s Dreamers: Both are “iyashikei” (healing) anime that focus on a young woman learning a craft and discovering the beauty of everyday life. The focus is on the quiet, contemplative moments and the importance of appreciating the present. The tone is warm, gentle, and deeply soothing.
2. Kino’s Journey (2003)
- Streaming Availability: Amazon Prime Video, HiDive
- Rating: MAL: 8.3
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: A.C.G.T.
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Keiichi Sigsawa.
Plot Summary: Kino, a young traveler, journeys with a talking motorcycle through a variety of strange and unique countries. Kino’s rule is to stay in each country for only three days.
Similarities to Someday’s Dreamers: Both are philosophical journeys that explore the complexities of human nature and society. The tone is quiet, observational, and often melancholic. The focus is on understanding rather than judging, and the protagonists are learners who observe the world.
3. Mushishi (2005)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu
- Rating: MAL: 8.7
- Episodes: 26 (Season 1)
- Studio: Artland
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Yuki Urushibara.
Plot Summary: Ginko, a “Mushi-shi,” travels the countryside investigating “Mushi”—primordial, ethereal lifeforms that exist alongside humanity. His journey is one of quiet observation and understanding.
Similarities to Someday’s Dreamers: Both are atmospheric, contemplative series that explore the relationship between humans and the unseen world. The focus is on understanding rather than fighting, and the tone is quiet, meditative, and deeply philosophical. Both series share a deep respect for the mysteries of existence.
4. Natsume’s Book of Friends (2008)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 8.3
- Episodes: 13 (Season 1)
- Studio: Brain’s Base
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Yuki Midorikawa.
Plot Summary: Takashi Natsume, a boy who can see spirits, inherits a book from his grandmother that contains the names of spirits. He decides to return the names, forming connections with the spirits.
Similarities to Someday’s Dreamers: Both are about a protagonist who helps others and learns about the importance of empathy and compassion. The focus is on the quiet, emotional moments of connection and the healing power of kindness. The tone is warm, melancholic, and deeply emotional.
5. The Morose Mononokean (2016)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 7.3
- Episodes: 13 (Season 1)
- Studio: Pierrot Plus
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Kiri Wazawa.
Plot Summary: Hanae Ashiya, a high school student plagued by a yokai, seeks help from the Mononokean, a mysterious tea room run by Abeno Haruitsuki. They work together to help yokai return to the Underworld.
Similarities to Someday’s Dreamers: Both are about a protagonist who helps supernatural beings find peace, with a focus on empathy, compassion, and the healing power of connection. The tone is warm, gentle, and deeply emotional, with a celebration of Japanese folklore.
6. Flying Witch (2016)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 7.6
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: J.C. Staff
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Chihiro Ishizuka.
Plot Summary: Makoto Kowata, a young witch, moves to the countryside to live with her relatives and continue her training. The series follows her quiet, magical everyday life.
Similarities to Someday’s Dreamers: Both are gentle, slice-of-life series about a young witch who is learning to navigate her powers and her place in the world. The focus is on the quiet, everyday moments and the beauty of simple living. The tone is warm, relaxing, and deeply heartwarming.
7. Haibane Renmei (2002)
- Streaming Availability: Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 8.0
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: Radix
- Notable Staff: Created by Yoshitoshi ABe.
Plot Summary: Rakka, a newly born “Haibane,” awakens in a strange, walled town with small wings and no memory of her past. She must live a quiet life while grappling with her existence.
Similarities to Someday’s Dreamers: Both are quiet, atmospheric series about isolated individuals searching for meaning and connection. The focus is on the emotional journey and the exploration of spiritual and existential questions. The tone is melancholic and deeply philosophical.
8. Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou (1998)
- Streaming Availability: Not currently available on major platforms.
- Rating: MAL: 7.2
- Episodes: 2 (OVA)
- Studio: Ajia-do Animation Works
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Hitoshi Ashinano.
Plot Summary: In a peaceful, post-apocalyptic world, an android named Alpha runs a small café in the countryside. The story follows her quiet, contemplative life as she observes the changing seasons.
Similarities to Someday’s Dreamers: Both are quiet, contemplative slice-of-life series that celebrate the beauty of ordinary moments. The focus is on the characters and their relationship with their environment. The tone is peaceful, melancholic, and deeply philosophical.
9. Kamichu! (2005)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 7.3
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Brain’s Base
- Notable Staff: Directed by Koji Masunari.
Plot Summary: Yurie Hitotsubashi, a shy middle school girl, discovers that she has become a god. She must navigate her new powers and the responsibilities that come with them.
Similarities to Someday’s Dreamers: Both are about a young girl who discovers she has special powers and must learn to use them responsibly. The focus is on the quiet, everyday moments and the warmth of community. The tone is gentle, heartwarming, and deeply relaxing.
10. The Eccentric Family (2013)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 7.8
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: P.A. Works
- Notable Staff: Based on the novel by Tomihiko Morimi.
Plot Summary: Yasaburou Shimogamo, a young tanuki, navigates the complex social dynamics of Kyoto while dealing with the aftermath of his father’s death.
Similarities to Someday’s Dreamers: Both are about the bonds of family and the search for belonging in a world that is often strange and confusing. The focus is on the quiet, everyday moments that define a life. The series is a blend of comedy, drama, and fantasy.
11. Non Non Biyori (2013)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 7.9
- Episodes: 12 (Season 1)
- Studio: Silver Link
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Atto.
Plot Summary: The series follows the daily lives of a group of students in a small, rural school. The focus is on the quiet beauty of rural life and the bonds between the characters.
Similarities to Someday’s Dreamers: Both are quiet, contemplative slice-of-life series that celebrate the beauty of ordinary moments. The focus is on the characters and their relationships with each other and their environment. The tone is warm, gentle, and deeply relaxing.
12. Barakamon (2014)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 8.2
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Kinema Citrus
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Satsuki Yoshino.
Plot Summary: Seishuu Handa, a calligrapher, is sent to a remote island after an incident. He must adapt to the slow pace of rural life and the eccentric locals.
Similarities to Someday’s Dreamers: Both are about a protagonist who is thrust into a new environment and must learn to connect with the people around him. The focus is on the warmth of community and the joy of simple living. The series is a hilarious, heartwarming comedy.
13. The Helpful Fox Senko-san (2019)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 7.1
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Doga Kobo
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Rimukoro.
Plot Summary: Kuroto Nakano, an overworked salaryman, is visited by Senko, an 800-year-old fox goddess who wants to pamper him and help him relax.
Similarities to Someday’s Dreamers: Both are about a supernatural being who helps a human find peace and healing. The focus is on the warmth of the relationship and the comfort of being cared for. The series is a gentle, relaxing slice-of-life.
14. The Ancient Magus’ Bride (2017)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 8.0
- Episodes: 24 (Season 1)
- Studio: Wit Studio
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Kore Yamazaki.
Plot Summary: Chise Hatori, a young woman who has been abandoned, is purchased by Elias Ainsworth, a mysterious magus. She becomes his apprentice and learns magic while discovering her own worth.
Similarities to Someday’s Dreamers: Both are about a young woman who is drawn into the world of magic and must learn to navigate its complexities. The focus is on the relationships between the characters and the supernatural beings they encounter. The series is a rich, atmospheric fantasy.
15. Wolf Children (2012)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 8.6
- Episodes: 1 (Film)
- Studio: Studio Chizu
- Notable Staff: Directed by Mamoru Hosoda.
Plot Summary: Hana falls in love with a wolf man and has two children who inherit his ability to transform into wolves. After his death, she must raise them alone.
Similarities to Someday’s Dreamers: Both are about the challenges and rewards of caring for others and the unconditional love that defines those bonds. The focus is on the quiet, everyday moments and the emotional weight of responsibility. The film is a masterpiece of emotional storytelling.
Why These Anime Work for Someday’s Dreamers Fans
Fans of Someday’s Dreamers are drawn to stories that are quiet, contemplative, and deeply invested in the ethical and emotional dimensions of power. They appreciate a narrative that prioritizes character development and the beauty of everyday life over action, and they are invested in protagonists who are learning to navigate their place in the world. They are not looking for simple action or escapism, but for stories that make them think and feel.
The anime listed above all share this fundamental DNA:
- The Responsible Use of Power: Whether it is Yume’s magic training, Akari’s gondolier training, or Yurie’s godhood, these series understand that power is a responsibility, not a gift. The focus is on the ethical and emotional implications of their abilities.
- The Underdog Learner: The protagonists are often naive, clumsy, or inexperienced, and their journey is one of growth and self-discovery. They are not heroes, but ordinary individuals who are trying their best.
- Subversion of the Fantasy Genre: These series reject the typical action-packed fantasy formula, instead focusing on quiet, introspective storytelling that celebrates the beauty of ordinary moments. They understand that the most compelling stories are those that touch the heart.
These 15 anime, like Someday’s Dreamers, are not afraid to be gentle. They are underrated gems that offer a warm, emotionally resonant, and deeply philosophical experience for viewers who are willing to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the present moment.
