Soul’s meditation on existential purpose, the afterlife, and self-discovery resonates in these lesser-known anime. These series blend philosophical depth, emotional growth, and inventive storytelling, offering fresh perspectives on life’s meaning and human connection.
1. Haibane Renmei (2002)
Streaming: HiDive
Episodes: 13 | MAL: 8.02 | Studio: Radix
Mysterious winged beings navigate a walled town, confronting guilt and seeking redemption in a liminal afterlife.
Mirrors Soul’s exploration of existential purpose through atmospheric, introspective worldbuilding.
2. Mushishi (2005–2015)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 46 | MAL: 8.61 | Studio: Artland
A wanderer mediates between humans and primordial spirits, unraveling life’s quiet mysteries.
Shares Soul’s contemplative tone and focus on interconnectedness.
3. The Ancient Magus’ Bride (2017)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 24 | MAL: 8.04 | Studio: Wit Studio
A girl bonds with a mystical mage, discovering her worth in a world of folklore and spirits.
Parallels Soul’s themes of belonging and healing through nature-based symbolism.
4. Natsume’s Book of Friends (2008–)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 74 | MAL: 8.39 | Studio: Brain’s Base
A boy returns spirits’ names from his grandmother’s ledger, bridging human and supernatural worlds.
Echoes Soul’s emphasis on empathy and legacy.
5. Angel Beats! (2010)
Streaming: Hulu
Episodes: 13 | MAL: 8.06 | Studio: P.A. Works
Teens rebel in a purgatorial school, confronting unresolved trauma before moving on.
Aligns with Soul’s balance of afterlife mechanics and emotional catharsis.
6. A Silent Voice (2016)
Streaming: Netflix
Film | MAL: 8.94 | Studio: Kyoto Animation
A former bully seeks redemption by reconnecting with a deaf girl he tormented.
Shares Soul’s focus on forgiveness and the weight of human connection.
7. The Boy and the Beast (2015)
Streaming: HBO Max
Film | MAL: 8.16 | Studio: Studio Chizu
A orphan trains under a beast warrior, grappling with identity across two worlds.
Mirrors Soul’s mentor-student dynamic and themes of self-actualization.
8. Liz and the Blue Bird (2018)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Film | MAL: 7.93 | Studio: Kyoto Animation
Two musicians navigate unspoken emotions through a metaphorical fairy tale.
Captures Soul’s subtlety in exploring unvoiced desires and artistic expression.
9. Somali and the Forest Spirit (2020)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12 | MAL: 7.79 | Studio: Satelight
A golem protects a human child in a dying spirit world, confronting mortality and parenthood.
Echoes Soul’s meditation on fleeting beauty and caregiving.
10. Erased (2016)
Streaming: Hulu
Episodes: 12 | MAL: 8.31 | Studio: A-1 Pictures
A man time-leaps to prevent childhood tragedies, redeeming his passive past.
Shares Soul’s focus on seizing second chances and confronting regret.
11. Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day (2011)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 11 | MAL: 8.21 | Studio: A-1 Pictures
Friends reunite to fulfill a ghost’s wish, processing grief and guilt.
Resonates with Soul’s blend of supernatural elements and raw emotional closure.
12. Barakamon (2014)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12 | MAL: 8.37 | Studio: Kinema Citrus
A calligrapher rediscovers his passion through rural community ties.
Mirrors Soul’s thesis on finding purpose in everyday joys.
13. March Comes in Like a Lion (2016–2018)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 44 | MAL: 8.65 | Studio: Shaft
A shogi prodigy battles depression, learning to embrace vulnerability and found family.
Aligns with Soul’s nuanced portrayal of mental health and artistic passion.
14. Your Lie in April (2014–2015)
Streaming: Hulu
Episodes: 22 | MAL: 8.65 | Studio: A-1 Pictures
A pianist overcomes trauma through a violinist’s vibrant spirit, rediscovering music’s joy.
Shares Soul’s celebration of art as a bridge to healing and self-expression.
15. Girls’ Last Tour (2017)
Streaming: HiDive
Episodes: 12 | MAL: 7.90 | Studio: White Fox
Two girls wander a post-apocalyptic wasteland, finding meaning in small wonders.
Echoes Soul’s minimalist philosophy on savoring existence amid existential bleakness.
Why These Anime Work for Soul Fans
These series prioritize existential inquiry and emotional authenticity, much like Soul’s narrative.
From Haibane Renmei’s poetic afterlife to Girls’ Last Tour’s quiet apocalypse, they challenge viewers to reflect on purpose through unique lenses.
Their blend of philosophical depth, artistic expression, and understated storytelling offers fans profound journeys into what makes life worth living-perfect for those seeking stories where introspection becomes adventure.
