Space Brothers (2012) captured hearts with its grounded take on dreams, personal struggle, and the pursuit of space exploration. Centering around the bond between two brothers with a shared childhood dream of becoming astronauts, it delivers a character-rich story packed with optimism, realism, and emotional depth. What makes Space Brothers stand out is its commitment to slow-burn storytelling, underdog perseverance, and the subversion of over-the-top tropes in favor of authentic character journeys.
For fans craving more anime with similar vibes—whether through slice-of-life realism, introspective narratives, or mature character arcs—here are 15 underrated anime that echo the spirit of Space Brothers, yet never got the spotlight they truly deserve.
1. Planetes (2003)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
Episodes: 26
MAL Rating: 8.28
Studio: Sunrise
A crew of space debris collectors navigates the complexities of orbital cleanup while grappling with philosophical questions about space, purpose, and ambition.
Why It’s Similar: Shares the realistic, grounded depiction of space exploration with a focus on character growth, teamwork, and the ethical dilemmas tied to space development.
2. Aoi Bungaku Series (2009)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 8.02
Studio: Madhouse
An anthology of six adaptations of classic Japanese literature, each with unique art styles and psychological depth.
Why It’s Similar: Like Space Brothers, it takes a mature approach to storytelling and dives deep into personal struggle, existential thought, and human motivation.
3. Eizouken ni wa Te wo Dasu na! (2020)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, HBO Max
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 8.11
Studio: Science SARU
Award: Winner of the 24th Japan Media Arts Festival Animation Division Grand Prize
Three high school girls set out to create their dream anime, battling deadlines, budgets, and creative constraints.
Why It’s Similar: Celebrates the power of imagination and teamwork. Like Space Brothers, it’s a love letter to dreaming big and making it real.
4. Twin Spica (2003)
Streaming: Unavailable (DVD import only)
Episodes: 20
MAL Rating: 7.68
Studio: Group TAC
A young girl enrolls in Japan’s fledgling astronaut training program, dealing with the grief of a childhood tragedy tied to space.
Why It’s Similar: Strong thematic parallels in space training, character-driven arcs, and heartfelt ambition rooted in trauma and dreams.
5. Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu (2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 13 + 12 (Sequel series)
MAL Rating: 8.67
Studio: Studio Deen
A former convict seeks to master the dying art of rakugo storytelling, unraveling the legacy of two generations of performers.
Why It’s Similar: Focuses on legacy, mentorship, and quiet personal struggles, delivered through slow-burning, intimate storytelling.
6. Uchuu Kyoudai: Number Zero (2014 – Movie)
Streaming: Unavailable officially
Runtime: 1 hr 35 min
MAL Rating: 7.86
Studio: A-1 Pictures
A prequel film detailing Serika and Hibito’s early journey before the main Space Brothers story begins.
Why It’s Similar: Directly connected; offers deeper insight into characters and adds emotional weight for Space Brothers fans.
7. Dennou Coil (2007)
Streaming: Netflix
Episodes: 26
MAL Rating: 8.06
Studio: Madhouse
Children in a futuristic town use augmented reality glasses, uncovering secrets about a virtual world that overlaps with the real one.
Why It’s Similar: Blends realism with speculative tech, much like Space Brothers does with near-future space travel. It’s character-driven, with a grounded tone and worldbuilding.
8. Kaiba (2008)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 8.14
Studio: Madhouse
In a world where memories can be stored and transferred, a boy with no memory journeys through a surreal universe.
Why It’s Similar: Philosophical, introspective themes and a unique art style akin to Space Brothers’ balance of whimsy and weighty emotion.
9. Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad (2004)
Streaming: Funimation
Episodes: 26
MAL Rating: 8.25
Studio: Madhouse
A teenager joins a struggling rock band and grows from an aimless student into a passionate musician.
Why It’s Similar: A grounded coming-of-age story with real-world goals, featuring slow, believable development and underdog perseverance.
10. Hikaru no Go (2001)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 75
MAL Rating: 8.15
Studio: Studio Pierrot
A young boy discovers an ancient spirit who teaches him to master the strategy game Go, leading to a quiet but intense journey to greatness.
Why It’s Similar: Quiet ambition, structured competition, and realistic growth over time mirror Space Brothers’ narrative pacing.
11. Sora yori mo Tooi Basho (A Place Further than the Universe) (2018)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 13
MAL Rating: 8.53
Studio: Madhouse
Award: Anime of the Year at the 2018 Crunchyroll Anime Awards
Four girls embark on a mission to Antarctica, bonding through adversity, loss, and shared dreams.
Why It’s Similar: Thematically rich in personal growth, scientific exploration, and female friendship, it’s a heartfelt journey like Space Brothers.
12. Zipang (2004)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 26
MAL Rating: 7.71
Studio: Studio Deen
A modern-day Japanese warship is transported to WWII, forcing its crew to confront moral choices about intervention.
Why It’s Similar: Serious, adult-oriented tone with a heavy emphasis on realism, procedure, and ethical dilemmas—core aspects of Space Brothers.
13. Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou (1998 OVA)
Streaming: YouTube (Unofficial uploads)
Episodes: 2
MAL Rating: 7.79
Studio: Ajia-Do
In a peaceful post-apocalyptic world, a humanoid robot documents a slowly fading world with quiet reflection.
Why It’s Similar: Meditative tone, gentle pacing, and philosophical musings about time and humanity, echoing the calm wonder of Space Brothers.
14. Mahoutsukai no Yome (The Ancient Magus’ Bride) (2017)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
Episodes: 24
MAL Rating: 8.08
Studio: Wit Studio
A girl sold into servitude is taken in by a mysterious magus and finds herself in a new world of magic and emotion.
Why It’s Similar: Though more fantastical, it features strong character development, emotional healing, and a slow, careful narrative style.
15. Battery (2016)
Streaming: Amazon Prime Video
Episodes: 11
MAL Rating: 6.64
Studio: Zero-G
A young baseball prodigy and his new catcher form a tense friendship as they try to revive their school’s team.
Why It’s Similar: Focuses on internal conflict, youthful potential, and the emotional complexity of chasing dreams—much like Space Brothers.
Why These Anime Work for Space Brothers Fans
What makes Space Brothers special isn’t just its subject matter—it’s the journey, the slow-burning realism, and the authenticity of human connection. Each anime listed here, whether it’s about cleaning space debris, chasing music dreams, or exploring Antarctica, brings that same dedication to character growth, emotional resonance, and grounded storytelling. For fans of Space Brothers, these series offer familiar emotional landscapes—full of quiet triumphs, thoughtful pacing, and characters worth rooting for.
