Star vs. The Forces of Evil blends magical-girl tropes with interdimensional chaos, focusing on themes like self-discovery, unconventional power systems, and subverting expectations.
These 15 underrated anime capture similar energy, offering creative worlds, complex character growth, and narrative boldness.
1. Akame ga Kill! (2014)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: 7.5
- Plot: A naïve warrior joins the rebel group “Night Raid” to overthrow a corrupt empire, facing moral dilemmas and devastating losses.
- Similarities: Like Star’s moral ambiguity, it subverts heroism tropes and delivers emotional gut-punches through character sacrifices.
2. Full Metal Panic! (2002)
- Streaming: Funimation, HiDive
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: 7.8
- Plot: A military mecha pilot protects a girl harboring advanced technology secrets, balancing high-stakes action with school-life comedy.
- Similarities: Blends sci-fi and slice-of-life humor akin to Star’s Earth-Mewni dynamic.
3. Air Gear (2006)
- Streaming: Amazon Prime
- Episodes: 25
- MAL Rating: 7.3
- Plot: Teens use powered rollerblades (“Air Treks”) for gang battles and stunts in a hyper-stylized world.
- Similarities: Shares Star’s kinetic energy and quirky character designs, emphasizing teamwork and self-expression.
4. Yakitate!! Japan (2004)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 69
- MAL Rating: 8.0
- Plot: A baker aims to create Japan’s national bread through absurd, competition-driven baking battles.
- Similarities: Matches Star’s over-the-top humor and underdog spirit, replacing magic with culinary creativity.
5. Princess Tutu (2002)
- Streaming: Tubi
- Episodes: 26
- MAL Rating: 8.0
- Plot: A duck-turned-girl uses ballet to heal a prince’s shattered heart, battling storybook curses.
- Similarities: Magical-girl narrative with meta-storytelling and emotional depth, echoing Star’s themes of destiny vs. free will.
6. Kyousougiga (2013)
- Streaming: Netflix
- Episodes: 10
- MAL Rating: 7.9
- Plot: A girl searches for her family in a surreal mirror-world, blending mythology and chaotic family dynamics.
- Similarities: Multidimensional travel and vibrant animation style reminiscent of Star’s universe-hopping.
7. Tweeny Witches (2004)
- Streaming: Retrocrush
- Episodes: 40
- MAL Rating: 7.2
- Plot: A human girl trapped in a magic realm challenges oppressive systems with grassroots rebellion.
- Similarities: Critiques authority like Star’s Monster-Mewman conflict, emphasizing empathy over power.
8. The Vision of Escaflowne (1996)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Episodes: 26
- MAL Rating: 7.8
- Plot: A high-schooler is teleported to a war-torn world where she pilots a giant mecha.
- Similarities: Fantasy-romance fusion and character-driven growth, paralleling Star and Marco’s bond.
9. Kemono no Souja Erin (2009)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 50
- MAL Rating: 8.3
- Plot: A girl bonds with mythical beasts while navigating political intrigue in a divided kingdom.
- Similarities: Slow-burn worldbuilding and anti-war messaging, akin to Star’s diplomacy arcs.
10. Flip Flappers (2016)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Episodes: 13
- MAL Rating: 7.5
- Plot: Two girls explore psychedelic dimensions to collect fragments of emotion.
- Similarities: Abstract visual storytelling and LGBTQ+ subtext, reflecting Star’s experimental tone.
11. Humanity Has Declined (2012)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.8
- Plot: A mediator between humans and mischievous fairies navigates post-apocalyptic satire.
- Similarities: Sharp humor and dark societal commentary, echoing Star’s balance of whimsy and gravity.
12. Princess Principal (2017)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.6
- Plot: Steampunk spies in alternate-history London tackle missions with moral ambiguity.
- Similarities: Female-driven action and political intrigue, mirroring Star’s blend of adventure and ideology.
13. Tiger & Bunny (2011)
- Streaming: Netflix
- Episodes: 25
- MAL Rating: 7.8
- Plot: Rival superheroes team up in a corporatized world where heroics are televised.
- Similarities: Deconstructs heroism and commercialization, aligning with Star’s critique of royal systems.
14. Katanagatari (2010)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 8.3
- Plot: A swordsman and strategist collect legendary blades, facing philosophical foes.
- Similarities: Stylized combat and witty banter, recalling Star’s humor-laced battles.
15. The Eccentric Family (2013)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: 8.0
- Plot: A family of shape-shifting tanukis cope with loss in modern Kyoto.
- Similarities: Whimsical yet poignant exploration of identity and tradition, akin to Star’s cultural clashes.
Why These Anime Work for Star vs. The Forces of Evil Fans
These series prioritize character-driven growth and narrative subversion, much like Star’s rejection of simplistic heroism. They blend humor with high stakes, often through:
- Unique power systems (e.g., Air Gear’s sports-tech, Princess Tutu’s dance magic).
- Underdog protagonists challenging corrupt systems (Akame ga Kill!, Tweeny Witches).
- Experimental animation (Flip Flappers, Kyousougiga) reflecting Star’s visual inventiveness.
While overlooked, their thematic depth and creative risks make them ideal for fans seeking more than mainstream hits.
