The 1992 Addams Family animated series presented a macabre yet heartwarming family dynamic, blending dark humor with eccentric characters in episodic adventures. While mainstream hits dominate anime discussions, several underrated gems echo similar themes: unconventional families, supernatural elements, and underdog protagonists overcoming societal rejection.
These 15 series deserve attention for their unique storytelling and thematic parallels.
1. Ranking of Kings (2021)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix
- Episodes: 23
- Plot: Deaf Prince Bojji, dismissed as weak, embarks on a journey to become a worthy king with his shadow companion Kage. Their bond defies prejudice while navigating royal intrigue.
- Similarities: Like the Addams’ celebration of oddity, Bojji’s resilience subverts expectations, emphasizing inner strength over appearances. The hand-drawn, storybook art style enhances its fairy-tale charm.
- Recognition: Won “Best Anime” at 2022 Crunchyroll Awards.
2. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit (2009)
- Streaming: HiDive, Amazon Prime
- Episodes: 26
- Plot: Spear-wielding bodyguard Balsa protects Prince Chagum from assassination, forming a found-family bond while unraveling spirit-related mysteries.
- Similarities: Echoes the Addams’ protective loyalty, blending supernatural stakes with emotional depth. Balsa’s pragmatic yet nurturing role mirrors Morticia’s fierce maternal instincts.
3. Soul Eater (2008)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu
- Episodes: 51
- Plot: Students at Death Weapon Meister Academy battle supernatural threats while training to become “Death Scythes.” Goth enthusiast Death the Kid struggles with symmetry obsession.
- Similarities: Death the Kid’s deadpan humor and gothic aesthetic parallel Wednesday Addams. The series’ macabre comedy and unconventional weapon-human partnerships reflect Addams-style eccentricity.
4. Pluto (2023)
- Streaming: Netflix
- Episodes: 8
- Plot: Robot detective Gesicht investigates murders targeting the world’s most advanced robots, challenging anti-robot prejudice in a dystopian society.
- Similarities: Its noir tone and themes of misunderstood outsiders align with the Addams’ subversion of “normalcy.” The focus on systemic bias mirrors the Addams’ clash with conformist neighbors.
5. Kimi ni Todoke (2009)
- Streaming: Netflix, Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 38
- Plot: Misunderstood Sawako, nicknamed “Sadako” for her eerie resemblance to a horror icon, navigates high school with help from popular classmate Kazehaya.
- Similarities: Sawako’s journey from outcast to acceptance mirrors Wednesday’s struggle against prejudice. The heartwarming humor in her social mishaps captures Addams-style irony.
6. Real Drive (2008)
- Streaming: No current legal streaming (DVD-only)
- Episodes: 26
- Plot: A man awakens after a 50-year coma to explore “The Metal,” a virtual ocean, with android companions.
- Similarities: The offbeat ensemble and exploration of identity evoke the Addams’ celebration of the unconventional. Its philosophical themes parallel Gomez’s quirky curiosity.
7. Last Exile (2003)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 26
- Plot: Sky couriers Claus and Lavie join rebels against an oppressive empire in a steampunk world.
- Similarities: The found-family dynamic and aerial adventures reflect the Addams’ collaborative spirit. Its retro-futuristic aesthetic offers unique visual flair.
8. Gunslinger Girl (2003)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Episodes: 13
- Plot: Cyborg girls, conditioned as assassins, form bonds with handlers while grappling with their humanity.
- Similarities: Dark yet tender character studies mirror the Addams’ blend of morbidity and warmth. The theme of chosen family amid tragedy resonates deeply.
9. Flying Witch (2016)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- Plot: Teen witch Makoto moves to rural Japan, blending mundane life with whimsical magic.
- Similarities: Its low-stakes supernatural slice-of-life echoes the Addams’ domestic absurdity. The emphasis on quirky coexistence with the mundane aligns tonally.
10. Dennou Coil (2007)
- Streaming: No current legal streaming
- Episodes: 26
- Plot: Children use AR glasses to interact with digital ghosts in a near-future city.
- Similarities: The blend of childhood adventure and eerie tech parallels the Addams’ playful macabre. Its inventive world-building subverts expectations.
11. Chrono Crusade (2003)
- Streaming: Funimation (region-dependent)
- Episodes: 24
- Plot: Exorcist Rosette and demon Chrono hunt supernatural threats in 1920s America.
- Similarities: The gothic aesthetic and sibling-like bond evoke the Addams’ dark charm. Action-comedy tones balance stakes with levity.
12. Le Chevalier D’Eon (2006)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Episodes: 24
- Plot: 18th-century knight D’Eon investigates his sister’s murder, guided by her spirit.
- Similarities: Historical horror and familial loyalty mirror the Addams’ gothic melodrama. Its political intrigue adds depth to character-driven storytelling.
13. Ghost Hunt (2006)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 25
- Plot: A psychic-led team solves paranormal cases, blending horror and humor.
- Similarities: Episodic supernatural mysteries and deadpan quips channel Wednesday’s investigative zeal. The ensemble’s eccentricities enhance its charm.
14. Basilisk (2005)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 24
- Plot: Rival ninja clans wage a brutal war, torn between duty and love.
- Similarities: Feuding families and tragic romance reflect the Addams’ blend of darkness and passion. Its stylized violence and moral ambiguity create tension.
15. Cuticle Detective Inaba (2013)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- Plot: A detective with goat-like powers pursues a criminal werewolf in absurd comedic cases.
- Similarities: Its slapstick humor and bizarre characters (e.g., a shampoo-obsessed villain) mirror the Addams’ irreverent wit. The focus on found family anchors the chaos.
Why These Anime Work for Addams Family Fans
These series share core Addams Family elements: eccentric characters thriving against societal norms, dark humor balanced with sincerity, and supernatural settings that amplify human connections. Ranking of Kings and Kimi ni Todoke exemplify underdog triumphs, while Soul Eater and Pluto explore gothic aesthetics with emotional depth. Lesser-known titles like Real Drive and Cuticle Detective Inaba offer unique animation styles, proving that unconventional narratives—much like the Addams’ legacy—resonate through originality and heart.
