The Pet Girl of Sakurasou (2012) is a heartfelt coming-of-age anime that blends romance, comedy, and deep emotional growth among a group of eccentric but lovable characters living in a dorm for misfits. Known for its strong character development, underdog narratives, and an emotional story arc that subverts expectations, it remains a fan favorite for good reason.
While many know about mainstream hits, there’s a hidden world of lesser-known anime that explore similar themes—emotional vulnerability, self-discovery, artistic ambition, and the bonds formed between unusual companions. If you loved The Pet Girl of Sakurasou, these 15 underrated anime deserve a spot on your watchlist.
1. Honey and Clover (2005)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
MAL Rating: 8.00
Episodes: 24
Studio: J.C.Staff
Art students navigate love, friendship, and the pains of growing up in this beautifully emotional slice-of-life anime.
Why it’s similar: Focuses on creative ambition, unrequited love, and the emotional struggles of youth, much like Sakurasou. Same studio involvement.
2. Just Because! (2017)
Streaming: HiDive, Amazon Prime
MAL Rating: 7.26
Episodes: 12
Studio: Pine Jam
A quiet, nostalgic story about high school students reconnecting just before graduation, full of subtle romantic tension and missed opportunities.
Why it’s similar: Realistic depiction of youth and relationships with melancholic tones and subdued emotional storytelling.
3. Sora yori mo Tooi Basho (A Place Further Than the Universe) (2018)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 8.53
Episodes: 13
Studio: Madhouse
A group of girls decides to travel to Antarctica, chasing dreams and forging deep friendships along the way.
Why it’s similar: Strong character arcs, self-discovery, and inspirational storytelling that emphasizes ambition and emotional growth.
4. ReLIFE (2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 8.00
Episodes: 13
Studio: TMS Entertainment
A 27-year-old man gets a chance to relive high school and fix his regrets through a mysterious scientific program.
Why it’s similar: Blends romantic subplots, underdog redemption themes, and an emotional deep dive into personal growth.
5. Tsuki ga Kirei (2017)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 8.18
Episodes: 12
Studio: feel.
A tender story about two middle school students navigating their first love, presented with incredible emotional subtlety.
Why it’s similar: Grounded, slow-burn romance that captures emotional awkwardness and sincerity reminiscent of Sakurasou’s romantic arcs.
6. Barakamon (2014)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
MAL Rating: 8.39
Episodes: 12
Studio: Kinema Citrus
A calligrapher finds self-redemption and growth while living on a rural island among quirky locals.
Why it’s similar: Artist-centric storytelling, character growth through community, and heartfelt moments in an unconventional setting.
7. Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu (2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 8.66
Episodes: 13
Studio: Studio Deen
A former convict becomes an apprentice to a master rakugo performer, unfolding decades of personal and artistic history.
Why it’s similar: Explores the passion for a craft, mentor-mentee relationships, and character introspection.
8. Kujira no Kora wa Sajou ni Utau (Children of the Whales) (2017)
Streaming: Netflix
MAL Rating: 7.06
Episodes: 12
Studio: J.C.Staff
On a floating island in a sea of sand, gifted youth struggle with destiny and emotion in a lush, poetic world.
Why it’s similar: Emotional storytelling with a unique aesthetic and themes of individuality and alienation, backed by J.C.Staff again.
9. 3-gatsu no Lion (March Comes in Like a Lion) (2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 8.40
Episodes: 22 (Season 1)
Studio: Shaft
A shogi prodigy battles depression, loneliness, and personal demons while bonding with a caring family.
Why it’s similar: Deep emotional development, mental health themes, and slow-burn narrative arcs with stylistic animation.
10. Kokoro Connect (2012)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
MAL Rating: 7.77
Episodes: 13
Studio: Silver Link
A group of high school students begins experiencing supernatural body-switching, revealing hidden emotions and trauma.
Why it’s similar: Emphasizes emotional connection, identity, and character development under extraordinary circumstances.
11. Ano Natsu de Matteru (2012)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.46
Episodes: 12
Studio: J.C.Staff
After a strange encounter, a high school student and his friends make a movie while falling into unexpected romantic situations.
Why it’s similar: Creative youth in a tight-knit group with heartfelt relationship dynamics and emotional turns, also produced by J.C.Staff.
12. Tsurezure Children (2017)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.59
Episodes: 12
Studio: Studio Gokumi
Short vignettes of various high school couples exploring awkward, charming, and realistic expressions of young love.
Why it’s similar: Captures romantic innocence and social awkwardness in compact, emotionally satisfying moments.
13. Sankarea: Undying Love (2012)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
MAL Rating: 7.24
Episodes: 12
Studio: Studio Deen
A zombie-obsessed teen meets a girl who becomes an actual zombie, sparking a strange yet emotional bond.
Why it’s similar: Features unconventional relationships, emotional isolation, and an undercurrent of melancholy.
14. Tsuki ga Noboru Sora ni (When the Moon Rises) (2004)
Streaming: Rare DVD/Online sources
MAL Rating: 7.10
Episodes: 12
Studio: Studio Deen
A forgotten romantic drama with quiet characters and poignant storytelling revolving around a calligraphy club.
Why it’s similar: Focuses on quiet introspection, unspoken emotions, and personal ambition—echoing Sakurasou’s atmosphere.
15. Kimi to Boku. (2011)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.72
Episodes: 13
Studio: J.C.Staff
A light-hearted yet emotional story of five high school boys exploring friendship, love, and identity.
Why it’s similar: Centered around daily life, emotional undercurrents, and personal growth in a laid-back setting with sharp insights.
Why These Anime Work for The Pet Girl of Sakurasou Fans
Each anime listed above shares The Pet Girl of Sakurasou’s dedication to character-driven storytelling, heartfelt emotion, and the challenges of growing up. Whether it’s the artistic ambition seen in Barakamon, the emotional self-discovery in March Comes in Like a Lion, or the quirky dorm-like dynamics in Kimi to Boku., these series resonate deeply with themes of youth, love, and dreams.
So if you’re craving something equally moving, layered, and often overlooked, these titles are perfect companions to your Sakurasou journey.
