Trolls (2016) blends vibrant animation, musical storytelling, and themes of resilience, community, and defying expectations. Its focus on underdog characters and inventive world-building resonates with audiences seeking heartfelt narratives. Below are 15 underrated anime series that mirror these elements through unique power systems, underdog journeys, and narrative surprises.
These titles deserve attention for their creativity and emotional depth, often overshadowed by mainstream hits.
1. Land of the Lustrous (Houseki no Kuni) (2017)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Plot: Gemstone beings defend their world from lunar invaders while grappling with identity and purpose.
- Similarities: Themes of self-discovery and resilience amid adversity, with stunning 3D animation that mirrors Trolls’ visual flair.
- Details:
- MAL: 8.2 | Episodes: 12
- Studio: Orange | Notable Staff: Director Takahiko Kyōgoku
- Awards: Nominated for Best Animation (Crunchyroll Awards 2018).
2. Sonny Boy (2021)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Students trapped in a void develop supernatural abilities, challenging societal norms and existential truths.
- Similarities: Subverts expectations through surreal storytelling and explores community dynamics.
- Details:
- MAL: 7.8 | Episodes: 12
- Studio: Madhouse | Notable Staff: Director Shingo Natsume
3. Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! (2020)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: High school girls create anime, blending reality and imagination to overcome creative hurdles.
- Similarities: Celebrates creativity and teamwork, akin to Trolls’ collaborative spirit.
- Details:
- MAL: 7.9 | Episodes: 12
- Studio: Science SARU | Notable Staff: Director Masaaki Yuasa
4. To Your Eternity (2021)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: An immortal being learns humanity through countless lives, facing loss and connection.
- Similarities: Emotional growth and underdog perseverance, with a unique power system tied to empathy.
- Details:
- MAL: 8.1 | Episodes: 20
- Studio: Brain’s Base | Awards: Best Fantasy Anime (Anime Trending Awards 2021).
5. Akame ga Kill (2014)
- Streaming: Hulu, Crunchyroll
- Plot: A rebel group fights a corrupt empire, facing moral ambiguity and tragic consequences.
- Similarities: Subverts hero tropes and emphasizes camaraderie, mirroring Trolls’ focus on unity.
- Details:
- MAL: 7.5 | Episodes: 24
- Studio: White Fox | Notable Staff: Director Tomoki Kobayashi
6. Zatch Bell! (2003)
- Streaming: Amazon Prime
- Plot: A boy and his demon partner compete in a battle royale using spellbooks.
- Similarities: Power systems tied to emotional bonds, with lighthearted moments balancing darker stakes.
- Details:
- MAL: 7.6 | Episodes: 150
- Studio: Toei Animation
7. The Tatami Galaxy (2010)
- Streaming: Hidive
- Plot: A college student relives his youth via parallel timelines, seeking fulfillment.
- Similarities: Nonlinear storytelling and themes of self-acceptance, challenging narrative norms.
- Details:
- MAL: 8.4 | Episodes: 11
- Studio: Madhouse | Notable Staff: Director Masaaki Yuasa
8. Ranking of Kings (2021)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A deaf prince defies expectations to prove his worth in a whimsical medieval world.
- Similarities: Underdog protagonist and fairy-tale aesthetics with emotional depth.
- Details:
- MAL: 8.5 | Episodes: 23
- Studio: Wit Studio
9. Deca-Dence (2020)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A post-apocalyptic girl and cyborg mentor battle monsters in a rigged system.
- Similarities: Subverts genre expectations and explores systemic oppression.
- Details:
- MAL: 7.6 | Episodes: 12
- Studio: Nut
10. Kyousougiga (2013)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A chaotic family navigates a surreal mirror world to reunite with loved ones.
- Similarities: Vibrant animation and themes of belonging, akin to Trolls’ communal focus.
- Details:
- MAL: 7.9 | Episodes: 10
- Studio: Toei Animation
11. Princess Tutu (2002)
- Streaming: Amazon Prime
- Plot: A duck-turned-balleria battles fate to rewrite a tragic story.
- Similarities: Metaphysical storytelling and defiance of predetermined roles.
- Details:
- MAL: 8.0 | Episodes: 38
- Studio: Hal Film Maker
12. Kaiba (2008)
- Streaming: Hidive
- Plot: A amnesiac explores a dystopia where memories are commodified.
- Similarities: Surreal visuals and themes of identity, challenging societal norms.
- Details:
- MAL: 7.9 | Episodes: 12
- Studio: Madhouse | Notable Staff: Director Masaaki Yuasa
13. Mawaru Penguindrum (2011)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Siblings quest to save their sister using a magical penguin hat.
- Similarities: Symbolic storytelling and subversion of family tropes.
- Details:
- MAL: 8.0 | Episodes: 24
- Studio: Brain’s Base
14. Flip Flappers (2016)
- Streaming: Hidive
- Plot: Girls explore psychedelic worlds to collect magical shards.
- Similarities: Whimsical adventures and LGBTQ+ undertones, emphasizing friendship.
- Details:
- MAL: 7.5 | Episodes: 13
- Studio: Studio 3Hz
15. Shōwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjū (2016)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A former convict joins a rakugo (storytelling) troupe, navigating art and legacy.
- Similarities: Character-driven growth and preservation of cultural traditions.
- Details:
- MAL: 8.5 | Episodes: 25
- Studio: Studio Deen
Why These Anime Work for Trolls Fans
These series mirror Trolls’ emphasis on community, resilience, and challenging norms. From Land of the Lustrous’ gemstone warriors to Sonny Boy’s existential twists, each title offers underdog protagonists who defy odds through creativity and unity. Their unique animation styles and narrative risks make them standouts for viewers seeking fresh, emotionally resonant stories.
