The Adventures of Tintin is a timeless classic known for its globetrotting mystery plots, sharp-witted young journalist protagonist, and faithful dog companion, Snowy.
The series thrives on exploration, danger, clever deduction, and a deep sense of justice, often placing Tintin as the underdog challenging corrupt powers across continents.
While few anime replicate its exact journalistic lens, many echo its spirit through daring investigations, episodic adventures, rich world-building, and character-driven storytelling.
This curated list features 15 underrated anime that share Tintin’s essence—whether through young heroes, puzzle-like mysteries, or stories of truth-seeking in an unpredictable world.
1. Master Keaton (1998)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll (Region-dependent), DVD
- Episodes: 24
- Rating: MAL 8.1
- Studio: Madhouse
An archaeology professor and ex-SAS operative investigates mysteries across the world.
Similarities: Like Tintin, Keaton combines brains and bravery, uncovering political plots, historical secrets, and human truths with a global scope.
2. Un-Go (2011)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- Episodes: 11 + 1 OVA
- Rating: MAL 7.3
- Studio: Bones
A post-war detective and his mysterious assistant solve crimes in a dystopian Tokyo.
Similarities: Intricate mysteries, societal critique, and a protagonist who uncovers hidden truths beneath official narratives—classic Tintin energy.
3. The Big O (1999)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Episodes: 26
- Rating: MAL 7.5
- Studio: Sunrise
In a city with no memory, a negotiator with a giant mech investigates strange happenings.
Similarities: Noir vibes, episodic mystery-solving, and a journalist-like hero chasing truth in a forgotten world.
4. Gosick (2011)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Episodes: 24
- Rating: MAL 7.9
- Studio: Bones
In 1920s Europe, a military cadet and a gothic genius girl solve arcane and political mysteries.
Similarities: European setting, historical intrigue, and the sleuthing style of Tintin wrapped in light romantic drama.
5. Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water (1990)
- Streaming: HIDIVE, RetroCrush
- Episodes: 39
- Rating: MAL 7.5
- Studio: Gainax
An inventor boy meets a mysterious girl on the run from a secret society.
Similarities: Adventure across sea and sky, plucky young heroes, and Jules Verne-like worldbuilding—very much in Tintin’s spirit.
6. DAGGER OF KAMUI (1985)
- Streaming: DVD
- Episodes: 1 (Film)
- Rating: MAL 7.3
- Studio: Madhouse
A boy framed for murder journeys across Japan and America to uncover hidden conspiracies.
Similarities: Global adventure, personal quest for truth, and Tintin-esque resilience against overwhelming odds.
7. Case File nº221: Kabukicho (2019)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Episodes: 24
- Rating: MAL 6.9
- Studio: Production I.G
Sherlock Holmes is reimagined in a neon-noir Tokyo solving bizarre murders and facing deep corruption.
Similarities: Detective storytelling, offbeat humor, and a modern take on investigative journalism-type roles.
8. Karakuri Circus (2018)
- Streaming: Amazon Prime Video
- Episodes: 36
- Rating: MAL 7.1
- Studio: Studio VOLN
A boy inherits a fortune and is hunted by automatons—protected by martial artists and puppeteers.
Similarities: Unexpected heroism, international intrigue, and chase sequences reminiscent of Tintin’s globe-spanning adventures.
9. Fantastic Children (2004)
- Streaming: HIDIVE, RetroCrush
- Episodes: 26
- Rating: MAL 7.9
- Studio: Nippon Animation
Mysterious white-haired children appear across centuries, investigated by a curious young boy.
Similarities: Historical mystery, slow-burning plot, and a child protagonist on a mission of revelation.
10. Gallery Fake (2005)
- Streaming: Not widely available
- Episodes: 37
- Rating: MAL 7.7
- Studio: Tokyo Movie Shinsha
An art dealer and ex-museum curator solves forgeries and art crimes around the world.
Similarities: Sophisticated international flair, crime-solving narrative, and a sharp-eyed protagonist reminiscent of Tintin’s investigative tenacity.
11. Allison & Lillia (2008)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 26
- Rating: MAL 7.4
- Studio: Madhouse
Set in a fictional 1930s-like world, a pilot and her partner uncover secrets that could unite two war-torn nations.
Similarities: Idealism, aerial adventure, and journalism-style truth-seeking with emotional depth.
12. Cencoroll (2009)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 1 (Film)
- Rating: MAL 7.1
- Studio: Anime Innovation Tokyo
A teenager hides a shape-shifting creature in a city overrun by similar beasts.
Similarities: Youth-led investigation, urban secrecy, and a minimalist storytelling style like Tintin’s visual clarity.
13. Joker Game (2016)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Episodes: 12
- Rating: MAL 7.1
- Studio: Production I.G
An elite spy unit works behind the scenes during WWII using intellect over brute force.
Similarities: Historical setting, travel-heavy espionage, and clever deduction at the heart of each arc.
14. Takarajima (Treasure Island) (1978)
- Streaming: YouTube, DVD
- Episodes: 26
- Rating: MAL 7.6
- Studio: Madhouse
A faithful anime retelling of Treasure Island through a boy’s lens of adventure and betrayal.
Similarities: Treasure hunts, moral complexity, and seafaring episodes that feel straight out of Tintin’s pirate arcs.
15. Bartender (2006)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 11
- Rating: MAL 7.4
- Studio: Palm Studio
A calm bartender helps patrons find emotional healing through drinks and stories.
Similarities: While slower-paced, it mirrors Tintin’s empathy and philosophical insights within a tightly written episodic structure.
Why These Anime Work for The Adventures of Tintin Fans
Whether it’s tracking down ancient artifacts, exposing political conspiracies, or simply traveling from continent to continent in search of truth, these anime echo Tintin’s DNA.
Each story champions intellect over muscle, moral courage in the face of danger, and curious protagonists unraveling a bigger picture. If Tintin was your gateway to mystery, adventure, and justice—these lesser-known gems are the next step in your journey.
