Saagar Kote
Netflix’s ‘Beastars’ revolves around the happenings at Cherryton Academy, where herbivorous and carnivorous anthropomorphic animals navigate high school life. The story centers on a friendly gray wolf named Legoshi, a member of the drama club with a magnetic presence. Other animals fear and dislike him, and he thinks that this is how his life is going to be. But his experiences at school challenge his views and those of the other students. However, a classmate’s murder, the influence of a charismatic deer, and his own emerging predatory urges challenge Legoshi’s complex relationship with a gentle rabbit.
Created by Paru Itagaki, the anime show is based on her eponymous manga series, which she wrote and illustrated. The narrative is an intricate exploration of self-discovery, friendship, and the spirit of animals. If you are looking for more anime similar to ‘Beastars’ that feature unique characters and stories, this list will give you diverse picks to choose from.
12. Land of the Lustrous (2017)
‘Land of the Lustrous’ or ‘Houseki no Kuni’ takes place in a future where an immortal species known as the Lustrous, led by Kongo, inhabits the world. The Lustrous constantly defend themselves from the Moon-dwelling Lunarians, who seek to use the immortal bodies for decoration. The youngest and most fragile Lustrous, Phosphophyllite, is unfit for battle and feels worthless until Kongo tasks them with compiling natural history. While working, Phosphophyllite meets the isolated night guard, Cinnabar, whose toxic body endangers others. Saddened by Cinnabar’s loneliness, Phosphophyllite resolves to find Cinnabar a better profession. Created by Haruko Ichikawa, the anime series is based on her eponymous manga series, which she wrote and illustrated. Akin to ‘Beastars,’ the show features slice-of-life moments, crises, and the element of friendship.
11. Gleipnir (2020)
‘Gleipnir’ is the story of Shuuichi Kagaya, a seemingly ordinary high schooler who has the ability to transform into a monster. But to fit into the world, he keeps this a secret. After transforming to rescue a girl named Claire Aoki, he accidentally leaves his phone behind. Claire later tracks him down to reveal that she knows the truth, but Shuuichi initially denies her claims. Claire is looking for answers about monsters as her own sister became one. Eventually, Claire and Shuuichi work together to find the former’s missing sister. However, the journey leads to unexpected consequences. The anime series is based on the manga series of the same name, written and illustrated by the show’s creator, Sun Takeda. The narrative shares similarities with ‘Beastars’ due to its exploration of unlikely bonds, anthropomorphic themes, and the meaning of life.
10. Murenase! Seton Gakuen (2020-)
Directed by Hiroshi Ikehata, ‘Murenase! Seton Gakuen’ is an anime series that centers on Seton Academy, a school primarily attended by animals, due to a decline in the human population. The school is run on Darwinian survival principles, leading to daily conflicts between various species. Mazama Jin, the only human male student in his class, harbors animosity towards animals. His life changes when he involuntarily joins the pack of Lanka Ookami, a lone wolf-girl. Despite their differences, Lanka believes that friendship can blossom between them. When Jin falls in love with Hino Hitomi, the situation gets more complicated. Based on the manga series of the same name, written and illustrated by Bungo Yamashita, the narrative complements ‘Beastars’ due to its commentary on harmony between species in an academic setting.
9. Sacrificial Princess & the King of Beasts (2023)
‘Sacrificial Princess & the King of Beasts’ or ‘Niehime to Kemono no Ou’ is set in the beast-inhabited Kingdom of Ozmargo, ruled by a formidable and nameless king. A long war with the neighboring human kingdom ends with a peace treaty that requires the king to receive a female human sacrifice annually. The new sacrifice, Sariphi, unexpectedly bonds with the beast king due to her alluring nature, threatening to change the relationship between the two kingdoms forever. The anime series is based on the eponymous manga series written and illustrated by Yū Tomofuji, who is also the show’s creator. The story is spiritually connected to ‘Beastars’ as it navigates unlikely relationships, cooperation between species, and the idea of peace.
8. One Stormy Night: Secret Friends (2012-)
‘One Stormy Night: Secret Friends’ or ‘Arashi no yoru ni: Himitsu no tomodachi’ deals with Mei, a goat, seeking shelter from a fierce storm in an abandoned hut. A wolf named Gabu soon enters, and the rain prevents them from seeing or smelling each other. They begin talking and form a bond. As the weather clears, they arrange to meet the following day and realize that they belong to two species that can never be friends. As they deal with this unexpected scenario, the events that unfold test the strength of their friendship. Based on the eponymous book series by the creator Yūichi Kimura, the anime series is a heartwarming depiction of friendship, kindness, and the purpose of the species.
7. A Centaur’s Life (2017)
Directed by Naoyuki Konno, ‘A Centaur’s Life’ or ‘Centaur no nayami’ is a charming anime series that centers on the experiences of high school student Kimihara Himeno, who is an anthropomorphic centaur. As she deals with the tender emotions of love, she must also attempt to find her identity and place in the school, which has a diverse student body including Nozomi the draconid, Kyoko the goatfolk, and others. With her friends by her side, Kimihara realizes that she doesn’t have to grow up in isolation and also recognizes the deeper human-like feelings within her. Based on the manga series of the same name, written and illustrated by Kei Murayama, Kimihara’s experiences in the story closely resemble Legoshi’s in ‘Beastars,’ who also tries to fit in at school.
6. Dorohedoro (2020-2025)
‘Dorohedoro’ is set in a grim city where sorcerers routinely abduct people from the streets for horrific experiments in the dark arts. In an effort to help an amnesiac man named Caiman, who has been harmed by a sorcerer, Nikaido takes immense risks. She hunts down and eliminates sorcerers whom she thinks are responsible for cursing Caiman with a lizard-like head. Hoping to restore Caiman’s natural form, Nikaido and Caiman take extreme measures that eventually place them on the radar of the main sorcerer named En. This leads to a war between Nikaido and En’s worlds, causing chaos and destruction. The anime series is based on the eponymous manga series written and illustrated by Q Hayashida, who is also the show’s creator. The narrative is similar to ‘Beastars’ as it portrays characters seeking meaning and purpose in life, while also featuring anthropomorphic visuals.
5. Aggretsuko (2020-2023)
Based on the eponymous character by Yeti, Netflix’s ‘Aggretsuko’ revolves around the trials and tribulations of an anthropomorphic red panda named Retsuko, who works in a trading company. She is a young girl who manages the daily frustrations caused by her superiors and colleagues by singing death metal at a karaoke bar. After five years, this accumulated distress and mundanity jeopardize her employment and turn her life upside down. Retsuko resolves to marry and build a family, yet her social anxiety and inherent shyness frequently impede her from truly finding happiness. Directed by Rarecho, Retsuko’s battle in the anime comedy series closely resembles Legoshi’s story in ‘Beastars,’ as both characters are anthropomorphic and struggle to find their place in the world.
4. With You, Our Love Will Make It Through (2025-)
In ‘With You, Our Love Will Make It Through’ or ‘Kimi to Koete Koi ni Naru,’ high school student Mari’s life changes with the arrival of Tsunagu, a new student belonging to the beastfolk. Despite initial prejudice, she finds a deep connection with the gentle Tsunagu, forming a bond that defies the species-based differences between humans and beastfolk. The narrative delves deep into the friendship as Mari and Tsunagu learn to communicate with one another and truly support each other through life’s uncertainties. Directed by Shin Itagaki and Hiromi Kimura, the anime series is based on the eponymous manga series written and illustrated by Chihiro Yuzuki. The visual flavor, characters, the academic setting, and the evolution of friendship between diverse individuals make the show complementary to ‘Beastars.’
3. Wolf’s Rain (2003-2004)
Created by Keiko Nobumoto, ‘Wolf’s Rain’ is an anime series that explores the mystery surrounding an old legend that claims a place called Paradise will appear during the apocalypse. What makes Paradise so enigmatic is that it cannot be found by anyone other than wolves. Despite being widely considered extinct for two centuries, wolves persist by masquerading as humans and inhabiting the impoverished northern settlement of Freeze City in a post-apocalyptic environment. This is where four brave young wolves embark on a perilous endeavor to find the promised Paradise at any cost. The anthropomorphic themes of the show, the depiction of the relationships between species, and the journeys of the characters forge a connection with the world and characters of ‘Beastars.’
2. Odd Taxi (2021)
In ‘Odd Taxi,’ the mundane life of a middle-aged walrus taxi driver named Odokawa in Tokyo is disrupted when he has conversations with various strange customers. This includes a college student, a nurse, and others who are all somehow connected to a missing high school girl. Abandoned by his parents in elementary school, Odokawa only considers his doctor, Gouriki, and former classmate, Kakihana, as friends. As his daily talks unravel mysteries and violence, the police and yakuza begin to track him, believing he is connected to the missing girl’s case. Directed by Baku Kinoshita, the anime series, like ‘Beastars,’ is an exploration of an anthropomorphic character’s daily struggles through friendships and conversations.
1. BNA (2020)
Created by Kazuki Nakashima, Netflix’s ‘BNA’ or ‘BNA: Brand New Animal’ delves into the sudden emergence of anthropomorphic creatures known as Beastmen, who appear in the 21st century after living discreetly for many years. At the core of the story is Michiru Kagemori, a young girl who suddenly transforms into a tanuki Beastman. To escape those who hunt her kind, she seeks refuge in Anima City, a safe and free place for Beastmen. When Michiru encounters Shirou Ogami, a wolf Beastman, it leads to unexpected consequences that turn her world upside down.
Shirou wants to uncover the truth behind Michiru’s shocking transformation. As the two investigate the mystery, they find secrets tied to Anima City’s past that could have a greater impact on the world around them. The anime series, akin to ‘Beastars,’ is a nuanced depiction of the relationship between species, the challenges faced by anthropomorphic beings, and the greater idea of the meaning of life.
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