“Foreign anime” has a different story structure and character design than Japanese works. Since there are so many different works, some people may be confused as to which one to watch first.
Therefore, this time we will introduce recommended foreign anime works in a ranking format. We feature a variety of titles, including famous works and popular works, so please be sure to check them out until the end.
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table of contents
- The charm of foreign anime
- Recommended ranking of foreign anime
The charm of foreign anime
By: aardman-jp
The appeal of foreign anime is that they depict the daily lives and culture of the people with a lot of humor. Japanese anime tends to emphasize the animation, story, and voice acting, while overseas anime develops stories centered on surreal and black humor. Examples include titles such as “South Park'' and “The Simpsons.'' In addition to 3D animation and CG, which are also used in Japanese works, many works utilize video techniques such as stop motion.
Furthermore, some foreign anime deal with educational and social issues as themes. The content is aimed at a variety of viewers, including content that is useful for early childhood education and depictions of social issues that are actually occurring.
Recommended ranking of foreign anime
1st place The Powerpuff Girls – Cartoon Network Studios
The Powerpuff Girls anime series began airing in the United States in 1998 and was rebooted in 2016. Dr. Utonium experiments with mixing sugar, spices, and other wonderful things in order to create an extremely cute girl. However, he accidentally puts a chemical called “Chemical X'' into it. The result is Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup, three kindergarteners with superpowers. The Powerpuff Girls will continue to work together today to protect peace in Townsville, a town full of bad guys.
The Powerpuff Girls are popular in Japan for their highly deformed character designs. Each character is characterized by their strong individuality: Blossom has a strong sense of justice and is a leader, Bubbles is a spoiled child who can see the good in anyone, and Buttercup is a troublemaker and tomboy. Contrary to its cute appearance, there is a gap in that the problem of exterminating bad guys is basically solved with violence such as punching and kicking. Also, the black humorous comments they make towards bad guys that will make you laugh are also appealing.
It also depicts friendship episodes in everyday life, and the point is that it is more than just a heartwarming action piece. It is a recommended foreign anime that is well known as a cartoon work and loved by a wide range of people from children to adults.
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2nd place The Simpsons – 20th Television Animation
The Simpsons is a long-running series with a total of 750 episodes. It is an American national television anime that has been broadcasting for over 30 years since it began broadcasting in 1987, and is currently in its 36th season in its home country. This work focuses on the middle-class Simpson family living in the fictional town of Springfield, and is characterized by a story filled with social satire and dark humor. There are plenty of parodies of classic movies such as “Terminator 2'' and “The Shining,'' and some movie buffs will burst out laughing. Celebrities from the United States sometimes make guest appearances as voice actors.
Although it may be a bit of a surprise, it is also famous as a “prophecy'' anime that predicted Trump's inauguration as president. The focus is on things other than the story, wondering what will happen next. The character design of the Simpson family that appears in this work is also appealing to children. The story progresses at a light tempo, so you can watch it from beginning to end without getting bored. This is a recommended foreign anime that depicts American culture and past current events in a sarcastic way.
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3rd place South Park – Celluoid Studios and others
By: amazon.co.jp
“South Park'' is an overseas anime that has gained popularity for its intense black humor that would make “The Simpsons'' blush. The film depicts the daily lives of four boys in the fictional town of South Park. The main character Stan is a relatively ordinary elementary school student, Kyle is Stan's best friend and a smart Jewish man, Eric is a fat racist, and Kenny is poor and perverted. The original authors, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, are responsible for most of the CVs. Contrary to the catchy cut-out-style character designs, the key point is that the story is filled with dirty jokes, social satire, and racism.
Stop motion is used as a visual expression, and it has a visual enjoyment that is different from ordinary animation. The story is basically a single episode, so you can watch it whenever you want without worrying about the sequel. Although it is a work that chooses people, it is a recommended anime that will deeply touch people who like dark humor.
No. 4 Welcome to Hazbin Hotel – A24 and others
By: amazon.co.jp
“Welcome to the Hazbin Hotel'' is an animated television adaptation by A24, the film production company famous for “Midsommar,'' based on the original work by animator Vivian Medrano. The work originally attracted attention overseas, but after being distributed on Amazon Prime, it spread on social media in Japan and became popular.
Hell is inhabited by demons who have committed sins and died. Hell is becoming more and more overcrowded every day, but an angel comes from heaven once a year to “exterminate” the demons and reduce the overpopulation. Princess Charlie, saddened by such a terrible situation, opens the Hazbin Hotel, where demons can be rehabilitated. Will she be able to reduce the population “peacefully”?
The highlight of this work is the interactions between the eccentric characters, amidst violence and vitriolic language. The unique art style and musical-style production are also key points. Along with dark humor, the characters' inner lives and conflicts are also depicted. This is a foreign anime recommended for those looking for works for adults.
No. 5 Adventure Time – Cartoon Network Studios
“Adventure Time'' is a fantasy foreign animation set in a post-nuclear war world in which a young boy, Finn, and a dog with magical powers, Jake, go on an adventure. In addition to unique characters and unique humor, it is characterized by a carefully crafted world view.
Although this work appears to be aimed at children due to its cartoon nature and cute character designs, each episode contains deep, thought-provoking themes and moving elements, and has been highly praised by a wide range of people. This is a foreign anime recommended for those looking for something the whole family can enjoy.
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6th place Phineas and Ferb – Disney Television Animation
By: amazon.co.jp
Phineas and Ferb is an American animation series that began airing on Disney Channel in 2007. In 2020, the new movie “Phineas and Ferb: The Movie: Rescue Candace” will be released, and in 2023, production of two new seasons with a total of 40 episodes has been announced, making it highly popular overseas.
This work depicts half-brothers Phineas and Ferb, who are enjoying their summer vacation and take on a grand project every day. The story is full of unique characters, such as Candace, the younger brother's older sister who tries to tell their mother about the strange behavior of her younger brothers, and the pet platypus, who is a secret agent and confronts the evil scientist Dr. Doofenshmirtz. Check it out if you want to enjoy a humorous story.
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No. 7 Rick and Morty – Bardell Entertainment
By: amazon.co.jp
“Rick and Morty'' is a science fiction comedy animation that depicts the adventures of the genius scientist Rick and his grandson Morty in another dimension and the daily life of their family. The main character, Rick, is an alcoholic mad scientist. While living with his daughter and her family, she takes Morty on a dangerous adventure. As a result, he gets involved in various troubles…?
This work features various monsters such as aliens and giant creatures. It skillfully incorporates the existence of parallel worlds and other dimensions, creating a unique worldview. The key points are the complex human relationships created by unique characters and unpredictable developments. This is a recommended foreign anime that attracts many fans due to its unique humor and deep themes.
No. 8 Weird Gumball – Cartoon Network Studios
“Strange Gumball'' is a comedy animation produced by Cartoon Network Studios. Broadcasting began in Japan in May 2011, and in Japan in November of the same year. This work depicts the daily life of Gumball Watterson, a 12-year-old blue cat boy, and his family and friends in the town of Elmore. The series features humorous adventures at school and at home with Gumball, his best friend and younger brother Darwin, and his sister Anais.
This work has a unique visual style that combines 2D and 3D animation and live-action footage. It depicts themes that are easy to relate to, such as family love, friendship, and school life, with plenty of humor, and can be enjoyed by a wide range of people, from children to adults. It was completed with 6 seasons and 127 episodes, but season 7 has been produced and is scheduled to be broadcast again in Japan. If you are looking for a foreign anime that you can enjoy for a long time, please check it out.
No. 9 Looney Tunes – Warner Bros.
Looney Tunes is an animated series produced by Warner Bros. from 1930 to 1969. The story is full of humor and features unique characters such as Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck. It is a work that represents the golden age of American animation, which lasted from the 1920s to the 1960s, and is still loved by fans around the world.
This work is characterized by each episode consisting of an independent story, and the characters' comical interactions unfold in various situations. This is a foreign anime that is recommended for those who want to enjoy animation with a classic atmosphere, with plenty of elements that can be enjoyed by people of all generations.
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No. 10 BoJack Horseman – Tornante Television
BoJack Horseman is a Netflix original animated series set in a world where anthropomorphic animals and humans coexist. The main character, BoJack, is an actor who rose to fame after starring in the hit sitcom “The Horseman''. He is currently depressed and living a dissolute life. This work is characterized by depicting his struggle to regain his fame with a mix of dark humor and deep human drama.
The key point is that it cynically depicts the behind-the-scenes aspects of the Hollywood industry and the complexity of human relationships, while also dealing with depressed psychology and social issues. The drama, created by unique characters, not only makes you laugh, but also inspires emotion and empathy. It is a recommended foreign anime that has received high praise as an anime for adults and has attracted many fans.
No. 11 Love, Death & Robots – Blur Studio/Netflix
Love, Death & Robots is an animated anthology series for adults distributed by Netflix. It started with season 1 released in 2019 and has been expanded to season 3 so far. This work is characterized by each episode consisting of an independent short story, covering a wide range of genres such as science fiction, fantasy, horror, and comedy.
Another highlight is the variety of animation styles and deep themes. Each episode is produced by a different studio, and you can enjoy a variety of expressions such as 2D animation, 3DCG, and live-action visual beauty. In addition, there are many contents that make people think about social issues and human nature, making it a deep work for adults.
Film directors Tim Miller and David Fincher will serve as executive producers. Although it is short, it is a recommended foreign anime filled with memorable stories.
12th place Wallace and Gromit – Aardman Animations
By: aardman-jp
“Wallace and Gromit” is a stop-motion animation produced by British company Aardman Animations. Stop-motion animation is a method in which a stationary object is moved little by little and the movement is filmed frame by frame. This work is a comedy depicting the adventures and daily life of Wallace, an inventor, and his faithful dog Gromit. Starting with the first short story, “Cheese Holiday,'' released in 1989, the series continues to develop humorous stories.
Wallace, an inventor with a slightly eccentric personality, and Gromit, who does not speak to him but is highly intelligent. The comical interactions between the two and the attention to detail in the animation are highlights. It has a British sense of humor and is appealing to a wide range of people, from children to adults. This is a recommended foreign anime that has won many awards including the Academy Award.
No. 13 Tom and Jerry – Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and others
By: amazon.co.jp
Tom and Jerry is an animated series produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and others. This gag anime depicts the slapstick drama between Tom the cat and Jerry the mouse, and has been made into shorts, feature films, and multiple television series. Even if you don't know the content, there are probably people who know the title or have seen the famous scene of a comical chase. This work is popular not only overseas, but also in Japan.
This work uses a unique style in which the characters do not speak and the story progresses only through gestures and facial expressions. Tom is always trying to catch Jerry. However, each time Jerry uses his brain to cleverly escape. The gags that unfold during the chase are full of humor and will make you laugh, so it's perfect for those looking for foreign anime that will give you a kick. Another point is that it has been highly praised around the world, having won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film seven times. This is a work recommended for those who want to enjoy classic anime.
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No. 14 The Cuphead Show! – Netflix and others
The Cuphead Show! is an animated series based on the popular game Cuphead. ”. It began distribution on Netflix in 2022 and attracted attention for its unique visual style and humorous story. The film features an animation style influenced by 1930s cartoons.
The story revolves around the adventures of the impulsive and mischievous Cuphead and his cautious and timid brother Mugman. The highlight is watching the brothers deepen their bond while meeting strange characters and getting into various troubles. You'll also see some bargaining and humorous interactions with the devil.
This work is recommended not only for game fans but also for those who want to enjoy the atmosphere of classic animation and light comedy. This is an anime that can be enjoyed by both children and adults, as it captures the charm of the original work.
No. 15 Happy Tree Friends – Mondo Media
“Happy Tree Friends'' is a black humor anime featuring cute animal characters and extreme splatter depictions. Distribution began on the Internet in 1999, and gained great popularity due to the gap in appearance and unpredictable development.
The story revolves around the daily lives of adorable animals living in the forest, where trivial incidents develop into serious troubles. Contrary to the design, which at first glance appears to be aimed at children, it has many violent and extreme depictions, and is popular as a black comedy for adults.
This work can be viewed on Mondo Media's official YouTube channel and official website. It has become a hot topic in the United States and Japan, and is worth seeing for viewers who like dark humor. If you want to watch a foreign anime with light music and a shocking storyline, check it out.
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No. 16 Demon Buster★Star Butterfly – Disney Television Animation
“Devil Buster Star Butterfly'' is an American television animation produced by Disney Television Animation. The story depicts the adventures and commotion that occur when Star Butterfly, a princess from the magical country of another dimension, Muni, is sent to Earth.
Star Butterfly, the main character of this work, is an unconventional and energetic magical girl. When she comes to Earth to train, she meets Marco Diaz, a karate boy, and the two face off against various enemies through magic and battle. In addition to bright visuals and a fast-paced storyline, it also features moving episodes with themes of friendship and growth.
This work has a good balance of action and comedy elements, and the point is that it can be enjoyed by both children and adults. In Japan, you can watch it on distribution services such as Disney Plus, and it is an anime that will bring you laughter and excitement through the star's unconventional adventures.
No. 17 SpongeBob – Nickelodeon Animation Studios
By: amazon.co.jp
“SpongeBob SquarePants'' is an American comedy animation set in the underwater city of Bikini Town, about the cheerful and energetic boy SpongeBob. It began airing in 1999 and is now a long-running series that is loved all over the world. This work was produced by Nickelodeon Animation Studios and features a humorous story and unique characters.
The main character, SpongeBob, has an incredibly bright and pure personality, and gives his all to both work and play. While working at a hamburger shop called “Kanikani” on the ocean floor, he causes trouble every day. The highlights are his interactions with his unique friends, including his best friend Patrick the starfish, his sarcastic co-worker Squidward like Icarus, Sandy the science-loving squirrel, and the stingy Mr. Krabs, the owner of Crab Krabs.
The appeal of this work lies in its well-paced story development. Full of bizarre settings and gags, it's packed with content that will make both children and adults laugh, so it's recommended for all ages. This is a recommended foreign anime that will give you a little laugh and solace with the rich expressiveness that can only be achieved through animation and the positivity of SpongeBob SquarePants.
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18th place Ben 10 – Cartoon Network Studios
“Ben 10'' is an adventure anime that begins when a 10-year-old boy, Ben Tennyson, acquires a mysterious wristwatch-like device called the Omnitrix. When it began airing on Cartoon Network in 2005, it became very popular with children all over the world. This work is a combination of science fiction and action elements, and the story is tense yet makes you want to know what will happen next.
Ben is a young boy who uses the power of the Omnitrix to transform into 10 different alien heroes, each using their special abilities to fight against enemies. Traveling with his grandfather Max and cousin Gwen, he confronts various enemies in order to protect the Earth. The highlight of this work is that it depicts Ben's growth through battle and the bonds he develops with his friends.
This work features unique abilities and designs for each alien, and there are plenty of action scenes. Sequels and reboots have been produced, and the series continues to be loved by many fans.
No. 19 Felix the Cat – Pat Sullivan and others
“Felix the Cat'' is an animated television series featuring the black cat Felix, known as the world's first popular animated character. It originally appeared as a silent film animated short in 1919, and was later reimagined as a television series in 1958. Felix has a comical and clever personality and a magical yellow bag called the Trick Bag, which he uses to solve troubles, and he takes on various adventures.
Produced at a time when animation technology was still in its infancy, the highlight of this film is how Felix uses his versatile trick bag to calmly respond to any situation. Some people can't help but laugh or be surprised by scenes where they use all kinds of tools and tricks to solve problems. Because words are hardly used and the story progresses through the characters' movements, facial expressions, and music, it has become popular all over the world, transcending language barriers. This is a recommended overseas anime that is very famous as a classic anime.
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No. 20 The Garfield Show – Dargaud Media
A CG animation series based on the comic “Garfield'' by Jim Davis. Broadcasting began in 2009. This work depicts the humorous daily life of Garfield, a lazy and greedy cat, and his friends. The highlight is the interaction between Garfield's sarcastic personality and the unique characters.
This film depicts the daily lives of Garfield, his owner Jon, and their goofy dog Odie. While Garfield, who only cares about food, causes trouble, comical interactions and happenings with his friends unfold one after another. Although the story is simple, it depicts sarcastic humor and warm friendships, making it enjoyable for both children and adults.
By using CG animation, this work faithfully reproduces the world of the original comic while creating movements that will keep you entertained. The short story format moves at a fast pace, so it's easy to watch. In the Japanese dubbed version, Wataru Takagi provides the voice of Garfield, and his performance has been highly praised. This is a foreign anime perfect for those looking for a comical and soothing anime.
21st place Avatar: The Last Airbender – Nickelodeon Animation Studios
By: amazon.co.jp
Avatar: The Last Airbender is a TV anime series with a world view based on Asian culture. In a world inhabited by people who have the ability to manipulate the four elements of water, earth, fire, and air (bending), the story depicts the adventures of a young boy named Anne, who has a mission as an avatar, the only being who can manipulate all of the elements.
Aang, who has been missing for 100 years, wakes up and sets out on a journey to save the world, which is in danger from the invasion of the Fire Nation. The highlight is the story of Aang's growth as he faces trials along with his friends such as Katara and her older brother Sokka from the Land of Water. Other highlights include the deep human drama woven through friendship and the powerful action scenes.
This work features a unique visual style influenced by Japanese animation, and a setting that incorporates East Asian philosophy and culture. A sequel, “Legend of Cola,'' was also produced, and the expanded world view of this work has received high praise from many viewers. This is a recommended foreign anime that everyone from children to adults can enjoy.
No. 22 Gravity Falls – Disney Television Animation
By: amazon.co.jp
“Gravity Falls'' is a mystery adventure anime set in Gravity Falls, a town where strange events never cease. The story begins with twin brothers Dipper and Mabel spending their summer vacation at a mystery house run by their great-uncle Stan. In this town where paranormal phenomena swirl, Dipper discovers a mysterious journal, and the two struggle to uncover the secrets hidden in the town…?
This work is appealing for its cynical humor and deep character depictions. The strong bond and growth that Dipper and Mabel show, even as they are caught up in strange phenomena, enlivens the story. In addition, each episode is littered with foreshadowing and ciphers, and the key point is that viewers can have fun while solving the mysteries themselves.
The appeal of this work is the human drama woven by its unique characters, but the story also combines elements of fantasy and mystery, making it popular with a wide range of audiences, from children to adults. This is a recommended foreign anime that can be enjoyed by all ages.
23rd place: Timid College-kun – One Film Production
A horror comedy set in a rural American town. The film depicts the struggle of a timid dog, Courage, to protect his owners, an elderly couple, Mariel and Eustace, from strange phenomena and mysterious beings. As strange events occur one after another, Courage overcomes his cowardice and overcomes the crisis with his wisdom and courage.
The story takes place in a house on the outskirts of a rural American town called Dokodoko Town. Strange beings such as aliens, monsters, and ghosts frequently appear here, often putting the elderly couple in danger. Carage stands up to protect them even though he is trembling with anxiety. The highlights are the love between the elderly couple and Eustace's sarcastic behavior.
This work is characterized by a storyline that exquisitely combines horror and comedy, and a unique animation style. By incorporating some CG and live-action footage, the result is visually unique. Also, each episode features a different theme and enemy character, so you never get tired of watching it. If you like horror and comedy, check it out.
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No. 24 Peppa Pig – Astley Baker Davis and others
By: tv-tokyo.co.jp
Peppa Pig is a British animation depicting families and their daily lives. This work focuses on Peppa, an adorable little pig, and depicts her daily life with her family and friends in a comical way. Since it began broadcasting in 2004, it has become a huge hit series that is loved all over the world.
The story revolves around Peppa, her brother George, Mama Pig, and Daddy Pig. The main point of the book is that it depicts family bonds, adventures with friends, and the importance of learning through everyday episodes. It features humorous stories and concise English conversations, and is useful for early childhood education.
The appeal of this work is its unique colorful visual style and rhythmic narration. In addition, it incorporates a simple yet profound theme, making it appealing not only for small children but also for adults. One of the reasons why Peppa's family and friends are so unique and unique is that they attract so many viewers. This work depicts the story of a warm family in a simple and fun way. This is a recommended work as your first overseas anime.
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No. 25 Milo Murphy’s Law – Disney Television Animation and others
“Milo Murphy's Law'' depicts a boy who enjoys life in a positive way despite unexpected troubles. This work is an animation work created by Dan Povenmire and Jeff Swampy Marsh, the creators of Phineas and Ferb, and is characterized by sharing the same worldview.
The main character of the story is Milo Murphy, a 12-year-old boy. He is the embodiment of “Murphy's Law,'' which states that everything bad that can happen will happen. But Milo never gives up on any trouble, and with his creative solutions and optimistic personality, he and his best friends Melissa and Zach turn everyday difficulties into unexpected adventures.
The appeal of this work is that it has a humorous storyline and a series of unpredictable happenings. Also, one of the elements that can be enjoyed is the crossover with existing characters and the world view of “Phineas and Ferb”. Each episode moves at a good pace, and the animation is vivid. This is a bright, fun and recommended foreign anime that will soothe you as Milo overcomes troubles in a positive manner.
No. 26 Regular SHOW ~Two people who are not stiff~ – Cartoon Network Studio
“Regular SHOW~Kori nai Futari~'' is an American comedy animation that depicts the bizarre everyday life. It began airing on Cartoon Network in 2010 and gained many fans with its unique characters and surreal humor. The main characters of this work are Mordecai, a blue jay, and Rigby, a raccoon. They are the caretakers who work at the park, but they always get into trouble when they skip work or play around.
It is characterized by the development of trivial everyday events that develop into unexpected adventures. In addition to Mordecai and Rigby, unique characters such as Skip, Muscle Man, and Hooray Ghost appear in the story. The highlights of this work are his interactions with his boss, Benson, and the troubles caused by the free-spirited Rigby's actions.
With a well-paced storyline and a mix of adult jokes, this work can be enjoyed by both children and adults. The worldview, which is heavily influenced by creator J.G. Quintel's own experiences and comedy shows, is addictive and interesting. This is a foreign anime recommended for those who want to enjoy surreal comedy that mixes the extraordinary with the ordinary.
No. 27 We Bare Bears – Cartoon Network Studios
By: x.com
“We Bare Bears'' is a heartwarming comedy starring three bears: a grizzly bear, a panda, and an ice bear. It attracted many fans with its warm story and unique humor.
This work depicts the daily lives of three bears who struggle to fit in with human society. The highlights are the commotion that these unique characters create in the city, and their interactions with other animals and humans: the leader and timid Grizzly, the timid Panda, and the taciturn and multi-talented Ice Bear.
This work features heartwarming episodes with themes of friendship and family love, as well as somewhat surreal and comical situations. Although it is simple, it has a deep message, and the content is enjoyable not only for children but also for adults. In addition, stories that incorporate modern elements and episodes that utilize SNS are key points that give the series a sense of the times.
This work has a catchy and approachable art style and a light-paced storyline. Perfect for those looking for foreign anime that the whole family can enjoy.
A comment from a writer
A “foreign anime'' full of dark jokes that you don't often see in Japanese anime. If you want to watch it as a companion while working, we recommend works with a large number of episodes or works dubbed into Japanese. Please refer to this article and choose the work that suits you best.