13 Must-watch anime series for fans of Spy x Family and the Forger family’s sdventures

Spy x Family has been dubbed one of the greatest action-comedy anime series — no cap!

Adapted from Tatsuya Endo’s Japanese manga series of the same name, the series follows the story of a master spy Twilight, who takes on the identity of psychiatrist Loid Forger. His reason? To construct a fabricated family to investigate the inner circle of the influential political leader Donovan Desmond. However, little does Twilight (aka Loid) know that his wife Yor is also a secret assassin known as the Thorn Princess.

Making the plot even more complex, their innocent daughter Anya, possesses telepathic abilities.

Thanks to its intriguing plot and unique characters like Anya, Yor, Bond and Loid Forger, the debut season of the anime series became one of the biggest hits of 2022 by seamlessly blending slice-of-life moments and humour with its dark storyline. The success of the first season led to a second season in 2023, the confirmation of a third instalment and also a feature film, Spy × Family Code: White.

Tickets for SPY x FAMILY CODE: White are now on sale! See the film only in theaters April 19.

❄️ TICKETS: https://t.co/lpdyFyJUjl pic.twitter.com/cEjv8JqLSy

— SPY x FAMILY EN (@spyfamily_en) March 27, 2024

So, if you are currently on a hunt to watch shows with similar themes or genres, our list of the best anime series like Spy x Family will ensure no breaks in your binge-watch while you wait for the show’s season 3.

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Here are the best anime series to add to your watchlist if you like ‘Spy x Family’

1. Barakamon

IMDb ratings: 8.4/10
Director: Masaki Tachibana
Voice cast: Daisuke Ono, Suzuko Hara, Nozomi Furuki
Number of seasons: 1
Based on manga: Yes

While Barakamo might not be similar to Spy x Family plot-wise, the humour is top-notch with interesting family bonding connections between the characters.

Seishuu Handa, a rising star in the world of calligraphy, is immensely talented and popular for his good looks. When a respected veteran dismisses his acclaimed artwork as unoriginal, Seishuu’s composure shatters, leading to dire consequences. To teach him a lesson and encourage self-reflection, Seishuu’s father banishes him to the remote Goto Islands, far removed from the luxurious lifestyle of Tokyo that the temperamental artist is accustomed to.

Now thrust into a rustic environment, he must seek fresh inspiration and cultivate his distinct artistic style. However, his pursuit is constantly interrupted by lively children, eccentric middle schoolers and spirited elderly individuals who invade his sanctuary.

2. Kotaro Lives Alone

IMDb rating: 8.4/10
Director: Tomoe Makino
Voice cast: Rie Kugimiya, Cherami Leigh, Kayleigh McKee
Number of seasons: 1
Based on a manga: Yes

Kotaro Lives Alone is an excellent option if you are up for something light-hearted and want to watch the shenanigans of a kid like Spy x Family‘s Anya.

Kotaro Sato, a four-year-old, moves to a new apartment building and discovers his neighbour is Shin Karino, an aspiring manga artist with multiple setbacks in his career. Kotaro lives by himself and appears not only self-sufficient but also more well-adjusted as compared to his unconventional neighbours.

3. The Disastrous Life of Saiki K

IMDb rating: 8.3/10
Director: Hiroaki Sakurai
Voice cast: Hiroshi Kamiya, Daisuke Ono, Nobunaga Shimazaki
Number of seasons: 2
Based on a manga: Yes

Kusuo Saiki, a high school student, possesses a variety of psychic powers like psychokinesis and teleportation that he strives to keep hidden from his peers. Throughout the anime, Kusuo faces everyday situations where he subtly utilises his powers to overcome obstacles. Along the way, he encounters characters, each with their own issues. Nevertheless, Kusuo cleverly employs his psychic abilities to solve these problems discreetly.

In The Disastrous Life of Saiki K, Kusao’s abilities are like Anya, who wishes to keep these powers a secret and is depicted through different stories featuring supporting characters and bringing the humourous element in eccentric situations.

4. Usagi Drop

IMDb ratings: 8.2/10
Director: Kanta Kamei
Voice cast: Hiroshi Tsuchida, Ayu Matsuura, Atsuko Mine
Number of seasons: 1
Based on manga: Yes

Usagi Drop explores the relationship that can blossom between a paternal figure and their adopted child.

Daikichi Kawachi, a 30-year-old bachelor with a respectable job, is aimlessly wandering through life until his grandfather’s sudden passing. Upon returning to the family home to pay his respects, he encounters Rin, a mysterious young girl who turns out to be his grandfather’s illegitimate daughter. Despite the family’s cold treatment towards Rin, Daikichi decides to take her in.

Usagi Drop follows Daikichi’s journey through fatherhood, showcasing his gentle and affectionate nature as he raises Rin and explores the importance of warmth and interdependence in a close-knit family.

5. The Promised Neverland

IMDb ratings: 8.2/10
Director: Mamoru Kanbe
Voice cast: Sumire Morohoshi, Mariya Ise, Shinei Ueki
Number of seasons: 2
Based on manga: Yes

The Promised Neverland’s story is set in a world where children are raised in an idyllic orphanage called Grace Field House. However, the orphans gradually uncover the truth that they are being raised as livestock for demons who feast on human flesh. The horror anime series follows the main characters, including Emma, Norman and Ray, as they devise a plan to escape from the orphanage and avoid becoming the next meal for these demons.

6. Buddy Daddies

IMDb ratings: 7.9/10
Director: Yoshiyuki Asai
Voice cast: Toshiyuki Toyonaga, Kôki Uchiyama, Hina Kino
Number of seasons: 1
Based on manga: No

Buddy Daddies focuses on a trio consisting of Kazuki Kurusu and Rei Suwa, two assassins sharing a home, along with Miri, the daughter of their assassination target. Kazuki, claiming to be Miri’s biological father, takes her in to protect her from her real father.

The anime series involves spies and taking responsibility for a child, which is quite familiar to Spy x Family and makes the storyline more exciting than ever.

7. ​​​​​​Hinamatsuri

IMDb ratings: 7.9/10
Director: Masao Ôtake
Voice cast: Yoshiki Nakajima, Brina Palencia, Jarrod Greene
Number of seasons: 1
Based on manga: Yes

8. The Yakuza’s Guide To Babysitting

IMDb rating: 7.4/10
Director: Tsukiya
Voice cast: Jonah Scott, Emi Lo, Nazeeh Tarsha
Number of seasons: 1
Based on manga: Yes

The Yakuza’s Guide To Babysitting is an excellent slice-of-life anime series filled with comedic timings, if you are exploring humour like Spy x Family.

Tooru Kirishima is widely recognised in the criminal underworld for his fearsome reputation as ‘The Demon of Sakuragi’,  a man who does not shy away from using violence when necessary. Following a near-disastrous incident that almost jeopardised a peace treaty, Tooru’s boss assigns him his most challenging task yet: looking after seven-year-old Yaeka Sakuragi, the boss’ beloved daughter, to teach him the true meaning of responsibility towards another life.

Initially, Tooru and Yaeka struggle to connect, with Tooru lacking the skills to communicate with the young girl and Yaeka being unaccustomed to expressing her feelings. However, over time, they manage to bridge their differences and develop a mutual understanding.

9. Princess Principal

IMDb rating: 7.3/10
Director: Masaki Tachibana
Voice cast: Ayaka Imamura, Akira Sekine, Patricia Duran
Number of seasons: 1
Based on manga: No

Princess Principal follows a team of young women from Queen’s Mayfaire School who operate as undercover agents for the Commonwealth of Albion. Under the leadership of Dorothy, a skilled driver with a charismatic presence, the group consists of a ruthless deceiver and sharpshooter Ange le Carre, a skilled samurai Chise and a specialist in voice mimicry Beatrice.

With their abilities, they navigate a world of conspiracy, secrecy and infiltration to aid the Commonwealth in surviving the dark times. Amidst the shadows of war, their sole objective remains — accomplishing their mission.

10. The Way of the Househusband

IMDb rating: 7.3/10
Director: Chiaki Kon
Voice cast: Kenjirô Tsuda, Shizuka Itou, Kazuyuki Okitsu
Number of seasons: 1
Based on a manga: Yes

The Way of the Househusband is yet another hilarious anime series, where a gangster leaves his criminal past behind to work as a stay-at-home homemaker. Tatsu, a notorious and dreaded yakuza leader known as the Immortal Dragon, leaves his criminal past to support his kyariaūman wife, Miku.

One of the best comedy anime series, this show comprises separate episodes, each portraying comical situations. These situations often revolve around the stark contrast between Tatsu’s ordinary domestic duties as a stay-at-home husband and his intimidating personality and appearance. He frequently encounters former yakuza acquaintances and rivals, leading to humorous confrontations and scenarios.

11. Kakushigoto

IMDb rating: 7.3/10
Director: Yûta Murano
Voice cast: Hiroshi Kamiya, Natsuki Hanae
Number of seasons: 1
Based on manga: Yes

Kakushi Gotou is a manga artist who has gained some popularity for his works that contain inappropriate content. Due to the explicit nature of his creations, he aims to keep his profession hidden from his daughter, Hime. He believes that if she were to discover his true occupation, she would be disappointed and lose her innocence. This fear-driven belief often puts Kakushi in challenging situations.

Despite being a single father, he goes to great lengths to protect his secret, such as disguising himself as a salaryman and conducting emergency drills in case

Kakushigoto and Spy x Family have one thing in common — secrecy. All of the characters make sure to keep their professions a secret for a reason!

12. Sweetness & Lightning

IMDb rating: 7.2/10
Director: Tarô Iwasaki
Voice cast: Yûichi Nakamura, Rina Endô, Saori Hayami
Number of seasons: 1
Based on manga: Yes

Sweetness & Lightning showcases how the protagonist tries to be a better father for his daughter, like the Spy x Family character’s dynamics.

Since the passing of his wife, Kouhei Inuzuka has been diligently looking after his young daughter Tsumugi. Due to his limited culinary skills and demanding job as a teacher, he relies on pre-made meals from convenience stores to feed his daughter. Feeling frustrated by his inability to provide fresh meals, Kouhei accepts an invitation from his student Kotori Iida, to dine at her family’s restaurant.

However, they soon discover that the restaurant is frequently closed due to Kotori’s mother’s work commitments, leaving Kotori to eat alone. Moved by Kotori’s situation, Kouhei agrees to visit the restaurant with Tsumugi to cook and share homemade meals with her.

13. Aishiteruze Baby

IMDb rating: 6.9/10
Director: Masaharu Okuwaki
Voice cast: Kumiko Endô, Fuyuka Oura, Masami Suzuki
Number of seasons: 1
Based on manga: Yes

Aishiteruze Baby follows the story of Kippei, a well-liked high school student known for his flirtatious behaviour towards girls, regardless of their feelings. His life takes a drastic turn when his aunt leaves her five-year-old cousin Yuzuyu in his care. Kippei is tasked with looking after Yuzuyu and must adapt to the role of a caregiver, providing the maternal support she needs. Through this experience, Kippei not only learns to care for Yuzuyu but also develops a newfound sense of responsibility towards Kokoro, a reserved classmate who assists him.

(Hero and feature image credit: IMDb)

This article first appeared here

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– Which is the best anime series like Spy x Family?
Barakamon, Kotaro Lives Alone, Bunny Drop and Buddy Daddies are some of the best anime series like Spy x Family.