If you’re looking for something that’s a bit different from the usual, then you might want to check out anime shows like Oshi no Ko. This anime takes a unique spin on the idol genre by exposing the dark and often hidden side of the entertainment industry. It reveals that the sweet and innocent image portrayed by many idols on screen isn’t always the whole truth.
Oshi no Ko follows the story of Ai Hoshino, a popular and talented idol named Ai Hoshino who everyone loves. But things aren’t always what they seem.
Gorou Amemiya is a small-town gynecologist who’s a huge fan of Ai. One day, Ai shows up at his hospital pregnant, and Gorou’s like, “What the heck?” However, he promises to help her have a safe delivery. But then something totally wild happens and he dies.
But the journey doesn’t stop there. Gorou wakes up as Ai’s newborn son, Aquamarine Hoshino!
Through its bold approach and quirky characters, the show explores themes of rebirth, second chances, and the true cost of success.
Here are 15 anime like Oshi no Ko!
15. Madoka Magica
If you liked Oshi no Ko for its unique twist on the idol genre, then you’re in for a treat with Madoka Magica. This anime takes a dark and twisted approach to the magical girl genre. For instance, it explores themes of sacrifice, the cost of power, and the harsh realities of fighting for what seems to be a noble cause.
Just like how Oshi no Ko subverts expectations with its intriguing plot and complex characters, Madoka Magica is known for its thought-provoking story that challenges traditional magical girl tropes. Get ready for an emotional rollercoaster as you delve into the dark and captivating world of Madoka Magica!
14. Love Live! School Idol Project
Love Live! School Idol Project is heartwarming anime that follows a group of high school girls. They come together to save their school from shutting down by forming an idol group. With their passion for music, friendship, and teamwork, they embark on a journey to become the ultimate school idols and compete in a nationwide competition.
With its catchy music, fun performances, and relatable characters, this anime brings the glitz and glamour of the idol industry to life. However, similar to Oshi no Ko, this anime also goes deep into the real struggles and challenges that lurk beneath the glitz and glamour.
13. The iDOLM@STER
The iDOLM@STER is a must-watch for any idol genre fan. It’s a classic that follows a group of girls on their journey to becoming successful idols. Get a peek into the behind-the-scenes world of the industry and witness the ups and downs of balancing personal and professional lives.
12. Zombieland Saga
Zombieland Saga is another anime that, similar to Oshi no Ko, puts a unique twist on the idol genre. In this anime, the idols are actually zombies who are brought back to life to save the declining popularity of Saga Prefecture.
With its unique blend of comedy, horror, and music, this anime is a one-of-a-kind idol anime that keeps viewers entertained from start to finish.
11. Runway de Waratte
This anime shares similarities with Oshi no Ko, as it follows a talented protagonist who strives to enter a highly competitive industry. However, instead of the idol or acting world, Runway de Waratte focuses on the world of fashion.
Despite the different settings and themes, both Oshi no Ko and Runway de Waratte capture the struggles and aspirations of individuals trying to make their mark in their respective industries. Subsequently, they are both compelling and relatable anime for fans of stories about following one’s dreams against all odds.
10. Blue Period
Similar to Oshi no Ko, Blue Period is an anime that centers around creative endeavors and the passion that drives individuals to pursue their dreams. However, while Oshi no Ko focuses on the idol industry, Blue Period delves into the world of art.
The anime follows the journey of a high school student who discovers his passion for art. He doesn’t leave it at that, though. He decides to pursue it seriously despite societal expectations. It portrays the challenges, sacrifices, and triumphs of an aspiring artist. Moreover, it explores the emotional and personal struggles that come with pursuing a creative path.
9. Nana
Nana follows the story of two young women with the same name who meet by chance and become friends as they chase their dreams. One of the Nanas aims for a successful music career. The anime portrays their pursuit of fame, love, and personal growth, while also tackling themes of friendship, heartbreak, and self-discovery.
Like Oshi no Ko, Nana is an anime that delves into the characters’ personal and professional lives. The show provides a realistic and emotional portrayal of the music industry. Both anime have a touch of realism, depicting the challenges and complexities of chasing one’s dreams in a competitive and often unforgiving industry. As a result, they are relatable and emotionally resonant to viewers.
8. Spy x Family
Spy x Family is filled with hilarious and heartwarming scenarios where the main characters are keeping secrets. In this anime, the MCs are a spy, an assassin, and a baby with ESP. Meanwhile, in Oshi no Ko, the MC is an idol and mother of talking (reincarnated) babies.
The stories explore the comedic but also serious situations that arise from trying to hide their true identities while juggling personal and professional lives. They also touch on the complexities of relationships and parenthood. With a blend of humor, absurdity, and heartfelt moments, both anime are enjoyable and entertaining watches for fans of unique stories.
7. Classroom of the Elite
Classroom of the Elite is an anime set in a prestigious high school where students are ranked based on their abilities. The story follows a group of students as they navigate the cutthroat world of academic competition, with hidden agendas and strategic moves.
Both male MCs in Oshi no Ko and Classroom of the Elite share striking similarities in their calculated and manipulative natures. Namely, their hidden motives driving their actions.
Additionally, both anime feature a chapter or arc that exhibits a similar premise. This adds to the parallel between the two series. Notably, the first nine chapters of Oshi no Ko feel like a separate series. They serve as a prologue of sorts, adding a unique and intriguing twist to the story.
6. Skip Beat!
Skip Beat! is an anime that shares many similarities with Oshi no Ko. They both focus on the entertainment industry and the unwavering determination of the MCs to achieve success in their fields.
It follows the story of Kyoko, a young girl seeking revenge and success as an actress, as she faces challenges and grows in the competitive world of showbiz.
5. Paripi Koumei
Zhuge Kongming, a renowned tactician from ancient China’s Three Kingdoms period, is reincarnated into modern-day Tokyo. He meets Eiko Tsukimi, an aspiring singer, and becomes her manager, using his strategic skills to navigate the competitive music industry and help Eiko achieve her dreams.
Both Oshi no Ko and Paripi Koumei share common themes of the music industry and the reincarnation of individuals. However, Oshi no Ko tends to be more dramatic in nature, while Paripi Koumei takes a comedic approach.
4. Kaguya-sama: Love is War
Kaguya-sama: Love is War is a popular romantic comedy that aired in 2019. It is based on a manga by Aka Akasaka. It’s about two top representatives at a prestigious academy, Miyuki Shirogane and Kaguya Shinomiya. They engage in a battle of wits and tactics to confess their feelings to each other.
Since Oshi no Ko is also created by the same mind, its visuals and comedic flair are similar.
Furthermore, both Kaguya-sama and Oshi no Ko focus on lies and the concept of one’s real self versus their ideal self. The characters in both series struggle with the idea of presenting themselves in a certain way to others and the challenges and consequences that come with it.
3. Perfect Blue
Perfect Blue is a psychological thriller anime film by Satoshi Kon. It follows the story of a former idol named Mima, who starts to question her sanity and reality as she transitions from being an idol to an actress.
It delves into the dark and twisted aspects of the entertainment industry, exploring themes of identity, fame, and obsession. If you’re into psychological thrillers and want a similar vibe to Oshi no Ko, Perfect Blue is definitely worth checking out!
2. Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation
Mushoku Tensei and Oshi no Ko have similarities despite having different settings and plots. They share common elements such as reincarnation, voice actors, and the portrayal of the main characters as babies.
In both anime, the concept of reincarnation is central to the plot. The main characters are reborn as babies and given a second chance at life.
What’s interesting is that Rudeus from Mushoku Tensei and Young Aqua from Oshi no Ko are voiced by the same actor. This alone creates a connection between the two anime through the voice talent.
Moreover, both MCs in Mushoku Tensei and Oshi no Ko are depicted as unusual babies. Their peculiar behaviors and actions are evident in the shows, adding a unique twist to their characters.
Lastly, both main characters in Mushoku Tensei and Oshi no Ko have serious goals and hurdles to overcome, which adds depth to their character development.
1. IDOLiSH7
Oshi no Ko and Idolish7 are cut from the same cloth. They are both dark idol stories that keep it real about the entertainment biz. They’re not your typical fluffy idol tales. These shows spill the tea on the entertainment industry. They show that it’s not all sunshine and rainbows as some might think.
But they’re different in how they tell their stories. Oshi no Ko is all about the mystery, the behind-the-scenes scoop on the entertainment world, and revenge plots involving the main characters. On the other hand, Idolish7 is more about family drama, self-discovery, and figuring out what it really means to be an idol.
