20 Must-Watch Anime Like Spy x Family You Can't Miss

SPY x FAMILY is a popular Japanese manga and animated series that started in 2019 (manga) and 2022 (anime). The plot revolves around a spy who needs to assemble a family for a mission, resulting in an intriguing storyline. With fans worldwide eagerly anticipating each new episode, if you’re hooked on the show or find its concept appealing, here’s a recommended list of top anime similar to SPY x FAMILY that you should check out.

1. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Original Run: April 5, 2009 – July 4, 2010
Number of Episodes: 64 (+ 4 OVA)

In the realm of Amestris, where alchemy is considered a global discipline, siblings Edward and Alphonse Elric journey across the land in pursuit of the fabled Philosopher’s Stone. Their father abandoned them, and their mother, Trisha Elric, passed away a few years later from an ailment, leaving her two minor offspring behind.

At some point in the future, the two brothers attempt to resurrect her using alchemy, disregarding the law that forbids human transmutation. This act comes with severe consequences: Edward, the eldest, will lose his left leg and an entire limb, while Alphonse, their younger brother, loses his entire body. In a desperate move to save him, Ed seals Alphonse’s soul within armor, sacrificing his right arm in the process.

At 12 years old, Edward signs up for military service as a State Alchemist and excels in his training, earning the name Fullmetal along the way. Utilizing his status as a State Alchemist, Edward and his brothers embark on a perilous journey to find a stone that could restore what they have tragically lost. However, the formula for the Philosopher’s Stone remains hidden from the public eye.

2. The Promised Neverland

Original run: January 11, 2019 – March 26, 2021
Number of episodes: 23

Three 11-year-old orphans named Emma, Norman, and Ray reside in a Victorian-era country orphanage overseen by a maternal figure called Isabella. Their days pass harmoniously with play, relaxation, and routine intelligence assessments to identify the kids with the highest intellectual potential.

Once upon a time, I, being a six-year-old girl named Conny, found myself adopted by a wonderful family, ready to embark on a new journey away from the facility. In all the excitement, I accidentally left behind my cherished puppet toy. Moved by this, my friends Emma and Norman made a heartfelt decision – they were going to return the beloved stuffed animal to me before our paths parted forever. With determination in their eyes, they set off towards the solitary door in the enclosing walls, on a mission to bring joy to their dear friend.

Upon arrival, they uncover a startling revelation: They find Conny’s motionless form, which leads them to learn about the existence of grotesque creatures, referred to as “demons,” and their nefarious dealings with Isabella. It appears that she hands over children to these demons who then transport them to wealthy individuals for consumption.

3. The Quintessential Quintuplets / The Quintessential Quintuplets ∬

From January 9, 2019 to March 28, 2019, and from January 8, 2021 to March 26, 2021, there were a total of 24 episodes.

The time period for the first set of episodes was between January 9, 2019 and March 28, 2019. The second set of episodes ran from January 8, 2021 to March 26, 2021. In total, these two periods encompassed 24 episodes.

In a scene set in the future during his wedding day slumber, Fūtarō Uesugi finds himself reminiscing about their very first encounter – the moment he met his beloved spouse.

During that period, Fūtarō was a sophomore high school student who excelled academically. However, his life was far from easy. Being an orphan with no friends and living below the poverty line due to his sister Raiha’s father’s financial troubles, he had accumulated substantial debts.

On a particular day, Fūtarō encounters Itsuki Nakano, a fresh student at his school, who requests his tutoring assistance. Yet, Fūtarō declines her offer and manages to irritate her with his casual response instead.

Right after their chat, Raiha shares some news: Their dad has arranged an unusual task for him – tutoring a millionaire’s daughter. He takes up this job to tackle the family’s financial troubles. But it turns out that his duties involve teaching the Nakano Quintuplets, with Itsuki being the youngest among them and assisting them to graduate.

4. Sweetness and Lightning

Original Run: July 4, 2016 – September 19, 2016
Number of Episodes: 12

Kōhei Inuzuka, the young school teacher, had been living with his daughter Tsumugi ever since his beloved wife passed away from an illness. Tsumugi often yearned for her mother’s return, as she missed not only her company but also the delicious meals she used to prepare. Unfortunately, Kōhei struggled in the kitchen and could only provide ready-made meals for his daughter. One day, when they encountered one of Inuzuka’s students in a park during Hanami (cherry blossom viewing), the student warmly invited them both to her mother’s cozy little restaurant.

In the evening, they found themselves at the shop, and it was vacant save for student Kotori Iida who graciously welcomed them. Since her mother often travels for work as a consultant or culinary expert, Kotori frequently takes on her role to ensure the restaurant thrives. Her father has been separated from his mother for quite some time. However, Kotori’s cooking skills leave much to be desired – mostly due to a fear of sharp objects like knives.

At the cozy little inn where Tsumugi enjoys herself immensely, she manages to persuade Inuzuka to visit more frequently so they can cook together. As a result, they make an effort to prepare a new dish on each occasion – Inuzuka for his daughter and Kotori for the restaurant, in order to enhance their culinary skills.

5. Usagi Drop

Original Run: July 7, 2011 – September 15, 2011
Number of Episodes: 11

At his grandfather’s funeral, Daikichi, who is 30 years old, discovers about Rin, a six-year-old girl born from his grandfather’s secret relationship with an unknown woman. The family finds Rin troubling, treating her harshly as a result. Moved by their unkind behavior, Daikichi decides to take responsibility for Rin, a role that proves difficult given his independent lifestyle and lack of experience in raising children.

As Daikichi takes on the responsibilities of being a single parent to Rin, he encounters the intricacies of this new role. Along the way, he forges a bond with Kouki Nitani’s mother, which offers him wisdom and support in nurturing Rin. A year into his new position, Daikichi comes to understand that every sacrifice made for Rin is worthwhile. The story primarily focuses on Daikichi’s viewpoint and the challenges he faces as a parent.

In about ten years, the story moves ahead to focus on Rin, now a high school student. It explores her developing relationship with Kouki and her personal quest for self-understanding as she chooses her life’s direction.

6. The Millionaire Detective Balance: UNLIMITED

Original run: April 9, 2020 – September 24, 2020
Number of episodes: 11

Detective Daisuke Kambe, a wealthy individual, is transferred to the “Modern Criminal Investigations Unit,” a department where police officers who have run into trouble with the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department are relocated. From that point on, Daisuke teams up with Haru Katō, who dislikes Daisuke’s focus on material possessions. Regardless, challenging mysteries arise for these partners, compelling them to collaborate to find solutions.

7. Princess Principal

Original run: July 9, 2017 – September 24, 2017
Number of episodes: 12

In the animated series called Princess Principal, we’re taken to a world similar to Britain, named Albion. At the end of the 19th century, Albion discovered and exploited a special material known as Cavorite, using it to build an exceptional air force that granted them dominance worldwide. However, while the country flourishes, its people rise up against their rulers, alleging neglect. This rebellion, known as the “London Revolution,” saw the masses confronting the royal family.

In time, the intense social conflict reached a stalemate, leading to the building of an enormous divide splitting London, thus creating two separate realms: the Eastern Kingdom and the Western Republic. Years later, the Republic conceived “Operation Changeling,” a devious plan to swap Charlotte, the Kingdom’s heir, with her look-alike, Ange, in an attempt to infiltrate the monarchy by installing a spy.

8. Hinamatsuri

Original Run: April 6, 2018 – June 22, 2018
Number of Episodes: 12

Yoshifumi Nitta, a determined young member of the Ashikawa-gumi yakuza group, was unwinding at home one sunny day. Suddenly and unexpectedly, an odd, oval-shaped metal object descended upon him in his apartment.

Inside dwells a young girl named Hina, who possesses telekinetic abilities that compel Nitta to look after her. While Hina’s powers prove beneficial for managing Nitta’s yakuza business on one front, they occasionally escalate out of control, causing widespread destruction.

9. Great Pretender

Original Run: June 2, 2020 – September 21, 2020
Number of Episodes: 23

The anime “Great Pretender” narrates the story of Makoto Edamura, a Japanese con artist who excels in his craft. In an attempt to deceive a French swindler named Laurent Thierry, Makoto finds that he’s not as skilled as Laurent. Consequently, Makoto decides to team up with Laurent and his crew to pull off elaborate cons targeting affluent and influential figures across the globe.

Each episode within the series unfolds in a distinct urban setting, focusing on diverse characters or entities, usually involving themes of justice by zeroing in on wrongdoers. The program offers unexpected plot twists, intricate schemes, and complex character growth, resulting in an engaging and thought-provoking viewing experience.

10. Demon Slayer

Original Release: April 6, 2019 – present
Number of Episodes: 34

In Japan during the Taisho era, Tanjirō took over the coal trading business after his father passed away. He often went to town to sell charcoal, trying to provide for his family. Despite their struggles, they found happiness in small everyday pleasures.

On an unsettling night, rumors of a bloodthirsty night-dwelling beast caused Tanjirō to seek shelter with a compassionate local instead of heading home. Upon his return, he finds his world irrevocably altered by the devastating consequences of a demon’s rampage on his loved ones.

11. Kaguya-sama: Love Is War

Original Run: January 12, 2019 – June 27, 2020
Number of Episodes: 24

At the esteemed Shuchiin Academy, where the children of the affluent prepare for the nation’s leadership, an unusual love story unfolds between two outstanding students: the vice-president Kaguya Shinomiya, who hails from a wealthy family, and Miyuki Shirogane, the president who comes from more humble beginnings. In their high school office, these two have developed feelings for each other that they cannot express due to their excessive pride, despite an entire semester having gone by.

12. Kakushigoto: My Dad’s Secret Ambition

Original Run: April 2, 2020 – June 18, 2020
Number of Episodes: 12

As a cinephile delving into the realm of manga, I must confess that Kakushi Gotō has carved out quite a niche for himself. He’s renowned globally, not just for his provocative storylines, but also for his witty, often risqué humor that leaves many in fits of laughter.

Yet, his life undergoes a transformation when he takes on the role of fatherhood and, following an epiphany, elects to conceal his true profession from his cherished daughter Hime. Faced with the challenge of raising her independently, Kakushi strives to manage his dual existence and surmount every hurdle in his path to maintain his secret from his daughter and ensure her happiness.

13. Bunny Drop

Original Run: July 7, 2011 – September 15, 2011
Number of Episodes: 10

The narrative centers around a 30-year-old individual named Daikichi, who encounters a young girl named Rin at his grandfather’s funeral. An unexpected revelation unfolds: Rin is actually Daikichi’s grandmother’s daughter, making her his aunt. With the family uncertain about Rin’s care, Daikichi takes the initiative and decides to bring up Rin, despite having no prior experience in child-rearing.

The show presents the trials and triumphs of their shared existence as they educate themselves and develop. It’s centered around family, affection, and adapting to unforeseen circumstances. If you appreciate tales that explore familial ties and heartfelt scenes, Bunny Drop is definitely worth watching.

14. Baby & Me

Original Run: July 11, 1996 – March 26, 1997
Number of Episodes: 35

Following their mother’s passing, even at a tender age, Toshio assumes a nurturing role for his younger sibling Midori. He lends a hand to his father to the best of his ability during these trying times.

The two siblings share a strong bond, and while Toshio sometimes acknowledges that looking after a two-year-old can be quite challenging for him given his own youth, he strives tirelessly to honor the pledge he made to their mother: to care for his younger brother in all circumstances.

Despite life’s challenging circumstances that made him mature early, Toshio remains a bubbly and joyful young soul, who enjoys spending time with his pals Gon and Akihiro. These two friends, in turn, have little sisters named Nako and Ichika. In times of trouble, Toshio seeks their guidance. Frequently, the trio gather either in the park or outside school to share their shared issues concerning their respective younger siblings.

15. The Way Of The Househusband

Original Run: October 11, 2020 – December 13, 2020
Number of Episodes: 10

The Life of the Home-Maker centers around Tatsu, once a notorious yakuza leader nicknamed “The Immortal Dragon.” Retiring from his criminal lifestyle to support his spouse, Miku, who’s a designer, he embarks on a new journey as a full-time househusband. The anime series highlights Tatsu’s daily escapades and hurdles as he tackles household chores like cooking, cleaning, and shopping, all while incorporating his fierce yakuza demeanor and strategies.

The humor in this series arises from the contrast between Tatsu’s tough exterior and demeanor, and his intense dedication to ordinary, everyday activities. For example, he treats tasks like preparing lunch or negotiating sales at the supermarket with the same seriousness as a yakuza gang war.

16. Attack on Titan

Original Run: April 7, 2013 – ongoing
Number of Episodes: 70 (+8 OVA episodes and several movies)

In Attack on Titan, the story centers around Eren Jäger, his adoptive sister Mikasa Ackermann, and their friend Armin Arlert, who reside within cities fortified by immense walls as a defense against mysterious, colossal humanoid creatures known as Titans. These monstrous beings indiscriminately attack humans without any discernible motive.

For over a century, walls built for tranquility have stood firm. Yet, one fateful day, the Titans breach the outermost Wall Maria, causing panic among the inhabitants who are forced to retreat even deeper. Eren’s mother perishes in this chaos, prompting him and countless others to seek refuge behind the second wall, Wall Rose. In his grief, Eren vows to annihilate every last Titan.

17. School Babysitters

Original Run: January 7, 2018 – March 25, 2018
Number of Episodes: 12 (+ OVA)

After the unexpected passing of their parents, high school student Ryūichi Kashima and his young brother Kotarō (preschool age) find themselves parentless and without a place to live.

The head of esteemed Morinomiya Academy proposes to accommodate both boys, providing them with a new residence and waived school fees, under the stipulation that Ryūichi assists in the nursery and works part-time as a babysitter while also attending classes during regular school hours.

18. My Hero Academia

Original Run: April 3, 2016 – present
Number of Episodes: 113 (+ 5 OVA)

Set in a world where the majority of Earth’s inhabitants possess extraordinary abilities known as “Quirks,” we delve into the escapades of Izuku Midoriya, an exceptional individual who lacks these powers himself. Yet, Izuku harbors a fervent ambition: to enroll in the heroic division of the prestigious Yuei academy and one day rise among the ranks as one of the most illustrious heroes of his era.

On a particular day, Izuku found himself face-to-face with his long-admired hero, All Might – the top-tier superhero. It was an opportunity for him to inherit All Might’s special ability, One For All.

19. Wonder Egg Priority

Original Run: January 13, 2021 – June 30, 2021
Number of Episodes: 12 (+ Special)

The animated series “Wonder Egg Priority” tackles significant themes such as trauma, bullying, self-discovery, and societal expectations. Its narrative centers around a character named Ai Ohto, who, following a harrowing personal experience and isolation, discovers an enigmatic “Egg” during a late-night walk. Upon breaking this oddity open, another girl appears, drawing Ai into a fantastical, dreamlike realm populated by monstrous entities symbolizing individual traumas.

20. Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu

Original Run: August 25, 2003 – November 18, 2003
Number of Episodes: 12

Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu – A Comical Take on School Life with an Unconventional Hero

The story revolves around Sousuke Sagara, a young soldier who’s part of the covert organization, Mithril. His mission is to safeguard Kaname Chidori, a high school girl, as she possesses unique abilities that attract dangerous adversaries. The twist lies in the fact that despite his proficiency in combat, Sousuke struggles to blend in at school. He tends to perceive ordinary school activities as potential threats, thereby causing a series of comical predicaments.

Much like Spy x Family, Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu blends everyday life with thrilling sequences. If you delight in ordinary scenarios becoming humorous due to a character’s peculiar past, you may find Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu appealing.

2025-06-06 21:55

20 Must-Watch Anime Like Spy x Family You Can’t Miss