Summary
Oshi no Kois one of the biggest recent smash hits with a widely-adored anime adaptation and a layered, occasionally controversial manga as its basis. It’s the latest hit put out by Aka Akasaka in coordination with artist Mengo Yokoyari,blending reincarnation tropes with a profoundly psychological, occasionally troubling look at the entertainment industry.Otheranimewon’t be identical to this as an experience but will contain elements in common withOshi no Kowhile retaining their own uniqueness.
The starting shot ofOshi no Kofollows the main characters being reincarnated children with their favorite idol, Ai Hoshino, as their mother before she’s murdered, setting off a saga where her death is investigated. For Aqua Hoshino, this means joining the entertainment industry while trying to investigate his biological father, who is linked to her death.
In contrast, Ruby Hoshino tries to become an idol like Ai, making up for lost time in a previous life.Anime likeOshi no Komay vary in tone but will often have excellent storytelling, stylish flair, or maniacal psychological tones.
Oshi No Ko Finally Puts An End To Its Most Controversial Element
The most recent arc of Oshi no Ko has dealt with a very controversial element, but chapter #150 has put it to rest in the best way possible.
2022
10
Where to Stream It
HIDIVE
For viewers blindsided bythe twist ending ofOshi no Ko’spremiere,Phantom of the Idolserves a surprising josei palate cleanser. As a purely idol-focused anime, it’s among HIDIVE’s best offerings of 2022, telling the story of Yuya Niyodo, a failing male idol who becomes inhabited by the spirit of Asahi Mogami, a deceased popular idol, setting off some delightful supernatural hijinks.The result is a joyful and hilarious look into the world of popular music and idol culture in Japan.
2006
50
Hulu
Generally speaking,Nanashould be on almost any list of general anime recommendations without even comparing it toOshi no Ko—however, the two share common elements in tackling relationships and psychological trauma. There are more minor parallels between the series, such as Nana Osaki’s punk rocker ambitions, which are similar in spirit to Ai’s and her daughter Ruby’s desire to excel as idols. But beyond surface comparisons,Nanais an exceptional anime, much likeOshi no Ko,in how it tackles tough topics faced by mainly teenagers and viewers in their twenties.
2017
12
Crunchyroll
Leaning in the direction ofOshi no Ko’sreincarnation gimmick,The Saga of Tanya the Evilis a full-blown isekai anime with a military twist. It only has one season and a film adaptation, yet the series is amongthe most anticipated upcoming animefor when season 2 arrives.The series follows the reincarnation of an anonymous, cynical atheist businessman whose mocking of spirituality extends to the deity, giving him a chance at another life. The god sends him to an alt-history where magic is real, winding up in Empire, based on Germany, where World War I rages on.
2013
26
Part of a larger multimedia project calledLove Live!this anime from Sunrise Studio follows Honoka Kosaka as she sets out to save her school, Otonokizaka Academy, from closing down. To do so, she and her fellow students found idol group μ’s, pronounced “Muse,” which stops the school from closing and stokes Honoka’s ambitions for the group, prompting them to shoot even higher.It’s hard not to see the similarities between Honoka and Ruby’s story in earlier phases ofOshi no Ko, who wishes to perform at Tokyo Dome as a sign of becoming a truly successful idol.
24
One of the bestGundamseries in years,Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury,is a surprising anime choice compared toOshi no Ko.However, the high school life elements are juxtaposed with the deeply serious and dangerous lives of Suletta, Miorine, and their Asticassia School of Technology classmates. The shocking twists and turns make for a uniquely fascinatingGundamexperience, especially in the season 1 finale.At the same time,The Witch from Mercury’spleasant yuri elementsare a special draw, setting itself apart from the franchise.
2021
Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang are unique individuals whose powers are used to run the Time Photo Studio and help their clients remove past regrets. Cheng Xiaoshi uses his powers to enter the photo world and inhabit its subject, while Lu Guang handles the flow of time of the photo world, operating in tandem together.The series handles cause and effect with the wonderful execution of its time travel mechanics while remaining mature and realistic.
2023
The Apothecary Diariesis among the greatest hits of anime’s stellar Fall 2023 season. It’s a fantastic seinen drama with gorgeous visuals, a lovable main duo of Maomao and Jinshi, and a cerebral, mystery-focused edge. The series takes place in an unnamed nation inspired by Imperial China, where the protagonist, Maomao, is an eccentric, awkward apothecary’s daughter who uses her expertise to solve medical enigmas.The realism and investigative drama of the series will resonate withOshi no Koenjoyers, butThe Apothecary Diariesalso stands as an excellent anime on its own merits.
2004
74
Netflix
Described asone of the best psychological thrillers of all time,Monsteris an elegantly executed masterpiece from the acclaimed anime studio Madhouse.Its cinematic quality differs greatly from other popular productions from 2004 while remaining uncompromisingly faithful to the award-winning Shogakukan seinen manga it adapts. One surprising parallel betweenMonsterandOshi no Kois that both feature pairs of twins, with Johan and Anna Liebert standing in for Aqua and Ruby. While both stories feature murder and intrigue, Johan takes a much darker path than Aqua.
2019
37
An example of the multifaceted genius ofOshi no Ko’swriter,Kaguya-sama: Love Is Waris among the most acclaimed romantic comedy series ever.Oshi no Kofans will also be delighted to realize the seriesSweet Today, an in-universe manga, is the first major connection confirmingKaguya-samaexists in the same fictional universe. UnlikeOshi no Ko, however,Kaguya-sama: Love Is War’sanime keeps the comedy angle at almost all times while sporting Akasaka’s typical brilliant supporting characters.
1Perfect Blue
Written by Sadayuki Murai and directed by Satoshi Kon
To merely callPerfect Bluean anime likeOshi no Kois reductive and doesn’t tell the full story:Perfect Blueis perhaps Satoshi Kon’s greatest enduring masterpiece and a brilliant showcase of psychological horror.The film creates an anxious and layered portrayal of Mima Kirigoe, who leaves behind her life as an idol to pursue greater career aspirations, unlike how Ai Hoshino remained an idol until her final days. However, Mima encounters a mind-bending odyssey where a stalker terrorizes her, slowly loses her grip on reality, and encounters one of the most iconic anime twist endings ever.
Anime likeOshi no Koshouldn’t be sought out as clones or replacement series, especially with how unique Aka Akasaka and Mengo Yokoyari’s creations are. It’s a fascinating blend of witty comedy, well-written characters, and a psychologically dense plot brimming with drama. Yet, finding different anime to resonate withOshi no Ko’sstrongest qualities is a rewarding experience, as it often guides viewers to some truly excellent series.
Oshi No Ko
Cast
Oshi No Ko is a 2023 Japanese series that follows a small-town doctor’s encounter with a popular teen idol leading to an entanglement in the cutthroat entertainment industry. The narrative explores themes of ambition, identity, and the hidden realities behind fame as the characters navigate complex personal and professional challenges.
