10 best anime to watch if you like Crayon Shin-chan

For almost three decades, Crayon Shin-chan has remained a beloved fixture in the world of anime. The mischievous escapades of a five-year-old boy named Shinnosuke Nohara, affectionately known as Shin-chan, have continuously entertained audiences since its debut in 1992. Its distinct blend of crude comedy and clever social commentary have kept viewers captivated for over 30 years.

Readers who enjoy this series and are seeking additional titles with a similar sense of humor and tone may want to check out Nintama Rantarou, Chibi Maruko-chan, Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo, and other similar options.

Please note that this article represents the writer’s viewpoint and is not listed in any particular order.

10 Recommended Anime for Fans of Crayon Shin-chan

1) Nintama Rantarou

Nintama Rantarou (Image via Ajia-do Animation Works)

Like Crayon Shin-chan, Nintama Rantarou also revolves around the comedic antics and mishaps of its protagonist. The story is set in Japan’s Edo period and follows Rantaro and his peers as they navigate through ninja school.

Similar to Shin-chan, Rantaro is also a mischievous troublemaker who often exasperates his teachers with his carefree demeanor and struggles as a student ninja-in-training. The comedic antics of Rantaro and his classmates at ninja school are sure to resonate with fans of Crayon Shin-chan.

2) TV Show: Excel Saga

Excel Saga, a raunchy parody anime, boasts many similarities with Crayon Shin-chan in its use of satirical comedy and nods to popular culture. The series follows the zany escapades of Excel, a passionate member of a covert group under the leadership of Lord Ilpalazzo.

Excel Saga incorporates a variety of comedic elements, including bizarre humor, visual gags, and parodies of other anime and manga, using a sketch show format. Those who appreciate Shin-chan’s exaggerated reactions and random humor will find this title to be enjoyable.

3) Chibi Maruko-chan

Chibi Maruko-chan (Image via Nippon Animation)

Chibi Maruko-chan is a slice-of-life anime that centers around the daily adventures of Momoko Sakura, a third-grade girl who is both diligent and playful. Taking place in the 1970s, Momoko finds herself in various antics with her loved ones. Similar to Shin-chan, she frequently pushes the boundaries of her parent’s patience.

Fans of Crayon Shin-chan will delight in experiencing Momoko’s clever and imaginative escapades through the perspective of a child. The title’s nostalgic and heartwarming tone adds to the enjoyment as well.

Azumanga Daioh

Similar to Shin-chan’s humor, Azumanga Daioh’s comedy is also derived from the mundane happenings of a peculiar group of schoolgirls. Despite not being as unfiltered, each girl’s idiosyncrasies add an unpredictable and highly entertaining element to their everyday lives.

Azumanga Daioh is a fantastic option for fans of Crayon Shin-chan, as it is a slice-of-life comedy that centers around a quirky group of characters. Although their styles of humor may vary, viewers will appreciate the lively energy of the show, which bears similarities to Shin-chan.

5) Gintama

Gintama captures the same anarchic essence and eccentric characters that fans of Crayon Shin-chan are familiar with, through its unrestricted style of comedy.

Spanning both past and future versions of Japan, this enduring series follows Gintoki Sakata, a silver-haired samurai who takes on odd jobs to make ends meet. He is accompanied by a motley crew of allies, including the alien Kagura and aspiring samurai Shinpachi Shimura.

In a similar fashion to Shin-chan, Gintoki and his companions use slapstick humor and satirical jabs at popular culture to cause chaos and drive onlookers crazy. They fully embrace their chaotic neutral nature and relentlessly mock everything and everyone in their bizarre world, resulting in endless laughter.

6) Bobobobo Bobobobo

Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo (Image via Toei Animation)

In a dystopian society where the use of hair is forbidden, a group of rebels, led by Bo-bobo, fight against the oppressive rule in the anime Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo. Bo-bobo and his hair-empowered comrades, including Don Patch and Softon, engage in epic battles, creating an enthralling storyline.

Fans of Shin-chan will feel completely comfortable with the eccentric characters and their unconventional brand of humor in this title.

7) Kochikame

This long-running comedy series, which centers around the antics of Japanese police officer Kankichi Ryotsu, has been on air since 1976 and has produced a total of 373 anime episodes and 1,960 manga chapters. The show chronicles Ryotsu’s humorous mishaps alongside his incompetent coworkers in the police department.

Similar to Shin-chan, Ryotsu has good intentions but often creates chaos through impulsive choices and plans. Their styles of crude and physical comedy often align. With numerous years of material, Kochikame provides a vast source of amusement.

Sazae-san

Sazae-san, which has been on air since 1969, is the longest-running animated TV series. This comedy depicts the daily mishaps of Sazae, a suburban housewife in Japan, and her interactions with her loved ones.

Although not as wild or uncensored as Crayon Shin-chan, there is a sense of familiarity in the everyday absurdity of Sazae’s life that is reminiscent of Shin-chan’s. Fans who appreciate satirizing aspects of typical family dynamics will find enjoyment in Sazae’s good-natured humor, which is a contrast to Shin’s.

9) Anime Series: Mr. Osomatsu

Just like Crayon Shin-chan’s comedic style, Mr. Osomatsu, a parody series about sextuplets who thrive on causing mayhem, perfectly embodies the carefree chaos. Similar to Shin-chan, the Matsuno brothers drive those around them insane with their antics.

Deviating from social norms, these six mischievous individuals strive to embrace life to the maximum by causing chaos, absurdity, and finding amusement in everyday situations. Fans will recognize the crude humor and lack of tact reminiscent of Crayon Shin-chan.

10) Doraemon

Doraemon is a popular anime that follows the bond between a mischievous young protagonist and a robot. Nobita Nobi is a primary school student who constantly finds himself in troublesome situations, until he is aided by Doraemon, a robotic cat from the 22nd century.

Similar to Shin-chan, Nobita’s tendency towards laziness, bad choices, and overall incompetence leads to various chaotic situations that require Doraemon’s intervention through the use of futuristic gadgets. This dynamic is reminiscent of Shin-chan’s interactions with his family and friends, as Nobita heavily relies on his robot guardian for assistance.

Conclusion

Although there is no anime that can perfectly imitate the distinctive appeal and lasting influence of Crayon Shin-chan, these 10 selections incorporate a mixture of its signature style of crude, satirical humor. Each choice brings its own unique twist to the comedy and satire that has captivated audiences of Crayon Shin-chan for many years.

Fans of Crayon Shin-chan should not miss out on the chaotic worlds and visual gags featured in the titles listed here.