Top 10 Anime with Animal Protagonists

Top 10 Anime with Animal Protagonists

Are animal protagonists in anime not relatable to us because they do not face the same problems as human protagonists?

These anime stand out among the rest due to their expertly crafted storylines and characters, surpassing even the quality of series with human protagonists. In response to your inquiries, I have compiled a selection of anime featuring animal main characters, encompassing genres such as slice of life, mystery, drama, suspense, and action, offering a diverse range of options.

Without any more delay, let’s jump right into the list of the best 10 anime featuring animal main characters.

10. With a Dog and a Cat, Every Day is Fun

With a Dog and a Cat, Every Day is Fun
With a Dog and a Cat, Every Day is Fun | Source: Crunchyroll

This anime is perfect for those who love pets, regardless of whether they prefer cats or dogs. The main character shares her home with both a cat and a dog, and the series showcases her daily experiences with these lovable animals. With 24 episodes, each lasting one minute, With a Dog and a Cat, Every Day is Fun is an enjoyable and entertaining watch. Once you finish it, you’ll be left wanting more.

Poco’s Udon World

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-sYzeHJpKY

Poco’s Udon World Trailer

After arriving in Kagawa, his hometown where his family’s udon restaurant is located, web designer Souta Tawara takes a break to relax and reminisce. During his visit, he meets a young boy who claims to be the legendary shapeshifting tanuki of Kagawa.

Souta makes the decision to call him Poco and opts to remain in his current location for the time being. If you are a fan of anime such as Sweetness & Lightning, Usagi Drop, and Barakamon, then Poco’s Udon World is the perfect choice for you.

My Roommate is a Cat

My Roomate is a Cat
My Roomate is a Cat | Source: Studio Zero-G, Fandom

Despite losing his parents at a young age, Subaru Mikazuki has chosen to distance himself from society. As an author, he spends most of his time either writing or reading books. During a visit to his parents’ grave, he encounters a stray cat and decides to bring it home with him.

Haru is named by him and taken care of with proper nourishment. However, Haru is concerned about Subaru’s behavior, which resembles that of a stray more than a pet. It is a touching tale told from the perspectives of both Subaru and Haru.

7. BNA: Brand New Animal

BNA: Brand New Animal
BNA: Brand New Animal | Source: Netflix

Despite coexisting in the same world, humans and Beastmen live in a constant state of unease. The Beastmen’s innate ability to shapeshift, known as their “Beast Factor,”causes humans to fear and ostracize them due to the unknown nature of their powers.

Anima City serves as a sanctuary for the beastmen, where any involvement from humans is strictly forbidden. The key to this issue may lie with a human girl who unexpectedly transforms into a tanuki, uncovering the harsh truth behind the supposedly safe haven.

6-The Cat Returns

After rescuing a cat from a truck accident, Haru’s mundane routine is completely transformed. She discovers that the feline she saved is none other than Prince Lune of the Cat Kingdom. The Cat King then extends an invitation for Haru to join them and marry Lune. Once in the kingdom, Haru is informed that she will be turned into a cat forever if she fails to find her true identity. Determined to avoid this fate, Haru embarks on a quest to break free from her predicament.

The Cat Returns (2002) by Studio Ghibli is a spin-off of Whisper of the Heart (1995), another Studio Ghibli film directed by Hayao Miyazaki.

5 Wolf’s Rain

Studio Bones’ Wolf’s Rain is a highly praised anime that you may have heard of but have yet to watch. This serves as a reminder to give it a chance and see for yourself how good it truly is.

The gateway to paradise will only unlock upon the world’s end, but it is exclusively reserved for wolves. In order to enter, Kiba and a handful of other wolves must conceal their true identities and coexist with humans. Their quest for paradise will be fraught with challenges, as malevolent forces are also on the hunt for it.

Red Pig

Red Pig
Ghibli’s Porco Rosso | Source: Ghibli Studio

Marco Pagot, a WWI ace fighter pilot, is transformed into a pig by a curse, and is now known as Porco Rosso. He has taken on the role of a bounty hunter, targeting sky pirates, and resides on a remote island. However, he occasionally leaves to meet the renowned singer Gina.

One day, while en route to fix a faulty engine, Porco Rosso’s plane was shot down by an American pilot named Donald. In order to redeem himself, Porco Rosso upgrades his fighter plane and issues a formal challenge to Donald for a duel.

3-Wolf-Children

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xLji7WsW0w

Wolf Children Trailer

In Wolf Children, the truest form of love is portrayed. After Hana, a human, falls in love with the only remaining werewolf, they form a family of four – with their oldest child, Yuki, and their youngest, Ame. Both Yuki and Ame have inherited their father’s ability to transform into wolves.

Despite this, after their father’s death, Hana chooses to raise her children in the countryside, allowing them the freedom to play as wolves without fear of being discovered. Overall, it is a heartwarming film that is well worth watching.

Movie

Movie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXsURQxoGe8

Beastars Season 2 Trailer

In the anthropomorphic animal world, there is a clear divide between carnivorous and herbivorous species, leading to discrimination. This tension intensifies when a wolf named Legoshi, who is a close friend of an alpaca killed at Cherryton Academy, becomes a suspect due to their inherent differences.

Following a chance encounter with Haru, a rabbit, Legoshi develops feelings for the herbivore. Despite her triggering his predatory instincts, this psychological suspense drama will keep you on the edge of your seat.

1. Odd Taxi

Odd Taxi
Odd Taxi | Source: Studio OLM

Despite being a walrus, Hiroshi Odokawa makes a living as a taxi driver. He has driven a diverse range of passengers, from influencers, small-time criminals, and celebrities to students. However, his everyday routine takes a dark turn when he becomes a suspect in a missing person case.

If I reveal any more information, it may spoil your entire viewing experience. If you haven’t already seen it, I highly recommend watching it and you can thank me later.

Additional Thoughts

Within this compilation of the finest 10 anime featuring animal main characters, I have suggested a variety of options that can be enjoyed at any time, depending on your current mood. Whether you prefer a longer series, a film, or even an anime with brief one-minute episodes, there are multiple choices available. I welcome your feedback and opinions in the comments section below.

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