One of the biggest challenges that comes with following a current anime series is what to do when you’ve caught up to the latest season. Binging older anime shows is an art form, but more importantly, you get the entire story presented to you immediately upon the first watch-through. Fans of new series don’t really have that option, which means waiting between seasons for a varying amount of time — in some instances, years. And in that gap period, finding similar shows to the favorite anime you’re anticipating a comeback from is another dilemma on its own.
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Fans of the anime series, Spy x Family, are in this exact predicament until the show’s next season drops in October 2025. Spy x Family is a massively popular series that takes on genres such as action, comedy, drama, and even romance; however, one theme that resonates throughout the anime and among its fans has to be that of found family. The concept of found family has existed in plenty of anime series previous to Spy x Family, but only recently has it been given a more direct form of attention and appreciation. This list will be hand-picking seven different anime series that address the concept of found family, among other themes, and might be a great option to watch while waiting for Spy x Family to return to the screen.
7) Tokyo Godfathers
Tokyo Godfathers is an older anime movie that debuted back in 2003, introducing the concept of a found family among the forgotten members of society. The standalone film took the grim reality of homelessness and shone a light on the challenges the less fortunate face, while also highlighting the connections and kindness found in its main characters. Throughout the movie’s run time, a combination of endearing art, in-depth character motives, and expert blending of drama and comedy make it a must-watch. Themes addressed in Tokyo Godfathers include poverty, social status, the importance of empathy and kindness, and redemption.
The movie revolves around three homeless individuals: Gin, a struggling alcoholic, Hana, a transgender woman, and Miyuki, a teenage runaway. On Christmas Eve, the group finds a seemingly abandoned baby left in a pile of garbage with nobody around to alert. The three decide to take the baby girl and look for her parents, hoping to reunite the baby with her mother in time for Christmas. Their adventure places them in the path of numerous dangerous and odd situations, as the group is forced to confront and examine their pasts and potential futures.
6) The Promised Neverland
The Promised Neverland is a fantastic example of a series with a perfect first season, and a second season that deviates from the manga for the worst. Despite the decline of the show, watching the first season of The Promised Neverland is absolutely worth your time; it’s got a unique plot, likable main characters, and fantastic animation that’s simultaneously eerie and endearing. The first season debuted in 2019 and had a total of 12 episodes; if you’re interested in continuing the anime, the second season was released in 2021, but I highly recommend reading the manga instead. Themes discussed in the show include the search for freedom, loss of innocence, overcoming trauma, and teamwork.
The plot of The Promised Neverland follows the children living in a remote orphanage, cared for by their beloved caretaker and raised as a large family. Their idealistic existence is shattered when the children realize that the Grace Field House orphanage is actually a sham; in reality, they’re being raised as livestock for a race of demons that have taken over the outside world. Terrified at the prospect of being taken as a demon’s next meal, the children begin to plot their escape from Grace Field House, while coping with the fact that the world they know has always been a lie.
5) Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop is widely considered an anime classic by many fans, having first aired back in 2001. The show had a total of 26 episodes spread over its singular season before drawing to a close. Blending space western aesthetic with neo-noir themes, Cowboy Bebop remains a staple in fast-paced, genre-bending storytelling. Themes explored throughout the series include the meaning of existence, isolation and loneliness, fate versus free will, and regretting the past. If you’re fond of cyberpunk, old westerns, or classic crime dramas, the show has something for you to enjoy.
The story of Cowboy Bebop takes place in a futuristic setting, against the backdrop of outer space. Most of the solar system has been colonized by humanity due to Earth’s atmosphere becoming uninhabitable after an ecological disaster takes place. The crew of the spaceship, Bebop, consists of a colorful gang of bounty hunters traversing the stars together. Similar to cowboys of the past, bounty hunters are used to capture galactic criminals and cut back on crime, for the right price offered by the government. Along their journeys, the Bebop crew must come to terms with their own pasts and regrets, relying on each other in the vast emptiness of space.
4) One Piece
One Piece is considered one of the biggest anime series of all time, included in the iconic “Big Three” of shonen anime, alongside titles like Naruto and Bleach. The show features a massive cast of ensemble characters, high-stakes adventure, and a distinct art style that makes it stand out among contemporary pieces in the same genre. It’s got plenty of material to watch; as of 2025, One Piece has over 1100 episodes, and is still considered ongoing. Consider checking it out if you’re partial to themes such as the importance of friendship, the power of dreams, oppression, hope, and the value of loyalty.
The anime One Piece follows protagonist Monkey D. Luffy, a young boy who consumes a Devil Fruit and is granted fantastical, rubber-like abilities. Luffy, inspired by an old tale concerning legendary treasure, decides to become a pirate and sets sail to discover the hidden One Piece — a mythical item hidden by infamous pirate, Gold D. Roger, before his execution. With the dream of becoming the Pirate King, Luffy collects a crew of fellow pirates, dubbed the Straw Hats, and navigates his way across the seas while searching for the One Piece alongside his shipmates.
3) Sakamoto Days
Sakamoto Days is an exhilarating, action-packed anime series that has already garnered a good amount of attention since hitting the screen. The show first debuted in 2025, with a singular season containing 22 episodes split into two parts. It contains plenty of fast-paced, hard-hitting action sequences that serve to enhance the unique slice-of-life aspect that’s coloring our protagonist’s attempt at a new life. Try watching Sakamoto Days if you’re a fan of themes like moving on from the past, establishing genuine bonds, protecting loved ones, and finding peace after turmoil.
The story of Sakamoto Days follows Taro Sakamoto, a former assassin who was infamous for his skill and technique, leading to his notoriety in the underground crime world. Taro decides to leave behind his past of violence, choosing to open a convenience store and retire to enjoy a quiet, family-oriented life. Despite his wish to start over, specters from Taro’s past aren’t satisfied with letting the ex-killer slowly slip into normalcy; Taro must fight back against those who would disrupt his newfound peace, using all of his former skills available to him.
2) Assassination Classroom
Assassination Classroom is a great anime series that is often forgotten, with new, similar titles coming out in recent years. The show was first released back in 2015 and had a total of two seasons before the story concluded. While the anime offers plenty of fight scenes and tense situations, there’s also an emphasis on teamwork, relying on others, and found family that makes the show charming despite its violent basis. Themes explored in Assassination Classroom include healthy competition, friendship, the importance of teamwork, and self-growth.
In Assassination Classroom, our protagonists consist of the students populating Class 3-E, notorious for their poor grades and underperformance in school. One day, the students get a new teacher, Koro-Sensei, an alien-adjacent figure that will be watching over their class for the rest of the year. Koro-Sensei informs the students that he was responsible for the destruction of 70% of the moon, and plans to do the same to Earth before the year ends. Their objective is to properly assassinate Koro-Sensei before the year ends, removing the threat to their planet and freeing themselves from his presence.
1) Buddy Daddies
Buddy Daddies is probably the top pick to watch if you’re a huge fan of anime like Spy x Family, for the sheer similarity between the series. The original show was released in 2023 and had a single season consisting of 12 episodes. It centers on themes such as found family, personal choice, letting go of the past, family legacy, and the importance of connection. Buddy Daddies doesn’t skimp on action sequences and emotional impact, but also has a certain levity to its tone that makes it a heart-warming, easy watch.
The plot of Buddy Daddies follows Kazuki and Rei, roommates and partners in crime, working together as professional assassins. On a routine assignment, the two encounter four-year-old Miri, a young girl who appears to be alone and looking for her father, the man who happened to be their target for the night. The duo decides to take on the task of becoming surrogate fathers to Miri, experiencing the struggles and joys of fatherhood together while balancing their dangerous work life around having a child.
Are you a fan of Spy x Family? Tell us what your favorite episode is in the comments below.
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