If you’ve scrolled on anime TikTok for longer than five minutes, you’ve probably seen the term “found family.” Heck, maybe even the concept got you into anime to begin with. I mean, being accepted for who you are despite society casting you away? Sign us up!
The show becomes more than just a story when its ragtag group of characters–usually misfits–slowly become each other’s home. And while One Piece basically owns the “my crew is my family” crown, it’s far from the only anime that nails it. Whether it’s shounen riddled with tragedy, or slice of life permeated with coming-of-age moments, the found family trope reinforces the belief that family can be found–or made– anywhere.
So if you’ve finished the latest One Piece arc and are hungry for more emotional gut punches (with a side of comedy), here are five amazing found family anime that will give you all the feels—no pirate ship required.
Fruits Basket
At first glance, the entire idea sounds outlandish. What do you mean a sunshine-in-human-form girl ends up living with a mysterious family who happens to be cursed to turn into animals of the Chinese zodiac when hugged by the opposite gender? Yeah, that’s a mouthful and way too complicated to understand at first. But here’s the thing: it’s not just about magic hijinks. It’s about trauma, healing, and learning to love yourself through the eyes of others. By the end, you’re not just rooting for their happiness—you’re part of their family too. If you like crying into your blanket at 2 a.m. because a side character finally learned they’re worthy of love, this is your jam.
Assassination Classroom
Don’t even get me started on how criminally underrated this anime is. Another out-of-the-box idea that sticks the landing with both action and found family feels. Here’s the pitch: a bright yellow octopus-alien creature threatens to blow up the Earth, but before he does, he wants to teach a group of “misfit” middle schoolers. But let’s not forget the most important part: they need to assassinate him before graduation. While sounding ridiculous, this anime has the perfect base to whip up a family-like atmosphere. Since the students are all outcasts the school has given up on, Koro-sensei’s chaotic and unorthodox teaching leads them to believe in themselves. Cheesy, right? You may say that now, but the last few episodes will wreck you emotionally. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll never look at a smiley face emoji the same way again.
Delicious in Dungeon
There’s a reason Dungeon Meshi went viral on social media when it was airing. It follows a group of adventurers who literally eat their way through dangerous dungeons—cooking monsters into gourmet meals to survive. Along the way, the group’s banter, teamwork, and care for one another feel natural, like you’re watching a group of old friends on a bizarre camping trip. Are you following the theme by now? Found family can prevail in even the weirdest of situations! If Dungeons & Dragons and Food Wars had a wholesome love child, this would be it.
Haikyuu!!
When all we had so far were Kuroko’s Basketball and Free!, Haikyuu!! came along to perfect the “sports anime = found family” formula. Yes, it might just be about volleyball (it literally is only about volleyball), but it’s also about passion, teamwork, and growing alongside people who challenge you to be your best self. Hinata, Kageyama, and the rest of Karasuno High’s team are all different flavors of chaotic, but the way they push through losses, celebrate wins, and roast each other along the way? Pure family energy. What’s even more surprising is how you can never know who to root for because you end up loving each team…even the “enemies.”
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
Most found family anime are about forming bonds, but Frieren is about holding onto them after loss. The story follows Frieren, an elf mage who outlives her adventuring companions by centuries. At first, she’s detached, but as she travels with a new party, she slowly realizes the depth of the connections she once had—and starts creating new ones. It’s slower and more melancholic than the other shows here, but that’s what makes it so beautiful. It’s about grief, memory, and the quiet moments that build trust.
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