The anime adaptation of Tatsuya Endo's Spy x Family has taken the world by storm, in part due to the lovely family dynamic created by the Forger family. While none of the members are quite what they seem at a glance, seeing each of these extraordinary people try and maintain a normal family dynamic has captivated anime fans.
While the found family trope is quite popular in anime and manga, it can be difficult to find series that perfectly replicate the cozy, stereotypical home life replicated in Spy x Family. Luckily, there are series that fit this niche.
Sweetness and Lightning
Following Kohei Inuzuka, a teacher doing his best to raise his young daughter after the death of his wife, Sweetness and Lightning explores the single father's struggle to connect with his daughter by learning how to prepare home cooked meals for her.
While Sweetness and Lightning may lack the espionage and action that Spy x Family provides, it does share many of the same core values seen in the relationship between Loid and Anya. The relationship between Kohei and his daughter Tsumugi is absolutely adorable to watch each episode, as the two undoubtedly adore one another. The cooking segments are equally pleasant, depicting Kohei's earnest attempts to do his best by his daughter by learning to prepare her quality, heartfelt meals. Additionally, for any Spy x Family fan who is obsessed with Anya's adorable antics, Tsumugi provides a similar energy that can be felt throughout the events of Sweetness and Lightning.
Sweetness and Lightning is available to stream on Crunchyroll.
Kotaro Lives Alone
Diving into more bittersweet territory, Kotaro Lives Alone, a series that follows a young boy named Kotaro who seems to live completely independent in an apartment without any parents. His neighbor, a manga artist named Shin, takes it upon himself to look after him, and the pair begin to build connections with the other tenants in their apartment building.
While Kotaro Lives Alone begins as a relatively light-hearted slice-of-life series, it doesn't shy away from discussing the dark reality behind Kotaro's living situation. Regardless, Kotaro Lives Alone manages to take a heart-wrenching story of neglect and turn it into something a bit more positive, allowing the residents within the apartment building to bond and care for Kotaro.
Kotaro Lives Alone is available to stream on Netflix.
Barakamon
Perhaps one of the most intriguing slice-of-life anime in recent years, Barakamon, which follows an up-and-coming calligrapher named Seishuu Handa is one of the best series for anybody looking for an unconventional found family story. After being told that his award-winning piece is "unoriginal" by an industry veteran, Seishuu loses his cool and is quickly chastised for his reaction. As punishment, his father exiles him to the secluded and very rural Goto Islands.
In this new environment, Seishuu tries to find new inspiration for his work and clear his head of his past mistakes. Unfortunately for him, he's continuously bothered by his rowdy, peculiar neighbors. Thanks to this intimate and strange new community, Seishuu learns much more about himself -- and the world around him -- than he ever could have bargained for.
Barakamon is available to stream on Crunchyroll.