10 More Interesting Mystery Shows!
Shoshimin: How To Become Ordinary (Shoshimin) is a new mystery anime that lives up to its title. This series follows Kobato and his friend Yuki, who want to live peacefully. Unfortunately, life loves throwing unexpected haymakers to ruin anyone’s plan.
Therefore, Kobato and Yuki must solve the weird and familiar mysteries that come their way. Will they conquer those hurdles and live the tranquil life they desperately desire? Will they abandon their goals entirely? Only time will tell (as of this writing).
If you’re currently watching this anime but don’t know of shows/anime that capture its magic, fear not. We’ve searched through the archives to find you 10 more TV shows/anime that offer a similar viewing experience.
Additionally, for each program we’ve covered, including Shoshimin: How To Become Ordinary, we’ve included a link that allows you to view our full thoughts about the series to see if it’s worth your time.
So without further ado, we present 10 TV shows/anime that should whet your appetite when you’ve finished streaming Shoshimin: How To Become Ordinary!
Hyouka
Similarities – Mystery & Slice of Life
Penned by the same author who gave folks Shoshimin, Hyouka offers mystery fans an enjoyable outing. In Hyouka, we follow Oreki and his friends as they solve multiple cases in their hometown. This series features fantastic visuals and the cases are fairly intriguing.
The mysteries are on par thematically with Kobato and Yuki’s cases. From uncovering the secrecies behind locked locales to researching spiritual incidents at hot springs, Oreki’s cases aren’t too far off from the ones our Shoshimin pair have dealt with.
However, one of Hyouka’s biggest draws is its characters. Oreki and Chitanda are a fun pair to follow based on how Honobu Yonezawa wrote them. Even if the mysteries don’t impress, it’s likely the characters will.
Monster
Similarities – Crime, Drama, Mystery
Monster, by Naoki Urasawa, is a fascinating mystery anime. It offers enough thrilling turns and delightful themes that’ll impress anyone. This gem follows Kenzou, a surgeon who gets into a tight predicament one night. Kenzou must save his area’s mayor or the life of a young boy named Johan.
Kenzou chooses the former and gets shunned by his peers. To make matters worse, Johan goes on to become a serial killer. This entices Kenzou to abandon his home to bring the boy he saved that day to justice. Monster’s a slow-burn thriller. Much like Shoshimin, it’s a work that won’t resonate with every fan imaginable.
However, people who stick with this thrill ride will be entertained. Additionally, the characters are exceptionally written from the supporting cast to the one-and-done background characters. Most scenarios are on par, if not, greater than those you’ll find in Shoshimin. But all in all, give this thought-provoking classic a watch!
Detective Conan
Similarities – Crime, Mystery, Themes
Detective Conan is the mystery equivalent of One Piece, as far as ongoing anime with numerous episodes go. Like Shoshimin, Detective Conan offers mystery fans gripping mysteries, some touching character-bonding segments, and wonderful imagery. This anime follows Shinichi Kudo, a gifted young detective who supports fellow officers with their cases.
One day, Shinichi gets drugged by two mysterious fellows and wakes up the next morning de-aged. After discussing things with a few folks and examining certain texts, Shinichi takes on the moniker, Edogawa Conan. Therefore, Conan plans to uncover the mystery surrounding the folks who did this to him.
Like Kobato, Conan is a young, intelligent protagonist who solves numerous mysteries alongside several companions. Unlike Kobato, Conan has to resolve matters secretly to prevent certain folks in his circle from learning the truth about him. The cases he solves are more gripping and serious compared to those Kobato and Yuki have tackled (so far). From drug busts to vengeful murders, Conan has much to resolve.
Next to having some touching moments between Conan and his friend group, you’re in for a wonderful ride with this episodic endeavor.
Odd Taxi
Similarities – Crime & Mystery
Odd Taxi happens when you toss in cutesy anthropomorphic animals in an adult-oriented mystery show. This anime contains wonderful mysteries to solve, characters to cherish, and messages to remember after one initial viewing. Like Shoshimin, you’ll admire the level of thought that went into the puzzles Odd Taxi contains.
Odd Taxi follows Odokawa, a walrus taxi driver who tends to pick up customers with a story to tell. Odokawa meets many strange animals on the job from aspiring celebrities to nurses wrapped in mystery. Matters shift toward the dark spectrum when Odokawa gets caught in a missing female incident.
Faced with no options, it’s up to Odokawa to find a solution to his dilemma. Despite tackling dark subjects, Odd Taxi, like Shoshimin, contains some lighthearted scenarios that’ll speak to fans’ souls. Be it through touching conversations or goofy karate sessions, you’ll cherish these moments as much as the thrilling ones. Give Odd Taxi a watch!
Check Out Our Review of Odd Taxi Season 1 Here!
Beautiful Bones -Sakurako’s Investigation-
Similarities – Mystery
If you thought mysteries about Kengo’s hot cocoa were strange, Sakurako’s mysteries in Beautiful Bones -Sakurako’s Investigation- are just as peculiar. Sakurako is a wise and passionate osteologist who loves solving mysteries around human bones. She encounters many murderers and victims with each case.
Much like Kobato, Sakurako uses her surroundings and the evidence provided to overcome tough, thought-provoking trials. Uncovering the mystery of how a person perished is one such example. Folks will be amazed by her intelligence and the justice she brings to those who deserve it.
If you’re after a compelling crime anime with a sharp-minded female lead, check this one out.
Erased
Similarities – Drama, Mystery, Characters
While its ending will leave some decisive, Erased is a great mystery anime with a sci-fi spin. In Erased, Satoru must utilize his time-hopping powers to uncover the mystery surrounding his mother’s murderer and this assailant’s ties to an old missing child’s case.
Like Kobato, Satoru is a wise and kind male protagonist. The connection Satoru forges with the missing child in question is pure. The things Satoru does for her are heartfelt like celebrating the child’s birthday with her friends. It’s genuine scenarios like this that make Erased a must-watch despite its glaring flaws.
If you’re in the mood for a mystery show with more drama and sci-fi allure give this a watch.
Ef: A Tale of Memories
Similarities – Drama & Mystery
When it comes to anime that’ll leave you feeling depressed or intrigued, Ef: A Tale of Memories is an anime that can satisfy either itch. While some may not tolerate this one’s overdramatic tendencies, others won’t mind.
In Ef: A Tale of Memories, two romances blossom around the wonderful Christmas holiday. The first involves Miyako and Hiro, a pair who get together after the former gets into a bike accident. The second pairing involves Renji and Chihiro, the latter of which suffers from memory issues.
Like Shoshimin, Ef: A Tale of Memories contains alluring character-focused mysteries that’ll keep folks on their toes. The latter dabbles more into romance unlike the former (so far).
Nevertheless, folks who adore cutesy moments between Kobato and Yuki will favor the pairings found in this one, especially Renji and Chihiro’s relationship. Coupled with beautiful romantic imagery, this oldie is a worthwhile goodie.
The Apothecary Diaries
Similarities – Mystery
The Apothecary Diaries was one of 2023’s breakout anime hits alongside titles like Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. This anime features a quirky and intelligent female lead who goes around solving numerous cases within a historically rich setting. Next to mysteries, viewers obtain insight into interesting figures like concubines and how people view and treat them.
It’s a series that’ll pique one’s curiosity, like Shoshimin. The characters in The Apothecary Diaries are arguably more charismatic than those found in Shoshimin though. This is due to the way the author writes them as individuals. The bonds the characters forge from beginning to end are also fantastic.
For those who love shows with strong mystery and historical aspects, look no further than The Apothecary Diaries.
Check Out Our Review of The Apothecary Diaries Season 1 Here!
Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai
Similarities – Drama & Mystery
Kobato and Yuki’s partnership is one of Shoshimin’s most compelling aspects (so far). On that note, Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai is another anime with an enjoyable pair of characters.
Sakuta and Mai, the pair in question, are fascinating to follow in this anime. They have great chemistry and moments together. Within their school setting, they’ll see people experience peer pressure, identity issues, and alienation. These realistic issues will resonate with viewers who’ve experienced similar problems during their youth.
Next to having wonderful comedic, dramatic, and thought-provoking scenarios, Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai should appeal to Shoshimin’s audience.
Sonny Boy
Similarities – Drama & Mystery
Sonny Boy is a niche yet fascinating mystery series Shoshimin fans should consider viewing. This anime features its student body and the school getting teleported to an alternate locale. They’ll continue hopping to multiple strange locales, with some students receiving otherworldly abilities on top of it all.
The characters in this series have incredible backstories and traits that help them stand out. Like Shoshimin, Sonny Boy offers striking imagery and animation. The visuals will enhance viewers’ experiences with the work. The visuals also wonderfully portray the characters’ inner emotions.
It’ll remind folks how Lapin Track Studios visually portrayed Yuki’s aggression toward Sakagami during one of Shoshimin’s highway scenes. Check out Sonny Boy if you want a visually impressive and thought-provoking mystery anime to watch after Shoshimin.
So there we have it, our 10 anime/TV show alternatives to watch when you’ve caught up with Shoshimin: How To Become Ordinary!
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!