These ten picks are animated works made outside Japan that draw on anime conventions or are often discussed alongside anime. The label is contested: some fans reserve “anime” for Japanese productions, while others use it more broadly for works such as Avatar: The Last Airbender and RWBY. This is a curated starter list, not an objective ranking; production origin and visual influence are separate questions. NRG’s 2024 report describes the differing usage, while academic work on anime-inspired cartoons examines how animation outside Japan can borrow from anime conventions.
How to choose among these anime-influenced works
Start with the kind of story and format you want: the list ranges from adventure and fantasy to historical revenge and science-fiction mystery, and includes both serialized series and a feature film. The phrase “non-Japanese anime” here describes audience shorthand, not a claim that these productions are Japanese anime. Where a production detail is established by the cited sources, it is noted below; this is not a comprehensive ranking by quality, popularity, or critical consensus.
Ten anime-influenced picks made outside Japan
1. Avatar: The Last Airbender
A strong starting point for viewers seeking an accessible animated adventure with anime influence. The University of East Anglia’s discussion of anime-inspired animation includes the series as an example of a work made outside Japan that draws on anime conventions. That influence does not change its production origin.
2. The Legend of Korra
For viewers who want to continue into the same broader world as Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Legend of Korra is a natural companion pick. It belongs on this list as anime-influenced animation rather than Japanese-produced anime.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
3. Arcane
Arcane is a visually distinctive animated series with anime influences, not a Japanese production. In a 2024 interview, French studio Fortiche discussed the anime inspirations behind its work. Netflix has also suggested Blue Eye Samurai and Castlevania to viewers coming from Arcane; that indicates audience adjacency, not identical styles or quality. Read the Fortiche interview at Crunchyroll News.
4. Blue Eye Samurai
Set in seventeenth-century Japan, Netflix’s series follows Mizu, a mixed-race swordmaster living in disguise and pursuing revenge. Netflix identifies Amber Noizumi and Michael Green as the creators. The historical Japanese setting is part of the story; it does not make the series a Japanese-produced anime. Co-creator Michael Green told Netflix Tudum, “We want people to sink into it and be taken by the story and the level of artistry and forget they’re watching animation.” Netflix Tudum’s series guide.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
5. Castlevania
A darker fantasy choice for viewers who liked Arcane and want another animated series in that audience neighborhood. Netflix includes Castlevania among recommendations for Arcane viewers, but that recommendation should not be mistaken for a claim that the two shows share the same tone or artistic approach. See Netflix Tudum’s recommendations.
6. RWBY
RWBY is frequently part of broader conversations about whether “anime” can include works made outside Japan. NRG’s 2024 report names it while discussing the term’s wider usage. It is a useful pick for readers whose request is specifically for anime-like animation from outside Japan, rather than Japanese anime itself.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
7. Samurai Jack
This action-adventure series is another example discussed in academic work on anime-inspired animation produced outside Japan. It makes the list for viewers interested in anime influence filtered through a distinct Western animated style.
8. Scavengers Reign
Choose this for a science-fiction direction rather than fantasy, superhero action, or historical revenge. It is included here as an anime-adjacent animated series, but the sources cited for this list do not establish a detailed production history or a comparative ranking for it.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
9. Pantheon
Pantheon adds a science-fiction option to a list otherwise spanning fantasy, action, and adventure. It is a fit for readers looking for anime-influenced animation beyond Japanese productions; no ranking or ratings claim is implied.
10. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
This feature film brings anime-adjacent visual influence into superhero animation. Unlike the series entries above, it is a film, so it is the pick for viewers who want a standalone feature rather than a serialized story. Sony lists it on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD; availability and compatibility can vary by market. Sony Pictures’ film page.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchQuick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Which one should you watch first?
- For an adventure starting point: Avatar: The Last Airbender.
- For darker fantasy and dramatic action: Castlevania or Blue Eye Samurai.
- For anime influence in a contemporary animated series: Arcane.
- For a feature rather than a series: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.
- For science fiction: Scavengers Reign or Pantheon.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
