Sanrio may be best known forHello Kittyand the sugar-sweet merchandise aisles she dominates, but the company’s anime ventures run far deeper, and stranger, than most fans realize. With titles ranging from musical Greek myths to tragic lambs, sleepy eggs, and death-metal pandas, Sanrio’s animation catalog is a surprisingly diverse universe of charm, heartbreak, and sometimes complete chaos.
This definitive ranking covers every Sanrio produced anime ever, from obscure oddities to international favorites. Whether viewers are a lifelong fan or just curious what else lives behind the pink bow, these shows and films offer a bizarre, beautiful window into one of Japan’s most unpredictable entertainment legacies.
21Winds of Change
Animated Musical Film by Sanrio; Based on Classical Myths by Ovid
Winds of Changeis one of Sanrio’s most unusual experiments: a disco-fueled retelling of Ovid’s myths through a character called Wondermaker. The animation is impressively fluid for its time, but the tonal shifts are jarring. The juxtaposition of serious Greek tragedy with pop rock and rainbow visuals is more disorienting than magical.
While some moments do shine, especially in the Orpheus and Eurydice segment, the storytelling often feels rushed.Wondermaker’s constant transformations can become a narrative crutch rather than a clever device. It is an ambitious misfire that remains a fascinating historical artifact, if not a must-watch.
20Jochum
Anime Series by Sanrio; Created in Collaboration with Boy Band JO1
Jochumis the product of a brand collaboration with JO1, a popular Japanese boy band. While it might excite fans of the group, the anime itself feels like little more than extended marketing content. The animation is adorable, but the story and characters lack depth or lasting appeal.
Its episodic format tries to capitalize on idol fandoms, but it never offers enough substance for those unfamiliar with JO1.Jochumis more novelty than narrative, best appreciated by die-hard JO1 stans only.
19Bosanimal
Anime Shorts by Sanrio; Featuring Original Sanrio Animal Characters
Bosanimaltakes the idea of cute animals in human society and plays it entirely safe. Its slow-paced, slice-of-life episodes are relaxing, but rarely memorable. The characters, while adorable, lack any real development, and the humor leans heavily into the “lazy but lovable” trope.
That said, it is a pleasant background watch.The cozy aesthetic and gentle tone make it good for winding down.But compared to other Sanrio series,Bosanimalfeels like filler rather than a standout. There is sweetness here, but not enough substance to rank higher.
18Sanrio Boys
Anime Series by Studio Pierrot; Based on the Sanrio Danshi Multimedia Project
Sanrio Boysflips the script on gender norms by showing high school boys bonding over their love of cute Sanrio characters. It is surprisingly heartfelt andexplores themes of identity, acceptance, and friendship.
Its sincere storytelling and emotional honesty make it stand out. This is more than just marketing; it is a love letter to fandom itself.
17Hello Kitty’s Paradise
Children’s Anime Series by Sanrio; Featuring Original Hello Kitty Stories
Aimed at the youngest viewers,Hello Kitty’s Paradiseis simple, educational, and relentlessly wholesome.Episodes revolve around Kitty and Mimmy learning lessons in sharing, friendship, or using their imagination.It is pastel perfection for preschoolers, but lacks replay value for older fans.
What it lacks in narrative ambition, it makes up for in nostalgic warmth. If fans grew up with this series, it may still charm them. Butcompared to the more inventive Sanrio entrieson this list, it plays things too safe to leave a lasting impression.
16Cinnamoroll: The Movie
Animated Film by Sanrio; Starring Characters from the Cinnamoroll Franchise
Cinnamoroll’s movie is a sugary delight, sending the floppy-eared pup and his friends on a grand adventure through dessert-filled lands. It is a feast for the eyes, brimming with visual inventiveness and lighthearted spirit.
The plot is thin but heartfelt, and its whimsical world-building keeps things fun.For Cinnamoroll fans, it is a dream come true, full of flying pastries, kindness, and charm.
Jewelpetmixes magical creatures with high school drama in an episodic treasure hunt. Rinko and her Jewelpet Ruby help others while searching for lost charms.Each episode brings light moral lessons, problem-solving, and dazzling magical sequences.
It is a fun, formulaic watch that offers plenty of sparkles and heart. Though sometimes predictable, its consistency and lovable cast give it staying power.
14Kuromi’s Pretty Journey
Adventure Anime Series by Sanrio; Featuring Characters from the My Melody Franchise
Kuromi’s Pretty Journeyleans into magical girl tropes with a darker twist.Kuromi’s quest to find her missing sister feels compelling at first, but the pacing can be uneven and the plot sometimes loses focus. The supporting cast adds charm, but the villains feel underdeveloped.
While not groundbreaking,Kuromi’s Pretty Journeyis a fun ride that gives Kuromi more narrative depth than she has ever had before.
It is a series entry with cool visuals and a slightly edgier tone than most Sanrio shows. While not groundbreaking,Kuromi’s Pretty Journeyis a fun ride that gives Kuromi more narrative depth than she has ever had before.
Unico is a magical unicorn constantly punished for spreading happiness. His journey across time and space is heartbreaking and uplifting, filled with allegories about acceptance and loneliness. Each chapter introduces new friends and dangers, giving it the feel of a mythic journey.
It is emotionally rich and visually mesmerizing. Unico remainsone of Sanrio’s most beloved characters for a reason.
12Oshin
Drama Anime Film by Sanrio; Based on the NHK Television Series by Sugako Hashida
This powerful drama tells the story of a girl who sacrifices everything for her family. Based on a true story, Oshin’s resilience through poverty, abuse, and hardship is deeply moving.
It is rare for Sanrio to tell such a grounded and mature tale.Oshinremains one of its most emotional and deep works.
