Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends is more than just superhero action—it’s a story about identity, responsibility, teamwork, and the challenges of being a young hero.
With its balance of episodic adventures, emotional moments, and comic book flair, the show resonates with fans of underdog stories, power with purpose, and friendships forged in crisis.
If you’re craving anime with similar energy—featuring heartfelt character development, team dynamics, and surprising depth—these 15 underrated series are for you.
1. Heroman (2010)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
Plot: A shy boy named Joey gains control of a powerful robotic hero and defends Earth against alien threats.
Similarities: Co-created by Marvel legend Stan Lee, this show is a spiritual cousin to Spider-Man with its American superhero feel, humble protagonist, and moral dilemmas.
Episodes: 26
MAL Rating: 6.98
Studio: Bones
Notable Staff: Director Hitoshi Nanba (Fate/Grand Order: First Order)
2. Gatchaman Crowds (2013)
Streaming: HiDive, Amazon Prime
Plot: A new generation of Gatchaman protect society using digital powers, guided by a wildly optimistic heroine.
Similarities: Like Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends, it explores heroism through teamwork, tech-based powers, and clashing ideologies.
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 7.22
Studio: Tatsunoko Production
Awards: Jury Recommended Work at the Japan Media Arts Festival
3. Concrete Revolutio (2015)
Streaming: Funimation
Plot: In a world filled with superhumans, a government agency regulates their actions amid rising tensions.
Similarities: Features colorful, comic-book-style animation and examines what makes someone a “hero” in complex situations.
Episodes: 24
MAL Rating: 7.29
Studio: Bones
Notable Staff: Writer Gen Urobuchi (Madoka Magica)
4. Tiger & Bunny (2011)
Streaming: Netflix, Crunchyroll
Plot: In a futuristic city, sponsored superheroes fight crime for fame and justice.
Similarities: Focuses on public image vs. personal values, mentorship, and team synergy—key themes in Spider-Man.
Episodes: 25
MAL Rating: 7.89
Studio: Sunrise
Awards: Tokyo Anime Award for Best Character Design
5. Dai-Guard (1999)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: Office workers pilot a rusty robot to fight alien threats, dealing with red tape as much as monsters.
Similarities: Underdog heroes without traditional training, real-world consequences, and humor within dramatic stakes.
Episodes: 26
MAL Rating: 7.33
Studio: Xebec
Notable Staff: Director Seiji Mizushima (Fullmetal Alchemist)
6. Ga-Rei: Zero (2008)
Streaming: Funimation
Plot: Two spirit-wielding agents must face off as fate turns close allies into enemies.
Similarities: Focus on friendship turned conflict, secret organizations, and moral complexity in supernatural combat.
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 7.64
Studio: AIC Spirits & Asread
Awards: Cult following for emotional impact and prequel execution
7. Active Raid (2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A special police unit uses powered suits to tackle tech crimes while navigating bureaucracy and media.
Similarities: Urban tech-driven battles, public perception of heroes, and team-based narrative structure.
Episodes: 24
MAL Rating: 6.22
Studio: Production IMS
Notable Staff: Writer Naruhisa Arakawa (Spice and Wolf)
8. Planet With (2018)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A mysterious boy with amnesia joins a war between psychic powers and alien invaders.
Similarities: Subverts superhero tropes, focuses on memory, identity, and unexpected redemption arcs.
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 7.47
Studio: J.C.Staff
Notable Staff: Original creator Satoshi Mizukami (Lucifer and the Biscuit Hammer)
9. Megaton-kyuu Musashi (2021)
Streaming: Crunchyroll (limited regions)
Plot: Survivors of an alien invasion secretly train teenagers to pilot colossal mechs and fight back.
Similarities: Focus on hidden responsibility, school-life balance, and emotional team growth like Peter’s dual life.
Episodes: 13+
MAL Rating: 6.72
Studio: OLM
Notable Staff: Level-5 project; known for polished production
10. Casshern Sins (2008)
Streaming: Funimation
Plot: A cyborg wanders a ruined world, seeking redemption for bringing about humanity’s downfall.
Similarities: A lonely, guilt-ridden hero fights for justice—echoing Spider-Man’s inner conflicts and pathos.
Episodes: 24
MAL Rating: 7.27
Studio: Madhouse
Notable Staff: Director Shigeyasu Yamauchi (Digimon Tamers)
11. Hamatora: The Animation (2014)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A group of Minimum Holders solve crimes while uncovering a conspiracy tied to their powers.
Similarities: Flashy abilities with grounded consequences, team-driven dynamics, and layered storytelling.
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 6.96
Studio: NAZ
Notable Staff: Soundtrack by Yuki Hayashi (My Hero Academia)
12. Shinesman (1996)
Streaming: Retro anime sites
Plot: Office workers moonlight as a Sentai team, fighting aliens while juggling everyday jobs.
Similarities: Satirical take on superhero tropes, teamwork, and managing personal lives behind the masks.
Episodes: 2 (OVA)
MAL Rating: 6.66
Studio: Studio Pierrot
Notable Staff: Lighthearted parody with strong cult appeal
13. Zetman (2012)
Streaming: Funimation
Plot: Two boys—one a genetically-engineered hero, the other a vigilante—clash over justice and control.
Similarities: Explores dual identities, hidden powers, and morality, much like Peter’s balance of roles.
Episodes: 13
MAL Rating: 6.98
Studio: TMS Entertainment
Notable Staff: Based on manga by Masakazu Katsura (Video Girl Ai)
14. Dennou Coil (2007)
Streaming: Netflix (varies), HiDive
Plot: Kids explore an augmented reality world filled with digital ghosts, tech mysteries, and danger.
Similarities: Emphasizes friendship, curiosity, and tech-meets-reality dilemmas reminiscent of Spider-Friends’ digital-age challenges.
Episodes: 26
MAL Rating: 8.05
Studio: Madhouse
Awards: Excellence Prize at the Japan Media Arts Festival
15. Bokurano (2007)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A group of kids are tricked into piloting a giant robot, each facing life-altering decisions.
Similarities: Responsibility thrust on the young, emotional maturity, and the toll of sacrifice—echoing deeper Spider-Man themes.
Episodes: 24
MAL Rating: 7.57
Studio: Gonzo
Notable Staff: Based on manga by Mohiro Kitoh (Narutaru)
Why These Anime Work for Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends Fans
All the series listed above share something vital with Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends: the struggle between ordinary life and extraordinary duty.
Whether through emotional depth, strong character bonds, or colorful, dynamic animation styles, these anime offer fresh takes on heroism and responsibility.
They’re proof that superhero stories exist far beyond Marvel’s world—and that anime offers some of the richest, most underrated variations of this timeless theme.
