Green Lantern: The Animated Series masterfully blends cosmic adventure, moral complexity, and team-driven heroism as Hal Jordan and Kilowog battle threats across the galaxy.
These underrated anime mirror its themes of responsibility, interstellar conflict, and the ethical use of power, offering fresh perspectives on heroism beyond mainstream hits.
1. Tiger & Bunny (2011)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu
Episodes: 25 + films
MAL Rating: 7.87
Studio: Sunrise
Plot: Veteran hero Wild Tiger mentors rookie Barnaby in a corporatized world where superheroes compete for fame while fighting crime.
Similarities: Explores heroism’s commercialization and aging heroes, akin to Hal Jordan’s struggle with legacy and duty.
2. Samurai Flamenco (2013)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 22
MAL Rating: 7.20
Studio: Manglobe
Plot: A model-turned-vigilante’s journey spirals from campy heroics to cosmic chaos, deconstructing superhero tropes.
Similarities: Balances absurd humor with existential stakes, mirroring Green Lantern’s tonal shifts.
3. World Trigger (2014–2022)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix
Episodes: 99
MAL Rating: 7.84
Studio: Toei Animation
Plot: Agents defend Earth from interdimensional invaders using tactical teamwork and non-lethal strategies.
Similarities: Focus on strategy and moral restraint, reflecting the Green Lantern Corps’ disciplined approach.
4. Garo: The Animation (2014)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 24
MAL Rating: 7.60
Studio: MAPPA
Plot: A knight battles demonic forces while resisting corruption in a dark, medieval-inspired world.
Similarities: Moral ambiguity and legacy themes parallel Hal’s fight against the Red Lanterns’ vengeance.
5. The Big O (1999)
Streaming: RetroCrush
Episodes: 26
MAL Rating: 7.70
Studio: Sunrise
Plot: A negotiator pilots a giant robot in a noir city plagued by amnesia and conspiracies.
Similarities: Noir tone and dual identity struggles echo Hal’s balance of human and hero roles.
6. Shy (2023)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 7.05
Studio: 8bit
Plot: A socially anxious teen becomes Japan’s superhero, battling self-doubt alongside villains.
Similarities: Highlights vulnerability and courage, akin to Razer’s redemption arc.
7. Darker Than Black (2007)
Streaming: HIDIVE
Episodes: 25
MAL Rating: 7.89
Studio: Bones
Plot: Contractors with supernatural abilities trade humanity for power in a Cold War-esque thriller.
Similarities: Examines the cost of power, contrasting Hal’s altruism with morally gray choices.
8. Hamatora (2014)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 24
MAL Rating: 7.00
Studio: NAZ
Plot: Detectives with minor powers solve cases involving dangerous ability users.
Similarities: Underdogs relying on wit over strength, akin to Hal’s resourcefulness.
9. Concrete Revolutio (2015)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 24
MAL Rating: 6.98
Studio: Bones
Plot: Superhumans in 1960s Japan grapple with societal prejudice and government exploitation.
Similarities: Critiques systemic injustice, mirroring the Guardians’ flawed governance.
10. Kekkai Sensen (Blood Blockade Battlefront) (2015)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 24
MAL Rating: 7.98
Studio: Bones
Plot: A photographer aids a peacekeeping league in a monster-filled New York.
Similarities: Balances cosmic chaos with camaraderie, echoing Hal and Kilowog’s dynamic.
11. Zetman (2012)
Streaming: RetroCrush
Episodes: 13
MAL Rating: 6.85
Studio: TMS Entertainment
Plot: A bio-engineered hero battles mutants while questioning his humanity.
Similarities: Explores the psychological toll of power, akin to Razer’s internal conflict.
12. Birdy the Mighty: Decode (2008)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 25
MAL Rating: 7.60
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Plot: A federal agent shares a body with a teen while hunting interstellar criminals.
Similarities: Dual-life tension and partnership dynamics mirror Hal’s juggling of identities.
13. Psycho-Pass (2012)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 41
MAL Rating: 8.29
Studio: Production I.G
Plot: Inspectors in a dystopian future confront a system predetermining criminality.
Similarities: Questions moral authority, reflecting the Guardians’ ethical dilemmas.
14. Heroman (2010)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 26
MAL Rating: 6.70
Studio: Bones
Plot: A boy and his robot defend Earth from aliens, blending sci-fi with coming-of-age themes.
Similarities: Teen responsibility and underdog heroism, channeling Hal’s early days.
15. Casshern Sins (2008)
Streaming: HIDIVE
Episodes: 24
MAL Rating: 7.70
Studio: Madhouse
Plot: A robot grapples with existential guilt in a post-apocalyptic world.
Similarities: Philosophical depth and redemption arcs akin to Aya’s tragic storyline.
Why These Anime Work for Green Lantern: The Animated Series Fans
These series capture Green Lantern’s essence through cosmic stakes, moral complexity, and team-driven resilience.
Whether via tactical space battles or introspective journeys, they challenge viewers to confront the weight of power and the courage to wield it responsibly, perfect for fans who crave heroism grounded in humanity’s ideals and flaws.
