My Hero Academia has become a cornerstone of modern shōnen anime, thanks to its rich power system, heartfelt underdog storylines, and surprising twists that challenge genre expectations. Its focus on perseverance, teamwork, and character-driven narratives has resonated with fans worldwide.
Yet, beyond the mainstream hits, there are equally compelling anime that deserve more attention. The following 15 underrated series share similar themes—quirky power systems, unlikely heroes striving against the odds, and layered storytelling that echoes what makes My Hero Academia so special.
1. Chrome Shelled Regios (2009)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- Plot: In a post-apocalyptic world, humanity survives in mobile cities while students train to fight mutant beasts. Layfon, a reluctant prodigy, hides his past while navigating military academy life.
- Similarities: Like MHA, it features a school setting where students train with unique abilities, focusing on the struggles of a reluctant yet powerful protagonist.
- MAL Rating: 7.2
- Episodes: 24
- Studio: ZEXCS
- Notable Staff: Director Itsuro Kawasaki (Rental Magica)
- Recognition: Cult following for its world-building and unique mix of sci-fi and fantasy.
2. Rokudenashi Majutsu Koushi to Akashic Records (Akashic Records of Bastard Magic Instructor, 2017)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Plot: A lazy substitute teacher surprises his class with hidden genius, training students to fight in a world of magical warfare.
- Similarities: Shares MHA’s classroom dynamic, hidden strength themes, and teacher-student bonds that fuel growth.
- MAL Rating: 7.0
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: LIDENFILMS
- Recognition: Praised for subverting the “weak teacher” trope.
3. Ga-Rei: Zero (2008)
- Streaming: Funimation, HIDIVE
- Plot: Two close friends trained as exorcists find themselves on opposing sides of a supernatural conflict.
- Similarities: Strong character-driven drama, tragic mentor-student relationships, and shocking twists reminiscent of MHA’s darker arcs.
- MAL Rating: 7.5
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: AIC Spirits, Asread
- Awards: Known for its emotionally impactful storytelling and foreshadowing.
4. Zetman (2012)
- Streaming: HIDIVE, Amazon Prime Video
- Plot: A boy with mysterious powers becomes entangled in a battle between humans and monstrous creatures.
- Similarities: Echoes MHA’s exploration of heroism versus villainy, with morally gray undertones.
- MAL Rating: 6.9
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: TMS Entertainment
- Notable Staff: Based on Masakazu Katsura’s manga (DNA²)
5. Black Bullet (2014)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Humanity is pushed to the brink by parasitic monsters, with children wielding unique abilities as the last hope.
- Similarities: Focuses on young heroes with unique gifts fighting to protect society, similar to MHA’s Quirk-driven structure.
- MAL Rating: 7.1
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: Kinema Citrus, Orange
- Recognition: Praised for its bleak yet hopeful tone.
6. C: The Money of Soul and Possibility Control (2011)
- Streaming: Funimation, HIDIVE
- Plot: College students are drawn into an alternate world where their futures are wagered in battles fueled by supernatural currency.
- Similarities: Like MHA’s subversion of power systems, this explores the consequences of strength and ambition.
- MAL Rating: 7.2
- Episodes: 11
- Studio: Tatsunoko Production
- Awards: Recognized for its experimental themes on capitalism and identity.
7. Needless (2009)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Plot: In a post-apocalyptic Tokyo, individuals with strange powers—“Needless”—fight in brutal, over-the-top battles.
- Similarities: Comparable to MHA’s quirky powers, exaggerated personalities, and flashy battles.
- MAL Rating: 7.0
- Episodes: 24
- Studio: Madhouse
8. Blue Gender (1999)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Plot: A cryogenically preserved man wakes to a future where Earth is overrun by alien insects, fighting alongside humanity’s dwindling forces.
- Similarities: Like MHA, it emphasizes resilience, survival, and an underdog protagonist.
- MAL Rating: 7.1
- Episodes: 26
- Studio: AIC
- Recognition: Known for mixing mecha action with psychological themes.
9. Kekkai Sensen (Blood Blockade Battlefront, 2015)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Plot: In a city where humans and supernatural beings coexist, a boy with mysterious eyes joins a secret organization.
- Similarities: Both showcase wild powers, colorful characters, and a balance of humor and high-stakes battles.
- MAL Rating: 7.6
- Episodes: 12 + 12 (2 seasons)
- Studio: Bones (same as My Hero Academia)
- Awards: Praised for frenetic animation and jazzy style.
10. Un-Go (2011)
- Streaming: Funimation, HIDIVE
- Plot: A detective with supernatural assistance solves mysteries in a dystopian society.
- Similarities: Shares MHA’s theme of hidden truths beneath society’s heroic façade.
- MAL Rating: 7.3
- Episodes: 11 + OVA
- Studio: Bones
- Recognition: Noted for its unique visual design and subversive storytelling.
11. Big Order (2016)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Plot: Survivors of a mysterious event gain supernatural powers, with one boy considered the cause of the apocalypse.
- Similarities: Explores moral weight of immense power, akin to Deku inheriting One For All.
- MAL Rating: 5.6
- Episodes: 10 + OVA
- Studio: Asread
12. Heroic Age (2007)
- Streaming: Funimation, HIDIVE
- Plot: Humanity struggles in space wars with the help of a mysterious boy possessing divine strength.
- Similarities: Underdog hero rising against overwhelming odds, much like Deku’s journey.
- MAL Rating: 7.5
- Episodes: 26
- Studio: XEBEC
- Awards: Appreciated for its mythic scope and emotional impact.
13. Tokyo ESP (2014)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Plot: Ordinary citizens in Tokyo gain psychic abilities, with a high school girl at the heart of the conflict.
- Similarities: Ordinary youth developing extraordinary gifts and balancing heroism with personal life.
- MAL Rating: 6.6
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: XEBEC
14. 11eyes (2009)
- Streaming: HIDIVE
- Plot: A group of students are transported into an alternate dimension where they must fight for survival.
- Similarities: Echoes MHA’s darker training arcs, testing bonds of friendship under life-threatening circumstances.
- MAL Rating: 6.1
- Episodes: 12 + OVAs
- Studio: Doga Kobo
15. Gun x Sword (2005)
- Streaming: Funimation, Crunchyroll
- Plot: A wandering swordsman aided by a girl seeks vengeance in a futuristic Wild West setting.
- Similarities: Themes of perseverance, unconventional allies, and flashy battles align with MHA’s storytelling rhythm.
- MAL Rating: 7.4
- Episodes: 26
- Studio: AIC A.S.T.A
- Awards: Noted for stylistic flair and emotional depth.
Why These Anime Work for My Hero Academia Fans
Each of these underrated gems reflects the core appeal of My Hero Academia: diverse power systems, compelling underdogs striving to rise above, and emotional narratives that balance action with character growth. For fans craving more worlds where ordinary students and flawed heroes step up to extraordinary challenges, these series provide fresh but familiar journeys worth experiencing.
