Akashic Records of Bastard Magic Instructor, released in 2017, follows Glenn Radars, a seemingly lazy substitute teacher at a prestigious magic academy who hides immense magical prowess and a dark past, leading to thrilling battles and student growth amid conspiracies. At its core, the series blends intricate power systems, underdog protagonists who subvert expectations through hidden talents, and themes of mentorship in a magical school setting.
These 15 selected underrated anime deserve more attention for their fresh takes on similar elements, offering engaging stories that mix fantasy, action, and character depth while often flying under the radar compared to mainstream hits.
1. Trinity Seven (2014)
Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE.
MAL Rating: 7.05.
Episode Count: 12.
Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Hiroshi Nishikiori; Studio Seven Arcs Pictures.
Awards/Recognition: None major, but praised for its harem-fantasy blend in niche communities.
In a world where magic is governed by seven deadly sins, Arata Kasuga enrolls in a magic academy after his hometown is destroyed by a magical phenomenon, teaming up with seven powerful female mages to uncover hidden truths. Like Akashic Records, it features a protagonist with untapped potential who subverts expectations by mastering complex power systems in a school setting, highlighted by witty humor and subversive twists on harem tropes.
2. Demon King Daimao (2010)
Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll.
MAL Rating: 6.75.
Episode Count: 12.
Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Takashi Watanabe; Studio Artland.
Awards/Recognition: Minor cult following for ecchi elements, no formal awards.
Akuto Sai arrives at Constant Magick Academy with dreams of becoming a high priest, but a prophecy labels him the future Demon King, forcing him to navigate misunderstandings and battles with his immense, uncontrolled powers. It mirrors Akashic Records through its underdog hero who subverts societal expectations via a chaotic power system and magical school intrigue, with unique storytelling that blends comedy and dark fantasy.
3. Chivalry of a Failed Knight (2015)
Current Streaming Availability: HIDIVE, Crunchyroll.
MAL Rating: 7.43.
Episode Count: 12.
Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Shin Oonuma; Studio SILVER LINK.
Awards/Recognition: Nominated for Best Action at Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2016.
Ikki Kurogane, ranked as the worst student at Hagun Academy due to his low magic aptitude, trains relentlessly to prove his worth in knightly duels, forming bonds and uncovering conspiracies. Similar to Akashic Records, it emphasizes underdog stories with protagonists subverting expectations through innovative use of limited powers in a competitive academy environment, featuring fluid animation in battles.
4. The Dawn of the Witch (2022)
Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll.
MAL Rating: 6.62.
Episode Count: 12.
Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Satoshi Kuwabara; Studio Tezuka Productions.
Awards/Recognition: None, but noted for atmospheric world-building in reviews.
Amnesiac student Saybil joins a magic academy to rediscover his past, embarking on missions that reveal his latent magical talents amid threats from witches and monsters. It shares Akashic Records’ focus on power systems and underdog growth, subverting expectations with memory-lapse twists and a unique blend of adventure and mystery in a magical training context.
5. Sky Wizards Academy (2015)
Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll.
MAL Rating: 6.30.
Episode Count: 12.
Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Hiroshi Ikehata; Studio Diomedéa.
Awards/Recognition: None major.
In a floating city threatened by magical insects, disgraced ace pilot Kanata Age becomes an instructor for a squad of underperforming witches, hiding his own traumatic past. Echoing Akashic Records, it features a lazy-seeming mentor with hidden prowess who subverts expectations by guiding underdogs through aerial battles and intricate magic mechanics.
6. Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance (2014)
Current Streaming Availability: HIDIVE.
MAL Rating: 6.70.
Episode Count: 12.
Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Tetsuya Yanagisawa; Studio TNK.
Awards/Recognition: None, but appreciated for elemental spirit designs.
Kamito Kazehaya, the only male elementalist, enrolls in an all-female academy to compete in spirit-summoning tournaments, forming contracts and alliances amid rivalries. Like Akashic Records, it subverts gender expectations in a magic school with underdog protagonists mastering spirit-based power systems, highlighted by dynamic animation in dance-like combats.
7. Mahou Sensei Negima! (2005)
Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll.
MAL Rating: 6.90.
Episode Count: 26.
Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Shin Oonuma; Studio Xebec.
Awards/Recognition: Influential in magical girl subgenre, no major awards.
Child wizard Negi Springfield becomes an English teacher at an all-girls school, secretly training in magic while protecting his students from supernatural threats. It parallels Akashic Records with a young, underestimated instructor subverting expectations through clever power usage and character bonds in a school setting.
8. Wistoria: Wand and Sword (2024)
Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll.
MAL Rating: 7.20 (early ratings).
Episode Count: 12.
Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Tatsuya Fujinaka; Studios Actas and Bandai Namco Pictures.
Awards/Recognition: Emerging praise for action sequences.
Will Serfort, lacking magic in a wizard-dominated academy, relies on swordsmanship to climb the ranks and fulfill a promise to a childhood friend. Similar to Akashic Records, it features an underdog subverting magical norms with hybrid power systems, emphasizing growth and subversion in a tower-climbing narrative.
9. Alderamin on the Sky (2016)
Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll.
MAL Rating: 7.65.
Episode Count: 13.
Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Tetsuo Ichimura; Studio Madhouse.
Awards/Recognition: None major, but lauded for strategic depth.
Lazy genius Ikta Solork reluctantly becomes a military officer in a war-torn empire, using intellect to outmaneuver foes despite his aversion to effort. It mirrors Akashic Records’ lazy protagonist with hidden talents subverting expectations in tactical battles and power dynamics.
10. The Familiar of Zero (2006)
Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll.
MAL Rating: 7.21.
Episode Count: 13 (Season 1).
Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Yoshiaki Iwasaki; Studio J.C.Staff.
Awards/Recognition: Popular in isekai circles, no formal awards.
Noble mage Louise summons ordinary boy Saito as her familiar at Tristain Academy, leading to adventures that reveal his unexpected strengths. Like Akashic Records, it subverts underdog tropes with magical mishaps and growth in a school environment.
11. Wise Man’s Grandchild (2019)
Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll.
MAL Rating: 6.60.
Episode Count: 12.
Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Masafumi Tamura; Studio SILVER LINK.
Awards/Recognition: None.
Reincarnated orphan Shin Wolford, raised by a legendary sage, enters a magic academy with overpowered abilities but struggles with social norms. It shares Akashic Records’ theme of hidden potential and subversion through isekai power systems in a school setting.
12. Blood Lad (2013)
Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll.
MAL Rating: 7.24.
Episode Count: 10.
Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Shigeyuki Miya; Studio Brain’s Base.
Awards/Recognition: None major.
Vampire boss Staz Charlie Blood, obsessed with human culture, helps a ghost girl navigate the demon world while hiding his immense power. Echoing Akashic Records, its lazy protagonist subverts expectations with comedic yet potent abilities
13. Servamp (2016)
Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll.
MAL Rating: 6.82.
Episode Count: 12.
Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Itto Sara; Studios Brain’s Base and Platinum Vision.
Awards/Recognition: None.
High schooler Mahiru Shirota contracts with lazy vampire Sleepy Ash, pulling him into vampire wars. Similar to Akashic Records, it features underdog bonds and subversive power reveals.
14. The Legend of the Legendary Heroes (2010)
Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll.
MAL Rating: 7.51.
Episode Count: 24.
Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Itsuro Kawasaki; Studio Zexcs
Awards/Recognition: None major.
Lazy mage Ryner Lute seeks magical relics to end wars, uncovering his destructive potential. It parallels Akashic Records with underdog subversion and complex magic systems.
15. The Misfit of Demon King Academy (2020)
Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll.
MAL Rating: 7.35.
Episode Count: 13 (Season 1).
Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Masafumi Tamura; Studio SILVER LINK.
Awards/Recognition: Nominated for Best Fantasy at Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2021.
Reincarnated Demon King Anos Voldigoad attends an academy that underestimates him, proving his supremacy through sheer power. Like Akashic Records, it subverts expectations with an overpowered underdog in a magical school
Why These Anime Work for Akashic Records of Bastard Magic Instructor Fans
These series capture the essence of Akashic Records by blending magical academies with protagonists who appear unassuming but shatter expectations through clever power systems and personal growth, often laced with humor and action. They offer fresh, underrated perspectives that reward fans seeking depth beyond mainstream fare, emphasizing themes of hidden potential and subversion that make the original so compelling.
