15 Animes Similar to Symphogear

Symphogear, which first aired in 2012, is a high-octane action series where young women wield song-powered armor to battle otherworldly threats, blending idol music with intense fights and emotional depth. At its core, it explores power systems rooted in harmony and resonance, underdog stories of overcoming personal trauma and societal expectations, and clever subversions of magical girl tropes through dark twists and character growth.

These selected anime deserve more attention for their innovative takes on similar elements, often flying under the radar despite rich storytelling, strong female leads, and unique animation that push genre boundaries.

1. Yuuki Yuuna is a Hero (2014)

• Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE.
• Brief Plot Summary: In a seemingly peaceful world, middle schooler Yuuna and her friends join the Hero Club, only to discover they must transform into magical heroes to fight monstrous Vertexes threatening humanity. As battles escalate, they uncover the heavy toll of their powers and the sacrifices required to protect their loved ones.
• Specific Similarities to Symphogear: Like Symphogear, it features a group of girls with relic-based power systems that demand emotional synchronization, underdog arcs of ordinary teens rising against impossible odds, and subversions of magical girl expectations through themes of sacrifice and mental strain.
• MAL Rating: 7.4/10.
• Episode Count: 12.
• Notable Staff/Studio: Studio Gokumi; directed by Seiji Kishi, known for blending action with psychological depth.
• Awards/Recognition: Praised for its emotional storytelling but often overlooked in favor of darker peers like Madoka Magica.

2. Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha (2004)

• Current Streaming Availability: HIDIVE, Amazon Prime Video.
• Brief Plot Summary: Young Nanoha discovers a magical tome that grants her beam-based powers, leading her to battle interdimensional threats while forming bonds with rivals who become allies. Over time, she hones her abilities through rigorous training and high-stakes confrontations.
• Specific Similarities to Symphogear: Shares Symphogear’s emphasis on magical power systems fueled by personal resolve, underdog growth from novice to powerhouse, and trope subversions by evolving from cute magical girl fare into intense, friendship-driven action.
• MAL Rating: 7.4/10.
• Episode Count: 13 (first season; series expands to multiple).
• Notable Staff/Studio: Seven Arcs; scripted by Masaki Tsuzuki, with dynamic animation influencing later action series.
• Awards/Recognition: Influential in the genre but underrated outside niche circles for its pioneering beam fights.

3. Kill la Kill (2013)

• Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Netflix.
• Brief Plot Summary: Ryuko Matoi searches for her father’s killer using a sentient uniform that grants superhuman abilities, clashing with a tyrannical student council in a school ruled by clothing-based powers. Her journey uncovers family secrets and challenges systemic oppression.
• Specific Similarities to Symphogear: Mirrors Symphogear’s armor-like power systems activated by personal drive, underdog rebellion against overwhelming forces, and bold subversions of expectations with over-the-top action and themes of identity.
• MAL Rating: 8.0/10.
• Episode Count: 24.
• Notable Staff/Studio: Studio Trigger; directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi, renowned for fluid, exaggerated animation.
• Awards/Recognition: Won Best Character Design at the 2014 Tokyo Anime Awards.

4. Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann (2007)

• Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu.
• Brief Plot Summary: In an underground village, Simon discovers a drill-powered mecha and joins a rebellion against surface oppressors, escalating to cosmic battles. With his brother’s encouragement, he evolves from a timid digger to a galaxy-shaking hero.
• Specific Similarities to Symphogear: Echoes Symphogear’s escalating power systems based on willpower, underdog narratives of breaking free from constraints, and subversions through absurd scale and motivational themes.
• MAL Rating: 8.6/10.
• Episode Count: 27.
• Notable Staff/Studio: Gainax; directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi, with iconic drill motifs.
• Awards/Recognition: Excelled at the 2008 Tokyo Anime Awards but often overshadowed by mecha giants.

5. Princess Tutu (2002)

• Current Streaming Availability: HIDIVE.
• Brief Plot Summary: A duck transformed into a girl uses ballet-based magic to restore a prince’s shattered heart, navigating a fairy tale world where stories come alive. She must confront her own narrative fate while aiding others.
• Specific Similarities to Symphogear: Features artistic power systems tied to performance (dance vs. song), underdog self-discovery amid destiny’s subversion, and meta twists on magical girl tropes.
• MAL Rating: 8.1/10.
• Episode Count: 26.
• Notable Staff/Studio: Hal Film Maker; directed by Junichi Sato, blending ballet with anime visuals.
• Awards/Recognition: Critically acclaimed for innovation but underrated in mainstream discussions.

6. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit (2007)

• Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll.
• Brief Plot Summary: Spear-wielding bodyguard Balsa protects a prince possessed by a water spirit, fleeing imperial pursuers across a fantasy landscape. She confronts her past while ensuring the boy’s survival.
• Specific Similarities to Symphogear: Highlights protective power systems and underdog resilience, with strong female leads subverting expectations through grounded, non-fanservice action.
• MAL Rating: 8.1/10.
• Episode Count: 26.
• Notable Staff/Studio: Production I.G; directed by Kenji Kamiyama, known for fluid fight choreography.
• Awards/Recognition: Praised for mature themes but often forgotten among fantasy epics.

7. Akame ga Kill! (2014)

• Current Streaming Availability: HIDIVE, Hulu.
• Brief Plot Summary: Tatsumi joins assassin group Night Raid to topple a corrupt empire, wielding a cursed sword amid brutal battles. Alliances form and shatter as they fight for justice.
• Specific Similarities to Symphogear: Involves weapon-based power systems with high costs, underdog revolutions against tyranny, and masterful subversions of survival expectations.
• MAL Rating: 7.5/10.
• Episode Count: 24.
• Notable Staff/Studio: White Fox; adapted from Takahiro’s manga with intense animation.
• Awards/Recognition: Noted for bold twists but critiqued for pacing, remaining underrated.

8. Black Clover (2017)

• Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Netflix.
• Brief Plot Summary: Magic-less Asta aims to become Wizard King in a world of sorcery, gaining anti-magic powers to challenge elites. With rival Yuno, he joins the Black Bulls squad for epic quests.
• Specific Similarities to Symphogear: Centers on unique power systems defying norms, classic underdog ascents, and subversions through persistence over innate talent.
• MAL Rating: 8.0/10.
• Episode Count: 170.
• Notable Staff/Studio: Pierrot; directed by Tatsuya Yoshihara, with long-run appeal.
• Awards/Recognition: Gained popularity but initially underrated for shonen tropes.

9. Vividred Operation (2013)

• Current Streaming Availability: HIDIVE.
• Brief Plot Summary: Girls fuse powers via docking system to combat alien Alone threats, balancing school life with high-tech battles. Akane leads the team in protecting their island home.
• Specific Similarities to Symphogear: Emphasizes synergy-based power systems, underdog teamwork, and light subversions with sci-fi magical girl flair.
• MAL Rating: 6.7/10.
• Episode Count: 12.
• Notable Staff/Studio: A-1 Pictures; co-created by Hiroyuki Yoshino.
• Awards/Recognition: Underappreciated for its vibrant animation style.

10. Mai-Otome (2005)

• Current Streaming Availability: HIDIVE.
• Brief Plot Summary: In a world of Otome warriors, Arika trains to become a master, uncovering political intrigues and her heritage. Battles involve gem-powered suits and alliances.
• Specific Similarities to Symphogear: Parallels armor activation via bonds, underdog academy tales, and trope flips with mature themes.
• MAL Rating: 7.2/10.
• Episode Count: 26.
• Notable Staff/Studio: Sunrise; sequel to Mai-HiME.
• Awards/Recognition: Cult favorite but eclipsed by predecessors.

11. Blue Reflection Ray (2021)

• Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll.
• Brief Plot Summary: Hiori and friends harness Reflector powers to enter emotional realms, fighting to protect feelings from corruption. They navigate personal traumas in a reflective world.
• Specific Similarities to Symphogear: Focuses on emotion-fueled power systems, underdog emotional growth, and subversions through psychological depth.
• MAL Rating: 6.1/10.
• Episode Count: 24.
• Notable Staff/Studio: J.C. Staff; based on Gust’s game.
• Awards/Recognition: Tied to niche RPG but underrated in anime form.

12. Heartcatch Precure! (2010)

• Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll.
• Brief Plot Summary: Tsubomi transforms into Cure Blossom to battle Desert Apostles stealing hearts, recruiting allies for flower-themed fights. She overcomes shyness through heroism.
• Specific Similarities to Symphogear: Uses thematic power systems (flowers vs. songs), underdog self-confidence arcs, and gentle subversions of Precure formulas.
• MAL Rating: 8.1/10.
• Episode Count: 49.
• Notable Staff/Studio: Toei Animation; directed by Tatsuya Nagamine.
• Awards/Recognition: Beloved in franchise but underrated globally.

13. Flip Flappers (2016)

• Current Streaming Availability: HIDIVE.
• Brief Plot Summary: Cocona and Papika explore surreal Pure Illusion worlds via flips, seeking fragments that grant wishes. Their adventures reveal hidden powers and identities.
• Specific Similarities to Symphogear: Involves dimension-hopping power systems, underdog explorations of self, and wild subversions with psychedelic narratives.
• MAL Rating: 7.7/10.
• Episode Count: 13.
• Notable Staff/Studio: Studio 3Hz; known for experimental animation.
• Awards/Recognition: Critically praised for visuals but niche audience.

14. Wonder Egg Priority (2021)

• Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll.
• Brief Plot Summary: Ai enters dream worlds to save “Wonder Eggs” – petrified girls – using egg-based weapons against traumas. She confronts her own bullying past.
• Specific Similarities to Symphogear: Features trauma-activated power systems, underdog mental health battles, and deep subversions of magical realism.
• MAL Rating: 7.5/10.
• Episode Count: 12.
• Notable Staff/Studio: CloverWorks; written by Shinji Nojima.
• Awards/Recognition: Nominated for Crunchyroll Awards but controversial ending.

15. Lycoris Recoil (2022)

• Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll.
• Brief Plot Summary: Chisato and Takina, elite agents, maintain peace in Tokyo through covert operations, blending gunplay with personal growth. They uncover organizational secrets.
• Specific Similarities to Symphogear: Blends action power systems with underdog partnerships, subverting spy tropes through character-driven drama.
• MAL Rating: 8.2/10.
• Episode Count: 13.
• Notable Staff/Studio: A-1 Pictures; directed by Shingo Adachi.
• Awards/Recognition: Popular but underrated for its fresh take on action girls.

Why These Anime Work for Symphogear Fans

These series capture Symphogear’s essence by weaving intricate power systems with underdog triumphs and unexpected narrative twists, often through strong female ensembles and innovative animation. They offer emotional resonance and high-stakes action that reward fans seeking depth beyond mainstream hits, proving underrated gems can harmonize themes of growth and subversion just as powerfully.