The Rising of the Shield Hero burst onto the anime scene with a dark twist on the classic isekai formula, following Naofumi, a wrongly accused hero, as he rises from disgrace to power. With its layered world-building, unique power systems, and compelling underdog narrative, it subverts genre norms while delivering powerful character development.
If you’re a fan of Shield Hero, you’re likely drawn to themes of redemption, betrayal, growth, and characters who rise against all odds. The following 15 anime series fly under the radar but carry similar emotional and narrative weight—and deserve far more recognition.
1. Grimgar: Ashes and Illusions (2016)
Streaming on: Crunchyroll, Funimation
MAL Rating: 7.66
Episodes: 12
Studio: A-1 Pictures
A group of strangers awakens in a fantasy world with no memory of their past, forced to survive as trainee adventurers. Unlike typical power fantasies, this anime leans into realism and emotional vulnerability.
Why it’s similar: Like Shield Hero, it presents an isekai world with genuine danger and character loss, focusing heavily on slow-burn development and camaraderie among broken characters.
2. The World’s Finest Assassin Gets Reincarnated in Another World as an Aristocrat (2021)
Streaming on: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.37
Episodes: 12
Studio: SILVER LINK., Studio Palette
A legendary assassin is reincarnated into a fantasy world to prevent the apocalypse by killing its Hero. With tactical battles and a stoic lead, the series blends strategy with magic.
Why it’s similar: Both series explore the idea of weaponized knowledge and skills in a foreign world, with protagonists wronged or burdened with harsh destinies.
3. Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest (2019)
Streaming on: Hulu, Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 6.57
Episodes: 13 (Season 1) + OVA/Season 2
Studio: asread., White Fox
Hajime, a bullied and betrayed student, falls into an abyss and emerges with brutal new powers and a hardened heart. The series transforms from weakling-to-warrior in dramatic fashion.
Why it’s similar: Underdog revenge arcs, betrayal by allies, and dark fantasy tones make this a natural fit for Shield Hero fans.
4. Cautious Hero: The Hero is Overpowered but Overly Cautious (2019)
Streaming on: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.48
Episodes: 12
Studio: WHITE FOX
A goddess summons a hero who’s ridiculously powerful—but refuses to fight unless he’s absurdly over-prepared. What starts as parody deepens into a moving tale.
Why it’s similar: Subverts typical hero tropes, builds toward emotional payoff, and features a mistrustful protagonist shaped by trauma.
5. Saga of Tanya the Evil (2017)
Streaming on: Crunchyroll, Funimation
MAL Rating: 7.98
Episodes: 12 + Movie
Studio: NUT
A ruthless salaryman is reborn as a young girl in a war-torn magical world, retaining memories and logic of his past life. His refusal to believe in God fuels his ambitions.
Why it’s similar: Both protagonists are manipulated by godlike forces, forced into morally grey decisions while ascending in a hostile world.
6. Kemono Michi: Rise Up (2019)
Streaming on: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 6.61
Episodes: 12
Studio: ENGI
A pro-wrestler is isekai’d into a fantasy world but refuses to fight monsters—instead, he opens a pet shop. This comedic spin still showcases unusual hero paths.
Why it’s similar: A non-traditional hero rejects societal expectations in a fantasy world, paving his own odd journey.
7. Seirei Gensouki: Spirit Chronicles (2021)
Streaming on: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.00
Episodes: 12
Studio: TMS Entertainment
A poor orphan discovers he’s the reincarnation of a Japanese college student after an accident, gaining magical abilities and royal enemies.
Why it’s similar: Underdog rise, revenge elements, and a dual-identity setup make this a compelling parallel to Naofumi’s journey.
8. The Faraway Paladin (2021)
Streaming on: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.27
Episodes: 12
Studio: Children’s Playground Entertainment
Raised by three undead guardians, a reincarnated boy grows in an abandoned city and sets out to live honorably.
Why it’s similar: Focus on character values, slow pacing, and spiritual overtones make this an introspective and heartfelt fantasy like Shield Hero.
9. Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy (2021)
Streaming on: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.66
Episodes: 12
Studio: C2C
A boy is summoned to another world but rejected by the goddess due to his looks—only to discover immense power and forge his own path.
Why it’s similar: Deconstruction of the “chosen hero” narrative and a protagonist who forges strength after rejection.
10. Bastard!!: Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy (2022)
Streaming on: Netflix
MAL Rating: 6.91
Episodes: 24
Studio: LIDENFILMS
Dark Schneider, a powerful wizard, returns to save the world—or destroy it—depending on his whims. Magic, brutality, and heavy metal aesthetics dominate.
Why it’s similar: Anti-hero lead, intense magic system, and dark world-building echo Shield Hero’s grittier edge.
11. Wise Man’s Grandchild (2019)
Streaming on: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 6.57
Episodes: 12
Studio: SILVER LINK.
A genius young magician tries to live normally after being raised by a legendary hero, only to shake the entire kingdom with his power.
Why it’s similar: Explores how power alienates protagonists and how they find purpose beyond fighting.
12. The Twelve Kingdoms (2002)
Streaming on: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 8.02
Episodes: 45
Studio: Pierrot
A high school girl is whisked into a parallel world and learns she’s destined to rule, confronting political and personal turmoil.
Why it’s similar: Deep political intrigue, reluctant leadership, and mature character growth echo Naofumi’s own evolution.
13. How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom (2021)
Streaming on: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.16
Episodes: 13
Studio: J.C.Staff
A summoned hero uses political reforms, economics, and military strategy to revive a crumbling kingdom. Less battle, more brains.
Why it’s similar: Overthrows the typical “battle hero” trope with smart decision-making and systems-level strategy akin to Naofumi’s shield-based tactics.
14. Knight’s & Magic (2017)
Streaming on: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.15
Episodes: 13
Studio: 8bit
A mecha otaku reincarnates into a fantasy world and begins building powerful magical mechs to protect his people.
Why it’s similar: Underdog with deep technical knowledge uses niche skills to survive and thrive.
15. Ushio and Tora (2015)
Streaming on: HIDIVE
MAL Rating: 7.93
Episodes: 39
Studio: MAPPA, Studio VOLN
A teenager unseals a monstrous spirit to fight demons—and discovers a shared destiny with the creature.
Why it’s similar: Human-demon partnership, moral ambiguity, and action-driven storytelling echo Shield Hero‘s human-monster alliances.
Why These Anime Work for Shield Hero Fans
All 15 of these underrated anime share the thematic DNA that made The Rising of the Shield Hero so compelling. Whether it’s the gritty rise of a wronged protagonist, the use of unconventional powers, or deeply emotional character arcs, these series offer fresh takes on fantasy, redemption, and world-building. Fans craving more than just surface-level action will find thoughtful storytelling and underrated gems that deserve the same love and attention.
