Night Wizard! is a fun, action-packed urban fantasy anime based on the Japanese tabletop RPG of the same name. The story follows Renji Hiiragi, a “Night Wizard”—a mage who protects the world from demonic invasions from another dimension. He and his team of fellow wizards must prevent the “Emulators” from destroying the barrier between worlds, all while navigating the challenges of their own personal lives and the bonds they form with each other.
The series is defined by its core themes: a power system rooted in a game-like structure with specific rules, abilities, and character classes, where teamwork and strategy are essential to victory. Renji is a quintessential underdog—a protagonist who is often underestimated but who proves his worth through courage and determination. Night Wizard! masterfully subverts expectations by presenting what appears to be a simple action series and gradually revealing a deeper, more character-driven narrative about friendship, sacrifice, and the importance of protecting what matters. It is a series that understands the power of found family.
For fans of Night Wizard!, finding similar anime can be a challenge. The series occupies a unique space—part urban fantasy, part action-adventure, part character-driven drama. Yet, many underrated series share its core DNA: a focus on a team of individuals with unique abilities who fight against supernatural threats, an exploration of the bonds formed between misfits, and a willingness to blend action, comedy, and emotional depth. These shows deserve far more attention for their creativity, their character development, and their refusal to provide easy answers.
Here are 15 underrated anime that capture the spirit of Night Wizard!.
1. Rental Magica (2007)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 6.8
- Episodes: 24
- Studio: Zexcs
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Makoto Sanda.
Plot Summary: Itsuki Iba, the young president of “Astral,” a company that rents out magical services, leads a team of eccentric mages as they compete against larger magical organizations while helping those in need.
*Similarities to Night Wizard!:* Both are urban fantasy series about a team of mages with diverse abilities who work together to solve supernatural problems. The focus is on the bonds between the team members and the challenges of their work. The series blends action, comedy, and character-driven drama.
2. Tokyo Ravens (2013)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 7.3
- Episodes: 24
- Studio: 8-Bit
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Kouhei Azano.
Plot Summary: Harutora Tsuchimikado, a boy from a prestigious onmyouji family, lacks the ability to see spirits. His life changes when his childhood friend Natsume re-enters his life, dragging him into the world of magical warfare.
*Similarities to Night Wizard!:* Both are urban fantasy series about a protagonist who is drawn into the world of magic and must learn to navigate its complexities. The focus is on the bonds between the characters and the supernatural threats they face. The series is a blend of action, drama, and political intrigue.
3. Kaze no Stigma (2007)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 7.2
- Episodes: 24
- Studio: Gonzo
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Takahiro Yamato.
Plot Summary: Kazuma Yagami, once exiled from his family for his lack of fire magic, returns as a powerful wind mage. He must reluctantly work with his family to confront demonic threats.
*Similarities to Night Wizard!:* Both are urban fantasy series about a protagonist who is an outsider in the magical community and must work with others to confront supernatural threats. The focus is on the clash between different magical traditions and the bonds formed through shared struggles. The series is a fun, action-packed urban fantasy.
4. Shonen Onmyoji (2006)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 7.3
- Episodes: 26
- Studio: Studio Deen
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Mitsuru Yuki.
Plot Summary: Masahiro, the grandson of the legendary onmyouji Abe no Seimei, is determined to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps despite being told he lacks the talent. He must prove himself while facing dangerous threats.
*Similarities to Night Wizard!:* Both are about a young protagonist who must prove himself in the world of magic and spirits. The focus is on the bond between the protagonist and his spirit companion, and the challenges of living up to a great legacy. The series is a warm, action-packed adventure.
5. The Irregular at Magic High School (2014)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu
- Rating: MAL: 7.4
- Episodes: 26
- Studio: Madhouse
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Tsutomu Satou.
Plot Summary: Tatsuya and Miyuki Shiba enroll at First High School. Tatsuya is placed in the “Weed” class for students with low practical magic scores, but he possesses immense technical knowledge and unique abilities.
*Similarities to Night Wizard!:* Both are set in a world where magic is real and follow a protagonist who is underestimated despite their abilities. The focus is on the strategic application of magical knowledge. The series is a blend of action, drama, and political intrigue.
6. A Certain Scientific Railgun (2009)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 7.7
- Episodes: 24 (Season 1)
- Studio: J.C. Staff
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Kazuma Kamachi.
Plot Summary: Mikoto Misaka, one of the most powerful espers in Academy City, investigates the dark secrets of the city while navigating her friendships and rivalries.
*Similarities to Night Wizard!:* Both are set in a world where supernatural powers are real and follow a group of characters who investigate the mysteries of their world. The focus is on the bonds between the characters and the challenges they face. The series is a fun, action-packed adventure.
7. Beyond the Boundary (2013)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 7.5
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Kyoto Animation
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Nagomu Torii.
Plot Summary: Akihito Kanbara, a half-human, half-youmu boy, meets Mirai Kuriyama, a girl who can manipulate blood. They become involved in the world of supernatural beings and the warriors who hunt them.
*Similarities to Night Wizard!:* Both are about a group of individuals with supernatural abilities who work together to deal with supernatural threats. The focus is on the bonds formed between the characters and the emotional weight of their battles. The series is known for its beautiful animation.
8. Noragami (2014)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu
- Rating: MAL: 7.9
- Episodes: 12 (Season 1)
- Studio: Bones
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Adachitoka.
Plot Summary: Yato, a minor god who dreams of having his own shrine, performs odd jobs for five yen. He is aided by his “Regalia,” a spirit weapon named Yukine, and a human girl named Hiyori.
*Similarities to Night Wizard!:* Both are about a protagonist who performs supernatural services and fights against threats from another world. The focus is on the bonds between the protagonist and their companions. The series is a fun, action-packed adventure with a strong emotional core.
9. Blue Exorcist (2011)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu
- Rating: MAL: 7.5
- Episodes: 25 (Season 1)
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Kazue Kato.
Plot Summary: Rin Okumura discovers he is the son of Satan, but instead of embracing his demonic heritage, he vows to become an Exorcist and defeat his father. He enrolls at True Cross Academy.
*Similarities to Night Wizard!:* Both are about a young protagonist who must overcome his heritage and prove himself as a protector of humanity. The focus is on the bonds with his companions and the challenges of his training. The series is a blend of action, comedy, and drama.
10. D.Gray-man (2006)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 8.0
- Episodes: 103 (Season 1)
- Studio: TMS Entertainment
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Katsura Hoshino.
Plot Summary: Allen Walker, a young exorcist, joins the Black Order to fight against the Millennium Earl and his army of demons. He and his fellow exorcists must battle to protect humanity.
*Similarities to Night Wizard!:* Both are about a group of individuals with unique abilities who work together to fight against supernatural threats. The focus is on the bonds formed between the characters and the emotional weight of their battles. The series is a dark, action-packed adventure.
11. Ga-Rei: Zero (2008)
- Streaming Availability: Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 7.5
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: AIC Spirits, asread.
- Notable Staff: Directed by Ei Aoki.
Plot Summary: Kagura Tsuchimiya and Yomi Isayama, two young women who fight supernatural threats as part of a government agency, find their bond tragically torn apart when Yomi is consumed by a demonic force.
*Similarities to Night Wizard!:* Both are about a government agency that deals with supernatural threats, and the bonds between its members. The focus is on the emotional weight of their battles and the sacrifices they must make. The series is a dark, emotional drama.
12. Witch Hunter Robin (2002)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 7.1
- Episodes: 26
- Studio: Sunrise
- Notable Staff: Directed by Shukou Murase.
Plot Summary: Robin Sena, a young witch, joins a secret organization called STN-J that hunts rogue witches. She must navigate the complexities of her own powers and the dark secrets of the organization.
*Similarities to Night Wizard!:* Both are about a secret organization that deals with supernatural threats, and the protagonist who must navigate its complexities. The focus is on the mystery and the psychological drama. The series is a dark, atmospheric thriller.
13. The Devil is a Part-Timer! (2013)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 7.7
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: White Fox
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Satoshi Wagahara.
Plot Summary: The Demon King Satan is forced to flee his world and ends up in modern-day Tokyo, where he must work at a fast-food restaurant to survive.
*Similarities to Night Wizard!:* Both are about extraordinary beings who are forced to live ordinary lives in the human world. The focus is on the humor and the clash of cultures. The series is a clever, entertaining exploration of adaptation and survival.
14. The Morose Mononokean (2016)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 7.3
- Episodes: 13 (Season 1)
- Studio: Pierrot Plus
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Kiri Wazawa.
Plot Summary: Hanae Ashiya, a high school student plagued by a yokai, seeks help from the Mononokean, a mysterious tea room run by Abeno Haruitsuki. They work together to help yokai.
*Similarities to Night Wizard!:* Both are about a protagonist who bridges the human and supernatural worlds, helping to resolve conflicts. The focus is on the partnership between the protagonist and the more experienced specialist. The series is a warm, gentle exploration of the relationship between humans and spirits.
15. The Eccentric Family (2013)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 7.8
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: P.A. Works
- Notable Staff: Based on the novel by Tomihiko Morimi.
Plot Summary: Yasaburou Shimogamo, a young tanuki, navigates the complex social dynamics of Kyoto while dealing with the aftermath of his father’s death. The series explores the bonds of family.
*Similarities to Night Wizard!:* Both are about the bonds of family—both blood and found—and the search for belonging in a world that is often strange. The focus is on the quiet, everyday moments that define a life. The series is a blend of comedy, drama, and fantasy.
Why These Anime Work for Night Wizard! Fans
Fans of Night Wizard! are drawn to stories that are fun, action-packed, and deeply invested in character development. They appreciate a narrative that blends supernatural action with emotional depth, and they are invested in the bonds between a group of misfits who work together to protect the world. They are not looking for simple action or escapism, but for stories that make them care about the characters.
The anime listed above all share this fundamental DNA:
- The Found Family: Whether it is the team of Night Wizards, the members of Astral, or the exorcists of the Black Order, these series understand that the most compelling stories are about the bonds between people. The focus is on the warmth of camaraderie and the support that teammates provide each other.
- The Underdog Hero: The protagonists are often ordinary people who are thrust into extraordinary circumstances and must prove their worth. Their strength lies not in their power, but in their courage, their compassion, and their determination to protect others.
- Subversion of the Action Genre: These series use the framework of the action genre to explore deeper emotional and psychological themes. They understand that the most compelling battles are not fought with weapons, but within the human heart.
These 15 anime, like Night Wizard!, are not afraid to be heartfelt. They are underrated gems that offer a fun, emotionally resonant, and deeply entertaining experience for viewers who are looking for stories about the power of friendship and the bonds that connect us.
