Infinite Stratos is a popular harem action anime set in a world where the “Infinite Stratos” (IS), a powerful exoskeleton weapon, can only be piloted by women. The story follows Ichika Orimura, the only male in the world capable of piloting an IS, as he enrolls in the prestigious IS Academy, a school filled with female pilots. He must navigate the challenges of training, tournaments, and the affections of the many girls who surround him, all while uncovering the secrets of the IS and his own unique abilities.
The series is defined by its core themes: a power system rooted in the advanced technology of the IS units, where skill and compatibility determine a pilot’s strength. Ichika is a quintessential underdog in an unusual sense—despite being the only male in a female-dominated world, he is often outmatched and must rely on his determination and the support of his friends to succeed. Infinite Stratos masterfully subverts expectations by presenting what appears to be a simple harem action series and gradually revealing a more complex narrative about gender roles, self-worth, and the importance of finding one’s place. It is a series that understands the value of being different.
For fans of Infinite Stratos, finding similar anime can be a challenge. The series occupies a unique space—part harem comedy, part mecha action, part school drama. Yet, many underrated series share its core DNA: a focus on a male protagonist in a female-dominated environment, an exploration of romantic relationships with multiple female characters, and a willingness to blend action, comedy, and romance. These shows deserve far more attention for their entertainment value, their character development, and their refusal to provide easy answers.
Here are 15 underrated anime that capture the spirit of Infinite Stratos.
1. Hundred (2016)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 6.1
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Production IMS
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Jun Misaki.
Plot Summary: Hayato Kisaragi, a boy with the highest compatibility with the “Hundred” weapons, enrolls at Little Garden academy. He must navigate training, form partnerships, and fight against mysterious enemies.
Similarities to Infinite Stratos: Both are harem action series set in a school for students with special weapons, where the male protagonist is unique or exceptional. The focus is on the relationships with multiple female characters and the blend of action, comedy, and romance. The series shares a similar tone and structure.
2. The Asterisk War (2015)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 6.9
- Episodes: 12 (Season 1)
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Yuu Miyazaki.
Plot Summary: Ayato Amagiri transfers to Seidoukan Academy, a school where students with special abilities compete in tournaments called “Festas.” He must find a partner and navigate the political landscape.
Similarities to Infinite Stratos: Both are set in elite academies where students with unique powers compete in structured tournaments. The focus is on the partnership between the male protagonist and a talented female fighter. The series is a blend of action, comedy, and romance.
3. Undefeated Bahamut Chronicle (2016)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 6.5
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Lerche
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Senri Akatsuki.
Plot Summary: Lux Arcadia, a former prince known as the “Weakest Undefeated,” accidentally stumbles upon a secret in the women’s dormitory and is forced to become a servant for the girls, all while piloting powerful mechs.
Similarities to Infinite Stratos: Both are harem action series set in an academy where the male protagonist pilots powerful weapons and is surrounded by female characters. The focus is on the protagonist’s relationships and the blend of action, comedy, and romance.
4. Absolute Duo (2015)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 6.4
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: 8-Bit
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Takumi Hiiragiboshi.
Plot Summary: Tooru Kokonoe, an unusual student who manifests a shield instead of a weapon, enrolls at Kouryou Academy. He must partner with Julie Sigtuna, a mysterious girl, to survive the academy’s challenges.
Similarities to Infinite Stratos: Both are set in a school where students manifest weapons and must form partnerships. The focus is on the bond between the male protagonist and a central female character, with a blend of action and romance.
5. Sky Wizards Academy (2015)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 6.3
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Diomedéa
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Yuu Moroboshi.
Plot Summary: Kanata Age, a former ace wizard who has fallen from grace, is assigned to teach a team of three troublesome girls at the Sky Wizards Academy.
Similarities to Infinite Stratos: Both are set in an academy for individuals with special abilities, where the male protagonist is an underdog who must prove himself. The focus is on the relationships with multiple female characters and the blend of action and comedy.
6. 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.
Similarities to Infinite Stratos: Both are set in a school for individuals with supernatural abilities, where the male protagonist is initially underestimated. The focus is on the strategic application of abilities and the bonds with classmates. The series is a blend of action, drama, and political intrigue.
7. Chivalry of a Failed Knight (2015)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu
- Rating: MAL: 7.4
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Silver Link, Nexus
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Riku Misora.
Plot Summary: Ikki Kurogane, a student branded a “Failed Knight” due to his low magical power, refuses to give up on his dream. He relies on his honed swordsmanship and strategic brilliance.
Similarities to Infinite Stratos: Both are about a male protagonist who is underestimated by a flawed system despite possessing immense skill. The focus is on the strategic application of abilities and the bonds formed with a talented female partner. The series is a heartfelt, action-packed underdog story.
8. Bladedance of Elementalers (2014)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 6.6
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: TNK
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Yuu Shimizu.
Plot Summary: Kamito Kazehaya, the only male elementalist in the world, is forced to attend Areishia Spirit Academy, a school for female elementalists. He must participate in the Blade Dance tournament.
Similarities to Infinite Stratos: Both are about a male protagonist who is unique in a female-dominated world and must navigate a school setting. The focus is on the harem relationships and the tournament arc. The series is a fun, action-packed fantasy.
9. Dragonar Academy (2014)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 6.3
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: C-Station
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Shiki Mizuchi.
Plot Summary: Ash Blake, a student at Ansarivan Dragonar Academy, is known as the “problem child” because his dragon has never hatched. His life changes when his dragon emerges in the form of a girl.
Similarities to Infinite Stratos: Both are set in an academy for students with special abilities, where the male protagonist is initially seen as a failure. The focus is on the bond between the protagonist and his partner. The series is a mix of action, comedy, and harem elements.
10. Freezing (2011)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 6.7
- Episodes: 12 (Season 1)
- Studio: A.C.G.T.
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Dall-Young Lim and Kwang-Hyun Kim.
Plot Summary: In a future where Earth is invaded by extradimensional beings, genetically modified girls called “Pandora” fight alongside male partners called “Limiters.” Kazuya Aoi is paired with the powerful Satellizer el Bridget.
Similarities to Infinite Stratos: Both feature a male protagonist who is initially seen as weak but has a unique ability. The focus is on the partnership between the male protagonist and a powerful female fighter. The series blends action and romance.
11. Aesthetica of a Rogue Hero (2012)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 6.7
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Arms
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Tetsuto Uesu.
Plot Summary: Akatsuki Ousawa, a hero who defeated a demon king, returns to Earth with the demon king’s daughter. He enrolls in a school for those who have returned from other worlds.
Similarities to Infinite Stratos: Both are about a male protagonist who is incredibly skilled but underestimated, and is surrounded by female characters. The focus is on the harem relationships and the blend of action and comedy. The series is a fun, ecchi fantasy.
12. Trinity Seven (2014)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 7.1
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Seven Arcs
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Kenji Saito and Akinari Nao.
Plot Summary: Arata Kasuga, a boy whose cousin disappears in a magical incident, enrolls in a magic academy to find her. He meets seven powerful female mages.
Similarities to Infinite Stratos: Both are about a male protagonist at a magic academy who is surrounded by powerful female mages. The focus is on the harem relationships and the development of magical abilities. The series is a fun, action-packed fantasy.
13. Campione! (2012)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 6.8
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: Diomedéa
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Jou Taketsuki.
Plot Summary: Godou Kusanagi, an ordinary high school student, kills a god and becomes a “Campione,” a god-slayer with immense power. He must navigate the world of gods and magic.
Similarities to Infinite Stratos: Both are about a male protagonist who discovers he has rare and powerful abilities, and is pursued by multiple female characters. The focus is on the harem relationships and the blend of action, comedy, and romance.
14. The Familiar of Zero (2006)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu
- Rating: MAL: 7.4
- Episodes: 13 (Season 1)
- Studio: J.C. Staff
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Noboru Yamaguchi.
Plot Summary: Louise, a student at a magic academy known as “Louise the Zero,” accidentally summons Saito Hiraga, a boy from Japan, as her familiar.
Similarities to Infinite Stratos: Both are set in a magic academy and follow a male protagonist who is initially seen as ordinary but possesses hidden potential. The focus is on the relationship between the male lead and a tsundere female lead. The series is a classic harem fantasy.
15. Majikoi: Oh! Samurai Girls (2011)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 6.8
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Lerche
- Notable Staff: Based on the visual novel by Minato Soft.
Plot Summary: Yamato Naoe, a strategist, and his group of friends, all skilled martial artists, navigate their daily lives and various challenges in a modern-day setting.
Similarities to Infinite Stratos: Both are harem series about a male protagonist surrounded by skilled female fighters. The focus is on the relationships and the blend of action and comedy. The series is a fun, energetic romp.
Why These Anime Work for Infinite Stratos Fans
Fans of Infinite Stratos are drawn to stories that blend harem comedy, mecha action, and school drama. They appreciate a narrative that focuses on a male protagonist who is unique or exceptional in some way, and they are invested in his relationships with multiple female characters. They are not looking for complex philosophical narratives, but for fun, entertaining stories that make them smile.
The anime listed above all share this fundamental DNA:
- The Unique Male Protagonist: Whether it is the only male IS pilot, the only male elementalist, or the boy with the highest compatibility, these series understand that the most compelling harem protagonists are those who are different from the norm. Their uniqueness is both a blessing and a burden.
- The Female-Dominated World: These series are set in worlds where women hold the power, and the male protagonist must navigate this dynamic. The focus is on the relationships he forms and the challenges he faces.
- Subversion of the Harem Genre: While these series feature multiple female characters, they often subvert the typical harem formula by focusing on the emotional depth of the relationships and the growth of the protagonist. They understand that the best love stories are about more than just choosing a partner.
These 15 anime, like Infinite Stratos, are not afraid to be fun. They are underrated gems that offer an entertaining, action-packed, and emotionally resonant experience for viewers who are looking for stories about the power of being different and the bonds that connect us.
