Gakusen Toshi Asterisk (The Asterisk War) is a vibrant, action-packed harem anime set in the futuristic city of Asterisk, where students with special abilities compete in tournaments called “Festas.” The story follows Ayato Amagiri, a transfer student who enrolls at Seidoukan Academy in search of his missing sister. He quickly becomes involved with Julis-Alexia von Riessfeld, a fiery princess, and the two form a partnership to compete in the Festas, navigating the political machinations of the academy and the secrets of the city.
The series is defined by its core themes: a power system rooted in unique weapons and abilities, where students manifest their power through “Lux” and “Strega” abilities. Ayato is a quintessential underdog—a newcomer who must prove himself in a competitive environment, relying on his skill and the bonds he forms with his partner. Gakusen Toshi Asterisk masterfully subverts expectations by presenting what appears to be a simple tournament arc anime and gradually revealing a deeper, more complex narrative about conspiracies, family secrets, and the true purpose of the Festas. It is a series that understands the thrill of competition.
For fans of Gakusen Toshi Asterisk, finding similar anime can be a challenge. The series occupies a unique space—part tournament arc, part harem romance, part political intrigue. Yet, many underrated series share its core DNA: a focus on a male protagonist at an elite academy who forms a partnership with a powerful female fighter, an exploration of tournament-based combat, 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 Gakusen Toshi Asterisk.
1. 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 to overcome opponents.
Similarities to Gakusen Toshi Asterisk: Both are set in elite academies where students with unique powers compete in tournaments. The focus is on the partnership between the male protagonist and a talented female fighter, and the development of their relationship through combat. The series is a heartfelt, action-packed underdog story.
2. 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 Gakusen Toshi Asterisk: 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.
3. 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 Gakusen Toshi Asterisk: Both are set in a school where students manifest weapons and must form partnerships to compete. The focus is on the bond between the male protagonist and a central female character, with a blend of action and romance.
4. Infinite Stratos (2011)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 6.7
- Episodes: 12 (Season 1)
- Studio: 8-Bit
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Izuru Yumizuru.
Plot Summary: Ichika Orimura is the only male in the world who can pilot an “Infinite Stratos,” a powerful exoskeleton. He enrolls in a school filled with female pilots.
Similarities to Gakusen Toshi Asterisk: 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 tournament-style combat.
5. 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,” is forced to become a servant for the girls at an academy while piloting powerful mechs.
Similarities to Gakusen Toshi Asterisk: 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 relationships and the blend of action, comedy, and romance.
6. 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 and form partnerships.
Similarities to Gakusen Toshi Asterisk: Both are harem action series set in a school for students with special weapons, where the male protagonist is exceptional. The focus is on the relationships with multiple female characters and the tournament-style combat.
7. 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 Gakusen Toshi Asterisk: Both are about a male protagonist who is unique in a female-dominated world and must compete in a tournament. The focus is on the harem relationships and the tournament arc. The series is a fun, action-packed fantasy.
8. 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 Gakusen Toshi Asterisk: 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.
9. 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 Gakusen Toshi Asterisk: Both are about a male protagonist who enters an academy and is surrounded by powerful female characters. The focus is on the harem relationships and the development of abilities. The series is a fun, action-packed fantasy.
10. 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 Gakusen Toshi Asterisk: 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.
11. The Asterisk War: Second Season (2016)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 7.0
- Episodes: 12 (Season 2)
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Yuu Miyazaki.
Plot Summary: The second season of The Asterisk War, continuing the story of Ayato and Julis as they advance through the Festas and uncover the secrets of Asterisk.
Similarities to Gakusen Toshi Asterisk: As a direct continuation, this season shares the same themes, characters, and narrative style. It is underrated because it is often overlooked by fans of the first season, but it provides essential character development and deepens the mystery.
12. Date A Live (2013)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 7.2
- Episodes: 12 (Season 1)
- Studio: AIC Plus+
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Koushi Tachibana.
Plot Summary: Shido Itsuka must date and seal the powers of “Spirits,” mysterious beings who cause spatial quakes. He must win their hearts to save the world.
Similarities to Gakusen Toshi Asterisk: Both are about a male protagonist who must form bonds with powerful female characters to achieve his goals. The focus is on the blend of action, comedy, and romance. The series is a fun, action-packed harem comedy.
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.
Similarities to Gakusen Toshi Asterisk: Both are about a male protagonist who gains immense power and is pursued by powerful female characters. The focus is on the harem relationships and the blend of action, comedy, and romance.
14. The Legend of the Legendary Heroes (2010)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 7.5
- Episodes: 24
- Studio: Zexcs
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Takaya Kagami.
Plot Summary: Ryner Lute, a lazy but brilliant mage with cursed eyes, and Ferris Eris, a skilled swordswoman, embark on a quest to find legendary relics.
Similarities to Gakusen Toshi Asterisk: Both feature a powerful protagonist with a special ability who must navigate political intrigue and the bonds with companions. The focus is on the cost of power and the burden of destiny.
15. High School DxD (2012)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 7.3
- Episodes: 12 (Season 1)
- Studio: TNK
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Ichiei Ishibumi.
Plot Summary: Issei Hyoudou, a perverted high school student, is killed and resurrected as a devil by Rias Gremory. He becomes her servant and fights in supernatural battles.
Similarities to Gakusen Toshi Asterisk: Both are harem action series about a male protagonist who gains supernatural powers and is surrounded by powerful female characters. The focus is on the relationships and the blend of action, comedy, and romance.
Why These Anime Work for Gakusen Toshi Asterisk Fans
Fans of Gakusen Toshi Asterisk are drawn to stories that blend tournament-based action, harem comedy, and school drama. They appreciate a narrative that focuses on a male protagonist who forms a partnership with a powerful female fighter, and they are invested in the relationships he forms 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 Tournament Arc: Whether it is the Festas, the Blade Dance, or the school competitions, these series understand that the tournament arc is the perfect framework for showcasing character abilities and developing relationships. The focus is on the thrill of competition and the bonds formed through combat.
- The Partnership: The protagonists often form partnerships with talented female fighters, and their relationship is central to the story. The focus is on the trust, loyalty, and respect that develops between partners.
- Subversion of the Harem Genre: These series use the framework of the harem genre to explore deeper themes of identity, power, and responsibility. They understand that the most compelling stories are not just about choosing a partner, but about the bonds that form along the way.
These 15 anime, like Gakusen Toshi Asterisk, are not afraid to be entertaining. They are underrated gems that offer a fun, action-packed, and emotionally resonant experience for viewers who are looking for stories about the power of partnership, the bonds of friendship, and the thrill of competition.
