When Supernatural Battles Became Commonplace (Inou-Battle wa Nichijou-kei no Naka de) is a clever, self-aware comedy that subverts the “battle anime” genre by focusing on the mundane realities of having supernatural powers. The story follows a group of high school students in a literature club who suddenly develop supernatural abilities. However, instead of being thrust into a grand adventure, they must deal with the everyday consequences of having powers in a world where nothing else has changed. The series explores their relationships, their insecurities, and the absurdity of their situation.
The series is defined by its core themes: a power system rooted in the characters’ inner psyches, where their abilities are manifestations of their personalities and desires. The protagonists are profound underdogs—ordinary students who are ill-equipped to handle their newfound powers and the emotional baggage that comes with them. When Supernatural Battles Became Commonplace masterfully subverts expectations by rejecting the typical action-adventure narrative, instead delivering a character-driven comedy that explores the gap between fantasy and reality. It is a series that understands the absurdity of everyday life.
For fans of When Supernatural Battles Became Commonplace, finding similar anime can be a challenge. The series occupies a unique space—part supernatural comedy, part character study, part parody of the battle genre. Yet, many underrated series share its core DNA: a focus on a group of students who gain supernatural powers and must deal with the mundane consequences, an exploration of the psychological roots of those powers, and a willingness to blend comedy with genuine 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 When Supernatural Battles Became Commonplace.
1. The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (2006)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 7.8
- Episodes: 28
- Studio: Kyoto Animation
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novels by Nagaru Tanigawa.
Plot Summary: Kyon, a cynical high school student, is dragged into the world of Haruhi Suzumiya, who is unknowingly a god-like being. She forms the SOS Brigade to find aliens, time travelers, and espers.
Similarities to When Supernatural Battles Became Commonplace: Both are about a school club whose members are involved in supernatural phenomena, and the focus is on the relationships between the characters and the philosophical questions about reality. The series blends comedy with deeper themes and subverts expectations by exploring the mundane consequences of extraordinary powers.
2. Kokoro Connect (2012)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 7.7
- Episodes: 13 + 4 OVA
- Studio: SILVER LINK.
- Notable Staff: Directed by Shinya Kawatsura, written by Fumihiko Shimo.
Plot Summary: Five members of the Student Cultural Society are subjected to supernatural phenomena like body-swapping by a mysterious entity called “Heartseed.” These events force them to confront their hidden traumas.
Similarities to When Supernatural Battles Became Commonplace: Both are about a school club whose members are subjected to supernatural phenomena by a mysterious force. The focus is on the emotional and psychological impact of these events, and the series blends comedy with deep emotional drama.
3. Charlotte (2015)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu
- Rating: MAL: 7.8
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: P.A. Works
- Notable Staff: Created by Jun Maeda.
Plot Summary: In a world where a small percentage of adolescents develop special abilities, Yuu Otosaka uses his power to cheat his way through life. He is caught and forced to join a student council that protects ability users.
Similarities to When Supernatural Battles Became Commonplace: Both are about a group of students with supernatural abilities who must deal with the consequences of their powers. The focus is on the emotional and psychological impact, and the series blends comedy with dramatic revelations.
4. The Pet Girl of Sakurasou (2012)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu
- Rating: MAL: 8.0
- Episodes: 24
- Studio: J.C. Staff
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Hajime Kamoshida.
Plot Summary: Sorata Kanda is forced to move into Sakurasou, a dormitory for the “problem children” of his school. He must learn to live with the eccentric residents.
Similarities to When Supernatural Battles Became Commonplace: Both are about an ordinary protagonist who is surrounded by eccentric individuals and must navigate the complexities of relationships. The focus is on the emotional development of the characters and the bonds they form.
5. D-Frag! (2014)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 7.3
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Brain’s Base
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Tomoya Haruno.
Plot Summary: Kenji Kazama, a self-proclaimed delinquent, is forced to join the Game Creation Club, a group of eccentric girls who are obsessed with making games.
Similarities to When Supernatural Battles Became Commonplace: Both are high school comedies centered around a club of eccentric individuals. The protagonist is a “delinquent” type who is initially resistant but gradually becomes an integral part of the group. The series is a hilarious, fast-paced comedy.
6. Asobi Asobase (2018)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 7.8
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Lerche
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Rin Suzukawa.
Plot Summary: Three high school girls form a “Pastime Club” to play traditional games, but their activities quickly descend into absurd and surreal comedy.
Similarities to When Supernatural Battles Became Commonplace: Both are about a group of eccentrics who take a simple activity far too seriously, resulting in hilarious chaos. The focus is on the absurd humor and the character dynamics.
7. Nichijou (2011)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 8.4
- Episodes: 26
- Studio: Kyoto Animation
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Keiichi Arawi.
Plot Summary: The series follows the daily lives of a group of high school students and their eccentric interactions, blending surreal humor with moments of genuine warmth.
Similarities to When Supernatural Battles Became Commonplace: Both are about the absurdity of everyday life, elevated to comedic extremes. The focus is on the surreal humor and the character dynamics.
8. The World God Only Knows (2010)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 7.8
- Episodes: 12 (Season 1)
- Studio: Manglobe
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Tamiki Wakaki.
Plot Summary: Keima Katsuragi, a self-proclaimed “God of Conquest” in dating sims, is forced to use his gaming skills to capture the hearts of real girls possessed by runaway spirits.
Similarities to When Supernatural Battles Became Commonplace: Both are about a protagonist who must navigate relationships with multiple girls, each with their own unique situations. The focus is on the humor and the development of the relationships.
9. Arakawa Under the Bridge (2010)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 7.6
- Episodes: 13 (Season 1)
- Studio: Shaft
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Hikaru Nakamura, directed by Akiyuki Shinbo.
Plot Summary: Kou Ichinomiya, a privileged young man, falls into a river and is saved by Nino, a girl who claims to be from Venus. To repay his debt, he must become her boyfriend and live with her under the bridge.
Similarities to When Supernatural Battles Became Commonplace: Both are about a protagonist who is drawn into a community of eccentric misfits and must learn to adapt to their unconventional way of life. The focus is on the warmth of community and the beauty of accepting others.
10. 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.
Similarities to When Supernatural Battles Became Commonplace: Both are about the bonds of family and community, and the search for belonging in a world that is often strange and confusing. The focus is on the quiet, everyday moments that define a life.
11. Sabagebu! (2014)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 7.1
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Pierrot Plus
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Hidekichi Matsumoto.
Plot Summary: Momoka Sonokawa, a high school girl, joins the Survival Game Club and becomes obsessed with airsoft battles. The series follows her and her clubmates as they engage in comedic, over-the-top battles.
Similarities to When Supernatural Battles Became Commonplace: Both are about a competitive activity treated with intense seriousness and over-the-top action, resulting in hilarious comedy. The focus is on the humor and the parody of action anime tropes.
12. Blood Lad (2013)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 7.1
- Episodes: 10
- Studio: Brain’s Base
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Yuuki Kodama.
Plot Summary: Staz Charlie Blood, a vampire who is obsessed with Japanese culture, meets Fuyumi Yanagi, a human girl who becomes a ghost. He vows to help her return to life.
Similarities to When Supernatural Battles Became Commonplace: Both are action-comedy series set in a world with its own rules and eccentric characters. The focus is on the humor and the action.
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 When Supernatural Battles Became Commonplace: Both are about extraordinary beings who are forced to live ordinary lives and navigate the mundane world. The focus is on the humor and the clash of cultures.
14. Good Luck Girl! (2012)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 7.6
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: Sunrise
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Yoshiaki Sukeno.
Plot Summary: Ichiko Sakura, a girl blessed with an abundance of “happiness energy,” is targeted by Momiji, a poverty god sent to strip her of her excess fortune.
Similarities to When Supernatural Battles Became Commonplace: Both are high-energy comedies that are far more clever than they appear. The focus is on the humor and the character dynamics.
15. 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 When Supernatural Battles Became Commonplace: Both are about a protagonist who works with eccentric companions to solve problems. The focus is on the humor and the character dynamics.
Why These Anime Work for When Supernatural Battles Became Commonplace Fans
Fans of When Supernatural Battles Became Commonplace are drawn to stories that blend supernatural comedy, character-driven drama, and parody of the battle genre. They appreciate a narrative that focuses on the mundane consequences of having powers, and they are invested in protagonists who are ordinary individuals thrust into extraordinary circumstances. They are not looking for simple action or escapism, but for stories that make them laugh and think.
The anime listed above all share this fundamental DNA:
- The Club of Misfits: Whether it is the literature club, the SOS Brigade, or the Game Creation Club, these series understand that the most compelling stories are about the bonds between eccentric individuals. The focus is on the warmth of community and the support of friends.
- The Ordinary Protagonist: The protagonists are often ordinary, cynical, or sarcastic individuals who are thrust into extraordinary situations. They serve as the audience’s surrogate, reacting to the chaos around them with a mix of wonder and exasperation.
- Subversion of the Supernatural Genre: These series reject the typical action-packed supernatural formula, instead focusing on the mundane, comedic, and emotional consequences of having powers. They understand that the most compelling stories are those that challenge our assumptions about what it means to be special.
These 15 anime, like When Supernatural Battles Became Commonplace, are not afraid to be clever. They are underrated gems that offer a hilarious, thought-provoking, and deeply entertaining experience for viewers who are looking for stories that celebrate the absurdity of everyday life and the power of friendship.
