Welcome to Demon School, Iruma-kun! is a delightful blend of fantasy, comedy, and heartwarming character development.
It follows Iruma Suzuki, a kind-hearted human boy sold to a demon who adopts him as his grandson and sends him to a demon school.
The series explores themes of acceptance, friendship, and personal growth as Iruma navigates his new life while hiding his human identity.
For fans who enjoy its mix of humor, magical settings, and underdog stories, here are 15 underrated anime that capture similar vibes.
1. Little Witch Academia (2013)
Streaming Availability: Netflix
Plot Summary: Atsuko “Akko” Kagari enrolls in Luna Nova Magical Academy to become a witch despite her lack of magical background. She discovers the Shiny Rod, a magical relic, which helps her prove her worth.
Similarities: Both feature magical school settings, underdog protagonists, and themes of acceptance and perseverance.
2. Rosario + Vampire (2008)
Streaming Availability: Hulu
Plot Summary: Tsukune Aono accidentally enrolls in a school for monsters and must hide his human identity while befriending the vampire Moka Akashiya.
Similarities: Shares the premise of a human protagonist hiding their identity in a supernatural school filled with quirky characters.
3. Blood Lad (2013)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: Staz Charlie Blood, a vampire obsessed with human culture, helps Fuyumi Yanagi—a human girl turned ghost—return to life after she accidentally enters the demon world.
Similarities: Features comedic interactions between humans and demons in a fantastical setting.
4. Nanbaka (2016)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: Four colorful inmates attempt to escape from the world’s most secure prison while forming bonds with their quirky jailers.
Similarities: Both series rely on vibrant characters, humor, and chaotic yet heartwarming relationships.
5. Barakamon (2014)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: A calligrapher moves to a rural island after an embarrassing incident and learns life lessons from its eccentric residents.
Similarities: While not fantasy-based, it shares Iruma-kun!‘s focus on personal growth through interactions with unique characters.
6. Blue Exorcist (2011)
Streaming Availability: Netflix
Plot Summary: Rin Okumura discovers he is the son of Satan and trains at an exorcist academy while grappling with his demonic heritage.
Similarities: Features a school setting where the protagonist must navigate relationships while hiding or dealing with their true identity.
7. The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. (2016)
Streaming Availability: Netflix
Plot Summary: Saiki Kusuo is a psychic high schooler who just wants to live an ordinary life but constantly gets dragged into absurd situations by his eccentric classmates.
Similarities: Both series balance humor with heartfelt moments as their protagonists adapt to chaotic environments.
8. My Hero Academia (2016)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu
Plot Summary: Izuku Midoriya dreams of becoming a hero despite being born without powers in a world where superpowers are common. He gains powers and enrolls in U.A. High School for heroes.
Similarities: Both feature underdog protagonists attending specialized schools where they form strong friendships while overcoming challenges.
9. Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma (2015)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu
Plot Summary: Soma Yukihira enrolls in an elite culinary school where students compete in intense cooking battles to prove their skills.
Similarities: Combines school life with unique challenges and showcases the protagonist’s rise through determination and creativity.
10. Assassination Classroom (2015)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu
Plot Summary: A class of misfit students is tasked with assassinating their alien teacher before he destroys Earth while learning valuable life lessons along the way.
Similarities: Focuses on underdog students growing through mentorship and forming strong bonds within an unconventional school setting.
11. The Great Jahy Will Not Be Defeated! (2021)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: Jahy, once second-in-command of the Dark Realm, struggles with poverty in the human world after losing her powers but remains determined to regain her former glory.
Similarities: Both feature comedic takes on demons adjusting to new environments while forming meaningful relationships.
12. Magical Sempai (2019)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: A high school student reluctantly joins his school’s magic club led by an eccentric upperclassman obsessed with performing magic tricks despite her incompetence.
Similarities: Shares lighthearted comedy centered around magic and quirky character dynamics.
13. Fruits Basket (2019)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu
Plot Summary: Tohru Honda discovers her classmates are cursed members of the Sohma family who transform into animals from the Chinese zodiac when hugged by the opposite sex.
Similarities: Focuses on themes of acceptance and friendship amidst fantastical circumstances.
14. Handa-kun (2016)
Streaming Availability: Funimation
Plot Summary: Seishuu Handa is a high school calligrapher who mistakenly believes everyone hates him when they idolize him for his talent and charisma.
Similarities: Both feature socially awkward protagonists navigating relationships in humorous ways.
15. Little Witch Academia: The Enchanted Parade (2015)
Streaming Availability: Netflix
Plot Summary: Akko Kagari leads her classmates in organizing a parade to restore Luna Nova’s reputation while learning teamwork and responsibility along the way.
Similarities: Highlights teamwork and personal growth within a magical school setting.
Why These Anime Work for Welcome to Demon School, Iruma-kun! Fans
These anime share thematic parallels with Welcome to Demon School, Iruma-kun!: underdog protagonists adapting to unique environments; heartfelt friendships that drive character development; and comedic yet meaningful narratives set in fantastical or unconventional schools.
Whether through whimsical magic or heartfelt storytelling, these series provide engaging experiences for fans seeking humor-filled adventures with emotional depth amidst extraordinary worlds.
