Claymore (2007) is a dark fantasy gem following Clare, a half-human warrior battling yoma while grappling with her own monstrous nature.
The series explores themes of identity, vengeance, and the cost of power through visceral action and moral ambiguity.
While Claymore remains a cult classic, many anime with similar grit and depth fly under the radar—here are 15 underrated series deserving of attention.
1. Shigurui: Death Frenzy (2007)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.20
- Studio: Madhouse
- Summary: Two rival swordsmen clash in a brutal tournament, deconstructing samurai honor and obsession.
- Similarities: Hyper-violent action, psychological depth, and a critique of toxic martial pride.
2. Basilisk (2005)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: 7.40
- Studio: Gonzo
- Summary: Feuding ninja clans with supernatural abilities battle to the death, intertwining romance and betrayal.
- Similarities: Tragic love, clan warfare, and unflinching brutality.
3. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit (2007)
- Streaming: Amazon Prime
- Episodes: 26
- MAL Rating: 8.20
- Studio: Production I.G
- Summary: A spear-wielding bodyguard protects a prince harboring a water spirit, blending folklore and political intrigue.
- Similarities: Strong female lead, lush world-building, and themes of sacrifice.
4. The Heroic Legend of Arslan (2015)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 33
- MAL Rating: 7.80
- Studio: Liden Films, Sanzigen
- Summary: A deposed prince reclaims his kingdom with allies, navigating war and moral dilemmas.
- Similarities: Medieval warfare, underdog leadership, and ensemble loyalty.
5. D.Gray-man (2006)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 103
- MAL Rating: 8.10
- Studio: TMS Entertainment
- Summary: Exorcist Allen Walker battles Akuma, grappling with his cursed arm and tragic past.
- Similarities: Dark fantasy, hybrid protagonists, and anti-establishment undertones.
6. Blade of the Immortal (2019)
- Streaming: Amazon Prime
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: 7.80
- Studio: Liden Films
- Summary: An immortal ronin aids a girl’s quest for vengeance, confronting his bloody legacy.
- Similarities: Redemption arcs, cursed protagonists, and visceral swordplay.
7. Kurozuka (2008)
- Streaming: Not widely available (DVD/niche platforms)
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.00
- Studio: Madhouse
- Summary: An immortal man and a vampire woman traverse centuries, battling existential despair.
- Similarities: Themes of immortality, dark romance, and nonlinear storytelling.
8. Now and Then, Here and There (1999)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Episodes: 13
- MAL Rating: 7.89
- Studio: AIC
- Summary: A boy is thrust into a dystopian world, confronting child soldiers and resource scarcity.
- Similarities: Bleak tone, survival themes, and anti-war messaging.
9. Rokka: Braves of the Six Flowers (2015)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.40
- Studio: Passione
- Summary: Six warriors hunt a demon god, but betrayal turns allies into suspects.
- Similarities: Mystery-driven plot, medieval fantasy, and moral ambiguity.
10. Yona of the Dawn (2014)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: 8.00
- Studio: Pierrot
- Summary: A princess flees a coup, seeking allies to reclaim her kingdom.
- Similarities: Character growth, political intrigue, and strong female lead.
11. Scrapped Princess (2003)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: 7.70
- Studio: Bones
- Summary: A prophesied “poison” to the world fights survival with siblings in a magic-steampunk realm.
- Similarities: Persecuted protagonist, sibling bonds, and dark twists.
12. The Twelve Kingdoms (2002)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 45
- MAL Rating: 8.30
- Studio: Studio Pierrot
- Summary: A girl is thrust into a mythical empire, navigating politics and self-discovery.
- Similarities: Epic world-building, female empowerment, and moral complexity.
13. Wolfsmund (2013)
- Streaming: Not widely available (OVA)
- Episodes: 8
- MAL Rating: 6.90
- Studio: Production I.G
- Summary: Rebels challenge a tyrant controlling a mountain pass, facing brutal trials.
- Similarities: Medieval resistance, graphic violence, and underdog defiance.
14. Le Chevalier D’Eon (2006)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: 7.40
- Studio: Production I.G
- Summary: An 18th-century knight hunts a murderer in a supernatural-tinged France.
- Similarities: Historical fantasy, poetic combat, and political conspiracy.
15. Garo: The Animation (2014)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: 7.30
- Studio: MAPPA
- Summary: Knights battle demons born from human despair in a dark, stylized world.
- Similarities: Monster-slaying, cursed heroes, and Gothic aesthetics.
Why These Anime Work for Claymore Fans
Each series mirrors Claymore’s core elements: dark fantasy settings, morally complex characters, and the interplay between humanity and monstrosity.
Whether through cursed warriors, political intrigue, or visceral battles, these anime delve into the cost of power and resilience in the face of despair.
For fans craving stories where every victory is bittersweet and every ally a potential foe, these underrated picks offer haunting, unforgettable journeys.
