Megamind (2010) redefined heroism by centering a self-aware supervillain who grapples with identity, purpose, and societal expectations.
These underrated anime mirror its themes of subversion, underdog resilience, and redemption, offering fresh takes on unconventional protagonists who challenge norms.
1. Ranking of Kings (2021)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A deaf, powerless prince teams up with a shadow creature to prove his worth in a kingdom obsessed with strength rankings.
Megamind parallels: Bojji’s underdog journey mirrors Megamind’s struggle to redefine himself beyond societal labels.
Stats: 23 episodes | MAL: 8.5 | Studio: Wit Studio (Attack on Titan)
Awards: Crunchyroll Anime Awards nominee (Best Fantasy, 2022).
2. Princess Tutu (2002)
Streaming: Amazon Prime
Plot: A duck-turned-girl collects fragments of a prince’s heart while navigating a meta-narrative about storytelling and destiny.
Megamind parallels: Satirizes fairy-tale tropes with self-aware humor, akin to Megamind’s deconstruction of superhero clichés.
Stats: 26 episodes | MAL: 8.0 | Studio: Hal Film Maker
Legacy: Praised for ballet-inspired animation and philosophical depth.
3. Full Metal Panic! (2002)
Streaming: Funimation
Plot: A militarized mecha pilot poses as a high school student to protect a girl targeted for her psychic abilities.
Megamind parallels: Blends absurd comedy with identity crises, echoing Megamind’s tonal balance of humor and growth.
Stats: 24 episodes | MAL: 7.8 | Studio: Gonzo
Legacy: Cult classic for its mix of action and character-driven humor.
4. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (2023)
Streaming: Netflix, Crunchyroll
Plot: An elf mage reflects on mortality and connection after her adventuring companions pass away.
Megamind parallels: Questions traditional heroism, focusing on quiet emotional growth over epic battles.
Stats: 28 episodes | MAL: 9.1 | Studio: Madhouse
Awards: Top-rated anime of 2023 for introspective storytelling.
5. Air Gear (2006)
Streaming: HIDIVE
Plot: A delinquent joins a subculture of high-tech rollerblading gangs to rise from underdog to legend.
Megamind parallels: Over-the-top humor and defiance of societal labels, similar to Megamind’s flair for reinvention.
Stats: 25 episodes | MAL: 7.4 | Studio: Toei Animation
Style: Punk-rock aesthetics and kinetic action sequences.
6. My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU (2013)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A cynical loner dissects societal hypocrisy while navigating high school club life.
Megamind parallels: Protagonist challenges superficial norms, prioritizing authenticity over conformity.
Stats: 38 episodes | MAL: 8.4 | Studio: Feel
Legacy: Acclaimed for its sharp, anti-romance dialogue.
7. The Tatami Galaxy (2010)
Streaming: Netflix
Plot: A college student relives alternate timelines to fix his regrets, questioning the illusion of “ideal” choices.
Megamind parallels: Surreal humor and existential themes that subvert coming-of-age expectations.
Stats: 11 episodes | MAL: 8.5 | Studio: Madhouse
Awards: Japan Media Arts Festival Excellence Prize.
8. Kemono no Souja Erin (2009)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A girl bonds with mythical beasts while confronting political corruption in a feudal world.
Megamind parallels: Balances dark themes with anti-authority messaging, much like Megamind’s critique of hero/villain binaries.
Stats: 50 episodes | MAL: 8.3 | Studio: Production I.G
Style: Studio Ghibli-esque pastoral animation.
9. Kyousougiga (2013)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A chaotic family navigates a surreal mirror world tied to their missing parents.
Megamind parallels: Absurdist comedy meets heartfelt family dynamics in a reality-bending setting.
Stats: 10 episodes | MAL: 7.9 | Studio: Toei Animation
Director: Rie Matsumoto (Blood Blockade Battlefront).
10. Humanity Has Declined (2012)
Streaming: HIDIVE
Plot: A snarky mediator interacts with tiny fairies in a post-apocalyptic world where humans are obsolete.
Megamind parallels: Dark comedy critiquing societal norms through satirical fantasy.
Stats: 12 episodes | MAL: 7.8 | Studio: AIC A+
Tone: Sardonic humor with pastel, grotesque visuals.
11. Somali and the Forest Spirit (2020)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A golem becomes a father figure to a human girl in a world where humans are hunted.
Megamind parallels: Subverts monster tropes, focusing on unconventional family bonds.
Stats: 12 episodes | MAL: 7.9 | Studio: Satelight
Style: Visually lush and emotionally poignant.
12. Deca-Dence (2020)
Streaming: Funimation
Plot: A tank mechanic and a rebellious fighter uncover a virtual reality conspiracy in a dystopian future.
Megamind parallels: Meta-commentary on systemic control and subverting expectations.
Stats: 12 episodes | MAL: 7.6 | Studio: Nut
Twist: Mid-series genre shift akin to Megamind’s narrative pivots.
13. The Eccentric Family (2013)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A family of shape-shifting tanuki navigate grief and tradition in modern Kyoto.
Megamind parallels: Whimsical fantasy with themes of identity and resisting conformity.
Stats: 24 episodes | MAL: 8.0 | Studio: P.A. Works
Awards: Tokyo Anime Award nominee.
14. Mushi-Shi (2005)
Streaming: Hulu
Plot: A wanderer studies ethereal creatures tied to human emotions in episodic, philosophical tales.
Megamind parallels: Quiet storytelling valuing empathy over action, akin to Megamind’s introspective moments.
Stats: 46 episodes | MAL: 8.7 | Studio: Artland
Legacy: Critically acclaimed for meditative tone and visuals.
15. Sarazanmai (2019)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: Three boys become kappa-like creatures to fight desires manifesting as monsters.
Megamind parallels: Absurd humor, LGBTQ+ themes, and critique of societal expectations.
Stats: 11 episodes | MAL: 7.5 | Studio: MAPPA
Director: Kunihiko Ikuhara (Revolutionary Girl Utena).
Why These Anime Work for Megamind Fans
Like Megamind, these series champion underdog protagonists, subverted tropes, and emotional authenticity. Whether through surreal comedy (The Tatami Galaxy) or introspective fantasy (Frieren), they redefine heroism by celebrating imperfections.
For fans who love Megamind’s blend of humor and heart, these hidden gems prove that true purpose lies in embracing what makes us unique-villain, hero, or something in between.
