Soul Eater is a vibrant and action-packed anime that masterfully blends supernatural themes, unique character dynamics, and a gothic art style.
Set in the Death Weapon Meister Academy (DWMA), it follows Meisters and their human-weapon partners as they battle corrupted souls to prevent chaos.
With its themes of teamwork, self-discovery, and the balance between madness and sanity, Soul Eater has left a lasting impression on fans.
For those looking for similar anime with engaging narratives and creative worlds, here are 15 underrated series that capture the spirit of Soul Eater.
1. Blue Exorcist (2011)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu
MAL Rating: 7.51
Episodes: 37 (2 seasons)
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Plot Summary: Rin Okumura discovers he is the son of Satan and decides to become an exorcist to fight against his demonic heritage.
Similarities: Both series center around academies where students train to fight supernatural threats and explore themes of identity, teamwork, and redemption.
2. D.Gray-man (2006)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
MAL Rating: 8.02
Episodes: 103
Studio: TMS Entertainment
Plot Summary: Allen Walker joins an organization of exorcists to battle Akuma—monsters created from human souls by the Millennium Earl.
Similarities: Both feature teams battling corrupted souls with unique weapons while exploring dark themes of morality and sacrifice.
3. Fire Force (2019)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
MAL Rating: 7.71
Episodes: 48 (2 seasons)
Studio: David Production
Plot Summary: Shinra Kusakabe joins Special Fire Force Company 8 to combat Infernals—humans who spontaneously combust—and uncover his family’s mysterious past.
Similarities: Created by Soul Eater’s manga author Atsushi Ōkubo, it shares a similar art style, quirky characters, and themes of teamwork against supernatural threats.
4. Noragami (2014)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
MAL Rating: 7.98
Episodes: 25 (2 seasons)
Studio: Bones
Plot Summary: Yato, a minor god seeking recognition, teams up with Hiyori and his weapon Regalia to fight corrupted spirits called Phantoms.
Similarities: Both involve partnerships between humans and weapon-like entities battling evil spirits while exploring themes of loyalty and self-worth.
5. Blood Lad (2013)
Streaming Availability: Hulu, Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.23
Episodes: 10
Studio: Brain’s Base
Plot Summary: Staz, a vampire obsessed with human culture, helps Fuyumi—a girl turned ghost—return to life while battling supernatural foes.
Similarities: Shares Soul Eater’s dark comedy tone, supernatural battles, and quirky yet endearing characters.
6. Kekkaishi (2006)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll Amazon Channel
MAL Rating: 7.62
Episodes: 52
Studio: Sunrise
Plot Summary: Yoshimori Sumimura and Tokine Yukimura protect their school’s sacred land from demons using magical barrier techniques.
Similarities: Both feature young fighters tasked with protecting humanity from supernatural threats while balancing personal growth.
7. Pandora Hearts (2009)
Streaming Availability: HIDIVE
MAL Rating: 7.59
Episodes: 25
Studio: Xebec
Plot Summary: Oz Vessalius is cast into the Abyss but forms a contract with Alice—a Chain—to uncover the truth about his family’s dark past.
Similarities: Explores gothic aesthetics, partnerships with supernatural beings, and the balance between lighthearted moments and darker themes.
8. Bungo Stray Dogs (2016)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
MAL Rating: 7.81
Episodes: Multiple seasons (ongoing)
Studio: Bones
Plot Summary: Atsushi Nakajima joins the Armed Detective Agency to solve supernatural cases while discovering his mysterious powers.
Similarities: Both involve teams with unique abilities battling supernatural foes while balancing action with humor.
9. Shaman King (2021)
Streaming Availability: Netflix
MAL Rating: 6.71 (2021 remake) / Original: 7.78
Episodes: 52 (2021 remake)
Studio: Bridge
Plot Summary: Yoh Asakura trains to become Shaman King by partnering with spirits in battles against other shamans for supremacy in the spirit world.
Similarities: Features partnerships between humans and spiritual beings in high-stakes battles with a mix of humor and drama.
10. Busou Renkin (2006)
Streaming Availability: HIDIVE, Crunchyroll Amazon Channel
MAL Rating: 7.22
Episodes: 26
Studio: Xebec
Plot Summary: Kazuki Muto gains an alchemical weapon called Busou Renkin after dying in battle against a homunculus and joins the fight against them.
Similarities: Both involve young warriors wielding unique weapons in battles against monstrous enemies while growing stronger through teamwork.
11. Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann (2007)
Streaming Availability: Netflix, Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 8.65
Episodes: 27
Studio: Gainax
Plot Summary: Simon and Kamina rise from their underground village to lead a rebellion against the oppressive Spiral King using powerful mechas.
Similarities: Both series feature underdog protagonists overcoming impossible odds, dynamic teamwork, and a mix of humor and intense action in fantastical settings.
12. Beyond the Boundary (2013)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
MAL Rating: 7.76
Episodes: 12 + OVAs
Studio: Kyoto Animation
Plot Summary: Mirai Kuriyama, a Spirit World Warrior with the ability to manipulate blood, teams up with Akihito Kanbara, an immortal half-youmu, to battle supernatural creatures.
Similarities: Both series explore partnerships between humans and supernatural beings while blending dark themes with moments of levity and stunning animation.
13. Inuyasha (2000)
Streaming Availability: Hulu, Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.85
Episodes: 193 (including Inuyasha: The Final Act)
Studio: Sunrise
Plot Summary: Kagome Higurashi travels back in time to feudal Japan, where she teams up with the half-demon Inuyasha to collect shards of the Sacred Jewel and battle demons.
Similarities: Like Soul Eater, it features a blend of action and comedy in a supernatural setting with strong partnerships and themes of redemption.
14. KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World! (2016)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu
MAL Rating: 8.12
Episodes: 20 + OVAs
Studio: Studio Deen
Plot Summary: After dying an embarrassing death, Kazuma Satou is reincarnated in a fantasy world where he forms a hilariously dysfunctional party to survive adventures.
Similarities: While more comedic in tone, it shares Soul Eater’s quirky character dynamics and subversion of traditional tropes in fantastical settings.
15. The Devil Is a Part-Timer! (2013)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
MAL Rating: 7.81
Episodes: 13 (Season 1) + additional seasons
Studio: White Fox
Plot Summary: After losing a war in his world, Demon Lord Satan flees to Earth and takes up work at a fast-food restaurant while plotting his return.
Similarities: Both series balance supernatural elements with humor and character-driven storytelling while exploring themes of redemption and adapting to new circumstances.
Why These Anime Work for Soul Eater Fans
What makes Soul Eater so memorable is its creative world-building, dynamic character relationships, and balance between dark themes and humor.
Each anime on this list captures at least one of these aspects—whether it’s through supernatural battles (Beyond the Boundary), quirky partnerships (KonoSuba), or gothic aesthetics (Pandora Hearts). These underrated gems offer fresh perspectives on familiar themes while delivering engaging narratives that fans of Soul Eater are sure to enjoy.
