Ranking of Kings, released in 2021, follows the journey of Prince Bojji, a deaf and physically weak heir who defies expectations to prove his worth in a fantastical kingdom filled with intrigue and moral complexity. At its core, the series explores themes of underdog triumphs, intricate power systems influenced by divine rankings and personal growth, and clever subversions of fairy-tale tropes through dark twists and emotional depth. These 15 underrated anime deserve more attention for their innovative storytelling, heartfelt character arcs, and ability to blend whimsy with profound themes, often overshadowed by mainstream hits, making them perfect for fans seeking fresh yet resonant narratives.
1. Kaiba (2008)
- Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: 8.14
- Episode Count: 12
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Masaaki Yuasa (Studio Madhouse); known for experimental animation.
- Awards/Recognition: Praised for its philosophical depth but remains niche.
In a world where memories can be transferred between bodies, a young man awakens with no recollection of his past and embarks on a surreal journey to uncover his identity. This series mirrors Ranking of Kings through its underdog protagonist navigating a deceptive, memory-driven power system, subverting expectations with nihilistic twists on identity and growth, all wrapped in a uniquely simplistic yet profound animation style.
2. To Your Eternity (2021)
- Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Netflix
- MAL Rating: 8.38
- Episode Count: 20 (Season 1)
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Masahiko Murata (Brain’s Base); from the creator of A Silent Voice.
- Awards/Recognition: Nominated for Crunchyroll Anime Awards.
An immortal orb sent to Earth evolves by taking forms of those it encounters, learning about humanity through loss and connection. Like Ranking of Kings, it features an innocent underdog’s emotional growth amid harsh realities, subverting fairy-tale innocence with dark themes of mortality and unexpected betrayals.
3. March Comes in Like a Lion (2016)
- Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Netflix
- MAL Rating: 8.37
- Episode Count: 22 (Season 1)
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Akiyuki Shinbo (Shaft); acclaimed for visual metaphors.
- Awards/Recognition: Won multiple animation awards in Japan.
A young professional shogi player battles depression and isolation while finding solace in unexpected relationships. It shares Ranking of Kings’ focus on an underdog’s internal struggles and character development, subverting expectations through realistic emotional depth and a unique, metaphorical art style that highlights personal triumphs.
4. Vinland Saga (2019)
- Current Streaming Availability: Netflix, Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: 8.74
- Episode Count: 24 (Season 1)
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Shuhei Yabuta (WIT Studio); based on Makoto Yukimura’s manga.
- Awards/Recognition: Won Crunchyroll Anime Award for Best Drama.
A young Viking seeks revenge for his father’s death but evolves through brutal wars and moral dilemmas. Similar to Ranking of Kings, it subverts underdog revenge tales with complex power dynamics and character redemption, blending historical fantasy with emotional subversion.
5. Dororo (2019)
- Current Streaming Availability: Amazon Prime Video
- MAL Rating: 8.24
- Episode Count: 24
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Kazuhiro Furuhashi (MAPPA); remake of Osamu Tezuka’s classic.
- Awards/Recognition: Nominated for Anime Grand Prix.
A cursed ronin, born without limbs or organs due to his father’s demonic pact, teams with a young thief to reclaim his body by slaying demons. It echoes Ranking of Kings in its underdog protagonist overcoming physical disabilities through sheer will, with narrative subversions in a dark, folklore-inspired world.
6. Made in Abyss (2017)
- Current Streaming Availability: HIDIVE, Amazon Prime Video
- MAL Rating: 8.66
- Episode Count: 13 (Season 1)
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Masayuki Kojima (Kinema Citrus); known for deceptive cuteness.
- Awards/Recognition: Crunchyroll Anime Award winner for Best Score.
A young orphan girl descends into a massive, mysterious abyss with a robot boy, uncovering horrors and wonders. Like Ranking of Kings, it subverts childlike adventure with dark undercurrents and underdog resilience, featuring unique, layered world-building and animation that shifts from whimsical to nightmarish.
7. Somali and the Forest Spirit (2020)
- Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: 7.84
- Episode Count: 12
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Kenji Yasuda (Satelight/Crunchyroll Studios); heartfelt fantasy.
- Awards/Recognition: Praised for emotional storytelling.
A golem finds a human girl in a world where humans are nearly extinct and vows to protect her on a journey to find her kind. It parallels Ranking of Kings’ themes of unlikely bonds and underdog survival, subverting fairy-tale journeys with poignant explorations of loss and guardianship.
8. The Heroic Legend of Arslan (2015)
- Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- MAL Rating: 7.65
- Episode Count: 25 (Season 1)
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Noriyuki Abe (Liden Films); based on Yoshiki Tanaka’s novels.
- Awards/Recognition: Noted for epic scope.
A young prince flees after his kingdom’s invasion and gathers allies to reclaim his throne. Similar to Ranking of Kings, it features royal underdog growth amid political intrigue, subverting expectations with strategic power plays and character-driven narratives.
9. Tower of God (2020)
- Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: 7.55
- Episode Count: 13 (Season 1)
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Takashi Sano (Telecom Animation Film); webtoon adaptation.
- Awards/Recognition: Crunchyroll Anime Award nominee.
A boy climbs a massive tower to reunite with his friend, facing deadly trials and betrayals. It mirrors Ranking of Kings’ underdog ascent in a ranked power system, with subversions through dark alliances and unexpected twists.
10. Kotaro Lives Alone (2022)
- Current Streaming Availability: Netflix
- MAL Rating: 8.22
- Episode Count: 10
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Tomoe Makino (Liden Films); slice-of-life with depth.
- Awards/Recognition: Praised for emotional impact.
A precocious 4-year-old boy lives independently in an apartment complex, forming bonds with quirky neighbors. Like Ranking of Kings, it subverts childlike innocence with mature underdog themes of independence and hidden trauma, delivered through charming yet poignant storytelling.
11. By the Grace of the Gods (2020)
- Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- MAL Rating: 7.05
- Episode Count: 12 (Season 1)
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Takeyuki Yanase (Maho Film); isekai comfort.
- Awards/Recognition: Noted for relaxing vibe.
A reincarnated man uses his past-life skills to tame slimes and build a new life in a fantasy world. It shares Ranking of Kings’ underdog rebirth and positive growth, subverting isekai tropes with wholesome, expectation-defying adventures.
12. Katanagatari (2010)
- Current Streaming Availability: Not widely available; check Crunchyroll or HIDIVE
- MAL Rating: 7.96
- Episode Count: 12
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Keitaro Motonaga (White Fox); Nisio Isin’s script.
- Awards/Recognition: Cult favorite for dialogue.
A strategist and a swordswoman hunt legendary blades in a feudal world. Similar to Ranking of Kings, it features underestimated protagonists and ideological subversions, with unique episodic storytelling and powerful character dynamics.
13. Pandora Hearts (2009)
- Current Streaming Availability: Funimation
- MAL Rating: 7.66
- Episode Count: 25
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Takao Kato (Xebec); mystery-driven.
- Awards/Recognition: Beloved for twists.
An heir is cast into a supernatural abyss and allies with a chain-being to escape. It echoes Ranking of Kings’ themes of lost inheritance and underdog redemption, subverting fantasy norms with intricate power systems and betrayals.
14. Guin Saga (2009)
- Current Streaming Availability: Not widely available; check Amazon Prime
- MAL Rating: 6.88
- Episode Count: 26
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Atsushi Wakabayashi (Satelight); epic fantasy.
- Awards/Recognition: Based on long-running novels.
Twin royals are saved by a leopard-headed warrior in a war-torn land. Like Ranking of Kings, it subverts royal underdog tales with mysterious guardians and power struggles, blending adventure with destiny-driven narratives.
15. Heike Monogatari (2021)
- Current Streaming Availability: Funimation
- MAL Rating: 7.80
- Episode Count: 11
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Naoko Yamada (Science SARU); historical drama.
- Awards/Recognition: Crunchyroll Anime Award nominee.
A biwa player foresees the fall of a powerful clan amid feudal Japan’s turmoil. It parallels Ranking of Kings’ subversion of historical expectations and underdog perspectives, with unique watercolor animation emphasizing tragic character arcs.
Why These Anime Work for Ranking of Kings Fans
These series capture the essence of Ranking of Kings by centering underdogs who challenge flawed power structures and societal norms, often through subversive narratives that blend lighthearted beginnings with deeper emotional or dark turns. Their mix of innovative animation, character-focused growth, and lesser-known status offers fresh discoveries, rewarding fans with stories that emphasize resilience and unexpected depth without relying on mainstream hype.
