Ben 10 follows the adventures of Ben Tennyson, a boy who discovers the Omnitrix, a device granting him the power to transform into various alien heroes.
The series thrives on dynamic power systems, underdog journeys, and the constant subversion of expectations as Ben grows from a cocky kid into a true hero.
For fans seeking anime with similar themes, unique abilities, alien encounters, character growth, and inventive storytelling. these 15 underrated series deserve your attention.
1. Parasyte: The Maxim (2014)
- Streaming: Hulu, Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: 8.3
- Studio: Madhouse
- Awards: Tokyo Anime Award (2016)
- Plot: High schooler Shinichi Izumi is infected by an alien parasite, gaining new powers and a symbiotic partner.
- Similarities: Alien transformations, moral dilemmas, and a protagonist balancing humanity and otherness.
2. Heroman (2010)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 26
- MAL Rating: 7.0
- Studio: Bones (co-created by Stan Lee)
- Plot: Joey, an American boy, brings a broken toy robot to life, becoming a hero against alien invaders.
- Similarities: American setting, adolescent hero, tech-based powers, and alien threats.
3. Eldlive (2017)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 6.6
- Studio: Pierrot
- Plot: Chuuta Kokonose joins an intergalactic police force, discovering a mysterious voice and new abilities.
- Similarities: Alien partners, coming-of-age story, and a protagonist thrust into cosmic battles.
4. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime (2018)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Episodes: 48 (2 seasons)
- MAL Rating: 8.1
- Studio: 8bit
- Awards: Sugoi Japan Award (2019)
- Plot: Satoru is reincarnated as a slime with the power to absorb and mimic abilities.
- Similarities: Shapeshifting, power absorption, and creative use of abilities.
5. Knights of Sidonia (2014)
- Streaming: Netflix
- Episodes: 24 (2 seasons)
- MAL Rating: 7.7
- Studio: Polygon Pictures
- Awards: Seiun Award (2015)
- Plot: Humanity’s last survivors battle shape-shifting alien Gauna aboard a massive spaceship.
- Similarities: Alien warfare, genetic manipulation, and underdog heroics.
6. This Boy Can Fight Aliens! (2011)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 4 (OVA)
- MAL Rating: 6.7
- Studio: CoMix Wave Films
- Plot: Kakashi, a boy with amnesia, is humanity’s last hope against an alien invasion.
- Similarities: Alien battles, young protagonist, and psychological depth.
7. World Trigger (2014)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu
- Episodes: 99
- MAL Rating: 7.5
- Studio: Toei Animation
- Plot: Earth is invaded by Neighbors—aliens from another dimension, prompting the creation of a defense agency.
- Similarities: Alien technology, squad-based tactics, and evolving power systems.
8. Towa no Quon (2011)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Episodes: 6 (movie series)
- MAL Rating: 7.5
- Studio: Bones
- Plot: Quon, a mutant with shapeshifting powers, protects other gifted youths from a secret organization.
- Similarities: Shapeshifting, hidden powers, and team dynamics.1
9. Charlotte (2015)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix
- Episodes: 13
- MAL Rating: 7.7
- Studio: P.A. Works
- Plot: Teens with unique abilities are hunted by organizations seeking to control them.
- Similarities: Power variety, coming-of-age arcs, and secret organizations.1
10. Astra Lost in Space (2019)
- Streaming: Funimation, Hulu
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 8.1
- Studio: Lerche
- Awards: Manga Taisho Nominee
- Plot: A group of students stranded in space must survive and uncover a conspiracy.
- Similarities: Sci-fi adventure, teamwork, and youthful cast facing the unknown.
11. Betterman (1999)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Episodes: 26
- MAL Rating: 7.0
- Studio: Sunrise
- Plot: Keita and his friends battle monstrous threats with the help of the mysterious shapeshifter Betterman.
- Similarities: Shapeshifting hero, bio-tech, and monster-of-the-week structure.
12. Mob Psycho 100 (2016)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix
- Episodes: 37 (3 seasons)
- MAL Rating: 8.5
- Studio: Bones
- Awards: Crunchyroll Anime Awards (2017)
- Plot: Mob, a psychic middle schooler, struggles to control his immense powers while seeking a normal life.
- Similarities: Unique abilities, underdog protagonist, and comedic tone.1
13. Kill la Kill (2013)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: 8.0
- Studio: Trigger
- Awards: Tokyo Anime Award (2014)
- Plot: Ryuko wields a sentient uniform granting her transformative powers as she battles a sinister academy.
- Similarities: Transformative gear, high-energy action, and eccentric villains.
14. Black Clover (2017)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Episodes: 170
- MAL Rating: 8.1
- Studio: Pierrot
- Plot: Magicless Asta strives to become the Wizard King in a world dominated by magic.
- Similarities: Underdog journey, power progression, and team-based battles.
15. My Hero Academia (2016)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu
- Episodes: 138+ (ongoing)
- MAL Rating: 8.0
- Studio: Bones
- Awards: Multiple Crunchyroll Anime Awards
- Plot: Quirkless Izuku Midoriya inherits a powerful ability and trains to become a hero in a world of superpowers.
- Similarities: Power variety, hero training, and character-driven arcs.
Why These Anime Work for Mentioned Anime Fans
These anime capture the spirit of Ben 10 with inventive power systems, alien encounters, and young heroes learning to wield their abilities responsibly.
They blend action, sci-fi, and coming-of-age elements, offering fresh takes on transformation, teamwork, and facing the unknown, making them perfect for anyone craving more stories like Ben 10.
