Kengan Ashura immerses viewers in a world where corporate disputes are settled through brutal underground martial arts battles, emphasizing themes of evolution, succession, and raw combat prowess.
For fans craving similar high-stakes tournaments, complex power dynamics, and underdog narratives, this list highlights 15 underrated gems that deliver relentless action and strategic depth.
1. Baki (2018)
Streaming Availability: Netflix
Plot Summary: Baki Hanma trains in underground arenas to surpass his father, Yujiro, the strongest creature on Earth, through savage martial arts battles.
Similarities: Brutal hand-to-hand combat, hyper-masculine rivalries, and a focus on physical and mental evolution.
MAL Rating: 7.30 | Episodes: 39 | Studio: TMS Entertainment | Legacy: Adapted from Keisuke Itagaki’s iconic manga.
2. Megalo Box (2018)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu
Plot Summary: A homeless fighter dubbed “Junk Dog” rises through a mechanized boxing league to challenge the reigning champion.
Similarities: Underdog narrative, gritty aesthetics, and themes of defiance against systemic oppression.
MAL Rating: 8.04 | Episodes: 26 | Studio: TMS/3xCube | Awards: Tokyo Anime Award for Best Original Anime (2019).
3. Tenjho Tenge (2004)
Streaming Availability: HiDive
Plot Summary: Delinquents join a martial arts school dominated by warring factions, uncovering ancient techniques and bloody rivalries.
Similarities: School-based power struggles, eclectic fighting styles, and minimal plot downtime.
MAL Rating: 7.05 | Episodes: 24 | Studio: Madhouse | Style: Blends supernatural elements with street brawls.
4. Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple (2006)
Streaming Availability: Prime Video, Hulu
Plot Summary: A bullied teen trains under multiple martial arts masters to protect his friends and confront escalating threats.
Similarities: Focus on mentorship, diverse combat styles, and comedic yet intense tournament arcs.
MAL Rating: 7.78 | Episodes: 50 | Studio: TMS Entertainment | Trait: Balances humor with gritty training sequences.
5. Garouden: The Way of the Lone Wolf (2019)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: A fugitive martial artist enters deadly underground fights to clear his name, facing grotesque opponents.
Similarities: Gritty realism, morally gray protagonists, and visceral combat choreography.
MAL Rating: 6.90 | Episodes: 12 | Studio: Toei Animation | Source: Based on Baku Yumemakura’s novel.
6. Shura no Toki (2003)
Streaming Availability: RetroCrush
Plot Summary: Three generations of the Mutsu clan master a secret fist technique, testing their skills across feudal Japan.
Similarities: Historical martial arts focus, generational legacy, and minimalist dialogue during fights.
MAL Rating: 7.60 | Episodes: 26 | Studio: Group TAC | Style: Episodic storytelling with philosophical depth.
7. Levius (2019)
Streaming Availability: Netflix
Plot Summary: In a steam-punk world, an orphan becomes a mechanized boxer to ascend the ranks and avenge his past.
Similarities: Cybernetic enhancements in combat, dystopian undertones, and tournament-driven plot.
MAL Rating: 6.68 | Episodes: 12 | Studio: Polygon Pictures | Animation: Pioneering 3D CGI style.
8. All-Rounder Meguru (2014)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: A former karate champion transitions to MMA, navigating the complexities of mixed martial arts.
Similarities: Realistic fight mechanics, tournament pacing, and technical combat analysis.
MAL Rating: 6.90 | Episodes: 5 (OVA) | Studio: Brain’s Base | Focus: Grounded portrayal of MMA.
9. Tiger Mask W (2016)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: A wrestler dons the Tiger Mask persona to infiltrate a corrupt organization, reviving classic lucha libre theatrics.
Similarities: Undercover revenge plot, over-the-top wrestling moves, and corporate conspiracy themes.
MAL Rating: 7.20 | Episodes: 38 | Studio: Toei Animation | Legacy: Revival of the 1960s franchise.
10. Holyland (2023)
Streaming Availability: Not yet streamed (upcoming adaptation)
Plot Summary: A socially isolated teen becomes a street-fighting legend, exploring the psychology of violence.
Similarities: Street-level brawls, character-driven growth, and tactical combat strategies.
MAL Rating: N/A | Episodes: TBA | Studio: TBA | Manga: Acclaimed for its psychological depth.
11. Shigurui: Death Frenzy (2007)
Streaming Availability: Amazon Prime Video
Plot Summary: Two samurai engage in a lethal duel, driven by honor, obsession, and grotesque brutality.
Similarities: Slow-burn tension, existential themes, and unforgiving fight choreography.
MAL Rating: 7.30 | Episodes: 12 | Studio: Madhouse | Tone: Dark, philosophical, and visually stark.
12. Rainbow: Nisha Rokubou no Shichinin (2010)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: Seven teens endure brutal prison life in post-WWII Japan, forging unbreakable bonds through shared trauma.
Similarities: Survival-driven narratives, physical and psychological battles, and anti-establishment themes.
MAL Rating: 8.50 | Episodes: 26 | Studio: Madhouse | Awards: Cult classic for its emotional resonance.
13. Kurokami (2009)
Streaming Availability: Funimation
Plot Summary: A martial artist wields a living weapon to battle spirits in a world where human fates are intertwined.
Similarities: Supernatural combat, corporate antagonists, and strategic power systems.
MAL Rating: 7.10 | Episodes: 23 | Studio: Sunrise | Style: Blends martial arts with mythic lore.
14. Air Master (2003)
Streaming Availability: RetroCrush
Plot Summary: A former gymnast dominates Tokyo’s street-fighting scene with acrobatic prowess and unorthodox techniques.
Similarities: Female-led action, eclectic fighter roster, and minimal plot filler.
MAL Rating: 7.00 | Episodes: 27 | Studio: Toei Animation | Legacy: Cult favorite for its quirky combat.
15. Ikkitousen (2003)
Streaming Availability: HiDive
Plot Summary: Students inherit the spirits of ancient warriors, clashing in risqué, destiny-driven battles.
Similarities: School-based faction wars, supernatural martial arts, and tournament arcs.
MAL Rating: 6.70 | Episodes: 50+ | Studio: J.C.Staff | Trait: Fusion of ecchi and strategic combat.
Why These Anime Work for Kengan Ashura Fans
These series resonate through their exploration of raw combat, underdog resilience, and the psychological toll of warfare.
Whether via Baki’s primal brawls, Shigurui’s existential duels, or Levius’ mechanized brutality, each offers a unique lens on humanity’s drive to conquer and evolve.
Their underrated status often stems from niche appeal or unconventional storytelling, making them perfect for fans seeking Kengan Ashura’s blend of cerebral strategy and visceral action.
Dive into these hidden gems to discover worlds where every punch carries the weight of legacy.
