Superman: The Animated Series masterfully balances heroic idealism, moral complexity, and the weight of responsibility.
These underrated anime mirror its exploration of power, justice, and identity, offering nuanced takes on heroism that challenge conventional tropes while delivering gripping narratives.
1. Zetman (2012)
Streaming: RetroCrush
Episodes: 13
MAL Rating: 6.85
Studio: TMS Entertainment
Plot: A bio-engineered hero battles mutants while grappling with his humanity, contrasting brute strength with ethical dilemmas.
Similarities: Explores the psychological toll of power and moral ambiguity, akin to Superman’s internal struggles.
2. Tiger & Bunny (2011)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu
Episodes: 25 + films
MAL Rating: 7.87
Studio: Sunrise
Plot: Corporate-sponsored superheroes compete for fame while tackling villains in a televised hero culture.
Similarities: Satirizes commercialization of heroism, paralleling Superman’s clash with public perception.
3. Samurai Flamenco (2013)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 22
MAL Rating: 7.20
Studio: Manglobe
Plot: A model-turned-vigilante’s journey spirals from campy heroics to cosmic chaos, deconstructing superhero tropes.
Similarities: Blends idealism with absurdity, much like Superman’s balance of hope and realism.
4. World Trigger (2014–2022)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix
Episodes: 99
MAL Rating: 7.84
Studio: Toei Animation
Plot: Agents defend Earth from interdimensional threats using tactical teamwork and non-lethal tactics.
Similarities: Emphasizes strategy and moral restraint, mirroring Superman’s principled approach.
5. Garo: The Animation (2014)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 24
MAL Rating: 7.60
Studio: MAPPA
Plot: A knight battles demonic forces while resisting corruption in a dark medieval-inspired world.
Similarities: Legacy themes and moral complexity echo Superman’s fight for justice.
6. The Big O (1999)
Streaming: RetroCrush
Episodes: 26
MAL Rating: 7.70
Studio: Sunrise
Plot: A negotiator pilots a giant robot in a noir city plagued by amnesia and conspiracies.
Similarities: Dual identity and existential themes parallel Clark Kent’s dual life.
7. Shy (2023)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 25
MAL Rating: 7.05
Studio: 8bit
Plot: A socially anxious teen becomes Japan’s superhero, battling self-doubt alongside villains.
Similarities: Focus on vulnerability and courage, akin to Superman’s humanity.
8. Darker than Black (2007)
Streaming: HIDIVE
Episodes: 25
MAL Rating: 7.89
Studio: Bones
Plot: Contractors with supernatural abilities trade humanity for power in a Cold War-esque thriller.
Similarities: Examines the cost of power, contrasting Superman’s altruism.
9. Hamatora (2014)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 24
MAL Rating: 7.00
Studio: NAZ
Plot: Detectives with minor powers solve cases involving dangerous ability users.
Similarities: Underdogs using wit over strength, reflecting Superman’s resourcefulness.
10. Concrete Revolutio (2015)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 24
MAL Rating: 6.98
Studio: Bones
Plot: Superhumans in 1960s Japan grapple with societal prejudice and government exploitation.
Similarities: Critiques systemic injustice, mirroring Superman’s ethical battles.
11. Speed Grapher (2005)
Streaming: RetroCrush
Episodes: 24
MAL Rating: 7.15
Studio: Gonzo
Plot: A photographer gains explosive powers to dismantle a corrupt elite.
Similarities: Exposes societal decay, akin to Superman’s role as a truth-seeker.
12. Kekkai Sensen (2015)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 24
MAL Rating: 7.98
Studio: Bones
Plot: A photographer aids a peacekeeping league in a monster-filled New York.
Similarities: Balances chaos and heroism, echoing Superman’s protection of Metropolis.
13. Psycho-Pass (2012)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 41
MAL Rating: 8.29
Studio: Production I.G
Plot: Inspectors in a dystopian future confront a system predetermining criminality.
Similarities: Questions moral authority, reflecting Superman’s ethical dilemmas.
14. Birdy the Mighty: Decode (2008)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 25
MAL Rating: 7.60
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Plot: A federal agent shares a body with a teen while hunting interstellar criminals.
Similarities: Dual-life tension and partnership dynamics mirror Clark’s identity struggles.
15. Heroman (2010)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 26
MAL Rating: 6.70
Studio: Bones
Plot: A boy and his robot defend Earth from aliens, blending sci-fi with coming-of-age themes.
Similarities: Teen responsibility and underdog heroism, channeling Superman’s early days.
Why These Anime Work for Superman: The Animated Series Fans
These series capture Superman’s essence through moral complexity, identity struggles, and heroic resilience.
Whether via tactical battles or introspective journeys, they challenge viewers to explore the weight of power and the courage to wield it responsibly—perfect for fans who cherish heroism grounded in humanity’s ideals and flaws.
