The Incredibles and its sequel are lauded for their sharp blend of superhero action, family dynamics, and subversion of genre tropes.
They stand out for exploring power systems, underdog stories, and how ordinary people rise to extraordinary challenges.
Yet, many anime series with similar themes and narrative depth remain underappreciated.
Here are 15 underrated anime series that deserve more attention from fans of The Incredibles, each offering unique takes on heroism, teamwork, and the unexpected.
1. Last Exile (2003)
- Streaming: Funimation, Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 26
- MAL Rating: 7.78
- Studio: Gonzo
- Awards: Studio Gonzo’s 10th anniversary project
Two young pilots become embroiled in a sky-bound war, discovering hidden strengths and forging unlikely alliances.
Similarities: Underdog heroes, inventive world-building, and a focus on teamwork and family-like bonds amid high-stakes action.
2. One Outs (2008)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 25
- MAL Rating: 8.3
- Studio: Madhouse
A psychological sports thriller where a cunning pitcher manipulates the rules of baseball to lead his team.
Similarities: Subverts expectations of the sports genre, features a protagonist who uses intellect over brute strength, and highlights team dynamics.
3. Senki Zesshou Symphogear (2012)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- Episodes: 13
- MAL Rating: 7.04
- Studio: Satelight
Teenage girls wield song-powered armor to fight alien threats, balancing everyday life and world-saving heroics.
Similarities: Power systems, ensemble cast, and the struggle between personal desires and heroic duty.
4. Ghost Hound (2007)
- Streaming: HIDIVE
- Episodes: 22
- MAL Rating: 7.74
- Studio: Production I.G
Three teens confront supernatural mysteries and their own trauma in a small town.
Similarities: Deep character development, exploration of hidden strengths, and a unique narrative style blending reality and the supernatural.
5. Gunslinger Girl (2003)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Episodes: 13
- MAL Rating: 7.38
- Studio: Madhouse
Young girls, rebuilt as cyborg operatives, struggle with their humanity while working for a covert agency.
Similarities: Underdog stories, found-family themes, and the cost of wielding power.
6. Flying Witch (2016)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.507
- Studio: J.C.Staff
A young witch learns magic and life lessons in rural Japan, surrounded by quirky friends and family.
Similarities: Focus on everyday heroism, gentle subversion of genre expectations, and a warm, unique animation style.
7. Full Metal Panic! (2002)
- Streaming: Funimation, Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: 7.59
- Studio: Gonzo
A teenage soldier protects a high school girl with mysterious powers, blending mecha action and comedy.
Similarities: Action-comedy balance, underdog protagonists, and inventive takes on the hero genre.
8. Air Gear (2006)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Episodes: 25
- MAL Rating: 7.52
- Studio: Toei Animation
A teen discovers a world of high-flying battles using motorized skates, forming a team to challenge the status quo.
Similarities: Teamwork, underdog rise, and a vibrant, kinetic animation style.
9. Samurai Flamenco (2013)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 22
- MAL Rating: 6.88
- Studio: Manglobe
An ordinary man becomes a costumed hero, facing increasingly bizarre threats while questioning what it means to be heroic.
Similarities: Satirical take on superheroes, character growth, and subversion of genre tropes.
10. Saint Seiya (1986)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix
- Episodes: 114
- MAL Rating: 7.76
- Studio: Toei Animation
Young warriors don mystical armor to defend the world, each with unique powers and personal struggles.
Similarities: Power systems, ensemble cast, and classic underdog arcs.
11. .hack//SIGN (2002)
- Streaming: Funimation, Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 26
- MAL Rating: 7.08
- Studio: Bee Train
A mysterious player is trapped in an online game, unraveling conspiracies with a group of unlikely allies.
Similarities: Teamwork, identity, and redefining what it means to be a hero in a digital world.
12. Ghost Hunt (2006)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Episodes: 25
- MAL Rating: 7.55
- Studio: J.C.Staff
A group investigates supernatural phenomena, blending logic and courage to solve mysteries.
Similarities: Team-based problem-solving, underdog investigators, and suspenseful storytelling.
13. 91 Days (2016)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.79
- Studio: Shuka
A young man infiltrates the mafia to avenge his family, navigating loyalty and betrayal.
Similarities: Underdog revenge, complex character arcs, and tense, cinematic storytelling.
14. Symphogear GX (2015)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- Episodes: 13
- MAL Rating: 7.39
- Studio: Satelight
The Symphogear team faces new threats with upgraded powers, testing their bonds and resolve.
Similarities: Power escalation, teamwork, and the burden of responsibility.
15. Gunslinger Girl: Il Teatrino (2008)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Episodes: 13
- MAL Rating: 6.98
- Studio: Artland
The cyborg girls confront new missions and emotional challenges, deepening the series’ exploration of humanity and sacrifice.
Similarities: Found-family, moral dilemmas, and the dark side of heroism.
Why These Anime Work for Mentioned Anime Fans
Each of these series shares core elements with The Incredibles: unique power systems, the rise of underdogs, and a willingness to challenge genre conventions.
They offer fresh perspectives on teamwork, identity, and what it means to be a hero—often with distinctive animation and storytelling styles.
For fans seeking more than just action, these underrated gems deliver rich character development, clever subversion, and the thrill of discovering new heroes in unexpected places.
