Tower of God is a gripping tale of ambition, betrayal, and teamwork set within a mysterious tower where climbers face tests to achieve their desires.
With its unique power system (Shinsu), layered characters, and intricate world-building, the anime has drawn fans to its thrilling narrative.
For those captivated by its themes of underdog stories, hierarchical challenges, and subversion of expectations, here are 15 underrated anime that offer similar experiences.
1. The Tower of Druaga: The Aegis of Uruk (2008)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: Jil and his companions climb the Tower of Druaga to defeat the evil Lord Druaga and claim the Blue Crystal Rod. However, secrets about the tower’s true nature complicate their journey.
Similarities: Both series revolve around climbing a tower filled with challenges, monsters, and mysteries, with protagonists striving to uncover hidden truths.
2. World Trigger (2014)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu
Plot Summary: Mikado City faces invasions from “Neighbors,” otherworldly creatures, while Border agents use advanced weapons called Triggers to protect humanity.
Similarities: Like Tower of God, it features a unique power system and hierarchical battles in a high-stakes environment.
3. Noblesse (2020)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: Rai, a noble vampire awakening after 820 years, navigates modern society while protecting his friends from supernatural threats.
Similarities: Both are webtoon adaptations with intricate storytelling and protagonists adjusting to unfamiliar environments while facing powerful foes.
4. Deadman Wonderland (2011)
Streaming Availability: Not currently available
Plot Summary: Ganta is framed for murder and sent to Deadman Wonderland, a twisted prison where inmates compete in deadly games for survival.
Similarities: Both series emphasize survival in mysterious settings with layered characters facing moral dilemmas and brutal challenges.
5. Akame ga Kill! (2014)
Streaming Availability: Not currently available
Plot Summary: Tatsumi joins Night Raid, a group of assassins fighting against corruption in a tyrannical empire.
Similarities: Themes of betrayal and moral ambiguity align with Tower of God, alongside intense battles against formidable opponents.
6. Hunter x Hunter (2011)
Streaming Availability: Netflix, Hulu, Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: Gon Freecss embarks on a journey to become a Hunter while facing grueling tests and uncovering secrets about his father’s past.
Similarities: Both series feature test arcs, hierarchical systems (Hunters vs. Rankers), and protagonists overcoming overwhelming odds through teamwork and strategy.
7. The God of High School (2020)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: Martial artists compete in a tournament where the ultimate prize is granting any wish they desire through divine intervention.
Similarities: Shares Tower of God’s focus on combat-driven progression and an intriguing power system tied to supernatural forces.
8. Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic (2012)
Streaming Availability: Netflix, Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: Aladdin explores dungeons filled with treasures and dangers while uncovering secrets about his identity and destiny as a Magi.
Similarities: Both series feature labyrinthine structures filled with trials and explore themes of friendship, ambition, and betrayal.
9. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009)
Streaming Availability: Netflix, Hulu, Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: Brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric seek the Philosopher’s Stone to restore their bodies after a failed alchemical experiment.
Similarities: Like Tower of God, it balances intricate world-building with morally complex characters navigating hierarchical systems of power.
10. Attack on Titan (2013)
Streaming Availability: Hulu, Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: Humanity fights for survival against Titans while uncovering shocking truths about their world’s history and politics.
Similarities: Both series explore hierarchical societies with intense battles against overwhelming odds and betrayals shaping character arcs.
11. Sword Art Online (2012)
Streaming Availability: Netflix, Hulu, Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: Players trapped in the virtual MMORPG Sword Art Online must clear all levels to escape while risking death in real life if they die in-game.
Similarities: Features progression through levels akin to Tower of God’s floors, with survival hinging on strategy and teamwork amidst high-stakes battles.
12. Blue Lock (2022)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: Strikers compete in an intense training program designed to create Japan’s ultimate soccer player for international glory.
Similarities: Both series highlight competition-driven growth within hierarchical systems where teamwork plays an essential role despite individual ambitions.
13. Black Clover (2017)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix
Plot Summary: Asta rises from being magicless to becoming one of the strongest Magic Knights through sheer determination and teamwork with his squadmates.
Similarities: Shares themes of underdog resilience, friendship-driven growth, and battles against increasingly powerful foes akin to Bam’s journey in Tower of God.
14. Saint Seiya (1986)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: Seiya leads the Bronze Saints in battles against gods to protect Athena while overcoming personal struggles and betrayals within their ranks.
Similarities: Combines mythological themes with intense battles rooted in hierarchical systems similar to Tower of God.
15. Haikyuu!! (2014)
Streaming Availability: Netflix, Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: Shoyo Hinata defies his small stature to lead his volleyball team toward national championships through grit and teamwork.
Similarities: Although sports-based, it mirrors Tower of God’s themes of underdog resilience and reliance on teamwork amidst competitive challenges.
Why These Anime Work for Tower of God Fans
These anime share thematic parallels with Tower of God: hierarchical systems that test characters’ limits; protagonists rising from obscurity; betrayal shaping narratives; and intricate world-building that captivates viewers’ imaginations.
Whether through survival challenges or intense competitions, these series deliver engaging stories that resonate with fans seeking layered narratives filled with ambition, mystery, and camaraderie amidst adversity.
