X-Men: Evolution reimagined Marvel’s iconic mutant team as teenagers learning to control their powers, navigate high school drama, and combat prejudice, all while saving the world.
It blended superhero action with coming-of-age storytelling, layered character arcs, and a focus on identity, friendship, and moral choices.
For fans of X-Men: Evolution seeking anime that echo these themes—hidden powers, teen dynamics, emotional development, and the cost of standing out—these 15 underrated series deliver that same blend of heart and heroism.
1. My-HiME (2004)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.35
Episodes: 26
Studio: Sunrise
Girls at a secluded school discover they’re chosen HiMEs, wielding powers tied to deep emotional bonds.
Similarities: Teenage heroes balancing school and supernatural fights, hidden identities, emotional consequences of power.
2. Tokyo ESP (2014)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 6.47
Episodes: 12
Studio: Xebec
After witnessing a flying penguin and acquiring telekinetic powers, a girl joins an underground battle against corrupt espers.
Similarities: Mutant-style powers, social discrimination, urban superhero aesthetic, and a strong female protagonist.
3. Zetman (2012)
Streaming: HIDIVE
MAL Rating: 6.94
Episodes: 13
Studio: TMS Entertainment
Two boys born with superhuman abilities grow up on opposite sides of justice, locked in a brutal conflict.
Similarities: Dual protagonist dynamic (like Scott and Logan), dark superhero undertones, questions of morality and power.
4. Charlotte (2015)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix
MAL Rating: 7.76
Episodes: 13
Studio: P.A. Works
Teens manifest random powers during adolescence—and one boy uses his powers to help others while uncovering a deeper conspiracy.
Similarities: Coming-of-age narrative mixed with unstable superpowers, emotional growth, and team missions.
5. Ga-Rei: Zero (2008)
Streaming: Funimation
MAL Rating: 7.57
Episodes: 12
Studio: AIC Spirits & Asread
Two best friends in a supernatural defense force are torn apart by betrayal, duty, and tragedy.
Similarities: Secret organizations, intense powers, emotional fallout between teammates, and teen protagonists burdened with responsibility.
6. Tiger & Bunny (2011)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix
MAL Rating: 7.89
Episodes: 25
Studio: Sunrise
In a world where superheroes are sponsored and televised, an aging veteran teams with a young hotshot to protect the city.
Similarities: Superpowered society, public image vs. personal ethics, unlikely team-ups, and heroic ideals under pressure.
7. Kekkaishi (2006)
Streaming: Hulu
MAL Rating: 7.61
Episodes: 52
Studio: Sunrise
A teenage boy and his childhood friend inherit the role of spirit barrier guardians, battling supernatural invaders.
Similarities: Young fighters protecting their school, hidden powers, friendship development, and evolving threats.
8. Night Head Genesis (2006)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.00
Episodes: 24
Studio: Bee Media
Two psychic brothers escape from a secret lab and must survive in a world that fears their abilities.
Similarities: Powers as a curse, societal rejection, brotherly bonds, and sci-fi elements grounded in emotional drama.
9. Super Power Team (Concrete Revolutio) (2015)
Streaming: Funimation
MAL Rating: 6.89
Episodes: 13
Studio: Bones
Set in an alternate Japan, a government bureau recruits and regulates superhumans amid clashing ideologies.
Similarities: Mutant metaphor, political activism, public backlash, and a colorful team dynamic reminiscent of the X-Men.
10. Hamatora: The Animation (2014)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 6.99
Episodes: 12
Studio: NAZ
A private detective team composed of “Minimum Holders” with unique powers solves crimes in a powered society.
Similarities: Team with powers operating in secret, fast-paced missions, and moral ambiguity in power usage.
11. Toward the Terra (2007)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.88
Episodes: 24
Studio: Tokyo Movie Shinsha
In a dystopian future, psychic humans called Mu rebel against the system that hunts them.
Similarities: Discrimination against powered individuals, found-family dynamic, rebellion against authority, and internal conflict among youths.
12. Gatchaman Crowds (2013)
Streaming: HIDIVE
MAL Rating: 7.26
Episodes: 12
Studio: Tatsunoko Production
Young people chosen as Gatchaman must protect society from abstract threats using strange new powers.
Similarities: Teen team dynamics, social media-age superheroism, bright visuals with mature subtext, and subversive storytelling.
13. Project ARMS (2001)
Streaming: YouTube (official via TMS)
MAL Rating: 7.08
Episodes: 26
Studio: TMS Entertainment
Teens implanted with biomechanical weaponry are hunted by a secret organization while unraveling their origin.
Similarities: Weaponized powers in adolescence, underground conspiracies, and the pain of transformation.
14. Soul Eater NOT! (2014)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
MAL Rating: 6.18
Episodes: 12
Studio: Bones
Set in the same universe as Soul Eater, this prequel follows new students learning to use their powers at the Death Weapon Academy.
Similarities: School setting for power control, female-centric ensemble, comedic slice-of-life moments mixed with danger.
15. Bokurano (2007)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.50
Episodes: 24
Studio: Gonzo
Fifteen kids are tricked into piloting a giant robot—each battle demanding the life of one pilot.
Similarities: Heavy emotional arcs, youth burdened with world-saving responsibilities, and dark twists on heroism.
Why These Anime Work for X-Men: Evolution Fans
Each of these series channels the heart of X-Men: Evolution, young individuals discovering their powers while wrestling with identity, morality, and teamwork.
Whether through school settings, public backlash, or secret organizations, these shows challenge what it means to be “different” and highlight the emotional weight of growing up powered.
They may not wear capes, but they carry the same spirit of evolution, rebellion, and becoming who you’re meant to be.
