The Misfit of Demon King Academy follows Anos Voldigoad, a reincarnated Demon King who enrolls in an academy meant to recognize his greatness but finds himself labeled a “misfit” due to falsified history.
The anime explores themes of overwhelming power, underdog stories, and subversion of expectations.
For fans who enjoy its blend of magic, rivalry, and character-driven storytelling, here are 15 underrated anime that share similar themes and narrative styles.
1. Wise Man’s Grandchild (2019)
Streaming Availability: Not currently available
Plot Summary: Shin Walford, reincarnated in a magical world, becomes incredibly powerful under the tutelage of a sage but struggles with common sense and societal norms.
Similarities: Both series feature overpowered protagonists navigating magical academies while proving their worth despite societal misunderstandings.
2. Demon King Daimao (2010)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: Akuto Sai enrolls in a magic academy only to discover his aptitude test predicts he will become the next Demon King, leading to chaos and misunderstandings.
Similarities: Shares themes of magical academies, destined greatness, and protagonists misunderstood by their peers.
3. The Irregular at Magic High School (2014)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu
Plot Summary: Tatsuya Shiba enters an elite magic school where his extraordinary abilities place him in the lower-ranked class despite his overwhelming power.
Similarities: Both series focus on overpowered protagonists challenging hierarchical systems in magical academies.
4. I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince So I Can Take My Time Perfecting My Magical Ability (2024)
Streaming Availability: Netflix, Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: A prodigy reincarnates as a prince obsessed with perfecting his magical skills while hiding his overwhelming power.
Similarities: Features reincarnation, overpowered characters, and a focus on magical mastery akin to Anos Voldigoad’s journey.
5. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime (2018)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu
Plot Summary: Rimuru Tempest is reincarnated as a slime in a fantasy world and gradually becomes one of its most powerful rulers.
Similarities: Both protagonists are reincarnated beings who rise to power through intelligence and overwhelming strength.
6. The Eminence in Shadow (2022)
Streaming Availability: HIDIVE, Hulu
Plot Summary: Cid Kagenou secretly builds an organization in a fantasy world while pretending to be weak, showcasing his unmatched power behind the scenes.
Similarities: Shares themes of hidden strength, strategic dominance, and humor amidst action-packed battles.
7. Overlord (2015)
Streaming Availability: Netflix, Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: A gamer trapped in an MMORPG assumes the role of his overpowered character—a skeletal overlord—and seeks control over the virtual world.
Similarities: Overpowered protagonists navigating hierarchical systems while building alliances and showcasing their dominance.
8. Black Clover (2017)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu
Plot Summary: Asta rises from being magicless to becoming one of the strongest Magic Knights through sheer determination and teamwork with his squadmates.
Similarities: Focuses on underdog resilience and overcoming societal prejudices through exceptional abilities.
9. How NOT to Summon a Demon Lord (2018)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
Plot Summary: A gamer is summoned into a fantasy world as his overpowered character and must navigate relationships while protecting himself from enemies.
Similarities: Features overpowered characters adapting to new environments while balancing humor with intense battles.
10. 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 The Misfit of Demon King Academy.
11. Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World (2016)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu
Plot Summary: Subaru Natsuki is transported to another world where he discovers he can rewind time upon death but faces constant challenges and betrayals.
Similarities: Both series feature protagonists navigating hostile environments while uncovering conspiracies tied to their identities.
12. Fate/Apocrypha (2017)
Streaming Availability: Netflix, Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: Two factions battle for control over the Holy Grail in an alternate timeline filled with powerful servants and strategic alliances.
Similarities: Explores themes of power struggles and showcases epic battles between overwhelmingly strong characters.
13. 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 destiny as a Magi.
Similarities: Both series feature labyrinthine structures filled with trials and explore themes of friendship, ambition, and betrayal.
14. Blue Exorcist (2011)
Streaming Availability: Netflix
Plot Summary: Rin Okumura discovers he is the son of Satan and trains at an exorcist academy to fight demons while grappling with his demonic heritage.
Similarities: Shares themes of identity struggles within academies focused on supernatural powers.
15. Akashic Records of Bastard Magic Instructor (2017)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: Glenn Radars reluctantly becomes a substitute teacher at a magic academy where he surprises students with his hidden abilities during crises.
Similarities: Features magical academies, hidden strength, and protagonists challenging societal expectations.
Why These Anime Work for The Misfit of Demon King Academy Fans
These anime share thematic parallels with The Misfit of Demon King Academy: overpowered protagonists navigating hierarchical systems; underdog stories that challenge societal norms; and narratives blending intense battles with humor or emotional depth.
Whether through magical academies or fantastical worlds, these series deliver engaging stories that resonate with fans seeking tales of dominance, resilience, and subversion amidst epic conflicts.
