A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special quickly won fans with its sharp blend of strategic battles, intricate power systems, and the underdog tale of Desir Arman striving to change fate. Its appeal lies in subverting expectations—highlighting brains over brute strength and character growth over shortcuts.
Yet beyond the spotlight, many anime echo these qualities but remain underappreciated gems. Below are 15 lesser-known series with similar themes of tactical brilliance, growth against the odds, and immersive world-building—perfect for fans hungry for more.
1. Grimgar: Ashes and Illusions (Hai to Gensou no Grimgar, 2016)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
- MAL Rating: 7.6
- Plot: Strangers awaken in a mysterious fantasy world with no memory of their past and must learn to survive as adventurers.
- Similarity: Like Returner’s Magic, Grimgar emphasizes strategy and teamwork over raw power. Both stories portray protagonists using brains and adaptability in harsh, unforgiving worlds.
2. Wise Man’s Grandchild (Kenja no Mago, 2019)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Silver Link
- MAL Rating: 6.5
- Plot: A young man reincarnates into a fantasy world and is raised by a legendary wizard, quickly mastering magic but struggling with social norms.
- Similarity: While more lighthearted, it mirrors Desir’s balance of powerful magic with tactical ingenuity and the challenge of standing out in a structured magical society.
3. The Silver Guardian (Gin no Guardian, 2017)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 18
- Studio: Haoliners Animation League
- MAL Rating: 6.3
- Plot: A gamer finds himself trapped in a virtual world and must use his skills to survive and protect the girl he loves.
- Similarity: Echoes Returner’s Magic’s focus on intelligence-based strategies and an underdog protagonist navigating layered challenges in a fantasy framework.
4. Black Clover (2017) (less mainstream among casual viewers, but still underrated)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu, Funimation
- Episodes: 170
- Studio: Pierrot
- MAL Rating: 7.9
- Plot: Asta, born without magic, aims to become the Wizard King in a world where magic defines status.
- Similarity: Like Desir, Asta thrives by pushing past limitations, relying on grit, strategy, and unshakable determination.
5. The Master of Ragnarok & Blesser of Einherjar (Hyakuren no Haou to Seiyaku no Valkyria, 2018)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: EMT Squared
- MAL Rating: 6.2
- Plot: A modern boy is transported to a fantasy world resembling Norse mythology, where he rises as a tactician and ruler.
- Similarity: Both series highlight underdog leaders using military strategy rather than sheer force to alter the course of fate.
6. Rokka: Braves of the Six Flowers (Rokka no Yuusha, 2015)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Passione
- MAL Rating: 7.3
- Plot: Six chosen heroes must unite to defeat an ancient demon, but seven appear, sparking suspicion and mistrust.
- Similarity: Tactical deduction and mind games take center stage, much like Desir’s ability to think several steps ahead.
7. Tales of Zestiria the X (2016–2017)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Episodes: 26
- Studio: ufotable
- MAL Rating: 7.2
- Plot: A young man destined to be the Shepherd embarks on a journey to save the world from corruption.
- Similarity: Both series combine stunning visuals, deep lore, and protagonists who seek to rewrite destiny through alliances and resilience.
8. Night Wizard (2007)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll (varies by region)
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: Hal Film Maker
- MAL Rating: 6.4
- Plot: Magical warriors called “Wizards” protect Earth from demonic invaders threatening humanity.
- Similarity: Shares the theme of strategic group dynamics and layered magical systems akin to Returner’s Magic.
9. Scrapped Princess (2003)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Episodes: 24
- Studio: Bones
- MAL Rating: 7.4
- Plot: A girl prophesied to destroy the world is pursued by kingdoms, forcing her siblings to fight to protect her.
- Similarity: Like Desir, characters challenge predetermined fates and oppressive structures with clever tactics and courage.
10. Seirei Gensouki: Spirit Chronicles (2021)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: TMS Entertainment
- MAL Rating: 7.1
- Plot: A man reincarnates into a boy in a fantasy world, slowly uncovering his magical abilities and mysterious past.
- Similarity: The reincarnation motif and protagonist’s gradual mastery of magic mirror Desir’s long-game growth and reliance on intelligence.
11. Grancrest War (Record of Grancrest War, 2018)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Episodes: 24
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
- MAL Rating: 7.2
- Plot: A wandering mage and a noble unite to end chaos by forging alliances and leading armies in political wars.
- Similarity: Emphasizes tactical brilliance, political maneuvering, and character-driven strategy rather than overwhelming strength.
12. The Legend of Legendary Heroes (2010)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Episodes: 24
- Studio: Zexcs
- MAL Rating: 7.5
- Plot: A gifted mage with a cursed eye travels alongside his companion to reform a corrupt kingdom.
- Similarity: Its mix of intelligent combat, tragic pasts, and the hope of reshaping society resonates strongly with Returner’s Magic.
13. Hakkenden: Eight Dogs of the East (2013)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Episodes: 26
- Studio: Studio Deen
- MAL Rating: 7.3
- Plot: Survivors of a plague discover supernatural powers linked to mystical beads and a shared destiny.
- Similarity: Like Desir’s tale, it highlights the struggle of seemingly ordinary individuals rising against impossible odds.
14. Zetsuen no Tempest (Blast of Tempest, 2012–2013)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Episodes: 24
- Studio: Bones
- MAL Rating: 7.9
- Plot: Two friends become entangled in a world-ending magical conflict with philosophical undertones.
- Similarity: The clever, Shakespeare-inspired strategies and world-altering stakes mirror Returner’s Magic’s mix of intellect and survival.
15. Tears to Tiara (2009)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 26
- Studio: White Fox
- MAL Rating: 7.3
- Plot: A reborn demon lord leads a rebellion against a tyrannical empire, balancing loyalty and tactical warfare.
- Similarity: Underdog armies, careful strategy, and the reimagining of myths tie it closely to the spirit of Desir’s struggle.
Why These Anime Work for Returner’s Magic Fans
What binds these series together is their emphasis on brains over brawn, resilient underdogs, and richly constructed power systems. Whether through reincarnation, prophecy, or sheer determination, each protagonist defies the world’s rigid structures. If A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special hooked you with its layered storytelling, these underrated gems will deepen your appreciation for anime where strategy, grit, and heart shape destiny.
