Aria the Scarlet Ammo (Hidan no Aria) is a fast-paced action anime that blends school life, detective work, and supernatural abilities with harem comedy. The story follows Kinji Tohyama, a student at Tokyo Butei High School, a specialized academy that trains armed detectives. Kinji has a secret ability that activates when he is aroused, turning him into an incredibly skilled fighter. He is forced to partner with Aria H. Kanzaki, a fiery and determined girl who is a descendant of Sherlock Holmes, and together they investigate cases while navigating the dangers of their profession.
The series is defined by its core themes: a power system rooted in specialized training, detective skills, and supernatural abilities, where the ability to think quickly and act decisively is paramount. Kinji is a quintessential underdog—a student who wants to live a quiet life but is constantly dragged into dangerous situations by his partner. Aria the Scarlet Ammo masterfully subverts expectations by presenting what appears to be a simple action harem and gradually revealing a deeper narrative about family legacy, identity, and the true meaning of being a detective. It is a series that understands the thrill of the chase.
For fans of Aria the Scarlet Ammo, finding similar anime can be a challenge. The series occupies a unique space—part action, part detective mystery, part harem comedy. Yet, many underrated series share its core DNA: a focus on a male protagonist who is forced to partner with a powerful female fighter, an exploration of a specialized school for training warriors or detectives, and a willingness to blend action, comedy, and romance. These shows deserve far more attention for their entertainment value, their character development, and their refusal to provide easy answers.
Here are 15 underrated anime that capture the spirit of Aria the Scarlet Ammo.
1. The Irregular at Magic High School (2014)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu
- Rating: MAL: 7.4
- Episodes: 26
- Studio: Madhouse
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Tsutomu Satou.
Plot Summary: Tatsuya and Miyuki Shiba enroll at First High School, a specialized school for training magicians. Tatsuya is placed in the “Weed” class for students with low practical magic scores, but he possesses immense technical knowledge and unique abilities.
Similarities to Aria the Scarlet Ammo: Both are set in specialized schools for training individuals with supernatural abilities, where the male protagonist is initially underestimated. The focus is on the strategic application of abilities and the bonds with classmates. The series is a blend of action, drama, and political intrigue.
2. Chivalry of a Failed Knight (2015)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu
- Rating: MAL: 7.4
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Silver Link, Nexus
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Riku Misora.
Plot Summary: Ikki Kurogane, a student branded a “Failed Knight” due to his low magical power, refuses to give up on his dream. He relies on his honed swordsmanship and strategic brilliance to overcome opponents.
Similarities to Aria the Scarlet Ammo: Both are about a male protagonist who is underestimated by a flawed system despite possessing immense skill. The focus is on the strategic application of abilities and the bond with a talented female partner. The series is a heartfelt, action-packed underdog story.
3. The Asterisk War (2015)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 6.9
- Episodes: 12 (Season 1)
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Yuu Miyazaki.
Plot Summary: Ayato Amagiri transfers to Seidoukan Academy, a school where students with special abilities compete in tournaments. He must find a partner and navigate the political landscape.
Similarities to Aria the Scarlet Ammo: Both are set in elite academies where students with unique powers compete. The focus is on the partnership between the male protagonist and a talented female fighter. The series is a blend of action, comedy, and romance.
4. Absolute Duo (2015)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 6.4
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: 8-Bit
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Takumi Hiiragiboshi.
Plot Summary: Tooru Kokonoe, an unusual student who manifests a shield instead of a weapon, enrolls at Kouryou Academy. He must partner with Julie Sigtuna, a mysterious girl.
Similarities to Aria the Scarlet Ammo: Both are set in a school where students manifest weapons and must form partnerships to compete. The focus is on the bond between the male protagonist and a central female character, with a blend of action and romance.
5. Infinite Stratos (2011)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 6.7
- Episodes: 12 (Season 1)
- Studio: 8-Bit
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Izuru Yumizuru.
Plot Summary: Ichika Orimura is the only male in the world who can pilot an “Infinite Stratos,” a powerful exoskeleton. He enrolls in a school filled with female pilots.
Similarities to Aria the Scarlet Ammo: Both are harem action series set in a school for students with special weapons, where the male protagonist is unique or exceptional. The focus is on the relationships with multiple female characters and the tournament-style combat.
6. Undefeated Bahamut Chronicle (2016)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 6.5
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Lerche
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Senri Akatsuki.
Plot Summary: Lux Arcadia, a former prince known as the “Weakest Undefeated,” is forced to become a servant for the girls at an academy while piloting powerful mechs.
Similarities to Aria the Scarlet Ammo: Both are harem action series set in an academy where the male protagonist pilots powerful weapons and is surrounded by female characters. The focus is on the relationships and the blend of action, comedy, and romance.
7. Hundred (2016)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 6.1
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Production IMS
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Jun Misaki.
Plot Summary: Hayato Kisaragi, a boy with the highest compatibility with the “Hundred” weapons, enrolls at Little Garden academy.
Similarities to Aria the Scarlet Ammo: Both are harem action series set in a school for students with special weapons, where the male protagonist is exceptional. The focus is on the relationships with multiple female characters and the tournament-style combat.
8. Dragonar Academy (2014)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 6.3
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: C-Station
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Shiki Mizuchi.
Plot Summary: Ash Blake, a student at Ansarivan Dragonar Academy, is known as the “problem child” because his dragon has never hatched. His life changes when his dragon emerges in the form of a girl.
Similarities to Aria the Scarlet Ammo: Both are set in an academy where students bond with special partners and fight against threats. The focus is on the bond between the male protagonist and his partner.
9. Bladedance of Elementalers (2014)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 6.6
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: TNK
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Yuu Shimizu.
Plot Summary: Kamito Kazehaya, the only male elementalist in the world, is forced to attend Areishia Spirit Academy, a school for female elementalists.
Similarities to Aria the Scarlet Ammo: Both are about a male protagonist who is unique in a female-dominated world and must compete in a tournament. The focus is on the harem relationships and the tournament arc.
10. Sky Wizards Academy (2015)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 6.3
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Diomedéa
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Yuu Moroboshi.
Plot Summary: Kanata Age, a former ace wizard who has fallen from grace, is assigned to teach a team of three troublesome girls at the Sky Wizards Academy.
Similarities to Aria the Scarlet Ammo: Both are set in an academy for individuals with special abilities, where the male protagonist is an underdog who must prove himself. The focus is on the relationships with multiple female characters.
11. Trinity Seven (2014)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 7.1
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Seven Arcs
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Kenji Saito and Akinari Nao.
Plot Summary: Arata Kasuga, a boy whose cousin disappears in a magical incident, enrolls in a magic academy to find her. He meets seven powerful female mages.
Similarities to Aria the Scarlet Ammo: Both are about a male protagonist who enters an academy and is surrounded by powerful female characters. The focus is on the harem relationships and the development of abilities.
12. Aesthetica of a Rogue Hero (2012)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 6.7
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Arms
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Tetsuto Uesu.
Plot Summary: Akatsuki Ousawa, a hero who defeated a demon king, returns to Earth with the demon king’s daughter. He enrolls in a school for those who have returned from other worlds.
Similarities to Aria the Scarlet Ammo: Both are about a male protagonist who is incredibly skilled but underestimated, and is surrounded by female characters. The focus is on the harem relationships and the blend of action and comedy.
13. Campione! (2012)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 6.8
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: Diomedéa
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Jou Taketsuki.
Plot Summary: Godou Kusanagi, an ordinary high school student, kills a god and becomes a “Campione,” a god-slayer with immense power.
Similarities to Aria the Scarlet Ammo: Both are about a male protagonist who gains immense power through an unexpected event and is pursued by powerful female characters. The focus is on the harem relationships and the blend of action, comedy, and romance.
14. The Legend of the Legendary Heroes (2010)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 7.5
- Episodes: 24
- Studio: Zexcs
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Takaya Kagami.
Plot Summary: Ryner Lute, a lazy but brilliant mage with cursed eyes, and Ferris Eris, a skilled swordswoman, embark on a quest to find legendary relics.
Similarities to Aria the Scarlet Ammo: Both feature a powerful protagonist with a special ability who must navigate political intrigue and the bonds with companions. The focus is on the cost of power and the burden of destiny.
15. Date A Live (2013)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 7.2
- Episodes: 12 (Season 1)
- Studio: AIC Plus+
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Koushi Tachibana.
Plot Summary: Shido Itsuka must date and seal the powers of “Spirits,” mysterious beings who cause spatial quakes.
Similarities to Aria the Scarlet Ammo: Both are about a male protagonist who must form bonds with powerful female characters to achieve his goals. The focus is on the blend of action, comedy, and romance.
Why These Anime Work for Aria the Scarlet Ammo Fans
Fans of Aria the Scarlet Ammo are drawn to stories that blend action, detective work, and harem comedy, and they are invested in male protagonists who are forced to partner with powerful female fighters. They appreciate a narrative that focuses on a specialized school for training warriors or detectives, and they are not looking for complex philosophical narratives, but for fun, entertaining stories that make them smile.
The anime listed above all share this fundamental DNA:
- The Specialized Academy: Whether it is Tokyo Butei High School, First High School, or Seidoukan Academy, these series understand that the specialized school is the perfect setting for exploring themes of competition, growth, and romance. The focus is on the bonds formed between classmates.
- The Underestimated Protagonist: The protagonists are often initially dismissed or underestimated, but they prove their worth through skill and determination. Their journey is one of earning respect and finding their place.
- Subversion of the Harem Genre: These series use the framework of the harem genre to explore deeper themes of identity, power, and responsibility. They understand that the most compelling stories are not just about choosing a partner, but about the bonds that form along the way.
These 15 anime, like Aria the Scarlet Ammo, are not afraid to be entertaining. They are underrated gems that offer a fun, action-packed, and emotionally resonant experience for viewers who are looking for stories about the power of partnership, the bonds of friendship, and the thrill of the chase.
