15 Underrated Anime Series Similar to Batman: The Brave and the Bold
Batman: The Brave and the Bold is a vibrant animated series that aired from 2008 to 2011, featuring the Dark Knight teaming up with various DC heroes in lighthearted, episodic adventures filled with humor, action, and clever nods to comic book lore. It emphasizes core themes like intricate power systems through superhero abilities, underdog stories of lesser-known heroes rising to the occasion, and subversion of expectations via witty twists on classic tropes.
These selected underrated anime deserve more attention for their fresh takes on similar elements, blending engaging narratives with unique styles that echo the show’s charm while often flying under the radar.
1. Tiger & Bunny (2011)
- Current streaming availability: Crunchyroll, Netflix
- Brief plot summary: In a world where superheroes are corporate-sponsored celebrities, veteran hero Wild Tiger teams up with rookie Barnaby Brooks Jr. to fight crime and uncover a conspiracy threatening their city.
- Specific similarities to mentioned anime: Like Batman: The Brave and the Bold, it features dynamic hero team-ups with humor and action, subverting expectations by blending superhero tropes with corporate satire and underdog character arcs.
- Current MAL/streaming platform ratings: MAL 7.95/10
- Episode count: 25
- Notable staff/studio involvement: Directed by Keiichi Sato, produced by Sunrise
- Any awards or recognition received: Won Best TV Anime at the 2012 Tokyo Anime Award Festival
2. Samurai Flamenco (2013)
- Current streaming availability: Crunchyroll
- Brief plot summary: Male model Masayoshi Hazama becomes a vigilante hero, inspiring others to join him in battling increasingly bizarre threats that escalate from street crime to alien invasions.
- Specific similarities to mentioned anime: Mirrors the episodic team-up structure with lighthearted humor, underdog protagonists subverting superhero expectations through absurd narrative twists.
- Current MAL/streaming platform ratings: MAL 7.25/10
- Episode count: 22
- Notable staff/studio involvement: Directed by Takahiro Omori, produced by Manglobe
- Any awards or recognition received: Nominated for Best Original Anime at the 2014 Newtype Anime Awards
3. Gatchaman Crowds (2013)
- Current streaming availability: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- Brief plot summary: High school girl Hajime Ichinose joins a team of superheroes using advanced suits to combat alien threats, challenging traditional heroism with social media and public involvement.
- Specific similarities to mentioned anime: Shares team-up dynamics and subversion of expectations, with underdog heroes using unique power systems in colorful, action-packed episodes.
- Current MAL/streaming platform ratings: MAL 7.28/10
- Episode count: 12
- Notable staff/studio involvement: Directed by Kenji Nakamura, produced by Tatsunoko Production
- Any awards or recognition received: Praised for innovative themes at the 2014 Anime Grand Prix
4. Concrete Revolutio (2015)
- Current streaming availability: Crunchyroll
- Brief plot summary: In an alternate 1960s Japan, superhuman agent Jiro Hitoyoshi navigates a world of heroes, aliens, and monsters while questioning the nature of justice.
- Specific similarities to mentioned anime: Features episodic hero collaborations with humor, subverting expectations through non-linear storytelling and underdog explorations of power systems.
- Current MAL/streaming platform ratings: MAL 6.98/10
- Episode count: 13
- Notable staff/studio involvement: Directed by Seiji Mizushima, produced by Bones
- Any awards or recognition received: Nominated for Best Animation at the 2016 Tokyo Anime Award Festival
5. The Reflection (2017)
- Current streaming availability: Crunchyroll
- Brief plot summary: After a mysterious event grants superpowers worldwide, heroes and villains clash as protagonists uncover the truth behind the phenomenon.
- Specific similarities to mentioned anime: Echoes team-up adventures with lighthearted action, underdog stories, and subversions via unique power systems and moral ambiguities.
- Current MAL/streaming platform ratings: MAL 5.85/10
- Episode count: 12
- Notable staff/studio involvement: Co-created by Stan Lee, produced by Studio Deen
- Any awards or recognition received: Recognized for East-West collaboration at international comic cons
6. Heroman (2010)
- Current streaming availability: Crunchyroll
- Brief plot summary: Orphan Joey Jones discovers a broken toy robot that transforms into a giant mecha, teaming up with friends to battle alien invaders.
- Specific similarities to mentioned anime: Similar to the show’s underdog heroics and team-ups, with humorous subversions and power system evolutions in a colorful style.
- Current MAL/streaming platform ratings: MAL 6.92/10
- Episode count: 26
- Notable staff/studio involvement: Created by Stan Lee, produced by Bones
- Any awards or recognition received: Nominated for Best Children’s Anime at the 2011 Seiyu Awards
7. Infini-T Force (2017)
- Current streaming availability: HIDIVE
- Brief plot summary: Classic Tatsunoko heroes from different eras unite with a modern girl to stop a multiversal threat in a high-stakes crossover battle.
- Specific similarities to mentioned anime: Captures team-up excitement with humor, underdog alliances, and subverted expectations through retro power systems.
- Current MAL/streaming platform ratings: MAL 6.75/10
- Episode count: 12
- Notable staff/studio involvement: Directed by Kiyotaka Suzuki, produced by Tatsunoko Production
- Any awards or recognition received: Won Best Crossover at the 2018 Anime Trending Awards
8. Karas (2005)
- Current streaming availability: Crunchyroll
- Brief plot summary: In a demon-infested Tokyo, a former yakuza becomes a armored guardian spirit to protect the city from supernatural chaos.
- Specific similarities to mentioned anime: Features lone hero team-ups with mystical allies, subverting dark themes with action humor and unique power evolutions.
- Current MAL/streaming platform ratings: MAL 7.35/10
- Episode count: 6 (OVA)
- Notable staff/studio involvement: Directed by Keiichi Sato, produced by Tatsunoko Production
- Any awards or recognition received: Won Best OVA at the 2006 Tokyo Anime Awards
9. Zetman (2012)
- Current streaming availability: Crunchyroll
- Brief plot summary: Orphan Jin discovers his superhuman origins and battles monstrous Players while grappling with his dual nature as hero and monster.
- Specific similarities to mentioned anime: Parallels underdog growth and power system subversions, with gritty team-ups echoing the show’s darker humor edges.
- Current MAL/streaming platform ratings: MAL 6.85/10
- Episode count: 13
- Notable staff/studio involvement: Based on Katsura Masakazu’s manga, produced by TMS Entertainment
- Any awards or recognition received: Praised for adaptation at the 2013 Japan Media Arts Festival
10. Ratman (2010)
- Current streaming availability: Not widely available (check VOD services)
- Brief plot summary: Aspiring hero Shuto Katsuragi is tricked into becoming a villain but uses his powers to fight for justice from the shadows.
- Specific similarities to mentioned anime: Subverts hero expectations with underdog twists, humorous team-ups, and evolving power systems in a lighthearted narrative.
- Current MAL/streaming platform ratings: MAL 7.10/10
- Episode count: 12 (manga-based, anime adaptation limited)
- Notable staff/studio involvement: Based on Hiroshi Inagaki’s manga, produced by Studio Hibari
- Any awards or recognition received: Underrated gem noted in 2011 manga awards
11. Darker than Black (2007)
- Current streaming availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Brief plot summary: Contractor Hei operates as a masked assassin in a world of superpowered individuals, forming uneasy alliances to uncover hidden truths.
- Specific similarities to mentioned anime: Shares episodic missions with team-ups, underdog subversion, and intricate power systems amid action.
- Current MAL/streaming platform ratings: MAL 8.05/10
- Episode count: 25
- Notable staff/studio involvement: Directed by Tensai Okamura, produced by Bones
- Any awards or recognition received: Won Best TV Series at the 2008 Tokyo Anime Awards
12. s-CRY-ed (2001)
- Current streaming availability: Funimation
- Brief plot summary: In a post-apocalyptic world, Alter users with unique powers clash in turf wars, with underdog Kazuma fighting against oppressive forces.
- Specific similarities to mentioned anime: Features power system battles and underdog stories with team-up subversions in high-energy action.
- Current MAL/streaming platform ratings: MAL 7.35/10
- Episode count: 26
- Notable staff/studio involvement: Directed by Goro Taniguchi, produced by Sunrise
- Any awards or recognition received: Influential in early 2000s action anime circles
13. Ranking of Kings (2021)
- Current streaming availability: Crunchyroll, Netflix
- Brief plot summary: Deaf prince Bojji, underestimated by all, embarks on a journey to become a great king with the help of shadowy ally Kage.
- Specific similarities to mentioned anime: Emphasizes underdog heroism and subversion of expectations, with unique power growth in a whimsical style.
- Current MAL/streaming platform ratings: MAL 8.50/10
- Episode count: 23
- Notable staff/studio involvement: Directed by Yosuke Hatta, produced by Wit Studio
- Any awards or recognition received: Won Best Fantasy at the 2022 Crunchyroll Anime Awards
14. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit (2007)
- Current streaming availability: Crunchyroll
- Brief plot summary: Spear-wielding bodyguard Balsa protects a prince possessed by a water spirit, forming alliances against imperial pursuers.
- Specific similarities to mentioned anime: Blends underdog protection tales with team-up action, subverting fantasy expectations through deep character bonds.
- Current MAL/streaming platform ratings: MAL 8.10/10
- Episode count: 26
- Notable staff/studio involvement: Directed by Kenji Kamiyama, produced by Production I.G
- Any awards or recognition received: Won Excellence Prize at the 2008 Japan Media Arts Festival
15. Land of the Lustrous (2017)
- Current streaming availability: HIDIVE
- Brief plot summary: Immortal gem beings defend their world from lunar invaders, with fragile Phos seeking strength through alliances and self-discovery.
- Specific similarities to mentioned anime: Features unique power systems and underdog evolution with subversive, humorous undertones in crystalline animation.
- Current MAL/streaming platform ratings: MAL 8.38/10
- Episode count: 12
- Notable staff/studio involvement: Directed by Takahiko Kyogoku, produced by Orange (CGI specialists)
- Any awards or recognition received: Won Best TV Anime at the 2018 Crunchyroll Anime Awards
Why These Anime Work for Mentioned Anime Fans
These series capture the essence of Batman: The Brave and the Bold by delivering fun team-ups, clever subversions, and underdog triumphs, often with innovative animation that enhances their action and humor. They offer fresh perspectives on heroism and power, making them perfect for fans seeking underrated gems that blend excitement with thoughtful storytelling, ensuring hours of engaging viewing beyond mainstream hits.
