15 Underrated Anime Series Similar to Batwheels

Batwheels is a charming animated series that brings Batman’s iconic vehicles to life as a team of young, sentient heroes fighting crime in Gotham City, emphasizing lessons in teamwork, self-confidence, and overcoming challenges. At its core, it explores power systems through the vehicles’ unique abilities, underdog stories as they prove their worth despite initial inexperience, and subversion of expectations by turning everyday vehicles into capable superheroes with emotional depth.

The selected anime deserve more attention because they similarly blend action with heartfelt growth, offering fresh takes on heroism that resonate with fans seeking underrated gems beyond mainstream hits.

1. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit (2007)

• Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
• Brief Plot Summary: A skilled warrior named Balsa becomes the protector of a young prince possessed by a water spirit, embarking on a journey to save him from assassins while confronting her own past traumas.
• Specific Similarities to Batwheels: Like Batwheels, it features underdog protagonists who grow through mentorship and teamwork, subverting expectations by focusing on emotional healing over brute force, with strong character development in Balsa’s redemption arc.
• MAL Rating: 8.2/10
• Episode Count: 26
• Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Kenji Kamiyama, produced by Production I.G
• Awards/Recognition: Won the Tokyo Anime Award for Best TV Anime in 2008

2. Katanagatari (2010)

• Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
• Brief Plot Summary: A strategist and a swordswoman travel across feudal Japan to collect 12 legendary deviant blades, facing powerful opponents and uncovering personal secrets along the way.
• Specific Similarities to Batwheels: Shares underdog themes as the protagonists overcome superior foes through clever strategies, subverting shonen tropes with philosophical twists and deep character development in their evolving partnership.
• MAL Rating: 7.9/10
• Episode Count: 12
• Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Keitaro Motonaga, produced by White Fox
• Awards/Recognition: Nominated for Best TV Series at the 2011 Tokyo Anime Awards

3. Ping Pong the Animation (2014)

• Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Netflix
• Brief Plot Summary: Two childhood friends with contrasting personalities pursue table tennis excellence, navigating rivalries and personal insecurities in high-stakes tournaments.
• Specific Similarities to Batwheels: Echoes underdog stories of self-doubt and growth, with subversion through non-traditional sports anime pacing and unique animation that emphasizes emotional depth over spectacle.
• MAL Rating: 8.6/10
• Episode Count: 11
• Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Masaaki Yuasa, produced by Tatsunoko Production
• Awards/Recognition: Won the Animation Kobe Television Award in 2014

4. Land of the Lustrous (2017)

• Current Streaming Availability: HIDIVE, Amazon Prime Video
• Brief Plot Summary: Immortal gem beings defend their world from lunar invaders, with the fragile Phosphophyllite seeking purpose amid battles and self-discovery.
• Specific Similarities to Batwheels: Features underdog gems gaining strength through alliances, subverting fantasy norms with philosophical themes and stunning 3D animation that highlights character evolution.
• MAL Rating: 8.4/10
• Episode Count: 12
• Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Takahiko Kyogoku, produced by Orange
• Awards/Recognition: Nominated for Crunchyroll Anime Awards in 2018 for Best CGI

5. Sonny Boy (2021)

• Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
• Brief Plot Summary: A group of high school students is transported to alternate dimensions, developing supernatural powers while grappling with isolation and existential questions.
• Specific Similarities to Batwheels: Mirrors subversion of expectations by twisting superpowered team dynamics into surreal narratives, with underdog growth and abstract animation styles emphasizing personal development.
• MAL Rating: 7.8/10
• Episode Count: 12
• Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Shingo Natsume, produced by Madhouse
• Awards/Recognition: Praised at Annecy International Animation Film Festival in 2022

6. World Trigger (2014)

• Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
• Brief Plot Summary: A young boy with hidden powers joins a defense agency to battle interdimensional invaders using advanced trigger technology.
• Specific Similarities to Batwheels: Highlights power systems through strategic combat tools, underdog protagonists rising via teamwork, and subversion by focusing on tactical depth over raw power.
• MAL Rating: 7.6/10
• Episode Count: 73 (Season 1)
• Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Mitsuru Hongo, produced by Toei Animation
• Awards/Recognition: Nominated for Best Shonen at Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2022

7. Deca-Dence (2020)

• Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu
• Brief Plot Summary: In a post-apocalyptic world, a girl teams up with a mysterious cleaner to fight massive creatures, uncovering hidden truths about their society.
• Specific Similarities to Batwheels: Subverts expectations with a mid-series twist on its world-building, featuring underdog heroes and character development through unlikely partnerships.
• MAL Rating: 7.4/10
• Episode Count: 12
• Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Yuzuru Tachikawa, produced by Nut
• Awards/Recognition: Nominated for Best Sci-Fi at Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2021

8. Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song (2021)

• Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
• Brief Plot Summary: An AI songstress travels through time to prevent a war between humans and machines, evolving her sense of self along the way.
• Specific Similarities to Batwheels: Explores AI characters as underdogs gaining agency, with subversion in its time-travel narrative and fluid animation enhancing emotional growth.
• MAL Rating: 8.4/10
• Episode Count: 13
• Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Shinpei Ezaki, produced by Wit Studio
• Awards/Recognition: Won Best Original Anime at Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2022

9. Wonder Egg Priority (2021)

• Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
• Brief Plot Summary: Teenage girls enter dream worlds to battle manifestations of trauma, rescuing “wonder eggs” to confront their own pains.
• Specific Similarities to Batwheels: Subverts magical girl tropes with dark psychological themes, underdog stories of healing, and innovative animation for character introspection.
• MAL Rating: 7.5/10
• Episode Count: 12
• Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Shin Wakabayashi, produced by CloverWorks
• Awards/Recognition: Nominated for Best Drama at Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2022

10. 86 (2021)

• Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
• Brief Plot Summary: In a war-torn republic, young soldiers pilot drones against an enemy legion, forming bonds that challenge societal prejudices.
• Specific Similarities to Batwheels: Features underdog squads proving their valor, subverting mecha norms with focus on human connections and detailed character arcs.
• MAL Rating: 8.2/10
• Episode Count: 23
• Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Toshimasa Ishii, produced by A-1 Pictures
• Awards/Recognition: Won Best Sci-Fi at Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2022

11. Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor (2007)

• Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
• Brief Plot Summary: A down-on-his-luck gambler enters high-stakes games to pay off debts, using wits to outmaneuver ruthless opponents.
• Specific Similarities to Batwheels: Centers on underdog resilience in high-pressure scenarios, subverting gambling tropes with intense psychological development.
• MAL Rating: 8.3/10
• Episode Count: 26
• Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Yuzo Sato, produced by Madhouse
• Awards/Recognition: Influential in psychological thriller genre, no major awards

12. Paranoia Agent (2004)

• Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
• Brief Plot Summary: A mysterious boy on rollerblades attacks stressed individuals in Tokyo, unraveling a web of societal fears and personal delusions.
• Specific Similarities to Batwheels: Subverts mystery narratives with surreal twists, underdog victims finding strength, and experimental animation for character psyches.
• MAL Rating: 7.7/10
• Episode Count: 13
• Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Satoshi Kon, produced by Madhouse
• Awards/Recognition: Won Best TV Anime at Tokyo Anime Awards 2005

13. Space Dandy (2014)

• Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu
• Brief Plot Summary: A flamboyant alien hunter and his robot crew explore the universe, encountering bizarre adventures and species.
• Specific Similarities to Batwheels: Subverts sci-fi expectations with episodic absurdity, underdog crew dynamics, and vibrant, experimental animation styles.
• MAL Rating: 7.9/10
• Episode Count: 26
• Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Shinichiro Watanabe, produced by Bones
• Awards/Recognition: Nominated for Best Comedy at Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2015

14. Gatchaman Crowds (2013)

• Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
• Brief Plot Summary: Superheroes use social media and NOTE powers to fight alien threats, questioning heroism in a connected world.
• Specific Similarities to Batwheels: Features power systems via spiritual suits, underdog heroes subverting traditional superhero tales with social commentary.
• MAL Rating: 7.3/10
• Episode Count: 12
• Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Kenji Nakamura, produced by Tatsunoko Production
• Awards/Recognition: Praised for innovative themes, no major awards

15. Baby Steps (2014)

• Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
• Brief Plot Summary: A studious teen takes up tennis to improve his fitness, evolving into a dedicated player through rigorous training and rivalries.
• Specific Similarities to Batwheels: Embodies underdog progression from novice to skilled, subverting sports anime with realistic growth and detailed animation of matches.
• MAL Rating: 7.8/10
• Episode Count: 25 (Season 1)
• Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Masami Shimoda, produced by Pierrot
• Awards/Recognition: Nominated for Best Sports Anime at Tokyo Anime Awards 2015

Why These Anime Work for Batwheels Fans

These series capture the essence of Batwheels by weaving underdog journeys with innovative power systems and unexpected narrative turns, fostering deep character growth in engaging ways. They offer a mix of action, emotion, and unique visuals that expand on Batwheels’ themes, providing fresh perspectives for fans craving more heartfelt heroism and clever storytelling.