Ben 10: Ultimate Alien follows Ben Tennyson as he takes on greater responsibility with the Ultimatrix, facing new threats and the challenges of fame after his secret identity is revealed.
The series stands out for its inventive power systems, underdog heroism, and the way it explores the consequences of wielding immense power in a world that doesn’t always understand you.
For fans seeking anime with similar themes—transformative abilities, moral complexity, and strong character growth—these 15 underrated series deserve a closer look.
1. Parasyte: The Maxim (2014)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: 8.3
- Studio: Madhouse
- Awards: Kodansha Manga Award, Seiun Award
- Plot: After being infected by an alien parasite, Shinichi Izumi must coexist with it while fighting others like it.
- Similarities: Alien integration, evolving powers, identity struggles, and a protagonist forced to grow up quickly.
2. World Trigger (2014)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu
- Episodes: 99
- MAL Rating: 7.5
- Studio: Toei Animation
- Awards: Anime Trending, Voice Arts, SciFi/Mecha Anime of the Year3
- Plot: Teens defend Earth from alien invaders using advanced technology and team-based tactics.
- Similarities: Alien tech, strategic battles, power customization, and teamwork under pressure.
3. ēlDLIVE (2017)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 6.1
- Studio: Pierrot
- Plot: Chuuta discovers an alien voice in his head and joins an intergalactic police force.
- Similarities: Alien partner, coming-of-age, and protagonist learning to trust himself and his team.
4. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime (2018)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Episodes: 48+
- MAL Rating: 8.1
- Studio: 8bit
- Awards: Sugoi Japan, Crunchyroll Anime Awards
- Plot: Satoru is reborn as a slime, gaining the ability to absorb and mimic the powers of others.
- Similarities: Shapeshifting, power absorption, and creative use of evolving abilities.
5. Knights of Sidonia (2014)
- Streaming: Netflix
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: 7.7
- Studio: Polygon Pictures
- Awards: Seiun Award
- Plot: Humanity’s last survivors fight shape-shifting alien Gauna aboard a massive spaceship.
- Similarities: Alien conflict, genetic modification, and a young hero rising to the challenge.
6. Towa no Quon (2011)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Episodes: 6 (movies)
- MAL Rating: 7.5
- Studio: Bones
- Plot: Quon leads a group of mutants with unique powers in a battle against a secret organization.
- Similarities: Team of super-powered youths, shapeshifting, and themes of acceptance.
7. Kaiju No. 8 (2024)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12 (ongoing)
- MAL Rating: 8.2
- Studio: Production I.G
- Awards: Filmarks Best Anime Series, Crunchyroll Anime Awards nominee
- Plot: Kafka Hibino gains the ability to transform into a kaiju while fighting monsters threatening humanity.
- Similarities: Dual identity, transformation, and balancing heroism with personal struggle.
8. Astra Lost in Space (2019)
- Streaming: Funimation, Hulu
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 8.1
- Studio: Lerche
- Awards: Crunchyroll Anime Awards, Anime Trending
- Plot: Stranded students must survive in space and uncover a conspiracy after a mysterious accident.
- Similarities: Sci-fi adventure, teamwork, and young cast facing cosmic threats.
9. Betterman (1999)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Episodes: 26
- MAL Rating: 7.0
- Studio: Sunrise
- Plot: Keita and friends battle monstrous threats with the help of the mysterious shapeshifter Betterman.
- Similarities: Shapeshifting hero, bio-tech, and monster-of-the-week structure.
10. Saint Seiya (1986)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix
- Episodes: 114
- MAL Rating: 7.8
- Studio: Toei Animation
- Awards: Animage Anime Grand Prix
- Plot: Young warriors called Saints use mystical armor and powers to protect the world from mythological threats.
- Similarities: Transformative powers, underdog heroes, and epic battles.
11. Bungo Stray Dogs (2016)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Episodes: 61+
- MAL Rating: 7.8
- Studio: Bones
- Awards: Anime Trending, multiple nominations
- Plot: Atsushi joins a detective agency where members wield supernatural abilities based on literary figures.
- Similarities: Team dynamics, creative powers, and young adult themes.
12. Solo Leveling (2024)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12 (ongoing)
- MAL Rating: 8.6
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
- Awards: Crunchyroll Anime of the Year
- Plot: Weak hunter Jinwoo gains the power to level up and evolve, becoming the world’s strongest.
- Similarities: Power progression, transformation, and subverting expectations.
13. Kill la Kill (2013)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: 8.0
- Studio: Trigger
- Awards: Tokyo Anime Award
- Plot: Ryuko wields a sentient uniform, battling a sinister academy in a world of transformative powers.
- Similarities: Transformative gear, high-stakes action, and subversion of superhero tropes.
14. B’t X (1996)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 25
- MAL Rating: 7.2
- Studio: TMS Entertainment
- Plot: Teppei and his mechanical steed B’t X battle the Machine Empire to rescue his brother.
- Similarities: Tech-based transformation, hero’s journey, and sibling bonds.
15. Generator Rex (2010)
- Streaming: HBO Max
- Episodes: 60
- MAL Rating: N/A (Western animation)
- Studio: Cartoon Network Studios
- Plot: Rex can transform his body into various machines, fighting mutated EVOs and uncovering secrets about his past.
- Similarities: Transformation, secret identity, and the burden of unique powers.
Why These Anime Work for Mentioned Anime Fans
Each of these series channels the inventive spirit of Ben 10: Ultimate Alien with transformative abilities, evolving power systems, and the journey from inexperience to heroism.
Whether through alien battles, identity struggles, or the burden of fame and responsibility, these anime offer fresh takes on the themes that make Ultimate Alien memorable, making them perfect picks for fans seeking more than just the mainstream hits.
