Ben-To is a brilliantly absurd action-comedy anime that takes the mundane act of buying discounted boxed lunches and transforms it into a high-stakes martial arts competition. The story follows You Satou, an ordinary high school student who stumbles into the world of “bento brawls”—organized fights between bargain hunters who compete for half-priced bento at supermarkets. He must learn the rules, strategies, and etiquette of this underground world while navigating the colorful cast of characters who inhabit it.
The series is defined by its core themes: a power system rooted in martial arts skill, strategy, and an unwritten code of honor, where the ability to fight for a cheap meal becomes a matter of pride and survival. You is a quintessential underdog—a newcomer who must learn the ropes and earn his place in a world of experienced fighters. Ben-To masterfully subverts expectations by taking a completely ridiculous premise and treating it with absolute sincerity, creating a genuinely engaging action series that parodies the tropes of battle shonen anime. It is a series that understands the power of committing to the bit.
For fans of Ben-To, finding similar anime can be a challenge. The series occupies a unique space—part action, part comedy, part parody. Yet, many underrated series share its core DNA: a focus on an absurd or mundane premise treated with complete seriousness, an underdog protagonist who must learn the rules of a strange world, and a willingness to blend action, comedy, and satire. These shows deserve far more attention for their creativity, their humor, and their refusal to provide easy answers.
Here are 15 underrated anime that capture the spirit of Ben-To.
1. Shokugeki no Souma (Food Wars!) (2015)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, HiDive
- Rating: MAL: 8.0
- Episodes: 24 (Season 1)
- Studio: J.C. Staff
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Yuto Tsukuda and Shun Saeki.
Plot Summary: Souma Yukihira, a talented young chef, enrolls at Totsuki Culinary Academy, an elite school where students compete in high-stakes cooking battles called “Shokugeki.” He must prove his skills against the best young chefs in the country.
Similarities to Ben-To: Both are about an ordinary protagonist who enters an elite, competitive world centered around a mundane activity—cooking and bargain hunting respectively—and must learn the rules to succeed. The focus is on the intense, over-the-top battles and the colorful cast of characters. The series is a thrilling, food-focused battle shonen.
2. K-On! (2009)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu
- Rating: MAL: 7.8
- Episodes: 13 (Season 1)
- Studio: Kyoto Animation
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Kakifly.
Plot Summary: Yui Hirasawa, a clumsy and carefree girl, joins the light music club and learns to play guitar. The series follows her and her friends as they navigate high school life and their passion for music.
Similarities to Ben-To: While tonally different, both series share a focus on a group of eccentric individuals who are deeply passionate about a niche interest. The focus is on the warmth of friendship and the joy of pursuing a hobby. The series is a lighthearted, heartwarming slice-of-life.
3. The Devil is a Part-Timer! (2013)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 7.7
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: White Fox
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Satoshi Wagahara.
Plot Summary: The Demon King Satan is forced to flee his world and ends up in modern-day Tokyo, where he must work at a fast-food restaurant to survive. He must adapt to his new life while dealing with the hero who pursued him.
Similarities to Ben-To: Both are about extraordinary beings or situations being treated with mundane seriousness, creating comedy from the contrast. The focus is on the humor and the clash of cultures. The series is a clever, entertaining exploration of adaptation.
4. Blood Lad (2013)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 7.1
- Episodes: 10
- Studio: Brain’s Base
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Yuuki Kodama.
Plot Summary: Staz Charlie Blood, a vampire who is obsessed with Japanese culture, meets Fuyumi Yanagi, a human girl who accidentally wanders into his world and becomes a ghost. He vows to help her return to life.
Similarities to Ben-To: Both are action-comedy series set in a strange world with its own rules and eccentric characters. The focus is on the humor and the action. The series is a fun, fast-paced adventure.
5. D-Frag! (2014)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 7.3
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Brain’s Base
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Tomoya Haruno.
Plot Summary: Kenji Kazama, a self-proclaimed delinquent, is forced to join the Game Creation Club, a group of eccentric girls who are obsessed with making games. He becomes the straight man to their absurd antics.
Similarities to Ben-To: Both are high school comedies centered around a club of eccentric individuals. The protagonist is a “delinquent” type who is initially resistant but gradually becomes an integral part of the group. The series is a hilarious, fast-paced comedy.
6. Sabagebu! (2014)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 7.1
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Pierrot Plus
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Hidekichi Matsumoto.
Plot Summary: Momoka Sonokawa, a high school girl, joins the Survival Game Club and becomes obsessed with airsoft battles. The series follows her and her clubmates as they engage in comedic, over-the-top battles.
Similarities to Ben-To: Both are about a competitive activity—airsoft battles and bento brawls—treated with intense seriousness and over-the-top action. The focus is on the humor and the parody of battle anime tropes. The series is a hilarious, action-packed comedy.
7. Asobi Asobase (2018)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 7.8
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Lerche
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Rin Suzukawa.
Plot Summary: Three high school girls form a “Pastime Club” to play traditional games, but their activities quickly descend into absurd and surreal comedy.
Similarities to Ben-To: Both are about a group of eccentrics who take a simple activity far too seriously, resulting in hilarious chaos. The focus is on the absurd humor and the character dynamics. The series is a brilliantly funny comedy.
8. Nichijou (2011)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 8.4
- Episodes: 26
- Studio: Kyoto Animation
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Keiichi Arawi.
Plot Summary: The series follows the daily lives of a group of high school students and their eccentric interactions, blending surreal humor with moments of genuine warmth.
Similarities to Ben-To: Both are about the absurdity of everyday life, elevated to comedic extremes. The focus is on the surreal humor and the character dynamics. The series is a landmark of comedy anime.
9. Keijo!!!!!!!! (2016)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 7.0
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Xebec
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Daichi Sorayomi.
Plot Summary: Nozomi Kaminashi, a talented gymnast, enters the world of “Keijo,” a competitive sport where women fight using only their breasts and buttocks on floating platforms.
Similarities to Ben-To: Both are sports/action anime that take an absurd premise and treat it with complete sincerity, creating genuine drama and excitement. The focus is on the intense battles and the underdog protagonist. The series is a hilarious, action-packed parody.
10. Prison School (2015)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 7.7
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: J.C. Staff
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Akira Hiramoto.
Plot Summary: Five boys are enrolled at a formerly all-girls school and are quickly imprisoned for peeping. They must navigate the harsh rules of the prison while planning their escape.
Similarities to Ben-To: Both are about a group of underdogs who are trapped in a ridiculous situation and must use strategy and teamwork to survive. The focus is on the over-the-top humor and the intense “battles.” The series is a hilarious, ecchi comedy.
11. The Eccentric Family (2013)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 7.8
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: P.A. Works
- Notable Staff: Based on the novel by Tomihiko Morimi.
Plot Summary: Yasaburou Shimogamo, a young tanuki, navigates the complex social dynamics of Kyoto while dealing with the aftermath of his father’s death.
Similarities to Ben-To: Both are set in a world where the supernatural and the mundane coexist, and focus on a protagonist who must navigate its complexities. The focus is on the bonds of family and the search for belonging. The series is a blend of comedy, drama, and fantasy.
12. Durarara!! (2010)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 8.0
- Episodes: 24 (Season 1)
- Studio: Brain’s Base
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Ryohgo Narita.
Plot Summary: Set in the Ikebukuro district of Tokyo, the series follows an ensemble cast of characters, including a headless rider, an information broker, and a high school student drawn into the city’s underworld.
Similarities to Ben-To: Both are set in a vibrant urban environment and feature a large cast of eccentric characters with their own agendas. The focus is on the interconnectedness of people and the hidden forces that shape society. The series is a stylish, atmospheric thriller.
13. Baka and Test (2010)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 7.4
- Episodes: 13 (Season 1)
- Studio: Silver Link
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Kenji Inoue.
Plot Summary: At Fumizuki Academy, students are divided into classes based on their test scores, and the lower classes must fight in “summoner battles” to improve their standing. Akihisa Yoshii and his friends in Class F fight to take over the school.
Similarities to Ben-To: Both are about an underdog protagonist who must fight in organized battles to achieve his goals. The focus is on the strategic battles and the humor. The series is a fun, action-packed comedy.
14. Assassination Classroom (2015)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu
- Rating: MAL: 8.0
- Episodes: 22 (Season 1)
- Studio: Lerche
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Yusei Matsui.
Plot Summary: A class of misfit students is tasked with assassinating their teacher, a powerful alien who has destroyed the moon and threatens to destroy the Earth. They must learn to work together to succeed.
Similarities to Ben-To: Both are about a group of underdogs who must learn to work together to achieve a goal, using strategy and skill. The focus is on the humor and the action. The series is a fun, heartwarming comedy.
15. One Punch Man (2015)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu
- Rating: MAL: 8.5
- Episodes: 12 (Season 1)
- Studio: Madhouse
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by ONE and Yusuke Murata.
Plot Summary: Saitama, a hero who can defeat any opponent with a single punch, is bored with his overwhelming power. He seeks a worthy challenge while navigating the bureaucracy of the Hero Association.
Similarities to Ben-To: Both are parodies of action and superhero tropes, using humor and satire to subvert expectations. The focus is on the absurdity of the situations and the comedy. The series is a brilliant, action-packed comedy.
Why These Anime Work for Ben-To Fans
Fans of Ben-To are drawn to stories that are creative, hilarious, and unafraid to take absurd premises seriously. They appreciate a narrative that blends action, comedy, and parody, and they are invested in underdog protagonists who must learn the rules of a strange world. They are not looking for simple action or escapism, but for stories that make them laugh and think.
The anime listed above all share this fundamental DNA:
- The Absurd Premise Treated Seriously: Whether it is fighting for bento, cooking battles, or airsoft skirmishes, these series understand that the best comedy comes from treating the ridiculous with complete sincerity. The focus is on the commitment to the premise.
- The Underdog Fighter: The protagonists are often newcomers or underdogs who must learn the rules and earn their place. Their journey is one of growth and self-discovery.
- Subversion of the Action Genre: These series use the framework of the action genre to explore humor, satire, and the absurdity of their premises. They understand that the most compelling stories are those that challenge our expectations.
These 15 anime, like Ben-To, are not afraid to be ridiculous. They are underrated gems that offer a hilarious, action-packed, and deeply entertaining experience for viewers who are looking for something truly unique.
