Black Clover has earned its reputation as a powerhouse shonen anime, known for its vibrant world of magic, intense rivalries, and the relentless underdog spirit of Asta. At its core, the series thrives on themes of structured power systems, perseverance against impossible odds, and the subversion of typical shonen expectations. While popular titles like Naruto or Fairy Tail often come to mind as comparisons, many hidden gems capture similar energy but haven’t received the same spotlight.
Here are 15 underrated anime series like Black Clover that deserve more attention for their shared themes, unique storytelling, and fresh takes on character growth.
1. Radiant (2018)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Episodes: 42 (2 seasons)
- MAL Rating: 6.8
- Studio: Lerche
- Plot: Seth, a young sorcerer immune to corruption, dreams of hunting Nemeses—monsters born from corruption—while facing prejudice from humans.
- Similarities: Like Asta, Seth is shunned for his powers but determined to rise above societal hatred. Both series explore structured magic systems and an underdog’s journey.
2. Twin Star Exorcists (2016)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu
- Episodes: 50
- MAL Rating: 7.0
- Studio: Studio Pierrot (same studio as Black Clover)
- Plot: Two destined exorcists, Rokuro and Benio, are forced to partner in battling monstrous “Kegare” while struggling with their fated responsibilities.
- Similarities: The duo dynamic mirrors Asta and Yuno’s rivalry, with an emphasis on overcoming prophecy-driven expectations and mastering spiritual powers.
3. Mahoujin Guruguru (2017)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: 7.3
- Studio: Production I.G
- Plot: A comedic reimagining of JRPG-style hero stories, following Nike and Kukuri as they embark on a lighthearted magical quest.
- Similarities: While more comedic, its parody of shonen tropes, magic-centric battles, and earnest protagonist echo the playful yet determined energy of Black Clover.
4. Witch Hunter Robin (2002)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Episodes: 26
- MAL Rating: 7.1
- Studio: Sunrise
- Plot: Robin, a young witch hunter, uses fire-based magic to pursue rogue witches while uncovering dark conspiracies.
- Similarities: Shares the theme of societal distrust toward magic users, as well as gothic visual tones that parallel Black Clover’s darker arcs.
5. Granblue Fantasy The Animation (2017)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 25 (2 seasons + specials)
- MAL Rating: 6.6
- Studio: A-1 Pictures / MAPPA
- Plot: Gran sets off into the skies with Lyria, a mysterious girl holding world-changing powers, while facing empires and primal beasts.
- Similarities: Like Asta’s fight for freedom, Gran pushes against oppressive systems while navigating fantastical, magic-driven worlds.
6. Rokka: Braves of the Six Flowers (2015)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.2
- Studio: Passione
- Plot: Six chosen warriors gather to fight the Demon God, but suspicion arises when a seventh appears among them.
- Similarities: Echoes Black Clover’s “chosen one” narrative and intrigue-driven arcs, mixing magic battles with psychological twists.
7. Broken Blade (2010)
- Streaming: HIDIVE, Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 6 (OVA)
- MAL Rating: 7.6
- Studio: Xebec / Production I.G
- Plot: In a world where quartz-based magic drives civilization, Rygart, born unable to use magic, pilots an ancient golem to change the tides of war.
- Similarities: Much like Asta, Rygart’s lack of magical ability makes him an outsider, yet his determination and grit drive him to defy limitations.
8. 07-Ghost (2009)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- Episodes: 25
- MAL Rating: 7.1
- Studio: Studio Deen
- Plot: Teito Klein, a former slave and military student, flees after uncovering secrets tied to his past and divine powers.
- Similarities: Both highlight orphan protagonists with hidden destinies, while mixing military intrigue and religious magic systems.
9. Soul Link (2006)
- Streaming: HIDIVE
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 6.0
- Studio: Picture Magic
- Plot: A group of cadets faces survival aboard a space station under terrorist threat, navigating sci-fi elements with supernatural twists.
- Similarities: Underdog cadets rising to the occasion recalls Black Clover’s squad dynamics and growth under crisis.
10. The Legend of Legendary Heroes (2010)
- Streaming: Funimation, Hulu
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: 7.5
- Studio: ZEXCS
- Plot: Ryner, a lethargic mage, and his companion Ferris uncover corruption and hidden power while searching for legendary relics.
- Similarities: Similar balance of comedy, dark undertones, and magic-based wars, with Ryner’s “Alpha Stigma” power paralleling Asta’s anti-magic uniqueness.
11. Fairy Gone (2019)
- Streaming: Funimation, Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: 6.4
- Studio: P.A. Works
- Plot: Post-war soldiers wield fairies as weapons in a fractured land of political intrigue.
- Similarities: Explores organized squads, supernatural warfare, and the struggles of forging identity in war-torn societies—like the Magic Knight captains.
12. Orphen: Revenge (1998) / Orphen: Battle of Kimluck (2020 Reboot)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 24 (original), 13–24 per reboot season
- MAL Rating: ~6.5–7.0
- Studio: J.C. Staff
- Plot: Sorcerer Orphen journeys to save his foster sister, cursed into a monstrous form, while clashing with magical guilds.
- Similarities: Features guild rivalries, spellcasting battles, and underdog-driven journeys with comedic banter—hallmarks of Black Clover.
13. Scrapped Princess (2003)
- Streaming: Funimation, Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: 7.3
- Studio: Bones
- Plot: Pacifica Casull, prophesied to destroy the world, flees with her adoptive siblings while uncovering truths about her destiny.
- Similarities: A strong mix of prophecy, sibling bonds, and a fight against prejudice mirrors Black Clover’s themes of fate and found family.
14. Nabari no Ou (2008)
- Streaming: HIDIVE
- Episodes: 26
- MAL Rating: 7.3
- Studio: J.C. Staff
- Plot: Miharu, a disinterested teen, is forced into ninja conflicts when he inherits the Shinrabanshou, a secret art of immense power.
- Similarities: Protagonist as “chosen vessel” mirrors Asta’s grimoire destiny, with rivalries and hidden powers shaping the narrative.
15. Seiken no Blacksmith (2009)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 6.8
- Studio: Manglobe
- Plot: Cecily, a knight, teams up with blacksmith Luke, who wields mysterious demon-forged blades, in a kingdom plagued by war.
- Similarities: Themes of forging strength, mystical weapons, and teamwork echo Black Clover’s anti-magic swords and squad bonds.
Why These Anime Work for Black Clover Fans
What ties these underrated anime together is their dedication to the same shonen DNA that fuels Black Clover: protagonists fighting prejudice, structured power systems, squad dynamics, and heartfelt rivalries that push characters to grow. Whether through magical guilds, cursed destinies, or fantastical wars, each series embodies the perseverance, energy, and camaraderie that keep Black Clover fans coming back for more—only with unique spins that deserve recognition.
