This article highlights 15 underrated anime similar to Buso Renkin, focusing on series with alchemy-like power systems, underdog heroes rising against supernatural threats, and narratives that subvert typical shonen tropes through clever character development or unexpected twists.
These selections mix older gems and recent finds, emphasizing lesser-known titles that deserve more attention for their engaging stories, unique visuals, and thematic depth. They offer fresh takes on action and growth, often overlooked amid mainstream hits.
1. Ushio to Tora (2015)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
Brief Plot Summary: High schooler Ushio Aotsuki accidentally releases a powerful yokai named Tora from a spear-sealed prison, forming an uneasy alliance to battle other demonic threats while uncovering ancient prophecies.
Similarities to Buso Renkin: Like Kazuki’s revival and partnership with Tokiko, Ushio’s bond with Tora mirrors reluctant teamwork against monsters, featuring underdog growth and a spear-based power system that subverts expectations with humor and deep camaraderie.
Additional Details: MAL Rating: 7.56; Episode Count: 39; Studio: MAPPA and Studio VOLN; Notable Staff: Directed by Satoshi Nishimura; Recognition: Nominated for Best Action Anime at Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2016.
2. D.Gray-man (2006)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
Brief Plot Summary: Allen Walker, an exorcist with a cursed eye, joins the Black Order to fight Akuma—soul-bound machines created by the Millennium Earl—while grappling with his own dark past.
Similarities to Buso Renkin: Both feature protagonists revived or altered by supernatural forces, battling homunculus-like entities with unique weaponized powers, emphasizing underdog resilience and moral dilemmas that subvert shonen heroism tropes.
Additional Details: MAL Rating: 8.00; Episode Count: 103; Studio: TMS Entertainment; Notable Staff: Directed by Osamu Nabeshima; Recognition: Ranked in top shonen adaptations by Anime News Network polls.
3. World Trigger (2014)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Brief Plot Summary: In a world invaded by alien Neighbors, young Yuma Kuga teams up with border agent Osamu Mikumo to wield Triggers—energy weapons—for defense, navigating team battles and personal secrets.
Similarities to Buso Renkin: Shares a tactical power system akin to alchemy weapons, with underdog protagonists strategizing against overwhelming foes, subverting action tropes through intellect over brute force.
Additional Details: MAL Rating: 7.58; Episode Count: 99 (across seasons); Studio: Toei Animation; Notable Staff: Directed by Mitsuru Hongo; Recognition: Praised for unique power mechanics in Reddit’s underrated anime discussions.
4. Katekyo Hitman Reborn! (2006)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Brief Plot Summary: Timid Tsuna Sawada is chosen as the next Vongola mafia boss and trained by infant hitman Reborn, unlocking flame-based powers to face rival families.
Similarities to Buso Renkin: Echoes Kazuki’s transformation from ordinary teen to warrior, with a mentorship dynamic and evolving power system that subverts expectations via comedic yet intense character arcs.
Additional Details: MAL Rating: 8.12; Episode Count: 203; Studio: Artland; Notable Staff: Directed by Kenichi Imaizumi; Recognition: Won Best Shonen at Tokyo Anime Awards 2007.
5. Zatch Bell! (2003)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Brief Plot Summary: Kiyo Takamine partners with demon child Zatch to compete in a tournament where mamodo battle for kingship using spellbooks that unleash magical attacks.
Similarities to Buso Renkin: Features underdog duos wielding book-activated powers against supernatural beings, similar to alchemy artifacts, with themes of friendship subverting battle royale expectations.
Additional Details: MAL Rating: 7.56; Episode Count: 150; Studio: Toei Animation; Notable Staff: Directed by Tetsuji Nakamura; Recognition: Nominated for Seiun Award for sci-fi elements.
6. Flame of Recca (1997)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Brief Plot Summary: Recca Hanabishi, a modern ninja with flame-manipulating abilities, enters a deadly tournament to protect his friends and uncover his clan’s secrets.
Similarities to Buso Renkin: Both protagonists harness elemental powers in artifact form, facing monstrous foes as underdogs, with narratives subverting shonen tournaments through personal stakes and growth.
Additional Details: MAL Rating: 7.58; Episode Count: 42; Studio: Studio Pierrot; Notable Staff: Directed by Noriyuki Abe; Recognition: Cult favorite in early shonen revival discussions.
7. Law of Ueki (2005)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Brief Plot Summary: Kosuke Ueki gains the ability to turn trash into trees from a god candidate, competing in a battle for divine power while adhering to strict moral rules.
Similarities to Buso Renkin: Mirrors the creative power system and underdog hero’s ethical battles, subverting action norms with environmental themes and clever ability limitations.
Additional Details: MAL Rating: 7.72; Episode Count: 51; Studio: Studio Deen; Notable Staff: Directed by Hiroshi Watanabe; Recognition: Praised for originality in power systems by Anime-Planet users.
8. Kekkaishi (2006)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Brief Plot Summary: Yoshimori and Tokine, young kekkaishi, use barrier magic to seal ayakashi spirits at a haunted school, balancing rivalry and alliance in their duties.
Similarities to Buso Renkin: Involves supernatural warriors with barrier-based powers fighting entities like homunculi, featuring underdog teamwork and subversion through family legacies.
Additional Details: MAL Rating: 7.58; Episode Count: 52; Studio: Sunrise; Notable Staff: Directed by Kenji Kodama; Recognition: Won Best TV Anime at Tokyo Anime Awards 2007.
9. GetBackers (2002)
Streaming Availability: Funimation
Brief Plot Summary: Ban Mido and Ginji Amano, recovery specialists with supernatural abilities, take on jobs to retrieve lost items in a chaotic urban underworld.
Similarities to Buso Renkin: Shares episodic monster-of-the-week fights with unique powers, underdog protagonists, and subversion via psychological twists in battles.
Additional Details: MAL Rating: 7.58; Episode Count: 49; Studio: Studio Deen; Notable Staff: Directed by Kazuhiro Furuhashi; Recognition: Noted for action choreography in underrated lists.
10. Black Cat (2005)
Streaming Availability: Funimation
Brief Plot Summary: Former assassin Train Heartnet abandons his organization to become a sweeper, using his gun and luck-based powers to hunt bounties with new allies.
Similarities to Buso Renkin: Protagonist’s redemption arc echoes Kazuki’s revival, with weaponized abilities and underdog fights subverting assassin tropes through themes of freedom.
Additional Details: MAL Rating: 7.35; Episode Count: 23; Studio: Gonzo; Notable Staff: Directed by Shin Itagaki; Recognition: Praised for fluid animation in shonen reviews.
11. Noragami (2014)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu
Brief Plot Summary: Minor god Yato teams with spirit Hiyori and weapon Yukine to perform odd jobs, battling phantoms while seeking fame in the divine world.
Similarities to Buso Renkin: Features artifact-like spirit weapons and underdog god’s rise, subverting shonen with emotional depth in partnerships and supernatural bureaucracy.
Additional Details: MAL Rating: 7.95; Episode Count: 25 (across seasons); Studio: Bones; Notable Staff: Directed by Kotaro Tamura; Recognition: Nominated for Crunchyroll Anime Awards.
12. Kemono Jihen (2021)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Brief Plot Summary: Half-ghoul Kabane joins a detective agency of supernatural beings to solve monstrous cases and uncover his origins.
Similarities to Buso Renkin: Underdog hybrid protagonist fights homunculus-esque creatures with team support, subverting expectations through mystery and unique kemono powers.
Additional Details: MAL Rating: 7.38; Episode Count: 12; Studio: Ajia-do; Notable Staff: Directed by Masaya Fujimori; Recognition: Highlighted as underrated in 2021 by Anime News Network.
13. s-CRY-ed (2001)
Streaming Availability: Funimation
Brief Plot Summary: In a post-apocalyptic world, Alter users like Kazuma wield personalized powers in turf wars against a oppressive organization.
Similarities to Buso Renkin: Customizable Alter powers parallel alchemy weapons, with underdog rebellion subverting shonen through gritty, personal vendettas.
Additional Details: MAL Rating: 7.38; Episode Count: 26; Studio: Sunrise; Notable Staff: Directed by Goro Taniguchi; Recognition: Cult classic for power system innovation.
14. Air Gear (2006)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Brief Plot Summary: Ikki Minami discovers motorized rollerblades granting flight-like powers, forming a team to compete in aerial battles and uncover conspiracies.
Similarities to Buso Renkin: Tech-based powers enhance underdog athleticism, subverting sports shonen with high-stakes action and character evolution.
Additional Details: MAL Rating: 7.47; Episode Count: 25; Studio: Toei Animation; Notable Staff: Directed by Hajime Kamegaki; Recognition: Noted for dynamic animation in extreme sports genre.
15. Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple (2006)
Streaming Availability: Funimation
Brief Plot Summary: Weakling Kenichi Shirahama trains under multiple martial arts masters to protect his friends, developing hybrid fighting styles against school gangs.
Similarities to Buso Renkin: Underdog’s rigorous training mirrors Kazuki’s power awakening, subverting tropes with comedic mentorship and realistic growth in battles.
Additional Details: MAL Rating: 8.06; Episode Count: 50; Studio: TMS Entertainment; Notable Staff: Directed by Hajime Kamegaki; Recognition: Praised for martial arts authenticity in shonen polls.
Why These Anime Work for Buso Renkin Fans
These series capture Buso Renkin’s essence through inventive power systems that empower underdogs, blending high-octane action with character-driven stories that often twist shonen conventions. They offer emotional depth, unique visuals, and themes of partnership against supernatural odds, making them perfect for fans seeking fresh yet familiar adventures. Exploring these underrated gems can reignite the excitement of alchemy-fueled heroism while highlighting overlooked creativity in anime.
