Campione! is an action-packed supernatural harem anime that blends mythology, magic, and romance in a world where gods and mortals collide. The story follows Godou Kusanagi, an ordinary high school student who accidentally kills a god and becomes a “Campione”—a god-slayer with immense power. As a Campione, he is drawn into the world of gods, mages, and secret organizations, and he must navigate the affections of the powerful women who are drawn to him while learning to control his newfound abilities and fulfill his role as a protector of humanity.
The series is defined by its core themes: a power system rooted in the abilities stolen from defeated gods, where each Campione possesses unique and devastating powers. Godou is a quintessential underdog—an ordinary boy who is thrust into an extraordinary world and must learn to navigate its complexities while staying true to himself. Campione! masterfully subverts expectations by presenting what appears to be a simple power fantasy and gradually revealing a deeper narrative about responsibility, sacrifice, and the burden of power. It is a series that understands the weight of being chosen.
For fans of Campione!, finding similar anime can be a challenge. The series occupies a unique space—part mythological fantasy, part harem romance, part action-adventure. Yet, many underrated series share its core DNA: a focus on a male protagonist who gains immense power through an unexpected encounter, an exploration of the bonds between the protagonist and powerful female characters, and a willingness to blend action, comedy, and romance with mythological elements. These shows deserve far more attention for their entertainment value, their character development, and their refusal to provide easy answers.
Here are 15 underrated anime that capture the spirit of Campione!.
1. High School DxD (2012)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 7.3
- Episodes: 12 (Season 1)
- Studio: TNK
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Ichiei Ishibumi.
Plot Summary: Issei Hyoudou, a perverted high school student, is killed on his first date and resurrected as a devil by Rias Gremory, a beautiful demon princess. He becomes her servant and fights in supernatural battles.
*Similarities to Campione!:* Both are harem action series about a male protagonist who gains supernatural powers through an unexpected event and is surrounded by powerful female characters. The focus is on the relationships and the blend of action, comedy, and romance. The series is a fun, ecchi fantasy.
2. Trinity Seven (2014)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 7.1
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Seven Arcs
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Kenji Saito and Akinari Nao.
Plot Summary: Arata Kasuga, a boy whose cousin disappears in a magical incident, enrolls in a magic academy to find her. He meets seven powerful female mages.
*Similarities to Campione!:* Both are about a male protagonist who enters the world of magic and is surrounded by powerful female characters. The focus is on the harem relationships and the development of magical abilities. The series is a fun, action-packed fantasy.
3. The Irregular at Magic High School (2014)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu
- Rating: MAL: 7.4
- Episodes: 26
- Studio: Madhouse
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Tsutomu Satou.
Plot Summary: Tatsuya and Miyuki Shiba enroll at First High School. Tatsuya is placed in the “Weed” class for students with low practical magic scores, but he possesses immense technical knowledge.
*Similarities to Campione!:* Both are set in a world where magic is real and follow a powerful male protagonist who is initially underestimated. The focus is on the strategic application of abilities and the bonds with female characters. The series is a blend of action, drama, and political intrigue.
4. Aesthetica of a Rogue Hero (2012)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 6.7
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Arms
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Tetsuto Uesu.
Plot Summary: Akatsuki Ousawa, a hero who defeated a demon king, returns to Earth with the demon king’s daughter. He enrolls in a school for those who have returned from other worlds.
*Similarities to Campione!:* Both are about a male protagonist who is incredibly skilled but underestimated, and is surrounded by female characters. The focus is on the harem relationships and the blend of action and comedy. The series is a fun, ecchi fantasy.
5. The Legend of the Legendary Heroes (2010)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 7.5
- Episodes: 24
- Studio: Zexcs
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Takaya Kagami.
Plot Summary: Ryner Lute, a lazy but brilliant mage with cursed eyes, and Ferris Eris, a skilled swordswoman, embark on a quest to find legendary relics.
*Similarities to Campione!:* Both feature a powerful protagonist with a cursed or special ability who must navigate political intrigue and the bonds with companions. The focus is on the cost of power and the burden of destiny. The series is an ambitious, character-driven fantasy.
6. Bladedance of Elementalers (2014)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 6.6
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: TNK
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Yuu Shimizu.
Plot Summary: Kamito Kazehaya, the only male elementalist in the world, is forced to attend Areishia Spirit Academy, a school for female elementalists.
*Similarities to Campione!:* Both are about a male protagonist who is unique in a female-dominated world and must navigate a school setting. The focus is on the harem relationships and the tournament arc. The series is a fun, action-packed fantasy.
7. Chivalry of a Failed Knight (2015)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu
- Rating: MAL: 7.4
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Silver Link, Nexus
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Riku Misora.
Plot Summary: Ikki Kurogane, a student branded a “Failed Knight” due to his low magical power, refuses to give up on his dream. He relies on his honed swordsmanship and strategic brilliance.
*Similarities to Campione!:* Both are about a male protagonist who is underestimated by a flawed system despite possessing immense skill. The focus is on the strategic application of abilities and the bonds formed with a talented female partner. The series is a heartfelt, action-packed underdog story.
8. Date A Live (2013)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 7.2
- Episodes: 12 (Season 1)
- Studio: AIC Plus+
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Koushi Tachibana.
Plot Summary: Shido Itsuka must date and seal the powers of “Spirits,” mysterious beings who cause spatial quakes. He must win their hearts to save the world.
*Similarities to Campione!:* Both are about a male protagonist who gains power through interactions with supernatural beings and must navigate relationships with multiple female characters. The focus is on the blend of action, comedy, and romance. The series is a fun, action-packed harem comedy.
9. The Asterisk War (2015)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 6.9
- Episodes: 12 (Season 1)
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Yuu Miyazaki.
Plot Summary: Ayato Amagiri transfers to Seidoukan Academy, a school where students with special abilities compete in tournaments. He must find a partner.
*Similarities to Campione!:* Both are set in elite academies where students with unique powers compete. The focus is on the partnership between the male protagonist and a talented female fighter. The series is a blend of action, comedy, and romance.
10. Tokyo Ravens (2013)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 7.3
- Episodes: 24
- Studio: 8-Bit
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Kouhei Azano.
Plot Summary: Harutora Tsuchimikado, from a prestigious onmyouji family, lacks the ability to see spirits. His life changes when his childhood friend Natsume re-enters his life.
*Similarities to Campione!:* Both are about a protagonist from a special family who is drawn into the world of magic and must navigate its complexities. The focus is on the bonds between characters and the supernatural threats they face. The series is a blend of action, drama, and political intrigue.
11. Undefeated Bahamut Chronicle (2016)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 6.5
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Lerche
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Senri Akatsuki.
Plot Summary: Lux Arcadia, a former prince known as the “Weakest Undefeated,” is forced to become a servant for the girls at an academy while piloting powerful mechs.
*Similarities to Campione!:* Both are harem action series set in an academy where the male protagonist pilots powerful weapons and is surrounded by female characters. The focus is on the relationships and the blend of action, comedy, and romance.
12. Absolute Duo (2015)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 6.4
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: 8-Bit
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Takumi Hiiragiboshi.
Plot Summary: Tooru Kokonoe, an unusual student who manifests a shield instead of a weapon, enrolls at Kouryou Academy. He must partner with Julie Sigtuna.
*Similarities to Campione!:* Both are set in a school where students manifest weapons and must form partnerships. The focus is on the bond between the male protagonist and a central female character, with a blend of action and romance.
13. Hundred (2016)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 6.1
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Production IMS
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Jun Misaki.
Plot Summary: Hayato Kisaragi, a boy with the highest compatibility with the “Hundred” weapons, enrolls at Little Garden academy.
*Similarities to Campione!:* Both are harem action series set in a school for students with special weapons, where the male protagonist is unique or exceptional. The focus is on the relationships with multiple female characters and the blend of action, comedy, and romance.
14. Sky Wizards Academy (2015)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 6.3
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Diomedéa
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Yuu Moroboshi.
Plot Summary: Kanata Age, a former ace wizard who has fallen from grace, is assigned to teach a team of three troublesome girls at the Sky Wizards Academy.
*Similarities to Campione!:* Both are set in an academy for individuals with special abilities, where the male protagonist is an underdog who must prove himself. The focus is on the relationships with multiple female characters and the blend of action and comedy.
15. The Familiar of Zero (2006)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu
- Rating: MAL: 7.4
- Episodes: 13 (Season 1)
- Studio: J.C. Staff
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Noboru Yamaguchi.
Plot Summary: Louise, a student at a magic academy known as “Louise the Zero,” accidentally summons Saito Hiraga, a boy from Japan, as her familiar.
*Similarities to Campione!:* Both are about a male protagonist who is drawn into a world of magic and forms a bond with a powerful female character. The focus is on the relationship between the leads and the blend of action, comedy, and romance.
Why These Anime Work for Campione! Fans
Fans of Campione! are drawn to stories that blend mythology, action, and harem romance, and they are invested in protagonists who gain immense power through unexpected circumstances. They appreciate a narrative that explores the responsibilities that come with power, and they are not looking for simple action or escapism, but for fun, entertaining stories with genuine emotional moments.
The anime listed above all share this fundamental DNA:
- The Unexpected Power: Whether it is killing a god, being resurrected as a devil, or discovering a rare ability, these series understand that the most compelling protagonists are those who are thrust into power unexpectedly. Their journey is one of learning to control their abilities and accepting their responsibilities.
- The Powerful Female Cast: These series feature strong, capable female characters who are often more experienced than the protagonist. The focus is on the bonds they form and the respect they develop for each other.
- Subversion of the Power Fantasy: These series use the framework of the power fantasy to explore deeper themes of responsibility, sacrifice, and the burden of being chosen. They understand that power is not just a gift, but a responsibility.
These 15 anime, like Campione!, are not afraid to be entertaining. They are underrated gems that offer a fun, action-packed, and emotionally resonant experience for viewers who are looking for stories about the power of the gods, the bonds of love, and the courage to accept one’s destiny.
