Chivalry of a Failed Knight (Rakudai Kishi no Cavalry) is a surprisingly heartfelt and thrilling entry in the “battle academy” genre, proving that familiar tropes can be elevated with strong character writing and genuine emotional stakes. The story follows Ikki Kurogane, a student at Hagun Academy who is branded a “Failed Knight” or “Worst One” due to his incredibly low magical power. Despite being looked down upon by his peers and his own family, Ikki refuses to give up on his dream of becoming a great knight, relying on his honed swordsmanship and strategic brilliance to overcome opponents with vastly superior magical abilities.
The series is defined by its core themes: a power system where magical “Blazers” manifest weapons and abilities, but where technique, strategy, and determination can overcome raw power. Ikki is the quintessential underdog—a character who is told he is worthless but proves his worth through sheer grit and skill. Chivalry of a Failed Knight masterfully subverts expectations by taking the typical harem and battle-school setup and focusing intensely on a single, committed romantic relationship, while also exploring themes of self-worth, the pressure of family expectations, and the true meaning of strength.
For fans of Chivalry of a Failed Knight, finding similar anime can be a challenge. The series occupies a unique space—part action-packed tournament arc, part earnest romance, part underdog story with a surprising amount of heart. Yet, many underrated series share its core DNA: a focus on a protagonist who is underestimated by the world, a power system that rewards creativity and hard work, and a willingness to commit to genuine character development over shallow fan service. These shows deserve far more attention for their emotional resonance, their exciting action, and their refusal to take the easy path.
Here are 15 underrated anime that capture the spirit of Chivalry of a Failed Knight.
1. The Asterisk War (Gakusen Toshi Asterisk) (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 called “Festas.” He must find a partner and navigate the complex political landscape of the academy while searching for clues about his missing sister.
Similarities to Chivalry of a Failed Knight: Both are set in elite academies where students with unique powers compete in structured tournaments. The focus is on the partnership between the male protagonist and a talented female fighter, and the development of their relationship through combat. The power systems are similar, with weapons and abilities being manifestations of personal power.
2. 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: At Kouryou Academy, students manifest their souls as weapons called “Blazes” and are trained to fight. Tooru Kokonoe, an unusual student who manifests a shield instead of a weapon, must partner with Julie Sigtuna, a mysterious girl, to survive the academy’s challenges.
Similarities to Chivalry of a Failed Knight: Both feature a protagonist with an unconventional or seemingly weaker ability who is underestimated by others. The “Blaze” system is very similar to the “Blazer” system in Chivalry, with weapons being manifestations of the soul. The focus on the bond between the two leads and the theme of proving one’s worth despite limitations are central to both.
3. Aesthetica of a Rogue Hero (Hagure Yuusha no Aesthetica) (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 in another world, returns to Earth with the demon king’s daughter, Miu. He is enrolled in a special school for those who have returned from other worlds, where he must protect Miu from those who would exploit her powers.
Similarities to Chivalry of a Failed Knight: Both feature a protagonist who is incredibly skilled but is underestimated or dismissed by those around him. Akatsuki, like Ikki, is an underdog in terms of social standing, despite his immense power. The series is set in a school for special individuals and focuses on the protagonist’s relationship with a single, central heroine.
4. The Irregular at Magic High School (Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei) (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: In a world where magic is a recognized technology, siblings 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 and unique, devastating abilities that make him a force to be reckoned with.
Similarities to Chivalry of a Failed Knight: Both feature a protagonist who is placed in the lowest class due to a flawed assessment system, despite possessing incredible abilities. The focus on the tension between the “Blooms” and the “Weeds” mirrors the class system in Chivalry. The protagonist is an underdog who must prove himself against a system that has already written him off.
5. Dragonar Academy (Seikoku no Dragonar) (2014)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 6.3
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: C-Station
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Shiki Mizuchi.
Plot Summary: Ash Blake is a student at Ansarivan Dragonar Academy, a school for those who train to ride dragons. He is known as the “problem child” because his dragon has never hatched, but his life changes when his dragon finally emerges in the form of a young girl named Eco.
Similarities to Chivalry of a Failed Knight: Both are set in academies where students are trained to use special powers, and the protagonist is initially seen as a failure. The focus is on the bond between the protagonist and his partner, and the gradual development of his abilities. The series is a mix of action, comedy, and harem elements, but with a sincere emotional core.
6. 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. He must navigate the challenges of training, forming partnerships, and fighting against mysterious enemies while uncovering the secrets of his own past.
Similarities to Chivalry of a Failed Knight: Both are set in a school for students with special weapons and abilities, with a focus on tournaments and training. The protagonist is an underdog who is initially looked down upon but proves his worth through his skills. The series features a central romantic relationship and a blend of action, comedy, and drama.
7. Undefeated Bahamut Chronicle (Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut) (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 is a former prince who is known as the “Weakest Undefeated,” a title earned for his tactical genius rather than raw power. He accidentally stumbles upon a secret in the women’s dormitory and is forced to become a servant for the girls, all while piloting powerful mechs called “Drag-Rides.”
Similarities to Chivalry of a Failed Knight: Both feature a protagonist who is labeled as “weak” but is actually a brilliant strategist and skilled fighter. Lux, like Ikki, wins battles through technique and intelligence rather than overwhelming power. The series is set in an academy and features a central relationship with a strong female lead.
8. Sky Wizards Academy (Kuusen Madoushi Kouhosei no Kyoukan) (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 is a former ace wizard who has fallen from grace and is now a traitor to his squad. He is assigned to teach a team of three troublesome girls at the Sky Wizards Academy, training them to become capable fighters while confronting his own past failures.
Similarities to Chivalry of a Failed Knight: Both feature a protagonist who is a skilled fighter but is looked down upon or mistrusted by others. Kanata, like Ikki, is an underdog who must earn the respect of his peers through his actions. The focus on training, mentorship, and the bond between the protagonist and his students mirrors the themes of growth and perseverance in Chivalry.
9. Unbreakable Machine-Doll (Kikou Shoujo wa Kizutsukanai) (2013)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 7.0
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Lerche
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Reiji Kaitou.
Plot Summary: Raishin Akabane, a puppeteer from Japan, attends the Walpurgis Royal Academy of Machinart, where students control automated dolls in combat. He seeks revenge for the death of his family, accompanied by his doll, Yaya, who is deeply devoted to him.
Similarities to Chivalry of a Failed Knight: Both are set in a school for combat with a unique power system, where students control external entities (dolls vs. weapons). The protagonist is an underdog who is initially underestimated but proves to be a brilliant strategist. The relationship between Raishin and Yaya is central to the story, providing both comedic and emotional moments.
10. The Testament of Sister New Devil (Shinmai Maou no Testament) (2015)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 6.7
- Episodes: 12 (Season 1)
- Studio: Production IMS
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Tetsuto Uesu.
Plot Summary: Basara Toujou is a young man from a family of heroes who must protect his two new stepsisters, Mio and Maria, who are secretly a demon lord and a succubus. He must fight against those who seek to harm them, using his inherited powers and his determination to protect his new family.
Similarities to Chivalry of a Failed Knight: Both feature a protagonist who is an underdog in terms of his family’s expectations but is actually incredibly skilled. The focus is on the intense, committed relationship between the protagonist and a single central heroine. The series is known for its ecchi content, but underneath it is a sincere story about family, loyalty, and the will to protect.
11. Bladedance of Elementalers (Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance) (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. He must participate in the Blade Dance, a tournament that determines the strongest elementalist, while hiding his true identity and his connection to a dark past.
Similarities to Chivalry of a Failed Knight: Both are set in a school for users of a specific magical system and feature a tournament arc that tests the protagonist’s skills. Kamito, like Ikki, is an underdog who is initially looked down upon but possesses immense hidden power. The focus on a central relationship and the theme of overcoming one’s past are strong parallels.
12. Freezing (2011)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 6.7
- Episodes: 12 (Season 1)
- Studio: A.C.G.T.
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Dall-Young Lim and Kwang-Hyun Kim.
Plot Summary: In a future where Earth is invaded by extradimensional beings called “Nova,” genetically modified girls called “Pandora” fight alongside male partners called “Limiters.” Kazuya Aoi enrolls at a school for Pandora and Limiters, where he is paired with the powerful and isolated Satellizer el Bridget.
Similarities to Chivalry of a Failed Knight: Both feature a male protagonist who is initially seen as weak but has a unique ability that makes him valuable. The “Pandora” and “Limiter” system is a clear power system with rules and limitations. The focus on the intense, committed relationship between Kazuya and Satellizer mirrors the romance in Chivalry, and both series feature graphic, high-stakes combat.
13. Aria the Scarlet Ammo (Hidan no Aria) (2011)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 6.8
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: J.C. Staff
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Chugaku Akamatsu.
Plot Summary: Kinji Tohyama is a student at Tokyo Butei High School, a school that trains armed detectives. He has a secret ability that activates when he is aroused, making him an incredibly skilled fighter. He is forced to partner with Aria H. Kanzaki, a fiery girl who is determined to prove herself as a great detective.
Similarities to Chivalry of a Failed Knight: Both are set in specialized schools for combat and feature a male protagonist with a unique condition that allows him to access immense power under specific circumstances. Kinji, like Ikki, is an underdog who is initially underestimated. The partnership between Kinji and Aria is central to the story, and both series balance action with comedic and romantic elements.
14. World Break: Aria of Curse for a Holy Swordsman (Seiken Tsukai no World Break) (2015)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 6.4
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Diomedéa
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Akamitsu Awamura.
Plot Summary: Moroha Haimura is a student at Akane Academy, a school for those who remember their past lives and can use the powers they possessed in those lives. He is unique in that he remembers two past lives, giving him access to both sword techniques and magical abilities, making him a target for those who fear his power.
Similarities to Chivalry of a Failed Knight: Both are set in a school for students with special abilities and feature a protagonist who is initially underestimated but possesses immense hidden power. The focus on a central relationship and the theme of overcoming one’s past are strong parallels. The power system, based on past lives, is a creative variation on the standard “special weapon” trope.
15. Kaze no Stigma (2007)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 7.2
- Episodes: 24
- Studio: Gonzo
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Takahiro Yamato.
Plot Summary: Kazuma Yagami, once exiled from his family for his lack of fire magic, returns after years of training as a powerful wind mage. He must reluctantly work with his younger brother and his family’s fire magic to confront a series of demonic threats.
Similarities to Chivalry of a Failed Knight: Both feature a protagonist who was considered a failure by his family and returns to prove his worth, wielding a different kind of power. The focus on family legacy, the clash between different magical traditions, and the theme of finding one’s own path are central to both. Kazuma is an underdog who has become powerful through hard work, a direct parallel to Ikki’s journey.
Why These Anime Work for Chivalry of a Failed Knight Fans
Fans of Chivalry of a Failed Knight are drawn to stories that combine exciting, well-choreographed action with genuine emotional stakes. They appreciate a protagonist who is underestimated by the world but proves his worth through hard work, strategy, and an unbreakable spirit. They are invested in the development of a sincere, committed romantic relationship, and they are not afraid of a story that is willing to wear its heart on its sleeve.
The anime listed above all share this fundamental DNA:
- Power Systems That Reward Skill and Strategy: Whether it is the Blazers, the Blazes, or the Drag-Rides, these series understand that a power is only as good as the person who wields it. The protagonists are often at a disadvantage in terms of raw power, but they overcome this through technique, intelligence, and sheer determination.
- The Ultimate Underdog: The protagonists are not chosen ones destined for greatness. They are ordinary people who are told they are not good enough and must fight against the expectations of their families, their schools, and society. Their victories are hard-won and deeply satisfying.
- Subversion of the Harem Trope: While many of these series feature multiple female characters, they often subvert the standard harem formula by focusing on a single, committed relationship. The romance is not a distraction from the plot but a central element that drives character development and emotional stakes.
These 15 anime, like Chivalry of a Failed Knight, understand that the most compelling heroes are not the ones who are born powerful, but the ones who earn their strength through sweat, tears, and an unyielding belief in themselves. They are underrated gems that offer a perfect blend of action, romance, and heartfelt drama for viewers who are willing to root for the underdog.
