Deca-Dence is a gripping 2020 sci-fi anime that follows Natsume, an underdog girl in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity survives in a massive fortress, battling monstrous Gadoll while uncovering deeper truths about their controlled society. At its core, the series explores themes of power systems tied to technology and resources like Oxyone, underdog protagonists defying systemic oppression, and bold subversions of expectations through narrative twists that challenge perceptions of reality and free will. These 15 selected underrated anime deserve more attention for their innovative takes on similar elements, offering fresh perspectives on survival, rebellion, and human resilience in lesser-known gems that blend action, mystery, and character growth.
1. 86 – Eighty-Six (2021)
Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu
Brief Plot Summary: In a war-torn world, the Republic of San Magnolia claims no casualties by deploying “unmanned” drones piloted by the marginalized “86” group, following processor Shinei Nouzen and handler Vladilena MilizĂ© as they uncover the harsh realities of discrimination and survival.
Specific Similarities to Deca-Dence: Like Deca-Dence, it features underdog protagonists fighting in a stratified society with subversive twists on war and technology, emphasizing themes of free will and systemic injustice.gamerant
Current MAL Rating: 8.2/10
Episode Count: 23
Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Toshimasa Ishii at A-1 Pictures
Awards/Recognition: Nominated for Best Sci-Fi at Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2022
2. God Eater (2015)
Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Brief Plot Summary: In a future overrun by monstrous Aragami, humanity relies on God Eaters wielding adaptive weapons to fight back, centering on Lenka Utsugi’s journey from novice to key defender.
Specific Similarities to Deca-Dence: Shares post-apocalyptic monster-hunting with power systems based on resource-harvesting weapons, underdog growth, and narrative subversions around human survival.
Current MAL Rating: 7.0/10
Episode Count: 13
Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Takayuki Hirao at Ufotable
Awards/Recognition: None major, but praised for animation quality
3. Darling in the FranXX (2018)
Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu
Brief Plot Summary: In a dystopian world, child pilots operate mecha called FranXX to battle Klaxosaurs, following Hiro and Zero Two as they navigate rebellion and identity in a controlled society.
Specific Similarities to Deca-Dence: Echoes themes of anti-capitalist oppression, underdog partnerships, and twists subverting expectations about humanity and AI-like entities.
Current MAL Rating: 7.2/10
Episode Count: 24
Notable Staff/Studio: Co-produced by Trigger and CloverWorks, directed by Toshifumi Akai
Awards/Recognition: Won Best Character Design at Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2019
4. Sakugan (2021)
Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Brief Plot Summary: In an underground colony, young Memempu and her father Gagumber pilot a mecha to explore the dangerous Labyrinth, seeking a fabled surface world.
Specific Similarities to Deca-Dence: Features similar world-building with mobile societies, underdog family dynamics, and subversive narratives on exploration and hidden truths.
Current MAL Rating: 6.9/10
Episode Count: 12
Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Jun’ichi Wada at Satelight
Awards/Recognition: None major
5. Drifting Dragons (2020)
Current Streaming Availability: Netflix
Brief Plot Summary: A crew aboard the airship Quin Zaza hunts dragons for food and resources in a vast sky world, focusing on newcomer Takita’s adaptation to this perilous life.
Specific Similarities to Deca-Dence: Mirrors monster-harvesting for survival, underdog integration into a rigid crew, and themes of free will against corporate-like structures.
Current MAL Rating: 7.1/10
Episode Count: 12
Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Tadahiro Yoshihira at Polygon Pictures
Awards/Recognition: None major
6. Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet (2013)
Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu
Brief Plot Summary: Soldier Ledo crash-lands on a flooded Earth-like planet, allying with locals aboard the Gargantia fleet to adapt to a peaceful life amid hidden threats.
Specific Similarities to Deca-Dence: Explores AI-human dynamics, underdog adaptation, and subversions of war expectations in a mobile society.
Current MAL Rating: 7.5/10
Episode Count: 13
Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Kazuya Murata at Production I.G
Awards/Recognition: None major
7. Children of the Whales (2017)
Current Streaming Availability: Netflix
Brief Plot Summary: On a drifting sand island called the Mud Whale, marked inhabitants with psychic powers uncover dark secrets when they encounter outsiders.
Specific Similarities to Deca-Dence: Shares isolated mobile communities, power systems with emotional costs, and narrative twists subverting societal norms.
Current MAL Rating: 7.4/10
Episode Count: 12
Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Kyohei Ishiguro at J.C. Staff
Awards/Recognition: None major
8. Accel World (2012)
Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu
Brief Plot Summary: Overweight student Haruyuki joins a virtual fighting game to rise through ranks, mentored by Kuroyukihime in a world where brain acceleration grants power.
Specific Similarities to Deca-Dence: Features underdog protagonists in a game-like reality with subversive twists on control and free will.
Current MAL Rating: 7.2/10
Episode Count: 24
Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Masakazu Obara at Sunrise
Awards/Recognition: None major
9. ID: Invaded (2020)
Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu
Brief Plot Summary: Detective Sakaido enters killers’ subconscious “id wells” to solve crimes, unraveling his own mysteries in a psychological sci-fi thriller.
Specific Similarities to Deca-Dence: Subversive narrative with mind-bending twists, underdog detective work, and themes of systemic irregularities.
Current MAL Rating: 7.8/10
Episode Count: 13
Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Ei Aoki at NAZ
Awards/Recognition: None major
10. Sonny Boy (2021)
Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Brief Plot Summary: Students are transported to surreal alternate dimensions, navigating existential crises and powers in a subversive coming-of-age tale.
Specific Similarities to Deca-Dence: Bold subversions of expectations, underdog group dynamics, and themes of free will in chaotic systems.
Current MAL Rating: 7.7/10
Episode Count: 12
Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Shingo Natsume at Madhouse
Awards/Recognition: None major
11. Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song (2021)
Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Brief Plot Summary: AI singer Vivy travels through time to prevent a war between humans and machines, evolving her sense of self.
Specific Similarities to Deca-Dence: AI free will themes, underdog rebellion against systems, and narrative twists on destiny.
Current MAL Rating: 8.4/10
Episode Count: 13
Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Shinpei Ezaki at Wit Studio
Awards/Recognition: Nominated for Best Sci-Fi at Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2022
12. Land of the Lustrous (2017)
Current Streaming Availability: HIDIVE
Brief Plot Summary: Immortal gem beings battle lunar invaders in a crystalline world, with Phos seeking purpose through transformation.
Specific Similarities to Deca-Dence: Unique power systems from body modifications, underdog evolution, and subversive existential narratives.
Current MAL Rating: 8.4/10
Episode Count: 12
Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Takahiko Kyogoku at Orange
Awards/Recognition: Praised for innovative 3D animation
13. Kaiju No. 8 (2024)
Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Brief Plot Summary: Kafka Hibino gains kaiju powers and joins a defense force to fight monsters, hiding his secret while rising through ranks.
Specific Similarities to Deca-Dence: Underdog protagonist with hidden abilities, monster battles, and subversions of hero expectations.
Current MAL Rating: 8.0/10
Episode Count: 12
Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Shigeyuki Miya at Production I.G
Awards/Recognition: None yet
14. Sirius the Jaeger (2018)
Current Streaming Availability: Netflix
Brief Plot Summary: Werewolf hybrid Yuliy hunts vampires in 1930s Japan, uncovering family secrets in a supernatural conflict.
Specific Similarities to Deca-Dence: Underdog revenge story with power systems from hybrid origins, narrative twists on loyalty.
Current MAL Rating: 6.9/10
Episode Count: 12
Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Masahiro Ando at P.A. Works
Awards/Recognition: None major
15. Kemono Jihen (2021)
Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Brief Plot Summary: Half-ghoul Kabane joins a detective agency handling supernatural cases, discovering his powers and heritage.
Specific Similarities to Deca-Dence: Underdog integration into a monster-fighting group, subversive themes of identity and control.
Current MAL Rating: 7.4/10
Episode Count: 12
Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Masaya Fujimori at Ajia-do
Awards/Recognition: None major
Why These Anime Work for Deca-Dence Fans
These series capture the essence of Deca-Dence’s underdog spirit, systemic critiques, and unexpected narrative turns, while introducing unique worlds and character arcs that feel fresh yet familiar. They often blend high-stakes action with deeper explorations of freedom and society, making them perfect for fans seeking more hidden treasures that challenge conventions and reward investment.
