Fantastic Four: World’s Greatest Heroes reimagines Marvel’s iconic team through bold animation, witty banter, and emotionally rich arcs. With its focus on teamwork, character flaws, wild science fiction, and balancing heroism with humanity, it delivers a fresh take on superhero storytelling.
These 15 underrated anime offer similar flavors—team dynamics, extraordinary powers, and the clash between science and morality—while diving deep into character growth and genre-defying narratives. Whether you’re drawn to intergalactic plots or complex interpersonal bonds, this list has you covered.
1. Heroman (2010)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 6.9 | Episodes: 26
Studio: Bones | Created by: Stan Lee
Plot Summary: Joey, a bullied teen, gains a powerful robot named Heroman and battles an alien invasion.
Similarities: Co-created by Stan Lee, this series mirrors Fantastic Four’s Western superhero spirit with teamwork, gadgets, and youthful courage.
2. Concrete Revolutio (2015)
Streaming: Funimation
MAL Rating: 6.8 | Episodes: 24
Studio: Bones
Plot Summary: In a retro-futuristic Tokyo, a government bureau oversees the regulation of superhumans.
Similarities: Features clashing ideologies among powered beings, with themes of public responsibility and sci-fi aesthetics akin to the Fantastic Four.
3. Tiger & Bunny (2011)
Streaming: Netflix, Hulu
MAL Rating: 7.9 | Episodes: 25
Studio: Sunrise
Plot Summary: Corporate-sponsored superheroes protect the city while dealing with fame, ethics, and partnerships.
Similarities: Emphasizes media-driven heroism, team friction, and character duality—just like Johnny and Ben’s public antics.
4. Ga-Rei: Zero (2008)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.5 | Episodes: 12
Studio: AIC Spirits, Asread
Plot Summary: A supernatural defense team battles spirits threatening Japan, haunted by betrayal and love.
Similarities: Sibling bonds, government science, and inner conflict echo the human drama of Fantastic Four.
5. Gatchaman Crowds (2013)
Streaming: HIDIVE
MAL Rating: 7.2 | Episodes: 12
Studio: Tatsunoko Production
Plot Summary: A team of Gatchaman heroes defends Earth with tech-based powers in a highly networked society.
Similarities: Balances innovation with social commentary, mirroring Reed’s dilemma between science and ethics.
6. Zetman (2012)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 6.9 | Episodes: 13
Studio: TMS Entertainment
Plot Summary: Two men on opposite moral paths battle monsters born from a biotech experiment.
Similarities: Darker tone, but explores identity, transformation, and legacy—akin to Ben Grimm and Doom’s arcs.
7. Karas (2005)
Streaming: Amazon Prime
MAL Rating: 7.1 | Episodes: 6
Studio: Tatsunoko Production
Plot Summary: A spectral protector defends Tokyo against mechanical demons disrupting the balance between humans and spirits.
Similarities: Urban science fantasy, internal duality, and crisp, futuristic visuals.
8. Active Raid (2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 6.2 | Episodes: 24
Studio: Production IMS
Plot Summary: A bureaucratic special unit uses exosuits to combat rogue powered individuals in Tokyo.
Similarities: Features law enforcement as a science-heavy team with varying personalities—mirroring Fantastic Four’s internal conflicts.
9. Gatchaman (OVA) (1994)
Streaming: DVD
MAL Rating: 7.1 | Episodes: 3
Studio: Tatsunoko Production
Plot Summary: A modern retelling of the classic team-based anime, with stylish animation and a tighter focus.
Similarities: Tightly-knit super team, distinct personalities, and moral dilemmas in missions.
10. Elemental Gelade (2005)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.0 | Episodes: 26
Studio: Xebec
Plot Summary: A sky pirate and a living weapon bond as they escape militaristic pursuers and search for peace.
Similarities: Combines sci-fi weaponry, emotional bonds, and evolving teamwork with lighthearted adventure.
11. Tokyo ESP (2014)
Streaming: Funimation
MAL Rating: 6.4 | Episodes: 12
Studio: Xebec
Plot Summary: After gaining teleportation powers, a high school girl joins a group defending Tokyo from espers.
Similarities: A younger take on power responsibility, paralleling Sue and Johnny’s journey into heroism.
12. Casshern Sins (2008)
Streaming: Funimation
MAL Rating: 7.3 | Episodes: 24
Studio: Madhouse
Plot Summary: A lone android seeks redemption in a world where robots face extinction.
Similarities: Shares Ben Grimm’s existential weight and explores purpose beyond surface-level strength.
13. Gun x Sword (2005)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.3 | Episodes: 26
Studio: AIC ASTA
Plot Summary: A man with a transforming sword-arm searches for revenge, meeting oddball allies along the way.
Similarities: Combines team camaraderie with justice-driven missions, much like Fantastic Four’s dynamic adventures.
14. Majestic Prince (2013)
Streaming: HIDIVE
MAL Rating: 7.4 | Episodes: 24
Studio: Dogakobo, Orange
Plot Summary: Genetically-enhanced teens pilot advanced mechs to protect humanity from alien forces.
Similarities: Focus on engineered abilities, teamwork, and emotional growth under pressure.
15. Dual! Parallel Trouble Adventure (1999)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.1 | Episodes: 13
Studio: AIC
Plot Summary: A high schooler slips into a parallel world where he pilots a mech to save the universe.
Similarities: Blends science, alternate realities, and character quirks with light-hearted but meaningful storytelling.
Why These Anime Work for Fantastic Four Fans
These anime shine with ensemble casts, sci-fi tech, interpersonal drama, and moments of levity amidst high-stakes battles. They capture the Fantastic Four spirit—teams with flaws, heart, and brainpower navigating the messy line between humanity and heroism. Whether it’s a dysfunctional government unit or a cosmic rebellion, each title celebrates the power of sticking together when everything else falls apart.
