Freezing is a dark, action-packed sci-fi anime that blends ecchi elements, intense battles, and emotional drama. The story is set in a future where Earth is invaded by extradimensional beings called “Nova.” To fight them, genetically modified girls called “Pandora” are paired with male partners called “Limiters,” who can enhance their abilities through a process called “Freezing.” The story follows Kazuya Aoi, a young man who enrolls at a school for Pandora and Limiters, where he is paired with the powerful and isolated Satellizer el Bridget.
The series is defined by its core themes: a power system rooted in the partnership between Pandora and Limiter, where trust and emotional connection are central to unlocking true strength. Kazuya is a quintessential underdog—a boy with a mysterious past who is initially seen as weak, but who possesses a unique ability that makes him valuable. Freezing masterfully subverts expectations by presenting what appears to be a simple ecchi action series and gradually revealing a darker, more emotionally complex narrative about trauma, trust, and the cost of war. It is a series that understands the weight of a partnership.
For fans of Freezing, finding similar anime can be a challenge. The series occupies a unique space—part sci-fi action, part ecchi harem, part emotional drama. Yet, many underrated series share its core DNA: a focus on a male protagonist who forms a partnership with a powerful female fighter, an exploration of a power system rooted in that partnership, and a willingness to blend action, romance, and dark themes. 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 Freezing.
1. The Testament of Sister New Devil (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 must protect his two new stepsisters, Mio and Maria, who are secretly a demon lord and a succubus. He forms a “master-servant contract” with them that requires intimate acts to maintain their powers.
Similarities to Freezing: Both feature a male protagonist who forms an intimate bond with powerful female fighters, with a power system tied to their partnership. The focus is on the blend of action, romance, and ecchi elements. The series is a dark, action-packed fantasy.
2. 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 and resurrected as a devil by Rias Gremory. He becomes her servant and fights in supernatural battles.
Similarities to Freezing: Both are ecchi action series about a male protagonist who gains supernatural powers through a bond with powerful female characters. The focus is on the blend of action, comedy, and romance. The series is a landmark of the genre.
3. Sekirei (2008)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 7.1
- Episodes: 12 (Season 1)
- Studio: Seven Arcs
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Sakurako Gokurakuin.
Plot Summary: Minato Sahashi, a failed college student, becomes involved in the “Sekirei Plan,” a competition where beautiful women with supernatural powers fight for supremacy. He becomes the “Ashikabi” of several Sekirei.
Similarities to Freezing: Both are about a male protagonist who forms intimate bonds with powerful female characters, with a power system tied to those bonds. The focus is on the blend of action, comedy, and romance.
4. The Qwaser of Stigmata (2010)
- Streaming Availability: Not currently available on major platforms.
- Rating: MAL: 6.4
- Episodes: 24 (Season 1)
- Studio: Hoods Entertainment
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Hiroyuki Yoshino.
Plot Summary: Alexander “Sasha” Nikolaevich Hell, a Qwaser who can manipulate iron, is sent to a Japanese academy. He must form bonds with the students to survive.
Similarities to Freezing: Both are ecchi action series with a power system tied to intimate acts and the bonds between characters. The focus is on the blend of action, comedy, and romance.
5. Strike the Blood (2013)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 7.1
- Episodes: 24 (Season 1)
- Studio: Silver Link, Connect
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Gakuto Mikumo.
Plot Summary: Kojou Akatsuki, an ordinary high school student, becomes the “Fourth Progenitor,” a powerful vampire. He must protect the city while dealing with the girls who are drawn to him.
Similarities to Freezing: Both are about a male protagonist who gains supernatural powers and is surrounded by powerful female characters. The focus is on the blend of action, comedy, and romance.
6. 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.
Similarities to Freezing: Both are about a male protagonist who must form intimate bonds with powerful female characters to achieve his goals. The focus is on the blend of action, comedy, and romance.
7. 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 Freezing: Both are about a male protagonist who forms bonds with powerful female characters and must navigate a world of supernatural threats. The focus is on the blend of action, comedy, and romance.
8. Campione! (2012)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 6.8
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: Diomedéa
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Jou Taketsuki.
Plot Summary: Godou Kusanagi, an ordinary high school student, kills a god and becomes a “Campione,” a god-slayer with immense power.
Similarities to Freezing: Both are about a male protagonist who gains immense power through an unexpected event and is pursued by powerful female characters. The focus is on the blend of action, comedy, and romance.
9. 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 Freezing: Both are about a male protagonist who is incredibly skilled but underestimated, and is surrounded by powerful female characters. The focus is on the blend of action, comedy, and ecchi elements.
10. 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 Freezing: Both feature a male protagonist who is initially seen as weak but has a unique ability, paired with a powerful female fighter. The focus is on the partnership and the blend of action and romance.
11. 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.
Similarities to Freezing: 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.
12. 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 Freezing: Both feature a male protagonist who is initially seen as weak but proves his worth through skill and determination. The focus is on the partnership and the 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 Freezing: Both are set in a school for students with special weapons, where the male protagonist forms partnerships with powerful female fighters. The focus is on the blend of action and romance.
14. 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 Freezing: 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.
15. Dragonar Academy (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, a student at Ansarivan Dragonar Academy, is known as the “problem child” because his dragon has never hatched. His life changes when his dragon emerges in the form of a girl.
Similarities to Freezing: Both are set in an academy where students bond with special partners and fight against threats. The focus is on the bond between the male protagonist and his partner.
Why These Anime Work for Freezing Fans
Fans of Freezing are drawn to stories that blend sci-fi action, ecchi romance, and emotional drama. They appreciate a narrative that focuses on a male protagonist who forms a partnership with a powerful female fighter, and they are invested in the relationships and the comedic and dramatic situations that arise. They are not looking for complex philosophical narratives, but for fun, entertaining stories that make them laugh and feel.
The anime listed above all share this fundamental DNA:
- The Partnership: Whether it is the Pandora-Limiter bond of Freezing, the master-servant contract of The Testament of Sister New Devil, or the Ashikabi-Sekirei bond of Sekirei, these series understand that the bond between partners is central to unlocking true strength. The focus is on the trust, loyalty, and intimacy that develops between them.
- The Underestimated Protagonist: The protagonists are often initially dismissed or underestimated, but they prove their worth through determination and the strength of their bonds. Their journey is one of earning respect and finding their place.
- Subversion of the Harem Genre: These series use the framework of the harem genre to explore deeper themes of trauma, trust, and the cost of war. They understand that the most compelling stories are not just about choosing a partner, but about the bonds that form along the way.
These 15 anime, like Freezing, are not afraid to be bold. 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 partnership, the bonds of friendship, and the thrill of battle.
