Galactik Football captivates audiences with its blend of high-stakes sports, underdog teamwork, and a unique power system tied to the mysterious “Flux.” While not strictly a soccer anime, its themes—overcoming adversity, strategic team dynamics, and subverting expectations—resonate across genres.
This list highlights 15 overlooked anime that mirror these elements, blending sports, action, and character-driven narratives.
1. The Gymnastics Samurai (2020)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A former gymnastics star faces decline but finds new purpose with a young prodigy. Combines slapstick humor with intense competition.
- Similarities: Focus on underdog redemption, niche sport focus, and emotional character arcs.
- MAL Rating: 7.23 | Episodes: 11 | Studio: MAPPA
2. Try Knights (2019)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A rugby team’s journey to reignite passion for the sport, led by a former player and a novice enthusiast.
- Similarities: Teamwork-driven underdog story, sports passion, and character-driven growth.
- MAL Rating: ~6.5 | Episodes: 12 | Studio: Gonzo
3. Levius (2019)
- Streaming: Netflix
- Plot: A mecha-boxing prodigy battles in a dystopian arena, grappling with trauma and identity.
- Similarities: Power system mechanics, underdog perseverance, and subversion of expectations.
- MAL Rating: 6.8 | Episodes: 12 | Studio: MAPPA
4. BNA: Brand New Animal (2020)
- Streaming: Netflix
- Plot: A human transforms into a beastwoman and investigates crimes in a segregated city.
- Similarities: Unique power dynamics, social underdog themes, and Studio Trigger’s vibrant animation.
- MAL Rating: 7.1 | Episodes: 12 | Studio: Trigger
5. Captain Tsubasa (2018)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A soccer prodigy’s journey to the World Cup, showcasing his unyielding spirit and iconic techniques.
- Similarities: Classic underdog arc, strategic teamwork, and supernatural-like soccer abilities.
- MAL Rating: 7.5 | Episodes: 52 | Studio: David Production
6. Inazuma Eleven (2008)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A soccer team harnesses alien technology and special moves to compete globally.
- Similarities: Power system integration, team synergy, and over-the-top match dynamics.
- MAL Rating: 7.1 | Episodes: 127 | Studio: OLM
7. The Knight in the Area (2012)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A timid boy becomes a soccer prodigy after a near-death experience, masking his identity.
- Similarities: Underdog transformation, psychological depth, and sports drama.
- MAL Rating: 7.4 | Episodes: 37 | Studio: Shin-Ei Animation
8. Giant Killing (2010)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A veteran coach rebuilds a struggling soccer team through unorthodox tactics.
- Similarities: Underdog team revival, strategic subversion, and character-centric growth.
- MAL Rating: 7.5 | Episodes: 26 | Studio: Studio DEEN
9. Days (2016)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A timid student joins a soccer team, relying on sheer effort to overcome physical limitations.
- Similarities: Pure underdog spirit, team camaraderie, and emotional stakes.
- MAL Rating: 7.3 | Episodes: 24 | Studio: MAPPA
10. Aoashi (2022)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A young soccer prodigy undergoes brutal training to prove his worth in a prestigious academy.
- Similarities: Intense training arcs, psychological pressure, and underdog resilience.
- MAL Rating: 7.7 | Episodes: 24 | Studio: Production I.G
11. Hajime no Ippo (2000)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A bullied teen becomes a boxer through relentless training and strategic fights.
- Similarities: Underdog journey, technical mastery, and emotional punchlines.
- MAL Rating: 8.4 | Episodes: 76 | Studio: Madhouse
12. World Trigger (2014)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A student and a “C-Class” fighter team up to defend Earth from alien invasions.
- Similarities: Power system hierarchy, strategic teamwork, and underdog growth.
- MAL Rating: 7.5 | Episodes: 73 | Studio: Toei Animation
13. Kemono Jihen (2021)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A human and a shapeshifter solve supernatural cases in a rural town.
- Similarities: Unique power dynamics, underdog partnership, and dark storytelling.
- MAL Rating: 7.3 | Episodes: 12 | Studio: Ajia-do Animation Works
14. Gleipnir (2020)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A student gains a monster form to uncover his sister’s disappearance.
- Similarities: Power system mechanics, moral ambiguity, and underdog conspiracy.
- MAL Rating: 6.8 | Episodes: 13 | Studio: Pine Jam
15. Shaman King (2001)
- Streaming: Netflix
- Plot: A shaman competes in a tournament to become the “King of Shamans.”
- Similarities: Power system battles, team alliances, and supernatural stakes.
- MAL Rating: 7.1 | Episodes: 64 | Studio: Xebec
Why These Anime Work for Galactik Football Fans
These series share Galactik Football’s DNA: underdog perseverance, strategic teamwork, and subversion of norms. Whether through niche sports (The Gymnastics Samurai), dystopian power systems (Levius), or supernatural alliances (Shaman King), they thrive on tension and growth. Their focus on lesser-known titles ensures fresh perspectives, while studios like MAPPA and Trigger elevate visuals to match the emotional depth. For fans craving action, drama, and unconventional heroes, this list delivers.
