JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is renowned for its unique blend of flamboyant art style, intricate power systems, compelling underdog narratives, and subversion of genre expectations. Fans who appreciate these elements often seek anime series that offer similarly bizarre, strategic, and character-driven stories.
Here are 15 underrated anime series that share thematic or narrative qualities with JoJo’s, deserving more spotlight for their creativity and depth.
1. Baki the Grappler (2001)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix
Episodes: 48+
Plot: Follows Baki Hanma, a martial artist aiming to surpass his father’s strength by facing off against fighters with unique techniques.
Similarity: Shares JoJo’s emphasis on muscular characters, strategic combat, and intense battles with occasional gore. Its anatomical art style also mirrors JoJo’s exaggeration of physiques.
Rating: MAL ~7.6
Studio: TMS Entertainment
Recognition: Known for cult popularity among martial arts anime fans.
2. Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor (2007)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 26
Plot: Kaiji navigates high-stakes underground gambling, where psychological and strategic battles determine survival.
Similarity: Like JoJo’s strategic stand battles, Kaiji features intense mind games and underdog stories rooted in desperation.
Rating: MAL 8.4
Studio: Madhouse
Recognition: Acclaimed for its psychological intensity and realistic tension.
3. Hunter x Hunter (2011)
Streaming: Netflix, Crunchyroll
Episodes: 148
Plot: Gon Freecss embarks on dangerous quests, mastering Nen, a versatile power system tied to life force.
Similarity: Complex, adaptable power system akin to Stands with rich character development and evolving narrative stakes.
Rating: MAL 9.1
Studio: Madhouse
Recognition: Widely acclaimed for story depth and power system complexity.
4. Golden Kamuy (2018)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 39+
Plot: Saichi Sugimoto seeks hidden Ainu gold in harsh Hokkaido, using brawn, cunning, and survival skills.
Similarity: Eccentric characters, strategic and brutal fights, and a blend of humor with historical action reminiscent of JoJo’s tone.
Rating: MAL 8.5
Studio: Geno Studio
Recognition: Praised for unique setting and character chemistry.
5. Mob Psycho 100 (2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix
Episodes: 25+
Plot: Shigeo “Mob” Kageyama, a psychic teen, seeks emotional growth while battling supernatural threats.
Similarity: Mixes bizarre psychic battles with deep character development and stylistic action similar to JoJo’s dynamic fight scenes.
Rating: MAL 8.6
Studio: Bones
Recognition: Award-winning for animation and storytelling.
6. Noragami (2014)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
Episodes: 25
Plot: A minor god seeks followers while battling phantoms with unique spiritual powers.
Similarity: Features strategic supernatural combat, quirky humor, and underdog protagonists.
Rating: MAL 7.9
Studio: Bones
Recognition: Beloved for character chemistry and blend of action and comedy.
7. Dandadan (2023)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: Ongoing
Plot: High schoolers battle supernatural forces with a blend of horror, comedy, and intense action.
Similarity: Embraces shifting art styles during fights and bizarre narrative elements echoing JoJo’s unpredictability.
Rating: MAL 8.5
Studio: OLM
Recognition: Noted for unique animation and fresh take on supernatural battles.
8. Kill la Kill (2013)
Streaming: Netflix, Crunchyroll
Episodes: 24
Plot: Ryuko Matoi fights an oppressive student council using a magical uniform that boosts her powers.
Similarity: Known for over-the-top, stylistic fights and rebellious themes reminiscent of JoJo’s visual flair and energy.
Rating: MAL 8.0
Studio: Trigger
Recognition: Acclaimed for unique animation and satire.
9. Fate Series (Starting 2006)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix
Episodes: Various (multiple series)
Plot: Mages summon heroic spirits to battle in a modern Holy Grail War.
Similarity: Complex power systems with strategic battles and multi-layered characters akin to JoJo’s Stands and diverse cast.
Rating: Varies; stay around MAL 7.5-8.5
Studio: Ufotable, others
Recognition: Revered for complex lore and intense combat sequences.
10. Great Teacher Onizuka (1999)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 43
Plot: Eccentric former delinquent Onizuka takes on teaching to reach troubled students with unconventional methods.
Similarity: Shares JoJo’s eccentric humor, unconventional protagonists, and over-the-top scenarios blending comedy and drama.
Rating: MAL 8.4
Studio: Studio Pierrot
Recognition: Iconic for character-driven story and social themes.
11. Fist of the North Star (1984)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Tubi
Episodes: 152
Plot: Post-apocalyptic martial artist Kenshiro battles to protect the weak using deadly pressure point techniques.
Similarity: Classic muscular heroes, intense battles, and visually distinctive art style similar to JoJo’s early parts.
Rating: MAL 8.5
Studio: Toei Animation
Recognition: Legendary status influencing many shonen action series.
12. Inferno Cop (2012)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 13 (shorts)
Plot: A skeletal cop seeks revenge in a uniquely surreal and comedic take on action tropes.
Similarity: Embraces bizarre humor and unconventional storytelling with minimalistic but impactful animation like JoJo’s moments of surrealism.
Rating: MAL 6.9
Studio: Trigger
Recognition: Cult following for its satire and style.
13. Punch Line (2015)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
Episodes: 12
Plot: A boy’s spirit possesses bizarre circumstances after a near-death experience, involving supernatural events.
Similarity: Shares JoJo’s quirky narrative and eccentric humor with wild, unpredictable story developments.
Rating: MAL 6.9
Studio: MAPPA
Recognition: Cult classic for its absurdity and animation.
14. Yu Yu Hakusho (1992)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 112
Plot: Spirit detective Yusuke battles demons and other supernatural foes while growing stronger.
Similarity: Classic shonen with a developing power system, strong character progression, and supernatural combat.
Rating: MAL 8.5
Studio: Pierrot
Recognition: Highly regarded as a 90s classic with lasting influence.
15. Sonny Boy (2021)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12
Plot: A group of students stranded in another dimension discover unique powers as they struggle to survive.
Similarity: Experimental narrative and stunning visuals that subvert expectations, akin to JoJo’s bold stylistic choices.
Rating: MAL 7.6
Studio: Madhouse
Recognition: Acclaimed for its atmosphere and philosophical themes.
Why These Anime Work for JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Fans
These 15 anime series stand out by echoing key elements that make JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure so compelling: inventive power systems that fuel creative battles, underdog protagonists who grow through adversity, and narratives that defy conventions. Many also embrace distinct and striking animation styles that enhance their bizarre, larger-than-life worlds. Fans of JoJo’s will find these series rich with eccentric characters, strategic fights, and unpredictable storylines that celebrate the spirit of originality and flair.
