15 Underrated Anime Series Similar to Justice League Action

Justice League Action is a fast-paced animated series that aired from 2016 to 2018, featuring iconic DC superheroes like Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman teaming up for humorous, action-packed adventures against villains. It emphasizes dynamic power systems through superhero abilities, underdog triumphs over overwhelming odds, and clever subversions of expectations in its episodic storytelling.

These selected underrated anime deserve more attention for their fresh takes on similar elements, offering engaging alternatives that blend action, humor, and character growth while often flying under the radar compared to mainstream hits.

1. Tiger & Bunny (2011)

• Current Streaming Availability: Netflix, Hulu
• Brief Plot Summary: In a futuristic city where superheroes are sponsored celebrities, veteran hero Wild Tiger teams up with rookie Barnaby Brooks Jr. to fight crime while navigating corporate pressures and personal rivalries.
• Specific Similarities to Justice League Action: Like Justice League Action, it features superhero team-ups with a mix of action and humor, subverting expectations through corporate satire and underdog hero dynamics.
• Current MAL Rating: 7.92
• Episode Count: 50
• Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Directed by Keiichi Sato, produced by Sunrise (known for Gundam series)
• Awards or Recognition: Nominated for Best TV Anime at the 2012 Tokyo Anime Awards

2. Samurai Flamenco (2013)

• Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
• Brief Plot Summary: Male model Masayoshi Hazama becomes a vigilante superhero without powers, partnering with a cop to battle escalating threats in a world that blurs reality and fantasy.
• Specific Similarities to Justice League Action: It mirrors the humorous, action-oriented superhero escapades with underdog protagonists subverting typical hero tropes through absurd escalations and team alliances.
• Current MAL Rating: 7.12
• Episode Count: 22
• Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Directed by Takahiro Omori, produced by Manglobe (Ergo Proxy)
• Awards or Recognition: Praised for originality at the 2014 Anime Grand Prix

3. Zetman (2012)

• Current Streaming Availability: Amazon Prime
• Brief Plot Summary: Jin, a genetically engineered superhuman, battles monstrous foes as ZET while clashing with tech-enhanced rival Alphas in a dark quest for justice.
• Specific Similarities to Justice League Action: Shares intense action with power systems and underdog stories, subverting expectations via grim moral dilemmas and hero rivalries akin to league conflicts.
• Current MAL Rating: 6.85
• Episode Count: 13
• Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Directed by Osamu Nabeshima, produced by TMS Entertainment (Detective Conan)
• Awards or Recognition: Based on a manga by Masakazu Katsura, noted for its mature themes

4. Cyborg 009: The Cyborg Soldier (2001)

• Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
• Brief Plot Summary: Nine cyborgs, enhanced with unique powers, escape a mad scientist’s control and band together to fight global threats and uncover their origins.
• Specific Similarities to Justice League Action: Echoes team-based superhero action with diverse power systems, underdog rebellion, and humorous banter subverting sci-fi expectations.
• Current MAL Rating: 7.35
• Episode Count: 51
• Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Directed by Jun Kawagoe, produced by Japan Vistec (Shotaro Ishinomori’s creation)
• Awards or Recognition: Revived classic manga, honored at the 2002 Tokyo International Anime Fair

5. Charlotte (2015)

• Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu
• Brief Plot Summary: Teenager Yuu Otosaka uses limited superpowers for personal gain until he’s recruited into a school for ability users, facing moral challenges and hidden threats.
• Specific Similarities to Justice League Action: Features power systems and underdog growth with subversions like flawed hero arcs, blending action and humor in team dynamics.
• Current MAL Rating: 7.75
• Episode Count: 13 + 1 OVA
• Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Written by Jun Maeda, produced by P.A. Works (Angel Beats!)
• Awards or Recognition: Nominated for Best Original Anime at the 2016 Newtype Anime Awards

6. Concrete Revolutio (2015)

• Current Streaming Availability: Funimation
• Brief Plot Summary: In an alternate 1960s Japan, superhuman agent Jiro Hitoyoshi protects aliens and mutants while questioning government motives in a chaotic world of heroes and villains.
• Specific Similarities to Justice League Action: Non-linear storytelling subverts superhero norms with power systems and underdog alliances, mixing action and satirical humor.
• Current MAL Rating: 6.98
• Episode Count: 24
• Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Directed by Seiji Mizushima, produced by Bones (Fullmetal Alchemist)
• Awards or Recognition: Noted for innovative narrative at the 2016 Japan Media Arts Festival

7. Gatchaman Crowds (2013)

• Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
• Brief Plot Summary: High schooler Hajime Ichinose joins a team of powered suits-wearing heroes using social media to fight alien threats and societal issues.
• Specific Similarities to Justice League Action: Subverts expectations with tech-driven power systems and underdog heroism, incorporating humor through modern satire and team interactions.
• Current MAL Rating: 7.28
• Episode Count: 12
• Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Directed by Kenji Nakamura, produced by Tatsunoko Production (Speed Racer)
• Awards or Recognition: Praised for social commentary at the 2014 Anime Expo

8. Heroman (2010)

• Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
• Brief Plot Summary: Orphan Joey Jones discovers a toy robot that becomes a giant mecha hero, teaming up with friends to battle alien invaders in America.
• Specific Similarities to Justice League Action: Underdog protagonist with evolving power systems, humorous action sequences subverting everyday hero tropes.
• Current MAL Rating: 6.92
• Episode Count: 26
• Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Created by Stan Lee, produced by Bones
• Awards or Recognition: Collaboration with Marvel, highlighted at Comic-Con 2010

9. Infini-T Force (2017)

• Current Streaming Availability: Hulu
• Brief Plot Summary: Classic Tatsunoko heroes like Gatchaman and Hurricane Polymar unite with a modern girl to stop a multiverse threat using a wish-granting pencil.
• Specific Similarities to Justice League Action: Crossover team action with power systems, underdog elements, and humorous subversions in a multiverse setting.
• Current MAL Rating: 6.75
• Episode Count: 12
• Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Directed by Kiyotaka Suzuki, produced by Digital Frontier
• Awards or Recognition: Celebrated for reviving classics at the 2018 Tokyo Anime Award Festival

10. Karas (2005)

• Current Streaming Availability: Amazon Prime
• Brief Plot Summary: In a demon-infested Tokyo, former yakuza Otoha becomes the armored guardian Karas to battle rogue spirits and restore balance.
• Specific Similarities to Justice League Action: Fluid animation in action scenes with power systems, underdog redemption arc subverting urban fantasy expectations.
• Current MAL Rating: 7.32
• Episode Count: 6 OVA
• Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Directed by Keiichi Sato, produced by Tatsunoko Production
• Awards or Recognition: Won Best OVA at the 2006 Tokyo Anime Awards

11. Symphogear (2012)

• Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
• Brief Plot Summary: Girls wield symphonic armor powered by music to fight alien Noise threats, balancing idol lives with heroic battles.
• Specific Similarities to Justice League Action: Musical power systems with underdog team-ups, humorous action subverting magical girl tropes.
• Current MAL Rating: 7.05
• Episode Count: 13 (first season)
• Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Directed by Tatsuya Nagamine, produced by Encourage Films
• Awards or Recognition: Cult following for its escalating action sequences

12. .hack//SIGN (2002)

• Current Streaming Availability: Funimation
• Brief Plot Summary: Trapped in a virtual MMORPG, player Tsukasa allies with others to uncover the game’s mysteries and escape.
• Specific Similarities to Justice League Action: Virtual power systems and underdog alliances with narrative subversions in a team adventure format.
• Current MAL Rating: 6.97
• Episode Count: 26
• Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Directed by Koichi Mashimo, produced by Bee Train (Noir)
• Awards or Recognition: Pioneered isekai elements, influential in gaming anime

13. Ghost Hound (2007)

• Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
• Brief Plot Summary: Three teens with supernatural abilities explore astral projections to solve mysteries in their haunted town.
• Specific Similarities to Justice League Action: Subtle power systems in underdog investigations, blending humor with psychological action subversions.
• Current MAL Rating: 7.41
• Episode Count: 22
• Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Directed by Ryutaro Nakamura, produced by Production I.G (Ghost in the Shell)
• Awards or Recognition: Noted for atmospheric storytelling at the 2008 Tokyo International Anime Fair

14. Gunslinger Girl (2003)

• Current Streaming Availability: Funimation
• Brief Plot Summary: Cyborg girls conditioned as assassins work for a secret agency, grappling with their lost humanity amid missions.
• Specific Similarities to Justice League Action: Underdog protagonists with enhanced powers, subverting expectations through emotional depth in action scenarios.
• Current MAL Rating: 7.35
• Episode Count: 13
• Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Directed by Morio Asaka, produced by Madhouse (Death Note)
• Awards or Recognition: Praised for character drama at the 2004 Japan Media Arts Festival

15. Flying Witch (2016)

• Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
• Brief Plot Summary: Young witch Makoto moves to the countryside, using everyday magic while forming bonds with locals and supernatural beings.
• Specific Similarities to Justice League Action: Light-hearted power systems in underdog slice-of-life adventures, subverting fantasy with humorous, episodic tales.
• Current MAL Rating: 7.52
• Episode Count: 12
• Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Directed by Katsushi Sakurabi, produced by J.C.Staff (Toradora!)
• Awards or Recognition: Nominated for Best Slice-of-Life at the 2017 Crunchyroll Anime Awards

Why These Anime Work for Justice League Action Fans

These series capture the essence of Justice League Action’s blend of heroic teamwork, inventive powers, and unexpected twists, often through underrated lenses that prioritize character-driven narratives over spectacle. They appeal to fans by offering fresh, humorous takes on underdog heroes and subversive plots, encouraging deeper exploration of anime’s diverse superhero landscape while highlighting innovative animation and storytelling that deserve wider acclaim.