15 Animes Similar to Legion of Super Heroes

15 Underrated Anime Series Similar to Legion of Super Heroes

Legion of Super Heroes is an American animated series from 2006-2008 that follows a team of young superheroes from the 31st century, including a teenage Superman, as they battle cosmic threats and navigate personal growth. At its core, the show explores intricate power systems through diverse superhuman abilities, underdog stories of inexperienced heroes rising to challenges, and subversions of expectations via twists like clones and sacrificial arcs.

The following 15 underrated anime share these elements—focusing on lesser-known gems with superhero-like teams, evolving powers, underdog protagonists, and narrative surprises—deserving more attention for their innovative storytelling and emotional depth that often fly under the radar compared to mainstream hits.

1. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit (2007)

• Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
• Brief Plot Summary: Balsa, a skilled spear-wielding bodyguard, is tasked with protecting a young prince cursed by a water spirit, leading her on a perilous journey through a fantasy world ravaged by political intrigue and supernatural forces.
• Similarities to Legion of Super Heroes: Like the Legion’s young heroes learning to harness powers, Balsa’s underdog rise involves mastering a unique combat system tied to spiritual elements, with subversions in her moral dilemmas and unexpected alliances mirroring the show’s sacrificial themes.
• MAL Rating: 8.1/10
• Episode Count: 26
• Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Kenji Kamiyama (Production I.G), known for Ghost in the Shell.
• Awards/Recognition: Nominated for Tokyo Anime Award in 2008.

2. Akame ga Kill! (2014)

• Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Netflix
• Brief Plot Summary: Tatsumi joins a group of assassins fighting a corrupt empire, wielding powerful imperial arms that grant unique abilities, as he uncovers dark secrets and faces brutal losses.
• Similarities to Legion of Super Heroes: The series subverts expectations with shocking character deaths and moral twists, akin to Legion’s clone reveals and sacrifices, while its power system of enchanted weapons echoes the diverse superpowers, centered on underdog rebels.
• MAL Rating: 7.5/10
• Episode Count: 24
• Notable Staff/Studio: Produced by White Fox, with character designs by Takahiro (manga creator).
• Awards/Recognition: None major, but praised for bold narrative risks in fan communities.

3. World Trigger (2014-2022)

• Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
• Brief Plot Summary: In a world invaded by alien “Neighbors,” young agent Osamu Mikumo teams up with a mysterious transfer student to defend humanity using “Trion”-based weapons and strategies.
• Similarities to Legion of Super Heroes: Its intricate Trion power system, involving energy manipulation and team tactics, parallels Legion’s superhero abilities, with underdog protagonists subverting expectations through clever strategies over raw power.
• MAL Rating: 7.6/10
• Episode Count: 99 (across seasons)
• Notable Staff/Studio: Toei Animation, directed by Mitsuru Hongo.
• Awards/Recognition: Underrated cult following for its tactical depth.

4. Darker than Black (2007-2009)

• Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
• Brief Plot Summary: In a world altered by mysterious “Gates,” contractors with supernatural powers must pay a “price” for their abilities, as protagonist Hei navigates espionage and moral gray areas.
• Similarities to Legion of Super Heroes: The contract-based power system subverts traditional heroism with personal costs, much like Legion’s fear-facing episodes, featuring underdog anti-heroes in a team-like syndicate.
• MAL Rating: 8.1/10
• Episode Count: 37 (two seasons)
• Notable Staff/Studio: Bones studio, directed by Tensai Okamura.
• Awards/Recognition: Won Best Original Anime at Tokyo Anime Award 2008.

5. Katekyo Hitman Reborn! (2006-2010)

• Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
• Brief Plot Summary: Timid teen Tsuna Sawada is trained by a baby hitman to become a mafia boss, unlocking “Dying Will Flames” powers through rings and resolve.
• Similarities to Legion of Super Heroes: Tsuna’s underdog transformation mirrors young Superman’s growth, with a flame-based power system and subversions in shifting from comedy to intense battles.
• MAL Rating: 8.1/10
• Episode Count: 203
• Notable Staff/Studio: Artland, based on Akira Amano’s manga.
• Awards/Recognition: Popular in Japan but underrated globally.

6. Ajin: Demi-Human (2016)

• Streaming Availability: Netflix
• Brief Plot Summary: Kei Nagai discovers he’s an immortal “Ajin” after a fatal accident, becoming a target for experiments while allying with others to fight oppressive forces.
• Similarities to Legion of Super Heroes: Immortality as a power system subverts survival expectations, with underdog protagonists forming teams against cosmic-like threats, akin to Legion’s future battles.
• MAL Rating: 7.4/10
• Episode Count: 26 (two seasons)
• Notable Staff/Studio: Polygon Pictures (3D animation), directed by Hiroyuki Seshita.
• Awards/Recognition: Praised for innovative 3D style.

7. Blood Blockade Battlefront (2015-2017)

• Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
• Brief Plot Summary: In a chaotic alternate New York fused with another dimension, Leonardo Watch joins a secret organization using supernatural abilities to maintain peace.
• Similarities to Legion of Super Heroes: Eccentric power systems and team dynamics echo Legion’s superhero ensemble, with underdog Leo subverting norms through his “All-Seeing Eyes.”
• MAL Rating: 7.8/10
• Episode Count: 24 (two seasons)
• Notable Staff/Studio: Bones, directed by Rie Matsumoto.
• Awards/Recognition: Nominated for Crunchyroll Anime Awards.

8. Deadman Wonderland (2011)

• Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
• Brief Plot Summary: Framed for murder, Ganta Igarashi is sent to a deadly prison where inmates with “Branches of Sin” blood powers compete in lethal games.
• Similarities to Legion of Super Heroes: The blood-manipulation power system involves underdog survival and subversions in twisted alliances, similar to Legion’s fear-imprisonment episodes.
• MAL Rating: 7.1/10
• Episode Count: 12
• Notable Staff/Studio: Manglobe, directed by Koichi Hatsumi.
• Awards/Recognition: Cult following for gore and twists.

9. The Irregular at Magic High School (2014-2020)

• Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Netflix
• Brief Plot Summary: In a world where magic is systematized like technology, underachieving Tatsuya Shiba excels in unconventional ways at a prestigious academy.
• Similarities to Legion of Super Heroes: Magic as a scientific power system subverts expectations with tactical depth, featuring underdog siblings in team scenarios like Legion’s young heroes.
• MAL Rating: 7.4/10
• Episode Count: 51 (multiple seasons)
• Notable Staff/Studio: Madhouse, directed by Manabu Ono.
• Awards/Recognition: None major, but lauded for world-building.

10. Ranking of Kings (2021-2022)

• Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
• Brief Plot Summary: Deaf and weak prince Bojji embarks on a quest to become a great king, allying with a shadow creature to overcome prejudices and foes.
• Similarities to Legion of Super Heroes: Bojji’s underdog story of growth and subversion of royal expectations mirrors young Clark’s journey, with unique abilities in a fantastical team setting.
• MAL Rating: 8.5/10
• Episode Count: 23
• Notable Staff/Studio: Wit Studio, directed by Yosuke Hatta.
• Awards/Recognition: Crunchyroll Anime Award winner for Best Drama 2022.

11. Sonny Boy (2021)

• Streaming Availability: Funimation
• Brief Plot Summary: Students are transported to surreal alternate dimensions, developing strange powers as they navigate existential crises and group dynamics.
• Similarities to Legion of Super Heroes: Abstract power systems and subversions in reality-bending twists echo Legion’s space storms and fears, with underdog teens forming alliances.
• MAL Rating: 7.7/10
• Episode Count: 12
• Notable Staff/Studio: Madhouse, directed by Shingo Natsume.
• Awards/Recognition: Praised for experimental animation.

12. Kokoro Connect (2012)

• Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
• Brief Plot Summary: High school friends experience body swaps and emotion-sharing phenomena, forcing them to confront personal traumas and hidden feelings.
• Similarities to Legion of Super Heroes: Supernatural “connections” as a power system subvert interpersonal expectations, akin to Legion’s fear portraits, with underdog character development in a group.
• MAL Rating: 7.7/10
• Episode Count: 17
• Notable Staff/Studio: Silver Link, directed by Shin Oonuma.
• Awards/Recognition: Underrated for psychological depth.

13. Ping Pong the Animation (2014)

• Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Netflix
• Brief Plot Summary: Two childhood friends pursue table tennis dreams, facing rivals and personal growth in a competitive world.
• Similarities to Legion of Super Heroes: Underdog athletes subvert expectations through skill evolution, with a unique art style mirroring Legion’s dynamic hero animations.
• MAL Rating: 8.6/10
• Episode Count: 11
• Notable Staff/Studio: Tatsunoko Production, directed by Masaaki Yuasa.
• Awards/Recognition: Won Animation Kobe Award 2014.

14. Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo (2004-2005)

• Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
• Brief Plot Summary: In a futuristic retelling of the classic novel, young Albert befriends a mysterious count seeking revenge with advanced technology and intrigue.
• Similarities to Legion of Super Heroes: Futuristic setting with subversive revenge twists and power dynamics echo Legion’s 31st-century heroes and clone narratives.
• MAL Rating: 8.1/10
• Episode Count: 24
• Notable Staff/Studio: Gonzo, directed by Mahiro Maeda.
• Awards/Recognition: Tokyo Anime Award winner 2005.

15. The Tatami Galaxy (2010)

• Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
• Brief Plot Summary: A college student relives his university years in parallel timelines, seeking fulfillment while encountering quirky characters and self-reflection.
• Similarities to Legion of Super Heroes: Time-loop subversions and underdog personal growth parallel Legion’s time-travel elements, with abstract powers of choice.
• MAL Rating: 8.6/10
• Episode Count: 11
• Notable Staff/Studio: Madhouse, directed by Masaaki Yuasa.
• Awards/Recognition: Japan Media Arts Festival winner 2010.

Why These Anime Work for Legion of Super Heroes Fans

These series capture the essence of Legion of Super Heroes by blending innovative power systems with underdog arcs and unexpected narrative twists, often in team-oriented or futuristic contexts. They offer fresh takes on heroism and growth, with underrated gems like Moribito and Sonny Boy providing emotional depth and visual flair that mainstream anime overlook. Fans will appreciate the mix of action, philosophy, and subversion, making them perfect for those seeking more than typical superhero fare.