15 Underrated Anime Series Similar to Marvel’s Avengers Assemble
Marvel’s Avengers Assemble (2013) is an action-packed animated series that follows a team of iconic superheroes uniting against cosmic threats, blending high-stakes battles, character-driven drama, and ensemble dynamics. At its core, it explores themes of diverse power systems (like Iron Man’s tech or Hulk’s strength), underdog heroes rising to the occasion, and subverting expectations through twists on heroism and teamwork.
The following 15 underrated anime series echo these elements—featuring unique abilities, unlikely protagonists overcoming odds, and narrative surprises—yet remain overlooked compared to mainstream hits, deserving more attention for their innovative storytelling and animation that reward dedicated viewers.
1. World Trigger (2014)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu
- Plot Summary: In a world invaded by interdimensional Neighbors, young agent Osamu Mikumo teams up with a mysterious transfer student to defend Earth using advanced Trigger technology that grants customizable powers.
- Similarities: Like Avengers Assemble, it emphasizes team-based combat with intricate power systems (Triggers as modular abilities), underdog protagonists who grow through strategy, and subverts shonen tropes by focusing on tactical battles over raw strength.
- MAL Rating: 7.58
- Episode Count: 99 (across seasons)
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Mitsuru Hongo at Toei Animation
- Awards/Recognition: Nominated for Best Action at the 2015 Newtype Anime Awards
2. Ranking of Kings (2021)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Plot Summary: Deaf and mute prince Bojji, dismissed as weak, embarks on a quest to become a worthy king with the help of a shadowy companion, facing betrayals and battles in a fantasy realm.
- Similarities: Mirrors the underdog heroism of characters like Hawkeye, with Bojji’s growth subverting expectations of royal power; features unique ability systems tied to personal resolve, akin to Avengers’ ensemble dynamics.
- MAL Rating: 8.51
- Episode Count: 23
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Yosuke Hatta at Wit Studio
- Awards/Recognition: Won Best Boy at the 2022 Crunchyroll Anime Awards
3. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit (2007)
- Streaming Availability: Amazon Prime, HIDIVE
- Plot Summary: Spear-wielding bodyguard Balsa protects a young prince possessed by a water spirit from imperial assassins, journeying through a richly detailed world to uncover ancient prophecies.
- Similarities: Echoes Avengers’ theme of unlikely guardians assembling against threats, with Balsa as an underdog warrior subverting gender norms; power systems blend martial arts and mysticism, emphasizing teamwork and moral twists.
- MAL Rating: 8.01
- Episode Count: 26
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Kenji Kamiyama at Production I.G
- Awards/Recognition: Praised for cultural authenticity at the 2008 Tokyo Anime Awards
4. Akame ga Kill! (2014)
- Streaming Availability: Netflix, HIDIVE
- Plot Summary: Naive teen Tatsumi joins a group of assassins fighting a corrupt empire, wielding powerful Imperial Arms weapons in brutal, high-stakes confrontations.
- Similarities: Subverts heroic expectations like Avengers’ plot twists (e.g., betrayals), with underdog rebels using diverse power systems (cursed weapons) in team battles against overwhelming odds.
- MAL Rating: 7.47
- Episode Count: 24
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Tomoki Kobayashi at White Fox
- Awards/Recognition: Noted for bold narrative risks in fan polls, though no major awards
5. Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo (2004)
- Streaming Availability: Funimation, Crunchyroll
- Plot Summary: In a futuristic retelling of the classic novel, young noble Albert befriends the enigmatic Count, unraveling a web of revenge and interstellar intrigue.
- Similarities: Subverts revenge tropes akin to Avengers’ villain arcs, with underdog protagonists navigating alliances; unique visual power systems (textured, psychedelic art) enhance character development.
- MAL Rating: 8.13
- Episode Count: 24
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Mahiro Maeda at Gonzo; innovative Ukiyo-e inspired style
- Awards/Recognition: Won Best TV Series at the 2005 Tokyo Anime Awards
6. Planetes (2003)
- Streaming Availability: Funimation, HIDIVE
- Plot Summary: A crew of space debris collectors navigates corporate greed and personal ambitions in a near-future solar system, facing life-threatening missions and ethical dilemmas.
- Similarities: Like Avengers’ team assembly in space threats, it features underdogs with tech-based “powers” (spacesuits as abilities), subverting sci-fi tropes through realistic character growth and interpersonal drama.
- MAL Rating: 8.26
- Episode Count: 26
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Goro Taniguchi at Sunrise
- Awards/Recognition: Seiun Award for Best Media in 2005
7. Golden Kamuy (2018)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Plot Summary: War veteran Sugimoto teams with Ainu girl Asirpa to hunt for hidden gold in Hokkaido, battling rival treasure seekers and uncovering cultural secrets.
- Similarities: Assembles an underdog duo with survival “powers” (skills and folklore), subverting adventure expectations through historical twists, much like Avengers’ ensemble quests.
- MAL Rating: 7.90
- Episode Count: 49 (across seasons)
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Hitoshi Nanba at Geno Studio
- Awards/Recognition: Manga Taisho Award winner (original manga)
8. Kaiba (2008)
- Streaming Availability: HIDIVE, Amazon Prime
- Plot Summary: In a universe where memories can be transferred between bodies, amnesiac Kaiba searches for his identity amid body-swapping chaos and societal upheaval.
- Similarities: Explores mind-based power systems like Avengers’ psychic elements, with underdog protagonists subverting identity tropes through surreal, philosophical narratives.
- MAL Rating: 8.13
- Episode Count: 12
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Masaaki Yuasa at Madhouse; abstract, fluid animation
- Awards/Recognition: Excellence Prize at Japan Media Arts Festival 2008
9. Mononoke (2007)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Plot Summary: A mysterious medicine seller exorcises malevolent spirits (mononoke) by uncovering their form, truth, and reason in Edo-period Japan.
- Similarities: Subverts horror expectations with investigative “powers” (spiritual analysis), akin to Avengers’ mystery-solving; underdog lone hero assembles truths like a team effort.
- MAL Rating: 8.42
- Episode Count: 12
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Kenji Nakamura at Toei Animation; Ukiyo-e inspired visuals
- Awards/Recognition: Cult favorite, no major awards but high critical acclaim
10. Kids on the Slope (2012)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- Plot Summary: Introverted pianist Kaoru bonds with delinquent drummer Sentaro in 1960s Japan, forming a jazz band that navigates friendship, romance, and societal pressures.
- Similarities: Underdog musicians “assemble” like a hero team, subverting slice-of-life with emotional depth; power systems manifest as musical talents echoing Avengers’ skill synergies.
- MAL Rating: 8.30
- Episode Count: 12
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Shinichiro Watanabe at MAPPA/Tezuka Productions
- Awards/Recognition: Nominated for Best Animation at Tokyo Anime Awards
11. Shadows House (2021)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Plot Summary: Living doll Emilico serves shadowy noble Kate in a mysterious mansion, uncovering dark family secrets and forming alliances against oppressive traditions.
- Similarities: Features shadow-based powers subverting gothic tropes, with underdog servants rising like Avengers’ misfits; emphasizes team dynamics in rebellion.
- MAL Rating: 7.74
- Episode Count: 25 (across seasons)
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Kazuki Ohashi at CloverWorks
- Awards/Recognition: Rising cult status post-release
12. Excel Saga (1999)
- Streaming Availability: Funimation
- Plot Summary: Hyperactive agent Excel and her partner Hyatt undertake absurd missions for the secret organization ACROSS to conquer the world, parodying various genres.
- Similarities: Subverts superhero assembly with chaotic teamwork and power parodies, underdog humor akin to Avengers’ lighter moments.
- MAL Rating: 7.50
- Episode Count: 26
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Shinichi Watanabe at J.C. Staff
- Awards/Recognition: Influential parody series
13. Slayers (1995)
- Streaming Availability: Funimation, Crunchyroll
- Plot Summary: Sorceress Lina Inverse and her ragtag companions battle monsters and villains in a fantasy world, seeking treasures and thwarting evil plots.
- Similarities: Assembles underdog adventurers with magical power systems, subverting fantasy expectations through comedy and twists like Avengers’ banter.
- MAL Rating: 7.72
- Episode Count: 104 (across series)
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Takashi Watanabe at E&G Films
- Awards/Recognition: Long-running cult classic
14. D.Gray-man (2006)
- Streaming Availability: Hulu, Funimation
- Plot Summary: Exorcist Allen Walker joins the Black Order to fight soul-trapping Akuma using Innocence weapons in a Victorian-era war against the Millennium Earl.
- Similarities: Team of exorcists with unique powers assemble against apocalyptic threats, underdogs subverting fate like Avengers’ global defenses.
- MAL Rating: 8.00
- Episode Count: 116 (across series)
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Osamu Nabeshima at TMS Entertainment
- Awards/Recognition: Popular in fan communities
15. Wolf’s Rain (2003)
- Streaming Availability: Funimation
- Plot Summary: In a dystopian world, wolves disguised as humans search for a mythical paradise, forming a pack to evade hunters and uncover ancient truths.
- Similarities: Underdog pack “assembles” with instinctual powers, subverting survival tropes through philosophical quests akin to Avengers’ mythic elements.
- MAL Rating: 7.78
- Episode Count: 30 (including OVAs)
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Tensai Okamura at Bones; music by Yoko Kanno
- Awards/Recognition: Noted for atmospheric storytelling
Why These Anime Work for Marvel’s Avengers Assemble Fans
These series capture the essence of Avengers Assemble by blending dynamic power systems, underdog triumphs, and unexpected narrative flips, often in team-oriented stories that prioritize character bonds over spectacle. Their underrated status stems from niche appeals—like unique art styles in Gankutsuou or realistic sci-fi in Planetes—making them perfect hidden gems for fans seeking fresh takes on heroism, strategy, and ensemble action beyond the mainstream. Diving into them offers the same thrill of assembly and subversion, proving that overlooked anime can deliver blockbuster-level engagement.
