My Adventures with Superman is a fresh take on the iconic superhero, blending anime-inspired animation with a focus on Clark Kent’s journey as an underdog discovering his powers, building relationships, and navigating romance alongside high-stakes action. At its core, the series explores intricate power systems through Clark’s gradual unlocking of abilities, underdog narratives of personal growth against overwhelming odds, and clever subversions of superhero tropes by emphasizing emotional depth and communication in relationships.
The 15 underrated anime selected here echo these elements, offering hidden gems that deserve more spotlight for their innovative storytelling, character-driven arcs, and ability to surprise viewers while flying under the radar of mainstream popularity.
1. Akame ga Kill! (2014)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu
- Brief Plot Summary: In a corrupt empire, young assassin Tatsumi joins the revolutionary group Night Raid to fight tyranny, wielding powerful Imperial Arms weapons while forming bonds amid brutal battles and betrayals.
- Similarities to My Adventures with Superman: Like Clark’s underdog rise and power discovery, Tatsumi starts as a naive fighter unlocking hidden strengths; the series subverts expectations with grim twists on heroism and romance, blending shonen action with emotional depth.
- MAL Rating: 7.47/10
- Episode Count: 24
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Tomoki Kobayashi, produced by White Fox
- Awards/Recognition: Nominated for Best Action at the 2015 Newtype Anime Awards
2. My Love Story!! (Ore Monogatari!!) (2015)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu
- Brief Plot Summary: Muscular but kind-hearted high schooler Takeo Gouda falls for the sweet Rinko Yamato, navigating first love and misunderstandings with his best friend while overcoming societal judgments.
- Similarities to My Adventures with Superman: Mirrors the wholesome romance between Clark and Lois, with Takeo as an underdog defying expectations through genuine communication and growth, subverting typical rom-com tropes with heartfelt character development.
- MAL Rating: 7.90/10
- Episode Count: 24
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Asaka Morio, produced by Madhouse
- Awards/Recognition: Won Best Comedy at the 2016 Crunchyroll Anime Awards
3. Koi Kaze (2004)
- Streaming Availability: Not widely available (check HIDIVE or DVD)
- Brief Plot Summary: Wedding planner Koushirou Saeki develops complicated feelings for a high school girl who turns out to be his long-lost sister, forcing them to confront taboo emotions and family secrets.
- Similarities to My Adventures with Superman: Echoes the quick yet natural romance buildup with open communication, subverting expectations around forbidden love while exploring underdog emotional growth akin to Clark’s identity struggles.
- MAL Rating: 7.00/10
- Episode Count: 13
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Takahiro Omori, produced by A.C.G.T.
- Awards/Recognition: Praised for mature themes in underground anime circles, no major awards
4. She, the Ultimate Weapon (Saishuu Heiki Kanojo) (2002)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Brief Plot Summary: High school couple Chise and Shuuji’s romance is shattered when Chise is transformed into a cyborg weapon during a war, as they struggle to maintain their bond amid destruction.
- Similarities to My Adventures with Superman: Parallels Clark’s power awakening and relational challenges, with Chise as an underdog unlocking abilities while subverting sci-fi romance tropes through bittersweet communication and heroism.
- MAL Rating: 7.13/10
- Episode Count: 13
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Mitsuko Kase, produced by Gonzo
- Awards/Recognition: Nominated for Best TV Series at the 2003 Tokyo Anime Awards
5. Golden Kamuy (2018)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Brief Plot Summary: War veteran Saichi Sugimoto teams up with Ainu girl Asirpa to hunt for hidden gold in Hokkaido, facing rival treasure hunters and survival challenges in a historical adventure.
- Similarities to My Adventures with Superman: Features underdog protagonists rising through grit and alliances, subverting action tropes with cultural depth and subtle romance, much like Clark’s team dynamics and power exploration.
- MAL Rating: 7.90/10 (Season 1)
- Episode Count: 48 (across 4 seasons)
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Hitoshi Nanba, produced by Geno Studio
- Awards/Recognition: Won Best Adventure at the 2019 Crunchyroll Anime Awards
6. Kingdom (2012)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Brief Plot Summary: Orphan boys Xin and Piao dream of becoming great generals in ancient China, with Xin rising from slavery to lead armies in epic wars after Piao’s death.
- Similarities to My Adventures with Superman: Captures underdog ascension through hard work and battles, subverting historical tropes with strategic power systems akin to Clark’s gradual heroics and mentorship.
- MAL Rating: 8.00/10 (Season 1)
- Episode Count: 77 (across 5 seasons)
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Jun Kamiya, produced by Pierrot
- Awards/Recognition: Highly rated on MAL but underrated globally; no major awards
7. Dorohedoro (2020)
- Streaming Availability: Netflix
- Brief Plot Summary: Amnesiac lizard-man Caiman hunts sorcerers in a dystopian city to regain his human form, partnering with friend Nikaido while uncovering a conspiracy.
- Similarities to My Adventures with Superman: Blends unique magic systems with underdog identity quests, subverting dark fantasy expectations through quirky humor and alliances, echoing Clark’s origins and action-romance vibes.
- MAL Rating: 8.05/10
- Episode Count: 12
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Yuichiro Hayashi, produced by MAPPA
- Awards/Recognition: Nominated for Best Fantasy at the 2021 Crunchyroll Anime Awards
8. The Fable (2024)
- Streaming Availability: Disney+, Hulu
- Brief Plot Summary: Legendary hitman Akira Sato is forced into hiding as a normal civilian, struggling with everyday life while protecting his “family” from past enemies.
- Similarities to My Adventures with Superman: Subverts assassin tropes with an overpowered underdog adapting to normalcy, mirroring Clark’s secret identity and relational growth through humor and action.
- MAL Rating: 7.50/10 (early ratings)
- Episode Count: 25
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Ryosuke Takahashi, produced by Tezuka Productions
- Awards/Recognition: Emerging recognition in 2024 anime awards circuits
9. Cautious Hero: The Hero Is Overpowered but Overly Cautious (2019)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Brief Plot Summary: Goddess Ristarte summons overly cautious hero Seiya to save a fantasy world, leading to hilarious overpreparations and battles against demons.
- Similarities to My Adventures with Superman: Parodies underdog hero journeys with power subversion, akin to Clark’s cautious power unlocks and team banter, blending action with romantic tension.
- MAL Rating: 7.48/10
- Episode Count: 12
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Masayuki Sakoi, produced by White Fox
- Awards/Recognition: Nominated for Best Comedy at the 2020 Crunchyroll Anime Awards
10. The Ancient Magus’ Bride (2017)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Brief Plot Summary: Orphan Chise Hatori is sold to mage Elias Ainsworth, who becomes her teacher and fiancé, as she discovers her magical powers in a world of fairies and spirits.
- Similarities to My Adventures with Superman: Explores underdog growth through mentorship and romance, subverting fantasy tropes with emotional communication, much like Clark and Lois’s dynamic.
- MAL Rating: 8.06/10
- Episode Count: 24
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Norihiro Naganuma, produced by Wit Studio
- Awards/Recognition: Won Best Drama at the 2018 Crunchyroll Anime Awards
11. Shakugan no Shana (2005)
- Streaming Availability: Funimation, HIDIVE
- Brief Plot Summary: Ordinary boy Yuji Sakai discovers he’s a “Torch” and teams with Flame Haze warrior Shana to battle Crimson Denizens devouring human existences.
- Similarities to My Adventures with Superman: Features underdog power awakenings and romance amid action, subverting supernatural tropes with evolving relationships and heroism.
- MAL Rating: 7.45/10 (Season 1)
- Episode Count: 72 (across 3 seasons)
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Takashi Watanabe, produced by J.C. Staff
- Awards/Recognition: Influential in early 2000s anime, no major awards
12. Fushigi Yuugi (1995)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Brief Plot Summary: Schoolgirl Miaka is transported into a magical book, becoming the Priestess of Suzaku to summon a god and protect a kingdom while navigating love triangles.
- Similarities to My Adventures with Superman: Blends underdog heroism with romance and subversion of isekai expectations, akin to Clark’s origins and team-based adventures.
- MAL Rating: 7.60/10
- Episode Count: 52
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Hajime Kamegaki, produced by Pierrot
- Awards/Recognition: Classic status in shojo anime, no formal awards
13. Tatami Galaxy (2010)
- Streaming Availability: Funimation
- Brief Plot Summary: An unnamed college student relives his university years in parallel timelines, seeking the perfect “rose-colored campus life” through trial and error.
- Similarities to My Adventures with Superman: Subverts expectations with time-loop narratives and underdog self-discovery, using unique abstract art styles to explore growth like Clark’s identity quest.
- MAL Rating: 8.56/10
- Episode Count: 11
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Masaaki Yuasa, produced by Madhouse
- Awards/Recognition: Won Animation of the Year at the 2010 Tokyo Anime Awards
14. Banished from the Hero’s Party, I Decided to Live a Quiet Life in the Countryside (2021)
- Streaming Availability: Funimation, Crunchyroll
- Brief Plot Summary: Former hero party member Red retires to a peaceful village life with princess Rit, but his past catches up, forcing him to balance tranquility with hidden powers.
- Similarities to My Adventures with Superman: Echoes Clark’s dual life and romance, subverting fantasy tropes with underdog reinvention and slow-burn character development.
- MAL Rating: 6.90/10
- Episode Count: 13 (Season 1)
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Makoto Hoshino, produced by Wolfsbane and Studio Flad
- Awards/Recognition: Underrated gem with growing cult following, no major awards
15. Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom (2009)
- Streaming Availability: Funimation
- Brief Plot Summary: Amnesiac teen Zwei is brainwashed into becoming an assassin for the Inferno organization, forming a complex bond with fellow killer Ein while questioning his identity.
- Similarities to My Adventures with Superman: Parallels underdog power struggles and subversion of assassin tropes, with relational depth and action akin to Clark’s heroic evolution.
- MAL Rating: 8.00/10
- Episode Count: 26
- Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Koichi Mashimo, produced by Bee Train
- Awards/Recognition: Praised for psychological depth, nominated at 2010 anime festivals
Why These Anime Work for My Adventures with Superman Fans
These series capture the essence of My Adventures with Superman by prioritizing underdog protagonists who evolve through innovative power systems, heartfelt romances, and unexpected narrative twists, all while remaining underappreciated. They offer fresh perspectives on heroism and growth, often with unique animation or storytelling flair, making them perfect for fans seeking more of that anime-infused superhero magic without the mainstream hype.
