Noblesse follows Cadis Etrama Di Raizel, an ancient “Noble” who wakes after 820 years and tries to live quietly as a high-schooler—until secret organizations, warring clans and elaborate power systems force him into battle again.
Beyond the slick fights and gothic flair, the webtoon-turned-anime leans on three hooks:
- a codified supernatural power structure (Soul Weapons, Blood Affinity)
- recurring underdog viewpoints through human agents like M-21 and the school friends
- frequent subversions of genre expectations—mixing slice-of-life gags with sudden, brutal showdowns
Fans who enjoy that mix often overlook other series that do something similar. Here are 15 underrated titles—from cult classics to fresh sleepers—that echo Noblesse’s themes, character arcs or narrative style.
1. World Trigger (2014)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll / Hulu
- MAL rating: 7.58 (Season 1) | Episodes: 99 | Studio: Toei Animation
- Notable staff: Director Mitsuru Hongo (S1)
Plot (2 sentences)
When an inter-dimensional gate opens, the Border Defense Agency trains teenagers to wield “Triggers” against invading Neighbors. Tactical battles trump raw strength as rookie Osamu Mikumo tries to keep his squad alive.
Similarities to Noblesse
– Deep, rule-driven power system that rewards strategy over flash.
– Osamu is a perpetual underdog who must outthink stronger foes, mirroring Rai’s human allies.
2. Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic (2012)
- Streaming: Hulu / Crunchyroll
- MAL rating: 8.03 | Episodes: 25 | Studios: A-1 Pictures, Aniplex
- Notable staff: Chief Director Koji Masunari
Plot
Street orphan Aladdin and merchant Alibaba explore deadly dungeons to claim Djinn power and reshape empires.
Similarities
– Layered power hierarchy (Rukh, Djinn Equip) that grows as characters bond.
– Rapid shifts from comedic banter to high-stakes geopolitics—much like Noblesse’s campus jokes vs. Union warfare.
3. Ajin: Demi-Human (2016)
- Streaming: Netflix
- MAL rating: 7.49 | Episodes: 13 | Studio: Polygon Pictures
Plot
Teenager Kei Nagai dies in a car accident and resurrects as an immortal “Ajin,” becoming prey for governments and terrorists alike.
Similarities
– Secret society hunts supernatural beings, echoing the Union vs. Nobles dynamic.
– Protagonist grapples with new, overwhelming power while hiding among classmates.
4. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit (2007)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll / HiDive
- MAL rating: 8.15 | Episodes: 26 | Studio: Production I.G
Plot
Spear-wielder Balsa vows to protect a prince possessed by a water spirit as assassins and myths close in.
Similarities
– Bodyguard relationship parallels Frankenstein’s devotion to Rai.
– Renowned for fluid, weighty combat that balances introspection with action set-pieces.
5. Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo (2004)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll / Funimation
- MAL rating: 8.15 | Episodes: 24 | Studio: Gonzo
Plot
In the year 5053, a charismatic noble known as “the Count” infiltrates high society to exact revenge.
Similarities
– Stylish aristocratic revenge tale with elaborate politics.
– Striking, layered art that merges Western Impressionism with ukiyo-e textures.
6. Sonny Boy (2021)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll / Funimation
- MAL rating: 7.83 | Episodes: 12 | Studio: Madhouse
Plot
A class of students slips into a void dimension where each gains unpredictable powers and must forge new rules to survive.
Similarities
– Surreal, rule-bending power system; characters struggle with identity and responsibility.
– Tonal whiplash between slice-of-life downtime and existential stakes, akin to Noblesse’s campus vs. battlefield split.
7. The Morose Mononokean (2016)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- MAL rating: 7.37 | Episodes: 26 (2 seasons) | Studio: Pierrot+
Plot
A spirit-plagued teen works for his curt classmate—secretly an exorcist ferrying yokai to the underworld.
Similarities
– Human–supernatural friendship and employer/servant dynamic echo Rai & Frankenstein.
– Light school comedy masking darker spirit politics.
8. Mononoke (2007)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll / Hidive
- MAL rating: 8.44 | Episodes: 12 | Studio: Toei Animation
Plot
A nameless medicine-seller can only slay lethal spirits after uncovering their Form, Truth and Reason.
Similarities
– Intricate, ritual-based power mechanics that require intellect over brute force.
– Lush, avant-garde visuals and sudden bursts of violence fit Noblesse’s gothic flair.
9. Katanagatari (2010)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- MAL rating: 8.38 | Episodes: 12 (50-min each) | Studio: White Fox
Plot
Weaponless swordsman Shichika and strategist Togame hunt twelve legendary blades across feudal Japan.
Similarities
– Duo dynamic of aloof powerhouse & brilliant handler echoes Rai and Frankenstein.
– Long-form episodes allow character growth between episodic showdowns that frequently subvert samurai tropes.
10. Drifters (2016)
- Streaming: Hulu / Funimation
- MAL rating: 7.90 | Episodes: 12 | Studio: Hoods Drifters Studio
Plot
Historical warriors are whisked to a fantasy world, drafted into a proxy war led by enigmatic masters.
Similarities
– Stylish, brutal action and war between super-factions, reminiscent of Noblesse’s Noble vs. Union conflict.
– Dark humor punctuates otherwise grim battles.
11. Mashle: Magic and Muscles (2023)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- MAL rating: 7.64 | Episodes: 12 | Studio: A-1 Pictures
Plot
Born without magic in a wizarding world, Mash relies on absurd physical strength to bulldoze elite sorcerers.
Similarities
– Overpowered yet deadpan protagonist whose everyday antics mask overwhelming force.
– Combines school comedy with escalating supernatural duels.
12. Plunderer (2020)
- Streaming: Funimation / Hulu
- MAL rating: 6.51 | Episodes: 24 | Studio: Geek Toys
Plot
In a world where numbers on one’s body dictate fate, outlaw ace Licht battles an oppressive military regime.
Similarities
– Hidden identities, century-old secrets and sudden tonal shifts from silliness to bloody combat mirror Noblesse’s structure.
– Emphasis on loyalty and chosen-family bonds.
13. Saint Seiya (1986)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- MAL rating: 7.75 | Episodes: 114 | Studio: Toei Animation
Plot
Bronze Saints clad in mythic armors fight gods to protect Athena.
Similarities
– Hierarchical cosmic power armor akin to Soul-Weapon lore.
– Classic underdog rise against overwhelmingly divine foes.
14. Darker than Black (2007)
- Streaming: Hulu / Funimation
- MAL rating: 8.02 | Episodes: 25 | Studio: BONES
Plot
After a spatial anomaly grants people lethal abilities at a price, masked assassin Hei balances espionage and morality.
Similarities
– Secret organizations manipulating Contractor powers, paralleling Noblesse’s Union intrigue.
– Noir atmosphere with rapid, high-concept fights.
15. Cautious Hero: The Hero Is Overpowered but Overly Cautious (2019)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- MAL rating: 7.50 | Episodes: 12 | Studio: White Fox
Plot
Goddess Ristarte summons Seiya to save her world, only to learn his strength is matched by crippling paranoia.
Similarities
– Satirical take on the overpowered savior archetype; frequent gag-to-serious tone flips.
– Explores trust and responsibility behind impossible power—core to Rai and his circle.
Why These Anime Work for Mentioned Anime Fans
Each series pairs supernatural or codified power systems with protagonists who either start—or present themselves—as underdogs, only to upend expectations through wit, loyalty or overwhelming ability. They echo Noblesse’s rhythm of lighthearted camaraderie interrupted by sudden, stylish violence, while offering fresh worlds, art styles and narrative twists that deserve far more attention from action-fantasy fans.
