One Outs (2008) is a rare gem that blends sports, psychological warfare, and mind games into a high-stakes drama. Centered around the enigmatic pitcher Tokuchi Toua, it transforms a baseball premise into a series of mental duels, all driven by manipulation, power dynamics, and strategy.
With its focus on underdogs, subversion of typical sports anime tropes, and psychological tension over physical confrontation, One Outs stands out. But it’s far from the only anime to deliver this kind of intellectual thrill. Here are 15 underrated anime series that fans of One Outs should absolutely check out.
1. Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor (2007)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- Plot: Kaiji is a down-and-out man forced into deadly gambling games where the stakes are life or death.
- Similarities: Heavy use of mind games, high psychological tension, and a cynical take on human nature mirror One Outs’ narrative style.
- Episodes: 26
- Studio: Madhouse
- MAL Rating: 8.26
- Awards: Nominated for Tokyo Anime Award (2009)
2. No Game No Life (2014)
- Streaming: Netflix, Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- Plot: Two siblings are transported into a world where everything is decided by games, and they aim to challenge the god of games himself.
- Similarities: Strategic gameplay, unbeatable protagonists, and vibrant animation with a psychological twist.
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Madhouse
- MAL Rating: 8.07
- Awards: Sugoi Japan Award (2016) – Anime category
3. Akagi (2005)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Akagi, a mysterious teenager, enters the world of underground mahjong, relying solely on instinct and manipulation.
- Similarities: Same creator as Kaiji, focus on gambling psychology, and a cold, calculating lead similar to Tokuchi.
- Episodes: 26
- Studio: Madhouse
- MAL Rating: 8.10
- Notable Staff: Directed by Yuzo Sato (also directed One Outs)
4. Rainbow: Nisha Rokubou no Shichinin (2010)
- Streaming: Funimation, Amazon Prime
- Plot: Seven boys endure brutal conditions in a 1950s reform school while building deep bonds and struggling for justice.
- Similarities: Underdog grit, strong character development, and psychological endurance under extreme pressure.
- Episodes: 26
- Studio: Madhouse
- MAL Rating: 8.46
- Awards: Jury Recommended Work – Japan Media Arts Festival (2010)
5. Zankyou no Terror (2014)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu
- Plot: Two mysterious teens carry out terror attacks in Tokyo to reveal a dark truth from their past.
- Similarities: Intelligent protagonists using strategy over brute force, and a suspense-driven narrative.
- Episodes: 11
- Studio: MAPPA
- MAL Rating: 8.08
- Notable Staff: Directed by Shinichiro Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop)
6. Death Parade (2015)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu, Funimation
- Plot: When people die, they are sent to a mysterious bar where they must play games to determine their fate.
- Similarities: Psychological game mechanics, character revelations through strategic tension.
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Madhouse
- MAL Rating: 8.17
- Awards: Tokyo Anime Award Festival – Animation of the Year Nominee (2016)
7. C: The Money of Soul and Possibility Control (2011)
- Streaming: Funimation, Amazon Prime
- Plot: A college student is pulled into a parallel world where money and futures are wagered in battle.
- Similarities: High-stakes games, abstract power systems, and commentary on capitalism and greed.
- Episodes: 11
- Studio: Tatsunoko Production
- MAL Rating: 7.18
8. One Outs (2008)
- Streaming: Hulu, YouTube (official channels in select regions)
- Plot: A gambler turned baseball pitcher signs a contract where each out earns him money—but each run he allows costs him.
- Similarities: This is your starting point—everything on this list reflects its genius.
9. Gyakkyou Burai Kaiji: Hakairoku-hen (2011)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- Plot: Kaiji returns, now caught in a new round of desperate gambles and labor camps.
- Similarities: Continuation of Kaiji’s high-stakes strategic duels; equally brilliant psychological pacing.
- Episodes: 26
- Studio: Madhouse
- MAL Rating: 8.25
10. Major: World Series (2004–2010)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Goro Honda’s journey from little league to the pro stage blends passion, rivalry, and legacy.
- Similarities: Deep sports narrative, character evolution, and strategy—albeit more emotionally charged.
- Episodes: 154 across 6 seasons
- Studio: Studio Hibari
- MAL Rating: 8.26 (Season 6)
11. Texhnolyze (2003)
- Streaming: Funimation, Amazon Prime
- Plot: In a dystopian city, an underground fighter gets involved in a brutal power struggle after receiving cybernetic limbs.
- Similarities: Slow-burn storytelling, manipulation, power structures, and psychological deterioration.
- Episodes: 22
- Studio: Madhouse
- MAL Rating: 7.74
- Notable Staff: Story by Chiaki J. Konaka (Serial Experiments Lain)
12. Kaiba (2008)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: In a world where memories can be stored and transferred, one man explores identity and power.
- Similarities: Subversive storytelling, unconventional visuals, and sharp social commentary.
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Madhouse
- MAL Rating: 8.16
- Notable Staff: Directed by Masaaki Yuasa
13. Kujira no Kora wa Sajou ni Utau (2017)
- Streaming: Netflix
- Plot: On a floating island, children with psychic powers uncover conspiracies and truths about their origins.
- Similarities: Power dynamics, unexpected twists, and emotion-driven strategy.
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: J.C. Staff
- MAL Rating: 7.03
14. The Big O (1999)
- Streaming: Funimation, Crunchyroll
- Plot: A city of amnesia and secrets is guarded by a suave negotiator piloting a giant mech.
- Similarities: Noir aesthetics, mystery, and protagonists who win through intellect and charisma.
- Episodes: 26
- Studio: Sunrise
- MAL Rating: 7.53
15. Yakushiji Ryoko no Kaiki Jikenbo (2008)
- Streaming: Amazon Prime (Japan), unofficial sites
- Plot: A brilliant female detective solves paranormal cases in Tokyo using wit and political clout.
- Similarities: Sharp dialogue, strategic mind games, and layered political subtext.
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: Dogakobo
- MAL Rating: 7.10
Why These Anime Work for One Outs Fans
Fans of One Outs are drawn to cerebral confrontations, clever protagonists, and the thrill of winning against all odds. Each anime listed above shares these traits through mind games, strategic battles, or psychological tension. While not all are sports-related, they all explore human intellect, manipulation, and how characters navigate complex power structures. These underrated gems deserve more attention and are perfect for viewers who crave depth, grit, and game-changing moments—just like Tokuchi Toua delivers in every episode.
