One Punch Man (2015) quickly became a fan-favorite thanks to its overpowered protagonist Saitama, subversive humor, and sharp critique of typical shounen tropes. Blending high-octane action with satire, it questions what it means to be a hero and what happens when power comes too easily.
At its core, One Punch Man thrives on three main pillars: unique power systems, underdog narratives, and a bold subversion of genre expectations. If you’re craving anime that scratch the same itch but flew under the radar, these 15 underrated gems—ranging from stylish oddities to emotionally grounded tales—are absolutely worth your watchlist.
1. The Devil is a Part-Timer! (2013)
- Streaming: Netflix, Crunchyroll
- Plot: A powerful demon lord is forced to live in modern Tokyo—working part-time at a fast-food chain to survive.
- Similarities: Like Saitama, the protagonist is a once-unstoppable force trying to adjust to a mundane world. The show plays with expectations by placing epic characters in mundane settings.
- Rating: MAL 7.71
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: White Fox
- Notable Staff: Directed by Naoto Hosoda (Shuffle!)
- Recognition: Gained cult popularity for its genre mashup and comedic writing.
2. Blood Blockade Battlefront (2015)
- Streaming: Hulu, Crunchyroll
- Plot: In a chaotic city where monsters and humans coexist, a young man with special eyes joins a secret organization to maintain balance.
- Similarities: Offbeat humor, insane power levels, and fast-paced, stylized animation akin to One Punch Man.
- Rating: MAL 7.64
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Bones
- Notable Staff: Directed by Rie Matsumoto (Kyousougiga)
- Recognition: Praised for its visual creativity and musical score.
3. Tiger & Bunny (2011)
- Streaming: Netflix, Crunchyroll
- Plot: In a world where heroes are sponsored and televised, two mismatched crime-fighters team up for fame and justice.
- Similarities: A satirical take on hero culture, much like the Hero Association in One Punch Man.
- Rating: MAL 7.91
- Episodes: 25
- Studio: Sunrise
- Notable Staff: Directed by Keiichi Satou (Inuyashiki)
- Recognition: Won Best Television Award at the Tokyo Anime Award Festival.
4. Mob Psycho 100 (2016)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu
- Plot: A reserved psychic teen tries to live a normal life while battling dangerous supernatural threats.
- Similarities: Created by ONE, the same mind behind One Punch Man. Subverts shounen tropes with emotion-driven storytelling and over-the-top action.
- Rating: MAL 8.48
- Episodes: 12 (Season 1)
- Studio: Bones
- Notable Staff: Directed by Yuzuru Tachikawa (Death Parade)
- Recognition: Multiple anime awards including Best Animation.
5. Hinamatsuri (2018)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Plot: A yakuza finds his life upended when a powerful psychic girl crash-lands into his apartment.
- Similarities: Blends absurd powers with slice-of-life comedy. Its deadpan delivery mirrors One Punch Man’s style.
- Rating: MAL 8.16
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: feel.
- Notable Staff: Directed by Kei Oikawa (My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU)
- Recognition: Often praised for balancing heart and hilarity.
6. Punch Line (2015)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A teen gains extraordinary power but is cursed—seeing underwear could end the world.
- Similarities: Ridiculous premise, genre-bending, and explosive action parodies, much like One Punch Man.
- Rating: MAL 6.87
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: MAPPA
- Notable Staff: Written by Kotaro Uchikoshi (Zero Escape)
- Recognition: Known for surprising depth behind its fanservice-laden surface.
7. Concrete Revolutio (2015)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Plot: In an alternate Japan, all types of superhumans must register and comply with government oversight.
- Similarities: Superpowered bureaucracy, colorful chaos, and moral ambiguity reflect themes in One Punch Man.
- Rating: MAL 6.88
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: Bones
- Notable Staff: Directed by Seiji Mizushima (Fullmetal Alchemist 2003)
- Recognition: Applauded for its narrative ambition and non-linear storytelling.
8. Samurai Flamenco (2013)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A model decides to become a real-life superhero despite having no powers or combat training.
- Similarities: A realistic look at heroism and how absurd it can become—satirizes heroic archetypes like One Punch Man.
- Rating: MAL 6.91
- Episodes: 22
- Studio: Manglobe
- Notable Staff: Directed by Takahiro Omori (Durarara!!)
- Recognition: Cult following due to its drastic tonal shifts and unique approach.
9. The Tatami Galaxy (2010)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Plot: A nameless university student navigates alternate realities in pursuit of the perfect college life.
- Similarities: While not about heroes, it excels in visual experimentation and subverting narrative expectations.
- Rating: MAL 8.61
- Episodes: 11
- Studio: Madhouse
- Notable Staff: Directed by Masaaki Yuasa (Devilman Crybaby)
- Recognition: Won the Grand Prize at the Japan Media Arts Festival.
10. Kyousougiga (2013)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A girl enters a surreal mirror world to reunite her family and uncover cosmic mysteries.
- Similarities: Unpredictable plot, surreal humor, and dazzling visuals—similar in tone and creativity.
- Rating: MAL 7.76
- Episodes: 10
- Studio: Toei Animation
- Notable Staff: Directed by Rie Matsumoto (Blood Blockade Battlefront)
- Recognition: Frequently praised for its emotional core and vibrant storytelling.
11. Level E (2011)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Plot: A genius alien prince causes chaos while living on Earth, disguised as a human.
- Similarities: Dry humor, meta-commentary on sci-fi tropes, and an overpowered lead who trolls everyone.
- Rating: MAL 7.44
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: Pierrot + David Production
- Notable Staff: Based on a manga by Yu Yu Hakusho’s Yoshihiro Togashi
- Recognition: Cult classic status for its wit and originality.
12. Binbougami ga! (Good Luck Girl!) (2012)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Plot: A goddess of poverty tries to bring balance by tormenting a girl blessed with absurd good luck.
- Similarities: Over-the-top battles with comedic undertones and fast-paced gags à la One Punch Man.
- Rating: MAL 7.62
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: Sunrise
- Notable Staff: Directed by Yoichi Fujita (Gintama)
- Recognition: Known for its slapstick energy and parodic brilliance.
13. Gokudo (1999)
- Streaming: RetroCrush
- Plot: A selfish anti-hero embarks on magical quests, constantly messing up the world with his narcissism.
- Similarities: Flips the fantasy hero trope on its head; features a protagonist who couldn’t care less.
- Rating: MAL 7.04
- Episodes: 26
- Studio: Group TAC
- Notable Staff: Directed by Kunihiko Yuyama (Pokémon)
- Recognition: Older but beloved for its chaotic humor and early deconstructionist storytelling.
14. Dai Dark (Upcoming)
- Streaming: TBA
- Plot: A teenage space wanderer is hunted for his mysterious bones that grant immense power.
- Similarities: From Dorohedoro creator Q Hayashida, it shares OPM’s absurd violence and grotesque comedy.
- Rating: TBA (MAL page live)
- Episodes: TBA
- Studio: TBA
- Notable Staff: Based on a manga by Q Hayashida
- Recognition: Anticipated due to unique art and dark humor.
15. Excel Saga (1999)
- Streaming: RetroCrush, Funimation
- Plot: A hyperactive woman joins an underground organization trying to take over the world, with chaotic results.
- Similarities: Parody, meta-comedy, genre-spanning episodes—this anime walked so One Punch Man could run.
- Rating: MAL 7.44
- Episodes: 26
- Studio: J.C.Staff
- Notable Staff: Directed by Shinichi Watanabe (Puni Puni Poemy)
- Recognition: A cult legend in early anime parody.
Why These Anime Work for One Punch Man Fans
These 15 anime share what made One Punch Man stand out: unexpected character journeys, power presented through a lens of satire or absurdity, and a deep critique of genre conventions. Whether it’s through wild visual experimentation, offbeat humor, or power fantasies gone wrong, each of these underappreciated series adds a unique spin to the heroic journey. If you loved One Punch Man for more than just the punches, these titles offer the same punch—with a twist.
