Superman: Unbound stands out for its exploration of power, responsibility, and heroism as Superman confronts Brainiac to save Kandor. Like this film, the following anime delve into underdog narratives, complex power systems, and subversions of superhero tropes—often with striking animation or unconventional storytelling.
These 15 underrated series deserve more attention for their thematic depth and unique approaches to character development, offering fresh perspectives beyond mainstream hits.
1. Full Metal Panic! (2002)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Child soldier Sousuke Sagara protects Kaname Chidori, a girl with latent technological intuition, blending mecha action with personal drama in an alternate-history world.
- Similarities: Balances high-stakes heroism and character relationships like Superman: Unbound, emphasizing responsibility amid conflict.
- MAL: 7.8 | Episodes: 24 | Studio: Gonzo
2. Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple (2006)
- Streaming: Hulu, Crunchyroll
- Plot: Bullied teen Kenichi trains under eccentric martial arts masters, transforming from weakling to warrior through sheer determination.
- Similarities: Underdog journey mirrors Clark Kent’s humble origins, focusing on growth through adversity.
- MAL: 8.05 | Episodes: 50 | Studio: TMS Entertainment
3. Akame ga Kill! (2014)
- Streaming: Netflix, Hulu
- Plot: Assassin group Night Raid battles a corrupt empire, facing moral ambiguity and brutal consequences in a dark fantasy world.
- Similarities: Subverts hero tropes with unpredictable stakes and moral complexity, akin to Superman: Unbound’s darker themes.
- MAL: 7.8 | Episodes: 24 | Studio: White Fox
4. Gangsta (2015)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Mercenaries Nick and Worick navigate Ergastalum’s criminal underworld while protecting a traumatized woman from systemic corruption.
- Similarities: Gritty, flawed heroes in a broken society echo Superman’s fight against institutional evil.
- MAL: 7.3 | Episodes: 12 | Studio: Manglobe
5. Hitman Reborn! (2006)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Loser teen Tsuna inherits a mafia family’s legacy, evolving from coward to leader via unique flame-based abilities and mentors.
- Similarities: Underdog-to-hero arc with inventive power systems parallels Superman’s growth.
- MAL: 7.7 | Episodes: 203 | Studio: Artland
6. D.Gray-man (2006)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu
- Plot: Exorcist Allen Walker wields anti-akuma weapons to save humanity, uncovering conspiracies within his own organization.
- Similarities: Burden of supernatural power and moral duty reflects Superman’s responsibilities.
- MAL: 8.0 | Episodes: 103 | Studio: TMS Entertainment
7. Casshern Sins (2008)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Immortal robot Casshern wanders a ruined world seeking redemption after causing humanity’s extinction.
- Similarities: Explores guilt and purpose like Superman’s ethical struggles, with a stark, philosophical tone.
- MAL: 7.6 | Episodes: 24 | Studio: Madhouse
8. Code:Breaker (2012)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Sakurakouji Sakura joins Code:Breakers—elites with numbered abilities—to purge corruption, blurring hero/villain lines.
- Similarities: Structured power system and anti-heroic dilemmas mirror organized threats in Superman: Unbound.
- MAL: 7.0 | Episodes: 13 | Studio: Kinema Citrus
9. Back Arrow (2021)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Amnesiac Arrow defies fate in a world where beliefs manifest as mecha, wielding reality-bending power to uncover his past.
- Similarities: Overpowered protagonist challenging destiny recalls Superman’s defiance against Brainiac10.
- MAL: 7.2 | Episodes: 24 | Studio: Studio VOLN
10. Space Brothers (2012)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Fired engineer Mutta pursues his astronaut dream against age and odds, inspired by his NASA-bound brother.
- Similarities: Underdog perseverance highlights human potential, resonating with Superman’s inspirational core.
- MAL: 8.49 | Episodes: 99 | Studio: A-1 Pictures
11. Kingdom (2012)
- Streaming: Netflix, Crunchyroll
- Plot: Orphaned slave Xin rises to greatness in war-torn ancient China through epic battles and unyielding ambition.
- Similarities: Underdog triumph against overwhelming forces mirrors Superman’s heroic scale.
- MAL: 7.93 | Episodes: 77+ | Studio: Pierrot
12. Ergo Proxy (2006)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Investigator Re-L uncovers truths about Proxies in a dystopian city, navigating identity crises in a ruined world.
- Similarities: Philosophical power exploration akin to Superman: Unbound’s deeper themes.
- MAL: 7.8 | Episodes: 23 | Studio: Manglobe
13. Land of the Lustrous (2017)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Plot: Gem-being Phosphophyllite battles lunar invaders while seeking purpose through stunning 3D animation.
- Similarities: Unique power dynamics and existential threats parallel Superman’s otherworldly challenges.
- MAL: 8.2 | Episodes: 12 | Studio: Orange
14. Wolf’s Rain (2003)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Wolves seek paradise in a dying world, blending myth and despair with poignant character journeys.
- Similarities: Themes of hope amid darkness align with Superman’s moral resilience.
- MAL: 7.8 | Episodes: 26 | Studio: Bones
15. The Beast Player Erin (2009)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Plot: Erin bonds with mystical beasts to prevent war, confronting loss and responsibility in a lush fantasy realm.
- Similarities: Focus on ethical choices and sacrifice reflects Superman’s weight of power.
- MAL: 7.8 | Episodes: 50 | Studio: Production I.G
Why These Anime Work for Superman: Unbound Fans
These series resonate with Superman: Unbound’s core themes: the burden of power (e.g., Casshern Sins), underdog resilience (Kenichi), and narrative subversion (Akame ga Kill!). Their underrated status stems from niche appeal or overshadowing by mainstream hits, yet each offers sophisticated storytelling, unique animation (e.g., Land of the Lustrous’ 3D style), and moral complexity. Fans will find familiar heroic DNA reimagined through diverse lenses—from mecha to historical epic—proving that profound superhero narratives thrive beyond capes and kryptonite.
