15 Animes Similar to Tokyo ESP

Tokyo ESP is a supernatural action series that follows Rinka Urushiba, a high school girl who gains the ability to phase through objects after encountering glowing fish, teaming up with others to combat evil espers in a modern Tokyo setting. At its core, it explores intricate power systems involving extrasensory perception (ESP), underdog protagonists rising against overwhelming odds, and subversions of typical superhero tropes through moral ambiguity and unexpected twists.

These 15 underrated anime deserve more attention for their fresh takes on similar elements, blending hidden powers, personal growth, and high-stakes battles while often flying under the radar compared to mainstream hits.

Darker than Black (2007)

• Current Streaming Availability: Available on Crunchyroll and Funimation.
• Brief Plot Summary: In a world altered by mysterious gates, contractors with supernatural abilities emerge, and Hei, a masked assassin, navigates espionage and moral dilemmas while concealing his electric powers.
• Specific Similarities to Tokyo ESP: Like Tokyo ESP, it features contractors with unique ESP-like abilities in a modern urban setting, focusing on underdog figures subverting expectations through covert operations and ethical gray areas.
• Current MAL Rating: 8.05.
• Episode Count: 25.
• Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Directed by Tensai Okamura at studio Bones, known for fluid action animation.
• Awards or Recognition: Nominated for Best TV Series at the Tokyo Anime Award Festival.

Charlotte (2015)

• Current Streaming Availability: Available on Crunchyroll and Netflix.
• Brief Plot Summary: Yuu Otosaka hides his mind-control ability until he’s recruited into a school for teens with powers, uncovering darker secrets about their fleeting abilities.
• Specific Similarities to Tokyo ESP: Both center on high schoolers gaining temporary ESP powers, emphasizing underdog growth amid subversion of power fantasies through loss and ethical challenges.
• Current MAL Rating: 7.75.
• Episode Count: 13.
• Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Created by Jun Maeda and produced by P.A. Works, with character designs by Na-Ga.
• Awards or Recognition: Won the People’s Choice Award at the Animage Grand Prix.

Psychic Detective Yakumo (2010)

• Current Streaming Availability: Available on Crunchyroll.
• Brief Plot Summary: College student Haruka Ozawa teams up with Yakumo Saito, who can see ghosts with his red eye, to solve supernatural mysteries tied to human emotions.
• Specific Similarities to Tokyo ESP: Shares ESP themes like spirit communication in everyday settings, with underdog protagonists subverting detective tropes through emotional depth and unexpected revelations.
• Current MAL Rating: 7.35.
• Episode Count: 13.
• Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Directed by Tomoyuki Kurokawa at Bee Train studio.
• Awards or Recognition: Praised for psychological storytelling in niche anime circles.

The Unlimited – Hyoubu Kyousuke (2013)

• Current Streaming Availability: Available on Funimation.
• Brief Plot Summary: Kyousuke Hyoubu, a powerful esper, leads a group of outcasts against oppressive forces while grappling with his traumatic past.
• Specific Similarities to Tokyo ESP: Focuses on espers rebelling against misuse of powers, mirroring underdog resistance and subversion via complex anti-hero narratives.
• Current MAL Rating: 7.45.
• Episode Count: 12.
• Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Directed by Shisho Igarashi at Manglobe studio.
• Awards or Recognition: Spin-off recognition from the Zettai Karen Children series.

Inou-Battle wa Nichijou-kei no Naka de (2014)

• Current Streaming Availability: Available on Crunchyroll.
• Brief Plot Summary: Five literature club members suddenly gain superpowers and navigate daily life while facing minor threats and personal insecurities.
• Specific Similarities to Tokyo ESP: Blends ESP-style abilities with slice-of-life subversion, highlighting underdog teens adapting powers in ordinary settings.
• Current MAL Rating: 7.10.
• Episode Count: 12.
• Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Directed by Masanori Takahashi at Trigger studio, noted for vibrant animation.
• Awards or Recognition: Nominated for Best Comedy at the Newtype Anime Awards.

Kemono Jihen (2021)

• Current Streaming Availability: Available on Funimation.
• Brief Plot Summary: Half-human Kabane joins a detective agency solving supernatural cases involving mythical creatures in modern Tokyo.
• Specific Similarities to Tokyo ESP: Underdog protagonist discovers hidden powers, subverting expectations through monster hunts and moral dilemmas in an urban supernatural world.
• Current MAL Rating: 7.40.
• Episode Count: 12.
• Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Directed by Masaya Fujimori at Ajia-do Animation Works.
• Awards or Recognition: Highlighted for unique creature designs in underrated 2020s lists.

The Morose Mononokean (2016)

• Current Streaming Availability: Available on Crunchyroll.
• Brief Plot Summary: Hanae Ashiya works off a debt by helping exorcist Haruitsuki Abeno guide yokai to the underworld.
• Specific Similarities to Tokyo ESP: Features underdog involvement in supernatural exorcisms, with ESP-like spirit interactions subverting daily life through heartfelt twists.
• Current MAL Rating: 7.25.
• Episode Count: 13 (Season 1).
• Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Directed by Akira Iwanaga at Pierrot Plus.
• Awards or Recognition: Praised for iyashikei elements in supernatural genres.

Flying Witch (2016)

• Current Streaming Availability: Available on Crunchyroll.
• Brief Plot Summary: Witch-in-training Makoto Kowata moves to the countryside, exploring everyday magic and encounters with supernatural beings.
• Specific Similarities to Tokyo ESP: Subverts power acquisition through gentle underdog training in a modern setting, focusing on whimsical ESP-like magic.
• Current MAL Rating: 7.50.
• Episode Count: 12.
• Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Directed by Katsushi Sakurabi at J.C. Staff.
• Awards or Recognition: Noted for relaxing animation style in slice-of-life awards.

Devils Line (2018)

• Current Streaming Availability: Available on HIDIVE.
• Brief Plot Summary: Tsukasa Taira falls for vampire Anzai, navigating a world where devils hide among humans amid rising tensions.
• Specific Similarities to Tokyo ESP: Underdog romance amid hidden supernatural powers, subverting expectations with societal conflict and personal control struggles.
• Current MAL Rating: 6.85.
• Episode Count: 12.
• Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Directed by Yoshinobu Tokumoto at Platinum Vision.
• Awards or Recognition: Recognized for dark themes in vampire anime discussions.

Blade of the Immortal (2019)

• Current Streaming Availability: Available on Amazon Prime.
• Brief Plot Summary: Immortal samurai Manji seeks redemption by slaying evildoers to end his curse, protecting a vengeful girl.
• Specific Similarities to Tokyo ESP: Underdog immortal fights with subversive regeneration powers, echoing moral ambiguity in supernatural battles.
• Current MAL Rating: 7.55.
• Episode Count: 24.
• Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Directed by Hiroshi Hamasaki at Liden Films.
• Awards or Recognition: Adaptation praised for gritty action animation.

Mononoke (2007)

• Current Streaming Availability: Available on Crunchyroll.
• Brief Plot Summary: A mysterious Medicine Seller exorcises malevolent spirits by uncovering their form, shape, and truth in feudal Japan.
• Specific Similarities to Tokyo ESP: ESP-like spirit detection with underdog investigations, subverting folklore through psychological depth.
• Current MAL Rating: 8.40.
• Episode Count: 12.
• Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Directed by Kenji Nakamura at Toei Animation, known for avant-garde visuals.
• Awards or Recognition: Won Best TV Anime at the Tokyo Anime Award.

Hozuki’s Coolheadedness (2014)

• Current Streaming Availability: Available on Crunchyroll.
• Brief Plot Summary: Demon Hozuki manages the bureaucratic chaos of Japanese Hell, dealing with mythical beings and absurd problems.
• Specific Similarities to Tokyo ESP: Subverts supernatural bureaucracy with underdog efficiency, mirroring power system humor in afterlife settings.
• Current MAL Rating: 7.75.
• Episode Count: 13 (Season 1).
• Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Directed by Hiro Kaburagi at Wit Studio.
• Awards or Recognition: Nominated for Comedy Anime of the Year.

Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo (2004)

• Current Streaming Availability: Available on Funimation.
• Brief Plot Summary: In a futuristic retelling, Albert befriends the enigmatic Count, unraveling a revenge plot with surreal twists.
• Specific Similarities to Tokyo ESP: Underdog alliances in sci-fi supernatural intrigue, subverting classic tales through visual innovation.
• Current MAL Rating: 8.15.
• Episode Count: 24.
• Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Directed by Mahiro Maeda at Gonzo, with unique textile animation.
• Awards or Recognition: Won Best TV Series at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival.

Ghost Hound (2007)

• Current Streaming Availability: Available on HIDIVE.
• Brief Plot Summary: Three teens experience out-of-body travels to uncover town mysteries and repressed traumas.
• Specific Similarities to Tokyo ESP: ESP astral projection with underdog psychological exploration, subverting reality through eerie narratives.
• Current MAL Rating: 7.40.
• Episode Count: 22.
• Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Directed by Ryutaro Nakamura at Production I.G.
• Awards or Recognition: Praised for sound design in supernatural thrillers.

Psychic Squad (2008)

• Current Streaming Availability: Available on Crunchyroll.
• Brief Plot Summary: Three young espers work for a government agency, balancing missions with childhood antics in a world where powers are regulated.
• Specific Similarities to Tokyo ESP: Focuses on child espers as underdogs fighting misuse of abilities, subverting action with comedic elements.
• Current MAL Rating: 7.30.
• Episode Count: 51.
• Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Directed by Shisho Igarashi at SynergySP.
• Awards or Recognition: Long-running series noted for character development.

Why These Anime Work for Tokyo ESP Fans

These series capture the essence of Tokyo ESP by delving into hidden powers and underdog triumphs, often with clever subversions that challenge typical tropes. They offer a mix of action, mystery, and character-driven stories, making them perfect for fans seeking fresh, underappreciated gems that expand on themes of ability, morality, and resilience in supernatural worlds.