15 Underrated Anime Series Similar to Vixen
Vixen is a dynamic animated web series from 2015-2016 that follows Mari McCabe, a young woman who inherits a mystical totem granting her animal-based superpowers, using them to fight crime and uncover her family’s secrets. At its core, the series explores intricate power systems tied to heritage and nature, underdog protagonists rising against overwhelming odds, and subversions of traditional superhero tropes through personal growth and moral complexity.
The following 15 underrated anime share these elements—focusing on unique abilities, triumphant underdogs, and narrative twists—yet remain overlooked compared to mainstream hits, offering fresh perspectives that deserve wider recognition for their innovative storytelling and character depth.
1. World Trigger (2014)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Brief Plot Summary: In a world invaded by interdimensional beings called Neighbors, young Osamu Mikumo joins a defense organization using advanced “Trigger” technology to fight back, teaming up with a mysterious transfer student to protect his city. As threats escalate, Osamu must harness his wits and teamwork to survive escalating battles.
Similarities to Vixen: Like Vixen’s animal totem powers, World Trigger features a modular power system where abilities are customized via Triggers, emphasizing strategy over brute force; it subverts expectations with underdog protagonists who outsmart superior foes through clever tactics and growth.
MAL Rating: 7.58
Episode Count: 73 (Season 1)
Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Mitsuru Hongo at Toei Animation, known for tactical action.
Awards/Recognition: Nominated for Best Action at the 2015 Newtype Anime Awards.
2. Ranking of Kings (2021)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
Brief Plot Summary: Prince Bojji, a deaf and physically weak heir to the throne, embarks on a journey to prove his worth with the help of a shadowy companion, facing betrayals and monsters in a fantastical kingdom. His path involves overcoming prejudices and unlocking hidden strengths.
Similarities to Vixen: Echoes Vixen’s underdog rise through Bojji’s triumph over physical limitations, subverting fantasy tropes by focusing on emotional intelligence and alliances rather than raw power, with a narrative that twists expectations around heroism.
MAL Rating: 8.52
Episode Count: 23
Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Yosuke Hatta at Wit Studio, with character designs by Atsuko Nozaki.
Awards/Recognition: Won Best Boy (Bojji) at the 2022 Crunchyroll Anime Awards.
3. Odd Taxi (2021)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Brief Plot Summary: Odokawa, a walrus taxi driver in a city of anthropomorphic animals, gets entangled in a web of mysteries involving missing persons and criminal syndicates, using his keen observation to navigate dangers. As secrets unravel, his ordinary life turns into a high-stakes thriller.
Similarities to Vixen: Mirrors Vixen’s subversion of expectations with a seemingly mundane protagonist who reveals hidden depths and “powers” of deduction, blending underdog survival with a narrative that twists urban mystery tropes.
MAL Rating: 8.68
Episode Count: 13
Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Baku Kinoshita at OLM and P.I.C.S., with a unique anthropomorphic style.
Awards/Recognition: Won Best Protagonist at the 2022 Crunchyroll Anime Awards.
4. Sonny Boy (2021)
Streaming Availability: Funimation
Brief Plot Summary: A group of high school students is transported to surreal alternate dimensions where they develop bizarre powers, forcing them to confront existential dilemmas and societal breakdowns. Protagonist Nagara must lead while grappling with isolation and reality’s fluidity.
Similarities to Vixen: Shares Vixen’s theme of awakening latent powers in unexpected ways, subverting sci-fi tropes through underdog characters who evolve via philosophical twists rather than combat, emphasizing personal heritage and moral choices.
MAL Rating: 7.77
Episode Count: 12
Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Shingo Natsume at Madhouse, known for experimental animation.
Awards/Recognition: Nominated for Best Director at the 2022 Crunchyroll Anime Awards.
5. Wolf’s Rain (2003)
Streaming Availability: Funimation
Brief Plot Summary: In a dystopian world where wolves disguise themselves as humans, a pack searches for a mythical paradise while evading hunters and unraveling ancient prophecies. Leader Kiba’s quest tests their bonds and survival instincts.
Similarities to Vixen: Like Vixen’s animal-inspired abilities, the wolves’ shape-shifting powers tie into themes of heritage and nature; it subverts post-apocalyptic tropes with underdog protagonists who defy fate through subversion and emotional depth.
MAL Rating: 7.79
Episode Count: 26 (plus 4 OVAs)
Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Tensai Okamura at Bones, with music by Yoko Kanno.
Awards/Recognition: Praised for its atmospheric storytelling, though no major awards.
6. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit (2007)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Brief Plot Summary: Balsa, a skilled spear-wielding bodyguard, protects a young prince possessed by a water spirit from imperial assassins, journeying through a fantastical land to break the curse. Their bond grows amid battles and moral quandaries.
Similarities to Vixen: Features a strong female underdog with spirit-based powers akin to Vixen’s totem, subverting guardian tropes by emphasizing protection and growth over conquest.
MAL Rating: 8.13
Episode Count: 26
Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Kenji Kamiyama at Production I.G.
Awards/Recognition: Won Best TV Anime at the 2008 Tokyo Anime Awards.
7. Golden Kamuy (2018)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Brief Plot Summary: In post-war Hokkaido, war veteran Sugimoto teams up with Ainu girl Asirpa to hunt for hidden gold, facing rival treasure seekers and survival challenges in the wilderness. Their alliance uncovers cultural secrets and personal traumas.
Similarities to Vixen: Echoes underdog survival with cultural heritage-driven “powers” like tracking skills, subverting adventure tropes through historical twists and moral complexity.
MAL Rating: 7.89
Episode Count: 12 (Season 1)
Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Hitoshi Nanba at Geno Studio.
Awards/Recognition: Nominated for Best Action at the 2019 Crunchyroll Anime Awards.
8. Planetes (2003)
Streaming Availability: Funimation
Brief Plot Summary: A team of space debris collectors, including underdog Hachimaki, navigates personal ambitions and dangers in a near-future solar system, balancing dreams of exploration with harsh realities. Tensions rise as corporate and political forces intervene.
Similarities to Vixen: Subverts sci-fi expectations with underdog protagonists using tech-based “powers” for mundane yet heroic tasks, focusing on heritage and growth like Vixen’s origin story.
MAL Rating: 8.27
Episode Count: 26
Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Goro Taniguchi at Sunrise.
Awards/Recognition: Won the Seiun Award for Best Media in 2005.
9. Kids on the Slope (2012)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Brief Plot Summary: Introverted pianist Kaoru bonds with delinquent drummer Sentaro in 1960s Japan, forming a jazz band that helps them confront family issues and societal pressures. Their music becomes a outlet for personal rebellion.
Similarities to Vixen: Features underdog growth through artistic “powers” (music as a metaphor for inner strength), subverting coming-of-age tropes with emotional depth and unexpected twists.
MAL Rating: 8.31
Episode Count: 12
Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Shinichiro Watanabe at MAPPA and Tezuka Productions.
Awards/Recognition: Nominated for Best Animation at the 2013 Tokyo Anime Awards.
10. Shadows House (2021)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Brief Plot Summary: Living doll Emilico serves shadowy noble Kate in a mysterious mansion where “shadows” mimic human forms, uncovering dark family secrets and rebelling against oppressive traditions. Their partnership challenges the house’s hierarchy.
Similarities to Vixen: Mirrors heritage-based powers with shadow manipulation, subverting gothic tropes through underdog alliances and narrative twists on identity.
MAL Rating: 7.74
Episode Count: 13 (Season 1)
Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Kazuki Ohashi at CloverWorks.
Awards/Recognition: Noted for unique art style, no major awards.
11. Birdie Wing: Golf Girls’ Story (2022)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Brief Plot Summary: Underground golfer Eve competes in high-stakes matches against prodigy Aoi, blending sports rivalry with mafia intrigue and personal backstories in a dramatic golf world. Their clashes reveal hidden talents and subvert expectations.
Similarities to Vixen: Underdog protagonist rises with skill-based “powers” in a competitive arena, subverting sports tropes like Vixen’s action-hero twists.
MAL Rating: 7.48
Episode Count: 13 (Season 1)
Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Takayuki Inagaki at Bandai Namco Pictures.
Awards/Recognition: Gained cult following for bold storytelling.
12. Akudama Drive (2020)
Streaming Availability: Funimation
Brief Plot Summary: A group of criminals with unique abilities is assembled for a heist in a dystopian city, leading to chaotic alliances and betrayals as they evade authorities. Ordinary girl Swindler becomes an unlikely underdog leader.
Similarities to Vixen: Features diverse power systems in a high-octane setting, subverting heist tropes with underdog empowerment and moral subversions.
MAL Rating: 7.57
Episode Count: 12
Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Tomohisa Taguchi at Studio Pierrot.
Awards/Recognition: Nominated for Best Original Anime at the 2021 Crunchyroll Anime Awards.
13. Flowers of Evil (2013)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Brief Plot Summary: High schooler Takao’s life spirals after stealing a classmate’s gym clothes, drawing him into a twisted relationship with enigmatic Sawa, exploring guilt and rebellion. Their dynamic uncovers deeper psychological layers.
Similarities to Vixen: Subverts expectations with underdog introspection on “inner powers” of emotion, akin to Vixen’s personal heritage struggles.
MAL Rating: 7.13
Episode Count: 13
Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Hiroshi Nagahama at Zexcs, using rotoscope animation.
Awards/Recognition: Praised for innovative style, no major awards.
14. Mononoke (2007)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Brief Plot Summary: A mysterious medicine seller wanders feudal Japan, exorcising malevolent spirits (mononoke) by uncovering their truths, using ritualistic powers in episodic tales of horror and folklore. Each encounter reveals human flaws.
Similarities to Vixen: Spirit-based power system like Vixen’s totem, subverting horror tropes with underdog mysticism and narrative twists on morality.
MAL Rating: 8.42
Episode Count: 12
Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Kenji Nakamura at Toei Animation.
Awards/Recognition: Noted for unique art, spin-off from Ayakashi series.
15. The Tatami Galaxy (2010)
Streaming Availability: Funimation
Brief Plot Summary: An unnamed student relives his college years in parallel universes, experimenting with clubs and relationships to find fulfillment, only to face recurring regrets and revelations. His journey loops until self-acceptance breaks the cycle.
Similarities to Vixen: Subverts time-loop tropes with underdog self-discovery, mirroring Vixen’s heritage-driven growth through surreal “powers” of perspective.
MAL Rating: 8.56
Episode Count: 11
Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Masaaki Yuasa at Madhouse.
Awards/Recognition: Won Animation of the Year at the 2011 Tokyo Anime Awards.
Why These Anime Work for Vixen Fans
These series capture Vixen’s essence by blending innovative power systems with underdog narratives that twist genre expectations, often through unique animation or philosophical depth. They offer fresh, lesser-known alternatives that reward viewers seeking character-driven stories beyond the mainstream, proving that underrated gems can deliver the same thrill of empowerment and surprise. If Vixen’s mix of heritage, heroism, and subversion hooked you, these anime will expand your horizons while feeling familiarly engaging.
