Loved Black Clover? Top 6 Picks for Underdog Hero Fans
Anime Similar to Black Clover
If you are searching for anime like black clover, fan votes suggest our Top match: Naruto.
Ever feel like the loud-mouthed underdog who refuses to stay down?
Fans love Black Clover for Asta’s gritty zero-to-hero journey and the chaotic family bond within the Black Bulls. You likely want more high-energy magic, intense rivalries, and squads that feel like home. Please upvote your favorite comparisons below, but only vote if you have watched both series.
Core Themes in Black Clover
Zero-to-hero underdog progression
Found-family dynamics in misfit squads
Overcoming societal discrimination
Power System Explained
Magic in this world is powered by Mana, channeled through personal Grimoires that manifest unique spells based on the user's personality and lineage. The system evolves through 'Mana Zone' and 'Mana Method' techniques, but the ultimate wildcard is Anti-Magic. This rare energy negates all conventional spells, forcing high-speed tactical combat where physical strength and teamwork often outweigh raw magical capacity.
A social pariah seeks recognition by aiming for the highest leadership position in his village. It is the blueprint for the modern underdog shonen.
Why it's similar: Both protagonists are orphans born without the natural talent their peers possess, relying on sheer stubbornness to compete with a genius rival. They both house a chaotic, supernatural power within them that changes the tide of battle.
Power comparison: Instead of Grimoires and Mana, combat relies on Chakra and hand signs to perform Ninjutsu, focusing heavily on elemental affinity and tactical positioning.
Why watch after Black Clover: Watch this if you want the most direct parallel to Asta and Yuno's competitive relationship and growth.
In a world where almost everyone has a superpower, a boy born without one inherits the world's greatest ability. It's a modern take on hero society.
Why it's similar: Deku and Asta are identical in their starting positions: both are born 'defective' in worlds defined by innate power. The focus on a school/squad structure and ranking up through a professional hero society mirrors the Magic Knights' hierarchy.
Power comparison: Powers are genetic 'Quirks' rather than spells, meaning battles are often decided by how creatively a character can use their one specific physical trait.
Why watch after Black Clover: Perfect for fans who enjoy watching a protagonist systematically study and overcome stronger opponents through effort and analysis.
There is no official release date for Season 5 yet. However, the anime concluded at episode 170 to allow the manga to get ahead, and the 2023 movie 'Sword of the Wizard King' confirms the franchise is still active.
What is the correct watch order for Black Clover?
Start with the main series (Episodes 1-170). You can watch the movie 'Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King' after finishing the series, as it is a standalone story set toward the end of the anime's timeline.
Is Black Clover a copy of Naruto?
While it shares tropes like an orphan protagonist, a cool rival, and a dream to lead, Black Clover distinguishes itself through its focus on European-style magic, faster pacing, and a heavier emphasis on squad-based tactical combat.
Does Black Clover have a lot of filler episodes?
Black Clover has a relatively low filler percentage (about 10%). Most 'filler' consists of training arcs or character backstories that are considered anime-canon, meaning they still contribute to the overall development of the cast.
A guild of powerful, rowdy wizards takes on dangerous jobs while treating every member like family. It’s pure magical chaos and heart.
Why it's similar: The core appeal here is the 'Found Family' dynamic, mirroring how the Black Bulls accept outcasts and misfits regardless of their past. It captures that specific high-energy, comedic guild atmosphere where the bonds between teammates are their greatest strength.
Power comparison: Combat is strictly magic-based with diverse styles like Dragon Slayer arts and transformation magic, though it relies more on emotional scaling than rigid rules.
Why watch after Black Clover: Start this if you specifically miss the Black Bulls' clubhouse energy and the 'never hurt my friends' mentality.
The son of Satan discovers his heritage and decides to become an Exorcist to take down his biological father. It balances school life with demonic warfare.
Why it's similar: Rin Okumura shares Asta's hot-headed nature and the burden of carrying a 'forbidden' power that makes others fear or distrust him. The sibling rivalry elements and the struggle to be accepted by a holy organization provide a very similar emotional hook.
Power comparison: Combat involves traditional exorcism tools and swordsmanship enhanced by blue demonic flames, offering a darker aesthetic than Black Clover's bright spells.
Why watch after Black Clover: Watch this if you liked the devil-possession aspects of Asta’s powers and the struggle of being an outcast within an elite order.
Defenders use alien technology to protect their city from invaders in highly strategic, team-based battles. It's the thinking person's battle shonen.
Why it's similar: While the setting is sci-fi, the 'Trion' system mimics mana, and the protagonist Osamu is arguably the weakest fighter in the series. He succeeds through extreme tactical cooperation, much like how the Black Bulls must combine their specific magics to win.
Power comparison: Combat is highly regulated with 'Triggers' that have specific energy costs and functions, emphasizing strategy over raw power-ups.
Why watch after Black Clover: This is for the fans who loved the 'Magic Knight Selection Exam' and the tactical, multi-man fights involving complex spell combinations.
A teenager swallows a cursed finger to save a friend, becoming the vessel for a legendary Curse. He enters a secret world of sorcerers to hunt down the remaining pieces.
Why it's similar: It features a central trio and a sense of 'darker' magic that mirrors the more intense moments of Black Clover’s later arcs. The mentor figure, Satoru Gojo, provides a similar 'coolest guy in the room' energy that fans of Captain Yami will recognize.
Power comparison: Cursed Energy is fueled by negative emotions and manifests as unique 'Cursed Techniques' or 'Domain Expansions,' which are far more lethal than standard spells.
Why watch after Black Clover: Pick this if you want a more mature, high-stakes version of magic battles with top-tier animation and a darker tone.
