Since its debut in 2025, To Be Hero X has redefined superhero storytelling with its electrifying action, vibrant animation, and sharp critique of fame, power, and societal expectations. The series’ unique premise—where heroes derive strength from public “trust values” and compete in rankings—blends over-the-top battles with deep philosophical questions about identity and justice.
If you’re craving more anime that deliver high-octane spectacle, biting satire, and thought-provoking themes, this list is for you. From parody masterpieces to surreal coming-of-age tales, these 10 series will satisfy your hunger for heroic chaos and social commentary.
1. One Punch Man – The Ultimate Superhero Satire
Why Watch? To Be Hero X fans will love One Punch Man’s brilliant deconstruction of hero culture. Saitama, a hero so strong he defeats every enemy with a single punch, struggles with boredom and existential emptiness—a stark contrast to the flashy, media-driven heroes around him.
- Best Similarity: Explores the hollowness of fame and what it truly means to be a hero.
- Must-See Moment: The “Hero Association” rankings, mirroring To Be Hero X’s trust-based power system.
2. Mob Psycho 100 – Power vs. Personal Growth
Why Watch? Like To Be Hero X, Mob Psycho 100 questions what defines strength. Protagonist Shigeo “Mob” Kageyama is a psychic powerhouse but chooses emotional maturity over brute force.
- Best Similarity: A visually stunning battle system where powers reflect inner turmoil.
- Must-See Moment: Mob’s 100% Emotional Outbursts, where his powers explode in surreal, kaleidoscopic fights.
3. Gurren Lagann – Unstoppable Heroic Spirit
Why Watch? If To Be Hero X’s bold, larger-than-life action excites you, Gurren Lagann cranks it up to cosmic levels. Kamina and Simon’s journey from underground dwellers to universe-shaking heroes is pure adrenaline.
- Best Similarity: A ranking system of power (Spiral Energy) that grows with belief in oneself.
- Must-See Moment: The final battle, where mechs grow bigger than galaxies.
4. Kill la Kill – Rebellion & Ridiculous Power-Ups
Why Watch? Kill la Kill’s over-the-top action and social critique make it a perfect match. Ryuko Matoi’s sentient uniform, Senketsu, grants her power—but at what cost?
- Best Similarity: A satirical take on authority, where power is literally woven into clothing.
- Must-See Moment: Ryuko’s “Life Fiber Synchronize” transformation, echoing To Be Hero X’s flashy power-ups.
5. FLCL – Absurdity Meets Adolescence
Why Watch? FLCL’s surreal, chaotic energy mirrors To Be Hero X’s unpredictable storytelling. Naota’s life spirals into madness when Haruko, an alien rebel, smashes into his world.
- Best Similarity: Powers tied to emotional growth—Naota’s robot-emerging forehead symbolizes repressed feelings.
- Must-See Moment: The guitar-to-the-head robot summoning, pure anime insanity.
6. Inferno Cop – Hilariously Low-Budget Heroics
Why Watch? If you loved To Be Hero X’s slapstick humor, Inferno Cop delivers unfiltered absurdity. A flaming skeleton cop fights crime with zero logic and maximum chaos.
- Best Similarity: A parody of hero tropes, where rules don’t exist.
- Must-See Moment: The “Justice Bullet”, which solves everything (somehow).
7. Tiger & Bunny – Commercialized Heroism
Why Watch? Like To Be Hero X’s trust-based rankings, Tiger & Bunny features heroes sponsored by corporations and broadcast in a hero reality show.
- Best Similarity: A cynical yet heartfelt look at heroism as a business.
- Must-See Moment: Wild Tiger’s “100% Hero” moment, proving true heroism isn’t about ratings.
8. The Tatami Galaxy – Existential Ambition
Why Watch? For fans of To Be Hero X’s philosophical depth, this surreal gem explores regret, ambition, and self-worth through a time-looping college student.
- Best Similarity: A stylish, nonlinear narrative that challenges perception.
- Must-See Moment: The “What If?” climax, where choices redefine reality.
9. Great Pretender – Con Artists as Anti-Heroes
Why Watch? If To Be Hero X’s charismatic, unpredictable cast hooked you, Great Pretender’s globe-trotting heists deliver thrills and twists.
- Best Similarity: Moral ambiguity—are the “heroes” really doing good?
- Must-See Moment: The “Case 3: Snow of London” betrayal.
10. Dead Leaves – Hyperkinetic Insanity
Why Watch? To Be Hero X’s breakneck pacing and wild visuals find a kindred spirit in Dead Leaves, a 52-minute explosion of chaos.
- Best Similarity: Zero restraint—every frame is pure, unfiltered anime madness.
- Must-See Moment: The prison escape sequence, a masterclass in animated chaos.
Final Verdict: What Should You Watch Next?
- For Satire & Action: One Punch Man or Kill la Kill
- For Emotional Depth: Mob Psycho 100 or The Tatami Galaxy
- For Pure Chaos: Inferno Cop or Dead Leaves
To Be Hero X redefines hero anime—and these 10 series prove its themes resonate across the genre. Which will you watch first? Let us know in the comments!
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