When Ranking of Kings first aired, many viewers underestimated it because of its simple art style. But as Bojji’s journey unfolded, the anime proved to be one of the most emotional and inspiring fantasy stories in recent years.
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A powerless prince, a cruel kingdom, betrayal, kindness, and growth—Ranking of Kings showed that true strength doesn’t come from muscles or swords, but from heart and courage.
If Bojji’s story touched your heart and you’re searching for anime like Ranking of Kings, here are the top 10 anime similar to Ranking of Kings. These recommendations are based on what fans loved most about Ranking of Kings:
- Weak-to-strong journey
- Emotional depth
- Character growth
- Fantasy worldbuilding
10 Katanagatari
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Genres: Adventure, Drama
Episodes: 12 (1-hour each)
In the Katanagatari anime, you follow the story of a swordless warrior and a strategist as they travel across Japan to collect legendary swords
Katanagatari differs from Ranking of Kings in structure and pacing, focusing heavily on dialogue and character interaction rather than traditional action. Still, both anime place relationships at the center of their stories.
Like Bojji’s journey, Katanagatari’s narrative is driven by personal bonds, emotional loss, and gradual character evolution. Its unconventional presentation and emphasis on storytelling over spectacle make it a strong recommendation for viewers who valued Ranking of Kings’ emotional depth.
09 Kaiba
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Genres: Sci-Fi, Psychological
Episodes: 12
In a futuristic world where memories and bodies can be transferred, a boy with no memories searches for his identity while uncovering emotional and philosophical truths.
At first glance, Kaiba looks nothing like Ranking of Kings. Its abstract art style and sci-fi setting can feel almost alien. Yet, much like Ranking of Kings, Kaiba uses its simple visuals to explore deeply emotional and philosophical themes.
Both anime challenge the viewer to look beyond appearances and focus on humanity, memory, and identity. Fans who admired Ranking of Kings for its emotional maturity hidden beneath childlike designs will find Kaiba to be a rewarding experience.
08 The Ancient Magus’ Bride
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Genres: Fantasy, Drama
Episodes: 2 Seasons
A lonely girl named Chise enters a magical world after being bought by a mysterious sorcerer, and from there her new life begins with new adventures
While The Ancient Magus’ Bride leans more into romance and folklore, it shares Ranking of Kings’ slow, emotional storytelling style. Both anime focus on broken individuals learning to find purpose and belonging in unfamiliar worlds.
Rather than fast-paced conflict, the series prioritize atmosphere, emotional healing, and quiet character development. Viewers who enjoyed Ranking of Kings’ softer moments and reflective tone will appreciate The Ancient Magus’ Bride’s approach to fantasy.
07 Mob Psycho 100
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Genres: Action, Psychological
Episodes: 3 Seasons
Mob is a quiet middle schooler with powerful psychic abilities who struggles to control his emotions while trying to live a normal and meaningful life.
On paper, Mob Psycho 100 seems wildly different from Ranking of Kings, trading medieval fantasy for modern settings and psychic battles. However, both series center on protagonists who are emotionally fragile and underestimated despite possessing something unique.
Mob, like Bojji, struggles with self-worth more than external enemies. Both stories emphasize emotional intelligence, kindness, and personal growth over traditional power scaling. Fans who admired Ranking of Kings for its message that strength comes from character rather than ability will find Mob Psycho 100 surprisingly aligned.
06 Yona of the Dawn
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Genres: Fantasy, War
Episodes: 2 Seasons
After a sudden betrayal forces her to flee the palace, Princess Yona Take off on a dangerous journey that transforms her from a sheltered royal into a determined survivor.
Although Yona of the Dawn begins as a romantic fantasy rather than a coming-of-age tragedy, it ultimately shares a similar transformation arc with Ranking of Kings. Yona starts off sheltered and powerless, much like Bojji, before betrayal forces her into the real world.
Both anime emphasize character growth through hardship, showing how suffering reshapes naïve royals into determined leaders. While Yona relies more on action and adventure, the emotional core—learning to survive, protect others, and redefine strength—closely aligns with what made Ranking of Kings so compelling.
05 Somali and the Forest Spirit
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Genres: Fantasy, Adventure
Episodes: 24
In a fantasy world ruled by non-humans, a golem becomes the guardian of a human child named Somali, and together they travel in search of other humans.
Unlike Ranking of Kings, Somali and the Forest Spirit contains very little action or political conflict. Instead, it tells a quiet, intimate story set in a fantasy world where humans are nearly extinct. Despite this tonal difference, both anime excel at portraying vulnerability and emotional bonds formed in hostile environments.
Much like Bojji’s relationship with Kage, Somali’s connection with her guardian is built on trust, protection, and mutual emotional growth. Both series explore loneliness, belonging, and the fear of being left behind, often using silence and gentle moments to convey their themes. Fans who loved the softer, emotional side of Ranking of Kings will find Somali and the Forest Spirit deeply moving.
04 The Heroic Legend of Arslan
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Genres: Fantasy, Slice of Life
Episodes: 12
The story centers on Prince Arslan, who loses his kingdom after a devastating battle and begins a journey to reclaim his throne while learning leadership and strategy.
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At first glance, The Heroic Legend of Arslan appears far more grounded and politically driven than Ranking of Kings. Its focus on large-scale battles, military strategy, and historical fantasy makes it feel closer to a traditional war epic. However, at their cores, both anime revolve around young princes struggling to define what kind of rulers they want to become.
Like Bojji, Arslan is inexperienced, underestimated, and forced into leadership before he is ready. Both characters must rely on allies to compensate for their weaknesses while learning that kingship is not about brute strength but responsibility, empathy, and trust. The gradual transformation from sheltered royal to capable leader is a shared narrative thread that makes Arslan a natural recommendation for Ranking of Kings fans.
03 To Your Eternity
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Genres: Adventure, Dark Fantasy
Episodes: 2 Seasons + Movies
An immortal being sent to Earth takes on different forms while learning about human emotions, relationships, and mortality through encounters across time and generations.
While To Your Eternity lacks the traditional fantasy kingdom structure seen in Ranking of Kings, both anime are fundamentally character studies centered on emotional growth rather than spectacle. To Your Eternity follows an immortal being learning about humanity through relationships, loss, and suffering, whereas Ranking of Kings follows Bojji discovering his own worth in a world that constantly underestimates him.
In both stories, the main character starts off naïve and defenseless, gradually gaining emotional maturity through painful experiences rather than physical strength. The shows also share a willingness to linger on grief, kindness, and human connection, allowing quiet moments to carry as much weight as major conflicts. Fans who appreciated Ranking of Kings for its heartfelt storytelling rather than action will find To Your Eternity equally devastating and meaningful
02 Made in Abyss
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Genres: Fantasy, Drama, Supernatural
Episodes: 2 Seasons
The anime follows a young girl named Riko who ventures into a massive and mysterious abyss filled with strange creatures and deadly curses to search for her missing mother.
On the surface, Made in Abyss feels more like a pure adventure story than a royal fantasy like Ranking of Kings. Its setting revolves around a massive, mysterious chasm filled with relics, strange creatures, and unknown dangers rather than kingdoms and political intrigue. Despite this, both anime share a strikingly similar narrative philosophy: innocence does not protect you from suffering.
Much like Bojji, the young protagonists of Made in Abyss are physically small, emotionally vulnerable, and dangerously unprepared for the horrors they face. Both series use cute character designs to disarm the audience before slowly exposing the cruelty of their worlds. The emphasis on perseverance, emotional trauma, and the heavy consequences of moving forward makes Made in Abyss an easy recommendation for anyone who admired Ranking of Kings’ willingness to hurt its characters in order to help them grow.
01 Dororo
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Genres: Dark Fantasy, Adventure, Drama
Episodes: 24
Set in feudal Japan, the story follows Hyakkimaru, a boy born without body parts due to a dark pact made by his father. As he defeats demons, he slowly regains his body while traveling with a clever orphan named Dororo.
At first glance, Dororo and Ranking of Kings appear to exist in very different worlds. Dororo is set in a brutal, war-torn version of feudal Japan and leans heavily into dark fantasy and violence, while Ranking of Kings presents a fairy-tale-like kingdom with a soft, storybook art style. However, beneath these surface differences, both anime tell deeply emotional stories about children forced to survive in an unforgiving world shaped by adult greed and ambition.
Like Bojji, Hyakkimaru begins life at a severe disadvantage, robbed of basic human abilities due to circumstances beyond his control. Both characters are largely silent figures whose actions speak louder than words, and their journeys focus less on becoming powerful warriors and more on reclaiming their humanity. Dororo’s exploration of moral ambiguity, parental betrayal, and the cost of kingship closely mirrors the emotional backbone that made Ranking of Kings resonate so strongly with viewers.
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