6 Anime like Rakudai Kishi no Cavalry (Chivalry of a Failed Knight) [Updated Recommendations]

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Revisiting one of the surprises of 2015, action ecchi series Rakudai Kishi no Cavalry amazed many of us by not only choosing the romance route rather than a harem but actually delivering a solid story along with it. Although the premise of a weak protagonist who's secretly strong is nothing new in itself, the most important thing about a story is how you tell it, and Rakudai did a great job of crafting likeable characters, relationships, and a cruel but interesting world.

When looking at series similar to it there are a few things we're after: first of course is the battle school setting, along with lots of action, fanservice, and a cool fantasy world. Secondly is the main character's circumstances: a majority of Rakudai's story is based on the supposed weakness of its protagonist Ikki, the "Worst One", meaning a similar story should have something resembling this plot point. Lastly is the feel of the show given off by its world, characters, and story: Rakudai focuses on its story more than many other shows in this genre, taking itself more seriously and creating a harsher and more realistic world along with it. A similar show doesn't need to have all of these points but they're a pretty good guide to go by, so without further ado let's check out our 6 anime like Rakudai Kishi no Cavalry recommendations.

Similar Anime to Rakudai Kishi no Cavalry

1. Gakusen Toshi Asterisk (The Asterisk War)

  • Episodes: 12
  • Aired: October 2015 - December 2015

We mentioned this one in the first list, and with how insanely similar it is to Rakudai Kishi no Cavalry it's impossible to leave out. Gakusen Toshi Asterisk's setting is virtually identical to Rakudai's, featuring an overpowered protagonist, Ayato, at a school for special ability users, fighting for the sake of beautiful, troubled girls. Of course, his school life doesn't start off simply, with him accidently peeking on Julis, a fellow student and the princess of Lieseltania, while she's changing and resulting in being challenged to a duel on his first day. Sound familiar? Asterisk focuses mainly on a tournament, known as the Phoenix Festa, held between the six schools that make up the academy city, and the various stories surrounding it.

Gakusen Toshi Asterisk and Rakudai Kishi no Cavalry are so similar it almost makes more sense to discuss their differences instead. Both have main protagonists and heroines with a similar appearance, personality, powers, and introduction, as well as several other characters with similar story arcs and archetypes. The main difference between the two series is where they choose to take the story, with Asterisk trying to keep the harem setup going, rather than clearly stating which girl the protagonist is interested in. If you enjoyed Rakudai, there is little no chance you won't enjoy Gakusen Toshi Asterisk, in fact, we'd be surprised if you haven't already seen it.


2. Sword Art Online

  • Episodes: 25
  • Aired: July 2012 - December 2012

We'd be surprised if you don't know this one, but for those of you that somehow missed out on the Sword Art Online craze, here's a brief overview. In the near future, Sword Art Online is the latest and most advanced VRMMORPG to ever be released, that Virtual Reality Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game. Shortly after the new players are done logging in, however, they are informed by the game's creator that they are now trapped within the game, with no way of logging out, and completing the game is the only way of getting out alive. The story follows beta-tester and highly skilled solo player Kirito as he makes his way to the top of the 100-floor tower Aincrad, and just generally trying not to die.

The world of Sword Art Online and Rakudai Kishi no Cavalry share little, bar them both being set in fantasy worlds, however, there are some significant similarities in their story themes and build up. Kirito and Ikki share the same utterly broken power levels, which they both wish to hide from both their friends and foes if possible. Them revealing their power is central to their character development, with both of them finding reasons and people they want to fight for as the series progresses. The most important people, of course, being the main heroines, and one interesting thing both Rakudai and SAO do is that despite they are often classed as, and marketed as, harem shows, they both make it exceptionally clear from the beginning who the main heroine is. This was one of the main big draws of both shows, for those of us who can get a bit tired of harems sometimes, and just want the guy to make a decision. Another one many of you will no doubt have already seen, if you've somehow managed to avoid Sword Art Online until now, we'd recommend giving it a watch.


3. Taimadou Gakuen 35 Shiken Shoutai (AntiMagic Academy 35th Test Platoon)

  • Episodes: 12
  • Aired: October 2015 - December 2015

A series that aired alongside both Rakudai Kishi no Cavalry and Gakuen Toshi Asterisk, Taimadou Gakuen 35 Shiken Shoutai is another series in the ever popular school harem action genre. As the English name implies, the show focuses on AntiMagic Academy's 35th Test Platoon, the lowest ranked platoon in the school for witch hunters. Platoons score points by taking on various missions, so as you can imagine platoon 35 are particularly terrible when it comes to accomplishing anything. When a new highly skilled, ex-witch hunter is introduced to the platoon however, their leader Takeru sees it as an opportunity to turn the group around and start ranking up.

Taimadou Gakuen 35 Shiken Shoutai starts with a similar battle school style like Rakudai, but with more of a military feel to it, though magic and fantasy comes into the story much more as it progresses. We also have the "weakest in the school" plot point, with the 35th Test Platoon being mocked in the same way as Ikki for their weakness, despite their hidden strengths. Both series also take themselves fairly seriously, focusing on the story more than their girls and featuring some fairly dark scenes. Although not praised quite as highly as Rakudai, Taimadou Gakuen 35 Shiken Shoutai is in the same league as both it and Gakusen Toshi Asterisk, and a show we'd highly recommend to fans of either.


Any Anime Like Rakudai Kishi no Cavalry?

4. Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut (Undefeated Bahamut Chronicle)

  • Episodes: 12
  • Aired: January 2016 - March 2016

Following yet another seemingly pathetic protagonist, Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut's main man Lux Arcadia was originally the prince of the Arcadia Empire before it was felled five years ago by a mysterious Black Drag-Knight, now a student at the Royal Knight Academy, a school for training new Drag-Knights, Lux is looked down upon as the "Weakest Undefeated" due to him winning every battle he's in despite his apparent weakness. As he spends his time helping out various beautiful girls at the academy, more and more disturbing revelations about the ruins lying around the country and the stability of the new kingdom start to become apparent, and Lux must reveal his true strength if he wants to be able to protect his new life.

Lux's build up is much the same as Ikki's with his strength going from zero to a demigod in a mere 12 episodes, but is none the less awesome to watch. Along with this, we, of course, have the battle school setting, along with the harem of beautiful girls. Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut is more of a standard harem setup than Rakudai Kishi no Cavalry, but whether you prefer that or not, we think you'll still be pleased by the level of fanservice present in Bahamut. Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut is another great zero to hero story, with plenty of action, cute girls, and a decent plot to top it off.


5. Strike the Blood

  • Episodes: 24
  • Aired: October 2013 - March 2014

Now here's something with some more subtle similarities, Strike the Blood centers around normal high schooler turned fourth primogenitor vampire Kojou Akatsuki, whose life becomes significantly more hectic after gaining his powers. With him recently becoming an insanely powerful vampire, Kojou now has several other powerful people coming after him, including the adorable but dedicated Himeragi, a sword shaman from the Lion King Organization. With her help, he begins the process of working out just who is on his side, who his enemies are, and what exactly he is.

Overpowered protagonist aside, Strike the Blood is a series which although fundamentally different from Rakudai Kishi no Cavalry, has a very similar feeling to it. Despite clearly having some awesome fan service throughout, much like Rakudai Strike the Blood takes its story seriously and prioritises it over ecchi or quickly establishing a harem. Kojou has also quite clearly chosen the girl he likes from the start which, along with several other plot revelations, makes the series less about the other girls, and more about the two of them and their relationship. There's also a harshness or darkness to their world as well, which is present is Rakudai, but which is not normally pulled off very well in other action ecchi series, and makes the story feel that bit more real. Although the storyline is fairly different to Rakudai's, we think Strike the Blood offers a similar and very enjoyable viewing.


6. Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei (The Irregular at Magic High School)

  • Episodes: 26
  • Aired: April 2014 - September 2014

One more we've mentioned before, Mahouka Koukou no Rettouei is too similar to Rakudai Kishi no Cavalry to miss out on. Set in an alternate version of Earth where magic has become a science and is taught and studied in school, brother and sister Tatsuya and Miyuki Shiba are new students at the highly elite First High School for young magicians. Students at the school are split into First Course "Blooms" and Second Course "Weeds" depending on the level of their magic ability, and unfortunately for the siblings, despite Tatsuya's high intelligence and physical ability, his weak magic gets him put in the Second Course, with his dear sister placed in the First. Although now subject to hate and ridicule as a lesser student, Tatsuya's main priority remains the protecting his little sister, and he has an unexpected ace up his sleeve with which to do so.

Tatsuya and Ikki both have to deal with being seen as weak constantly, despite their true abilities, but being honourable young men have higher priorities than worrying about the judgement of others. Rettousei also has both the heroine Tatsuya is dedicated to from episode 1, and the obsessive little sister character that Rakudai has, although in this case, they're both the same character in Miyuki Shiba. Mmmm incest. One other major story related similarity is that in both series, it feels like the institution is determined to crush our protagonist no matter what, with no end of characters who are supposedly on the side of good, trying to put Tatsuya in his place as some kind of lesser human. Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei sadly misses out on the romance of Rakudai Kishi no Cavalry, but if you're after action, plot, and overpowered protagonists Rettousei is a great choice.


Rakudai-Kishi-no-Cavalry-dvd-1-300x425 6 Anime like Rakudai Kishi no Cavalry (Chivalry of a Failed Knight) [Updated Recommendations]

Final Thoughts

Certainly one of the better quality ecchi action series out there, it's a shame we haven't heard anything about another series or OVA being produced, but anything is possible, even Rettousei recently got a movie adaptation. The bright side, of course, is that there are so many series similar to it that we've got plenty of other great shows to get through anyway.

So we hope this updated list of recommendations gave you something new to add to your watch list, or even your re-watch list! As always be sure to check out the original article down below for more great series like Rakudai Kishi no Cavalry, and of course, let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Rakudai-Kishi-no-Cavalry-dvd-1-300x425 6 Anime like Rakudai Kishi no Cavalry (Chivalry of a Failed Knight) [Updated Recommendations]

Writer

Author: Kristian

British guy doing student things in Tokyo. Slice-of-life and moe anime are my speciality, though I think something good can be found in almost every show. Outside of anime I spend most of my time feeding on DotA 2 or studying Japanese in a quest to one day watch cute girls without subtitles.

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Original Article Below

In an alternate universe there exists an alternate world where people, who are called blazers, can materialize unique weapons that are made through their soul. Ikki Kurogane is a student at a school where young people go to study about how to make and control their powers. However, he’s the lowest rank of all with no real powers. He has been dubbed a failed knight by everyone. One day though, he walks into a half naked girl in his room. After she has a meltdown, she calms down and he learns that her name is Stella Vermillion. She is a princess from another country who has come to this fictitious Japan to learn more.

Once he explains everything to her and wins a battle and subsequently a bet where she is now his slave, she agrees to help train him as she is a Rank-A fighter. Kurogane’s goal is now to master his skills and win the largest tournament in Japan; The Seven Star Sword Art Festival and become the Seven Stars Sword King! Should he be able to do it? With Stella by his side, maybe it’s actually possible! Let’s take a look at six other anime just like Chivalry of a Failed Knight.

Similar Anime to Rakudai Kishi no Cavalry / Similar Anime to Chivalry of a Failed Knight

1. Gakusen Toshi Asterisk (The Asterisk War: The Academy City on the Water)

  • Episodes: 12
  • Aired: October 2015 – December 2015

One day Ayato Amagiri transfers into a new school at the invite of the student council president. He sees something fall from a building one day and jumps from a very large distance into a room via an open window to give the fallen item back. He steps in and there is Julis-Alexia van Riessfeld in nothing but her underwear. She blasts him with magic to get him away and he remains unscathed until she finds him. She challenges him to a duel. The duel is awkwardly cut short when they are attacked by something. Eventually the dust settles and they move on. This school is the grounds for the “Star Wars Festival” (no, not that one) and the students are part of a generation called the “Starpulse Generation” who are trying to establish their school as the supreme one. Welcome to the greatest magical school battle anime the world has seen!

In comparison to Chivalry of a Failed Knight, there are actually quite a few similarities. Both series have hot headed female main characters. In fact they are so hot, they wield fire based magic. (See what we did there?) Julis and Stella are both royalty as well! Both main male characters catch both of the female characters in very compromising positions in the first episode. Chivalry of a Failed Knight and The Asterisk War are harem, comedy, action, and sci-fi among others! There is also the important fact that both shows are centered around school lives of students participating in festivals to be labeled as the most powerful. If the plot/characters were not different, you would think that this is the same show! If you like Chivalry of a Failed Knight, then you will like The Asterisk War as well!


2. The Irregular at Magic High School

  • Episodes: 26
  • Aired: April 2014 – September 2014

Welcome to the future where magic now flourishes alongside technology. After World War III, the world has four superpowers and Japan is one of them. After magicians and magic uses becoming rarer and rarer, Japan creates special schools where only those who can use magic go. There they are separated into two different levels; Weed and Bloom. Bloom is for the smart students while Weed is for the lower level students (...!?). Two siblings transfer to the school, Shiba goes to the Weed courses while his sister, Miyuki, goes to the Bloom courses. However, Shiba is proving himself to be a bit too intelligent for the program that he is rolled in. Things are starting to change at the school too! What is going on here?

Between Chivalry of a Failed Knight and The Irregular at Magic High, there are quite a few parallels. First off the bat, both of these anime take place in school settings. Next, you have a magic system existing in modern day society as well. There is also the part that the main characters are supposedly weak, but they end up unexpectedly more powerful than people realized. Both of the guys who are supposedly the lowest levels in the school live with/share a room with the smartest/best female students in the room. There’s also the brother/sister relationship that sometimes is a bit questionable. Especially in Chivalry of a Failed Knight. You will enjoy this show though for sure, so check it out!


3. Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance (Blade Dance of the Elementals)

  • Episodes: 12
  • Aired: July 2014 – September 2014

Kamito Kazehaya is unique beyond all unique individuals. In the world he lives in, only women who are maidens and pure of heart can form contracts with spirits. However, he is the first male in 1000 years to make a contract with a spirit. So he is invited to come join a prestigious Mage academy. One day, he peeps at a girl named Claire while she’s taking a bath. He then furthers his wrongdoing by then forming a contact with a spirit that she was preparing to get for herself! Something has to be done and so she decides to make him her contracted spirit. What does fate have in store for Kamito?

There are some parallels here between Chivalry of a Failed Knight and Blade Dance of the Elementals. Both are in a school setting within a special academy. Kamito and Ikki both are regarded as “unique” individuals. Ikki because he’s Rank-F and Kamito because he actually managed to make a contract with a spirit. Also, Claire and Ikki have a lot in common do to with both having bad reputations. A festival is introduced to find who is the strongest in both series. The most obvious one is that both Stella and Claire are hot-headed fire users! This is an enjoyable show if you like Chivalry of a Failed Knight.


Any Animes Like Rakudai Kishi no Cavalry / Any Animes Like Chivalry of a Failed Knight ?

4. Kuusen Madoushi no Kouhosei no Kyoukan (Sky Wizards Academy)

  • Episodes: 12
  • Aired: July 2015 – September 2015

Kanata Age lives in the magical wizard city of Mitsuogan. Did we neglect to mention that this city is floating in the sky? Well it is. Humans were driven off the surface of the Earth and into the sky due to invading magical insects with heavy armor. Here, they hone their skills and learn how to fight the insect menace. Kanata is given a team of three female sky wizards to train. He was once regarded as the top ace of the academy but now he has mysteriously been branded a traitor. He has fallen from grace and now has to teach these girls who are at the bottom of the school’s ranking, how to fight and win. Can he do it?

Oddly, while this show does sound like it can be more slice of life, it’s actually very action based similar to Chivalry of a Failed Knight. Sky Wizards Academy, much like Chivalry of a Failed Knight, utilizes multiple genres; action, sci-fi, future, comedy, school life, and romance to name a few. Unlike the above listed shows, both main characters are labeled as failures, and while they are powerful, they don’t flaunt it, nor are they the dense main characters that need to be shown the way. However, when it comes to it, they don’t have any problems hesitating to get things done. Sky Wizards Academy is great for those who enjoy Chivalry of a Failed Knight and want a good laugh while getting another dose of OP main characters, action, magic, and a bit of a harem!


5. Seiken Tsukai no World Break (World Break: Aria of Curse for a Holy Swordsman)

  • Episodes: 12
  • Aired: January 2015 – March 2015

In Akane Academy, students, also referred to as saviors, study to hone their magic skills. They are divided into Shirogane and Kuroma. Shirogane control magical weapons while Kuroma use defense magic. They hone their skills to fight off creatures called the Metaphysicals, that attack humans around the world. Moroha Haimura transfers into the school but he’s like no other student they have ever had before. He is a reincarnation like everyone else in the school, but he has been reincarnated as both Shirogane and Kuroma. Now he has to find his way in this world and somehow succeed in honing not only his skills but protecting those around him.

World Break and Chivalry of a Failed Knight both have the magic, sci-fi, future, action, and school themes going for them. Both shows also utilize very OP main characters who are not only cool-headed, but for the most part, both Ikki and Moroha do not flaunt their abilities. There is a bountiful amount of action and magic as well, so you’re set! Check it out!


6. Absolute Duo

  • Episodes: 12
  • Aired: January 2015 – March 2015

Tor (Tooru) is out for blood. Someone has killed his sister and revenge is consuming him. He enrolls at an academy for Blazers, people who can use their souls to make weapons to fight for peacekeeping missions. Tor finally gets the chance to try his power out and form a weapon one day. However… it’s not a weapon that he makes, it’s a shield.

With absolute Duo, we have Tor living with a female in his room much like Ikki and Stella. They both use magic from their souls to summon weapons to fight. Ironically, the weapons in Absolute Duo are called Blaze, while the weapons in Chivalry of a Failed Knight are called Blazers!? Both shows are in a school setting and, much like with Ikki and Stella, Tor and Julie are not only paired up, but also very OP together. Check it out for more action, magic, and sci-fi!


Here we are at the end of this article! How did you like it? Is there anything that you would change? Check out Chivalry of a Failed Knight if you haven’t already and if you have, we are sure you’re enjoying it! Let us know in the comments if you have another idea!

Till next time!

Rakudai-Kishi-no-Cavalry-dvd-1-300x425 6 Anime like Rakudai Kishi no Cavalry (Chivalry of a Failed Knight) [Updated Recommendations]

Editor/Translator

Author: Nagareboshi

American by birth; international by choice. I am trying to bring attention to one of my favorite causes; me. I translate by day and write by night. Aspiring polyglot. My dream would be to be the personal translator for Amuro Namie. Other than that, my hobbies include languages, weightlifting, sleeping, karaoke, GOOD coffee and music. When I’m not doing any of the above, I am most likely laughing hysterically at Willam Belli videos or EV farming. I ain’t gunna Rupologize for it neither. Waifu are Shirai Kuroko & Euaerin.

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