10+ Anime like Classroom of the Elite   

Updated August 17, 2022 by Ernie

Anime with high school characters is often relatable with their usual teen problems, but not Classroom of the Elite—and apparently other anime like this one. If you haven’t seen this really cool anime then I shall enlighten you, young padawan. Koudo Ikusei Senior High School may seem like an ordinary institution where students are rumored to be treated favorably and are ranked highly in all of Japan. Sounds like a dream, right? Well… it’s actually a nightmare as students are grouped into classes that range from A to D. They are also ranked in terms of merit and only those who are in the top classes are treated really well. Kinda makes you think about what happens to those at the bottom of the food chain…

To help us find out, we see Kiyotaka Ayanokouji being lumped into Class D and I heard… there are no rules with whatever method the student will use just to get on top. Just how cutthroat is this school??? So, if you’re into this kind of storyline, then here are other anime series that you might want to consider watching or rewatching. 

ANIME LIKE CLASSROOM OF THE ELITE

11. The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya

 To start us off, we have a classic anime series that brings more of a sci-fi feel rather than a psychological thriller. We follow our boy Kyon, in a seemingly normal high school with seemingly normal people.

 If you haven’t caught on with the word ‘seemingly’… well this is a world where aliens, time travelers, and even espers exist and one girl has the power to change reality. Kyon, of course, is roped into this madness ever since he met Haruhi Suzumiya and the rest of the SOS Brigade. The chaos in this series definitely exudes the same one in Classroom of The Elite.

But the reason for the sudden influx of members of the SOS Brigade wasn’t pure chance, as Yuki Nagato, Mikuru Asahina, and Itsuki Koizumi all have hidden agendas related to Haruhi.

10. Charlotte

In this series, there are a select few adolescents who suddenly gain abilities. These abilities grant the characters supernatural abilities, but there are also downsides when used. We follow our MC Yuu Otosaka who tries to pass as an ordinary student.

He actually has the ability to take over someone’s mind and body for a good 5 seconds at a time. He abuses his powers by cheating through exams and getting into a prestigious school to further his shenanigans. He eventually gets caught (the jig is up bro, sorry) and suddenly finds out that there are others like him with supernatural abilities.

Aside from the high school setting, this series shows similarities with the MCs and the experiences that the characters go through. Both also have only 13 episodes to binge, so you’ll have this finished in a couple of hours.

9. No Game No Life

Coming up next is No Game No Life, now I’m not gonna lie NGNL and Classroom of The Elite are very similar, especially with the male leads. Similar to some of the anime here, the MCs are underdogs and essentially do what they can in order to achieve the goal of being number one.

The series follows the stepsiblings Sora and Shiro who are avid gamers—and I mean avid gamers… total shut-ins, the whole NEET descriptions. Yep. Anyway, the two siblings find themselves yeeted into a world that is rigged to have rules similar to games. Since the two believe that life is just another dull game, being transported into another world will surely add some spice they’ve been looking for.

8. Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai

For this series, both MCs are similar in their anti-social personality and intelligence. Though Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai is not exactly the same as Classroom of The Elite, you can still see similarities in the general structure of the plot. That being, it is set in a high school setting, the MCs are kuudere types, and they try to help out other characters along the way.

Puberty Syndrome is a disease where abnormal effects or irregularities are experienced by the victim when they get distressed. Though it was thought to be a myth, Sakuta Azusawaga sees it firsthand with Mai Sakurajima and other girls in his school. As Sakuta does his best to help out Mai get through her disease, he also ends up helping others suffering from it along the way.

7. Talentless Nana

If you’re specifically looking into a psychological thriller, then Talentless Nana might be your best bet! Set in a world where teens have supernatural abilities in order to defend themselves as “enemies of humanity”. Students from schools located on a secluded island are taught to hone their skills.

Now, here’s where this series fits the bill in terms of similarity; Nanao Nakajima is our MC and he is considered to be an outcast of sorts because of his lack of talent. That’s right, he’s talentless. But it doesn’t stop him from doing his best and completing his training. Once he feels that he’s settled and gained new friends, a sudden threat looms over his class as sudden disappearances are happening.

6. The Irregular at Magic High School

Though this series may be different with the magic present, it doesn’t shy away from the fact that the main characters are indeed similar. I mean it is in a high school setting and we have the protagonists take the role of an underdog and later on surprise their enemies. So, they’re usually underestimated. 

The Irregular at Magic Highschool follows the siblings Tatsuya and Miyuki Shiba. Similar to Classroom of The Elite, there is a separation of students however, in this school it is in terms of magical abilities. Miyuki is a prodigy and was instantly placed in the category called “Blooms” whereas Tatsuya was found to be in the “Weeds” category.

And so, the big surprise comes along as Tatsuya may have been labeled as magically inept, but his physical abilities, technical knowledge, and unique magic prove that he’s actually pretty strong. Thus, circling back to him being the irregular at the magic high school. 

5. Hyouka

Hyouka is a calmer series compared to Classroom of The Elite, but it’s still similar with the mysteries that the characters encounter and not to mention, the very anti-social MC that can handle himself in various situations.

Though this seems more laid back, the series still gives an interesting outlook on high school life. Our MC Oreki may lack the social skills needed, but the friendships along the way make his life a bit more worthwhile. Especially since Chitanda’s insatiable drive to figure out the mysteries that surround their lives provides us with satisfactory entertainment.

4. Kakegurui

If you plan to enroll in Hyakkaou Private Academy, then you better be sure to have your millions ready and your brain geared up, because if you lose in gambling and lose all your money—you become a joke. But that doesn’t apply to Yumeko Jabami. It may look like a normal school but don’t let that fool you. It’s pretty similar to Classroom of The Elite where students outsmart each other to get the upper hand.

But Yumeko Jabami does so much more than just winning, she goes all in and doesn’t care whether she wins or loses. Its cutthroat vibes will definitely remind you of Classroom of The Elite.

3. Baka and Test 

Baka and Test is known to be very similar to Classroom of The Elite, except for the part that the former has more comedy, and the latter sits on a serious tone. So, if you want the same structure but more laughs, then Baka and Test is what you need!

It’s more or less the same idea since our MCs are assigned to the lowest of the low classes. Akihisa Yoshii has one of the worst grades in the series so it’s no surprise he’s in Class F. Students in this school can also conjure up fantasy characters whose powers are equal to their test scores… well wonder what characters Class F would pull up. Do you think Class F from Baka and Test and Class D from Classroom of The Elite reach the top?

2. Assassination Classroom

 Ah, a personal favorite. Assassination Classroom is a lot more similar to Classroom of The Elite than the rest of those on the list, mainly because it focuses on the students at the bottom. Essentially those with horrible grades and troubling circumstances.

But, the elite Kunugigaoka Middle School is suddenly visited by the national government, and the worst students are tasked with one goal. To kill the greatest threat to humanity: their homeroom teacher. Nagisa and the rest of his classmates are set on an impossible task, but they’re willing to do everything for the sake of their planet. Even if they have to kill their beloved sensei.

1. My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU

In this series, we follow, yet again, another anti-social MC with a total disregard for everything. Though it may lack the action and thrill that is more prominent in Classroom of The Elite, you’ll still binge the heck out of this one.

Hachiman Hikigaya is our MC and we follow him and his dark personality as he navigates his high school journey. Due to his, ahem, views, his essay on mocking social relations earns him a punishment by joining the Volunteer Service Club. It screams irony as our anti-social MC is forced to join a very socially inclined club. Whether his rotten view of society helps him solve other peoples’ problems or not, is the main difference from Classroom of the Elite’s rise to power.

Conclusion

Soooo, did ya find anything that tickled your interest? Well, if you liked Classroom of The Elite, you’re bound to enjoy some of the recommended series listed. Although, it may be hard to top the current anime you just watched by looking for similar series, at least it’s cool to know that there are other gems out there. So, if you’re looking for more anime to binge, why not check out 57+ Best Anime to Release in 2022 (Recommendations) we got lined up for ya!