Exploring the Anime World: 10 Must-Watch Series Similar to Mashle: Magic and Muscles

Mashle: Magic and Muscles is a popular manga and anime series that follows the story of Mash Burnedead, a boy who was born without magic in a world where magic is the most important thing. Mash has dedicated himself to perfecting his physical strength, allowing him to face off against powerful magic users using only his own power. The series is acclaimed for its high-octane action, unique characters, and the combination of magic and martial arts.

Fans of Mashle: Magic and Muscles may find enjoyment in other anime and manga that feature strong male protagonists, intense fight scenes, the fusion of magic and physical prowess, and lighthearted humor. This list presents ten of the top anime recommendations for those seeking content similar to Mashle: Magic and Muscles.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the writer's opinion and is not ranked in any particular order.

10 must-watch anime for fans of Mashle: Magic and Muscles

1. The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.

The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. (Image via J.C.Staff)

The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. chronicles the daily experiences of Kusuo Saiki, a powerful psychic who strives to conceal his abilities from those around him. However, he often finds himself unwillingly involved in absurd situations. Similar to Mash from Mashle: Magic and Muscles, Saiki also possesses remarkable abilities that he prefers to keep hidden to maintain a quiet life.

The humor in The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. arises from Saiki frequently relying on his psychic powers to resolve troublesome situations while avoiding drawing attention to himself. Fans of Mashle: Magic and Muscles will find enjoyment in watching Saiki humorously navigate and solve problems, much like Mash does with his immense strength.

2. My Hero Academia

My Hero Academia (Image via Bones)

My Hero Academia shares similarities with Mashle: Magic and Muscles in its world setting, where the majority of people possess superpowers. The protagonist, Izuku Midoriya, begins without abilities but receives them from All Might, the revered hero. Driven to become a superhero, Midoriya joins a school for aspiring heroes. Despite starting late with his newfound powers, he must use his ingenuity to compete with his formidable peers.

Like Mash discovering inventive techniques to combine formidable magic with his physical prowess, Midoriya harnesses his intellect, agility, and bravery to stand alongside others blessed with extraordinary quirk abilities. My Hero Academia offers exhilarating action and humor as Midoriya learns the true essence of being a hero.

3. Mob Psycho 100

Looking for another overpowered protagonist who keeps his skills under wraps? Check out Mob Psycho 100. The main character, Shigeo Kageyama (also known as Mob due to his lack of personality), is an incredibly powerful psychic. Despite his abilities, he strives to live a normal life and avoid using his powers in public. However, supernatural occurrences and unusual individuals always seem to find their way into his everyday life.

4. Baki the Grappler

Similar to Mash, Mob also harbors a tremendous reservoir of power concealed within a modest appearance. When the going gets tough, both reveal extraordinary feats as they unleash their full potential. Featuring stunning animation and compelling characters, Mob Psycho 100 is a must-watch for fans of formidable protagonists who hold back until the most explosive moments.

If you're looking for a grittier anime focused on hand-to-hand battles, Baki the Grappler is the perfect choice. Following a training arc similar to Mash's journey to gaining muscle and skill, Baki Hanma is determined to become the strongest fighter in the world. He constantly challenges dangerous underground martial artists, pushes his body to the limit, and becomes embroiled in violent conflicts.

Baki leverages his formidable physical prowess, honed through rigorous training since his youth, in pursuit of his ambitions. Baki the Grappler showcases fierce battles as Baki confronts muscular adversaries in relentless and unrestricted combat. Those seeking more of Mash’s gritty physical accomplishments will find satisfaction in Baki.

5. Spy x Family

Twilight from Spy x Family (Image via CloverWorks)

Though initially, Twilight and Mash may appear to have little in common, they both conceal secret identities as they go about their daily lives. Twilight, a master spy, adopts the facade of a family man to carry out his espionage work while keeping his true profession hidden.

Like Mash passing himself off as magicless, Twilight is adept at juggling multiple identities without the knowledge of those around him. This delightful comedy is filled with action and humor as Twilight forges connections with an assassin and a psychic within his fictitious family. For fans seeking another character adept at keeping secrets like Mash, Spy x Family is a must-watch.

6. Demon Slayer

Demon Slayer (Image via Ufotable)

Immersed in a world of enchanting abilities, Demon Slayer shares striking similarities with Mashle: Magic and Muscles. After Tanjiro Kamado's family falls prey to demons, he embarks on a mission to discover a way to restore his sister, who has been transformed into a demon, back to her human form. This moment signifies the commencement of his expedition towards becoming a proficient demon slayer.

7. Black Clover

Tanjiro is faced with the daunting task of mastering the techniques of demon slayers in order to effectively combat supernatural adversaries, similar to the way Mash adapted to the magical world. With dedicated training, Tanjiro aims to acquire the necessary skills to counter the overwhelming abilities of the demons. Just like in Mashle: Magic and Muscles, Demon Slayer showcases thrilling battle sequences and inventive powers.

The image above shows the logo of Black Clover, a popular anime series produced by Studio Pierrot.

Black Clover revolves around a magical world, similar to the premise of Mashle: Magic and Muscles. The main character, Asta, is born without any magical abilities but aspires to become the Magic Emperor. Despite his lack of magic, he undergoes rigorous physical training and wields an anti-magic sword that can negate the powers of others, rather than bestowing magical abilities upon himself.

8. Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest

Asta's resolute demeanor and boisterousness in combat mirror Mash's exuberance when facing formidable magical adversaries. Although Asta's anti-magic abilities differ from Mash's sheer physical strength, he ingeniously tackles opponents in original and inventive ways. Black Clover delivers thrilling magic battles and lighthearted moments, much like Mashle: Magic and Muscles.

Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest (Image via White Fox)

Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest tells the story of Koduka Hajime, who is suddenly transported to an alternate magical world. Betrayed and left for dead in a dangerous dungeon, Hajime forms a bond with a magical being that grants him overwhelming power, allowing him to harness incredible physical abilities without relying on magic, much like Mash.

What Hajime lacks in fighting skill, he makes up for in immense physical strength capable of overpowering powerful magical beasts. Similar to Mash entering the magical realm as an underdog, Hajime unexpectedly rises to become the most dominant figure. The series offers a blend of action and comedy, akin to the style of Mashle: Magic and Muscles.

9. Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo

For a truly bizarre anime suggestion, be sure to check out Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo. The show transports audiences to a futuristic society dominated by the Margarita Empire, where possessing hair is forbidden. Protagonist Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo defies the hair-seeking government with his formidable "Hanage Shinken" (Fist of the Nose Hair) combat skills.

Bobobo-bo showcases his absurd physical abilities which initially appear ineffective against opponents with magical powers, similar to Mash. However, through sheer absurdity and unwavering determination, Bobobo-bo manages to overwhelm his enemies with explosive attacks, much like Mash does when facing powerful magic users. The non-stop ridiculous action and visual humor in this series make it a must-watch for fans of Mashle: Magic and Muscles.

10. One-Punch Man

One-Punch Man (Image via Madhouse)

No roster of unbeatable main characters would be whole without One-Punch Man. Saitama goes through a rigorous training routine that leaves him bald but grants him unmatched strength. With the power to vanquish any adversary with just one punch, Saitama grows weary of being untouchable in a world teeming with monsters and villains.

Final Thoughts

Saitama embodies the same over-the-top physical prowess that Mash achieves through sheer muscle power. With strength that makes him nearly unbeatable, Saitama overcomes obstacles just like Mash does when facing magical adversaries. Fans who enjoy witnessing incredible displays of power and might will be captivated by One-Punch Man.

Final Thoughts

These 10 anime all embody the elements found in the popular magic-martial arts series Mashle: Magic and Muscles. Whether you're a fan of an ordinary man thrust into a world of magic, exaggerated displays of physical strength, or hilariously over-the-top action, this list has something for everyone.

From characters like Mob and Saiki with hidden psychic powers, to Tanjiro and Hajime gaining supernatural abilities without magic, there's a wide variety to choose from for fans. And with outrageous protagonists like Bo-bobo, Baki, and Saitama showcasing even more extreme feats of strength, it's a reminiscent of the spirit of Mash.

Editor's P/S

As an enthusiastic fan of Mashle: Magic and Muscles, I am thrilled to discover these 10 captivating anime recommendations. The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. immediately caught my attention with its relatable protagonist, Kusuo Saiki, who possesses remarkable abilities but prefers to keep them hidden. The humor arising from his efforts to maintain a quiet life while using his powers to solve problems reminds me of Mash's own journey.

My Hero Academia is another exciting recommendation that shares similarities with Mashle's world setting. Izuku Midoriya's determination to become a superhero despite lacking initial abilities resonates with Mash's own dedication to honing his physical strength. The exhilarating action and humor in My Hero Academia promise an engaging experience as Midoriya learns the true essence of being a hero.