15 Anime About High School Students With Powers!

Published on September 24, 2021
Written by:
Evanshi Mavani
Evanshi Mavani
Anime Guide & Listicle Writer

Anime about high school students with powers have always been popular within the anime industry, and not without reason. Since many viewers are high school students themselves, they are accustomed to it and enjoy this setting.

Anime with a high-school setting often dabbles in various genres, including slices of life, romance, comedy, magic, powers, and even horror. In the case of magic skills, it can range from supernatural or legendary powers to physical, mental, and elemental - the choices are endless. One can't help but be awestruck when seeing the explosiveness of such powers, especially when they are wielded by a high school student.

The concept of 'high school anime' has definitely gone mainstream and is now a trendy genre. Because this genre is so diverse, we have compiled a list of 15 anime about high school students with powers that stand out from the rest.

15. Arifureta: From Commonplace to World's Strongest

Arifureta

Arifureta has a lot of mixed reviews; people either hate it or love it. However, it's unquestionable that the premise of this anime is exciting and has potential.

The anime centers on Hajime Nagymo, a high school student whose everyday lifestyle is flipped upside down when his entire class gets 'isekaied' into a strange dimension. His class has been tasked with safeguarding the human species in a mystical realm filled with hazards. However, Hajime's ambitions to aid others are hindered when he is given a relatively weak power. With the constant insults of his classmates who are blessed with remarkable talents, every day is getting more difficult for Nagymo.

Arifureta is entertaining from the very first episode, and while it may be a touch hurried at times, the animation and plot more than make up for it.

14. A Certain Magical Index

A Certain Magical Index

A Certain Magical Index is an action-comedy set in Academy City, a modern city where magic and science coexist. Aside from being 30 years ahead of the rest of the world in terms of technology, more than three-quarters of the population of this strange metropolis is made up of students honing their psychic talents as espers at various institutions.

The plot revolves around the protagonist, Kamijou Touma, a high school student who, despite having the lowest psychic rating, has the ability to nullify other supernatural powers. After encountering the mysterious Index Librorum Prohibitorum, a young girl who's being targeted, Kamijou will risk everything to protect her while exploring a strange new magical realm.

A Certain Magical Index boasts unique characters, each equipped with special abilities. Despite the simple plot, it's interesting to watch high school students with powers deal with challenges in their own unique way.

13. Yamada-kun and the Seven Witches

Yamada-kun and the Seven Witches

While not a masterpiece, Yamada-kun and the Seven Witches is a classic that's thoroughly entertaining in its own right.

The anime centers on an ex-delinquent named Ryuu Yamada, who wanted to have a fresh start in his high-school years. He decided to attend Suzuka High, where no one knew about his dark past. However, he soon gets bored with his high-school life and reverts back to his bad habits.

One day, while making his way down from the rooftop, he bumps into the beautiful honors student Urara Shiraishi. However, he misses a step and falls alongside the girl. When Yamada wakes up, he finds himself in Shiraishi's body, and the pair realizes that they can swap bodies with a kiss.

With these newfound abilities, the high school students join a "Supernatural Studies Club," where they are introduced to the legend of the seven witches. As the duo embarks on their quest to find the identities of all the witches, they must learn to utilize their body swap ability in the best way possible.

While gender bender isn't a new theme in anime, combining it with witchcraft, thriller, and romantic elements makes Yamada-kun and the Seven Witches infinitely more interesting.

12. Akashic Records of Bastard Magic Instructor

Akashic Records of Bastard Magic Instructor

Akashic Records of Bastard Magic Instructor is a show that exceeds the expectations of all the viewers; after all, it is rare to see a good adaptation of a light novel.

The anime is set in Alzano Empire, and more specifically, in the Alzano Imperial Magic Academy. Many young magicians come to this academy to enhance their skills, and Sistine Febel and her bright-eyed best friend, Rumia Tingel, are no exception.

However, their world is turned upside down when their beloved instructor retires and is replaced by the elusive Glenn Radars, whose lax and uninterested attitude alienates him from the rest of his class. As dark forces hiding behind the Empire's borders begin to operate, Sistine, Rumia, and Glenn get entangled in their designs.

With an unpredictable plot, countless high school students with powers, and decent animation, it'll be a shame not to add Akashic Records of Bastard Magic Instructor to the list.

11. Strike the Blood

Strike the Blood

If you want to see an average high school student discover and awaken mind-boggling abilities and rescue the world, this is the show for you. The plot of Strike the Blood is organized around arcs, with new villains introduced in each one.

Kojou Akatsuki has lived his life as an ordinary high-school student in the demon district of Itogami island. However, due to an unexpected encounter, he is left with the abilities of a powerful vampire. It doesn't take him long before he is told that he is the fourth primogenitor, a very powerful vampire who has been considered merely a myth. 

Fearing Kojou's power, the Lion King Organization dispatches Yukina Himeragi, an aspiring sword-shaman, to keep an eye on him. As Kojou comes to terms with his powers, the duo is forced to battle and safeguard the city from different rising chaotic forces.

Strike the Blood's strong features include its art, action, and simple storyline. It's generic, yet it outperforms most other shows in the same category. It's best for people who favor action over plot and fanservice over progress.

10. Kokoro Connect

Kokoro Connect

What would you do if you and your friends began to switch bodies randomly? Or what if your deepest, darkest urges were forced to the surface, entirely out of your control? Kokoro Connect tells the story of a group of youngsters who have lost control over their bodies.

When five Yamaboshi Academy students discover that there are no clubs where they belong, they establish the Student Cultural Society. Taichi Yaegashi, a die-hard wrestling enthusiast; Iori Nagase, an inconsistent optimist; Himeko Inaba, a quiet computer prodigy; Yui Kiriyama, a karate practitioner; and Yoshifumi Aoki, the class clown, slowly learn about each other's hidden secrets that might break their friendship apart.

Kokoro Connect takes a supernatural plot, adds some well-written high-school romance and lots of gripping drama, and wraps it all up in one fantastic package.

9. Irregular at Magic High School

When it comes to overpowered high school students, this anime is undeniably one of the best.

Magic, previously considered a component of mythology and imagination, has evolved into a systemized technique that is now taught as technical talent. The First High School, which teaches these abilities, divides its students according to their admission exam results. Those who get high grades are referred to as "Blooms" and are placed in the first course, whereas students who achieve lower grades are referred to as "Weeds" and are placed in the second course.

Tatsuya and Miyuki Shiba are the protagonists of the anime. While Miyuki breezes through the first course thanks to her extensive knowledge, Tatsuya gets enrolled in the second. However, despite his low grade, he has extensive technical expertise and a unique approach to magic, which makes him stand out amongst the rest.

If you like an op protagonist, fantastic animation, and, of course, high school students with powers, then Irregular at Magic High School is a must-watch!

8. Rakudai Kishi no Eiyuutan

Rakudai Kishi no Eiyuutan

Few people on this planet can control their souls to create formidable weapons. These people are known as "Blazers," and they study and train to become Mage-Knights at the elite Hagun Academy.

The anime revolves around Ikki Kurogane, the only F-rated Blazer in the academy. When the weakest student witnesses Stella Vermillion, an A-ranked Blazer, nude, she challenges him to a battle with dire consequences—the loser becomes the winner's slave.

Rakudai Kishi no Cavalry follows Ikki as he attempts to prove his power while making new friends, learning new skills, and accumulating experience.

Rakudai boasts an expansive roster of high school students with powers, each with unique skills. Fans of this genre will enjoy Rakudai, mainly due to its exciting battles, art, decent fanservice, a little innovation, and genuine work put into the show.

7. Angel Beats

Angel Beats

Angel Beats is an anime that will make you laugh and cry uncontrollably at the same time. The story follows Otonashi, a boy who wakes up in the "afterlife". Immediately, he comes across a rifle-toting girl named Yuri that leads the Shinda Sekai Sensen (Afterlife Battlefront). The goal of this group is to wage war against Tenshi, a white-haired girl that they believe to be the final boss.

Unable to believe Yuri's claims and attempts at initiating him into their group, Otonashi attempts to speak with Tenshi, except the encounter doesn't go exactly as he intended. Soon, he decides to join the SSS but finds himself oddly drawn to their enemy. While trying to regain his memories and understand the mysterious Tenshi, Otonashi gradually unravels the mysteries of the afterlife.

Angel Beats has a unique supernatural premise where a group of dead teenagers refuses to move on to the next life. In just one season, each character's backstory is beautifully explored, and by the end, everyone manages to find some sort of peace with the world and themselves.

Finally, a word of caution: do not watch the special "Another Epilogue" immediately after finishing the main series. Take your time and let your mind wander. Otherwise, you'll become obsessed with alternate endings and hypotheses.

6. Blue Exorcist

Blue Exorcist

Blue Exorcist's plot may be a little stereotypical; however, it's still undoubtedly a fantastic anime with powerful high school students. Humans and demons, as well as Assiah and Gehenna, their respective realms, are complementary. Possession is the sole method to move between the worlds, just like in ghost stories. However, when Satan, the king of Gehenna, cannot locate a suitable host, he stays trapped in his domain. In a frantic effort to conquer Assiah, he sends his son there, hoping for him to develop into a vessel that he may control.

The anime follows Rin Okumura, a rebellious teenager who is assaulted by demons one day. His life is turned upside down when he discovers that he is Satan's son, and his father now desires for him to return so that they can conquer Assiah together. Rin decides to train as an exorcist with his brother Yukio to defend the country instead of going against Assiah.

This show is absolutely is a classic shonen that will make your heart flutter with its stunning art, a fantastic soundtrack, and lots of action!

5. Code Geass

Code Geass

Code Geass is set in an alternate reality in which Britain conquered the rest of America. Thus, the Holy Britannian Empire became the world's largest superpower, covering one-third of the world. The story follows Lelouch Lamperouge, the eleventh prince of the Empire, who develops a hatred for the emperor of Britannia and the entire imperial establishment. 

After an encounter with a mysterious young woman named C.C., Lelouch gains the power of Geass, granting him the ability to force anyone to do what he wishes. With this ability, Lelouch finally has enough power to begin his battle against the Britannian Empire.

Mechas, politics, competition and camaraderie, strained friendships, love and hatred, complicated philosophies, and blowing stuff up is all on the menu! What else needs to be said to warrant its inclusion on this list?

4. Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun

Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun

Welcome to demon school! Iruma-kun is, without a doubt, the most unexpected anime of 2019. While Iruma-kun may appear to be your typical isekai anime - with a powerful protagonist battling and defending a world he has no commitment to - there's so much more to it.

The anime tells the story of an unfortunate boy who is sold to a devil by his parents. Iruma is relieved, though, that the devil Sullivan just wants to pamper him like a grandchild. He has to hide the fact that he is a human while attending the demon school while simultaneously dealing with the elderly demon who is hell-bent on making the kid accept him as his grandpa.

Iruma resolves to keep a low profile, but his efforts are hindered when he learns that Sullivan's the chairman of the demon school Babyls and that everyone now expects Iruma-kun to be the next Demon King!

The show will undoubtedly enthrall you with its vast array of powers and amusing characters.

3. Charlotte

Charlotte

What will you do if one day you realize that you have supernatural powers that will last only until your teenage years? This anime's premise fulfills that premise as a meteor passes by the planet, thus giving powers to various kids around the globe. 

While our protagonist Yuu Otosaka seems to be just another charming and bright adolescent on the surface, he actually has the power to infiltrate people's minds and control their bodies for five seconds at a time. Yuu has utilized this talent to achieve the top grades for years, allowing him to attend a renowned high school.

When the mysterious Nao Tomori discovers Yuu abusing his talent, she forces him and his sister Ayumi to enroll in Hoshinoumi Academy, a school for kids with supernatural powers. The school's student council, chaired by Nao, is entrusted with hunting down teenagers who misuse their superpowers in stealth.

Yuu is forced to join the student council and, along with others, faces obstacles that bring him closer to the shocking realization that his ability may be more impactful than he could have imagined. With an appalling past left to uncover, Charlotte will never fail to entertain.

2. Jujutsu Kaisen

Despite being one of the newest releases, Jujutsu Kaisen had to be added to this list. The story follows Yuuji Itadori, a young boy who spends his days at either the clubroom or with his bedridden grandfather at the hospital.

However, after encountering a cursed item, he finds himself suddenly thrust into the world of Curses. Even worse, after swallowing a finger belonging to the demon Sukuna Ryoumen, the "King of Curses," Yuuji's life is constantly threatened. Determined to lessen the suffering of the people troubled with Curses, Itadori enters the Tokyo Metropolitan Jujutsu Technical High School and begins to walk down the path of a Jujutsu sorcerer.

Jujutsu Kaisen has become immensely popular, and almost every episode leaves the audience wanting more. With a brilliant storyline, beautiful art, and epic powers, every episode of Jujutsu Kaisen feels like a finale, making it an absolute addition to the list!

1. My Hero Academia

My Hero Academia

My Hero Academia, another immensely popular modern behemoth, is the best anime about high school students with powers.

The plot revolves around Midoriya Izuku, a quirkless child who wants to be a hero. Despite not having any powers, he refuses to give up on his dream and sets his sights on the elite hero training academy, UA High.

Midoriya's life takes a sharp turn after a chance meeting with the number one hero, All Might. Discovering that his dream is not a dead-end, he undergoes special training, works harder than ever, and inherits All Might's power. With his newfound abilities, Izuku enters his school of choice, beginning his grueling journey to become the best hero in the world of My Hero Academia.

The display of various quirks and their usage in fights is exhilarating to watch. My Hero Academia is a must-watch anime with omnipotent high schoolers flaunting their superpowers with a well-paced story!



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