Image via Studio Pierrot, MAPPA
Here's a list of some amazing anime with great world-building that you will love.
Based on Masashi Kishimoto’s magnum opus, the Naruto anime ruled the childhood of many millennials and Gen-Z. Following a young Ninja Naruto Uzumaki, the story revolves around his struggle to connect with his peers and become the Hokage of his village. People absolutely loved Naruto’s journey from being a snot-nosed brat to one of the strongest and kindest Hokages the Hidden Leaf village has ever seen. And now his legacy continues with his son Boruto, who got his own spin-off manga and anime. However, if you’re looking for some other great anime, here are some great series to fill the Naruto-shaped void in your heart.
10. Bleach
Based on Tite Kubo’s popular manga of the same name, Bleach is among the greatest anime series of this century. Much like Naruto, the protagonist here is a young boy named Ichigo Kurosaki, who can see ghosts. When he meets the Soul Reaper Rukia Kukichi, she defends him from a powerful Hollow, a monstrous being that can bring harm to ghosts and humans. Once terribly wounded, Rukia gives her Soul Reaper powers to Ichigo so that he can fight while she recovers. As she trains Ichigo, more secrets about the Soul Reapers and his origin come to light. The final arc of the series- Thousand-Year Blood War is currently being animated, and people absolutely love it. If you’re finished with Naruto, it’s high time you start watching Bleach.
9. My Hero Academia
Did I hear you say initially powerless protagonists who change the world? That’s right, Izuku Midoriya from Kohei Horikoshi’s My Hero Academia is much like Naruto in that aspect. Initially quirkless, Izuku Midoriya’s dream of becoming a Pro Hero seems to be nothing more than wishful thinking. But his life changes when after a daring attempt to save someone’s life, the No. 1 Hero All Might passes on his One For All power to Midoriya, giving him a quirk that can fulfill his dream. Although set in a modern world, the MHA anime shares a lot of its features with Naruto, and makes for a very enjoyable watch for those who love superheroes. The final season of the series is already on the way!
8. Jujutsu Kaisen
Heavy with lore and powerful characters, Jujutsu Kaisen is reminiscent of Naruto in many aspects. When the series first started airing, people found similarities between the two shows’ main trio and the powerful monstrous being that lives in the protagonist’s body. Moreover, they both have the handsome white-haired sensei that covers parts of their faces with a mask. Despite all the similarities, Gege Akutami’s Jujutsu Kaisen sets itself apart with its world-building and brilliant storytelling, albeit with a lot of death and destruction. The protagonist Yuji and his friends Nobara and Megumi are a breath of fresh air, and the complicated lore and power structure of the show is really enjoyable for people who enjoy Shōnen.
7. Gintama
If you like Naruto because of its comedic elements along with its action, then Gintama, based on Hideaki Sorachi’s manga of the same name, is perfect for you. The story takes place during the Edo period of Japan, but in a different reality where aliens have conquered the world. Gintoki Sakata is a freelancing Samurai along with his two best friends. Unlike the other modern Shōnen series, Gintama’s sole purpose seems to be to make fun of popular anime tropes in the most controversial yet hilarious way. The absurd humour of the series sets it apart from the rest of the names on the list. If you’re ever looking for a hearty laugh, start watching Gintama.
6. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Based on Hiromu Arakawa’s manga series named Fullmetal Alchemist, the Brotherhood series is its second anime adaptation. However, this one’s more popular amongst the fans since it follows the original series more closely. After a botched attempt to bring their mother back to life using Alchemy, brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric are stuck in incomplete bodies. They set out on a journey to find the Sorcerer’s stone to fix their physique, but find an even more disturbing truth that’s plaguing the country. Much like Naruto, it’s set in a different world and features powerful enemies that cause a lot of damage to the protagonists. The series captures a perfect and tension-filled story in just 60+ episodes.
5. Hell’s Paradise
Adapted from Yuji Kaku’s manga Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku, the series makes it to the list for its action. The show follows Gabimaru the Hollow, who is captured and sentenced to death for his numerous crimes. However, Gabimaru’s superhuman body refuses to die, and he is tasked to bring the elixir of life to be pardoned. When he loses a few parties in Ryukyu kingdom’s dangerous innards, Gabimaru gathers a team of convicts for his next expedition. The group’s journey is filled with invigorating details and enemies. MAPPA’s incredible animation also takes this series to the next level. The second season of the show is set to air in 2026.
4. Demon Slayer
Another modern-day masterpiece, Demon Slayer is adapted from Koyoharu Gotouge’s manga. Thanks to Studio Ufotable’s extraordinary animation, the series is a treat to watch from the beginning to the end. The kind and sweet protagonist Tanjiro goes through a heartbreaking journey to become a Demon Slayer after his family dies at the hands of a demon and his sister is turned into one. If you love Naruto for its action sequences and its old-world vibes, then Demon Slayer will be the perfect addition to your watchlist. With the final arc of the series set to be released as three movies, this anime is a must-watch if you like fluid animation and well-choreographed action.
3. Fairy Tail
Natsu Dragneel and Naruto Uzumaki are very similar in their perverted sense of humour and unending loyalty towards their friends. Unlike Naruto, Natsu is a Dragon Slayer wizard who works for the Fairy Tail guild. The series follows his journey with Lucy Heartfilia in search of Igneel, his adoptive father. Based on Hiro Mashima’s manga, the series includes a lot of fanservice. However, the story and action is still amazing as there are many powerful characters and mythical beings that Natsu comes across.
2. Black Clover
The main character of the Black Clover series, Asta, is also an orphan like Naruto. Asta also lacks any mana and magical control in a world where it’s necessary to become anything. He is rivals with another orphan named Yuno, who is considered to be a prodigious magic user. But things change for Asta when he gets the five-leaf grimoire which gives him the power to use anti-magic. The magical journey of Asta and his friends is filled with hardships, much like that of Naruto and his allies. If you love Naruto for how the protagonist overcomes all the hardships in the end, then you should definitely watch Black Clover.
1. Hunter x Hunter
You must be wondering why Hunter x Hunter is so far up the list when they’re not apparently very similar, then we have some news for you. Yoshihiro Togashi’s legendary manga was actually one of the main inspirations behind Kishimoto’s Naruto. The Hunter’s Exam, some characters like Killua and Illumi, as well as some of the worldbuilding are pretty similar. Unfortunately, the HxH manga has fallen pretty far behind due to its slow updates and the author’s back problems. However, if you enjoy a series that will challenge not only your nerves but also your brain, then watch the Hunter x Hunter anime. You can also read the original manga series for added fun.
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