Dragon Ball has enchanted audiences since 1984 (quite Orwellian, isn’t it?) when Akira Toriyama created it and published it in the Weekly Shonen Jump. Son Goku and his team’s exploits are well known throughout the world, and it’s no surprise given that Dragon Ball is one of the most popular anime series ever created.
The series defined a generation’s hairstyles, as everyone wanted to look like a Super Saiyan. It wouldn’t be strange at all if you admitted to trying to ‘Kamehameha’ in your room.
However, if you’ve already finished watching the Dragon Ball sagas or are looking for something similar to watch, we’ve compiled a list of 11 Best Anime Like Dragon Ball for you to enjoy.
Best Anime like Dragon Ball to Watch!
11. Assassination Classroom
Have you ever wished for an education that does not follow the conventional path? Assassination Classroom follows this path, presenting you with a teacher whose sole mission for his students is to assassinate him by the end of the academic year.
An octopus-like creature destroys the majority of the moon and threatens Earth. But he does offer one solution to avert the disaster: an opportunity for Classroom 3-E to assassinate him. Koro-sensei (the octopus-creature) enrols as a teacher in Classroom 3-E, teaching them valuable life lessons as well as assassination techniques.
The series is a must-see for its thrilling scenes, clever satire, and good moral lessons, and it shares humour with the Dragon Ball series.
10. Sword Art Online
Sword Art Online is hailed as the smartest series of the 2010s decade because it combines elements that make a great anime and a game (2010 – 2019). In its storytelling, the series heavily relies on the psychological effects of virtual reality gaming and employs realistic sociological models.
Furthermore, Sword Art Online popularised the anime isekai genre. Ready Player One, a Steven Spielberg film along similar lines, also paid homage to the anime.
The anime is based on a virtual reality online role-playing game set in the world of Aincrad. When 10,000 people use the Nerve Gear to log into the game for the first time, they discover that they cannot log out again. The creator declares that in order to log out of the game and reclaim their life, players must complete all 100 floors of Aincrad.
Kirito Kirigaya, one of the gamers, teams up with Asuna Yuuki, another gamer, and they both set out to save the other players by beating the game. The main theme of the series is teamwork, which is similar to Dragon Ball in this regard.
9. Jujutsu Kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisen has raised the bar for anime by combining horror and action. It won the Crunchyroll Anime Awards in 2021 and the Tokyo Anime Award Festival in 2022 for Anime of the Year. The series’ second season is set to premiere in 2023.
Yuuji Itadori, a high school student who dabbles in curses, finds himself in a pickle when he swallows a rotten finger talisman, allowing the powerful curse Ryomen Sukuna into his body. In a world where every being emits cursed energy, Jujutsu sorcerers use this energy to perform Cursed Techniques.
They are summoned to exorcise Yuuji, but the powerful curse compels them to murder Yuuji as well. However, during the exorcism, Yuuji attempts to gain control of his body, which astounds Satoru Gojo (one of the Jujutsu masters), and he takes the boy under his wings for training, effectively postponing his curse.
Jujutsu Kaisen features excellent action sequences as well as a strong emphasis on the importance of training, which is a key component of the Dragon Ball series. The anime is visually appealing, and the music is equally so.
8. Inuyasha
Inuyasha, which is divided into two timelines, depicts mediaeval Japan like no other. The anime has also received numerous awards for its inventiveness and storytelling.
A demon draws Kagome into her family shrine and transports her to a different timeline in mediaeval Japan. This occurs on her 15th birthday (which is cause for celebration), and Kagome soon discovers that she is the reincarnation of a warrior priestess and the keeper of the Shikon jewel.
However, as she shatters the jewel across Japan, she joins forces with Inuyasha, a half-dog, half-human demon, to find the jewels before it’s too late.
7. Bleach
Bleach is an anime that transports you to a world full of grim reapers and evil spirits. It premiered on TV Tokyo in 2004 and on Adult Swim in the United States. Bleach has appeared on several Top 10 anime lists. The anime’s interesting and flexible combat systems, as well as the cast of characters, have been praised by critics.
Bleach tells the story of Ichigo Kurosaki, a high schooler who receives the powers of a Shinigami (soul reaper) from Rukia Kuchiki, but fails to fight a Hollow and is seriously injured.
Ichigo reluctantly goes to fight Hollows in Rukia’s place, armed with these temporary abilities. He soon discovers that his classmates have hidden powers as well, and he joins forces with them to defeat the series’ main villains. Bleach will not disappoint you with its gripping story and captivating music.
6. Demon Slayer
Tanjiro is a young teen who lives near the woods and has taken on the responsibility of providing for his family since his father’s death. He’s heard that in the woods, man-eating demons prey on unsuspecting travellers at night.
Nonetheless, he decides to return to his house one evening. However, an elderly man persuades him to spend the night in his cabin and return home the next morning. When he returns home at dawn, he discovers that his entire family has been murdered by a demon. Tanjiro’s journey as a Demon Slayer begins here.
Demon Slayer premiered in 2019 with a 26-episode first season. The manga is the ninth best-selling manga series of all time, and the franchise as a whole is the highest-grossing media franchise of all time.
5. Hunter X Hunter
Hunter X Hunter is a story about a young boy who is looking for his legendary father. Gon Freecs, a twelve-year-old boy, discovers that his father, who was thought to be dead, is actually alive.
His father Ging is a member of the legendary Hunter class, an elite unit that can do and go wherever they want. When Gon Freecss learns about his father, he sets out to find him by passing the Hunter exams and becoming a Hunter himself.
Hunter X Hunter, based on the manga of the same name, premiered on Nippon TV in 2011. It bears no resemblance to the previous adaptation, and even the cast is different for this anime. Hunter X Hunter received a warm appraisal by critics and audiences alike. Critics hail it as one of the best anime of 2010s.
4. One Piece
One Piece is a no-brainer for any anime fan, and it is a must-see for all. One Piece has created one of the most influential anime characters of all time in Monkey D. Luffy. The Straw Hat Pirates are an endearing band of misfits who will have you rooting for them throughout the sagas. The characters will have you tipping your straw hats at the end of the series.
Monkey D. Luffy has a fantastic dream: he wants to find King Roger’s treasure and become the Pirate King. And he will go to any length to achieve his goal. Luffy begins gathering a crew for his pirate adventures and sets out to fulfil his dream after eating a devil’s fruit that grants him rubbery elongation powers.
It’s pure joy to watch the fight sequences, the Straw Hat Pirates’ banter, and the various villains get bashed. The sagas, like Dragon Ball, take you on a wild ride. This is a must-watch anime series.
3. My Hero Academia
My Hero Academia, or Boku no Hero Academia, is animated inspiration. Izuku Midoriya, a geek without superpowers, is placed with students who are accustomed to flaunting their abilities. Despite this handicap, Izuku exhibits a commendable never-say-die attitude and consistently defends his ideals. This anime series, like Dragon Ball, is instilled with a sense of heroism.
When Izuku receives the quirk – One for All – from his idol and the greatest superhero, All Might, his life changes for the better; for the first time, he can fulfil his dream of becoming the greatest hero. All Might enrols Izuku in the U.A. High School, a school specialising in superhero training, and thus the saga begins.
The anime has fantastic visuals, cleverly designed battles, and a moving storyline that never fails to amaze. As a result, we can compare this anime to Dragon Ball.
2. Naruto
Naruto by Masashi Kishimoto has captivated audiences for over two decades, with over 250 million copies of the manga sold worldwide. Naruto is praised for its emotional appeal between the characters as well as its Confucianism undertones. Millions of people enjoy and return to the manga and anime. The series continued in 2017 with the next generation of ninjas, starring Boruto, Naruto’s son, to mixed reviews.
Naruto is an orphan living in Leaf Village who is shunned by the villagers because he is the host of the destructive Nine-Tailed Fox, which once terrorised the village. Despite being mocked and ignored by everyone, Naruto keeps his heart, rising to the challenge of becoming Hokage – Konoha’s ninja chief.
Naruto is simply adorable, and you are inspired by his never-ending energy and drive to realise his dream. Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden have some very clever fight sequences and inspiring moments. Like the Goku-Vegeta duo in Dragon Ball, Naruto has the Naruto-Sasuke duo, which adds to the series’ intrigue.
1. One Punch Man
One Punch Man, a superhero anime similar to Dragon Ball, is a hilarious satire on the overcrowded genre. One Punch Man’s animation is simply riveting, with stunning landscapes, detailed superhero designs, and crisp action scenes. Rotten Tomatoes gives the anime a perfect score, and the manga is critically acclaimed.
Saitama, the One Punch Man, is a bored superhero looking for a challenge because he defeats all villains with a single punch. He craves the excitement and thrill of a fight, which he never seems to get because the villains, no matter how powerful, are defeated with just one punch. The humour in this series is excellent, and you will frequently burst out laughing.
Other characters, such as Genos, have exciting arcs in addition to Saitama. They have more screen time in the second season, where Saitama, surprisingly, takes a back seat.
Final Thoughts!
There you have it- the best anime like Dragon Ball that we enjoyed watching and hope you will as well. While it is difficult to choose from the list, we recommend starting with the first number.
So, what are your thoughts on the list? Do you have any other anime in mind that you believe should be included on this list? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.
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