If you're a Naruto fan, you’re likely drawn to thrilling action, powerful friendships, personal growth, and the pursuit of one’s dreams. Naruto captivates with its ninja lore, complex characters, and the constant battle to overcome challenges. If you’re looking for anime with similar themes, here are six exceptional series that match the spirit of Naruto in their own unique ways.
Anime Like Naruto: Top 6 Picks
| Anime | Genre | Similarities to Naruto |
|---|---|---|
| One Piece | Action, Adventure, Fantasy | Grand adventures, strong friendships, overcoming obstacles |
| Hunter x Hunter (2011) | Action, Adventure, Fantasy | Intense battles, rivalry, character growth |
| Black Clover | Action, Fantasy, Magic | Underdog protagonist, rivalry, magical battles |
| Bleach | Action, Adventure, Supernatural | Hidden powers, mentor relationships, battling evil |
| Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood | Action, Military, Adventure | Sibling bonds, quest for redemption, moral dilemmas |
| My Hero Academia | Action, Comedy, Superhero | Protagonist growth, mentor-student dynamics, heroic ideals |
One Piece
Aired: October 1999 – Present
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Creator: Eiichiro Oda
Seasons: Ongoing (Over 20 seasons)
One Piece follows the story of Monkey D. Luffy, a young pirate with the ability to stretch like rubber after eating a Devil Fruit. Luffy's quest to find the legendary treasure known as the One Piece and become the Pirate King mirrors Naruto’s journey of pursuing dreams, overcoming obstacles, and forming deep friendships.
Similarities to Naruto:
- Both Luffy and Naruto share a deep sense of loyalty to their friends, forming tight-knit bonds.
- Both characters face overwhelming odds but never give up on their dreams.
Hunter x Hunter (2011)
Aired: October 2011 – September 2014
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Creator: Yoshihiro Togashi
Seasons: 6 (148 episodes)
Hunter x Hunter introduces Gon Freecss, a boy with dreams of becoming a Hunter like his father. Alongside his friends, Gon faces challenges that test his limits, all while growing stronger. Much like Naruto, Gon’s journey focuses on friendships, training, and self-discovery.
Similarities to Naruto:
- Intense character growth and development, akin to Naruto's transformation.
- The bond between Gon and Killua resembles Naruto and Sasuke’s rivalry-turned-friendship.
Black Clover
Aired: October 2017 – March 2021
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Magic
Creator: Yūki Tabata
Seasons: 4 (170 episodes)
In Black Clover, Asta, a boy born without magic in a world where magic is everything, aims to become the Wizard King. With his relentless spirit and determination, Asta’s underdog story mirrors Naruto’s, both defying the odds to achieve greatness.
Similarities to Naruto:
- Both protagonists fight against their limitations, using hard work and perseverance.
- Asta and Yuno’s rivalry highlights the importance of pushing each other to be the best, similar to Naruto and Sasuke.
Bleach
Aired: October 2004 – March 2012
Genre: Action, Adventure, Supernatural
Creator: Tite Kubo
Seasons: 16
Bleach centers on Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager with the ability to see ghosts who becomes a Soul Reaper. As he battles evil spirits, Ichigo grows stronger and learns to protect his loved ones, similar to Naruto’s journey of personal growth and defending his village.
Similarities to Naruto:
- Both Ichigo and Naruto start as unlikely heroes but grow through their trials.
- Themes of hidden powers and unbreakable bonds with friends are central to both series.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Aired: April 2009 – July 2010
Genre: Action, Military, Adventure, Fantasy
Creator: Hiromu Arakawa
Seasons: 1 (64 episodes)
The Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse, embark on a quest to find the Philosopher's Stone to restore their bodies after a failed alchemical experiment. Fullmetal Alchemist explores themes of redemption, sacrifice, and moral dilemmas, similar to Naruto’s deeper themes of self-discovery.
Similarities to Naruto:
- Both anime focus on quests for redemption and confronting difficult moral questions.
- The strong sibling bond between Edward and Alphonse mirrors Naruto’s connections with his friends.
My Hero Academia
Aired: April 2016 – Present
Genre: Action, Comedy, Superhero
Creator: Kohei Horikoshi
Seasons: Ongoing (Multiple Seasons)
My Hero Academia introduces Izuku Midoriya, a boy born without a Quirk in a world full of people with superpowers. Midoriya’s journey to become the greatest hero, much like Naruto’s ninja path, is fueled by his desire to help others and grow stronger.
Similarities to Naruto:
- Both protagonists begin with disadvantages but grow into heroes through perseverance and training.
- The mentor-student dynamic is central to both series, with Midoriya learning from powerful figures just as Naruto learns from his mentors.
These anime share key themes with Naruto, whether it’s epic journeys, character growth, or the power of bonds. If you’re a fan of Naruto’s adventure, action, and friendship, these six series are perfect to dive into next.