Yu☆Gi☆Oh! Zexal

both show creatures in a card game fighting  

Yuma and Luffy sets out in the quest to find their fathers and complete their overall objective (Yuma for the Duel Champion and Luffy for Pirate King) Art style are identical as it is meant to fool the viewers believing it is childish until later points of the stories twists it to make it darker and mature to live up to it's target audience none other than teens 

MCs are weaker from the start only to grow strong later on. Both series have their fair share of hate only to lessen later on. Yuma and Astral are similar to Ichigo and Zangetsu as the spirits of the unknown accompany them on a journey to seek their objectives at some point of time in between. 

Yuuma and Kakeru share a lot of traits, mostly that at the beginning of the show they lose every card game they play. It isn't until Astral (Zexal) and Pedal (L.O.C.K) come and save them from a very important game do they begin to start winning and improving. The only difference between the two is that no one can see Astral besides Yuuma and no one can understand Pedal until they 'live change' or turn into a monster themselves. For me, the relationship between the two leading characters is what makes me enjoy these series the most. There's also comedic elements to both series that, although childish, will make you laugh and learn life lessons at the same time. So if you enjoyed either of these shows, give the other a chance. read more 

- Aside from both of them being long running shonen titles, the episode count for ZEXAL is only 2 less than Hunter. - Both ran from 2011 to 2014. - The protagonist of both is an optimistic young boy who's goal is to not only find his father, but to be just as skilled a Hunter/Duelist(respectively) he's said to be. Not to mention both of their fathers are adventurers who explore and study ruins and plan for bigger things, not of this world. -The fathers of both characters may be absent, but they leave clues for their sons, one isn't very overt about it and comes off as nonchalant, the other sends a whole person. - Something very similar with both is that at some point the plot revolves around collecting 100(ok one is 99 but they sorta implement more so it's whatever) numbered cards, the collection of these cards is the focus at the start, but eventually takes a step back for drama between the characters to shine. - The protagonists are extremely friendly and cheerful, and also kind of dumb, and they are accompanied by a character who starts out lonely and cynical, but eventually becomes cheerful. Both of these pairs of characters consider eachother their most or one of their most precious thing. They also know they'll have to part with them someday. - Both series feature a character who is a hunter of sorts with a companion that's more of a tool than a friend, that have a consciousness and can speak and assist said character in their hunts. These two characters are both experimenting/researching information about things not of this word that could threaten it. Both of these characters pass away but are brought back in some way at the end of the story. - Grey haired cat girl(kind of?) who often makes cat puns. - Both feature a creepy psychopath who isn't exactly a hero nor a villain. There are more related things but personally I think ZEXAL is a much richer show, it's entire cast has an absolutely perfect dynamic and none of the characters really feel unnecessary, and I know the ranking of it is worrying, but it's something worth watching for the plot, the characters, and all the emotions that come along with that. Obviously since it's Yu-Gi-Oh!, it requires the viewer to utilize their suspension of disbelief, but the narrative is worth enduring it.  read more 

Yugioh has always been a huge fan of Code Geass per sake after the example of GX and 5Ds and here is why: No. 39 Hope has high resemblance to Lancelot and their users are similar in naive personality. Once they don a white suit and a necklace that holds their key can become one in comparison. Shark and Yuma's friendship/rivalry resonates to that of Lelouch and Suzaku as one is black and the other is white with a knight like theme. Kaito and Schneizel are strong intellectual antagonists/rivals with the opposition against their fathers (Dr. Faker/Charles) and views the black clad male intellectual (Shark and Lelouch) as their obstacles while showing an interest to the white clad male (Yuma and Suzaku). They also have a soft side when it comes to their siblings (Kaito for Haruto and Schneizel for Clovis, Euphemia, and Cornelia). Anna Kozuki has the same last name as Kallen Kozuki and are similar having a red hair and a hot headed personality. Astral like C.C. aids the protag on the quest to seek their own objectives with a mysterious background with no clear explanation. Plot is different but later on it becomes just like CG once Zexal II comes in that is akin to R2 which is CG's sequel. read more 

Yugioh Zexal like Madoka starts off as a light hearted show known for it's cartoony looks but due to the audience, it gets darker later on. Yuma and Madoka live their lives as ordinary human beings until they stumble upon a supernatural entity Astral and Kyubey who aids them on the quest to seek their own objectives as well. Some of the character comparisons are identical of the following: Shark-Sayaka Kaito-Akemi Anna-Kyoko Takashji-Mami 

Both have magical cards. The maind character is kind and have so many hopes. 

Okay I'll be honest I just want to do this because my brain made the connection and I find it incredibly funny. Despite many obvious difference, I think there's a surprising amount of similarities between the core character dynamics of Zexal and Sarazanmai. In particular, I think Yuma's relationships with Shark and then Kite are very similar to Kazuki's relations with Toi, I think Kazuki's backstory and Shark/Kite's backstories share some strong similarities, and I think Kite's relationship with Hart is rather similar to Kazuki's relationship with Haruka. Without spoilers, I think there's similar issues of betrayal that eventually pop up in both shows, and of the main character(s) fighting to save/redeem their friend(s). We even have a strange mystical advisor in both (Astral/Keppi). Finally, the topic of family and getting corrupted/torn apart for the sake of your family or someone you love comes up in both (Toi/Chikai or Reo/Mabu, and Kite/Hart/Dr. Faker or Vetrix and his sons) Sarazanmai's core theme of connections also reminds me of the way Yuma believes in connecting to people through duels, and how he grows closer and befriends the many people he duels against in the show. Plus, there's also a similar concept of collecting things through repeated fights -- in Sarazanmai, it's collecting dishes, while in Zexal it's collecting number cards. I also think both shows have some very charismatic/memorable villain, antagonist, or antihero characters that end up stealing the spotlight at times. Finally, I think both shows build up to really cool/intense final arcs but don't quite manage to pull it off and (without spoiling anything) conclude on similar notes in regards to character death/sacrifices and general tone/emotion. ...yeah I really just wrote all that. read more 

Arguably the black sheep of their franchises with the poor execution and timing only to be followed up by their successors IBO and Arc V. The story pulls off a Madoka stunt but as it gradually rolls by so does the tone of the story getting intense from the light hearted looks introduced. Only difference is Zexal is for teens and AGE is for teens to adults. It was the worst time for both franchise until the sequel hits. Unlike Zexal, AGE focuses on three different protagonists and tends to be the proper remake of UC's og trilogy while Zexal repeats the trends of the previous three series but in a different and unique trend. They are not bad, it is just the timing and planning that ruined both series. Regardless the franchise did whatever it took to bring something new to the franchise for the first time in history. read more 

Both kids monster battling anime. Both from larger multi-media franchises. Both have similar protagonists. Both have monsters sealed within inanimate objects such as cards/disks. 

Both classic children's monster battler series. Both have competitive battles, monster spirits within objects (cards/beys), whiny/preachy righteous kid heroes, solid English dubs with slamming English language openings. 

Both classic kids anime from a similar era. Both have similar expressive art styles that definitely go for that same "cool" and different/unique look. Both have lovable characters/creatures, great soundtracks and awesome English dubs! 

The main characters share a similar personality Yugioh Zexal is based on a card game. Yugioh is known world wide and is popular. Yuma and Rekka both love to eat. When their stomach is full when they become awesome.  

both have: - young lead male and another one who no one can see him other than the main character. - yuma and hikaru weren't good player at the beginning they were playing by the other main character's lead. - astral and sai doesn't have physical body. - both about games/tournaments.  

The characters looks very similar, both physically and mentally. Special and bizarre hairstyles of many characters. The plot is quite dark, and there are many foolish villains. 

Both kids anime with similar themes. Both have great character designs with a wide array of unique monsters. Both have intelligent monsters that get sealed within objects (cards/disks).  

Both upbeat kids shows that follow a young hero as he is embroiled in a clash against dark forces. Both are pretty light in tone and content and both have plenty of lovable characters with good humour. 

I found Yugioh ZeXal and Naruto similar by some points. First, both of them aimed for younger audience. Also, The main characters are very similar. Yuma is like Naruto, annoying, bullied, weak teenager who wants to be master at something (Yuma to become Duel Champion, Naruto to become Hogake), and of course he'll do it with many powerups and the "power of nakama". Kotori is much like Sakura, useless cheerleader. Also, Kaito is Like Sasuke. Epic cool-like rival, but sadlly he is more tsundere. The relationship of Kaito and Yuma is very similar to Sasuke and Naruto's relationship. Both anime are pretty bad. But if you liked Zexal you'll probaly love Naruto.  read more 

Both kids anime with futuristic tech. AR, Time travel, holographic tech, vehicles etc. Both also have monsters and cards, with the monster spirits being within the cards. The human kids use these cards to battle/duel each other. 

Both follow an out-of-place hero who gets wrapped up in a larger than life conflict against evil forces. Both don't take themselves too seriously and balance good humour alongside their storytelling.  

Both later generations of monster battling kids anime franchises. Both protagonists Yuma & Gingka have similar personalities. Both feature fictional in-world sports that are played by basically their entire populace.