Start on a New Adventure With 10 Anime Like One Piece
One Piece started out as a manga, which was created by Eiichiro Oda and serialized in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump as of July 1997. So yeah, this is a series that's been going for almost two decades...how crazy is that?!
And since the manga was so huge, it was only a matter of time that an anime adaptation would hit television screens across the world. Monkey D. Luffy and his crew, the Straw Hat Pirates are just the kind of dudes and dudettes we've grown to love over the years, and never want to let them go. They're just such a fun and charismatic bunch, while their crazy adventures make us wish we were pirates too!
So where do we go from here. After all, we can't sit and watch just One Piece all day long, even though some don't mind gawking over Nami's sexy curves for hours on end. Thankfully, we've compiled a list of anime that we think fans of One Piece will absolutely love.
Let's check out the top 10 anime like One Piece!
Shaman King
Rated 7.83, Ranked #799 | Aired: Summer 2001 | Produced by Xebec
Why it's similar:
You Asakura is very similar to Luffy. He’s laid-back, friendly and doesn’t often take himself seriously. To top that, he is a spirited and adventurous character.
Plot summary:
Powerful shamans are about to congregate in Tokyo to take part in the Shaman Fight, which is held every 500 years. But only one shaman will be victorious and be declared the Shaman King. More importantly, the Shaman King will be able to summon the Great Spirit and gain the powerful ability to transform the world.
Why you should watch it:
It’s a very rewarding experience watching You Asakura as he hones his skills, and gradually becomes an even better shaman. He is driven and has his eye on the prize of becoming the next Shaman King!
Gintama
Rated 9.05, Ranked #10 | Aired: Spring 2006 | Produced by Sunrise
Why it's similar:
Gintama presents us with a universe that’s chock-full of cool adventures. Only this time they don’t take place across the wild seas like in One Piece, but in feudal Japan.
Plot summary:
Gintoki Sakata needs to take up odd jobs, even though he’s a samurai. The reason he faces such a predicament is because an alien species known as the Amanto have invaded Japan, and have prohibited swords. However, this situation opens up new opportunities for Gintoki that he wouldn’t have considered otherwise.
Why you should watch it:
Witnessing Gintoki and his friends trying to make ends meet is always an entertaining experience. And the alternative Edo period setting mixed with science fiction themes makes Gintama an interesting proposition.
Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic
Rated 8.24, Ranked #272 | Aired: Fall 2012 | Produced by A-1 Pictures
Why it's similar:
Two boys, Alibaba Saluja and Aladdin come from completely different backgrounds. However, after a chance meeting they decide to team up and start exploring dungeons...kind of like Luffy and Zoro?
Plot summary:
Alibaba is somewhat of greedy fellow who dreams of great riches. To achieve his dreams, he needs to enter the labyrinth-like dungeons and uncover the riches hidden within them. Unfortunately, these dungeons are heavily guarded by Djinns – powerful supernatural entities. So, Alibaba and Aladdin have their work cut out for them.
Why you should watch it:
Fans of traditional RPGs or good old-fashioned fantasy tales will love this one! There's dungeons, magic, and all-sorts of creatures for our heroes to contend with.
Groove Adventure Rave (Rave Master)
Rated 7.46, Ranked #1686 | Aired: Fall 2001 | Produced by Studio Deen
Why it's similar:
Haru Glory is a Rave Master, and his goal is to retrieve to all the Rave Stones which are scattered around the world. He embarks on this grand adventure but soon meets friends and allies along the way, who he’s willing to protect at all costs - like Luffy!
Plot summary:
An age old battle between the forces of light and dark is soon to come to a head. An evil group known as Demon Card are gathering the Dark Brings, which are stones containing deadly dark power. It’s up to the swordsman, Haru Glory and his allies to stop Demon Card by utilizing the Rave Stones.
Why you should watch it:
Sword and sorcery adventures are what most of us live for! Rave Master provides plenty of action, with a dash of romance to keep a wide demographic of anime fans very happy.
Naruto
Rated 7.80, Ranked #849 | Aired: Fall 2002 | Produced by Studio Pierrot
Why it's similar:
Naruto is an anime like One Piece in so many ways, that the similarities are uncanny. The main leads, Naruto Uzumaki and Luffy are both sprightly and heroic, who care deeply for their friends. Both anime series are insanely popular with a massive cast of heroes and villains, that it's often difficult keeping tabs on all of them.
Plot summary:
The hidden leaf village of Konoha seems idyllic, but bore witness to a tumultuous event which almost destroyed it. Kyuubi, a demon fox furiously attacked the village but was defeated by Yondaime, the village’s strongest ninja. He sealed the evil demon inside the newborn baby Naruto.
Why you should watch it:
When an anime series revolves almost entirely around ninjas, you know you're in for a good time. The likable characters and awesome fighting scenes keep us coming back for more!
Fairy Tail
Rated 8.24, Ranked #265 | Aired: Fall 2009 | Produced by A-1 Pictures
Why it's similar:
Brave guys and sexy girls are not exclusive to just the One Piece universe. Fairy Tail brings us a fresh bunch of cool characters that are just as adventurous, if not more, than Luffy and his crew.
Plot summary:
Fairy Tail is a wizard guild located in Magnolia Town. Lucy Heartfilia is a celestial mage who decides to join this guild. She soon befriends and forms a strong bond with fellow guild members: Natsu Dragneel, Erza Scarlet and Gray Fullbuster as they embark on many action-filled adventures together.
Why you should watch it:
If there's one anime series that has it all, then it's definitely Fairy Tail. Fantasy, magic, comedy, action and adventure are all part of the package. Yet, it's the attractive and charismatic lead characters which will capture your heart!
Toriko
Rated 7.75, Ranked #963 | Aired: Spring 2011 | Produced by Toei Animation
Why it's similar:
If you thought that Luffy had a voracious appetite, then it's time to introduce you to someone that can take him on in any eating challenge. Toriko is one big dude with immense strength, who just wants to chow down on animals.
There are many other startling similarities between Toriko and One Piece. The Gourmet Cells play a similar role to the Devil Fruits, and the Gourmet world is a dangerous and tricky frontier to navigate just as the Grand Line. And neither series skimps on adventure and intense fighting scenes.
Plot summary:
The Gourmet Age is upon us, and fine dining is all the rage. People of all walks of life crave the most exquisite foods made with the finest ingredients. But the best ingredients are difficult to come by, and only Gourmet Hunters are skilled enough to procure these. Toriko is a gluttonous but famous Gourmet Hunter who is called upon by Chef Komatsu for a unique assignment.
Why you should watch it:
Toriko is the outlier on this list. That's a good thing though, as its food theme gives it a unique flair helping it stand apart from the more fantasy-orientated anime here.
Nanatsu no Taizai (The Seven Deadly Sins)
Rated 8.45, Ranked #127 | Aired: Fall 2014 | Produced by A-1 Pictures
Why it's similar:
A small group of knights, known as the Seven Deadly Sins is headed by Melodius. And similarly to Luffy, Melodius is an outlaw who's actually a swell guy once you get to know him better. Furthermore, The Seven Deadly Sins boasts a classic adventure vibe and colorful style which One Piece enthusiasts will enjoy.
Plot summary:
The Holy Knights of Britannia use their immense combat and magic skills to protect the kingdom of Britannia. Surprisingly, some of these knights decided to go rogue and turn their swords against their comrades. They were defeated, but it's widely believed that they're still alive and are now known as the 'Seven Deadly Sins'.
Why you should watch it:
The Seven Deadly Sins is a modern production with old school character designs. And the European Middle Ages setting is way cool. However, this is a series that's aimed at a more mature audience to that of One Piece.
Dragon Ball Z
Rated 8.32, Ranked #208 | Aired: Spring 1989 | Produced by Toei Animation
Why it's similar:
Dragon Ball Z is an anime that’s a lot like One Piece. For one, it was produced by Toei Animation who also worked on One Piece. And secondly, it boasts a massive cast of iconic characters which have left their mark in mainstream popular culture!
I'm sure most will notice how similar Gokuu and Luffy are from their respective appetites, fighting abilities and powerful techniques. Both lead characters are also incredibly friendly, which is why they keep growing their crews and constantly making new alliances as their respective stories progress.
Plot summary:
Gokuu just wants to chill and enjoy life with his family, but his world is soon turned upside down when Raditz pays him a visit. He initially introduces himself as Gokuu’s long-lost brother, and that he’s part of the Saiyan race. But Gokuu has no plans of allying himself with Raditz. Unfortunately, he won’t be able to avoid the danger the Earth will soon face.
Why you should watch it:
This is undeniably an epic action martial arts series, which is notorious for its long drawn-out battle scenes and drama. Soap operas have nothing on Dragon Ball Z!
Soul Eater
Rated 8.09, Ranked #427 | Aired: Spring 2008 | Produced by Bones
Why it's similar:
The main protagonists of Soul Eater are a ragtag crew of individuals who are just as quirky as the Strawhat Pirates. And they all possess unique powers and abilities, setting them apart from each other, therefore, making it easy for us to root for our favorite Meister. But if you appreciate the humor in One Piece, then you'll be pleased to know that Soul Eater is of similar comedic value; watch out for those funny fight scenes!
One Piece also has a serious side too, with a rich story. Soul Eater has those serious and more cerebral moments as well, but just a tad darker.
Plot summary:
Shinigami train people with the ability to transform into weapons, as well as the wielders of these weapons who are known as Meisters. The training takes place at the Death Weapon Meister Academy in Death City. Meisters absorb the souls of 99 evil humans and one witch in order to transform their weapons into 'death scythes'.
Why you should watch it:
Soul Eater has a darker tone than One Piece. And due to the unique supernatural themes introduced here, they're represented in an imaginative way.
Anime Like One Piece Honorable Mentions
So you've watched the above anime that's like One Piece, and are still craving more! No problem, here are some shows that will hit the spot.
Hunter x Hunter (2011)
If you've got your fill of the sea-faring pirates of One Piece, then it's time to check out Gon Freecss and his crew. They're just like the Straw Hat Pirates since they enjoy adventure, while friendship and camaraderie are the cornerstone of this anime.
Fullmetal Alchemist
Fullmetal Alchemist is a unique and mature take on the relationship between two siblings - the Elric brothers. But brace yourself for some heart-wrenching moments, which remind us of some of the more somber moments in One Piece.
One Punch Man (One-Punch Man)
Want to dig your teeth into an anime like One Piece, which is packed with as much craziness, hilarity, fighting, and badass villains? Then look no further than One-Punch Man!
This is a tale about Saitama who happens to be the most powerful hero alive. Will he encounter adversaries that are tough enough to take him on?
Bleach
One thing that any anime similar to One Piece needs to have is a charismatic main lead. Further more, Ichigo Kurosaki is a risk-taker like Luffy, who puts his life on the line to protect his friends.
The Law of Ueki
The Law of Ueki is a more ecologically-orientated alternative to One Piece, but it's just as entertaining. The heroes and villains all possess insane powers, which will excite fans of One Piece.
