Naruto is widely regarded as the most popular shounen anime in the world - which is not surprising since it is packed with great action and versatile characters that many fans have grown up with. For all those Naruto lovers out there, we want to help you find your next great anime obsession! Check out these 10 anime below that are similar to Naruto.
Start on a New Adventure With 10 Anime Like Naruto
Basilisk: Kouga Ninpou Chou (Basilisk: The Kouga Ninja Scrolls)
MAL Rated 7.69, Ranked #1073 | Aired Spring 2005 | Produced by Gonzo
Why it's similar:
The story centers around powerful ninja warriors with amazing supernatural techniques.
Plot Summary:
Basilisk: The Kouga Ninja Scrolls is set in 17th century Japan and features two rival ninja clans fighting over the 'ninja scoll' in a government sanctioned battle royale for the ultimate glory.
Why you should watch it:
If you'd like to watch something about ninjas, but darker and more mature, then this is for you. This anime is very violent and bloody and a nice gem among the ninja themed series.
Mushibugyou
MAL Rated 7.47, Ranked #1667 | Aired Spring 2013 | Produced by Seven Arcs
Why it's similar:
Both Naruto and Jinbee have the same determination to better themselves, while also featuring a bunch of cool action scenes. Has a similar feudal era setting.
Plot Summary:
Mushibugyou is set in Feudal Japan and it follows a boy - Jinbee Tsukishima - who has a desire to be a great swordsman. In this era, Japan is under attack by huge insects that destroy everything in front of them and it is up to Jinbee and his friends to stop them.
Why you should watch it:
You will probably find Naruto and Jinbee similar in terms of character development, and even though Mushibugyou is more about martial arts than ninjas, there are enough similarities to warrant giving this a go.
World Trigger
MAL Rated 7.77, Ranked #918 | Aired Fall 2014 | Produced by Toei Animation
Why it's similar:
If Naruto was set in present day Japan, with sci-fi elements thrown in, you'd get World Trigger. Well...not exactly. But the two series do share a lot of common themes, and have a similar feel to them.
Plot Summary:
"Triggers" are specially designed weapons created in order to kill "Neighbors," creatures that have invaded the Earth through a mysteriously opened gate, thus the Border Defense Agency has been formed in order to protect people. The story follows a couple of members of this organization who try to fight and understand these "Neighbors."
Why you should watch it:
At 73 episodes long, it hits that sweet spot between long, but not too long. If you can look past the painfully average art, you'll find a dynamic and action packed sci-fi shounen waiting for you.
Hunter x Hunter (2011)
MAL Rated 9.14, Ranked #6 | Aired Fall 2011 | Produced by Madhouse
Why it's similar:
It's full of action and boys who are strongly driven to achieve their dreams and goals.
Plot Summary:
Hunter x Hunter follows Gon, a talented young boy who ventures out from his village in order to find his father and in the process, makes lifelong friends and becomes a hunter - an officially recognized class of adventurers who perform all manner of dangerous tasks.
Why you should watch it:
Watch it because it is action-packed, funny, and has amazing characters. If you liked Naruto, then you will notice how HxH follows the same pattern of young boys who try to fulfill their dreams while becoming stronger. It also takes an unexpectedly dark turn given it's relatively cheery opening, and the emotional depth it brings to the series is why many fans consider this 2011 version to be the superior adaptation.
Rekka no Honoo (Flame of Recca)
MAL Rated 7.45, Ranked #1733 | Aired Summer 1997 | Produced by Studio Pierrot
Why it's similar:
Both anime are set in ninja worlds with protagonists who wish to be very strong, and eventually come to realize their true power.
Plot Summary:
Rekka Hanabishi is a headstrong teenager who wishes to be a ninja instead of just making fireworks. His wish comes true when he meets Yanagi Sakoshita, a gentle girl who is able to heal injuries. As their fates get intertwined, he soon finds out that he is the last surviving descendant of a powerful ninja clan who has the power to manipulate fire.
Why you should watch it:
If you are a fan of ninjas, super powers and action-packed plots then you should definitely check this one out. It gives off the same shounen vibes as Naruto and it has enough action, compelling characters, and battle scenes to keep you entertained.
Ninku
MAL Rated 7.15, Ranked #2818 | Aired Winter 1995 | Produced by Studio Pierrot
Why it's similar:
It is believed that Ninku inspired the creation of Naruto. Both anime are about protagonists who become strong ninjas despite being misunderstood.
Plot Summary:
Ninku follows the adventures of Fuusuke, who looks like a child but is actually a powerful ninja who can control wind. His plan is to look for other Ninku (ninjas who used to belong to a powerful clan and who possess extraordinary abilities) and recruit them once again. The Imperial Army, however, has other plans.
Why you should watch it:
It's the hipsters choice, with only around 2000 MAL members. It ran for 55 episodes and is a solid choice for those looking for a trip back to 90s era action anime (though nothing to write home about). It's filled with amazingly executed battle scenes and you will love the journey of a hero who wants to make the world a better place for his friends and comrades.
Nabari no Ou (King of Ou)
MAL Rated 7.45, Ranked #1730 | Aired Spring 2008 | Produced by J.C.Staff
Why it's similar:
Both anime are about ninjas and the protagonists who huge powers within themselves.
Plot Summary:
Nabari no Ou is about 14-year-old Rokujou Miharu who wields a powerful secret technique within himself that many ninjas want to steal. Despite being apathetic at first, Rokujou must fight and learn more about his power so he can protect them and himself.
Why you should watch it:
It has a different premise to most ninja anime, being set in the modern world, and features an unusual protagonist that is, at first, very unwilling to accept the responsibility of his power. It might just be the change of pace you need.
Katekyo Hitman Reborn!
MAL Rated 8.38, Ranked #168 | Aired Fall 2006 | Produced by Artland
Why it's similar:
Just a fun little shonen anime that's definitely less serious than Naruto, but has the same heart and emotional moments (and is also pretty long as well, if you're into that kind of thing!)
Plot Summary:
Tsunayoshi Sawada is a talentless and boring student whose life gets turned upside down when he meets a hit-man baby who wants to prepare him to become the next boss of the Vongola family.
Why you should watch it:
Katekyo Hitman Reborn! is a comedy driven anime that features significant amounts of character development. Just like Naruto, the main character in this anime starts off as a weak boy but develops into an absolute monster. They both have powers that are difficult to control, but when activated, turns them into killing machines.
Busou Renkin (Arms Alchemy)
MAL Rated 7.51, Ranked #1514 | Aired Fall 2006 | Produced by Xebec
Why it's similar:
Busou Renkin doesn't have ninjas but it still incorporates the same shounen theme of a main character who never gives up.
Plot Summary:
Kazuki Muto is a high school student who dies while trying to save a mysterious girl from the homunculus, a powerful monster created through alchemy. However, this girl manages to revive him by placing a medallion in his chest that serves as a Kakugane, the only device that can kill these monsters. The two of them then join forces against these creatures.
Why you should watch it:
Just a really good action packed shounen anime show. Great battle scenes are a plenty, and should satisfy the more bloodthirsty Naruto fans.
Owari no Seraph (Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign)
MAL Rated 7.65, Ranked #1160 | Aired Spring 2015 | Produced by Wit Studio
Why it's similar:
The main characters go from being orphaned young boys, to strong and diligent warriors despite being weak at the beginning (yea we know, that's pretty much most of the shows we've recommended so far).
Plot Summary:
Yuuichirou and Mikaela Hyakuya are two good friends who get abducted from their orphanage and are enslaved by vampires. Unfortunately, Yuuichirou is the only one who manages to escape and gest recruited by the Japanese Imperial Demon Army. Now he has the means to finally get his revenge on vampires, but is it that simple?
Why you should watch it:
This supernatural anime about vampires is simple little adventure for those who would like to once again experience the growth of a young boy with a desire for vengeance who gives his best in order to become stronger despite his suffering and losses.
All ranking information was taken on the date of publication.
