It is doubtless that Goku’s shenanigans are still embedded in our childhood memories. Up until this day, we still follow our favorite Dragon Ball heroes in their journey. Saying that this shounen classic is a masterpiece would be an understatement. So far, finding similar anime to this iconic show has been somehow troublesome and hard. Worry no more about it, friends. Today, we gathered a list for you. Twelve titles that share similar qualities with Dragon Ball. Guess what? It’s all for our dear, beloved fans. Now fasten up, we are going to start a journey of our own with the following twelve shows alike Dragon Ball.
12. Yu Yu Hakusho
We follow a 14-year-old street-brawling delinquent, Yusuke Urameshi. In his attempt to save the life of a youngster, Yusuke meets his demise. The latter was the outcome of him getting hit by a car while trying to push the kid out of harm’s way. Yusuke, now, passes into a new world; thus, becoming a spirit.
With the resurrection of his soul, Yusuke gets another bite of the cherry by starting his second life as a spirit detective. His chums accompany him, too. They all start an interesting journey of their own, following one adventure after another. The 1990 manga series go itself an anime adaptation. It was also awarded the 39th Shogakukan Manga Award for best shounen manga in 1993.
11.Dragon Quest: Dai no Daibouken
Following the defeat of the demon lord Hadlar, all monsters get to be free again. They all move into an island of their own to live in peace. Our protagonist, Dai, was the only human on that island. A kind monster, Brass, takes upon himself the responsibility of raising him. Little Dai grows up along with his dreams to be a savior and a hero. With hidden forces lurking in the darkness, Hadlar is resurrected again.
This time, however, he is serving an even stronger demon lord and enemy. Dai takes the chance to grow stronger, with the help of his new mentor, Avan. This heroic childhood classic holds plenty of similarities, other than the fundamental enjoyment presented in here. You certainly cannot ignore the resemblance, right?
10. Saint Seiya
This might be one of the very first franchises you got to watch as kids. The story follows one epic paradigm that is full of heroic actions, of course. Time immemorial, a group of heroes devote their lives to a sole noble duty: protecting Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom and War. These men had powers that are beyond that one of a simple earthborn. A single swing from one of them could crack earth, and shatter the high skies.
Thus, they gain a reputation and a name for themselves as Saints. In the present time, a new generation of saints is reborn. A group of five zodiac warriors arises. Their mission, now, is to save the world from the evil deities. This is a must see series. If you enjoy ancient cults, then this is certainly for you.
9. Hokuto no Ken
If you are all manly and macho then, mate, you found a great show for yourself! The plot is fairly plain, to a certain point. In a post-apocalyptic world, where the strong preys on the weak, crime reaches its peak. Kenshiro is a man who was stabbed in the back, by his so called friend. The latter kidnaps his wife and tries to kill him.
Kenshiro survives the brutal assault. Now, he lives for one purpose only: to avenge himself and find his wife. You’ll certainly be met by a group of unforgettable characters. Each has its own back-story. Everything about this show is really catchy. I’m sure by the end of this spectacle you will turn into a full-fledged, badass, super gorilla.
8. Fairy Tail
Lucy Heartfilia is a young woman. She dreams to be a full-fledged mage, and join a certain coven: Fairy Tail. One day when visiting Harujion Town, she encounters Natsu, a young man with hilarious antics. But Natsu is not just any ordinary kid, he is a member of one of the world’s most infamous mage guilds: Fairy Tail.
While getting herself in big troubles, Natsu saves her life. Finally, natsu invites her to join the rest of his friends, the ice wizard, Gray Fullbuster, and the Swordswoman, Erza Scarlett. They all start a journey, one that is filled with adventures. This otherworldly allegory centers around the strong uncut binds of friendship and sacrifice. Enjoy it!
7. Soul Eater
Set in the Shinigami technical school for weapon Meisters, the spectacle turns around three groups of students, starting their journey. They strive to become full-fledged soul reapers. Shibusen’s mission is raising death scythes, for the Shinigami to wield against all evils. These Death Scythes are born from human hybrids, which can transform their bodies into demon weapons.
Of course, after they consume the souls of 99 evil beings, and one witch’s soul. Evans aims to become a shinigami with the help of his friend Maka. The students of Shibusen take on one mission after another to collect souls, and protect the city from all evils. They also learn how to face troubles, thus growing stronger and wiser in the process.
6. Bleach
Ichigo Kurosaki is an ordinary high schooler. One day, his family is attacked by a Hollow, a corrupt spirit, which seeks to devour human souls. Only then his life does a 180 degree as it completely changes. Ichigo meets a certain tiny, badass Soul Reaper, named Rukia Kuchiki. She gets injured while trying to protect Ichigo’s family from the assailant.
To save his family, Ichigo accepts Rukia’s offer of taking her powers, becoming a Soul Reaper as a result. Now, Rukia is unable to regain her powers. It’s Ichigo’s mission to save the day and hunt down hollows. He is not alone in his battles. Later on, he is joined by his friends—classmates Orihime Inoue, Yasutora Sado, and Uryuu Ishida.
5. Hunter x Hunter
This is the telltale of a twelve-year-old boy named Gon. The boy starts his own adventurous journey, motivated by his ultimate goal to become a hunter in hopes to find his long missing father. His road starts with baby steps, surrounded by dark forces from all corners. But with every mile that he walks, Gon learns new life valuable lessons, encounters friends as well as enemies.
Thus, growing stronger and braver , with each passing day. On the road, Gon befriends the energetic, talkative doctor-in-training Leorio, a vindictive Kurapika, and rebellious ex-assassin Killua. Mere words won’t do this masterpiece justice. Therefore, we totally recommend it for you to watch. You will, certainly, enjoy the vibes. Give it a go!
4. One Punch Man
Meet Saitama: the badass baldy who can take you down with a single swing of his arm. Saitama is a hero just for the sake of having his own share of fun. In this world, monsters and heroes are quite common. Saitama is really overpowered, as he manages to take down anyone with just a single punch. This only serves to make his life even more boring and mundane.
After doing all the heroic deeds, he finds himself, later on, joining the Hero Association to protect society from all evils and threats. Perhaps even find a peer in terms of power, and finally find someone who is a worthy match. You will fall in love madly with this comedic, action spectacle. You definitely won’t regret it, guys.
3. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Another action, comedy-packed anime that is so similar to dragon ball is Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. Edward Elric and his brother Alphonse try to bring their deceased mother back to life. But instead, it all goes horribly wrong when they choose to do so through the forbidden act of human transmutation. Unluckily for the Elric brothers, they never realized that until the damage was done.
After their failed trial Edward loses his left leg, Alphonse his physical body. It is only by the desperate sacrifice of Edward’s right arm that he is able to affix Alphonse’s soul to a suit of armor. The two brothers start their journey to find the philosopher’s stone. It has the ability to overcome the equivalent exchange rule, in hopes for them to regain their limbs.
2. Naruto
This is another childhood classic that we all came to watch for ages alongside Dragon Ball. Naruto Uzumaki grew up with the abominable, nine-tailed demon fox sealed inside him. As a result of this, he was rejected and feared by the people of his village. Withal, a spark of flame ignited inside him. To become the next Hokage, that’s what he aimed for.
One of Naruto’s creator, Masashi Kishimoto’s main inspirations was Dragon Ball. I’m sure a lot of similarities were done on purpose by Kishi just to pay some homage to this spectacle. Along the way you will notice a huge sense of likeness that is common between the two shows. That’s exactly why you should watch Naruto.
1. One Piece
And of course, we save the best for last. Long ago, there lived a strong pirate king who goes by the name of Gold D. Roger. He was able to obtain everything he ever wanted in the palm of his hand. Unfortunately, he was captured and sentenced to execution because of all his sins.
In the brink of death, Gold D. Roger claimed that he left the great treasure, One Piece, somewhere in the Grand Line for anyone to claim. This event ignited the Great Pirate Age. Our boy, Monkey D. Luffy a.k.a The Straw Hat Pirate ate a devil fruit that turns the consumer’s body into rubber. For the sake of finding One Piece, then earning himself the title of Pirate King. Luffy gathers all kinds of oddballs. He creates his own crew, The Straw Hat Pirates.
This is a wrap, guys. We hope that our list was to your liking. If you have something that you would like to add, then do not hesitate to let us know. Make use of that little comments section down bellow and hit us up with what you´d like to see in anime versa. Until we meet again.
