10 Best Should-Watch Anime Like Naruto

Are you an anime lover? If yes, you must have watched the Naruto series right? Naruto is considered as the most popular shounen anime (action-packed anime) in the world and it is really nostalgic as it is associated with the ‘growing up’ of many people. When mentioning Naruto, we will quickly think of ‘ninja’ or cool action scenes in the film. If you are looking for anime like Naruto to watch, this blog which is a compilation of best anime like Naruto would be helpful for you. Now, let’s check it out!

10 Best Anime Like Naruto

1. Boku No Hero Academia (My Hero Academia)

Plot Summary

Izuku Midoriya, born in a world where almost everyone has a special power called “quirk”, does not have that unique gift. However, with the assistance of his idol All Might, Izuku finally finds his own power. After realizing his hidden ability, he attends a school training gifted students with quirks to become true heroes.

The official opening of My Hero Academia below will give you an overview of the anime:

Why It Is Similar To Naruto

Even though you haven’t watched My Hero Academia before, you can still imagine the similarities between this anime and Naruto. A striking similarity is that Izuku and Naruto share the same character traits which are extremely determined and self-motivated. In addition, both of them are bullied and looked down on by society for being different from everyone else. Moreover, the trials Izuku needs to overcome in school will also give you the feel of Chuunin exams in Naruto.

Why You Should Watch It

This anime is one of the best animes like Naruto you shouldn’t miss watching because it is so similar to Naruto. My Hero Academia will fill the void that Naruto left in your heart when you finished it.

2. Katanagatari

Plot Summary

Katanagatari revolves around Shichika Yasuri, who lives exile with his sister Nanami and practices a very unique style of sword-fighting called Kyotouryuu. While living peacefully, a strategist named Togame enters Shichika’s life and asks him for help to collect twelve special swords called Deviant Blades. Eventually, Shichika accepts Togame’s request and they both go to fight the fierce holders of the legendary Blades.

anime like naruto

Katanagatari and his sister Nanami

Why It Is Similar To Naruto

Katanagatari and Naruto are similar in the presence of ninjas and various fighting techniques. You will find many of those techniques in two animes are alike. Also, the background music you are familiar with every time a fight breaks out in Naruto is also used in Katanagatari, which makes both of them so memorable.

Why You Should Watch It

If you are a really big fan of good anime and desire to watch more ninja themed ones, you will surely love watching Katanagatari.

3. Basilisk: Kouga Ninpou Chou (Basilisk: The Kouga Ninja Scrolls)

Plot Summary

The Basilisk series is about two rival ninja clans battling for a scroll. The tension between them never decreases even though peace finally comes. Actually, these clans only tolerate each other for the sake of their leaders who have been in love. But they can’t seem to end the bad blood between them. As the tension starts to increase more, the leaders are in a dilemma because they have to choose between love and loyalty. Eventually, each clan decides to send 10 of their best ninjas to enter a deadly competition.

anime like naruto

Love or Loyalty? The choice hangs over the leaders’ heads of two rival ninja clans

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Why It Is Similar To Naruto

Much like Naruto, Basilisk centers around powerful ninjas with various amazing techniques. Besides, both anime share a similar theme which is ‘eyes’. Many true mysteries and origins represented through eyes in Naruto can also be clearly seen in Basilisk.

Why You Should Watch It

If you are looking for some anime similar to Naruto in ninja theme, but darker and more mature, then Basilisk is for you. If you are a person who is really interested in thrilling action movies, you should definitely watch this manga because it includes lots of violent and bloody scenes.

4. Mushibugyou

Plot Summary

Mushibugyo is set in Japan’s feudal era with a young boy named Jinbee Tsukishima as the main character. He has a desire to become one of the greatest swordsmen in the country. In this era, monstrous insect-like creatures invade Japan and it’s up to Jinbee and his friends to prevent them from destroying everything and saving everyone.

Why It Is Similar To Naruto

The first similarity between Mushibugyo and Naruto is that they are both set in Japan feudal era. Another similar thing lies in the two protagonists, who have the same determination to better themselves.

anime like naruto

Like Naruto, Mushibugyo desires to better himself and become a great swordman

Why You Should Watch It

Mushibugyo will be a nice combination of something familiar and something new. Give it a try and see how this anime and Naruto are similar!

5. Hunter x Hunter (2011)

 Plot Summary

Hunter x Hunter is a story about Gon, a talented young boy who’s on a quest to find his father. During his long journey, he makes friends with countless strangers and becomes a Hunter – an elite class of adventurers daring to perform all dangerous tasks.

anime like naruto

Let’s follow the journey to become a Hunter of Gon!

Why It Is Similar To Naruto

The determination to become the best despite being young and underestimated gives Naruto and Gon the same foundation as main characters. Hunter x Hunter features full of action, which also makes it resemble Naruto.

Why You Should Watch It

Packed with beautiful animated scenes, witty comedy and amazing characters, Hunter x Hunter will not make you disappointed when watching it. This anime like Naruto will keep you on the edge of your seat till the end. So, let’s give it a go now!

6. Ninku

Plot Summary

Ninku follows Fuusuke, who looks like a child but is actually a powerful ninja with mastery over the wind. His plan is to look for other Ninku (ninjas who used to belong to a powerful clan and possess superpower) and recruit them again.

Ninku – a really powerful ninja

Why It Is Similar To Naruto

Both anime depicts the plight of two protagonists who are strong ninjas but are misunderstood. One interesting thing is that Ninku is believed to be the inspiration for Naruto’s creation.

Why You Should Watch It

Ninku is a good choice for those who are looking for a trip back to 90s era action anime with absolutely gripping plot and brilliantly executed battle scenes. Watching Ninku, you will love the journey of a hero who wants to make the world better for his friends and comrades.

7. World Trigger

Plot Summary

World Trigger follows the adventures of two members of an organization called Border Defense Agency, which is formed to protect humans from “Neighbors” – creatures have invaded the Earth through a mysterious gate. To fight those invaders, Border Defense Agency uses specially designed weapons named “Triggers”. The anime also highlights the lives of the two protagonists as they try to fight and understand the mysterious “Neighbors”.

Watch the trailer and you’ll see how interesting World Trigger is!

Why It Is Similar To Naruto

World Trigger is full of action scenes like Naruto and the two series share a lot of common themes.

Why You Should Watch It

World Trigger is considered a sci-fi version of Naruto with many shounen elements. Although the anime is 73 episodes long, it will keep your attention till the end.

8. Rekka No Honoo (Flame of Recca)

Plot Summary

Rekka No Honoo introduces you to Rekka Hanabishi, a headstrong teenager who wishes to be a ninja instead of only making fireworks. His desire comes true when he meets Yanagi Sakoshita, a gentle girl with the ability to heal injuries. As their fates become closely intertwined, he soons realizes that he is the sole survivor among descendants of a powerful ninja clan who has the power to control fire.

anime like naruto

Flame of Recca introduces you to Rekka Hanabishi with the power to control fire

Why It Is Similar To Naruto

Both anime are set in ninja worlds with main characters who wish to be very strong, and eventually, come to realize their true power.

Why You Should Watch It

If you are interested in ninjas, superpowers and action-packed plots, you really need to check Rekka No Honoo out. With the same shounen vibes as Naruto, enough action, compelling characters and battle scenes, this anime will make you excited and entertained.

9. Nabari No Ou (King Of Ou)

Plot Summary

Nabari No Ou centers around Rokujou Miharu, a boy of about 14 years old who possesses a powerful secret technique that many ninjas want to steal. Though at first, he shows no interest in his potential ability, he must fight and learn more about his power so that he can protect it and himself.

anime similar to naruto

Rokujou Miharu has a powerful secret technique that many ninjas want to steal

Why It Is Similar To Naruto

Both Nabari No Ou and Naruto are about ninjas and the protagonists with huge powers.

Why You Should Watch It

If you want to watch an anime featuring an unusual protagonist that is not at first willing to accept the responsibility of his power for a change, Nabari No Ou is for you.

10. Owari No Seraph (Seraph Of The End: Vampire Reign)

Plot Summary

The anime follows the story of two young boys, Yuuichirou and Mikaela Hyakuya. They are good friends who get abducted from their orphanage and are enslaved by vampires. Unfortunately, only Yuuichirou manages to escape from their evil clutches and eventually becomes a part of the Japanese Imperial Demon Army. Joining the Army, he realizes this is the best way to take revenge for his friend and their destroyed childhood.

Owari No Seraph will give you the feel of familiarity

Why It Is Similar To Naruto

One noticeable similarity between the two anime is that they both portray two protagonists being physically weak at the beginning. However, with their sheer will and determination, they eventually become strong and diligent warriors.

Why You Should Watch It

If you want to try out a new dimension of anime which is haunting, Owari No Seraph will appeal to you from the very first minutes of the show.

Other Mangas Like Naruto

Beside 10 above-mentioned anime like Naruto, these 4 following ones may also catch your attention.

1. One Piece

manga like naruto

One Piece should be on your list of must-watch anime like Naruto

One Piece is an anime with a cult following. It is the story of Monkey D.Luffy and his group of merry pirate friends going on a quest for a fabled treasure, known as one piece.

With a combination of action and drama as well as the appearance of new and interesting characters, this anime still captures a lot of audiences’ interest in spite of having lasted for over 800 episodes.

If you are looking for an enthralling anime like Naruto Shippuden, One Piece should be on your list of must-watch anime series.

2. Ao No Exorcist (Blue Exorcist)

mangas like naruto

Rin Okumura rebels against his father and becomes an exorcist to save humans

The plot of Ao No Exorcist revolves around Rin Okumura, the illegitimate son of Satan. He is created to be a suitable vessel for Satan to conquer the human world, but he rebels against his father and become an exorcist to fight demons and protect the Earth.

Although Ao No Exorcist is not a ninja-packed series, it still shares some key features with Naruto. The main similarity comes in the form of the two protagonists. Both Rin and Naruto are born differently and considered outsiders, but they still decide to help and save everyone from harm. They feel like that’s their obligation.

Despite having no ninjas in the anime, Blue Exorcist will easily make you fall in love with it through character development, which is the same as that of Naruto.

3. Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Full Metal Alchemist tells the tale of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric. After losing their mother to an incurable disease, they turn to alchemy to revive her by using the forbidden act of human transmutation. This wrongdoing leaves them disastrous consequences which are Edward’s loss of a leg and Alphonse’s soul trapped in a suit of armor. However, this traumatic event motivates Edward to fix his body using mechanical limbs called “automail” and become a state alchemist. His brother joins the journey and finally, they find a way to restore their body to the original form.

Like Naruto, Edward has a unique motivation drive to succeed despite all the difficulties he has to face. If you would like to watch a more mature anime like Naruto, Full Metal Alchemist is the one that you don’t want to miss.

Full Metal Alchemist is an anime similar to Naruto that you shouldn’t miss:

4. Boruto: Naruto Next Generations

This anime follows Boruto, Naruto’s son who bears striking resemblance to his parents regarding features and qualities. So, there is no doubt that the two anime fall in line with each other in terms of plot, setting, action and screenplay.

If you love the Naruto series, why not keep watching the next generation of ninjas.

Conclusion

That’s it for recommendations about anime like Naruto. Hopefully, this blog will help you in looking for the anime of your interest. If you think there are still more anime similar to Naruto, feel free to leave your comments below!

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About Yuu Sato

Yuu Sato has been working in hospitality industry since 2003. In the past, he used to work as a tour guide and now he is running his business of supplying comfortable accommodations in Japan. Thanks to this experience and his passion for writing blog, the articles by him provides awesome tips and things to do when you are traveling in the country of cherry blossoms.

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