One Piece is widely regarded as one of the most popular Shonen anime series globally. For those looking for similar content, here is a list of recommended series to watch.
One Piece, recognized as one of the Shonen Big Three, is a beloved manga and anime series. It first appeared in 1997 as a manga and was later adapted into an anime in 1999. Despite being a long-running series, it continues to gain immense popularity and remains as popular as ever.
One Piece has all the classic Shonen tropes that fans love, including an endearing protagonist, dependable friends, formidable allies, and a multitude of intriguing mysteries. The Final Saga of the series is currently ongoing and is expected to conclude in a few years.
As the tale unfolds, a young boy named Monkey D. Luffy embarks on a voyage across the ocean, determined to discover a fabled treasure and become the ultimate Pirate King. Along the way, he assembles a dependable crew to join him on his quest. In this article, we will explore some other Shonen anime series that share similarities with One Piece.
1. Hunter X Hunter
Similar to One Piece, Hunter X Hunter is a beloved Shonen anime and manga that is highly recommended for fans. Yoshihiro Togashi’s creation is renowned for its intricately crafted plot, dynamic characters, and exhilarating fight scenes.
The focus of the story revolves around Gon’s quest to become a Hunter and reunite with his father. Along the way, he forms close bonds with Killua, Kurapika, and Leorio, each of whom has their own personal ambitions to fulfill and must also confront their past experiences.
2. Bleach
During the 2000s, Bleach was part of the Shonen Big Three and dominated the Shonen genre, which is often referred to as the “golden era”by anime fans. The plot centers around Ichigo Kurosaki, a high school student with the unique gift of being able to see ghosts and other supernatural entities.
One day, Ichigo is unexpectedly confronted by a malevolent being known as a Hollow. In the midst of the chaos, he crosses paths with Rukia Kuchiki, a Soul Reaper, who educates him on the existence of Hollows and the Soul Society. Despite his initial disbelief, Ichigo eventually taps into his own abilities and assumes the role of a substitute Soul Reaper.
3. Naruto
As one of the Big Three anime and manga classics, Naruto has a long-running fan base and is sure to be loved by One Piece fans. The series is renowned for its memorable characters, powerful clans, unexpected plot twists, compelling backstories, and heart-wrenching tragedies. It centers on Naruto, a young ninja determined to become the Hokage, the leader of the Hidden Leaf Village.
Despite his determination, Naruto is far from achieving the title of the village’s strongest and most respected Ninja. As the story unfolds, he grows in strength while uncovering the truth about a powerful monster sealed within his body.
4. Gintama
Although One Piece boasts a complex storyline, Gintama is primarily focused on comedy. It offers a zany and entertaining blend of science fiction and historical drama. The series effortlessly blends together various genres, tones, and scenarios, making it a highly enjoyable watch.
During the Edo period, Gintoki Sakata, a quirky man with silver hair, is the main character of the story. He goes by the title of Samurai and is always armed with a wooden sword. Gintoki is the leader of Yorozuya, a small business that specializes in odd tasks, and he frequently strives to assist those in need. However, things never go according to plan and often take bizarre and unforeseen twists.
Anime: Black Clover
Both the Black Clover anime and One Piece share a similar goal of their protagonists, Asta and Luffy respectively, to become the top leaders in their worlds – the Wizard and Pirate Kings. However, the main contrast between the two series lies in their settings, with Black Clover taking place in a world filled with magic. The show follows Asta, a boy without magic, as he navigates through a society where magical abilities are highly valued.
Despite lacking any magical abilities, Asta dreams of one day becoming the Wizard King, the most powerful mage in the kingdom. This dream becomes a possibility when it is discovered that Asta possesses the rare ability to nullify magic. The story follows Asta as he utilizes this unique skill to climb the ranks among the Magic Knights.
Dragon Ball franchise
Both One Piece and Dragon Ball anime are created by the Toei Animation studio. Additionally, numerous films and special episodes have been produced for both series, featuring original stories not found in the manga. The storyline of Dragon Ball, created by Akira Toriyama, follows the exciting adventures of Son Goku, a skilled martial artist.
The protagonists of the series embark on a journey to obtain all seven Dragon Balls, facing off against any foes they encounter along the way. Both Luffy and Goku are charismatic and resolute main characters who captivate those around them. They also appear together in numerous crossover episodes, further enhancing the harmony between their individual series.
7. Toriko
Toriko is an exciting adventure series from the Toei Animation studio that chronicles the journey of a Gourmet Hunter as he pursues his ultimate goal of tasting the most delectable food in the world. However, Toriko must overcome numerous obstacles as he strives to fulfill his mission.
Both the Toriko and One Piece anime showcase a vast and well-crafted world that is brilliantly depicted. Additionally, these series boast an impressive roster of Shonen characters who undergo strong development through a series of exciting adventures and missions.
8. One-Punch Man
The artwork in One-Punch Man manga is considered to be one of the best in the genre, and the anime adaptation does not disappoint. The show features incredibly strong characters, intense battle sequences, and plenty of humor. The main character, Saitama, possesses an unmatched level of strength and can defeat enemies, extraterrestrial beings, and formidable creatures with just one punch.
One Punch Man’s storyline successfully addresses the morally ambiguous aspect of being a hero. This, along with the stunning animation, has created anticipation among viewers for the show’s highly anticipated third season. The series shares a similar blend of humor and drama with One Piece.
9. The Animated Series: Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood
While Brotherhood may not share the exact theme as One Piece, it is still renowned for its well-developed world and characters who strive to fulfill their aspirations through growth and determination. Both anime may differ in certain aspects, but they do share similar elements.
In Eiichiro Oda’s universe, Luffy embarks on a journey to various unfamiliar locations, encountering fascinating individuals and engaging in battles with formidable foes, all in pursuit of his dream to become the Pirate King. Similarly, in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, the Elric brothers traverse the land in search of a means to resurrect their deceased mother.
In One Piece, we witness characters achieving mastery in Haki, while in Brotherhood, it is Alchemy that serves as the driving force. Ultimately, the main characters of both series embark on perilous journeys with a common objective.
The Seven Deadly Sins
While it is true that Seven Deadly Sins may not be loved by everyone, that does not diminish its quality as an anime series. SDS has made a lasting impact on the industry with its captivating world and distinct characters.
Similar to One Piece, Seven Deadly Sins boasts a plethora of characters with varying abilities. While the series’ main draw is undeniably Meliodas, the incredibly strong protagonist, the supporting characters also shine due to the well-crafted plot. Seven Deadly Sins is a thrilling tale filled with action, heart, and depth, making it a must-watch for fans of One Piece who are seeking a unique and captivating world.
11. My Hero Academia
My Hero Academia is widely regarded as one of the top superhero anime series. It follows the journey of Izuku Midoriya, also known as Deku, a young boy without any special abilities who aspires to become the greatest hero like his role model All Might. His dream finally becomes possible when All Might passes on his incredibly powerful Quirk to him.
Just like One Piece, this anime also centers around a dream and the main character’s quest to achieve it. The show possesses all the elements of a great shonen anime, including lasting friendships and thrilling fights, making it just as captivating as One Piece has been for years.
12. Boruto: Naruto the Next Generations
Boruto is a familiar name to fans of Naruto. It serves as a continuation of the popular ninja anime, focusing on the new generation of heroes. The main character is Boruto Uzumaki, the son of Naruto and Hinata, as he strives to step out of his father’s shadow.
Despite facing much controversy upon its initial release, Boruto has gained a dedicated fan following over time. A significant factor in its success can be attributed to its traditional shonen appeal. Similar to One Piece, it features a dynamic and intelligent protagonist who embarks on thrilling adventures to protect his loved ones and defend the world against various adversaries.
13. Fairy Tail
Despite being considered one of the top shonen anime of the 2010s, alongside popular series such as One Piece and Naruto, Fairy Tail faced criticism for its excessive fan-service in later years. Nevertheless, the show’s adventurous nature, emphasis on strong friendships, and humorous moments are sure to evoke memories of the beloved Straw Hats.
Lucy, an heiress with a longing for adventure, is the central character of Fairy Tail. Her dream finally comes true when she encounters Natsu and Happy and becomes a member of the eponymous mage guild. As their journey progresses, they are joined by Gray, Erza, Wendy, and Charlés, forming a strong team and embarking on countless quests together.
14. Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic
One Piece is praised for its exceptional world-building, making it a must-watch for fans of this aspect. If you are searching for a similar anime, Magi is highly recommended. Its enchanting world is intricately designed, incorporating elements of Arabian culture. Additionally, the story follows a trio embarking on an epic journey, adding to the excitement.
The focus of the anime centers on Aladdin, a young boy possessing great magical abilities as a ‘Magi’. His mission is to locate a suitable king candidate and assist them in conquering the enigmatic Dungeons. Alongside him on this quest are Alibaba, a street urchin, and Morgiana, a former slave.
15. Yu Yu Hakusho
Despite already having published a masterpiece, Yu Yu Hakusho, before his 1998 manga Hunter x Hunter became a nationwide sensation, Yoshihiro Togashi continues to prove why he is considered one of the best mangaka of all time.
As expected from any classic shonen, Yu Yu Hakusho effortlessly combines thrilling martial arts and endearing characters. The chemistry between Yusuke and his companions is just as enjoyable as the comical situations that Luffy finds himself in with his fellow crew members.
16. Inuyasha
Despite not being classified as a shonen anime, Inuyasha is undoubtedly an honorary member due to its abundance of thrilling action and captivating storyline. The series revolves around Kagome, an average girl who is unexpectedly transported to the feudal era and discovers her fate is tied to a fiery-tempered half-demon.
In One Piece, Luffy embarks on a journey to locate the legendary treasure, while this anime follows the protagonists as they race to collect the scattered shards of the Shikon Jewel. With their singular goal in sight, they encounter numerous obstacles and battle formidable enemies in typical shonen style.
Golden Kamuy
Despite being an underrated shonen anime, Golden Kamuy is a must-watch. While it differs in tone and premise from One Piece, both share a common theme: the relentless pursuit of treasure.
In the world of the pirate anime, Luffy’s goal is to find the treasure and become the King of Pirates, while Sugimoto’s motive is to fulfill his promise to his deceased best friend. The friend had passed away during the Russo-Japanese War, leaving Sugimoto as the sole survivor. Before his death, the friend entrusted Sugimoto with the task of taking care of his wife, thus setting the story in motion.
18. Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure
Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure stands out from the other entries on this list as it is not simply an anime show, but an entire franchise. Each part centers around a different Jojo, beginning with the first part’s protagonist Jonathan Joestar and his archenemy Dio.
Despite each installment of this franchise having its own set of advantages and disadvantages, the most widely favored among them is Part 3, known as ‘Stardust Crusaders’. This chapter chronicles Jotaro Kujo and his allies’ journey across Egypt to ultimately defeat DIO. Similar to One Piece, audiences can anticipate a plethora of thrilling adventures and intense battles.
19. Demon Slayer: The Ultimate Battle Against Evil
Despite their different legacies, both One Piece and Demon Slayer have solidified themselves as the most influential shonen anime of all time. While Luffy’s adventure is constantly evolving with rich lore and worldbuilding, Demon Slayer stands out with its stunning animation.
Despite their different motivations, both Tanjiro and Luffy share a heartwarming bond with their friends and a lovable protagonist with a pure heart. Even though Tanjiro’s journey is fueled by revenge rather than adventure, his compassionate nature and desire to aid others will surely resonate with fans of Luffy’s character.
20. Edens Zero
Hiro Mashima, the creator of Fairy Tail, also brings us Edens Zero, a fairly new addition to the shonen genre. While it may not quite measure up to its predecessor, it still offers a fun and lighthearted watch for those looking for something shorter.
In Edens Zero, Rebecca and her robot cat Happy embark on a journey to the deserted Granbell Kingdom. During their exploration, they encounter Shiki, the sole survivor, who decides to accompany them on their mission. Throughout the narrative, Shiki sets out to recruit dependable and formidable crew members, much like Luffy did in his early adventures.
How to Stream Crunchyroll from a Different Location in 2023
Thanks to Private Internet Access, even if you’re outside the US, you can access Crunchyroll’s full library of anime, including popular titles like One Piece, Attack on Titan, and Jujutsu Kaisen. This makes Crunchyroll the top streaming service for anime worldwide.
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By accessing Crunchyroll’s US roster, the difference is clear. For instance, users in Hong Kong have access to less than 100 titles, whereas the US offers almost 1,000 movies and TV shows.
If you are on the fence about paying for a subscription, you can opt for the ad-supported plan on Crunchyroll, which allows you to stream anime for free. Additionally, there is a 14-day free trial available for those who want to try out the subscription service before committing to it.
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