10 Best Anime Recommendations for Fans of Doraemon

Doraemon, a beloved anime series, is considered an iconic show of all time. The tale of a futuristic robotic cat who goes back in time to assist a clueless boy named Nobita has enamored audiences of all ages.

Despite the passing of time, the series continues to be widely adored for its imaginative sci-fi tales, charming characters, and valuable life lessons. Whether you’re seeking to relive fond memories or uncover a new beloved series, this compilation includes top anime recommendations that capture the feel-good essence of Doraemon.

If you enjoyed watching Nobita’s heartwarming and exciting adventures with his futuristic cat companion, we have compiled a list of 10 anime that we believe you will thoroughly enjoy.

Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the writer and do not reflect any specific ranking.

Top 10 Anime Recommendations for Doraemon Fans

Title: 1) Pokemon

Similar to Nobita’s unwavering trust in Doraemon and his gadgets, Ash Ketchum from Pokemon counts on his faithful companion Pikachu and his ever-expanding group of Pokemon companions.

This enduring anime series features Ash and his companions on their travels to various locations. There, Ash strives to capture and battle the adorable creatures in his quest to become a Pokemon Master.

Pokemon is an ideal feel-good anime for fans of Doraemon, with its uplifting messages about friendship, personal development, and determination to reach one’s aspirations. The show’s initial release and subsequent remakes guarantee its continued relevance for both 90s children and younger audiences.

2) Crayon Shin-chan

Crayon Shin-chan (Image via Shin-Ei Animation)

The comedic escapades of Shin-chan, a 5-year-old from Crayon Shin-chan, are sure to make you laugh. While he may seem bothersome and mischievous like Nobita, Shin-chan is actually a kind and affectionate child who imparts valuable life lessons in a playful manner.

In a similar way to how Doraemon injected excitement into Nobita’s everyday life, Shin’s lively personality and clever observations of everyday challenges bring a sense of thrill to his family’s ordinary suburban lifestyle. Its unique brand of humor and quirky characters make Crayon Shin-chan a highly enjoyable comedy anime.

Astro Boy

The popular sci-fi adventure series, Doraemon, is often referred to as the godfather of this iconic 1960s anime. It follows the adventures of Astro Boy (known as Atom in Japan), a powerful robot boy with a pure heart. Interestingly, this anime also delves into mature themes as it depicts the story of a scientist who creates Astro Boy in mourning for his deceased son.

Audiences will undoubtedly admire the sci-fi creativity of Astro Boy and its underlying theme of responsible use of technology for the betterment of society. Despite its age, the anime remains incredibly forward-thinking, as Astro Boy consistently challenges discrimination against robots and explores the ethical implications of advanced technology.

In sum, Astro Boy’s combination of playful action, wit, and heartfelt depth makes it a significant choice for a nostalgic viewing experience.

Ninja Hattori – A Japanese Cartoon Character

Ninja Hattori (Image via Shin-Ei Animation)

The central focus of the story follows 10-year-old Kenichi as he forms a friendship with an unconventional ninja named Hattori, who secretly takes up residence in his house. While Doraemon’s gadgets were responsible for getting Nobita out of predicaments, Kenichi relied on Hattori’s unique ninja abilities to assist him in overcoming his daily challenges.

Despite being an 80s show, Ninja Hattori’s episodic structure, which is filled with comical mishaps and valuable life lessons, remains perfect for fans to relive the nostalgic comfort of beloved childhood classics. Its animation has stood the test of time, captivating modern audiences just as effectively.

Just like Doraemon, Ninja Hattori’s emphasis on friendship and school shenanigans brings back nostalgic memories.

5) Order

In this classic superhero anime, we follow the story of Mitsuo, a regular boy who becomes the powerful Perman by donning a special mask and cape. Alongside his fellow Perman superheroes, Mitsuo bravely fights against all kinds of enemies and finds himself in comically bizarre scenarios.

The protagonists encounter varying obstacles and antagonists in every installment. With its playful and imaginative elements, Perman’s episodic format, coupled with light action and humor, provides an entertaining viewing experience for those craving the enjoyable adventures of Doraemon.

The retro design and color scheme of the piece also bring about a sense of nostalgia for the straightforward yet creative anime of the 80s and 90s.

Kiteretsu Daihyakka

This anime, which aired in the late 80s, portrayed the heartwarming bond between a boy named Eiichi and his self-made robot companion Korosuke. Similar to how Nobita relies on Doraemon’s advanced gadgets, Eiichi discovers the power of ingenuity as he utilizes his own unique inventions to overcome daily challenges.

In addition to emphasizing the importance of intelligence and science, Kiteretsu Daihyakka also showcases virtues such as integrity, diligence, and determination through the adventures of Eiichi, the professor, and their companions.

Despite being underrated, the powerful nostalgia factor and underlying message about using knowledge make it a hidden gem for loyal fans of Doraemon.

7) Japanese Anime: Sazae-san

The beloved Japanese anime, Sazae-san, follows the story of Sazae, a positive and upbeat homemaker, and her unconventional middle-class family. Through humorous mishaps involving relationships, work, customs, and daily tasks, Sazae imparts valuable lessons about finding happiness in the mundane aspects of life and avoiding unnecessary stress.

Similarly to how Nobita gains from Doraemon’s guidance, viewers receive valuable parenting and marriage advice through Sazae’s patient approach to handling her comical husband, father, and children.

Despite its age, Sazae-san’s old-school anime style continues to captivate contemporary audiences with its laid-back tone and wholesome messages. The show’s humor, which pokes fun at everyday challenges, resonates with fans seeking lighthearted comedy.

8) Chinpui

In the retro anime Chinpui, the main character, a mischievous alien named Chinpui, often finds himself in tricky predicaments due to his eagerness to assist others, similar to Doraemon’s gadgets, which often have unintended consequences despite being used with good intentions.

Taking place in the bustling city of Tokyo, every episode of Chinpui revolves around the endearing alien’s efforts to aid a young girl named Eri. While his well-intentioned actions often lead to comical chaos, Chinpui’s heartwarming nature strikes a chord with fans of Doraemon as he ultimately resolves the underlying problems within each family, even if it means making a few surface-level mishaps along the way.

The endearing classic Chinpui, known for its simple hand-drawn animation and focus on family bonding, evokes a sense of nostalgia and is a must-watch for those longing for traditional anime.

9) Anime Review: Yowamushi Pedal

Yowamushi Pedal (Image via TMS Entertainment)

Yowamushi Pedal contains unexpectedly touching moments that can be compared to those found in profound masterpieces despite the apparent differences in themes. The plot centers on Sakamichi, a socially awkward and nerdy student, as he works to revive his school’s disbanded bicycle racing club.

With unwavering determination, he brings together a group of unconventional teammates who are bonded not by their cycling abilities but by their shared lack of self-confidence. Similar to how Nobita once felt overshadowed by his more talented classmates until Doraemon helped him find courage, Sakamichi and his lovably imperfect team prove that dedication and perseverance are more valuable than natural talent.

The uplifting theme of Yowamushi Pedal, which highlights how underdogs can motivate one another to pursue ambitious dreams despite personal insecurities, closely echoes the inspirational story of Nobita’s journey.

10) Digimon

The highly acclaimed anime series Digimon centers on the adventures of young individuals and their special digital creatures that possess the ability to transform into different powerful forms in combat. Lead character Tai and his peers are taught to collaborate with their own Digimon companions in order to confront dangers posed by corrupted Digimon and individuals exploiting technology.

Despite its fantasy-based action and similarities to other franchises such as Pokemon, Digimon also highlights important themes such as friendship, loyalty, teamwork, and clever problem-solving. The strong connections between the children and their emotionally expressive Digimon closely reflect the endearing relationships portrayed in Doraemon over the course of many years.

Similar to how Doraemon helps Nobita become more self-assured and resolute, the human characters in Digimon also develop into responsible and compassionate leaders under the guidance of their bonded Digimon.

Conclusion

Although it is not possible to replace beloved anime classics such as Doraemon, the mentioned series comes incredibly close with its use of familiar elements like friendship, science fiction, comedy in a school setting, and heartwarming stories that highlight important values for younger audiences.

If you find yourself feeling nostalgic for simpler times while watching beloved anime such as Nobita and Doraemon’s adventures, be sure to explore the classics mentioned above. They will help you recapture the same charm and whimsy that is unique to Japanese animation.

These anime have become iconic for their memorable characters, uplifting messages, and exceptional entertainment value, setting a high standard for modern shows. Choose from our carefully curated list and immerse yourself in nostalgia as you revisit enchanting worlds where young boys and robotic cats chase their dreams.