We have some disappointing news for One Piece fans: the anime is set to take a six-month break, meaning we won’t discover how the Straw Hats manage to escape Egghead until 2025 (unless you’ve been keeping up with the manga!).
This is tough for anime enthusiasts, and many of you might be contemplating how to fill the void left by Luffy, Zoro, Nami, and the rest of the crew during this hiatus. The good news is, you’re in luck! There are numerous fantastic anime series to help you cope with the absence of One Piece.
So, how do we know which shows to recommend? We’ve compiled a thoughtfully selected list of the most engaging anime to enjoy while One Piece is off the air. The shows we’ve chosen echo the unique elements that make One Piece such a beloved series.
Don’t let the hiatus bring you down; instead, channel Luffy’s adventurous spirit and dive into these exceptional anime series!
One-Punch Man (2015–present)
If you’re a fan of the quirky humor and energetic vibe of One Piece, then One-Punch Man is a must-watch. This anime follows Saitama, a hero who can defeat any opponent with a single punch but finds himself bored with his overwhelming strength. Similar to One Piece, One-Punch Man brings a playful silliness that makes it incredibly fun to watch. However, don’t mistake it for being all comedy; while Saitama often approaches battles nonchalantly, his companions engage in high-stakes fights that are beautifully animated and choreographed. If you haven’t started following Saitama’s journey yet, you’re missing out, and we eagerly anticipate the release of One-Punch Man season 3!
Fairy Tail (2010–2019)
One of the remarkable aspects of One Piece is Oda’s imagination in crafting a world brimming with fascinating creatures and characters. Each arc introduces new and remarkable elements, from the Fish-men to the Minks, keeping the adventures increasingly unpredictable.
In a similar fashion, Fairy Tail provides a rich tapestry of magical wonders and legends waiting to be uncovered as its protagonist, Natsu Dragneel, embarks on various thrilling quests throughout the Kingdom of Fiore.
Attack on Titan (2012-2023)
At first glance, Attack on Titan may seem worlds apart from One Piece. One series radiates positivity and joy, while the other delves into darker themes with an emphasis on the brutality of war. The only significant overlap? Both feature giants… although the characters in One Piece are certainly friendlier than the terrifying Titans.
If you dig a bit deeper, you’ll discover a shared profound theme between the two: the quest for peace, albeit achieved through differing methods. While Luffy seeks to unite all people, Eren desires to bring about change through conflict. Ultimately, both characters are on a mission to create a world free of strife.
Dragon Ball Daima (2024)
While any installment of Dragon Ball could easily fit on this list due to its clear influence on One Piece, we’ve highlighted Dragon Ball Daima for its freshness (who doesn’t enjoy something new?) and the thematic parallels with One Piece.
Daima promises to explore the uncharted Demon Realm, introducing a new setting reminiscent of the Straw Hats’ countless adventures on mysterious islands. And with the series’ established reputation for action-packed sequences, fans of One Piece’s battles will surely find satisfaction in this latest installment.
Bleach (2004–present)
A significant aspect of One Piece is how Oda employs the distinctive abilities of Devil Fruit users to keep encounters fresh. Though the fight choreography in Bleach may diverge in style (as it tends to approach its subject matter more gravely), Ichigo’s combat scenes can be just as exhilarating as Luffy’s.
Like One Piece, Bleach creatively avoids the overused Dragon Ball Z trope of generic energy blasts. Instead, its strongest warriors unleash their unique “Bankai,”special abilities that set apart the elite Shinigami and keep battles engaging.
Naruto (2002-2017)
For a period, Naruto and One Piece shared a friendly competition, and it’s clear why. Though one revolves around pirates and the other focuses on ninjas, beneath the surface, they both convey remarkably similar narratives and themes.
Both series are led by boisterous protagonists with extensive supporting casts (with One Piece holding the edge here), and they feature imaginative and visually spectacular battles. More importantly, both narratives center on ambitious characters pursuing their dreams against formidable odds, whether it’s Naruto aiming to become Hokage or Luffy seeking Gol D. Roger’s treasure. If there’s any duo destined to connect, it’s Luffy and Naruto.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009–2010)
No anime fan will dispute that Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a timeless classic, and it’s worth watching regardless of your need for an alternative to One Piece. However, if I were to draw a connection between the two, it would be their proficient handling of dramatic narratives.
Both shows have their share of lighter moments (One Piece particularly excels in this regard), using humor to contrast their darker storylines. It’s this contrast that makes shocking revelations—such as Nami’s backstory or the fate of Nina Tucker—hit all the harder after lighter scenes.
My Hero Academia (2016–present)
Set in a society where superpowers, or Quirks, are a norm, My Hero Academia follows Izuku Midoriya, who unfortunately is born without any powers. However, a chance meeting with the greatest hero allows Midoriya the opportunity to prove he possesses hero qualities just like his peers.
This series portrays a genuine underdog journey, paralleling the struggles of Midoriya, who often faces overwhelming challenges despite being imbued with one of the most powerful Quirks. Much like Luffy, he emerges from han environment that’s less than ideal but pushes to become a significant force in the world through unwavering determination.
One Piece (1999–present)
Now, suggesting One Piece while it’s on hiatus could seem a bit ironic, but rest assured, Luffy and his crew are still around! While the main anime takes a break, Toei Animation is launching a remastered series of the Fish-Man Island Saga.
This revamped version is set to enhance the pacing significantly, a welcome change for many fans. Additionally, this break offers a perfect opportunity to catch up on Netflix’s live-action adaptation of One Piece, which has been surprisingly well-received!
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