Naruto is one of the most beloved anime series that blends high-stakes ninja action with recurring themes of perseverance, with deeply emotional arcs that have cemented it as a gateway into anime for millions of fans. However, once you’ve gone through all 720 episodes, and perhaps shed some tears, the hunt for a new show of equal stature begins.
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Luckily, Naruto has many similar shows and is widely believed to have been heavily influenced by series like Dragon Ball Z. From underdog protagonists clawing their way to the top to groups built on the power of friendship, these shows are hands down the best to dive into after finishing Naruto.
8
Hunter x Hunter (2011)
Release Date: 2011
If Naruto’s ninja exams hooked you, then Hunter x Hunter’s Hunter Exam arc in particular will be a treat for you. It almost feels like a spiritual successor to Naruto, with characters that have very similar traits. Gon’s unwavering righteousness and honesty closely resemble Naruto’s title character, and both embark on personal quests.
Like Naruto’s chakra system, HxH introduces Nen, an energy framework with rigid rules that characters exploit in highly creative ways. Hunter x Hunter also delves into darker philosophical themes, such as the Chimera Ant arc’s King, which mirrors Naruto’s Pain arc in its exploration of morality and sacrifice.
7
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba
Release Date: 2019
Naruto’s infamous hand signs and jutsu set a high bar for combat choreography, but Demon Slayer takes it up a notch by introducing swords, making the action even more intense. Demon Slayer follows Tanjiro’s journey to save his sister Nezuko, which mirrors Naruto’s protective drive for Sasuke and Sakura, except with a darker, horror-tinged twist. The Water Breathing techniques resemble the various Rasengan forms, and the Hashira command the same awe as the Legendary Sannin.
Where Demon Slayer truly shines is in its emotional impact. Episodes like Mt. Natagumo and Mugen Train deliver heartbreak and triumph on the same level as Naruto’s battles against Pain or Itachi. And let’s not even get started on Zenitsu’s growth which is pure Rock Lee energy.
6
Jujutsu Kaisen
Release Date: 2018
If you’re a fan of Naruto, then Jujutsu Kaisen might be the perfect successor to watch. It’s like Naruto but darker, faster-paced, and unafraid to kill off characters.
Yuji Itadori, much like Naruto, becomes a vessel for a dangerous entity, Sukuna instead of Kurama, forcing him to balance power with his own morality. The series’ cursed techniques function similarly to kekkei genkai, with each fighter’s abilities reflecting their personality. Just compare Megumi’s shadow summons to Sasuke’s hawk familiars, and you’ll see the resemblance.
What truly sets Jujutsu Kaisen apart is its ruthlessness. Arcs never overstay their welcome, and side characters like Nobara and Gojo get their fair share of screen time to shine.
5
My Hero Academia
Release Date: 2016
My Hero Academia has quickly become a modern classic, following Midoriya’s journey from a quirkless nobody to UA’s top hero. While the show leans more into an urban, hero-centric setting, its core character dynamics feel incredibly familiar.
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For instance, All Might’s mentorship strongly echoes Jiraiya’s role, while Bakugo is essentially a louder, angrier version of Sasuke. UA’s training system resembles the Chunin Exams, packed with team battles, tournaments, and morally gray villains like Stain, who challenge viewers to question their own sense of justice.
4
Black Clover
Release Date: 2017
Asta’s loud and determined personality make him feel like some long-lost cousin of Naruto. On the other hand, the Black Bull squal is literally the embodiment of Team 7’s found-family dynamic with Yami as an even lazier version of Kakashi.
However, Black Clover sets itself apart with its relentless pacing and, unlike Naruto, which had its fair share of filler episodes, Black Clover delivers back-to-back battles.
3
Samurai Champloo
Release Date: 2004
Naruto fans who loved the gritty feel of the early Zabuza arc will definitely enjoy Samurai Champloo. It’s a road trip through Edo-era Japan, where Mugen and Jin clash like Naruto and Sasuke, while Fuu’s quest boldly mirrors Tsunade’s search for meaning.
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What sets it apart is its hip-hop soundtrack and anachronistic humor, always keeping things fresh. The series also isn’t afraid to explore themes of horror and redemption, much like Naruto’s filler arcs, but with far tighter writing.
2
Fire Force
Release Date: 2019
Fire Force’s pyrokinetic battles and religious intrigue feel like a mix of Naruto and Attack on Titan. Shinra’s tragic quest to become a hero and uncover his family’s mystery is reminiscent of Sasuke’s path to vengeance. The Company system also mirrors ninja villages, with rivals like the White Clads creating chaos.
The series’ lore, from Adolla Bursts to the Evangelist cult, strongly parallels the Akatsuki. Shinra’s speed-based combat and Licht’s goofy antics bring back Naruto’s signature humor. And to top it off, Tamaki’s “Fanservice is my ninja way” gimmick is a cheeky nod to classic anime tropes.
1
Hell’s Paradise
Release Date: 2023
Okay, hear us out. Gabimaru the Hollow is basically Sasuke if he married Sakura. The quest for the Elixir of Life on a monster-infested island, along with the questionable alliances between criminals and executioners, feels like Naruto but with a body-horror aesthetic and Tao-based powers, a much darker take on chakra.
Hell’s Paradise also nails its themes and pacing. Even Gabimaru and Sagiri’s evolving relationship mirrors Naruto and Hinata’s dynamic. It has rightfully earned its place as one of the best dark fantasy anime out there.
