Hunt For Your Dreams!
Hunter X Hunter is one of Shonen Jump’s beloved series that’s gained quite the following over the years. The story follows Gon Freecss, a boy who wishes to find his father and become a professional hunter like him too. Unbeknownst to Gon, he’ll have to fend against many other hunters aiming for a similar dream and many dangerous creatures desiring to rip him to shreds.
If you’re having trouble finding anime similar to Hunter X Hunter, fear not! We’ve discovered 10 alternate shows that’ll give you a similar experience as Hunter X Hunter. For your reading pleasure, we have included the similarities they all share.
Additionally, for each anime we’ve reviewed, we’ve included a link that allows you to view our full thoughts about the series to see if it’s worth your time.
So without further ado, we present 10 TV shows that should whet the appetite when you’ve finished streaming Hunter X Hunter!
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Similarities – Adventurous Remakes
If you enjoyed Hunter X Hunter’s fantastical elements alongside the journey Gon and his friends undergo then Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood will feel right at home. With its grand storyline, complex characters, and engaging soundtrack, this show has many aspects for Hunter X Hunter fans to enjoy.
While it is like Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood in that both are remakes and feature similar material, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is shorter than Hunter X Hunter “episode-wise” and tackles the alchemy concept in greater depth.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood follows Edward and Alphonse Elric, who are searching for a mystical stone. They desire to restore their bodies to normal after an alchemy accident causes them to lose most of their human limbs. However, they will discover that their journey will take them down routes they were not expecting.
Hunter X Hunter and Fullmetal Alchemist feature characters that will undergo traumatic circumstances and need the help of their allies to get them back on track. Both series contain excellent fight scenes that will excite fans alongside some impactful scenes that will drive their emotions wild.
Made In Abyss
Similarities – Plot & Setting
When comparing Hunter X Hunter’s storyline and environments to those displayed in Made In Abyss, many would feel both series was taking place in a similar universe. From its complex themes to its characters’ goals, Made In Abyss feels like a spiritual successor to Hunter X Hunter in many ways.
The story follows Riko and Reg as they journey into the depths of the abyss. By the end, they hope to know about Riko’s mother’s whereabouts and Reg’s past life. While Riko’s heard of terrifying tales regarding previous cave raiders’ abyss travels, she’ll learn firsthand that this journey will be anything but easy.
Gon and Riko are similar as both are motivated by their absentee parent to undergo a journey of discovery and training. Both characters find themselves in terrifying predicaments that leave them on the verge of death or extreme sorrow.
The environments and landscapes shown in both series are full of life. The wildlife in Made In Abyss aids in Riko’s development as a cave raider in many ways. Overall, if you were bummed about Hunter X Hunter not taking the time to explore its environments further in such a way, Made In Abyss should fill that void.
Naruto
Similarities – Themes
Naruto is one of the most well-known shonen jump properties. From its dramatic storytelling, lovable cast, and epic action scenes, many fans will be pleased with the series. While not as adventurous as Hunter X Hunter, Naruto utilizes a lot of similar themes.
For those unaware, the story follows Naruto, his village’s prankster who wants to become its Hokageone day. Naruto undergoes immense shunning for his goofball personality and is left alone with no one to talk to besides his instructor. Many also consider him a danger to society because he harbors a terrifying fox demon inside his body. Eventually, Naruto will find himself taking on missions that will involve making new enemies and allies.
Despite Gon having it mildly easier than Naruto, concerning both characters’ start, both characters undergo immense training and battles that’ll leave them damaged or worse. Like other Shonen, both series undergo a tournament arc that’ll test both protagonists’ intellect and fighting power.
Hunter X Hunter and Naruto also tackle themes like vengeance, family, hope, and sacrifice. The scenes accompanying these themes will leave many viewers searching for a tissue box to drench their tears.
One Piece
Similarities –Action & Adventure
Despite not becoming a Pirate King, Monkey D. Luffy reigns over many manga and anime in Shonen Jump for many fans. If you wanted Hunter X Hunter’s adventurous side to be taken on a grander scale while maintaining the excellent fights and characters, then One Piece is a great venture to consider.
However, with its larger scope in mind, One Piece will take a while to binge and get through. With over 1,000+ episodes and counting, it’ll feel like a daunting task to catch up and experience what its current fandom is witnessing. Although the series has rich content, catching up feels like a whole new journey, like a “buy one get one free” deal for context.
One Piece tells the story of Monkey D. Luffy’s quest to become the Pirate King while trying to find the legendary pirate Gol D. Roger’s treasure deemed the One Piece at the final island of the Grand Line. Like other well-known pirates, Luffy will undergo multiple challenges involving building up his own pirate crew to take on absurdly powerful enemy pirates, marines, and god-like beings.
As one can tell, Luffy will travel across many islands and meet many friends and enemies along the way that’ll help him develop into a professional Pirate captain. Like Hunter X Hunter, One Piece characters also display supernatural abilities. Some are named after weapons you’d typically recall from most Pirate narratives.
It’s an ongoing narrative with many misdirections that’ll keep you engaged and possibly bewildered.
Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic
Similarities – Characters & Emotional Scenes
Despite appearing lighthearted from its promotional material alone, both Hunter X Hunter and Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic contain dark storytelling with a hint of mystery and multilayered characters.
Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic follows Alibaba and his magician friend Aladdin exploring rare dungeons and the vast world around them. While everything feels fun at first, they’ll later venture down a path where the fate of their world hangs in the balance.
Like Hunter X Hunter, Magi’s world appears vibrant and distinct, considering Aladdin and Alibaba will traverse multiple landscapes and kingdoms. Like Gon, their adventure will impact their development and progression throughout the narrative.
My Hero Academia
Similarities – Battle Shonen
Since its first season, My Hero Academia has captured the attention of many viewers, regardless of whether they’re anime fans or not. This is an anime rich in visuals, characters, and a vast world that many will find themselves intrigued to see more.
While My Hero Academia looks more akin to a Marvel and DC Comic, it shares many Shonen tropes that are also dormant in Hunter X Hunter’s storytelling format. From its well-structured super-power system to its excellent handling of humor, there are many aspects worth pointing out between the two.
My Hero Academia follows Izuku Midoriya, a “normal boy” born into a world filled with superheroes and villains. Despite having no powers, Izuku dreams of becoming a professional hero like his series’ number one hero, All Might. After displaying an act of heroism in front of All Might, All Might grants Izuku his powers and admission to U.A. Highschool. This is where his road to heroism begins.
Although most of the story takes place around U.A. Highschool, Izuku travels to different areas as a part of his training regime. Like Hunter X Hunter, these different locations will house deadly villains that’ll test Izuku’s intellect and special abilities. Aside from Izuku, other characters have intriguing backgrounds and quirks, further emphasizing its amazing world-building potential.
Black Clover
Similarities – World-Building
Black Clover is another series drenched in imagination, world-building, and stellar action sequences. Black Clover has a rich medieval and fantastical setting. While no end is in sight currently, its characters are well-developed and have quirks that’ll keep viewers entertained.
The story follows Asta, a boy who wants to become his world’s Wizard King. He must triumph over many foes who desire the same title. The enemies Asta encounters during his journey are relentless and have intriguing goals.
As Gon, Asta begins the tale as a novice and will face battles that will push his physical and mental limits. Both series include iconic shonen events like tournament arcs and a social ranking system.
Katekyo Hitman Reborn!
Similarities – Comedic & Serious Tones
Although Hunter X Hunter contained many dramatic scenes involving its protagonists, the series wasn’t afraid to delve into more lighthearted topics. Although Katekyo Hitman Reborn doesn’t promise much regarding a grand adventure, it does contain enough action, comedy, and charm to please Hunter X Hunter fans.
The story revolves around Tsuna, a nervously awkward boy who’s searching for his calling in life. He later encounters a small hitman named Reborn, who aims to aid Tsuna in succeeding the Vongolla family’s current mafia boss. With only a smidge of doubt in his mind, Tsuna accepts Reborn’s offer, thus embarking on a quest of challenge and maturity.
As with Gon, Tsuna must train and earn his way to the top by undergoing difficult trials concerning fighting enemies and battling his inner insecurities. Katekyo Hitman Reborn also highlights similar themes of friendship and family revolving around the many people Tsuna recruits for the Vongolla family.
Like Hunter X Hunter, Katekyo Hitman Reborn gets serious when it wants to be. Despite containing more lighthearted, slice-of-life-like feelings than Hunter X Hunter, it maintains a nice balance of both.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
Similarities – Excellent Soundtrack & Action Scenes
The audiences for JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure and Hunter X Hunter remained niche until their remakes were released. The improved animation has made both series some of the best action and adventure shows today. Since its rebirth, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure has gained a larger fanbase for itself.
The story follows Jonathan Joestar, whose father adopts Dio Brando as an act of goodwill to Dio’s father. Apparently, Dio wasn’t a fan of Jonathan’s father’s act. He plans to steal the Joestar Family’s fortune by outperforming Jonathan in everything. The story follows Jonathan’s attempts to foil Dio’s plans and become a better man in his father’s eyes.
Like Hunter X Hunter, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure features a daring storyline chock full of themes concerning revenge, death, and hope. Both series feature well-characterized villains that’ll have viewers begging for the hero to defeat them. There are a lot of scenes in both anime that might not be for the faint of heart, as no living organism is safe in these worlds.
Furthermore, both anime use their soundtrack to heighten tense moments, especially scenes featuring characters at their lowest points. While JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure has the upper hand over Hunter X Hunter regarding variety and engaging theme songs, both series have amazing music worth listening to on repeat.
Yu Yu Hakusho
Similarities – Written By The Same Author
Due to their shared author, Yoshihiro Togashi, both series have many similarities. Like Hunter X Hunter, Yu Yu Hakusho features a great cast of characters, dramatic scenery, and engaging action.
The difference between the two series is that Hunter X Hunter is ongoing and features a vast world, unlike Yu Yu Hakusho’s focus on the spirit and human world. Also, Yu Yu Hakusho appears more simple and feels like it served as the blueprint for Hunter X Hunter. Despite those distinctions, both series capture the same raw and meaningful power.
The story follows Yusuke Urameshi, a boy who doesn’t care for his surroundings or studies. However, Yusuke finds himself in the spirit realm after risking his life for a child. He meets the realm’s prince, Koenma, who offers Yusuke a chance at life again if he completes specific trials for him. As Koenma’s new spirit detective, Yusuke must complete Koenma’s various tasks if he wishes to get his old life back.
From its lighthearted and dark themes, Yu Yu Hakusho feels like Hunter X Hunter’s elder brother. Yusuke undergoes similar bloody fights as Gon and must train alongside professionals to stand a chance against the threats that await him. Yusuke and Gon’s friends also share a few similarities regarding personality and motives.
You can read our interview with one of the Yu Yu Hakusho Live-Action SFX artists here!
So there we have it, our 10 anime/TV show alternatives to watch when you’ve caught up with Hunter X Hunter!
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!