Try Detroit Smashing Your Way Through 10 Other Anime!
After the massive boom in anime’s popularity ushered in by series like Sword Art Online and Attack on Titan, it was a matter of time for other series to gain a similarly large fandom. My Hero Academia is a swan song to all fans of Marvel, DC, and superhero comics.
It has crafted an excellent storyline and a distinct array of characters for people to enjoy. This series is a retelling of Izuku Midoriya’s journey to becoming his world’s greatest hero and his relationship with his role model All Might. It also features many enemies and friends he met along the way.
If you’re having trouble finding anime similar to My Hero Academia, fear not! We’ve discovered 10 alternate shows that’ll give you a similar experience as My Hero Academia.
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 My Hero Academia!
One Punch Man
Similarities – Characters & Action
Superhero films and television shows are a dime in a dozen in today’s landscape. It’d make sense for more forms of media to want to capitalize on that success. Enter My Hero Academia and One Punch Man are two anime focusing on heroism but with storylines that tackle it from entirely different angles.
While My Hero Academia feels more like a spiritual homage to classic American comics, One Punch Man feels more like a satirical approach to the genre. Nonetheless, One Punch Man provides enough action and exhilarating animation that it exhibits the same energy comic book fans would come to expect.
One Punch Man follows the unknown hero Saitama, who trained for many days to gain the power to defeat any foe, small or large, in one punch. After obtaining this power, Saitama’s passion for fighting starts dwindling because he no longer finds excitement in fighting villains. However, when an opportunity to make a name for himself crops up, Saitama’s urge to fight criminals again skyrockets.
Like Izuku Midoriya, One Punch Man’s Saitama vows to make the public recognize his success by defeating the many super-powered villains. Both series also feature lighthearted comedy to provide its fans with some room to breathe and take its gorgeous visuals. If you’ve been looking for more superhero anime, One Punch Man’s sure to delight.
Black Clover
Similarities – Modern Battle Shonen
After Dragon Ball concluded, many found Bleach, Naruto, and One Piece to carry similar traits and emotions, further deeming them as the big three. With Naruto and Ichigo’s journey having concluded, many frolicked about searching for series to carry on their lasting impact.
Black Clover and My Hero Academia are considered two series that helped fill the void when Naruto and Bleach ended. Both anime’s protagonists have a similar goal to Naruto, where they want to become someone profound by their journey’s end. They also feature gothic-like characters that’d give off the same energy as the character designs shown in Bleach.
From their utilization of shonen tropes like screeching out their special attacks to featuring their characters taking part in multiple tournaments, there’s a to explore with these new Shonen Jump titles. Even the protagonists in both series start powerless and eventually grow to become formidable fighters.
For those unaware, Black Clover follows the tale of a boy named Asta, whose ridiculed for not knowing how to wield magic despite undergoing physical training every day. Eventually, Asta would encounter a villain that’d help him awaken the dormant powers inside himself. After obtaining this newfound strength, Asta embarks on a journey to become his world’s, Wizard King.
Haikyu
Similarities – Characters
At first glance, there don’t appear to be any outright connections between Haikyu and My Hero Academia. The former is a series that oozes in realism and sports, while the other is more fantastical with its homage to superheroes.
Despite those minor differences, Haikyu shares many similarities with My Hero Academia regarding its characters’ goals and rivalries. It also features breathtaking animation that makes the movements and actions of its characters feel more supernatural than realistic.
As for its story, it follows high school student Shouyou Hinata, who’s inspired to become the best volleyball player ever after a brilliant showcase from a profound player named Little Giant. However, to do so, Hinata must work together with a former rival named Tobio Kageyama if he hopes to become the best.
Like My Hero Academia, Haikyu! that tackles ideas like teamwork and personal growth. It’s a series that’ll inspire anyone who watches it, regardless of their views of volleyball. Furthermore, the rivalry between Hinata and Kageyama echoes that of Izuku’s rivalry with Bakugo.
Assassination Classroom
Similarities – School Life & Action
Assassination Classroom may not feature a class filled with super-powered characters or a vast world. However, it does feature a superb ensemble cast of well-written characters with goals that are identical to those found in My Hero Academia in ways.
Like My Hero Academia, each student in Assassination Classroom has the same endgame in mind, but they also develop individual goals that come about over time. The protagonists inserted into both anime also have similar quirks and give off feelings of curiosity.
There’s also a good chunk of action in Assassination Classroom that’s not on the calibre of My Hero Academia. However, it’s decent enough that fans will be satisfied with what it offers. Furthermore, the series also contains dramatic and emotional scenes that’ll leave many crying.
For those unaware, this anime follows Class-E, a selection of students recognized as failures or dropouts in their principal’s eyes. However, an opportunity to redeem themselves emerges when the government requests them to eliminate their new alien teacher Koro-sensei by the semester’s end.
Koro-sensei can move at Mach 20 speeds and plans to eradicate the planet by the semester’s end. Although he’s a dangerous threat, he’s willing to help his students complete their mission by teaching them everything from regular school studies to high-level assassin techniques.
Naruto
Similarities – Left A Worldwide Impact
Fans still adore Naruto for how much he’s impacted their lives with his cheeky quotes, diehard attitude, and iconic ninja techniques. Regarded as one of the finest works to come out of Shonen Jump, Naruto continues to delight old and newer fans alike.
Like My Hero Academia, Naruto follows a protagonist whose looked down upon for his abilities and background. Despite Izuku having parental support from his mother, both Izuku and Naruto tend to rely more on those who encouraged them to pursue their dreams.
Their dreams are also similar in the vein that Izuku wants to become his world’s greatest superhero while Naruto desired to become his home village’s Hokage. Both protagonists are after a position that’ll grant them the praise they’ve been after.
Their methods for reaching these goals are also similar. Both Naruto and Izuku train with multiple masters, each hoping to attain a new technique that’ll aid them toward their goals. At the end of the day, both series are chock full of inspirational moments heightened by emotional scenes. If you’re looking for a motivation boost, Naruto’s another great series to watch.
Demon Slayer
Similarities – Supernatural & Action
A protagonist’s need to protect those they cherish fuels their desire for strength in most anime. This is one aspect that both My Hero Academia and Demon Slayer share. With its mesmerizing animation, well-written characters, and intriguing storyline, Demon Slayer is a series that could surprise most My Hero Academia fans.
Keep in mind that Demon Slayer doesn’t feature similar hand-to-hand combat-like scenery as My Hero Academia. Demon Slayer is set in a historical setting, unlike My Hero Academia’s more modern world.
The story follows Tanjiro, whose whole family, besides his sister Nezuko, lost their lives to demonic entities. To make matters worse, his sister has also become a demon herself. This adds more guilt to Tanjiro’s shoulders. To redeem himself, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps, which he believes will help him avenge his fallen family members.
Tanjiro is like Izuku in many ways. Both characters are kind but not the best when they first start off. They undergo training regimes held by masters of the craft. As the series progresses, Tanjiro and Izuku attain newfound strength and powers that allow them to stand toe-to-toe with formidable enemies.
Although both series include elements of shonen anime done many times in the past, they manage to utilize those techniques in original ways. Both shows are also not afraid to coat themselves in a more lighthearted atmosphere.
Little Witch Academia
Similarities – School Life & Vast World
Little Witch Academia feels like the sister series to My Hero Academia in many ways. Both its protagonists start as powerful and less-skilled individuals but receive powers from their masters that help them stand their ground.
Although Little Witch Academia delves more into the idea of witchcraft and magic, most of the spells shown in the series are nearly reminiscent of some of the powers demonstrated in My Hero Academia. The character dynamics showcased in both shows are oddly similar, as both protagonists gain a rival they dislike to some extent.
While not on par with My Hero Academia’s stunning visuals, Little Witch Academia provides a morsel of phenomenally animated scenery. The scope of both series’ worlds feels in line with one another, as you’ll bare witness to many distinct character designs.
Little Witch Academia is a must-watch for those that enjoyed My Hero Academia’s school-like atmosphere and character dynamics. It also contains a few emotional scenes that’ll get the toughest anime fans crying.
Blue Exorcist
Similarities – Superpowers
Despite not being as popular as My Hero Academia, Blue Exorcist offers much content that hits within its ballpark. It has phenomenal characters, tackles similar themes regarding loneliness and hope, and features unique takes on preestablished supernatural powers.
Blue Exorcist follows Rin Okumura, a troublesome boy who doesn’t get much respect from his father. After a terrifying demon invades his family’s church and murders his father, Rin explodes only to discover that he is a demon.
After learning from his dying father that he’s the son of Satan, Rin decides to transfer into a school to become a full-fledged exorcist that’ll one day end Satan’s existence.
Despite Rin starting the story off with incredible powers, he has no sense of control or mastery over them. Like Izuku, Rin undergoes training to help him control his newfound abilities. He’s also submitted to the same ridicule from peers because of his background.
Rin forms many rivalries and bonds with classmates during his journey. His rivalry with his supposed brother also captures the same energy and raw emotion fans expect whenever Izuku encounters Bakugo. The action scenes hold up well in comparison to My Hero Academia and promise to thrill many fans.
Katekyo Hitman Reborn
Similarities – Plot & Characters
In many regards, My Hero Academia feels like a spiritual successor to Katekyo Hitman Reborn in ways. Both series follow a protagonist that’s a bit shy around others and aren’t the brightest warrior either.
A fateful encounter with a mysterious character also helps set the stage for both protagonists’ journies. Although they gain newfound strength, both protagonists retain their peculiar characteristics. It’s when things get serious that they abandon those qualities.
Katekyo Hitman Reborn follows Tsunayoshi Sawada, a nervous boy whose just trying to enjoy his life. He later meets a mysterious hitman named Reborn, who has met with Tsuna to discuss some mafia business. Essentially, Reborn must help Tsuna become the next boss for the esteemed Vongola family. After Tsuna accepts Reborn’s terms, Reborn shoots a bullet into Tsuna’s head, granting him the Vongola family’s trademark power.
Like Izuku, Tsuna encounters many powerful villains aiming to tear him down. Both Katekyo Hitman Reborn and My Hero Academia have comedic moments that’ll get a chuckle out of many fans. If you enjoyed My Hero Academia for its unique characters and plotline, than you’ll love Katekyo Hitman Reborn.
Hajime No Ippo
Similarities – Action & Characters
Hajime no Ippo is a sports anime that captures the charm and passion of boxing. Even if one’s not a fan of the sport, Hajime No Ippo is jam-packed with many well-written story arcs, underdog characters and combat scenes.
Our tale follows Ippo Makunouchi, a boy with a charming heart that lacks high self-esteem. Unfortunately, this lack of self-worth attracts many people who desire to bring Ippo down. Eventually, Ippo runs into a professional boxer named Takamura, who trains Ippo in the sport.
After a successful demonstration of his boxing talent, Takamura’s trainer takes Ippo in, thus beginning Ippo’s journey to becoming the best boxer ever.
Like Izuku, Ippo will lose many fights but gain substantial experience that’ll aid him in the long run. Both characters aren’t as confident as their classmates but have similar personalities and quirks. Ippo and Izuku will motivate people to keep pursuing their goals.
Hajime No Ippo also has a vast world thanks to the many opponents Ippo meets along his path to professionalism. Many of these foes will distribute unique techniques not demonstrated in realistic boxing. This gives the series a layer of shonen superpower elements akin to those found in My Hero Academia.
So there we have it, our 10 anime/TV show alternatives to watch when you’ve caught up with My Hero Academia!
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!
You forgot one. Its Mairmashita Iruma-Kun! This anime is so similar to MHA that it’s ridiculous.
Thanks, Kristen! I hope you enjoy some of these other anime series.
Yay! Love MHA – thank you! You’ve introduced some new ones for me 🙂