Adventure Knows No Bounds!
One Piece is an anime where pirates, some with supernatural powers, travel a large ocean called the Grand Line in search of a mysterious treasure called the One Piece. It also follows a boy named Monkey D. Luffy, whose other objective is to become the pirate king.
There is no need to worry if you’re watching One Piece this season and can’t find more of the same.
We’ve discovered 10 alternate shows that’ll give you a similar experience as One Piece.
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 while you’re watching One Piece!
Hunter X Hunter (2011)
Similarities – Action & Adventure
If you’re looking for a story filled to the brim with well-written characters, gorgeous animation, and emotional moments, Hunter X Hunter will suffice. Viewers can expect a lot of action, suspense, and anticipation while watching this series.
Hunter X Hunter does diminish the screen time for several main cast, unlike One Piece. Yet you will still find yourself attached to Hunter X Hunter’s protagonists because of the various arcs that revolve around them individually.
Hunter X Hunter follows the adventures of Gon Freecss, a young boy who wants to reunite with his father and become a professional hunter. However, Gon will realize the dangers behind his dream as he’ll have to get his hands a little dirty.
Soul Eater
Similarities – Comedy & Themes
Soul Eater is a well-loved shonen anime from the late 2000’s era that shares a lot with One Piece from the distinct art style and stance on comedy. Although the world won’t feel as grand as One Piece’s, many will find Soul Eater’s focus on friendship, vividly impressive fight scenes, and strong characters to feel right at home.
Though it creeps into comedy, Soul Eater follows a more dramatic and comedic-driven structure. In contrast, One Piece has a more serious and action-oriented narrative. Even so, you will still find much of the same regarding epic battles and fantastic storytelling.
Soul Eater follows a group of students who undertake missions to protect their city from impending threats. Along with their weapon-changing companions known as Death Scythes, these students strive to become fantastic demon hunters.
Soul Eater’s quirky characters, stellar setting, and soundtrack make it worth a watch.
Black Clover
Similarities – Characters
Black Clover is among many shonen fans’ favorite series of the past decade. With its blend of a medieval and magical setting alongside its intriguing characters and art style, there’s a lot to love about Black Clover.
The story follows Asta, a boy who wants to become the Wizard King. Like One Piece, there’s a lot of competition for that title, and Asta must surpass all the odds stacked against them to achieve his dream.
While Black Clover’s phenomenal action, similar character motives, and storyline are identical, it leans toward the series’s magic principles than Asta’s journey at times. However, Asta’s underdog status will evoke similar feelings in fans as Luffy does in One Piece as the series progresses.
Therefore, One Piece fans will likely enjoy Black Clover’s take on the standard shonen formula.
Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
Similarities – Adventure & Drama
Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann is a thrill ride from beginning to end. With its emotionally-driven plot and characters, hard-hitting scenes emphasizing family and friendship, unique style of animation, it’s an adventure series new viewers would wish never ended.
One Piece and Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann both feature protagonists who explore new ground, make new companions, and have a specific figure in their life they admire. One of these characters spends more time with their beloved figure than the other.
Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann follows Simon and Kamina’s journey to save the surface world by defeating evil tyrants. Not only are they inexperienced with the surface, but many unexpected events occur that’ll test these boys’ optimistic mindsets.
There are 27 episodes of non-stop action and intense character scenes in Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann.
Made In Abyss
Similarities – Fantasy & Mystery
While One Piece adores having Luffy and his crew at the center of most story arcs, it also likes highlighting the multiple, distinct places they visit. Some of which fall under the lines of fantastical and supernatural.
Unlike One Piece, Made In Abyss enjoys introducing new wildlife into its world to develop it. Unlike One Piece, many monsters cause severe damage to Made In Abyss’s protagonists. Yet both series dedicate some screen-time to the creatures and environments.
Made In Abyss is a rich story about female character Riko and her robot companion Reg exploring the abyss’s deepest depths. As with One Piece’s Grand Line, Riko and Reg are unaware of many parts of the abyss beyond the information they received from Riko’s townspeople.
Though Made In Abyss’s primary setting may not seem as expansive as One Piece’s world, fans will find some fun mysteries and shocking revelations in the abyss.
Hajime No Ippo
Similarities – Action & Mood
Hajime no Ippo is a boxing anime that will pique even the most disinterested sports fan’s interest. Hajime No Ippo promises to please rather than disappoint thanks to its incredible story, motivational scenes with characters, and stellar combat.
In the story, we follow Ippo, a boy with a warming heart and a knack for attracting bullies his way. Eventually, he meets professional boxer Takamura, who tasks Ippo with a difficult task: to prove if he has what it takes to pursue boxing. Thus Ippo’s journey to becoming a boxing legend takes off.
As with One Piece, Hajime No Ippo follows a protagonist who desires to become stronger. Ippo’s victories, however, rely more on his human skills and physique though. Even the world Ippo’s a part of will feel small compared to the vast world in One Piece.
Nonetheless, many will find themselves relating to Ippo as his world feels quite similar to our own. While viewers will have to binge through a lot of content, Hajime No Ippo promises to deliver a unique experience.
Gintama
Similarities – Story & Characters
Gintama is regarded as a phenomenal anime that blends comedy and serious storytelling quite well. Known for its peculiar characters, phenomenal visual gags, parodies, and surprising dramatic content, Gintama plans to give any viewer a good time.
However, it’s worth noting that Gintama goes the extra mile in its humor unlike the short jokes and visual humor present in One Piece. Essentially, the series falls more in line with a sitcom and likes to turn ordinary situations into something anarchic and bizarre. Even still, many will find most of Gintama’s humor and storytelling to fall in line with One Piece.
The story follows a man named Sakata Gintoki, a careless samurai who runs the Yorozuya, a business where he embarks on small quests for money. He later meets a few companions along the way, some with supernatural abilities, and together, they embark on various adventures involving aliens, gang members, and others.
It’s a series fans will enjoy for its hysterical gags and appreciate for its serious storytelling.
Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic
Similarities – World-Building & Story
Character development, well-structured and distinct areas, and mystery are aspects you’ll find in One Piece. The same can be said about Magic: The Labyrinth of Magic.
The story follows a young magician named Aladdin and his human friend, Alibaba, who explore rare dungeons and the world around them. Unbeknownst to them, they’ll be heading on a journey where the fate of the world is at stake.
Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic follows the same rags-to-riches storyline as One Piece and showcases each character’s progression toward that status. Magi’s worlds are also visually distinct, each setting themselves from other kingdoms and lands Alibaba and Aladdin visit.
The series also contains dramatic and emotionally driven segments involving harsh character backgrounds, an unlawful government, and different superpowers for each character to set themselves apart.
Katekyo Hitman Reborn!
Similarities – Characters & Themes
Katekyo Hitman Reborn is another battle shonen that explores concepts like friendship, devotion, and growth. While the animation may have aged a tad bit, Katekyo Hitman Reborn promises to deliver in the character and action department.
The story revolves around Tsuna, a bumbling, awkward, and desperate boy whose just trying to make it in life. He later meets a short hitman named Reborn. Reborn’s goal is to help Tsuna succeed the current Mafia boss for the well-known Vongolla family. After accepting Reborn’s request, Tsuna embarks on a journey of hardship and maturation.
Tsuna’s growth from a wimp to a leader is well-executed. This is because Tsuna always finds himself in world-ending situations, where manning-up is his best solution. The story also gives screentime for Tsuna’s comrades. Like One Piece, each side character has a shining moment that’s detrimental to their maturation.
Katekyo Hitman Reborn is a series best watched for its characters and action. It’s also an anime that always hits home when addressing heartwarming themes involving family and companionship.
Naruto
Similarities – Battle Shonen
While One Piece is the fan-favorite battle shonen in Japan, Naruto warmed the hearts of many children in the west. With its dramatic and action-packed storytelling and memorable characters, Naruto will motivate many to pursue their dreams.
The story follows Naruto, a goofball and slacker who wants to become the Hokage of his village. He’s also shunned for his personality and having a dangerous demon inside his body. Naruto eventually embarks on many missions, making new friends and enemies alike.
While the Naruto anime has comedic and lighthearted content, the series emphasizes growth, struggle, and hardship to a higher degree. Some of the villains in the series tend to be more swayed by Naruto’s words than his fists. However, the iconic shonen tropes remain in both series.
If you’re a fan of tragic flashbacks, training montages, intense action scenes, and goals centered around royalty, then Naruto welcomes you to explore its unique ninja world.
So there we have it, our 10 anime/TV show alternatives to watch when you’ve caught up with One Piece!
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!