Naruto starts with a Nine-Tailsfallen angel Fox that the Fourth Hokage had to seal inside of his newborn son. He sacrificed himself in order for this boy, Naruto, to be able to live and grow up without being harmed by its powers. The story follows his epic journey as he tries to gain recognition and respect from villagers while also working towards becoming the next Hokage who will protect everyone’s dreams. Alongside all of these goals is becomes one goal: become the strongest ninja to ever lived!
Naruto has had very mixed reviews since its release back in 2002; nonetheless, it is undoubtedly one of the biggest anime in history. With a unique storyline and art style, it brought us epic battle scenes and inspiring characters that introduced the concept of ninjutsu, enough to make an anime fan out of a normal person. The anime’s character design and character development made an anime fan of most people I know and made Naruto a popular anime character! The original series has 220 episodes and had a sequel, Naruto Shippuden, that brought back favorite characters for more epic adventures and awesome fight scenes!
But we’re not here to talk about just this action anime series; we’re here to present to you our anime recommendations for shounen anime similar to Naruto. Naruto is a great anime. But so are these!
12. Nabari no Ou (2008)
The Story:
Rokujou Miharu is the bearer of a ninja technique, “Shinrabanshou,” so he’s not just any old 14-year-old coming to high school. But it doesn’t matter how powerful your hijutsu may be if you’re surrounded by ninjas who want to take it from you and use its power for their own agendas! His Classmate: Kouichi and his English teacher Kumohira turned out to secretly be members of the Benten ninja Clan and swore to protect him. Miharu has been attacked by ninja after ninja, and he sees no choice but to join Kouichi’s club. This will allow him a bigger chance of survival and bring him closer to being the ruler of Nabari.
Why Watch:
Similarities? Uhm… It’s a ninja anime! If you want to see some fast-paced amazing fights, flashy moves, and ninja techniques, then watch “Nabari no Ou.” This colourful anime has a total of 26 episodes that are each 24 minutes long, so it should be easy enough for any viewer to catch up on the latest episode when they have time.
11. Blue Exorcist (2011)
The Story:
The story of humans and demons is an old one. Two sides to the same coin, each have their own realms that are divided by dimensions, Assiah and Gehenna, only accessible via possession. One fallen angel, in particular, Lucifer, the ruler of Gehenna, has been trying for years to find someone suitable enough as a host. In a desperate attempt to invade Assiah, Lucifer sends his own son, hoping someday this son will grow into somebody strong enough to host thefallen angel king.
Rin Okumura is just a normal person at first. Until one day, he is attacked by demons. Rin discovers the shocking truth that he is actually Lucifer’s son, and his father wants him to return with him so they can take over Assiah together. Rin refuses to join Gehenna’s king and decides to train to become an exorcist instead.
Why Watch:
The central character of Ao no Exorcist is a lot like Naruto in many ways. Both are orphans who were bullied for having dark powers locked within, and both strive to be better versions of themselves so they can protect their friends and families from the darkness within them.
Check Out: 14 Anime To Watch If You Can’t Get Enough Of Tokyo Ghoul
10. Seraph The End (2015)
The Story:
These newly surfaced vampires have been hiding in the shadows, waiting for their chance to rule. With this new virus that takes the life of anyone above 13 years old, they finally get what they want: a world full of blood and slaves who do exactly as told.
Yuuichirou and Mikaela’s story is a terrifying one. They are taken from their orphanage to be used as livestock under the cruel reign of vampires. Mikaela hatched a plan to escape. Unfortunately, the only person who made it out alive was Yuuichirou, and he found himself with Moonfallen angel Company, an elite military unit dedicated to ending the lives of all vampires in Japan!
The story of a young man’s search for retribution, all the while battling for friendship and loyalty against seemingly impossible odds.
Why Watch:
“Owari no Seraph” is on this list because of the protagonist. Both Naruto and Yuuichirou have similar motivations to make things right. They start off as weak, but their determination to achieve their goal makes them work harder and become powerful characters.
Check Out: Top 20 Vampire Anime Of All Time
9. World Trigger (2014)
The Story:
When a portal to another dimension suddenly opens, Mikado City is invaded by creatures known as “Neighbors.” The Neighbors are beings that cannot be took the life of with traditional weapons. In order to combat these new threats, an organization called Border Defense Agency has been established. This agency uses their special weapons called Triggers to fight the neighbors.
Osamu Mikumo is training to be a Trigger, and members-in-training in the Trigger program are not permitted to use their Triggers outside of headquarters. But when bullies drag the mysterious transfer student to a forbidden area, they were attacked by neighbors. Osamu had no choice but to do what he believes is right and tried to save them. To his surprise, Yuuma Kuga swiftly takes care of the attackers and reveals himself to be a humanoid neighbor.
Why Watch:
The show is about these two protagonists fighting and trying to understand mysterious invaders. It’s 73 episodes long, but your attention won’t waver at any point as there are jaw-dropping action sequences throughout the series packed with compelling characters that all have their own unique abilities similar to those in Naruto.
Check Out: 10 Of The Best Anime Like Gate
8. Basilisk: The Kouga Ninja Scrolls (2005)
The Story:
For centuries, the Iga and Kouga ninja clans have pitted their skills against one another in a bitter war. When the powerful warlord Ieyasu Tokugawa ordered a ceasefire, the Kouga and Iga clans had no choice but to obey his orders even though they were reluctant at first.
Years later, Oboro Iga and Gennosuke Kouga become the heirs of their respective clans, fall in love, and wish to marry, hoping that it would bring peace to the clans. But when the flames of rivalry are reignited, they find themselves dragged into another war.
Ieyasu’s two grandsons are claiming to be the heir to the shogunate. To settle the dispute, the Iga and Kouga clans are to send ten of their best warriors to fight in a bloody battle royale, each clan standing as a representative of one shogunate heir. Two scrolls with the fighter’s name are issued, to be marked in blood upon the fighter’s . The promised prize for victory is the Tokugawa shogunate’s favor for the next thousand years. Now, Oboro and Gennosuke are torn between their love for each other and their duty to their respective clan.
Why Watch:
This action-packed shonen anime features powerful ninja warriors with special powers and ninja techniques. The concept of having multiple overpowered fighters going at each other is something that may remind you of Naruto. But be warned: It’s a lot more aggressive than Naruto, with battle scenes and blood spilling and taking the life of in almost every episode.
Check Out: 20 Of The Best Anime Sword Fights To Watch
7. Ninku (1995)
The Story:
The Ninku warriors were a powerful and deadly force in the Imperial Army’s path, so much that they nearly wiped them out. In the end, though, the Ninku warriors were defeated and scattered. After the war, due to propaganda by the imperial army and clever manipulation of the words of history, they managed to get people to believe they were defenders for the people while also painting Ninko as an evil group that started the war.
Fusuke has a childlike appearance, but he was once the captain of Ninku’s first division. His mother disappeared during wartime, and after his army had lost to imperial forces, Fusuke ventures out on a quest to find her. Along this journey, he meets former Ninku captains Aicho and Touji, who also use their skills as ninjas fighting against the imperial army that want to take the life of off all remaining Ninku members.
Why Watch:
This action anime series is pretty straightforward: the central character follows a hero storyline. It also features element-based ninja techniques and that clone thing that will remind you of Naruto.
6. Mushibugyou (2013)
The Story:
The people of Edo are under siege by giant insects that ravage the land. The government establishes a new office called the “Insect Magistrate Office.” Gathering some strong warriors, they set off on an insect hunt!
Jinbee Tsukishima is to be a master swordsman like his father. He once caused a horrific incident that he wished to atone for by taking his father’s place as a member of the Insect Magistrate Office. His first step on this path leads him into meeting Haru; she works as a manager in her family’s tea house but must put up with many pests which plague their business each day. When it becomes clear that these insects are going too far, poor Haru falls sufferer herself- only thanks to our protagonist can she escape unharmed! This act earns Jinbee entry into the world of insect exterminators.
Why Watch:
Mushibugyou is worth your time as a Naruto fan because the two are quite similar in terms of Jinbee and Naruto’s character development. The setting for these series both seem to be very alike, so this show will provide something new while also providing an element that seems familiar.
5. Bleach (2004)
The Story:
Ichigo Kurosaki never met a spiritual being until his family was attacked by a Hollow: a corrupted spirit that feeds in human souls. It is then that he meets the Shinigami, Rukia Kuchiki, who gets injured while protecting Ichigo’s family from the assailant. To save his family, Ichigo accepts her offer of taking on her super powers and becomes a Soul Reaper.
However, as Rukia is unable to regain her powers and Ichigo becomes Soul Reaper in training. His first task? Hunting down the Hollows that plague their town! But he’s not alone—his friends Orihime Inoue, Yasutora Sado, and Uryu Ishida (who each have different abilities) join him on his journey for justice. As they get used to their new duties with support from one another off-and-on the battlefield, eventually learning about how dangerous, otherworldly beings are.
Why Watch:
Bleach has gained acclaim as it is a series that will keep you engaged for many episodes. Ichigo, the protagonist of this popular anime show, excels in how he gains strength from his desire to protect those close to him and so can be comparable with Naruto.
Check Out: 30 Of The Best Anime Waifus to Fall In Love With
4. Hunter x Hunter (2011)
The Story:
Hunter x Hunter is a world where Hunters exist to perform all manner of dangerous tasks like capturing criminals and bravely searching for lost treasures in uncharted territories. Twelve-year-old Gon Freecss has set his mind on becoming the best hunter possible, as it’s been long since he last saw his father, who was also one himself.
After meeting the lively doctor-in-training Leorio, vengeful Kurapika, and rebellious ex-assassin Killua, Gon sets out to become a Hunter. Together they all take on the infamous hunter exam with a high mortality rate in order for them to reach their own personal goals. They will meet a variety of different monsters, creatures, and characters who help teach what it means to be a hunter alongside facing numerous diffiies that only makes this journey worth taking.
Why Watch:
Gon’s motivations are similar to those of Naruto. He has high ambitions for himself as he goes on a journey of self-discovery. This action anime series also offers epic fight scenes and amazing characters that will keep you on your toes until the end with plenty of humour and action!
Check Out: 10 Anime You Need To Watch After Hunter x Hunter
3. Black Clover (2017)
The Story:
As Asta and Yuno grew up, the stark difference in their abilities became evident. While Yuno is able to wield magic with amazing power and control of his own accord, Asta cannot use any form of magic whatsoever – so he trains physically instead.
Asta and Yuno are both fifteen, but while Astra receives nothing at that point in time, Yuno is bestowed a spectacular Grimoire with a four-leaf clover. This doesn’t last long as Lebuty soon arrives to take it for himself. Asta gritted his teeth and tried to fight, but he was no match for the skilled Lebuty. Asta’s hopes were dashed when he was on the brink of defeat but, hearing Yuno’s voice made him find new strength. Unleashing his emotions in a rage, Asta received a five-leaf clover Grimoire, a “Black Clover,” giving him enough power to defeat Lebuty.
Why Watch:
With such an intriguing storyline, there’s no question that Black Clover will be a satisfying watch for those looking to reminisce about the days of Naruto. Both Asta and Naruto begin their stories as orphans with rough beginnings and both with clear goals: Naruto wants to be Hokage which is like Astra aiming to become Wizard King.
Check Out: 15 Animes That Are Just As Exciting Like Black Clover
2. My Hero Academia (2016)
The Story:
Growing up without any powers, Izuku Midoriya was among the small margin of humanity that did not have a quirk. He believed his life would be normal and unremarkable, but then he meets All Might-the world’s mightiest hero–who inspires him to reach beyond what anyone else believes is possible. But being like All Might isn’t easy when you don’t know where your power will come from or how it can even help people in need!
All Might’s quirk is a unique ability that can be inherited, and he has chosen Izuku to be his successor! Enduring many months of grueling training, Izuku enrols in UA High. This prestigious high school famous for its excellent hero training program allows him to attend with the bizarre but talented classmates or villains lurking around every corner.
Why Watch:
One can find many commonalities between Izuku Midoriya from My Hero Academia and Naruto from that other popular series. Their determination, as well as the way they constantly motivate themselves- they’re two peas in a pod! The concept of the students’ trial in UA High is also comparable to the lessons and the chunin exam. This fantasy anime series also offers a lot of lovable yet powerful characters with special powers that occasionally go at each other in epic battle scenes.
Check Out: Must Watch Anime Like My Hero Academia
1. Boruto: Naruto Next Generations (2017)
This may look like breaking the rules, but it’s technically a different series!
The Story:
Konohagakure has been enjoying a period of peace, prosperity, and extraordinary technological advancement. This is all due to the efforts of the Allied Shinobi Forces and Seventh Hokage Naruto Uzumaki. Now resembling a modern metropolis with its sleek skyscrapers looming over its wide streets lined with flowering trees- Konoha has changed! And the next generation of ninja is ready to take their place.
Boruto Uzumaki, the son of Seventh Hokage Naruto, is often at the center of attention. After inheriting his father’s boisterous and stubborn demeanor, Boruto has been labeled a prodigy with help from supportive friends and family, but it only worsened his arrogance. His desire to surpass Naruto has also strained their relationship as he deals with an impending threat in the village that may threaten our carefree life.
Why Watch:
The central character bears a striking resemblance to his parents Naruto and Hinata, in terms of features and qualities, but with some interesting twists that keep the show fresh. We see our favorite character all grown up and become Hokage, and it brings back those inspiring characters with an infusion of a new cast of characters without compromising on content quality! It gives us the same style of epic battle scenes from the iconic anime with enhanced flavors.
So there you have it, anime lovers! We hope this list of anime recommendations similar to Naruto has helped you find the perfect show for your next binge-watching session. Now, before you go off on us, Naruto Shippuden is not on this list because it’s a direct sequel, and I don’t feel like breaking the rules today. But on a serious note: We hope this list helped you find your new favorite action anime! Be sure to leave a comment and share any other recommendations that we may have missed.
