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One Piece has been amusing readers and viewers for nearly 20 years, first as a manga in 1997 and then as a Toei Animation anime in 1999. Written by Eiichiro Oda, the series features outstanding storytelling, fantastic world-building, engaging characters, and a delightful sense of humor validating its position as the best anime to watch One Piece.
One Piece includes almost 1,000 episodes, which will keep fans enthralled for hours of binge-watching. There are, however, a plethora of similar shows that should appeal to fans of the sea-faring shonen, many of which are just as influential as Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates’ escapades.
Kennedy King updated this on June 5, 2023: With the final saga of the One Piece manga now in full swing, longtime fans of the franchise will have to go elsewhere for new entertainment. While Monkey D. Luffy is still many years away from becoming King of the Pirates, it is never too early to begin watching other anime series with similar payoffs.
If you loved One Piece, then make sure to skim through our curated list of the 15 Best Anime to watch in 2023.
Stars: Gakuto Kajiwara, Nobunaga Shimazaki, Nana Mizuki
Director: Tatsuya Yoshihara
Episodes: 170
Duration: Each episode is approximately 23 minutes long
Genre: Action, Comedy, Fantasy
Release Date: October 3, 2017
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Asta, a teenage orphan who desires to be his kingdom’s next Wizard King, is central to the plot of Black Clover. However, one big impediment to Asta achieving his lifelong aim is the fact that he requires more magic. To accomplish this, he must work significantly harder than his peers in order to establish himself as a Magic Knight.
With themes similar to One Piece, Asta is from a little town, yet despite its small size, he grows up alongside another child, Yuno, widely regarded as the Clover Kingdom’s most promising young wizard. Their rivalry shapes not only the plot of Black Clover, but also the future of the Clover Kingdom.
Stars: Tetsuya Kakihara, Aya Hirano, Rie Kugimiya
Director: Shinji Ishihira
Episodes: 328
Duration: Each episode is approximately 24 minutes long
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
Release Date: October 12, 2009
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Fairy Tail, a lighthearted shonen that premiered in 2009, is set in a world filled with magical characters and locations. Its main character, Natsu Dragneel, is a Fairy Tail Guild magician – a well-intentioned, powerful group of magical users who accept contracts for monetary compensation.
In the series, Natsu is on the hunt for his adoptive father, the enigmatic dragon Igneel. Natsu meets a number of competent witches and wizards on his journey to find Igneel, and many of them join him as members of the Fairy Tail Guild.
Stars: Masakazu Morita, Fumiko Orikasa, Hiroki Yasumoto
Director: Noriyuki Abe
Episodes: 379
Duration: Each episode is approximately 24 minutes long
Genre: Action, Adventure, Supernatural
Release Date: October 5, 2004
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Bleach is one of the most commercially successful anime series of all time, as part of the shonen genre’s famed Big 3. Ichigo Kurosaki, the series’ protagonist, has always been able to sense the spirits of wandering souls. However, his life is irrevocably changed when he meets a Soul Reaper named Rukia Kuchiki.
After Rukia is injured, Ichigo inherits her powers, only to swiftly unlock far stronger ones that lay latent within him. Ichigo uses his newfound power to protect his friends in both the real world and the Soul Society, eventually garnering the contempt of the world’s most powerful people.
Stars: Haruka Tomatsu, Erica Mendez, Erik Scott Kimerer
Director: Koji Masunari
Episodes: 25
Duration: Each episode is approximately 24 minutes long
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Release Date: October 7, 2012
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic, inspired by 1001 Arabian Nights, combines many of the best elements of Eastern and Western fantasy genres. Alibaba, Aladdin, and Sinbad are just a handful of the characters in the popular anime series, which is equally both, epic and fascinating.
The two main characters of Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic, Alibaba and Aladdin, must aid each other through the Old World. Alibaba, in particular, is predicted to be the kingdom’s next monarch. As the pair work towards this objective, they meet numerous lovable companions who support them along the road.
Stars: Nozomu Sasaki, Justin Cook, Christopher Sabat
Director: Noriyuki Abe
Episodes: 112
Duration: Each episode is approximately 24 minutes long
Genre: Action, Comedy, Supernatural
Release Date: October 10, 1992
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
When Yusuke Urameshi, the protagonist of Yu Yu Hakusho, dies while saving a child in a car accident, he returns to the human world as an Underworld Detective. Yusuke is thrust into a new role as he begins analyzing cases involving demons and otherworldly beings.
Yu Yu Hakusho is a fantastic shonen anime that had a significant influence on One Piece’s author, Eiichiro Oda. The main character’s journey through the Underworld helped shape some of anime’s most well-known archetypes, laying the groundwork for uncountable episodes that would come after.
Stars: Junko Takeuchi, Maile Flanagan, Chie Nakamura
Director: Hayato Date
Episodes: 220
Duration: Each episode is approximately 24 minutes long
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure
Release Date: October 3, 2002
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
The Naruto franchise tells the story of Naruto Uzumaki, a teenage ninja who grows up as a social outcast. Naruto scares many of his peers as the host of a demonic entity known as the Nine-Tailed Fox, making his desire to become the leader of his village appear impossible.
Despite the beast within him, Naruto’s genuine goodness and strong spirit begin to win over everyone around him, and before long, his name is as well-known in the Hidden Leaf Village as any other. Fans of One Piece will almost certainly enjoy watching Naruto’s adventures as a shinobi if Naruto and One Piece are spoken in the same breath.
Stars: Yûki Kaji, Bryce Papenbrook, Erika Harlacher
Director: Tensai Okamura
Episodes: 100
Duration: Each episode is approximately 24 minutes long
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure
Release Date: October 5, 2014
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
The Seven Deadly Sins adapted into an anime in 2014, soon gained a significant and committed audience. The anime, which is full of typical shonen action sequences, is an enjoyable and colorful fantasy journey with highly visually appealing animation (save for the third season). The plot follows a group of disbanded knights who were accused of the fall of the Britannia region’s dominion as they reassemble to identify the true culprit behind their kingdom’s defeat.
Meliodas, the upbeat protagonist of The Seven Deadly Sins, is at the helm of the eponymous team’s escapades. Fans of Luffy’s journey will undoubtedly like the stubborn knight’s evolution over the series since both are constantly fascinating and profoundly connected to their teammates.
Stars: Makoto Furukawa, Max Mittelman, Kaito Ishikawa
Director: Shingo Natsume
Episodes: 24
Duration: Each episode is approximately 24 minutes long
Genre: Animation, Action, Comedy
Release Date: October 4, 2015
IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
While One-Punch Man contains all of the action and superheroes a thrilling series needs, it is mostly a loving and funny parody of shonen anime stereotypes. Saitama is an extraordinarily powerful superhero, capable of defeating opponents, aliens, and monsters with a single punch.
One-Punch Man’s plot skilfully tackles the gray moral area of being a hero with thrilling action sequences, appealing characters, and sharp moments of humor. These elements, combined with the show’s stunning animation, have viewers eagerly anticipating the show’s inevitable third season.
Stars: Matthew Mercer, Daisuke Ono, Unshô Ishizuka
Director: Naokatsu Tsuda
Episodes: 190
Duration: Each episode is approximately 24 minutes long
Genre: Action, Adventure
Release Date: October 5, 2012
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Since Hirohiko Araki began penning and illustrating the manga in 1987, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure has become a fan favorite. As one of the best-selling manga series in history, the Joestar family’s paranormal-battling escapades have been brought to screens worldwide through an anime adaptation.
This action series is filled with supernatural elements and quickly becomes bizarre and outlandish as it progresses. With its engaging storytelling, over-the-top and exhilarating fighting, and unique visual style, it’s no wonder that JoJo’s has become a legendary must-watch for anime enthusiasts.
Stars: Yuri Lowenthal, Kana Asumi, Steve Blum
Director: Hiroyuki Imaishi
Episodes: 27
Duration: Each episode is approximately 24 minutes long
Genre: Action, Adventure, Mecha
Release Date: April 1, 2007
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Gurren Lagann is set in a future where the iron-fisted Spiral King, Lordgenome, rules the Earth, and most of humanity lives underground. Simon and Kamina, two teenage people with enormous dreams of seeing the world and the sky, escape to the surface to battle the dictator’s army and explore territory above ground.
Gurren Lagann features multiple mecha battles against the wicked Gunmen, but the program is about more than just enormous robot combat. The iconic series blends an exhilarating adventure with considerable emotional drama, and it has a group of charismatic characters who dare to dream big and pursue their dreams.
Stars: Masako Nozawa, Sean Schemmel, Christopher Sabat
Director: Minoru Okazaki
Episodes: 153
Duration: Each episode is approximately 24 minutes long
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure
Release Date: February 26, 1986
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkZhdtb2nyk
One Piece is the best-selling manga of all time, largely due to the groundwork established by classic shonen series such as Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball. Dragon Ball follows its characters as they travel on a quest to acquire all seven Dragon Balls, defeating any opponents they face along the way. It is centered on the exploits of the martial arts-loving Son Goku.
Both Monkey D. Luffy and Goku are lighthearted, determined protagonists who swiftly fascinate everyone around them. The pair even share the screen in many crossover episodes, adding to the synergy between their respective shows.
Stars: Megumi Han, Mariya Ise, Issei Futamata
Director: Hiroshi Koujina
Episodes: 148
Duration: Each episode is approximately 23 minutes long
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Shounen
Release Date: October 2, 2011
IMDb Rating: 8.9/10
While many shonen anime rely on known clichés, Hunter x Hunter seeks to undermine and frequently contradict these very stereotypes. One Piece takes a similar approach in many ways, making it a worthwhile recommendation for fans of the adventurous nautical anime who have yet to experience Hunter x Hunter.
Gon Freecss, the main protagonist of Hunter x Hunter, discovers the surprising revelation that his father is a renowned Hunter. Motivated by this realization, Gon sets out on his own personal ambition to become a Hunter. He confronts a slew of obstacles, threats, and rival Hunters along the way, forming unique plotlines, finely developed character arcs, and unforgettable moments.
Stars: Megumi Toyoguchi, Daisuke Namikawa, Maryke Hendrikse
Director: Sunao Katabuchi
Episodes: 24
Duration: Each episode is approximately 24 minutes long
Genre: Animation, Action, Crime
Release Date: April 8, 2006
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Black Lagoon is grittier and more intense compared to One Piece or its shonen predecessors, but it has one common theme with Eiichiro Oda’s popular series: pirates. When the Lagoon Company, a mercenary pirate group, kidnaps Black Lagoon’s main character, businessman Rokurou Okajima, he ends up joining the ragged crew and assisting on their money-making excursions.
The Lagoon Company’s smuggling operations frequently get them in hot water because they deal with some of the world’s meanest and most powerful crooks. As a result, Black Lagoon is jam-packed with high-octane action, fast-paced boat chases, and spectacular action sequences that depict the evil side of anime-pirate life.
Stars: Vic Mignogna, Aaron Dismuke, Romi Pak
Director: Yasuhiro Irie
Episodes: 64
Duration: Each episode is approximately 24 minutes long
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure
Release Date: April 5, 2009
IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
The Fullmetal Alchemist franchise is a well-loved and popular series. It has gained immense popularity, leading to a reboot called Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. While the original series had its own ending, Brotherhood follows the manga’s storyline and presents the true journey of Edward and Alphonse Elric as they try to recover from the consequences of their failed attempt to bring their mother back to life using alchemy.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood follows two main characters on a journey to find the mysterious Philosopher’s Stone, which can help them regain their physical bodies. The detailed world-building in this exciting shonen anime makes it similar to One Piece, and its diverse and engaging cast of characters is sure to appeal to fans of both genres.
Stars: Daiki Yamashita, Justin Briner, Nobuhiko Okamoto
Director: Kenji Nagasaki
Episodes: 138
Duration: Each episode is approximately 24 minutes long
Genre: Animation, Action, Comedy, Fantasy
Release Date: April 3, 2016
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Acclaimed by fans and critics alike for its in-depth exploration of life as a hero, My Hero Academia was adapted into an anime in 2016, and is our top choice on our list of 15 best anime to watch. In a world where practically everyone has special abilities called Quirks, a little boy named Izuku Midoriya appears to have been born Quirkless. Despite his unremarkable appearance, he is determined to become the world’s greatest hero.
My Hero Academia brilliantly transitions between action sequences and amiable comic moments, thanks to its lovable and approachable cast of well-realized characters. Izuku defeats competitors and supervillains in a show that, like One Piece, glorifies the underdog.
Choosing an anime to marathon through can be tough with so many great series adapted from popular mangas. Fortunately, our concise blog should help you find the best fit for your anime cravings.
Watch One Piece on Disney+ from anywhere – don’t let geographic restrictions prevent you from streaming your favorite anime!
Moreover, if you’ve got Netflix but are vacationing in Canada, don’t worry because with our assistance, you can watch American Netflix in Canada.
So binge-watch One Piece today!
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