One Piece is a Japanese manga created by Eiichiro Oda. It’s been running ever since 1997 and has been adapted into an anime series as well. One of the most well-known and popular anime series that you should definitely watch if you haven’t already. Set in a vast world where pirates roam the high seas in search of the fabled treasure called one piece, hidden by the legendary king of pirates, Gol D. Roger, before meeting his untimely end. The story starts with Luffy, having dreams of leaving his hometown and going on a journey and recruiting crewmates to become the pirate king.
Surprise the One Piece fan in your life with a one-of-a kind gift from the best One Piece Anime clothing and merchandise store! Check out the ultimate gift ideas list for One Piece fans now for unforgettable picks to make them smile.
After running for more than two decades, One Piece is nearing its end. As a fan who’s watching religiously since day 1, this would be heartbreaking. But don’t sweat! We’ve compiled a list of 10+ One Piece-like anime recommendations you shouldn’t miss out on that will make your life easier. Have a look below!
1. Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood
Well-known anime and regarded as one of the best shonen anime series, there’s no other series out there that can outmatch its overall quality. The emotional weight of its plot is what makes this anime on top of its peers.
Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood, commonly known as FMA Brotherhood, follows the story of Edward and Alphonse Elric. Two brothers who are skilled in alchemy despite their young age, but were involved in an alchemy accident. Seeking more knowledge to get back what they lost, they find themselves involved in a massive political plot.
Just like Luffy and Ace, both Edward and Alphonse care deeply for each other and would do anything for their brother’s sake. The anime series shows a true display of brotherly love.
2. Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
Gurren Lagann’s anime series is rather short but packed with action and adventure. Featuring badass mecha robots, unique characters, and significant emotional weight that would stick around your heart for quite some time after watching it.
The story takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where a being called the Spiral King rules the earth and forced mankind to live underground. Two teenagers, Simon and Kamina, fed up with their daily routine in the underground colony, decided they wanted to go above ground despite the dangers and uncertainty of survival.
Simon and Kamina share a deep brotherly love. Kamina, a charismatic and natural-born leader, is the big brother figure between the two, while Simon is the little brother and initially a crybaby, but wouldn’t think twice to help Kamina out in battle. Both are orphans who went against their elders to make their dream come true, much like Luffy and Ace‘s origins.
3. One Punch Man
One Punch Man broke the internet when it was first aired back in 2015 with an innovative plotline. Typically, the main characters start off as nobody, then gradually grow in strength as the series progresses. That typical anime logic does not apply to the main hero, Saitama. The series starts with him being strong. And I mean REALLY STRONG!
On an alternate world where monsters occasionally wreak havoc on cities. The government calls for heroes to help and neutralize the threat. Saitama was once a regular citizen who trained for three years with a rigorous routine to become a hero. In the present day, he joined the hero alliance but was easily bored due to his overwhelming strength which ends fights quickly with just one punch. He is constantly looking for an opponent stronger than him.
Story-wise, there’s not much similarity between One Piece and One Punch Man. But, both main characters from each series are insanely strong, yet oblivious and dumb. The storytelling quite resembles One Piece when certain scenes have some humorous moments and then suddenly turn into serious moments. Despite Saitama being too strong, they have many decent fight scenes that will leave you in awe.
4. Fairy Tail
Since its release, Fairy Tail’s popularity quickly rose up on par with other famous titles simply because of its unique storyline, awesome roster of characters, and hilarious comedy. The action scenes are pretty dope but not as violent as other animes. Definitely a show that all ages can enjoy.
The anime series is set in a world where magic and creatures exist. Their universe is filled with guilds that hire magic users for odd jobs and Kingdom protection. The protagonist, Natsu Dragneel, is a wizard from the Fairy Tail guild. Once a powerful guild, their strength, and number significantly declined during the present time. Natsu is joined by his friends and recruits other like-minded individuals who share his resolve to go on adventures.
One of the main themes of the series is friendship. Just like Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates, Natsu and the Fairy Tail guild are a bunch of misfits who met together by fate and share a strong camaraderie that helps them beat all odds. Expect many breathtaking fight scenes where teamwork overcomes a stronger enemy.
5. Hunter X Hunter (2011)
When talking about animes with shonen tropes, Hunter X Hunter is a must on the list. One of the classic anime series that people loved in the late 90s and is filled with well-written characters and a plotline that will surely keep you interested as the story progresses. The series had a complete reboot in 2011, staying mostly with its original story but having some improvements.
The story starts with Gon Freecss leaving his home and way of life in search of his father who he never met personally. One way of finding his dad is to join the Hunters Association and find more clues. As his adventures go on, Gon meets many people and eventually befriends strong and loyal comrades who would later help him overcome powerful enemies.
Gon’s journey of getting stronger and meeting new allies is very similar to Luffy’s meeting and recruiting his crewmates. Another noteworthy mention is that the concept of Nen is similar to OP’s concept of Haki.
6. Gintama
Considered one of the most astonishing animes ever existed, Gintama takes the crown when it comes to comedy gold. The series offers a peculiar plot and unconventional characters. The storyline might not take you to the edge of your seat, but the unique style of humor will definitely make you watch for countless hours.
Set in a fictional universe where the future and the past collide. During the late Edo period, the earth was invaded by aliens called Amanto. Due to the superior alien technology, the Shogun surrendered and agreed to an unequal contract with the aliens. The story focuses on a samurai called Gintoki Sakata, who now works as an odd-job freelancer with his crew who offers their service to anyone and would do anything you ask them to do.
Unlike One Piece and their usual short jokes, Gintama goes above and beyond with their hilarity by using visual gags, insane parodies with different animes, and breaking of fourth walls. Nonetheless, many One Piece fans will find Gintama in line with their favorite anime.
7. Naruto
What’s better than pirates? The answer is ninjas! While One Piece is arguably the most popular anime in Japan, Naruto is definitely more recognized in the West. If you love character growth and overcoming hardships, Naruto is definitely the series you need to watch. The perfect blend of story, drama, and comedy.
The series follows Naruto, an orphan who is shunned by most of the village during his childhood because of a demon sealed inside his body. His ultimate goal is to become the village leader called a Hokage so people would recognize him as the strongest ninja, but ultimately, he just wants everybody to acknowledge him as a human. Along the way, he makes friends that will help him reach the top.
Naruto and Luffy’s characteristics are very much alike. They are goofy, reckless, aiming to be the strongest, and a force to be reckoned with when you hurt their friends. Both capture the hearts of kids and adults alike when it comes to motivation in pursuing your dreams.
8. Cowboy Bebop
A top-tier anime series back in the 90s, Cowboy Bebop is still popular even to this day. It even had a live-action adaptation. Best suited for anime fans who like guns, swords, and hand-to-hand combat, the series has one of the best fight scenes. Definitely a must-watch anime cult classic.
Set in the far future where the earth is uninhabitable due to some incident. The anime series follows Spike Spiegel and Jet Black, who captures men wanted by the law for a living. Eventually, they met a few peculiar individuals who joined their crew, much to Spike’s dismay. The story’s turning point is when Spike’s dark past catches up to him. The series might be short, but the action and story plot will make up for it.
Due to their differences, the crew gets on each other’s nerves and fights most of the time. Spike is just like Zoro, who tends to disagree with everyone in their crew, but would do anything to protect them whenever needed. Tough love at its finest.
9. JoJo’s Bizzare Adventure
The anime series aired back in 2012 but has been a fan favorite since the manga release in the 80s. What makes the series unique is that the antics and visual style are over-the-top and perfectly executed to keep fans on the edge.
The story is more of a chronicle because each part of the story features a different protagonist and crew from the Joestar bloodline who possess intense psychic strength. It follows the character’s journey and struggles in battling supernatural beings.
JoJo’s Bizzare Adventures manga series is considered one of the longest-running in all of anime history, much like One Piece. Due to their track record, many anime fans around the globe are familiar with iconic lines and moments.
10. Seven Deadly Sins
A shonen series that quickly rose to the top over the years with its unique characters and storytelling. It features a world where magic, angels, and demons exist which is the right formula to catch anyone’s attention.
The plot revolves around the Seven Deadly Sins. A group of powerful knights with Meliodas as their captain. Once loved and looked up to by everyone in their kingdom, they were wrongfully accused of a grim crime and were forced to disband and hide. Over the years, they reunited to find the real culprit but what awaits them is a sinister force.
Meliodas is the epitome of Luffy. Both are stubborn, amiable, and don’t care about many things around them. But once you set them off, prepare for a beating that will haunt you for the rest of your life. Also, protecting their friends is one of their priorities. Their traits and qualities are someone you would want in your team.
