Akira Toriyama’s most beloved creation is undoubtedly the iconicDragon Ballfranchise. The thrilling adventures of Goku and his friends have been a part of many anime fans’ lives for more than two decades. From amazing fights, hilarious comedic moments, and moving scenes, this series has something for everyone.
While theDragon Ballfranchise has plenty of content for fans to enjoy, with more adventures coming inthe highly anticipatedDaima, it is always important to keep an open mind. There are various other incredible anime thatDragon Ballfans are sure to love once they give them a chance.
Cast
Ippo Makunouchi is a regular high school student with a kind heart who often helps his mother with their family’s business. He is constantly bullied by his peers, who relentlessly attack him every day after school. It was during one of these vicious encounters that Ippo was saved by an accomplished boxer named Takamura.
Inspired by his savior’s strength, the protagonist beginsa journey to become one of the world’s best fighters.Hajime No Ippois an outstanding sports animewith a story of courage, determination, and self-improvement. Fans of Goku will find that Ippo embodies most of the Saiyan’s best qualities. Both warriors are pure of heart, always fighting for what is right, and ready to train as much as needed to achieve their dreams.
Highly Influential Shonen Manga Classic is Available in English for the First Time
Despite its popularity, only now has the seminal boxing manga Hajime no Ippo come Westward with an official release via K Manga
Baki
Baki (2018) is a Japanese anime adaptation of Keisuke Itagaki’s manga series. The show follows Baki Hanma, a young martial artist determined to surpass his legendary father, Yujiro Hanma, as the strongest fighter in the world. The series features intense battles, diverse combat styles, and explores the extremes of physical and mental strength. Baki engages in deadly tournaments and confronts dangerous adversaries as he strives to achieve his goal.
During hisnever-ending training to surpass his father, the brutal and cold-hearted Yujiro Hanma, Baki is challenged to an unusual battle. 5 dangerous death row inmates have become bored with their lives and want to leave this world after knowing what defeat is like. As such, they challenged the legendary fighter Baki to a five-against-five combat, in which the winners will be permitted to live another day. Baki accepts their conditions, thinking of this as the next step to reach his goal.
The talented martial artist will not be alone, as four other skilled fighters will join forces with him to take down these new opponents.Bakiis a series that will have fans at the edge of their seats, with non-stop action and amazingly choreographed fights. Nonetheless, the series does deal with heavier subjects and can be graphic at times, so viewer discretion is advised.
Saint Seiya: Knights of the Zodiac
This series follows young warriors known as Saints, champions who protect the reincarnated goddess Athena. Each Saint wears a powerful armor based on their zodiac constellation and wields cosmic energy called Cosmos. Led by the brave Saint Seiya, these Knights of the Zodiac face off against formidable enemies both earthly and celestial to protect humanity and uphold the justice of the cosmos in epic battles that test their strength and resolve.
Seiya is an orphan trained since childhood to become a noble knight destined to protect the reincarnation of the Goddess Athena, Saori. He is one of many Saints, warriors who are grantedpowerful armor known as Cloths. Despite his duty, Seiya’s main goal is to find the whereabouts of his younger sister, who went missing years ago.
Through the story, the protagonist meets several allies who help in his quest to conquer the evil forces trying to harm Saori. He will also encounter dangerous foes, who will stop at nothing until Athena’s new vessel perishes.An amazing series that rivalsDragon Ball’s popularity, with outstanding fight scenes and a plot that will keep viewers waiting for more.
An Influential Classic Anime Series is Finally Coming to Crunchyroll
The influential Toei Animation anime series from the 80’s, Saint Seiya: Knights of the Zodiac, is returning to streaming - all 114 episodes.
A Classic of Shonen Anime
Yu Yu Hakusho
Yu Yu Hakusho is a multimedia franchise that began as a Japanese manga series in 1992 by author and illustrator Yoshihiro Togashi. The franchise ventured into anime in 1992 from Fuji Television, and there have also been two animated films. In 2023, Netflix released a live-action TV series starring Takumi Kitamura, Shuhei Uesugi, Jun Shison, and Kanata Hongō.
Known delinquent Yusuke surprised even the guardians of the afterlife after sacrificing himself to save a kid from being hit by a car. To reward his good deeds, an otherworldly creature known as Botan allows him to return to Earth, with all the knowledge he acquired during his time dead. The shock from this bizarre experience pushes Yusuke to change his ways and become a Spirit Detective.
By utilizing his spiritual energy, which can manifest itself in the form of attacks similar to the ki blasts used by characters inDragon Ball, the protagonist can fight against incredibly powerful demons and evil entities.Yu Yu Hakushois an iconic Shonen manga from the creator ofHunter X Hunter, with fighting scenes, endearing characters, and intricate power systems thatDragon Ballfans will all appreciate.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure is an action-adventure anime series based on the manga of the same name. The story spans multiple generations of the Joestar family, each member confronting supernatural foes through the power of “Stands,” spiritual manifestations of their fighting spirits. The series begins with Jonathan Joestar’s struggle against the villainous Dio Brando and evolves through the exploits of his descendants.
When his adopted brother Dio entered his life, Jonathan Joestar had no clue that nothing would ever be the same. His malicious sibling, envious of JoJo’s carefree opulent life, wants to take everything from him and his father. This is only the beginning of Dio’s curse on the Joestar family, which would span the course of a century and three different parts of this iconic anime series.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventureis undoubtedly one of the most acclaimed shows in recent years. Besides its unique art style and characters, the show has an unpredictable story that will keep fans guessing what will happen next. Every part has a different protagonist and setting, and onceStands become the series' main power system, all sorts of bizarre abilities and fights are on display.
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Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure fans miss the point when arguing that Diamond Is Unbreakable’s Josuke Higashikata went back in time to save himself.
One-Punch Man
Saitama, a superhero from City Z, faces an existential crisis as he can defeat any opponent with a single punch, leading to a lack of challenge and sheer boredom. His quest for a worthy opponent leads him to meet new friends and enemies and join the Hero Association to gain official recognition while accidentally (and secretly) solving all of the world’s problems with a single punch.
Bored with his everyday life, Saitama one day decides to begin training to become one of the heroes, individuals with special abilities who fight bloodthirsty monsters that threaten humanity. His rigorous training (maybe) helps him become the strongest man on Earth, capable ofdefeating any opponent with a single punch. While entertaining at first, the now bald hero finds himself bored with the lack of a challenge most monsters present him with.
Nonetheless, Saitama will continue with his journey to become an S-Rank hero and live a luxurious life, while waiting for a being who can challenge his impressive strength.One-Punch Manis a show that perfectly blends epic battles with hilarious jokes, culminating in a one-of-a-kind story thatDragon Ballfans should not miss.
Bleach
Bleach follows Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager with the ability to see ghosts, whose life changes after meeting Rukia, a Soul Reaper. As he gains spiritual energy, Ichigo embarks on a journey to protect humans and spirits from malevolent entities known as Hollows.
Unknowingly, humans have coexisted with various spirits that are invisible to the naked eye since the beginning of time. Ichigo Kurosaki, a high school student with a short temper, becomes sorely aware of this when he encounters a girl named Rukia fighting a horrifying monster. Despite looking human, she isa brave Shinigami,a benevolent spirit who fights against evil specters that threaten humans. Due to Ichigo distracting her, Rukia is gravely injured and forced to temporarily lend her powers to her new ally.
This is the beginning of Ichigo’s journey into an unknown world, one that might be more closely related to him than he wanted to imagine.Bleachis a series that explores the nature of being human, while also introducing a whole new and intriguing world for viewers to explore along with the protagonist.
10 Biggest Differences Between Bleach’s Manga & Anime
Bleach’s anime is fairly loyal (when it’s not filler), but there are still some significant differences between the anime and the original manga.
Naruto
Naruto is an action-adventure anime series based on the manga series created by Masashi Kishimoto. The titular Naruto Uzumaki is a fearsome Nine-Tailed Fox Spirit sealed inside him, which once wreaked havoc on his village. Shunned by his community yet determined to earn their respect, Naruto dreams of becoming the greatest ninja, the Hokage. This series follows his journey through the Ninja Academy as he continues to train and grow, hoping to prove himself to his peers- and himself.
Naruto Uzumaki is a young orphan who lives in the Hidden Leaf Village, where ninja live and train to complete missions for their country. He dreams of becoming Hokage, the strongest and most important ninja, someone powerful enough to be respected and admired, a kind of treatment that he has been denied since he can remember. The villagers fear Naruto due to the deadly demon that resides inside him,the imposing and terrifying Nine-Tails Fox.
Although his path is difficult, Naruto will not give up on his dream of becoming one of the various respectable Hokages that have led the Hidden Leaf. With few but steadfast allies by his side, he might just accomplish his goal.Narutois an esteemed franchise that has touched the hearts of many anime fans through the decades. It is a must-watch for all shonen fans looking to expand their horizons.
One Piece
The One Piece anime began in 1999 and follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy, a boy with rubber-like abilities, as he embarks on a journey to find the legendary treasure “One Piece.” Inspired by the pirate Shanks, Luffy aims to become the King of the Pirates, accompanied by a diverse crew.
Ever since he was a small child,Luffy dreamed about becoming the King of the Pirates. To accomplish his mission, he will have to travel across the world and find the One Piece, a treasure left behind by the former King of Pirates, Gol D. Roger. The journey ahead will be a dangerous one, with not only the Marines trying to stop him from succeeding but also other malicious pirates aiming for the same goal.
Armed with the rubber-like body granted to him by his Devil Fruit, fabled items that grant powers to those who eat them, and his loyal crew, Luffy is ready to face any obstacle. One of the most beloved anime franchises in existence,One Pieceis an epic tale that will make fans cheer, cry, and long for the freedom the life of a pirate can bring.
Every One Piece Arc Ranked From Worst To Best
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Sailor Moon
Sailor Moon is a 1992 animated series that marks the beginning of Usagi Tsukino’s journey as she transforms into Sailor Moon. Guided by Luna, a talking cat, Usagi discovers allies among her friends and together they combat the looming threat posed by the nefarious Dark Kingdom.
Serena’s high school life took an unexpected turn when a talking cat named Luna recruited her to fight the forces of evil. Due to her kind and pure heart, she was selected to become Sailor Moon, the leader of the Sailor Scouts,a group of powerful young women who were granted cosmic abilities.
Serena is tasked with locating and defeating the various monsters and otherworldly creatures that are trying to bring chaos to the universe. Accompanied by her loyal friends, Sailor Moon will do her best to protect the universe and keep the mysterious Princess Moon safe ina classic show that seamlessly combines drama, action, romance, and comedy.Dragon Ballfans will not be disappointed by the exciting adventures theSailor Moonfranchise has to offer.
Dragon Ball
From the creative mind of Akira Toriyama, Dragon Ball is a mega multimedia franchise that spans back to the 1980s. Dragon Ball expanded quickly, starting as a serialized manga for Weekly Shonen Jump in Japan. It made its way overseas via manga and an anime adaptation that is enjoyed worldwide. Dragon Ball was the initial starting animated series that followed the adventures of the young Son Goku as he sought after the Dragon Balls. These mystical orbs would grant the wish of any who gathered them together. Then, the series would branch off into the immensely popular Dragon Ball Z, which followed Goku as an adult and featured high-intensity battles and Goku’s never-ending search to be the strongest. The series has also enjoyed several popular video game adaptations and continues to release several new animated series and theatrical films up to the recent popular Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero.
