10 Best Anime to Watch if You Miss Dragon Ball Super

When Dragon Ball Z debuted, it didn’t merely gain popularity; it fundamentally transformed an entire generation. It laid the foundation for contemporary shonen manga and anime, established the norm for power progression, and made training arcs deeply emotional narratives. From Goku’s initial Kamehameha to the fights on Namek, it was more than just a TV series; it served as a model. Almost every action anime that came after it drew inspiration from its legacy.

While we eagerly anticipate the resumption of the story in Dragon Ball Super, a sense of void is indeed palpable among fans. Yet, this gap need not be vacant. Here are ten animes that radiate the same intensity, relentless pursuit, extravagant battles, and colossal stakes that made Dragon Ball a timeless classic. As we wait for Goku to once more shatter galaxies, these shows, similar to Dragon Ball Super, are ample to keep the passion alive and burning brightly.

1) Gurren Lagann

Simon and Kamina reside beneath the earth, excavating tunnels while longing for the surface. Then, Simon discovers a puzzling Core Drill, and together with Lagann – a small robot – they ignite it. Fueled by Kamina’s unwavering spirit, they break through the Earth’s layers, instigating an uprising against the Spiral King.

Throughout 27 episodes, the narrative takes off, starting with clandestine conflicts beneath the surface and escalating all the way to full-blown battles across galaxies. Remarkably, it inspired not one but two popular movies that reinterpret crucial battles. This is a clear demonstration of power escalation; a transition from “we’ll triumph in this fight” to “we’ll pack a punch strong enough for entire galaxies.” It shares the same exhilarating spirit as the multiverse and Ultra Instinct scenes in Dragon Ball Super.

In the same way Goku and Vegeta challenge each other to surpass their own capabilities, resulting in impactful scenes akin to powerful motivational speeches from space, Simon and Kamina do the same. Whether it’s the grand mecha showdown or Kamina’s inspiring battle cries, fans of DB Super will recognize a familiar excitement. If you yearn for the large-scale transformations and emotional climaxes that DB provided, then Gurren Lagann offers the same level of enjoyment.

2) Yu Yu Hakusho

Yusuke Urameshi is the type of student that teachers often caution you about: quick-tempered, frequently absent from class, and far from an ideal role model. However, when he sacrifices his own life to save a child from an oncoming vehicle, even the afterlife is taken aback. Since there was no designated place for him in either heaven or hell, he is given a second chance at living as a Spirit Detective instead.

The series starts off with a chilling, eerie feel reminiscent of a ghost story, but soon transitions into an action-packed shonen saga filled with incredible power displays. As the Dark Tournament approaches, it becomes a grueling battlefield of intense fights, tactical showdowns, and characters pushing their boundaries to the extreme. It shares the same energy-boosting excitement that Dragon Ball is famous for, featuring high-stakes clashes in vast arenas driven by honor, camaraderie, and spectacular transformations.

Yusuke seems to be a battle-worn version of Goku, transitioning from a street fighter to a warrior who persistently pushes ahead, even when the situation looks grim. Kuwabara, Hiei, and Kurama add diverse fighting techniques and individualities, creating an energetic vibe reminiscent of the Z-Fighters.

3) Yaiba

If Dragon Ball had a boisterous, rowdy cousin who was brought up on disorderliness and samurai films, it would be Yaiba. Yaiba Kurogane is an unruly, larger-than-life child who can be compared to Goku but with a katana; he’s always ravenous, always rushing headlong into combat, and yet somehow too dimwitted to stay defeated. His adventure begins when he accidentally wanders into contemporary Japan after training in the jungle, where he learns that his fate is to vanquish the resurrected demon god, Onimaru.

Enjoying Yaiba is like hopping on a wild rollercoaster ride due to its uncensored vibe. Battles swiftly intensify, power-ups become absurd, and adversaries seem to have sprung from a vivid nightmare. One instant, it’s a sword fight; the next, you’re battling giant robots and parodies of magical girls. It merges the early humor of Dragon Ball, adds chaos, and turns up the excitement level to maximum.

The art in this show mirrors the early style of Dragon Ball Z, reflecting Gosho Aoyama’s strong influence from Akira Toriyama. For those who yearn for the raw excitement of Dragon Ball’s original days without gods, angels, or intricate timelines, Yaiba offers a return to that unrefined enjoyment. It isn’t about polished animation or elaborate storylines. Instead, it’s all about fistfights, jokes, and packing as many explosions as possible into just twenty minutes.

4) Fist of the North Star

In a post-apocalyptic landscape where strength reigns supreme, I bear witness to the gritty tale of martial arts known as “Fist of the North Star“. This ’80s masterpiece is a testament to the shonen genre’s unbridled power. The story’s weight matches the force behind each punch it delivers. After a cataclysmic nuclear war leaves Earth barren and desolate, the protagonist, Kenshiro, roams the remnants in pursuit of his abducted bride and justice. He swiftly dispatches tyrants and gangs utilizing the ancient killing technique of Hokuto Shinken. With each new chapter, the threats intensify, introducing formidable martial artists who mirror Kenshiro’s insanity and power. Their ideologies are forged from loss, war, and the raw instinct to survive, making every confrontation a battle for life itself.

In contrast to Dragon Ball, which emphasizes adventure and personal development, Fist of the North Star explores themes of stoic masculinity and moral retribution. Despite their differences, they share a common genetic makeup. Both series center around extraordinary martial arts, grueling training that verges on torment, and battles that defy earthly physics.

5) Baki the Grappler

Baki Hanma doesn’t unleash lasers or amass energy blasts, instead, he shatters bones using just his raw fists. Nurtured by Yujiro Hanma, the world’s strongest man, Baki relentlessly trains with the ambition of overpowering his father someday. This anime deviates from the typical storyline of saving the world and instead focuses on enduring battles that seem like a matter of life or death in every encounter.

The program delves immediately into clandestine combat arenas, where power dominates and any blow could decide the contest. No enchantments are present here; instead, it’s raw power, extraordinary strategies, and warriors who have pushed their physiques to the utmost limits. Baki endures strikes that would typically terminate careers yet continues to rise, much like a certain Saiyan fans recognize well. The series shares the same drive for exceeding boundaries, so Dragon Ball enthusiasts who appreciate high-risk one-on-ones and rigorous training storylines will feel immediately comfortable.

6) Saint Seiya

In the captivating universe of Saint Seiya, you’re thrust into a realm steeped in mythology. Here, young fighters don mystical garments connected to celestial constellations. Their mission? To safeguard Athena and vanquish divine adversaries. Initially, it appears to be a straightforward tournament; however, it swiftly transforms into grand cosmic conflicts. Expect armor enhancements, unrestrained powers, and enemies who can challenge the gods themselves.

This anime resonates deeply with fans of Dragon Ball, offering intense transformations, passionate attacks driven by raw emotion, and camaraderie-focused banter during battles. However, what sets it apart is its mythical backdrop: armor that grows in strength amidst combat and characters who can harness cosmic energy. If the multiverse battles in Dragon Ball Super left your pulse racing, Saint Seiya recreates that excitement with a celestial, mythological flair.

7) Shaman King

Yoh Asakura’s ambition is straightforward: to be crowned as the Shaman King. This position allows one to unite with the Great Spirit and restructure the world, but achieving it requires winning a fierce competition where every shaman has a spirit ally supporting them in combat. The calm assurance and innate skill that Yoh exudes remind us of Goku’s character. Unlike many protagonists in shonen series, he takes the time to listen during battles, which is truly refreshing.

In this anime, when the protagonist combines with his samurai specter, Amidamaru, the action escalates swiftly. The series skillfully blends sword fights, energy bursts, and exotic spirit shapes that echo the thrilling metamorphoses in Dragon Ball. There’s a diverse cast of adversaries, allies, and enigmatic abilities. It’s not merely about brute force, but about who forges the strongest bond with their spirit. And just like Goku aligning with his companions to conquer the seemingly insurmountable, this emotional connection resonates deeply.

8) Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Edward and Alphonse Elric, siblings, violated the most sacred rule in alchemy: trying to resurrect their mother. Instead, they ended up with missing body parts, mechanical limbs, and their souls trapped within an armored suit. They pursue the Philosopher’s Stone to restore what was lost, but there are high-level conflicts, corrupt administrations, powerful entities playing god, and a multitude of characters who will evoke strong emotions in you – whether affection or disdain.

You won’t find energy explosions and power-ups screaming here – instead, the fights are intelligent, swift, and filled with clever tactics. With alchemy, they can instantly alter the world, leading to thrilling one-on-ones. Edward shows a Goku-like determination, never backing down and always fighting for what’s right. However, this story delves deeper than typical shonen genres. If you’re looking for shonen with brains, emotion, and battles that surpass fistfights, Brotherhood is one of the top choices available.

9) Jujutsu Kaisen

Yuji Itadori was an ordinary teenager, boasting extraordinary strength and a generous spirit, until he ingested a cursed artifact, making him the vessel for Ryomen Sukuna, the notorious Cursed King. While Yuji shares Goku’s determination to fight for others, his journey follows a more sinister path. Unlike Goku, who strives to become stronger, Yuji fights not just for personal growth but to ensure others receive a dignified passing, a concept that resonates with Goku fans as the same profound sense of honor they recognize in him.

From the very start, you’ll encounter intense, rapid-fire action, intricate power dynamics, and fights that resemble high-stakes chess games with fistfights instead of pieces. The magic system in Jujutsu Kaisen operates much like a grittier form of ki, focusing on managing negative energy; each technique is fraught with both risk and potential reward. Boasting stunning animation, intense battles, and rapidly escalating stakes, Jujutsu Kaisen takes the shonen genre to new heights, making it an instant must-watch for those seeking raw power and deep emotional impact.

10) Black Clover

Asta is a person who boldly confronts fate and tells it to go away. Growing up in a world where magic is highly valued, he’s often ridiculed because he lacks any magical abilities. Despite this, he doesn’t give up. In fact, he works out more than anyone else alive and wields an enormous sword that can neutralize any form of magic. His longtime rival, Yuno, possesses powerful magical skills, but Asta continues to push himself harder in response.

What sets this anime apart for Dragon Ball enthusiasts is the strong resemblance between Asta and Goku in terms of their relentless determination. Initially, they have no special abilities but an unyielding spirit, and both rise above everyone else through sheer force of will. However, unlike Goku who follows a divine path with god-like energy and Ultra Instinct, Asta harnesses a darker power, a devilish strength, while maintaining the integrity of his soul.

2025-07-24 05:11