The 10 Best Anime Like Hunter x Hunter

I have a soft spot in my heart for Hunter x Hunter. It’s almost ludicrous that I didn’t write an article about other anime like Hunter x Hunter because it’s my absolute favorite.

Hunter x Hunter has only two major drawbacks. Firstly, once you’ve finished it, you’ll be disappointed by the manga’s never-ending hiatus. Secondly, you’ll start comparing every shounen to it. And they won’t compare.

For people who don’t know HxH, it’s a Japanese manga written and illustrated by one and only Yoshihiro Togashi. 

Gon and his pals are at the center of the plot, particularly his best friend, Killua, who was a childhood assassin before taking the hunter exam.

Both Killua and Gon eventually become licensed Hunters, a title that comes with its own set of benefits that can make it easier to track down monsters, individuals, or valuables. While encountering dangerous foes and tough situations, the two of them are striving to improve themselves and accomplish Gon’s aim of finding his father.

The manga was adapted into anime, and there are currently two versions: a 1999 version and a 2011 version. The 2011 version is newer and neater. Both are good, though.

To understand how fantastic Hunter x Hunter is, let’s look at its MAL popularity. It is the sixth most popular anime show and the fourth most popular shounen. I swear that it can enhance your stats in real life. Mainly motivation if you are lacking that.

Killua, one of the main characters in HxH, is my ultimate bae. As anyone who reads this blog regularly is probably well aware by now. Killua is my name on Discord, Origin, and virtually in every game.

These 10 anime are similar to Hunter x Hunter.

10. Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic

• Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Magic, Shounen
• Episodes: 25

Why it’s similar

Both series appear to be bright, groovy anime at first glance. But the stories are considerably deeper and darker than you might first anticipate.

They involve youthful characters (Aladin/ Gon) with similar traits who embark on a quest to discover something. They make new friends and get sidetracked from their primary journey during this adventure.

Synopsis

Dispersed around the world, there are several bizarre labyrinths hiding incredible treasures within them. These mysterious places, known as “Dungeons,” are said to be the work of Magi, a class of rare magicians, who also help people build their empires by guiding them to a dungeon. Djinns, supernatural beings that rule over the labyrinths, grant successful conquerors access to their immense power and choose them as potential king candidates to rule the world.

Having spent life in isolation, Aladdin, a kind and young magician, is eager to explore the world upon finally leaving his home behind. He begins his journey only accompanied by his mentor Ugo—a djinn that Aladdin can summon with his flute. However, Aladdin soon becomes friends with the courageous Alibaba Saluja after causing the destruction of a local merchant’s supply cart. In order to pay for the damages, Alibaba suggests that they attempt to conquer the nearest dungeon, taking the first step in an epic adventure that will decide the fate of the world itself.

(Source: MAL)

9. Black Clover

• Genres: Action, Comedy, Magic, Fantasy, Shounen
• Episodes: 121, ongoing

Why it’s similar

Both Hunter x Hunter and Black Clover are battle shounen that follow the journey of an extremely driven young boy. He wants to achieve his dream at all costs. When it comes to naivety and compassion, Asta from Black Clover is very similar to Gon. They are both compassionate and feel sorry even for their foes. You may expect to see a lot of unique abilities, epic battles, as well as some hilarious and heartbreaking moments.

Synopsis

The anime focuses on Asta, a young orphan who lived in an orphanage from his birth along with his fellow orphan, Yuno. The two consider each other rivals but deeply care for each other and dream of becoming “the Wizard King”, the title awarded to the strongest mage of the Kingdom.

Despite being raised together Yuno wields amazing magic power from a young age whilst Asta is not able to utilize his Mana in the form of Magical Power. The fact that Yuno has such talent and Asta is basically considered “useless” in the all-magic world would probably make one give up: but not Asta. He never gives in and follows rough physical training every single day.

Motivated by their mutual desire to become the next Wizard King, they embark on a journey to become Magic Knights.

8. Attack on Titan

• Genres: Action, Military, Mystery, Super Power, Drama, Fantasy, Shounen
• Episodes: 25

Why it’s similar

Because of their grim nature, HxH and AOT are both aimed toward mature audiences.

If you liked the Chimera Ant arc in HxH, you’ll love AOT‘s premise. In Attack on Titan, people are hiding behind walls because monstrous humanoid creatures are devouring them if they are outside. Ants were also quite powerful, so this setting may remind you of how powerless hunters felt when confronted by them. But they did it nonetheless, facing their inner concerns and finding the determination to fight for humanity’s survival, much like the AOT‘s Scouts.

Synopsis

Eren Yaeger’s life is turned upside down when the wall that protects his village from Titans is breached, wreaking havoc on the entire village. He suffers the horrific loss of a close relative and witnesses firsthand the Titans’ heinous power.

After this traumatic experience, Eren decides to devote his life to the elimination of Titans by joining the Survey Corps, an elite military unit that fights the Titans outside the protection of the remaining walls.

Read also: 7 Anime Like Attack On Titan (Shingeki No Kyojin)

7. Kimetsu no Yaiba

• Genres: Action, Historical, Demons, Supernatural, Shounen
• Episodes: 26

Why it’s similar

Both Kimetsu no Yaiba and Hunter x Hunter are excellent action shounen anime.

These anime’s main heroes are optimists who, after undergoing training, become extremely powerful. They don’t train to become famous, but rather for a greater reason. They also have a companion who joins them on their quest for whatever they need to find.

Synopsis

The plot centers around Tanjirou, a young boy whose soul has been scarred by a tragedy: all of his family members were slain by a demon, except his younger sister, Nezuko, who has transformed into one. Tanjirou swears to avenge his family and sets out on a quest to discover a means to restore Nezuko’s humanity.

Related: 7 Must-See Anime Like Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

6. Made in Abyss

• Genres: Sci-Fi, Adventure, Mystery, Drama, Fantasy
• Episodes: 13

Why it’s similar

Both of these shows are fantastic adventure anime with young, optimistic, and naive protagonists. They confront numerous obstacles in their quest to find their missing parent. While traveling throughout the world, they are accompanied by a very faithful companion.

Both of these shows appear lighthearted at first, but when the truth is slowly revealed, they get darker.

Synopsis

Riko, an adventurous girl desperate to find her mother, who had delved to the depths of the Abyss to discover old relics/creatures and never returned to the surface, is the protagonist of Made in Abyss.

Riko encounters a robot boy one fateful day while working in the upper layer of the Abyss, and the two immediately become inseparable. The robot boy, now named Reg, appears to own advanced technology, but he has no recollection of why he ascended from the depths of the Abyss to the top. Riko makes up her mind swiftly and decides to go to the deepest layer of the abyss with Reg’s help, putting her life in danger and learning terrifying things about the Abyss.

5. Boku no Hero Academia

• Genres: Comedy, Superpower, Action, School, Shounen
• Episodes: 13

Why it’s similar

BNHA is similar to anime shows like Hunter x Hunter, Naruto, and Fairy Tail. It has taken some inspiration from almost all of the popular shounen series. It’s only obvious that there will be an underdog main character, superpowers, and tons of action scenes.

The main characters are youths who are put through a difficult exam to see if they are fit to be hunters or heroes in BNHA.

Izuku, the protagonist of BNHA, looks a lot like Gon. He strives to become stronger, puts in a lot of training to improve himself, and gains a new superpower that he must master.

Synopsis

In Boku No Hero Academia, the story of Izuku Midoriya, a young boy who is well-known as a boy without the Quirk, is told. He idolizes and adores pro heroes, very powerful individuals with the most powerful Quirks who protect cities and their citizens from villains. Despite being “useless” and “weak,” he makes a life-changing decision: he will become a pro hero no matter what!

4. One Piece

• Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Super Power, Drama, Fantasy, Shounen
• Episodes: 892, ongoing

Why it’s similar

Aside from the fact that they are both adventurous battle shounen with everything you’d expect (superpowers, spectacular fighting scenes, friendships), the MCs are very similar. Both are young boys who are pure and compassionate (typical simpletons) and who are determined to achieve their objectives and goals.

Synopsis

Gol D. Roger was known as the “Pirate King,” the strongest and most infamous being to have sailed the Grand Line. The capture and execution of Roger by the World Government brought a change throughout the world. His last words before his death revealed the existence of the greatest treasure in the world, One Piece. It was this revelation that brought about the Grand Age of Pirates, men who dreamed of finding One Piece—which promises an unlimited amount of riches and fame—and quite possibly the pinnacle of glory and the title of the Pirate King.

Enter Monkey D. Luffy, a 17-year-old boy who defies your standard definition of a pirate. Rather than the popular persona of a wicked, hardened, toothless pirate ransacking villages for fun, Luffy’s reason for being a pirate is one of pure wonder: the thought of an exciting adventure that leads him to intriguing people and ultimately, the promised treasure. Following in the footsteps of his childhood hero, Luffy and his crew travel across the Grand Line, experiencing crazy adventures, unveiling dark mysteries and battling strong enemies, all in order to reach the most coveted of all fortunes—One Piece.

(Source: MAL)

3. Yuu Yuu Hakusho

• Genres: Action, Comedy, Demons, Supernatural, Martial Arts, Shounen
• Episodes: 112

Why it’s similar

Like Hunter x Hunter, Yuu Yuu Hakusho is an anime jam-packed with action and character development. On top of that, they are both creations of Yoshihiro Togashi. They share themes, characters, and overall vibes.

Yuu Yuu Hakusho also features four main characters, and each of them has unique skills (they use spiritual power, which will surely remind you of nen).

Synopsis

After Yusuke Urameshi passes away in a car accident, he’s brought back to life under one condition: he must become a Spirit Detective. As a Spirit Detective, his job is to solve conflicts between humans and yokai.

(Source: ranker)

2. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

• Genres: Action, Military, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Magic, Fantasy, Shounen
• Episodes: 64

Why it’s similar

Both of these anime are among the most popular shounen anime of all time, which should give you an idea of how amazing they are.

They’re both sophisticated, and non-traditional, and include a dark yet compelling plot as well as fantastic and likable characters. Friendship/brotherhood is a recurring theme. The fights aren’t only for fun; they have a purpose in the series.

Plot Summary

The plot revolves around Edward Elric, an alchemist prodigy who is trying to figure out how to restore his brother’s physical body after a failed transmutation.

1. Naruto

• Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Super Power, Martial Arts, Shounen
• Episodes: 220

Why it’s similar

Naruto was the first that popped into my mind when I thought of anime like Hunter x Hunter.

First and foremost, they are both long-running shounen anime series with plenty of action and meaningful dialogues.

These series’ main protagonists never give up and strive to improve in order to achieve their goals. As a result, they will have to take an exam (Hunter Exam/Chunin Exam) to become a shinobi/hunter for starters. They wish to help not only their friends but everyone in need since they are kind-hearted and sympathetic.

Naruto and HxH are particularly fantastic because of their diverse casts and well-developed characters; you can relate to both villains and “heroes” in equal measure. Aside from that, there is a criminal organization (Phantom Troupe/ Akatsuki).

Plot Summary

The anime is set in the world of ninjas and follows Uzumaki Naruto, a young aspiring ninja who is determined to become the Hokage of his village in order to be recognized and accepted by others.