Soul Eater takes place in the Death Weapon Meister Academy, where students pair up as Meisters and living weapons to fight Witches and twisted souls. Maka Albarn and her partner Soul join forces with classmates to face increasingly dangerous enemies, including the cunning Witch Medusa. The mix of sharp action, unique powers, and strong bonds between characters makes it a natural pick for Naruto fans. | © Media Factory
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure looks and feels unlike any other anime, with a bold art style that instantly sets it apart. Each part introduces new characters and fresh settings, keeping the series from ever feeling stale. From Victorian duels to prison break drama, the mix of wild fights and eccentric personalities makes JoJo endlessly entertaining. | © Viz Media
InuYasha mixes fantasy adventure with romance that actually feels genuine, unlike the rushed pairings in Naruto. Watching Kagome and Inuyasha’s relationship grow over time makes their ending together feel truly earned. Rumiko Takahashi’s knack for creating fiery yet lovable characters gives the series a timeless appeal. | © Madman Entertainment
Bleach may not get the same spotlight as Naruto, but it stands shoulder to shoulder in popularity. Both series struggle with filler, yet Bleach often turns it into a strength rather than a weakness. Arcs like the Zanpakuto Rebellion expand on the characters in ways Naruto’s filler never managed, making even the detours worth watching. | © Viz Media
Jujutsu Kaisen fixes one of Naruto’s biggest flaws by giving its female characters real depth and agency. Nobara, Maki, and others aren’t just side figures – their stories and strengths often outshine the men around them. Paired with slick animation and a sharper, darker tone, the series feels more engaging from the start. | © Crunchyroll
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood feels like a rare mix of mainstream appeal and serious storytelling, offering comedy, action, and tragedy in equal measure. The remake fixes the flaws of the first adaptation, following the manga more closely and delivering a story that grows richer with every episode. Superior animation, tighter pacing, and unforgettable characters make it an instant classic that continues to define modern anime. | © Crunchyroll
Hunter x Hunter may start lighthearted, but it quickly reveals a much darker, more intense story. The characters are pushed to their limits both physically and mentally, making the battles as psychological as they are brutal. With a gripping soundtrack and unforgettable arcs, it’s an anime that keeps you on edge from start to finish. | © Viz Media
Samurai Champloo mixes Edo-period Japan with hip-hop, and the blend feels effortless. Mugen, Jin, and Fuu journey through wild adventures and clashing personalities, with Nujabes’ soundtrack making every fight and quiet moment unforgettable. The bittersweet ending ties it all together in a way that feels stylish and complete. | © Fuji Television
Death Note proves anime doesn’t need nonstop battles to keep you hooked, instead drawing you into a tense game of cat and mouse. The battle of wits between Light and L is sharp, unpredictable, and layered with clever twists that keep you second-guessing. It’s an intelligent thriller that delivers constant surprises, making it one of the most gripping anime experiences out there. | © VIZ Media
Attack on Titan sets a new standard for anime with breathtaking visuals, powerful writing, and an atmosphere that keeps you on edge every episode. The story unfolds like a mystery, layered with shocking twists, emotional character arcs, and dialogue that sticks with you long after the credits. Between the epic battles, haunting music, and flawless voice work, it feels less like a show and more like a full-scale masterpiece. | © Crunchyroll
Studio Bones struck gold with My Hero Academia, giving shonen fans a polished, seasonal series instead of endless weekly pacing. The anime keeps its story tight with only a handful of filler episodes, avoiding the bloat that weighed down Naruto. With sharp action and a superhero twist on classic shonen themes, it stands as a worthy modern counterpart. | © Crunchyroll
Demon Slayer shares some flaws with Naruto, like overused flashbacks, but it shines far brighter in other ways. Ufotable’s stunning animation makes every fight feel like a visual spectacle, with even the longest sword swings holding attention. Add in record-breaking box office success, and it’s clear this series carved out an achievement Naruto never reached. | © Crunchyroll
One Piece has grown into a phenomenon that no longer feels like a test of patience but a journey worth every step, even past a thousand episodes. Luffy’s story delivers emotional highs and heartbreaking tales of oppression that rival, and often surpass, Naruto’s most powerful moments. With recent arcs like Wano and Gear 5 setting new standards for anime battles, it’s clear One Piece has reached heights Naruto could only chase. | © Crunchyroll
Kingdom begins with rough early seasons and awkward CGI, but it has grown into something far stronger over time. Xin’s rise from an orphaned slave to a soldier chasing the title of “greatest general under the heavens” echoes Naruto’s own dream, but with a heavier focus on the realities of war. Today, the series delivers gripping battles, sharp character work, and a far more mature take on ambition and conflict. | © Crunchyroll
Vinland Saga stands out with two incredible seasons, Wit Studio’s intense opening and MAPPA’s thoughtful continuation. Thorfinn’s story shifts from chasing glory on the battlefield to seeking peace as a way to escape endless suffering. Where Naruto speaks of peace in ideals, Vinland Saga shows the darker struggle to reach it and the human toll it leaves behind. | © Crunchyroll
Naruto is one of the most beloved shonen anime ever made, but it isn’t the only series worth your time. Plenty of other shows bring sharper storytelling, stronger characters, or fresher ideas to the table. Here are 15 anime that many fans consider even better than Naruto.
