Unveiling the Ultimate Must-Watch Anime for One Piece Fanatics

One Piece undoubtedly stands as one of the most renowned anime series to date, captivating a devoted fan base eagerly awaiting each new episode. However, once viewers have experienced the entirety of the show's extensive one thousand episodes, they may find themselves pondering what other shows could possibly fill the void left behind. Although there are limited anime that closely resemble One Piece's precise plot, thankfully, there are some that capture its themes and storytelling style.

While One Piece outwardly revolves around piracy, at its core, it delves into creating a tight-knit bond among its characters and the pursuit of universal freedom. These themes are expertly developed through the gradual expansion of its world and conflicts, taking full advantage of its more than two decades of serialization. Naturally, some fans are drawn to its distinct power system, exhilarating fights, and the almost episodic nature of the Straw Hats' odyssey along the Grand Line, discovering new islands in each arc. Fortunately, for aficionados of One Piece, a variety of anime exist that mirror these captivating elements of the show.

10 Dragon Ball

9 Hunter x Hunter

Hunter x Hunter captures the spirit of adventure and exhilarating battles found in One Piece with precision. Gon, an adventurous young boy, embarks on a journey to find his elusive father, encountering extraordinary friends and exploring mesmerizing locations, just like the beloved One Piece. The introduction of Nen in the series grants each character their unique abilities, reminiscent of the Devil Fruits in One Piece, resulting in fiercely intense confrontations. Despite delving into darker and more disturbing themes than One Piece, Hunter x Hunter remains an exceptional anime that gratifies the same thirst for exploration as its counterpart.

8 Attack on Titan

Attack on Titan, similarly to One Piece, is an incredibly popular anime. However, its popularity alone is not the reason to recommend it to fans of the world's most famous pirate manga. One Piece is beloved for its overarching plot that delves into the mysteries of its world's history. Fortunately, Attack on Titan shares this captivating aspect, albeit in a much darker and gruesome manner. The series revolves around a group of individuals constantly plagued by man-eating monsters called Titans, as they fight for their survival. While the extreme violence and darker tone may not be suitable for every One Piece fan, the engrossing mysteries within Attack on Titan still make it worthwhile to explore.

7 Fena: Pirate Princess

Despite the immense popularity of One Piece, the number of anime centered around seafaring pirates is surprisingly limited. Fena: Pirate Princess is a notable exception, as it follows the journey of Fena, an orphan seeking to escape her miserable life by joining a group of pirates on the open seas. Unlike many others on this list, this show does not garner universal acclaim and does not closely resemble the storytelling style or deeper themes of One Piece, despite sharing a similar premise. However, fans of One Piece who crave more high-intensity pirate adventures will find Fena: Pirate Princess to be a satisfying choice.

6 Legend of the Galactic Heroes

There are few shows that can compare to One Piece when it comes to the depth of its world's politics, but Legend of the Galactic Heroes easily surpasses them all. This grand space opera spans a vast galaxy and follows members of different factions during an epic war. With over 100 episodes, the political landscape of this conflict evolves in a captivating manner, appealing to fans of One Piece's intricate portrayal of power systems. While some fans may be put off by its dated animation style, there is a more recent remake available for those who wish to watch, although it is not a complete adaptation.

5 Ranking of Kings

Ranking of Kings captures a rare combination of optimism and darkness, reminiscent of One Piece. This anime portrays the journey of Prince Bojji, who strives to become a worthy king. Throughout his path, he encounters fascinating characters, each with a haunting past. Yet, despite these shadows, Bojji's inspiring presence radiates positivity, much like Luffy's impact on his own crew. Furthermore, Ranking of Kings employs a similarly playful art style, reminiscent of One Piece, which amplifies its effectiveness.

4 Cowboy Bebop

While there may be a scarcity of shows centered around naval piracy, there is an abundance of anime that revolves around pirates and outlaws in the vastness of outer space. Although these shows have different settings compared to One Piece, they often delve into similar themes of freedom and the formation of unconventional families. While it may focus on Space Cowboys rather than traditional pirates, Cowboy Bebop stands out as the epitome of a series that explores the same captivating themes as One Piece. Spike, Fay, and Jet may not share the same camaraderie as the Straw Hats, but throughout the show's 26 episodes, they evolve to become a tight-knit surrogate family, just like in One Piece.

3 Made in Abyss

One Piece's classic story structure follows a pattern where the Straw Hats venture to a new island, uncover the hidden darkness within its society, and then rectify the situation before moving on to another captivating location. Made in Abyss adopts a similar framework but elevates One Piece's bleakness to an uncomfortably desolate level. Despite the unsettling nature of its most brutal scenes, the anime skillfully captures the exhilaration of exploration through the optimistic perspective of its protagonist, Riko. Moreover, while the treacherous Abyss poses greater risks than the Grand Line, the allure of exploring each new setting remains equally exhilarating.

2 Fairy Tail

1 Gintama

Fairy Tail, an anime set in the magical realm of Earth-Land, is often regarded as the closest counterpart to One Piece in terms of spiritual connection. This captivating series chronicles the thrilling escapades of the Fairy Tail guild as they undertake a multitude of missions. While echoes of One Piece reverberate throughout Fairy Tail's narrative, it triumphantly stands apart as an entity distinct from its predecessor. Expanding upon various plotlines and boasting its own distinctive charm, Fairy Tail ventures into uncharted territories, captivating One Piece enthusiasts with its refreshing and divergent storytelling.

Gintama is a zany series set in a futuristic version of ancient Japan. Despite its comedic nature, Gintama shares similarities with One Piece in terms of its blend of humor and drama. Both shows strike a similar overarching tone, balancing comedy and seriousness. Gintama also weaves an engaging storyline across numerous episodes, akin to One Piece, while also featuring standalone tales of its main characters lending a helping hand to those in need, just like the Straw Hats. Additionally, by the end of its narrative, Gintama forms a heartwarming Found Family dynamic that rivals the bond shared by the Straw Hats. For devotees of One Piece, Gintama is an absolute must-watch.

Fortunately, One Piece appears to have a promising future, ensuring that fans can continue relishing in new episodes for many years. However, it would be worthwhile for enthusiasts to explore other series listed here that can evoke a similar sensation to Eiichiro Oda's masterpiece. Although nothing can precisely replicate the essence of One Piece, these anime alternatives are equally exceptional.