For dedicated fans of Hunter x Hunter, the anticipation for new content can often feel like a never-ending wait. Yoshihiro Togashi’s acclaimed series is revered for its exceptional world-building, intricately developed characters, strategic battles, and a power system that prizes creativity over sheer might. This masterful blend of adventure, camaraderie, and progressively darker themes has entranced viewers globally.
If you find yourself yearning for narratives that echo the emotional depth and thrill of Gon’s journey, you’re in for a treat. The realm of anime houses several series that resonate with the essence of Hunter x Hunter, each infusing their own distinct flair into the storytelling.
10 Tokyo Ghoul
A Monster Hiding in Plain Sight, Just Like Killua
On the surface, Tokyo Ghoul appears distant from the universe of Hunters and Nen. However, a closer examination reveals a labyrinth of psychological turmoil, moral ambiguity, and the quintessential coming-of-age struggles familiar to fans of Hunter x Hunter.
Kaneki Ken begins as an unassuming university student, gentle and introspective, with a profound love for literature. His journey transcends the pursuit of power; it is a quest for self-discovery and an exploration of the remnants of his humanity.
This internal struggle mirrors Killua’s quest for identity amidst his turbulent lineage as an assassin. Both characters navigate dual realities, constantly confronting the primal instincts that threaten to overshadow their better selves. Kaneki’s transformation is fraught with chaos and bloodshed, echoing Killua’s complex evolution.
9 Hell’s Paradise
A Beautiful Death Game You Can’t Escape From
At its heart, Hell’s Paradise embodies the theme of survival within an otherworldly setting populated by dangerous flora and menacing creatures. The narrative revolves around criminals and executioners stranded on a mythical island, a premise reminiscent of the treacherous environments found in Hunter x Hunter‘s Greed Island and Chimera Ant arcs.
The protagonist, Gabimaru the Hollow, is a condemned shinobi. He is offered a final chance at redemption: to venture to the perilous island of Shinsenkyo and procure the Elixir of Life. This journey is fraught with danger as he is paired with an executioner, adding layers of tension to their interactions.
The series masterfully intertwines psychological drama, intense combat, and an intricate power system rooted in Tao energies, making it a stellar pick for fans of Hunter x Hunter.
8 Jujutsu Kaisen
Nen Meets Cursed Energy in the Best Way Possible
The parallels between Jujutsu Kaisen and Hunter x Hunter are clear, enriched by the lineage of their creators. Gege Akutami, the author of Jujutsu Kaisen, has cited Togashi as a significant influence on his work.
Central to the plot is Yuji Itadori, a high school student who inadvertently becomes the host for a powerful curse named Sukuna. His introduction into the realm of Jujutsu sorcerers bears a striking resemblance to the adventures of Gon and Killua as they delve into the world of Nen and Hunters.
With a meticulously crafted power system where Cursed Techniques operate on principles of logic and strategy, Jujutsu Kaisen mirrors the depth and complexity of Nen, making it an engaging watch for fans seeking thrills and intricacies.
7 Black Clover
Asta’s Willpower Is Gon-Like to Its Core
Despite early criticisms of being “just another shonen, ”Black Clover has carved its niche within the genre and resonates with fans of Hunter x Hunter.
At the forefront is Asta, an exuberant orphan who, despite lacking magical abilities in a world flooded with magic, aspires to become the Wizard King. This underdog drive mirrors Gon’s quest to find his father amid overwhelming odds.
What elevates Black Clover is not solely Asta’s individual journey; it’s also the dynamic relationships and camaraderie within the Magic Knights squad, particularly the Black Bulls, evoking the same chaotic yet loyal spirit found in Gon and Killua’s group.
The show’s nuanced magic system, which champions creativity over brute force, will resonate strongly with those appreciative of Nen’s intricate mechanics.
6 My Hero Academia
More Than Just Quirks, It’s the Pain Behind the Power
My Hero Academia appears, at first, to be a straightforward tale of heroes and villains. However, a deeper analysis reveals it as a narrative about young individuals maturing in a complex world filled with moral dilemmas.
Though Izuku Midoriya may seem worlds apart from Gon initially, their emotional motivations resonate similarly. Both characters are inspired by figures they admire—Gon seeks his father, while Deku looks up to All Might—only to discover the world is far more nuanced than they had believed.
The show excels in portraying this complexity as it delves into the backstories of characters like the League of Villains, exploring themes that turn increasingly dark, parallel to the evolution of Hunter x Hunter from light-hearted beginnings to profound moral inquiries.
While My Hero Academia dazzles with flashy powers, it shares the essence of tactical thinking, emotional stakes, and resilience found in critical arcs of Hunter x Hunter, such as during the Shie Hassaikai and Paranormal Liberation War arcs.
5 Demon Slayer
Kindness Can Be a Weapon Too
Few anime strike an emotional chord as deeply as Demon Slayer. While it may lack the intricate world-building of Hunter x Hunter, it more than compensates with its heartfelt narrative.
Tanjiro Kamado stands out as one of the most compassionate protagonists in contemporary anime, a quality he shares with Gon. However, Tanjiro’s kindness serves as a formidable strength in his battle against demons, driven by a desire to protect others, including his sister Nezuko, who has been transformed into a demon.
This theme of recognizing humanity within adversaries parallels the Chimera Ant arc, where even seemingly monstrous figures like Meruem and Neferpitou exhibit emotional depth and nobility.
Visually, Demon Slayer sets a new standard for animation and fight choreography within the industry, particularly showcased in sequences like Rengoku vs. Akaza. Beyond its animation excellence, it resonates with Hunter x Hunter fans through its portrayal of strength as a consequence of personal sacrifice and unwavering determination.
4 One Piece
Adventure With Consequences and A Crew That Feels Like Family
If Hunter x Hunter explores the personal costs associated with growth, then One Piece delves into the price of freedom. Both series transform standard shonen tropes into timeless narratives that evoke deep emotional resonance and epic scale.
Luffy’s pursuit to become the King of the Pirates aligns closely with Gon’s quest to locate his father, both embodying the spirit of adventurous youth embarking on perilous journeys shrouded in mystery.
However, what distinguishes One Piece is its unparalleled world-building. Each island, from Enies Lobby to Dressrosa, is as imaginative and intricately structured as the settings of Hunter x Hunter, such as Heaven’s Arena and Greed Island. The Duff Fruits and Haki power systems necessitate both strategic thinking and emotional depth.
Notably, the Enies Lobby arc mirrors the emotional stakes of Hunter x Hunter, as Luffy and his crew engage in a desperate battle against the World Government to rescue their own. The themes of loyalty and moral complexity resonate strongly with Gon’s determination to save Kite, even at a profound personal cost.
3 Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Equivalent Exchange and the Cost of Wanting More
Not only does Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood evoke the essence of Hunter x Hunter, but it also feels like it shares a narrative universe. Both series are marked by their emotional depth, profound philosophical themes, and character growth that unfolds across arcs.
The Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse, embark on a harrowing journey fueled by dark memories of loss and a quest for restoration. The intricate moral dilemmas posed throughout their adventure resonate with those found in Hunter x Hunter, where the lines between right and wrong blur.
Every decision in Fullmetal Alchemist carries weight, as every figure, including minor characters, leaves an indelible mark on the unfolding story. Antagonists like Lust and Father symbolize greater existential threats than mere villains.
Both series interrogate the nature of power—what it can achieve, what it should accomplish, and the sacrifices entailed in the pursuit of ambition.
2 JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
Nen If It Got Dressed Up for a Fashion Show
At first glance, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure appears to diverge drastically from Hunter x Hunter. It boasts flamboyant characters and exaggerated battles, yet upon closer inspection, it unveils a sophisticated power system and strategic combat mechanics that hold true to its depth.
The Stands in JoJo operate similarly to Nen; they offer unique, personalized abilities that come with intricate conditions. Each skirmish resembles a calculated game of chess, emphasizing intellect over brute force, particularly in legendary arcs like Stardust Crusaders.
Moreover, JoJo’s emphasis on generational storytelling—a lineage of heroes showcased across different parts—echoes the narrative development found in Hunter x Hunter, intertwining the fate of Gon and his father, Ging.
If Nen had a high-fashion consultant, it would undoubtedly collaborate with Dio, encapsulating the vibrancy and style that characterize both series.
1.Yu Yu Hakusho
The Older Brother Hunter x Hunter Fans Never Knew They Had
This series serves as the precursor to all that Hunter x Hunter later expanded upon.
Yu Yu Hakusho was Yoshihiro Togashi’s breakout work before he created Hunter x Hunter. While it follows a more traditional shonen outline featuring spirit energy and martial arts tournaments, it established the groundwork for many themes and narratives that would later be refined in Togashi’s succeeding work.
The story follows Yusuke Urameshi, a delinquent who unexpectedly finds himself a Spirit Detective after sacrificing his life for a child. His journey of redemption leads him through intricate plotlines involving supernatural phenomena and deeper conspiracies that threaten both realms.
The Dark Tournament arc in Yu Yu Hakusho paved the way for the Heaven’s Arena and Greed Island arcs. The political machinations in the Chapter Black Saga resonate with the psychological narratives found in the Yorknew City arc of Hunter x Hunter. Characters like Hiei and Kurama have their own tragic tales, similar to beloved figures like Killua and Kurapika.
If you’re a fan of Hunter x Hunter and have yet to experience Yu Yu Hakusho, you are missing an essential piece of the tapestry.
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