Which Anime Series Should You Watch Next?

Originally published April 15, 2026. This article covers popular anime series and recommends similar underrated titles for fans to watch next.

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Anime is one of the most popular animation techniques in the modern world. Beloved by fans of all ages, anime is a Japanese art form which now dominates television and film charts globally. American cartoons and Chinese donghua have even achieved a type of popularity renaissance thanks to interest in anime. That is especially significant in an entertainment industry that consistently favors live action; just consider the amount of current remakes of classic Disney movies.

Yet the explosion of anime merch in stores, including anime figures and posters, speaks to a significant cultural shift. So we want to wish a very happy Anime Day to the fans who keep watching, promoting, and celebrating their favorite shows — plus share a few recommendations for what to watch. Below, browse popular anime titles, and then keep reading to find underrated or older alternatives to check out next time you open your preferred streaming service.

• One Piece / SK8 the Infinity
• The Apothecary Diaries / xxxHolic
• Sailor Moon / Cardcaptor Sakura
• The Summer Hikaru Died / No.6
• Jujutsu Kaisen / Durarara!!
• Demon Slayer / Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
• Naruto / My Hero Academia
• Chainsaw Man / Attack on Titan
• Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End / Fairy Tail
• Delicious in Dungeon / Black Butler

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If you like One Piece, watch SK8 the Infinity

• Similarities: goofy powers, ostentatious costumes, endearing friendships
• Differences: setting and scope

One Piece is set on the high seas, while SK8 The Infinity takes place in a small town. Yet the heart of both series revolves around friendship and perseverance. Both animes feature characters with incredible powers and designs who inspire each other to do and be good.

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If you like The Apothecary Diaries, watch xxxHolic

• Similarities: female-led, mystical, swoonworthy
• Differences: one has a pseudo-historical setting while the other features witches and ghosts

Recently, The Apothecary Diaries has gained major momentum. If dynamic women and fascinating relationships are your thing, you should also check out xxxHolic. Although xxxHolic, unlike The Apothecary Diaries, has magic and ghosts, both are compelling female-driven dramas that ignite immense curiosity.

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If you like Sailor Moon, watch Cardcaptor Sakura

• Similarities: magical girls, guardian creatures, sweeping romance
• Differences: size of cast, origin of magical powers

You can’t go wrong with sparkling costumes and transformation sequences! Both Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura are cutesy, with fanciful costumes and kawaii animals. Yet they also have emotional depth that resonates in real life.

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If you like The Summer Hikaru Died, watch No.6

• Similarities: queer characters, intimate tone
• Differences: genre, protagonists’ ages, political commentary

First, we must apologize. No.6 is sort of lost media, and therefore incredibly difficult to find. But it is also a must-watch for fans of The Summer Hikaru Died. Both series are quietly intense and emotionally complex. And they each feature explorations of identity that will break and heal your heart after every episode.

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If you like Jujutsu Kaisen, watch Durarara!!

• Similarities: horror elements, mystery and intrigue, modern setting
• Differences: character motivations, stakes

Explosions. Intrigue. A killer atmosphere. All of these are facets of Jujutsu Kaisen — as well as the long under-appreciated anime Durarara!! Don’t get us wrong; they’re plenty different, especially as JJK delves deeper into its own lore. Durarara!! is a little more rooted in reality. But both are fun, unpredictable fantasies.

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If you like Demon Slayer, watch Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

• Similarities: focus on sibling dynamics, intense action, mature themes
• Differences: one is a religious allegory while the other centers on mythological demons

Sometimes, sibling drama is a lot more entertaining and compelling than contrived romance. Demon Slayer and Fullmetal Alchemist excel at storytelling, especially as they focus on brothers and sisters who would die and kill for each other if necessary. Beautifully animated and wonderfully told, these are standouts on our list.

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If you like Naruto, watch My Hero Academia

• Similarities: young characters, team dynamics, adventurous
• Differences: super heroes versus ninjas, setting

We get it — you like things that are a little silly. But they can also turn serious at a moment’s notice. Featuring massive casts and characters of every conceivable personality, Naruto and My Hero Academia are staple shonen anime. And they both have tons of episodes to keep you entertained for hours.

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If you like Chainsaw Man, watch Attack on Titan

• Similarities: Moral ambiguity, complex characters, horror genre
• Differences: present day versus dystopian future, one has sci-fi aspects

So, you like to challenge your perceptions and you love major twists. Violent and visceral, Chainsaw Man and Attack on Titan constantly cause their audiences to question who or what is “right.” Chainsaw Man is raunchier than AoT, but AoT is far drearier. Watch both — or either — with extreme discretion.

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If you like Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, watch Fairy Tail

• Similarities: elves and other creatures, pursuit of magical knowledge
• Differences: one is about the journey while the other focuses on the aftermath

Fantasy isn’t only escapist. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is a meditation on grief and how we are shaped by those around us. Similarly, Fairy Tail showcases the impact of friendships — but as they progress, not in flashbacks. Both series include elves as well as other fantasy races or magic users.

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If you like Delicious in Dungeon, watch Black Butler

• Similarities: Incredible food art, monstrous villains, English fantasy setting
• Differences: one is essentially Dungeons & Dragons while the other is set during the Victorian era

If your taste is for monsters and magic, these series are for you. Naturally, Delicious in Dungeon — or Dungeon Meshi — appeals to the appetite. Black Butler does, too. Set in the Victorian era, these dishes will leave your mouth watering. Which is good, because in the next instant, it’ll go dry from how scared you are!

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Have you added any of these anime series to your watchlist? Do you have any other recommendations? Share your picks with other fans at side.show/geekgroup or in the Sideshow Social Network. And as always, don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!