Okay, be honest with me. Did you also used to rush home from school, flip on Toonami, and get absolutely hypnotized by the epic clashes in Naruto and Bleach? Yeah. Me too.
If you’re searching for the best anime to watch after Naruto and Bleach, that means you know that specific, empty feeling I’m talking about.
Those shows weren’t just entertainment; they were a foundational part of our geek DNA. The heart-pounding intensity of the Chunin Exams, the sheer cool factor of Ichigo’s Bankai… nothing else hit quite the same.
But then… it’s over. You’ve binged all of Shippuden, you’ve seen the final Getsuga Tensho, and you’re left with that weird, empty feeling. What now? The world of anime has kept spinning, but where do you even start? It’s like your favorite MMORPG just shut down, and you’re staring at a launcher full of new games, unsure which one will give you that same rush.
That’s exactly why I made this list. Consider me your hype-woman and guide to the new generation. We’re going to find you your next obsession. These five modern anime are the spiritual successors to The Big Three; they capture that same magic of epic battles, incredible power-ups, and squads you’d ride-or-die for. Your next journey is about to begin.
A Note For One Piece Fans
Hey, nakama! I see you over there, wondering where the Going Merry is docked in this article. Of course, you can’t talk about The Big Three without the king of them all: the still-sailing, ever-expanding masterpiece that is One Piece.
This list is specifically crafted for fans of the concluded stories of Naruto and Bleach. But I would never leave a Straw Hat behind!
If you’re a One Piece fan looking for your next adventure because you’re all caught up, or if its daunting length has you wanting a completed story to dive into, every single anime on this list is also a perfect recommendation for you. You share the same love for epic world-building, quirky crews, and long-term adventure.
In fact, if you love One Piece, you should start with Hunter x Hunter (2011). Here’s why: It has the same sense of limitless adventure and a world that feels truly lived-in, with a power system as deep and creative as Devil Fruits.
What We’re Looking For: The Spirit of the Big Three
Before we dive in, let’s talk about what made Naruto and Bleach so special. It wasn’t just the fights (though, wow, those fights). It was a specific recipe:
- The Underdog Hero: A protagonist who starts with nothing but a crazy dream and sheer stubbornness. Naruto had his Nine-Tails chakra; Ichigo had his massive Reiatsu reserves. They grinded their way to the top.
- “It’s Not an Attack, It’s a Whole Power System”: Deep, customizable power sets. Chakra natures, Jinchuriki, Bankai, Kido… these weren’t just moves; they were entire worlds of combat strategy to get lost in.
- Squad Goals: The found family. Whether it was Team 7 or Ichigo and his fiercely loyal crew, the bonds between characters were just as important as the battles themselves.
- The Long Game: These were epic, hundreds-of-episodes-long journeys with sprawling worlds and lore that felt truly lived-in.
The five shows on this list? They’ve all studied that recipe and added their own delicious flavor. Let’s get to it.
Recommendation 1: For the Love of Powerful Squads & Relentless Underdogs – My Hero Academia
If the core of Naruto was a boy with a dream proving himself to the world, then My Hero Academia (Boku no Hero Academia) is that concept dialed up to eleven in a world of superheroes.
- The Vibe: Imagine the Chunin Exams, but it’s a permanent superhero school where every student is training to get their pro license. It’s got that same mix of intense training arcs, school rivalries, and world-threatening villain attacks.
- Why You’ll Love It: This show gets what we loved. Izuku Midoriya is the ultimate underdog, a quirkless kid who inherits power and has to work harder than anyone to master it. Sound familiar? The Class 1-A students are your new Team 7, each with unique, evolving abilities that make every fight a strategic puzzle. The power system (Quirks) is incredibly creative and constantly evolving, much like discovering new Jutsus or Bankai techniques. If you’re looking for one of the best anime like Naruto Shippuden in terms of pure heart and underdog spirit, this is it.
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Hulu
My Hero Academia is the perfect bridge from the Big Three era to modern anime. It wears its shonen heart on its sleeve, with all the hype, emotion, and epic scale that entails. If you miss the feeling of cheering for a hero as he climbs from the bottom, this is your first stop.
Recommendation 2: For the Love of Dark Supernatural Action – Jujutsu Kaisen
If what you loved most about Bleach was the slick, stylish, and often terrifying world of Soul Reapers and Hollows, then Jujutsu Kaisen is your undeniable next watch. This is the modern king of dark supernatural action.
- The Vibe: Think of it as Bleach meets Hunter x Hunter, with a heavy dose of horror-movie tension. It’s set in a world where Cursed Energy is the source of power, and Jujutsu Sorcerers battle monstrous Curses to protect the living.
- Why You’ll Love It: The power system is incredibly deep and tactical. Cursed Techniques feel as unique and personal as Zanpakuto abilities. The fight choreography is some of the best ever put to animation, smooth, creative, and brutally impactful. Yuji Itadori, the protagonist, is a refreshing mix of Ichigo’s raw power and determination with a much goofier, more good-hearted personality. Plus, the ensemble cast is fantastic.
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Jujutsu Kaisen captures the cool factor of Bleach’s sword fights and supernatural hierarchy and mixes it with a constant, high-stakes dread. It’s a perfect pick for anyone asking for modern shonen anime recommendations that are a little darker and more visually stunning.
If you are a Marvel fan, specifically an Avengers fan, then the article Jujutsu Kaisen for Marvel Fans: The Ultimate Guide to the Avengers of Anime could entice you to explore Anime.
Recommendation 3: For the Love of Breathtaking Art & a Simple, Powerful Quest – Demon Slayer
While Naruto and Bleach had their iconic moments, Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba) takes anime spectacle to a whole new level. If you want to see what modern animation studios can achieve, this is your show. It proves that a relatively simple story, told with unparalleled heart and visual mastery, can be just as powerful as the most complex lore.
- The Vibe: A historical fantasy where demon slayers wield elemental breathing techniques to protect humanity. The core story is a straightforward tale of family and vengeance, but it’s executed flawlessly.
- Why You’ll Love It: The connection between Tanjiro and his sister, Nezuko, is the emotional core that drives the entire series, much like Naruto’s desire to bring Sasuke home. But the undeniable star is the animation. Every fight is a visual symphony of water, fire, and lightning effects that will leave your jaw on the floor. The power system, while simpler than Nen or Cursed Energy, is visually spectacular and easy to get invested in.
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Hulu
Don’t let the simple premise fool you. Demon Slayer is an emotional powerhouse and a visual feast. It’s the perfect choice if you want to be reminded of the pure, awe-inspiring beauty that anime can achieve.
Recommendation 4: For the Love of Subverting Tropes & Raw Action – Chainsaw Man
If you adored the core action of the Big Three but are now craving something that completely flips the script on classic shonen tropes, Chainsaw Man is the wild, unpredictable, and brilliant ride you need. It’s a genre-blending masterpiece that feels both familiar and utterly original.
- The Vibe: Imagine if Bleach’s supernatural contract system (Zanpakuto) was replaced with dangerous pacts with Devils, and the protagonist was less a heroic Ichigo and more a… well, a boy with simple desires caught in a very violent world. It’s gritty, darkly hilarious, and unflinchingly creative.
- Why You’ll Love It: It has the non-stop, inventive action and power system you crave, but it constantly subverts your expectations. The characters are deeply flawed, complex, and unforgettable. It captures the hype of a big shonen battle but isn’t afraid to get weird, philosophical, and deeply emotional in ways the Big Three rarely attempted.
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Hulu
Chainsaw Man is for the fan who has seen it all. It respects the shonen format enough to play with its rules, creating something fresh, shocking, and utterly compelling. It’s a testament to how the genre is evolving.
Recommendation 5: The Perfect Bridge – Hunter x Hunter (2011)
I know, I know. This one isn’t “new.” But hear me out. If you haven’t seen it since the Big Three era, or if you skipped it entirely, the 2011 adaptation of Hunter x Hunter is arguably the most perfect anime to watch after Naruto and Bleach. It is the ultimate evolution of the complex power systems and strategic battles those shows pioneered.
- The Vibe: It starts deceptively light-hearted but evolves into the most strategically dense and emotionally deep shonen ever made. It follows Gon Freecss as he takes the Hunter Exam to find his father, but it quickly expands into a world of incredible scope and darkness.
- Why You’ll Love It: This is the anime that inspired a generation of modern creators. The power system, Nen, is the gold standard, a logical, customizable, and incredibly deep structure that makes every fight a high-stakes chess match. If you loved theorizing about Chakra natures or Bankai abilities, you will become utterly obsessed with Nen.
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix
Hunter x Hunter is the timeless classic that connects the old era to the new. It takes the shonen foundation laid by the Big Three and perfects it. It is essential viewing and arguably the greatest shonen anime of all time.
Your New Journey Begins
See? That void doesn’t feel so big anymore, does it? The spirit of The Big Three is alive and well; it’s just evolved, spread out, and found new, incredible ways to tell stories.
The world of anime didn’t get worse after Naruto and Bleach ended; it got bigger, more diverse, and more daring. Whether you choose the superheroics of My Hero Academia, the cursed energy of Jujutsu Kaisen, the breathtaking art of Demon Slayer, the chaotic brilliance of Chainsaw Man, or the timeless masterpiece of Hunter x Hunter, you’re in for an unforgettable experience.
Your next great adventure is ready for you to hit play.
Loving the hype of new releases?
If you’re buzzing from this list and want to dive into the newest, most talked-about action anime, you have to check out our deep dives on the latest sensations:
- Solo Leveling: Is it the ultimate power fantasy? Read our full review and find out.
- Kaiju No. 8: Does it live up to the massive hype? See why this monster-smashing thriller is a must-watch.
Now I have to ask you! This list is just the start of the conversation.
- What was your #1 favorite from the Big Three era, and which of these modern picks are you most excited to start?
- Did we miss one of your favorite modern shonen anime? Shout it out in the comment, let everyone know what to add to their list!
Let me know below, what’s your anime to watch after Naruto and Bleach!
