10 New Anime That Prove Dragon Ball’s Influence Lives On

Some anime leave an indelible mark, shaping the genre for years to come. Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball is undoubtedly one of them, a powerhouse that defined action anime for a generation. But the legacy of high-stakes battles, ever-escalating power levels, and unforgettable heroes continues. The new wave of anime, often dubbed “new-gen,” carries that torch, delivering thrilling action, compelling characters, and a spirit that echoes the iconic Saiyan saga.

Here are 10 new-gen anime that promise to keep Dragon Ball’s legacy alive:

10. Jujutsu Kaisen

MAPPA’s Jujutsu Kaisen introduces Yuji Itadori, a boy with abnormal physical abilities who stumbles upon the dark world of curses. An encounter forces him to become a vessel for Ryomen Sukuna, the most powerful and evil curse user in history. Thanks to his unique ability to suppress Sukuna’s power, Yuji is tasked with fighting curses until his superiors can execute him, along with Sukuna’s soul.

While Jujutsu Kaisen’s narrative is distinct from Dragon Ball, its creative and stunning fight choreography captures the essence of Dragon Ball’s stellar action. Combined with a captivating cast and story, it’s clear why Jujutsu Kaisen has become a modern icon for anime fans, both old and new.

Top 5 Best Anime Like Jujutsu Kaisen

9. Dandadan

Science Saru’s Dandadan follows Momo Ayase and Okarun, two teenagers obsessed with aliens and the supernatural. Their lives are permanently altered after an encounter with both, granting them supernatural powers (and costing Okarun his genitalia). As they work together to reclaim what they’ve lost while battling supernatural threats, a budding romance blossoms.

Dandadan may not share a direct narrative link with Dragon Ball, but its fun, engaging character writing and incredible action sequences create an undeniably similar appeal. It’s one of the best new-gen anime available, and with Dandadan Season 2 on the horizon, its impact is only set to grow.

8. Solo Leveling

A-1 Pictures’ Solo Leveling is set in a world where awakened individuals, known as Hunters, challenge mystical Gates for profit and protection. Among them is Sung Jinwoo, widely considered the weakest Hunter with his E-Rank status. However, a near-death experience grants Jinwoo a video game-esque power, allowing him to slowly surpass everyone, even if it means risking his humanity.

With its gorgeous artwork and dynamic action scenes, Solo Leveling’s revolutionary production values have quickly propelled it to global recognition. In many ways, Solo Leveling is the modern Dragon Ball—a non-stop action anime that has taken the world by storm, a testament to its widespread appeal.

Top 10 Best Anime Like Solo Leveling

7. Yaiba: Samurai Legend

WIT Studio’s Yaiba: Samurai Legend centers on Yaiba Kurogane, a boy raised in the jungle who comes to the city to pursue his dream of becoming a master samurai. Complications arise when his rival gains demonic powers and seeks world domination, forcing Yaiba to find a way to match his strength and protect his new friends.

Yaiba’s short stature, lack of social awareness, and obsession with fighting make him a dead ringer for Kid Goku. But it’s the goofy comedy and incredible action scenes that truly make Yaiba: Samurai Legend perfect for fans craving that classic Dragon Ball feel. While the original Yaiba anime from the ’90s had this charm, the remake offers a superior representation.

6. Me & Roboco

Studio Gallop’s Me & Roboco introduces Bondo Taira, a boy who finally convinces his family to get him an OrderMaid. Instead of the cute and obedient robot he expected, Bondo receives Roboco, a clumsy and eccentric maid whose presence turns his life into an increasingly absurd comedy.

While Dragon Ball is best known for its action, it has always had a core of action-comedy. With its absurdist humor and tendency for the delightfully bizarre, Me & Roboco is a perfect watch for anyone nostalgic for the comedic elements of Dragon Ball and Akira Toriyama’s writing in general. It’s an underrated gem in the comedy anime genre, even without the Dragon Ball connection.

5. One-Punch Man

J.C.Staff’s One-Punch Man features Saitama, a former salaryman who takes up superheroics as a hobby. After three years of intense training, Saitama debuts with two new problems: he’s gone bald, and he’s become so strong he can defeat anyone in a single punch, making his superhero career incredibly boring.

Both the One-Punch Man anime and manga are renowned for the ever-escalating scale of their battles and the gorgeous artwork and animation that accompany them. The sheer magnitude of One-Punch Man’s action makes it perfect for those who sought the same in Dragon Ball. While Season 2 saw a dip in quality, fans eagerly anticipate One-Punch Man Season 3 to restore its former glory.

4. Black Clover

Studio Pierrot’s Black Clover stars Asta, a boy who dreams of becoming the Wizard King, the strongest wizard in the Clover Kingdom. Initially handicapped by his inability to use magic, a mysterious grimoire grants him the power of anti-magic, finally giving him a chance to prove himself as his home faces a world-ending crisis.

Not only does Asta echo Goku as a dim-witted hero with immense willpower, but the magic system in Black Clover is highly reminiscent of Dragon Ball’s energy attacks, with characters even developing Super Saiyan-like transformations. Coupled with the immense scale of its combat, Black Clover stands as one of the best anime of the 2010s for capturing Dragon Ball’s appeal.

3. My Hero Academia

Bones Film’s My Hero Academia is set in a world where superpowers, or Quirks, have made superheroes a part of everyday life. Izuku Midoriya is one of the rare few born Quirkless, yet he still aspires to be a hero. A chance encounter with his idol, All Might, sets Izuku on the path to becoming the world’s greatest hero.

While My Hero Academia might not seem to have much direct overlap with Dragon Ball on the surface, its art style shares a similar simplicity, effectively enhancing its creative and excellent fight choreography. My Hero Academia excels at capturing the core aesthetic that makes Dragon Ball great, contributing significantly to its enjoyment.

Top 5 Best Anime Like My Hero Academia

2. Dragon Quest: The Adventure Of Dai

In Toei Animation’s Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai, 10 years after the Hero Avan saved the world, an even stronger villain, the Dark King Vearn, emerges. After a fated encounter with Hadlar, it falls to a young boy named Dai to become the next Hero and, alongside his friends, defeat the Dark King Vearn and restore peace.

Beyond Dragon Ball, Akira Toriyama famously co-created the iconic Dragon Quest franchise, and that influence is perfectly palpable here. Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai perfectly captures Dragon Ball’s aesthetic with its fun adventure narrative and thrilling fight scenes. The 2020 adaptation is the first complete adaptation of the story, offering an unparalleled way to experience this phenomenal tale.

1. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba

Ufotable’s Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba takes place in a world plagued by man-eating demons. One day, a demon slaughters Tanjiro Kamado’s family and turns his sister into a demon. From that moment, Tanjiro dedicates himself to becoming a Demon Slayer, ridding the world of demons while striving to turn Nezuko back into a human.

Thanks to its incredible visuals and heartfelt writing, Demon Slayer has taken the world by storm to an unprecedented degree, arguably succeeding Dragon Ball as the most popular anime franchise globally. The series’ exceptional quality more than justifies this reputation, making it the prime example of a new-gen anime carrying Dragon Ball’s enduring legacy.