Introduction
Few anime combine adventure, strategy, character growth, and worldbuilding as well as Hunter x Hunter. Whether you enjoyed Gon and Killua’s journey, the creative Nen power system, or the series’ unpredictable story arcs, finding another anime that delivers the same experience can be difficult.
If you’re searching for anime like Hunter x Hunter, the best choices aren’t simply action-heavy shonen series. The most satisfying recommendations are those that share its sense of exploration, intelligent battles, memorable character relationships, and carefully built worlds.
This spoiler-free list introduces five anime that capture different aspects of what makes Hunter x Hunter so enjoyable. Some focus on adventure and exploration, while others emphasize tactical combat, deep worldbuilding, or compelling character development.
Quick List: Best Anime Like Hunter x Hunter
- Yu Yu Hakusho — The closest match in storytelling, character growth, and battle style.
- Made in Abyss — A breathtaking adventure with outstanding worldbuilding.
- Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic — Fantasy exploration and memorable character development.
- Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood — Rich worldbuilding and strategic action.
- World Trigger — Tactical team battles and one of anime’s best combat systems.
1. Yu Yu Hakusho
What It Is About
Created by the same author as Hunter x Hunter, Yu Yu Hakusho follows Yusuke Urameshi, a teenage delinquent who unexpectedly becomes a Spirit Detective after a life-changing event. His new role leads him into battles against powerful supernatural enemies while forming strong friendships along the way.
Why You Should Watch It After Hunter x Hunter
If you loved Hunter x Hunter’s balance of action, strategy, humor, and character development, Yu Yu Hakusho is the closest recommendation you can find.
Although it was released earlier, many ideas that fans love in Hunter x Hunter—creative battles, memorable rivals, tournament arcs, and meaningful character growth—can already be seen here. It delivers a familiar feeling while telling its own unique story.
Similarities to Hunter x Hunter
Characters
- A determined young protagonist who grows through difficult challenges.
- Strong friendships and memorable rivals drive much of the story.
Action and Progression
- Strategic battles instead of simple power scaling.
- Every major opponent requires different tactics and abilities.
Story and Tone
- Balances exciting action with humor, emotional moments, and adventure.
- Gradually expands its world as the story progresses.
Who Will Like It Most
- Fans who enjoyed the Hunter Exam, Heaven’s Arena, and the series’ classic battle shonen atmosphere.
2. Made in Abyss
What It Is About
Made in Abyss follows a young girl named Riko and her mysterious companion Reg as they descend into the Abyss, a gigantic unexplored chasm filled with incredible creatures, ancient relics, and countless mysteries.
Every new layer reveals unique environments and dangerous challenges, making exploration the heart of the series.
Why You Should Watch It After Hunter x Hunter
One of Hunter x Hunter’s greatest strengths is its sense of discovery. Whether exploring new regions or uncovering hidden secrets, every arc introduces something fresh and unexpected.
Made in Abyss creates a similar feeling through its breathtaking worldbuilding and constant sense of adventure. While its tone becomes more intense over time, the excitement of exploring an unknown world is remarkably similar.
Similarities to Hunter x Hunter
World and Setting
- Deep, carefully constructed worldbuilding.
- Exploration is just as important as combat.
Story and Tone
- Begins with wonder and curiosity before gradually raising the stakes.
- Constantly introduces new mysteries without relying on repetitive storytelling.
Characters
- Young protagonists who mature through difficult experiences.
- Strong emotional bonds between traveling companions.
Who Will Like It Most
- Viewers who loved Greed Island, the Dark Continent concept, or Hunter x Hunter’s adventurous spirit.
3. Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic
What It Is About
Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic is a fantasy adventure following Aladdin, Alibaba, and Morgiana as they journey across a vast world filled with mysterious dungeons, powerful magic, and competing kingdoms. Their travels lead them to new allies, dangerous enemies, and increasingly complex conflicts.
Why You Should Watch It After Hunter x Hunter
If your favorite part of Hunter x Hunter was exploring new locations and watching the world expand with every story arc, Magi is an excellent next choice.
The series combines exciting action with meaningful character growth and a rich fantasy setting. Every new destination introduces fresh cultures, challenges, and adventures, keeping the story engaging from beginning to end.
Similarities to Hunter x Hunter
World and Setting
- A large fantasy world filled with unique nations and mysterious locations.
- Exploration plays a major role throughout the story.
Characters
- A memorable main trio with strong chemistry.
- Each character develops through different experiences and personal goals.
Story and Tone
- Balances lighthearted adventure with increasingly larger conflicts.
- Expands naturally as the world becomes more complex.
Who Will Like It Most
- Fans who enjoyed Hunter x Hunter’s adventure, friendship, and ever-expanding world.
4. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
What It Is About
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood follows two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, as they travel in search of a way to restore what they lost after attempting forbidden alchemy. Their journey uncovers political conspiracies, powerful enemies, and one of anime’s most detailed fantasy worlds.
Why You Should Watch It After Hunter x Hunter
Like Hunter x Hunter, this series builds its world around clear rules and logical power systems rather than overwhelming strength alone.
Its action rewards strategy, teamwork, and creative thinking, while the story steadily introduces larger mysteries without losing focus on its characters.
Similarities to Hunter x Hunter
World and Setting
- A carefully developed world with consistent rules.
- Every new location adds meaningful depth to the story.
Action and Progression
- Tactical battles where intelligence matters as much as power.
- Creative use of abilities during combat.
Characters
- Excellent relationships between the main cast.
- Strong emotional development without relying on unnecessary drama.
Who Will Like It Most
- Viewers who loved the Nen system and Hunter x Hunter’s strategic battles.
5. World Trigger
What It Is About
World Trigger takes place in a city protected by Border, an organization that fights mysterious invaders known as Neighbors. Instead of focusing on overwhelming power, the series emphasizes teamwork, planning, and smart use of each character’s abilities.
Why You Should Watch It After Hunter x Hunter
Few anime capture the strategic side of combat as well as World Trigger. Nearly every battle rewards preparation, positioning, teamwork, and creative decision-making instead of simple power increases.
If your favorite Hunter x Hunter fights were the ones that relied on intelligence and clever ability usage, this series offers a very similar viewing experience.
Similarities to Hunter x Hunter
Action and Progression
- Highly tactical battles with clear rules.
- Victory depends on strategy rather than raw strength.
Characters
- A large cast where every member contributes.
- Excellent teamwork and character interactions.
Story and Tone
- Steady progression with consistent worldbuilding.
- Focuses on improving skills through experience and planning.
Who Will Like It Most
- Fans who enjoyed Nen battles, strategic combat, and team dynamics.
Which Anime Should You Watch First?
If You Want the Closest Overall Experience
Yu Yu Hakusho
This is the easiest recommendation for Hunter x Hunter fans. Created by the same manga author, it shares many of the qualities that make Hunter x Hunter so memorable, including character growth, creative battles, memorable rivals, and a satisfying blend of action, humor, and adventure.
If You Enjoyed the Sense of Adventure and Exploration
Made in Abyss
If exploring unknown places was your favorite part of Hunter x Hunter, Made in Abyss delivers one of anime’s most immersive worlds. Every new area feels mysterious, rewarding, and filled with discoveries that encourage you to keep watching.
If You Want Another Expansive Fantasy World
Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic
Magi offers an exciting mix of adventure, magic, political conflicts, and character development. It captures the feeling of traveling through a constantly expanding world while introducing memorable allies and new challenges.
If You Loved Strategic Battles and Worldbuilding
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
This series combines intelligent action with one of anime’s strongest fantasy settings. Its carefully designed power system and well-paced storytelling make it an excellent choice for viewers who appreciated Hunter x Hunter’s thoughtful approach to combat.
If Tactical Team Battles Are Your Favorite
World Trigger
World Trigger focuses on preparation, teamwork, and strategy instead of overwhelming power. If your favorite Hunter x Hunter fights were the ones won through clever planning and smart use of abilities, this should be your next watch.
FAQ
What anime is most similar to Hunter x Hunter?
Yu Yu Hakusho is often considered the closest recommendation because it was created by the same manga author and shares similar themes of adventure, character growth, and strategic battles.
What should I watch after Hunter x Hunter?
It depends on what you enjoyed most. For a similar overall experience, start with Yu Yu Hakusho. If exploration was your favorite aspect, try Made in Abyss. For tactical combat, World Trigger is an excellent choice.
Is Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood a good choice for Hunter x Hunter fans?
Yes. While the story is different, both series feature rich worldbuilding, logical power systems, memorable characters, and battles that reward intelligence rather than raw strength.
Conclusion
Hunter x Hunter remains one of the most complete adventure anime ever made, blending memorable characters, strategic combat, imaginative worldbuilding, and meaningful character growth into a unique viewing experience.
Although no series is exactly the same, the five anime on this list each capture a different strength that Hunter x Hunter fans often appreciate. Whether you’re looking for another unforgettable adventure, intelligent battles, or a richly developed fantasy world, there’s an excellent next watch waiting for you.
If you’re looking for the closest overall experience, start with Yu Yu Hakusho. For unforgettable exploration, choose Made in Abyss. If strategic combat is what kept you hooked, World Trigger is a fantastic next step.