Dragon Ball will forever be one of the most influential and defining shōnen anime ever made. Known for its legendary rivalries, iconic transformations, and unforgettable characters, Dragon Ball remains a staple of animated storytelling, even 40 years after its initial release.

For anime fans who are actively looking for series that share the same spirit or action-packed storytelling, there are countless modern anime hits that are the perfect place to start. These anime are perfect for audiences who are just returning to anime or wanting to explore non-retro titles for the first time.

These titles include some of the most popular modern series, ensuring each is widely accessible to viewers and offering the best starting point. Dragon Ball fans in search of a new starting point, look no further, because these titles are the best new-gen series to start with.

Hell’s Paradise

Hell’s Paradise centers on Gabimaru the Hollow, a feared ninja who had been sentenced to death. However, when he’s given the chance to receive a pardon, it’s under the condition that he retrieves the legendary elixir of immortality from the island of Shinsenkyo.

Paired with executioner Yamada Asaemon Sagiri, Gabimaru must compete with other criminals to find the elixir first, only to discover that the island is filled with dangerous creatures and immortal beings that threaten their lives.

Hell’s Paradise is not only beautifully animated but also features unique dynamics among the characters and within the power system. Gabimaru is driven to return home to his wife, and the series focuses on Taoism rather than ki or chakra, making it refreshingly unique and intriguing at once.

One-Punch Man

One-Punch Man follows Saitama, a hero so overwhelmingly powerful that he can defeat any enemy with a single punch. Yet, despite his unmatched strength, Saitama struggles with boredom and desires to face a meaningful challenge.

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After agreeing to mentor a new disciple, Genos, and join the Hero Association, Saitama must work his way up the ranks to gain recognition, taking on new threats and villains with far too much ease.

While later seasons drop in quality, One-Punch Man’s first season remains a standout among modern anime and is still worth watching. Viewers who enjoy action series that lean heavily into comedy and satire will find that One-Punch Man is hilarious and thrilling at the same time. Paired with its complex, relatable characters, it’s a fun watch.

Chainsaw Man

Chainsaw Man follows Denji, a desperate teenager burdened by debt who merges with his loyal pet devil, Pochita, after a fatal encounter with the Zombie Devil, turning him into a human-devil hybrid. He is recruited by the Public Safety Devil Hunter Makima and begins working, battling devils in hopes of earning a stable life.

The series is known for its authentic, flawed, relatable characters, dark comedy, and intense, violent action sequences. Chainsaw Man is a thrilling series that continually pushes the boundaries, effectively gripping audiences with each moment. Viewers who enjoy raw, deeply relatable characters will find Denji to be the perfect fit.

Kaiju No. 8

Kaiju No. 8 follows Kafka Hibino, a 32-year-old man whose lifelong dream of joining the Defense Force to battle against monstrous kaiju seems out of reach until a parasitic kaiju transforms him into one of the monsters.

Using his new power and deep knowledge of kaiju anatomy, Kafka manages to secure a spot on the Defense Force, hiding his true identity while also allowing him to fulfill a childhood promise to his friend Mina Ashiro.

Kaiju No. 8 has stunning animation, memorable characters, and intense battle scenes that leave viewers on the edge of their seats. The series’s tight pacing makes it thrilling from start to finish, and the urgency during every battle can be felt through the screen, making Kaiju No. 8 a must-watch new-gen anime.

Black Clover

Black Clover centers on Asta, a boy born without magic in a world where magical ability determines one’s status. However, rather than weighing him down, Asta works harder to achieve his dream of becoming the Wizard King.

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Asta embodies the standard optimistic, driven shōnen protagonist, much like Goku and other great leads like Luffy and Naruto. He consistently works hard, trains, and refuses to give up under any circumstances, making him incredibly inspiring and familiar to fans of Dragon Ball.

Black Clover has 170 episodes and is filled with thrilling side characters, epic battles, and unforgettable transformations, making it a perfect series for fans of classic shōnen anime.

My Hero Academia

My Hero Academia follows Izuku “Deku” Midoriya, a quirkless boy who is chosen by the legendary pro hero All Might to inherit his power. He enrolls at U.A. High, where he begins training to become a hero alongside other classmates while secretly preparing to become the next Symbol of Peace after All Might.

The series is known for its complex characters, exciting rivalry, and themes that explore the true meaning of heroism in a world where heroism has become commercialized. Deku’s growth over the eight seasons is exciting and meaningful, and many other characters also benefit from this complexity and depth, making My Hero Academia ideal for viewers seeking a balanced experience.

Solo Leveling

Solo Leveling centers around Sung Jinwoo, the weakest E-rank hunter who struggles to survive and provide for his family in a world where monster-filled dungeons threaten humanity. However, his entire life changes after he survives a deadly Double Dungeon, gaining a mysterious program known as the System.

Through it, he discovers that he alone has the power to level up through quests and challenges, allowing him to become one of the most powerful hunters in existence as a being known as the Shadow Monarch.

Audiences who enjoy fast-paced, action-oriented series would love Solo Leveling. It’s filled with visually stunning animation, features a great underdog protagonist, and is packed with intense, thrilling battles.

Demon Slayer

Demon Slayer follows Tanjiro Kamado, a young boy whose family is slaughtered by demons, leaving only one survivor, who is transformed into a demon herself. Determined to restore Nezuko’s humanity and avenge his family, Tanjiro begins training to become a Demon Slayer in order to confront Muzan Kibutsuji, the progenitor of all demons.

Demon Slayer is notorious for its visually stunning animation and emotional storylines. Its action choreography and ever-escalating stakes make the series endlessly thrilling, and Tanjiro’s perseverance and kind heart are sure to remind viewers of another pure-hearted hero. Audiences who enjoy series with complex heroes and villains and intense action are sure to love Demon Slayer.

Jujutsu Kaisen

Jujutsu Kaisen centers on Yuji Itadori, a compassionate high school student who becomes a jujutsu sorcerer after swallowing a powerful cursed object: Ryomen Sukuna’s finger. Yuji trains at Tokyo Jujutsu High under Satoru Gojo and alongside new, powerful allies as he hunts the remaining fingers to ultimately destroy Sukuna once and for all.

The series is known for not pulling its punches, with major supernatural threats truly placing the characters in danger. Every battle comes with real stakes and consequences, making the viewing experience far more intense and thrilling. Paired with its stunning animation, complex characters and power system, Jujutsu Kaisen is a must-watch new-gen shōnen anime.

Created by

Akira Toriyama

Latest TV Show

Super Dragon Ball Heroes

First Episode Air Date

April 26, 1989