For fans weathering the bittersweet farewell of Naruto Shippuden’s final episode, the immediate question echoes: What comes next to fill the void? While nothing can truly replace the emotional investment in Naruto’s journey, there’s a diverse landscape of anime and manga waiting to be explored, offering similar themes of perseverance, friendship, and epic battles, or entirely new adventures to embark upon.
Filling the Naruto-Shaped Hole: Diverse Avenues for Exploration
The journey after Naruto Shippuden depends largely on what aspects of the series resonated most with you. Were you captivated by the intricate power system and dazzling fights? Did you connect with the deep bonds of friendship and the characters’ unwavering determination? Or were you drawn to the complex themes of war, peace, and the search for identity? Your answer will help guide you towards the perfect next watch.
Option 1: Embracing the Naruto Universe Further
The most immediate option, and often the most appealing, is to dive deeper into the Naruto universe itself.
- Boruto: Naruto Next Generations: This series follows Naruto’s son, Boruto, and his own team as they navigate a new era of peace and technological advancement, facing their own unique challenges. While it receives mixed reviews due to power scaling discrepancies and character deviations, it offers a familiar world and characters, albeit with a new generation taking center stage. If you are looking for more content from the same world, and can accept a change in the core narrative, this is the first stop.
- Naruto SD: Rock Lee’s Springtime of Youth: For a lighthearted and comedic break from the intensity of Shippuden, this spin-off focuses on the energetic Rock Lee and his training antics. It’s a non-canon series, offering a fun and goofy take on the familiar characters and situations.
Option 2: Exploring Similar Shonen Anime
For those craving similar shonen anime with dynamic action and strong character bonds, several series stand out.
- My Hero Academia: This popular series features a world where superpowers are the norm, and follows Izuku Midoriya as he strives to become the world’s greatest hero. Filled with incredible action sequences, inspiring characters, and a strong emphasis on teamwork, it captures the spirit of Naruto in a fresh and exciting way.
- One Piece: An epic pirate adventure with a sprawling world, unforgettable characters, and a captivating storyline spanning over a thousand episodes. While daunting in length, its consistent quality and engaging narrative make it a worthwhile investment for fans of long-form storytelling and themes of friendship and freedom.
- Hunter x Hunter (2011): A masterfully crafted shonen anime that combines intricate power systems with complex characters and mature themes. Its well-paced narrative, impressive animation, and unpredictable plot twists make it a must-watch for fans of action and adventure.
- Jujutsu Kaisen: A modern dark fantasy anime filled with thrilling battles, compelling characters, and a unique curse-based power system. Its stylish animation, fast-paced action, and dark undertones make it a captivating watch for fans of intense action and supernatural elements.
Option 3: Venturing Beyond Shonen
For those seeking a change of pace and willing to explore different genres, several anime offer compelling narratives and memorable characters.
- Attack on Titan: A dark and suspenseful anime set in a world where humanity is threatened by giant humanoid creatures. Its gripping storyline, intense action, and complex themes of war, freedom, and morality make it a powerful and unforgettable watch.
- Vinland Saga: A historical epic set in Viking-era Europe, exploring themes of revenge, violence, and the search for a peaceful land. Its mature themes, stunning animation, and compelling characters make it a captivating and thought-provoking watch.
- Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood: A critically acclaimed anime set in a world where alchemy is a powerful science. Its well-developed characters, intricate plot, and themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the pursuit of truth make it a timeless classic.
FAQs: Deep Diving into the Post-Naruto Anime Landscape
Here are some frequently asked questions to further guide your journey after finishing Naruto Shippuden.
FAQ 1: Is Boruto Worth Watching?
Boruto’s reception is mixed. While it offers a continuation of the Naruto universe and features familiar characters, some fans find its power scaling and character development inconsistent with the original series. Ultimately, whether it’s worth watching depends on your desire for more Naruto content and your tolerance for changes to the established lore. Try watching a few episodes and decide for yourself.
FAQ 2: Which Shonen Anime is Most Similar to Naruto in Terms of Themes?
My Hero Academia shares many thematic similarities with Naruto, including the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and the pursuit of dreams. Both series feature protagonists striving to become the best in their respective fields and overcoming numerous obstacles along the way.
FAQ 3: What Anime Has the Best Fight Animation?
While subjective, many consider Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and Jujutsu Kaisen to have some of the best fight animation in recent years. Ufotable, the studio behind Demon Slayer, is renowned for its breathtaking visuals and dynamic action sequences. MAPPA, the studio behind Jujutsu Kaisen, consistently delivers high-quality animation and visually stunning fights.
FAQ 4: Is One Piece Too Long to Start?
One Piece is a significant time investment, but its length is also one of its strengths. The series has been consistently engaging for over two decades, with a complex and rewarding storyline. If you’re willing to commit, it’s a rewarding experience. Many fans suggest pacing yourself and watching in arcs to avoid burnout.
FAQ 5: Where Can I Watch Boruto Legally?
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations is available for streaming on various platforms, including Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Funimation. Check your local streaming services for availability.
FAQ 6: What is the Difference Between Naruto and Naruto Shippuden?
Naruto covers the protagonist’s childhood and early training, while Naruto Shippuden focuses on his teenage years and the escalating conflict with the Akatsuki organization. Shippuden is considered the main continuation of the story, delving deeper into the world and characters.
FAQ 7: Which Naruto Movies are Canon?
Most Naruto movies are considered non-canon filler, meaning they don’t directly affect the main storyline. However, The Last: Naruto the Movie is considered canon and provides crucial context for the epilogue of Shippuden and the beginning of Boruto.
FAQ 8: What Manga Should I Read After Finishing Naruto Shippuden?
If you enjoyed the themes of Naruto, consider exploring other works by Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of Naruto. He also created Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru, although it was unfortunately short-lived. Otherwise, look into manga adaptations of anime you enjoyed, like My Hero Academia or Jujutsu Kaisen, to delve deeper into their narratives.
FAQ 9: Are There Any Anime Like Naruto With a Strong Female Lead?
Claymore features a strong female protagonist, Clare, who is a warrior tasked with protecting humanity from demons. It offers a dark fantasy setting and compelling character development. Attack on Titan also features strong female characters within its ensemble cast.
FAQ 10: What Anime Has a Similar Power System to Chakra?
Hunter x Hunter’s Nen system shares some similarities with Chakra. Both systems involve manipulating one’s life energy for various abilities and techniques. Nen is arguably more complex and versatile than Chakra, offering a wider range of possibilities for individual users.
FAQ 11: What is the best anime to watch for a beginner?
My Hero Academia is an excellent entry point for new anime viewers. It is easy to understand, has a likeable cast, and showcases many tropes common in the shonen genre. This makes it a great launching point for exploring other, potentially more complex, series.
FAQ 12: Are there any plans for more Naruto content in the future?
Yes, there are! While Naruto Shippuden is complete, the Boruto series continues. Furthermore, there are ongoing side stories and specials that occasionally get released, keeping the Naruto universe alive and thriving. Always keep an eye on official announcements for the latest information.
Ultimately, the journey after Naruto Shippuden is a personal one. Explore different genres, follow your interests, and discover new anime that resonate with you. The world of anime is vast and diverse, waiting to be explored.