15 Animes Similar to Dragon Ball Z

Dragon Ball Z, the iconic 1989 anime adaptation of Akira Toriyama’s manga, revolutionized shonen with its high-stakes battles, epic power escalations, and the journey of Goku from an underdog warrior to a legendary hero. At its core, it explores intricate power systems like ki manipulation, underdog stories of perseverance and growth, and subversions of expectations through surprising transformations and plot twists.

The following 15 underrated anime deserve more attention for capturing similar elements in fresh ways, often blending intense action with character-driven narratives, yet they remain overshadowed by mainstream giants—offering hidden gems for fans seeking thrilling alternatives.

1. Saint Seiya (1986)

• Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Tubi.
• Plot Summary: Mystical warriors known as Saints don sacred armors based on constellations to protect the reincarnation of goddess Athena from gods seeking to dominate Earth, engaging in cosmic-scale battles across tournaments and realms.
• Similarities to Dragon Ball Z: Like DBZ, it features epic tournaments, power-ups through armored evolutions, and underdog protagonists rising against overwhelming foes, with a focus on friendship and willpower subverting dire expectations.
• MAL Rating: 7.75/10.
• Episode Count: 114.
• Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Kōzō Morishita and Kazuhito Kikuchi; produced by Toei Animation (same studio as DBZ).
• Awards/Recognition: Influential in Latin America and Europe, inspiring multiple spin-offs and a 2019 Netflix remake.

2. Katekyo Hitman Reborn! (2006)

• Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Prime Video.
• Plot Summary: Timid teen Tsunayoshi Sawada is trained by an infant hitman named Reborn to become the next boss of the Vongola mafia family, unlocking Dying Will Flames for intense battles against rivals.
• Similarities to Dragon Ball Z: Shares underdog protagonist growth through rigorous training arcs, a versatile power system (Dying Will Flames akin to ki), and subversions like comedic starts evolving into high-stakes fights.
• MAL Rating: 8.12/10.
• Episode Count: 203.
• Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Kenichi Imaizumi; produced by Artland.
• Awards/Recognition: Praised for its character development; inspired video games and light novels.

3. Ashita no Joe (1970)

• Streaming Availability: Not widely available; check Crunchyroll or retro platforms.
• Plot Summary: Troubled youth Joe Yabuki discovers boxing as an outlet, rising from street fights to professional rings through grueling training and rivalries.
• Similarities to Dragon Ball Z: Emphasizes underdog stories of personal growth and resilience, with tactical battles subverting expectations of defeat, much like Goku’s comebacks.
• MAL Rating: 8.30/10.
• Episode Count: 79 (Season 1); 47 (Season 2).
• Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Osamu Dezaki; produced by Mushi Production.
• Awards/Recognition: Timeless classic influencing sports anime; ranked highly for character development.

4. Fist of the North Star (1984)

• Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Tubi.
• Plot Summary: In a post-apocalyptic world, martial artist Kenshiro uses deadly pressure-point techniques to protect the innocent from tyrants.
• Similarities to Dragon Ball Z: Features brutal power systems based on martial arts, underdog heroism against impossible odds, and narrative subversions through explosive, one-hit-kill fights.
• MAL Rating: 7.96/10.
• Episode Count: 109 (Season 1); 43 (Season 2).
• Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Toyoo Ashida; produced by Toei Animation.
• Awards/Recognition: Pioneered mature shonen; inspired global media like games and films.

5. Mobile Fighter G Gundam (1994)

• Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll.
• Plot Summary: Pilots from various nations compete in a galactic tournament using massive mechs, with underdog Domon Kasshu seeking revenge and justice.
• Similarities to Dragon Ball Z: Mirrors tournament arcs and power escalations, with underdog narratives and subverted expectations in over-the-top mech battles akin to Super Saiyan transformations.
• MAL Rating: 7.57/10.
• Episode Count: 49.
• Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Yasuhiro Imagawa; produced by Sunrise.
• Awards/Recognition: Unique entry in Gundam franchise; praised for humor and action.

6. Zatch Bell! (2003)

• Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll.
• Plot Summary: Human teen Kiyo partners with demon child Zatch in a tournament to determine the king of the demon world, using spellbooks for magical battles.
• Similarities to Dragon Ball Z: Tournament-focused with power system evolutions, underdog partnerships overcoming stronger foes, and emotional subversions in high-stakes fights.
• MAL Rating: 7.56/10.
• Episode Count: 150.
• Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Tetsuji Nakamura; produced by Toei Animation.
• Awards/Recognition: Noted for heartfelt storytelling; adapted from award-winning manga.

7. KenIchi: The Mightiest Disciple (2006)

• Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Prime Video.
• Plot Summary: Weak high schooler Kenichi trains under multiple martial arts masters to protect his friends, facing rival schools and tournaments.
• Similarities to Dragon Ball Z: Underdog training arcs lead to power growth, with martial arts systems and subverted expectations in comedic yet intense battles.
• MAL Rating: 8.06/10.
• Episode Count: 50.
• Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Hajime Kamegaki; produced by TMS Entertainment.
• Awards/Recognition: Praised for humor and fight choreography.

8. Flame of Recca (1997)

• Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll.
• Plot Summary: Ninja descendant Recca Hanabishi unlocks flame powers to compete in a deadly tournament for ancient artifacts.
• Similarities to Dragon Ball Z: Elemental power systems, underdog rivalries, and tournament subversions with escalating battles.
• MAL Rating: 7.34/10.
• Episode Count: 42.
• Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Noriyuki Abe; produced by Studio Pierrot.
• Awards/Recognition: Cult favorite for 90s shonen vibes.

9. The Law of Ueki (2005)

• Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll.
• Plot Summary: Junior high student Ueki gains the power to turn trash into trees and competes in a god candidate tournament.
• Similarities to Dragon Ball Z: Creative power systems with underdog creativity subverting battles, akin to DBZ’s inventive fights.
• MAL Rating: 7.72/10.
• Episode Count: 51.
• Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Hiroshi Watanabe; produced by Studio Deen.
• Awards/Recognition: Noted for unique abilities and humor.

10. Toriko (2011)

• Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll.
• Plot Summary: Gourmet Hunter Toriko seeks rare ingredients in a world of monstrous beasts, teaming up for epic hunts.
• Similarities to Dragon Ball Z: Food-based power-ups and underdog adventures with subverted expectations in massive-scale battles.
• MAL Rating: 7.47/10.
• Episode Count: 147.
• Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Akifumi Zako; produced by Toei Animation.
• Awards/Recognition: Crossed over with DBZ in specials.

11. World Trigger (2014)

• Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Netflix.
• Plot Summary: Border agents use Trion energy weapons to defend against interdimensional invaders, with underdog Yuma rising through ranks.
• Similarities to Dragon Ball Z: Tactical power systems, team-based underdog stories, and strategic subversions in invasions.
• MAL Rating: 7.58/10.
• Episode Count: 73 (Season 1); ongoing seasons.
• Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Mitsuru Hongo; produced by Toei Animation.
• Awards/Recognition: Revived with strong later seasons.

12. Shaman King (2001)

• Streaming Availability: Netflix (2021 remake).
• Plot Summary: Shaman Yoh Asakura competes in a tournament to become Shaman King, partnering with spirits for battles.
• Similarities to Dragon Ball Z: Spirit-based power systems, underdog tournaments, and emotional subversions.
• MAL Rating: 7.74/10.
• Episode Count: 64 (original); 52 (remake).
• Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Seiji Mizushima; produced by Xebec.
• Awards/Recognition: 2021 remake faithful to manga.

13. Rokka: Braves of the Six Flowers (2015)

• Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll.
• Plot Summary: Six heroes are chosen to defeat a demon god, but suspicion arises when a seventh appears, turning into a mystery amid battles.
• Similarities to Dragon Ball Z: Underdog ensemble with power subversions and twists, echoing DBZ’s alliance betrayals.
• MAL Rating: 7.24/10.
• Episode Count: 12.
• Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Takeo Takahashi; produced by Passione.
• Awards/Recognition: Praised for mystery-shonen blend.

14. Medaka Box (2012)

• Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll.
• Plot Summary: Superhuman student Medaka solves school problems, escalating to battles with abnormal powers.
• Similarities to Dragon Ball Z: Power system escalations, underdog heroism, and meta subversions of shonen tropes.
• MAL Rating: 7.04/10.
• Episode Count: 24.
• Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Shouji Saeki; produced by Gainax.
• Awards/Recognition: From Nisio Isin’s manga; satirical edge.

15. Undead Unluck (2023)

• Streaming Availability: Hulu.
• Plot Summary: Immortal Andy teams with luck-manipulating Fuuko to join a secret organization fighting gods, using negation powers in chaotic battles.
• Similarities to Dragon Ball Z: Quirky power systems, underdog duos subverting death, with escalating global threats.
• MAL Rating: 7.84/10.
• Episode Count: 24.
• Notable Staff/Studio: Directed by Yuki Yase; produced by David Production.
• Awards/Recognition: Recent hit for inventive action.

Why These Anime Work for Dragon Ball Z Fans

These series capture DBZ’s essence through dynamic power systems that evolve with characters, underdog protagonists who defy odds via training and willpower, and narrative twists that subvert expectations—often in underrated packages. They offer a mix of older classics with raw energy and recent gems with modern animation, providing fresh takes on shonen tropes without the hype of blockbusters. For fans craving more epic journeys, these hidden treasures deliver thrilling battles and growth, proving the genre’s depth beyond the mainstream.