American Dragon: Jake Long follows a Chinese-American teen who juggles everyday life and high school drama while secretly training to become the magical protector of New York’s mystical creatures.
The show weaves themes of cultural identity, coming-of-age challenges, and balancing responsibility with self-discovery.
Blending urban fantasy, humor, and heartfelt character arcs, it stands out as a genre-defying narrative that many fans still cherish.
If you loved Jake’s dual identity struggles, his evolving powers, and the grounded friendships that kept him human, even in dragon form, these 15 underrated anime series deserve a spot on your watchlist.
Each one brings something fresh while echoing Jake Long’s essence: personal growth, supernatural flair, and youth navigating impossible expectations.
1. Shaman King (2001 / 2021 reboot)
Streaming: Netflix
Episodes: 64 (2021)
Studio: Bridge
MAL Rating: 6.8 (2021)
Yoh Asakura trains to become the Shaman King—someone who can communicate with spirits and bring balance to the world.
Similarities: Hidden magical world, spiritual mentorship, and a chill yet powerful protagonist who grows into his destiny.
2. Blue Exorcist (2011)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix
Episodes: 25 + OVA
Studio: A-1 Pictures
MAL Rating: 7.5
Rin Okumura discovers he’s the son of Satan and decides to use his demonic powers to defeat his father.
Similarities: Dual identity, supernatural lineage, mentor-student dynamics, and emotional themes of belonging and inner control.
3. D.N.Angel (2003)
Streaming: HIDIVE
Episodes: 26
Studio: Xebec
MAL Rating: 7.1
Daisuke Niwa transforms into the legendary phantom thief Dark whenever he experiences romantic feelings.
Similarities: Magical transformation, secret identity, teenage angst, and emotional ties that complicate heroism.
4. Zatch Bell! (2003)
Streaming: YouTube, Crunchyroll
Episodes: 150
Studio: Toei Animation
MAL Rating: 7.8
A young boy becomes partnered with a Mamodo child in a magical battle to determine the next Mamodo King.
Similarities: Fast-paced magical duels, friendship at the core, and character growth through responsibility.
5. The Law of Ueki (2005)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 51
Studio: Studio Deen
MAL Rating: 7.4
Ueki is granted a quirky supernatural power and battles other teens to determine who deserves to become the next God candidate.
Similarities: Teen hero with unusual abilities, moral dilemmas, and underdog wins through creativity over brute strength.
6. Tokyo Underground (2002)
Streaming: Funimation
Episodes: 26
Studio: Studio Pierrot
MAL Rating: 6.9
A high school student is dragged into a secret world beneath Tokyo where elemental users fight to protect ancient powers.
Similarities: Secret magical society, reluctant hero arc, and tight-knit friendships in high-stakes environments.
7. Shounen Onmyouji (2006)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 26
Studio: Studio Deen
MAL Rating: 7.5
A young exorcist tries to prove his worth while navigating spiritual battles and the shadow of his legendary grandfather.
Similarities: Heritage-based powers, training arcs, and overcoming insecurity through real-world and supernatural trials.
8. Twin Star Exorcists (2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 50
Studio: Studio Pierrot
MAL Rating: 7.1
Two exorcists destined to marry and produce the ultimate warrior must put aside differences to combat demonic threats.
Similarities: Teen protagonists with intense magical roles, romantic tension, and magical responsibility clashing with adolescence.
9. Nabari no Ou (2008)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 26
Studio: J.C.Staff
MAL Rating: 7.3
Miharu, an apathetic teen, becomes the holder of a powerful ninja secret and gets pulled into a secret world of shinobi.
Similarities: Hidden powers, reluctant hero trope, and introspective exploration of destiny vs. choice.
10. Kekkaishi (2006)
Streaming: Hulu
Episodes: 52
Studio: Sunrise
MAL Rating: 7.6
Two teenagers protect sacred grounds from supernatural intruders using energy-based barriers and ancient family techniques.
Similarities: Generational duty, secret powers, and a lead duo balancing normal life with mystical warfare.
11. Beyblade: G-Revolution (2003)
Streaming: YouTube
Episodes: 52
Studio: Madhouse
MAL Rating: 6.8
Tyson Granger continues to battle with his Beyblade infused with spiritual energy, facing stronger rivals and growing as a leader.
Similarities: Youth-led high-stakes competition, spiritual elements, and a strong sense of identity and perseverance.
12. Mon Colle Knights (2000)
Streaming: YouTube (unofficial)
Episodes: 51
Studio: Studio Deen
MAL Rating: 6.4
Two kids travel through dimensions collecting monsters and battling villains to save the Mon World.
Similarities: Magical creature lore, comedic tone mixed with action, and monster-of-the-week style storytelling.
13. Megaman NT Warrior (2002)
Streaming: Tubi
Episodes: 56
Studio: Xebec
MAL Rating: 7.1
Lan Hikari and his NetNavi, MegaMan.EXE, fight cyber criminals and digital threats inside a fully connected world.
Similarities: Digital duality, secret identities, young hero saving both real and parallel worlds.
14. Kiba (2006)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 51
Studio: Madhouse
MAL Rating: 7.2
Zed escapes a bleak world and enters a magical realm where powerful spirits called “Shards” fuel brutal battles.
Similarities: Portal fantasy, identity quests, and an underdog rising through sheer determination and empathy.
15. Dragon Drive (2002)
Streaming: YouTube (unofficial)
Episodes: 38
Studio: Studio Deen
MAL Rating: 6.8
Lazy student Reiji is dragged into a virtual dragon-battle game, only to uncover deeper secrets tied to his destiny.
Similarities: Dragons, hidden potential, transformation themes, and a blend of urban and fantasy settings.
Why These Anime Work for American Dragon Fans
Each of these anime shares the heart of American Dragon: Jake Long: the dual-life tension of growing up while secretly battling magical threats.
Whether it’s balancing supernatural expectations, questioning destiny, or choosing friendship over power, these series echo Jake’s core journey with unique twists.
They feature relatable protagonists, meaningful mentorships, evolving powers, and emotional storytelling that go beyond surface-level action, perfect for fans ready to soar beyond dragons and dive into deeper magical realms.
