Toriko (2011) blends outrageous battles, over-the-top power systems, and a food-driven world into a one-of-a-kind shōnen adventure. With its unique mix of gourmet hunting, explosive combat styles, and characters constantly striving to surpass their limits, the series carved out a passionate fanbase. Yet, fans often wonder what other anime capture the same energy of eccentric powers, underdog triumphs, and unpredictable storytelling.
Below, we spotlight 15 underrated anime like Toriko—titles that share its DNA of bold worlds, evolving fighters, and unconventional adventures. These series may not always dominate the spotlight, but they deserve far more attention from shōnen fans seeking something beyond the usual giants.
1. Katekyo Hitman Reborn! (2006)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- Episodes: 203
- MAL Rating: 8.03
- Studio: Artland
Plot: Tsunayoshi Sawada, a timid boy, discovers he’s heir to a powerful mafia family, trained under a baby hitman named Reborn. What begins as comedy transforms into intense battles of flame-powered guardians.
Similarity to Toriko: Both series evolve from lighthearted beginnings into explosive shōnen epics, featuring creative power systems (flame rings vs. gourmet cells) and unlikely heroes rising to dominance.
2. Yakitate!! Japan (2004)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 69
- MAL Rating: 7.89
- Studio: Sunrise
Plot: Aspiring baker Azuma Kazuma aims to create Japan’s national bread, facing intense culinary competitions filled with bizarre reactions and rivalries.
Similarity to Toriko: Shares food-centered battles where dishes ignite wild transformations and comedic exaggeration, echoing Toriko’s Gourmet World and over-the-top reactions to flavor.
3. Shaman King (2001 / 2021 reboot)
- Streaming: Netflix (2021 version)
- Episodes: 64 (2021)
- MAL Rating: 6.78 (reboot), 7.74 (original)
- Studio: Xebec (2001), Bridge (2021)
Plot: Yoh Asakura seeks to become Shaman King by merging with spirits in high-stakes battles across the globe.
Similarity to Toriko: Both worlds thrive on unique ecosystems of powers—spirits vs. gourmet beasts—and focus on personal evolution, unusual allies, and tournament-style storytelling.
4. Air Master (2003)
- Streaming: HIDIVE
- Episodes: 27
- MAL Rating: 7.07
- Studio: Toei Animation
Plot: Former gymnast Maki Aikawa takes her skills to the streets, entering underground fights and shocking enemies with her agility.
Similarity to Toriko: The series mirrors Toriko’s raw combat intensity and creative use of physical skills, elevating street battles into superhuman showcases.
5. Rave Master (2001)
- Streaming: Funimation (limited regions)
- Episodes: 51
- MAL Rating: 7.29
- Studio: Studio Deen
Plot: Haru Glory inherits the Rave Stones to battle the Dark Bring, embarking on a journey filled with magical allies and massive duels.
Similarity to Toriko: Both series revolve around traveling heroes unlocking world-shaping powers while balancing lighthearted comedy with darker arcs.
6. Black Cat (2005)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Episodes: 23
- MAL Rating: 7.30
- Studio: Gonzo
Plot: Train Heartnet, an ex-assassin turned bounty hunter, faces enemies with unique nanomachine powers while building bonds with outcasts.
Similarity to Toriko: A mix of wild fight choreography, evolving superhuman abilities, and quirky side characters create a similar adrenaline-fueled shōnen journey.
7. Beelzebub (2011)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 60
- MAL Rating: 7.80
- Studio: Pierrot+
Plot: A delinquent high schooler is forced to raise the infant son of the Demon King, leading to ridiculous battles against rival delinquents and demons.
Similarity to Toriko: Over-the-top humor collides with destructive combat, echoing Toriko’s blend of slapstick comedy and escalating intensity.
8. Houshin Engi (1999 / 2018 reboot)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll (2018 version)
- Episodes: 26 (1999), 23 (2018)
- MAL Rating: 7.14 (1999), 6.09 (2018)
- Studio: Studio Deen
Plot: Taikobo is tasked with sealing away evil immortals using mystical tools and legendary allies.
Similarity to Toriko: Heavy use of myth-inspired abilities, traveling arcs, and creative clashes resemble Toriko’s “hunt the beast, master the power” progression.
9. Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple (2006)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 50
- MAL Rating: 8.15
- Studio: TMS Entertainment
Plot: Weak teenager Kenichi undergoes brutal martial arts training, battling gangs and rival masters on his way to becoming a respected fighter.
Similarity to Toriko: Both center on underdogs growing into formidable warriors through mentorship, training, and escalating encounters.
10. Buso Renkin (2006)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- Episodes: 26
- MAL Rating: 7.28
- Studio: Xebec
Plot: Kazuki Muto gains an alchemic weapon after sacrificing himself to protect a girl, joining the war against homunculi.
Similarity to Toriko: Alchemic weapons and evolving battle creativity parallel gourmet cells and shifting hunting techniques, with a similar “earn your power” tone.
11. Seikimatsu Occult Gakuin (Occult Academy, 2010)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 13
- MAL Rating: 7.22
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
Plot: Maya, the daughter of an occult academy headmaster, battles supernatural mysteries tied to the apocalypse.
Similarity to Toriko: Like Toriko’s wild ecosystems, the anime thrives on mysterious phenomena, supernatural lore, and unexpected tonal shifts between humor and intensity.
12. Gaist Crusher (2013)
- Streaming: Not currently licensed (fansubs)
- Episodes: 51
- MAL Rating: 6.04
- Studio: Pierrot
Plot: A team of young warriors uses Gaist Gear armor to combat metallic monsters threatening humanity.
Similarity to Toriko: Shares Toriko’s monster-hunting spirit and transformation-driven combat, though wrapped in a more kid-friendly package.
13. Law of Ueki (2005)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 51
- MAL Rating: 7.57
- Studio: Studio Deen
Plot: Ueki participates in a celestial tournament where combatants use bizarre powers, like turning trash into trees.
Similarity to Toriko: Embraces creativity in its power systems, much like Toriko’s outlandish gourmet techniques, with the same “quirky yet deadly” tone.
14. Phi Brain: Kami no Puzzle (2011)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 25 (S1), 75 total
- MAL Rating: 7.37
- Studio: Sunrise
Plot: Genius puzzle-solver Daimon Kaito is dragged into a deadly world of brain games known as the “Puzzle of God.”
Similarity to Toriko: Instead of physical combat, it substitutes brain battles, yet parallels Toriko’s tension, exaggerated reactions, and inventive escalation.
15. Toriko x One Piece x Dragon Ball Z Crossover Special (2013)
- Streaming: Unavailable (special episode)
- Episodes: 1
- MAL Rating: 7.41
- Studio: Toei Animation
Plot: A crossover extravaganza where Toriko joins forces with Goku and Luffy to fight in the ultimate food battle.
Similarity to Toriko: While a one-off, it highlights how Toriko’s tone meshes with other shōnen giants, showcasing its identity within the broader shōnen lineage.
Why These Anime Work for Toriko Fans
These 15 underrated anime echo Toriko’s world of bizarre powers, explosive growth, and boundary-pushing storytelling. Whether it’s culinary showdowns (Yakitate!! Japan), monster-hunting (Gaist Crusher), or unlikely heroes (Kenichi), each series captures the blend of humor, creativity, and adrenaline that makes Toriko unforgettable. By stepping into these lesser-known gems, fans can relive the same thrill of discovery, evolution, and over-the-top battles.
