The journey is over. The last Rasengan has been thrown, the final goodbye said, and the credits for the Great Ninja War have rolled. Finishing a series as monumental as Naruto and Naruto Shippuden leaves a massive hole in your heart—and your viewing schedule. It’s a completely normal feeling\! You’ve invested hundreds of hours into the lives of these characters, and now you are left wondering, which anime I should watch after finishing Naruto and Naruto Shippuden?
The good news is that the world of anime is vast, and there are many incredible shows that capture the same spirit of powerful techniques, deep friendships, intense emotional stakes, and incredible world-building that made Naruto a legend. As a fellow fan who's been exactly where you are, let me guide you to your next obsession\!
Anime I Should Watch After Finishing Naruto and Naruto Shippuden
To help you decide, we can break down the recommendations based on what you loved most about the Hidden Leaf Village’s finest. Do you crave more classic shonen action, or are you looking for a show with a similarly well-developed magic/power system?
The Foundational Shonen Successors
These are the shows that naturally fill the void, offering a similar formula of a passionate, driven main character who will stop at nothing to achieve their dream, surrounded by a strong core team.
One Piece
If you want a massive adventure with a charismatic, goofy protagonist and a found family crew, the Straw Hat Pirates are calling your name. Luffy's dream of becoming the Pirate King is just as inspiring as Naruto’s dream of becoming Hokage, and the world-building in One Piece rivals, and perhaps even surpasses, the scope of the Five Great Shinobi Nations. Be warned, it is even longer than Naruto, but every moment is worth it\!
Bleach
While the focus shifts from Ninjas to Soul Reapers, the classic action feel remains. Ichigo Kurosaki's journey into the Soul Society delivers constant, high-stakes combat and stylish, unforgettable transformations. If you loved the intense one-on-one battles and the emphasis on a spirit-based power system, this is an excellent choice to watch after finishing Naruto Shippuden.
For Fans of Tactical Combat and Power Systems
Part of the genius of Naruto was the complexity of the Jutsu and the strategic fights. These next recommendations excel in offering smart, well-defined power systems and character growth.
Hunter x Hunter
Many fans consider this to be the spiritual successor to the best elements of classic shonen. Gon and Killua's friendship is one of the best in anime, and the world they explore is full of danger and mystery. The Nen power system is brilliantly structured, providing fights that are won not just with power, but with clever strategy and planning—a lot like a high-stakes Genjutsu battle.
My Hero Academia
If the themes of a specialized academy (like the Ninja Academy) and a hero who starts as an underdog resonate with you, look no further. Izuku Midoriya's journey to master his Quirk and become the number one hero has all the passion, training montages, and emotional weight you expect from a top-tier shonen. It’s an easy transition after finishing Naruto thanks to its modern pacing and incredible animation quality.
Other Essential Anime to Explore
If you need a few more options to check out, here are some equally fantastic recommendations for what to watch after finishing Naruto and Naruto Shippuden:
- Jujutsu Kaisen: Darker themes, but fantastic modern action and a passionate main character who fights for his friends.
- Attack on Titan: Incredible storytelling, jaw-dropping plot twists, and a story about massive stakes and societal division.
- Fairy Tail: Huge focus on the power of friendship, magic, and guild family dynamics, providing a lighter but equally emotional adventure.
- Haikyu\!\!: If you want all the excitement and character development without the magic, this sports anime captures the spirit of teamwork and intense rivalry perfectly.
It’s tough to let go of the Hidden Leaf Village, but now is the perfect time to explore something new! Whether you dive into the endless seas with Luffy or master a Quirk with Deku, your anime journey is far from over. Pick one of these amazing titles and prepare for your next hundred-episode binge!
