What to Watch After You Conquer “Naruto” on Netflix: Your Next Anime Adventure

So, you’ve finally powered through the epic saga of Naruto Uzumaki, his dreams, and the endless waves of ramen. Congratulations! You’ve joined a legion of fans worldwide. But now the big question looms: What gaping hole does this leave in your anime-watching heart, and, more importantly, what should you watch next on Netflix?

The simple answer? It depends. It depends on what specifically you enjoyed about Naruto. Were you drawn to the intricate ninja battles? The comedic relief? The deep emotional bonds between characters? Or perhaps the underdog story itself?

Given Netflix’s ever-shifting anime landscape, I can’t give you a definitive, immutable list, but I can give you a compass pointing towards several series that capture different aspects of the Naruto experience. Think of this as your personalized anime summoning jutsu, tailored to your specific tastes.

Decoding Your “Naruto” Preference: A Key to Your Next Watch

Before diving into specific titles, let’s break down what made “Naruto” so captivating for you.

• Action & Ninjutsu: If you loved the acrobatic fights, elemental jutsu, and strategic battles, you’re likely seeking more high-octane action.
• Friendship & Teamwork: The bond between Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura (and the extended cast) is a core element. Look for series emphasizing camaraderie.
• Humor & Lighthearted Moments: “Naruto” wasn’t all gloom and doom. Comedic bits were interspersed throughout, offering levity.
• Growth & Overcoming Adversity: Watching Naruto transform from a prankster to a powerful ninja is a major draw. Seeking similar character arcs is key.
• Deep Lore & World-Building: The Hidden Leaf Village, the various clans, the history of the Shinobi world… “Naruto” created a rich and immersive universe.

Top Anime Recommendations on Netflix (and Beyond)

Given these core elements, here are some top picks (keeping in mind availability can fluctuate, so double-check Netflix in your region):

• “Hunter x Hunter” (2011): This is often considered a spiritual successor to classic shonen anime. Gon Freecss, a young boy seeking his father, becomes a Hunter, navigating a complex world with intense battles, unique abilities, and strong friendships. Its well-paced storytelling and compelling characters make it a must-watch. If you enjoyed Naruto’s journey to becoming Hokage, Gon’s journey to find his father and becoming a Hunter will likely resonate.

• “My Hero Academia”: If you adored the underdog story of Naruto, this one’s for you. In a world where superpowers are commonplace, Izuku Midoriya, born without abilities, dreams of becoming a hero. His determination and growth are highly reminiscent of Naruto’s. Its focus on teamwork and super-powered battles offers a similar thrill.

• “Attack on Titan”: Prepare for a much darker and more mature experience. This series features intense action, complex political intrigue, and a constant sense of impending doom. While lacking the lightheartedness of “Naruto,” its world-building and impactful character deaths will keep you hooked. If you liked the darker moments in Naruto (especially the Pain Arc), this is an excellent pick.

• “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood”: A masterpiece of storytelling with a satisfying blend of action, drama, and humor. Two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, embark on a quest to restore their bodies after a failed alchemical ritual. Its themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the pursuit of knowledge are profoundly moving.

• “One-Punch Man”: A hilarious parody of the superhero genre that still manages to deliver incredible action sequences. Saitama, a hero who can defeat any enemy with a single punch, struggles with the existential boredom of being too powerful. The juxtaposition of serious battles and comedic character interactions makes for a unique and entertaining watch.

• “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba”: Boasting stunning animation and a compelling story, Demon Slayer follows Tanjiro Kamado as he becomes a demon slayer to avenge his family and turn his sister, Nezuko, back into a human. The action sequences are visually breathtaking, and the brother-sister bond is deeply touching.

• “Jujutsu Kaisen”: If you liked the curse elements and dark humor of Naruto, Jujutsu Kaisen is a modern gem. Yuji Itadori swallows a cursed object to save his friends and becomes the host of a powerful curse. He then enters a school for jujutsu sorcerers to learn how to control his powers and exorcise cursed spirits.

• “Bleach”: (Depending on availability) Following the journey of Ichigo Kurosaki, a human who becomes a Soul Reaper, “Bleach” delves into the world of spirits and battles. Like “Naruto,” “Bleach” features power scaling, special abilities, and a focus on protecting friends, making it a great option for fans of action-packed shonen.

Looking Beyond Netflix

Don’t limit yourself! If Netflix doesn’t have what you’re craving, explore these avenues:

• Crunchyroll: A dedicated anime streaming service with a vast library.
• Funimation: Another major anime streaming platform, often offering dubbed versions.
• Hulu: Sometimes carries select anime series.

H3: FAQs About Anime After “Naruto”

Here are 12 frequently asked questions to guide your next anime adventure:

1. FAQ: I loved the ninja aspect of Naruto. What anime focuses on similar themes? Answer: “Basilisk” (though more mature), “Ninja Scroll” (classic anime movie), and “Katanagatari” (unique art style, tactical battles) explore similar ninja-centric themes.
2. FAQ: I enjoyed the power scaling in “Naruto.” Are there other anime with similar systems? Answer: Absolutely! “Dragon Ball Z,” “Hunter x Hunter,” “One Piece,” and “My Hero Academia” all have well-defined power systems and characters who continuously grow stronger.
3. FAQ: I’m looking for something with the same sense of humor as “Naruto.” Any recommendations? Answer: “One-Punch Man,” “Gintama,” and “The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.” offer fantastic comedic relief with unique premises.
4. FAQ: I cried during the emotional moments in “Naruto.” What anime will tug at my heartstrings? Answer: “Your Lie in April,” “Clannad,” “Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day,” and “Violet Evergarden” are known for their emotionally charged stories and tearjerking moments.
5. FAQ: I’m new to anime. Are any of these recommendations good starting points? Answer: “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood,” “My Hero Academia,” and “Demon Slayer” are often recommended as great entry points due to their accessible storylines and compelling characters.
6. FAQ: “Naruto” had a lot of filler episodes. Do any of these recommendations suffer from the same issue? Answer: “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” and “Attack on Titan” are known for their very little filler, sticking closely to the manga source material. “Hunter x Hunter” (2011) does have some slower arcs, but is largely well-paced.
7. FAQ: I’m looking for something with strong female characters like Sakura. What are my options? Answer: “Claymore,” “Erased,” “Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit,” and “Revolutionary Girl Utena” feature powerful and complex female leads.
8. FAQ: Are there any anime with similar world-building to “Naruto”? Answer: “Made in Abyss” and “Attack on Titan” both feature intricately designed worlds with complex rules and histories.
9. FAQ: I prefer dubbed anime. Are these recommendations available in English? Answer: Most of the mentioned anime are available with English dubs on Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Funimation. Double-check the specific title and platform in your region.
10. FAQ: I’ve already seen most of these. What are some lesser-known gems? Answer: “Land of the Lustrous” (unique CGI animation, philosophical themes), “Vinland Saga” (historical, mature themes), and “March Comes in Like a Lion” (slice-of-life, deeply emotional) are excellent choices.
11. FAQ: What’s the difference between “Naruto” and “Naruto Shippuden”? Answer: “Naruto” covers Naruto’s childhood and early training. “Naruto Shippuden” is the continuation of the story, focusing on his teenage years and the larger conflicts he faces.
12. FAQ: How do I stay up-to-date with new anime releases on Netflix? Answer: Keep an eye on Netflix’s “Coming Soon” section, follow anime news websites and social media accounts, and subscribe to anime-related newsletters.

Ultimately, the best anime to watch after “Naruto” is a matter of personal preference. Explore these suggestions, experiment with different genres, and discover your next anime obsession! Happy watching!