Dragon Ball practically shaped pop culture. From its humble beginnings as a martial arts adventure to the massive spectacle that was Dragon Ball Z, the series introduced generation after generation to the thrill of battles, power-ups, larger-than-life heroes, and even more extraordinary villains. Goku went from being a young fighter to a near-invincible warrior, and his journey inspired countless anime that followed.
To this day, Dragon Ball fans fondly recall classic moments from the series and its spin-offs, and for die-hard fans, it is the quintessential gateway anime. But for some, Dragon Ball, despite its influence, was never enough. As exhilarating as it is, the predictable power scaling and formulaic battles left some seeking more. And while mainstream One Piece and My Hero Academia have expanded the action-adventure formula with greater complexity, there are a lot of other forgotten gems that push the boundaries even further. Some even surpass Dragon Ball’s legacy.
Release Date
1986 – 1989
Directors
Minoru Okazaki, Daisuke Nishio
Writers
Akira Toriyama
Here is a list of 10 lesser-known anime that rival, and dare we say, are better, Dragon Ball by delivering exciting fights, lovable characters, immersive worlds, all without Saiyan power-ups.
10
‘Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings’ (2009 – 2011)
Set during the Sengoku period, when territorial warfare was everywhere, Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings plunges viewers into a wild story that reimagines Japan’s most iconic warriors. Lords like Date Masamune, a six-sword-wielding “One-eyed Dragon of Oshu,” and Sanada Yukimura, an honorable but hot-blooded warrior of the Takeda clan, battle for control. Meanwhile, Oda Nobunaga dominates the land with uncompromising brutality.
Over-the-Top Samurai Combat
It’s true, a historical setup is nowhere close to what Dragon Ball signifies. But with its unrelenting action and exaggerated power movies, this one is nothing short of a pure, adrenaline-fueled masterpiece. Every fight is theatrical, and the series combines its dramatic narrative with vivid animation. It’s not meant to educate you about history, but to deliver entertainment, and it’s a hidden gem that outshines the seminal shonen anime.
9
‘Hajime no Ippo’ (2000 – 2002)
Crunchyroll
Ippo Makunouchi is an ordinary high school student who is relentlessly bullied by his peers after school. That is until an encounter with pro boxer Takamura changes his life. Inspired by the discipline of boxing, Ippo trains vigorously and steps into the ring to test his strength against the most skilled fighters. Eventually, he goes from being an underdog to a champion.
Hard-Hitting Boxing Anime
Probably the greatest boxing anime of all time but lesser-known in comparison to Dragon Ball, Hajime no Ippo, or Fighting Spirit, is filled with brutal matches that challenge the protagonist both physically and mentally. With each fight, he unlocks a new strategy, technique and desire to win. Like Goku, he’s kind at heart, and he even possesses the Saiyan’s best qualities, but infuse that with iconic ‘80s humor and the anime becomes more gripping.
8
‘Dr. Slump’ (1981 – 1986)
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Mami Koyama
Arale Norimaki
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Kenji Utsumi
Senbei Norimaki
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Naomi Jinbô
Aoi Kimidori / Piisuke Soramame
Later renamed to Dr. Slump Arale-chan, this one takes place in the quirky village of Penguin, where an eccentric scientist named Senbei Norimaki creates Arale, a super-powered, childlike android with a lot of energy but zero common sense. As Arale unknowingly wreaks havoc by shattering mountains and outrunning vehicles, chaos ensues.
Inventive and Zany Slice-of-Life
Where Dragon Ball revels in its grand, high-stakes conflicts, Dr. Slump takes a refreshingly offbeat approach and relies heavily on absurd gags. The outlandish scenarios make room for a lot of slapstick comedy and for the quirky town residents to showcase all that’s weird about them. Akira Toriyama’s genius is on full display here. Plus, the hand-aesthetic gives it an old-school charm that’s hard to replicate now.
Related
10 Best Anime Inspired By Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball
In honor of the late icon, here are 10 anime that wouldn’t exist today without Akira Toriyama’s genius and creativity.
7
‘The Idaten Deities Know Only Peace’ (2021)
Crunchyroll
Almost eight centuries ago, terrifying demons threatened the existence of mankind and divine warriors known as Idaten sealed them away to ensure the world would be free of conflict. Now, with peace reigning supreme, the new generation of Idaten warriors have never fought a battle and are inexperienced. Which is a problem because the ancient evil has resurfaced.
An Intellectually Engaging Series
Renouncing the high-octane action and spectacular battles often associated with shōnen anime, The Idaten Deities Know Only Peace offers a contemplative exploration of power and responsibility. It is pure and unhinged when animation is concerned, thanks to Studio MAPPA. Lesser-known due to its niche appeal, it packs a lot of brutality and strategic depth and unpredictable plot twists.
6
‘Saint Seiya: Knights of the Zodiac’ (1986 – 1989)
Based on the series written and illustrated by Masami Kurumada, Saint Seiya: Knights of the Zodiac is set in a world where warriors wield the power of constellations. Seiya and his fellow Bronze Saints fight to protect Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom and War, against other cosmic forces and face formidable adversaries like the Gold Saints.
Classic Mythology Meets Contemporary Combat
This one draws a lot of parallels with Dragon Ball but also inclines towards Greek mythology, which allows it to surpass the classic shōnen anime in terms of elegant storytelling, dramatic scope, and visually stunning battles. One thrives on power-ups and the other features battles that are poetic and have a purpose, with each technique tied to deep cosmic lore. Overall, it had a lot of impact in Japan but was greatly overlooked by Western audiences.
5
‘Tiger & Bunny’ (2011 – 2022)
Release Date
2011 – 2022
Directors
Keiichi Sato, Kunihiro Mori
Writers
Masafumi Nishida
Franchise(s)
Tiger & Bunny
Tiger & Bunny is set in a futuristic city where heroes are sponsored by corporations and their acts of heroism are broadcasted on TV. A veteran crimefighter named Kotetsu “Wild Tiger” Kaburagi is paired with the young, arrogant Barnaby Brooks Jr., and together, they not only fight commercialized crime but also uncover conspiracies about their job.
A Refreshing Take on the Superhero Genre
Subversive superhero shows are all the rage now, but Tiger & Bunny did it over a decade ago. With its realistic themes of corporate sponsorship and media scrutiny, it spins a story about the personal growth of the crime-fighting duo at the center. The comic-book-inspired aesthetic is nothing like traditional anime visuals and offers a nuanced take on battles, proving that some fights aren’t won by strength alone. Teamwork, wits, trust, and a good heart are necessary too.
4
‘The Big O’ (1999 – 2003)
Crunchyroll
The Big O is set in the dystopian city of Paradigm, where the citizens have all lost their memories. Roger Smith works as a negotiator, solving all problems with intellect and diplomacy, and when words fail, he calls upon his colossal mech, Big O. As Roger is drawn deeper into the city’s lost history, he is faced with foes that include rogue androids and mechanical beasts.
A Fusion of Noir and Mecha
Blending the intrigue of film noir with the spectacle of mecha anime, The Big O cements itself as a unique and visually striking series. It may lack the over-the-top action of Dragon Ball, but it more than makes up for it with its atmospheric storytelling, complex character dynamics, and an overall environment of tension and mystery. The bold animation and jazz-infused soundtrack give it a classic edge too.
3
‘Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic’ (2012 – 2014)
Release Date
2012 – 2014
Directors
Koji Masunari, Naotaka Hayashi
Writers
Hiroyuki Yoshino
Franchise(s)
Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic
The world of Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic is occupied by ancient dungeons and supernatural relics. The story revolves around a young Aladdin seeking answers about his existence. Along the way, he befriends Alibaba, a determined swordsman, and Morgiana, a fierce warrior, and together they battle oppressive rulers and mysterious organizations that threaten to overthrow peace in the world.
Magic, Adventure, and World-Building
Inspired by the fantastical Arabian Nights, this rare anime offers a sprawling, character-driven narrative rooted in a Middle-Eastern aesthetic. Its deep historical lore brings magical elements and Djinn summons to life, with breathtaking sequences like Alibaba’s clash with Cassim weaving a quest that spans epic confrontations and a bit of political intrigue. While overlooked in favor of popular anime, it builds a fantasy world so intricate that it fills you with wonder.
Related
10 Action-Packed Anime Series to Check Out if You Love Dragon Ball
When you’re finished with all of the Dragon Ball series, here are some great similar anime to check out!
2
‘Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple’ (2006 – 2014)
Kenichi Shirahama is a scrawny high school kid who gets bullied to no end, has no talents whatsoever, but dreams of becoming strong enough to stand his ground. When he stumbles into Ryozanpaku, a dojo led by legendary martial artists, he begins training and gradually transforms into a skilled fighter. He even faces combatants from the ruthless rival Ragnarok gang.
Pure Martial Arts Perfection
Dragon Ball may excel in energy blasts and supernatural abilities, but Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple is grounded in realism. It delivers authentic martial arts action with real progression. The series meticulously develops Kenichi’s techniques, from learning the basics of karate to mastering counterattacks against seasoned players. The comedic tone ensures engagement and the fight execution is simply immaculate.
1
‘Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai’ (2020 – 2022)
Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai is the remake of a 1991 anime, which is based on a manga, which draws inspiration from a video game franchise that Akira Toriyama created characters for. Set on a secluded island, it follows young Dai, who wishes to become a hero while being unaware of the fact that his destiny has him bound to a legendary battle against the resurrected Dark Lord Hadlar.
A Timeless Fantasy Adventure
The beloved Dragon Quest video game franchise is just as much about intense battles and quests filled with magic and swords as it is about wisdom and courage. The anime adaptation also stays true to the source material by focusing on creating an epic fantasy world rooted in RPG-style combat. The spell-casting duels, grand-scale sword clashes, and monster designs, all make the adventure more fascinating. Despite its status in Japan, the anime is underappreciated globally.
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