He’s just a hero for fun. That’s Saitama. He looks weird and socially awkward, but he’s a strong man with extraordinary skills. How did he become strong? Well, it takes 100 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, 100 squats, and a 10-kilometer run every single day. That’s how he became the greatest hero who only needs a single punch to fight for justice.
One Punch Man is a comedy anime about superhero adventures. The humor, parody, and the battles between heroes and villains are all contained in one story. Saitama is a great hero who can be trusted to do the right thing with his overpowered one punch, but only desires to lead a happy and peaceful life.
Villains are increasing in number but have no fear! There are a lot of awesome heroes in anime who are standing by your side. Similar to the exciting heroic journey, exaggerated strength, and comical entertainment of Saitama, here are 10 highly recommended anime series similar to One Punch Man.
One Punch Man: Anime Info | Season 1 Review | Manga Review
Spring 2016 (Season 1): 13 Episodes
Spring 2017 (Season 2): 25 Episodes
Spring 2018 (Season 3): 25 Episodes
The hit superhero anime My Hero Academia has inspired a lot of fans with the heroic journey of its young protagonists. Deku was born with no quirks (superpowers). He was a weakling kid and was always bullied by his childhood friend Bakugo. Despite his difficult situation growing up, he keeps on dreaming to become strong like his idol, All Might. One fateful day, he meets All Might, and surprisingly, he chooses Deku to be his successor. With the world full of quirks, villains, and hero quests, Deku attends UA High to continue his journey to become the greatest hero.
The epic adventures of Deku and Saitama are very inspiring. When you get to watch My Hero Academia, it brings you to a world similar to One Punch Man and its superhero formula. Both are popular shounen with large fandoms. Their stories might seem generic (heroes fight evils to promote peace and justice) but one thing is for sure, both series are relatable in many ways with their compelling themes on heroism, friendship, and teamwork.
My Hero Academia Season 3 (Spring – Summer 2018) Series Review
1989
291 Episodes
Overpowered anime characters? Here’s Goku, your legendary anime hero. He only likes one thing: to fight strong opponents. He’s obsessed with training so he can rise to the deadliest challenge. Together with his friends, their goal to save the world continues. There’s a lot of stuff going around the whole universe, and they just have to fight. Just fight.
When it comes to physical strength, characters from Dragon Ball franchise aren’t on the bottom line. Goku has all the guts to save the whole universe. Every anime fan has always admired his heroic deeds, his pure heart, and his noble sacrifices to save humanity. With these attributes, he sometimes looks like Saitama who uses his single punch to beat his opponents. Like Saitama, Goku views his heroic life to be really fun, and fighting tough villains makes him happy.
Dragon Ball Z: Vegeta’s Evolution from Horrible Villain to Cool Hero
Summer 2016
12 Episodes
He looks strange. He doesn’t stand out. But he’s got a super power! His name is Shigeo Kageyama, also known as Mob. He’s an average eighth grader who has immense psychic abilities. He keeps his power in control by suppressing his intense emotions. Despite his powers, he only wants to have an ordinary life and to get the attention of his crush, Tsubomi.
Mob is similar to Saitama. Their eyes, their blunt faces, and of course, their surprising strength is beyond reality. Both give off the same vibes because they’re created by ONE, a manga artist who is best known for these two webcomic series. Watching Mob’s bizarre persona gets you the same feeling as when watching Saitama. They’re both disastrously fun, total weirdos, but they are pure-hearted heroes. If you like Saitama’s exaggerated power level, then Mob will also make your world go crazy.
Spring 2016
201 Episodes
One of the highly recommended comedy anime, Gintama centers on the historical adventures of a silver-haired samurai named Gintoki. Although he looks so weird, he has impressive skills. Because of his unique strength, his newly found friend Shinpachi decides to be his apprentice and joins Gintoki at his freelance job. Soon after, they also meet a girl named Kagura. The three of them continue their journey in the Edo period, fighting aliens and doing random stuff.
One Punch Man and Gintama don’t have a similar storyline, but they’re best known for their humor and parody. Their comedic elements are undoubtedly topnotch. Both protagonists are ridiculously peculiar, and most of the time they act randomly. However, they possess unique abilities that are very enjoyable to watch. The strong bond of Gintoki and Shinpachi is like watching the perfect harmony between Saitama and Genos. Like the cliché of shounen, Gintama has great action scenes similar to the those found in One Punch Man.
Summer 2016
12 Episodes
The story follows Kusuo Saiki who was born with psychic powers. Gifted as he is, however, he desires a normal life and to be an average high school student. He struggles to keep his power under control and he wants to avoid drawing more attention from the people around him. Dealing with all the pressure, he keeps on living with his fortunate abilities.
This is a comedy show like One Punch Man and both have overpowered protagonists. They give off the same strange vibes, but they’re readily available when badly needed. Behind their dull disposition, you wouldn’t expect that they’re strong and gifted individuals, and that’s what makes them really amazing. The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. gives you enough craze to make it a lot similar to One Punch Man.
Spring 2013
13 Episodes
Based on a Japanese light novel, The Devil is a Part-Timer! is about the Demon Lord Satan from Ente Isla who was forced to retreat after confronted by the hero Emilia and the humans. He was then transported to modern Japan together with the Demon General Alciel. In order to survive, he ends up working part-time in a fast-food restaurant. This anime is about demons dealing with the human realm in the most comical way.
The Devil is a Part-Timer! doesn’t bear a close resemblance to the story of One Punch Man, but as soon as you start watching the series, you could tell that it’s a very humorous show. Both series offer dynamic vibes and comical surprises. The protagonist is unexpectedly overpowered and unbeatable, and his uniqueness is very likable. Similar to Saitama, he plays with his strength for fun and doesn’t seem to take his fights seriously. This anime has brilliant humor that will relieve your stressful days.
Summer 2015
13 Episodes
Season 1 Review | Season 2 Review
An isekai anime full of adventures and fantasy, Overlord takes place in an MMORPG world. Here comes the end of a popular online game called Yggdrasil. As it is about to shut down, Momonga, one of the strongest players in the game, decides to spend his last moments online. To his surprise, he finds out that the game is still running after the designated shut down, and non-player characters start to develop emotions on their own.
Both Ainz and Saitama are surprisingly strong and powerful. Although One Punch Man is more focused on its comedy, the action-packed series Overlord captures the same entertainment value brought by Saitama’s heroic action scenes. Both heroes look weird yet funny, and they’re absolutely boredom killers. Overlord is your anime of choice if you’d like to watch an overwhelming display of powerful skills like the simple one punch of Saitama.
Fall 2008
26 Episodes
A typical heroic story about various conflicts between good and evil, Astro Fighter Sunred is a superhero anime that’s a parody of the Super Sentai series. Sunred is the hero of justice, but he is rude and lazy. While his enemy, the organization Florsheim, is the total opposite of evil. It’s just an endless battle towards world domination.
Aside from its superhero antics, this anime also has many comical aspects like One Punch Man. Both their humors perfectly blend well with their heroic action scenes and parodies. If you like the plot of heroes fighting villains and evil forces, then Astro Fighter Sunred is just right for you. It doesn’t have a good plot development, but it does a great job of portraying a realistic realm of heroes, and this appeal is similar to One Punch Man.
Fall 2013
22 Episodes
Masayoshi Hazama is a model who decides to pursue his childhood dream to become a superhero. Despite being powerless, he begins to fight monsters and crime under the name Samurai Flamenco. Despite all the trouble and hardship, he keeps on believing on himself to become a great hero.
This anime is just another example of superheroes fighting villains, although in i case, it delivers great adventures, comedy, and it touches themes on heroism. Like One Punch Man, it’s also a parody that’s enjoyable and refreshing to watch. There are many funny moments in both shows. Masayoshi and Saitama look weird and weaklings, but they’re incredible heroes who fight in the name of justice.
Spring 2011
25 Episodes
A famous anime series by Sunrise studio, Tiger & Bunny is a comedy and superhero classic. Set in a futuristic New York, the story focuses on two individuals, Kotetsu T. Kaburagi (known as ‘Wild Tiger’) and Barnaby Brooks, Jr. (nicknamed ‘Bunny’). With their varying ideals, they must work together to become the greatest heroes.
If you like heroic stories like One Punch Man and My Hero Academia, then Tiger & Bunny should also be included in your list. The story focuses on typical superhero adventures of fighting crimes and evils, promoting peace, and preserving justice. Both anime highlight the same heroic sequences that are very entertaining to watch, although One Punch Man is a lot more comical. Tiger & Bunny also involves a hero association.
TIGER & BUNNY: A Mini Review Before its Hollywood Adaptation
Superhero series are really fun. They include many life lessons on how to become stronger and believe in yourself. These anime aren’t just about fighting tough villains; they are stories of aspiring heroes and their struggles and failures that will let you realize the beauty of their hard work. It takes passion, courage, and ONE PUNCH to save humanity.
Do you have what it takes to become the greatest hero?
The summer anime season is over. We had a few refreshing titles that kept us company through the hot months, but fall is bringing so many new titles and a few sequels we’ve been waiting for a long time.
