10 Movies and Shows Similar to Dragon Ball DAIMA (2024)

Description: Yu Yu Hakusho, like Dragon Ball DAIMA, features a protagonist who starts as a delinquent but grows into a heroic figure through battles and training. Both series blend martial arts, supernatural elements, and tournament arcs. The themes of redemption and personal growth are central to both.

Fact: Yu Yu Hakusho was created by Yoshihiro Togashi, who later created Hunter x Hunter. The series was originally intended to be a detective story but shifted focus to supernatural battles. The Dark Tournament arc is considered one of the best tournament arcs in anime history.

Description: Dragon Ball Z is the direct predecessor to Dragon Ball DAIMA, sharing the same universe, characters, and creator, Akira Toriyama. Both series feature intense battles, power-ups, and a focus on martial arts and supernatural abilities. The themes of friendship, perseverance, and overcoming insurmountable odds are central to both.

Fact: Dragon Ball Z was originally intended to end after the Frieza Saga, but its popularity led to further arcs. The series introduced the Super Saiyan transformation, which became iconic in anime culture. It was one of the first anime to gain massive popularity in the West, particularly in the 1990s.

Description: One Piece, like Dragon Ball DAIMA, features a vast world filled with adventure, unique powers, and a strong emphasis on camaraderie. Both protagonists, Goku and Luffy, are incredibly strong, naive, and driven by their desire to protect their friends. The series also share a mix of humor, action, and emotional depth.

Fact: One Piece holds the Guinness World Record for the most copies published for the same comic book series by a single author. Eiichiro Oda, the creator, was inspired by Dragon Ball and other shonen manga. The series has been running for over 20 years with no signs of ending soon.

Description: Naruto shares many similarities with Dragon Ball DAIMA, including a young protagonist with a hidden power who trains to become the strongest. Both series emphasize martial arts, energy-based attacks, and the importance of friendship and rivalry. The themes of destiny and self-improvement are also prominent in both.

Fact: Naruto was inspired by Akira Toriyama's work, particularly Dragon Ball. The series' creator, Masashi Kishimoto, initially wanted to make a manga about a chef. Naruto's iconic orange jumpsuit was chosen to make him stand out and reflect his bright personality.

Description: Bleach and Dragon Ball DAIMA both revolve around protagonists with extraordinary powers who fight to protect their world. The series feature intense battles, power-ups, and a blend of supernatural and martial arts elements. The themes of heroism, sacrifice, and personal growth are central to both.

Fact: Bleach was initially rejected by Shonen Jump but was later accepted after the creator, Tite Kubo, reworked the concept. The series' title refers to the 'bleaching' of souls by the Soul Reapers. Ichigo's original character design was significantly different, with spikier hair and a more aggressive look.

Description: Fairy Tail and Dragon Ball DAIMA both emphasize the power of friendship and teamwork in overcoming challenges. The series feature colorful casts, magical powers, and a mix of humor and action. The protagonists, Natsu and Goku, share a similar fiery personality and love for battle.

Fact: Fairy Tail's creator, Hiro Mashima, is known for his prolific output, often drawing over 20 pages a week. The series' name comes from the phrase 'fairy tale,' but with a twist to reflect its magical setting. Mashima has made cameo appearances of his characters in other manga, including Rave Master.

Description: Hunter x Hunter shares Dragon Ball DAIMA's focus on a young protagonist with immense potential who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and combat. Both series feature complex power systems, strategic battles, and a mix of lighthearted and dark tones. The importance of mentorship and training is also a key similarity.

Fact: Hunter x Hunter's creator, Yoshihiro Togashi, is married to the creator of Sailor Moon. The series is known for its frequent hiatuses due to the author's health issues. The Nen power system is one of the most detailed and well-thought-out in anime.

Description: While darker in tone, Attack on Titan shares Dragon Ball DAIMA's themes of fighting against overwhelming odds and the protagonist's journey to unlock their true potential. Both series feature intense battles and a focus on the protagonist's growth and transformation.

Fact: Attack on Titan's creator, Hajime Isayama, was inspired by a nightmare he had about being chased by a giant. The series' opening theme, 'Guren no Yumiya,' became a global hit. The Titans' designs were influenced by drunk people Isayama observed, giving them an unsettling, uncoordinated look.

Description: Dragon Ball Super is a direct sequel to Dragon Ball Z and shares the same continuity as Dragon Ball DAIMA. Both series explore new transformations and god-like powers, with a mix of humor, action, and deep lore. The animation style and character designs are also very similar, maintaining the classic Dragon Ball aesthetic.

Fact: Dragon Ball Super introduces the concept of multiverses and gods of destruction. The series was created to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Dragon Ball franchise. It features the first female Super Saiyan in the main canon, Caulifla.

Description: My Hero Academia and Dragon Ball DAIMA both center around characters who start weak but grow into powerful heroes. The themes of heroism, training, and overcoming adversity are prominent in both. The series also share a vibrant art style and dynamic action sequences.

Fact: My Hero Academia was inspired by Western superhero comics as well as shonen manga like Dragon Ball. The series' creator, Kohei Horikoshi, originally intended for Deku to have a different quirk. All Might's design was influenced by American comic book heroes, particularly Superman.