Spring 2020 saw anime fans reeling over a new anime adaptation. However, this wasn’t your typical anime, adapted from a manhwa. It was an anime that will perhaps set the stage for many new adaptations to come forward- those of Manhwa (basically, Korean manga, or more specifically, webtoons). I’m talking about Tower of God, adapted from the awe-inspiring work by SIU, serialized in Naver Webtoon. The studio responsible for Tower of God was Telecom Animation Film. It’s an anime that, while holding on to many shonen tropes, also defied plenty of them. If you’re looking for a mysterious adventure anime with plenty of twists and turns, here are the best animes similar to Tower of God-
10. Hunter x Hunter (2011)
- Episodes: 148
- Studios: Madhouse
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
- Aired: Oct 2, 2011, to Sep 24, 2014
If you want to explore another mysterious world like that in Tower of God and are looking for an adventure anime filled with thrilling action, great characters, and a protagonist in search of someone important to them, Hunter X Hunter should be next on your list.
We follow the adventures of Gon Freecs, a boy who wishes to become a Hunter just like his father. Hunters are people who qualify for a challenging and rigorous exam to gain a license and title that gives them access to a lot of stuff kept away from the ordinary public. Only a few tough individuals can clear the exam and gain the title of Hunter.
Gon, curious to find out what made his father leave his family behind, is set on becoming a Hunter himself. He will have to face many challenges to clear the exam, facing very skilled contenders. The road that lies ahead of Gon is a dark and tricky one; however, with his friends and undying ambition, the ecstatic boy will continue to learn.
9. The God of High School
- Episodes: 13
- Studios: MAPPA
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Supernatural
- Aired: Jul 6, 2020, to Sep 28, 2020
Adapted from a Manhwa, having a tournament setting, and having a giant fan base, The God of High School is one of the few manhwas that was able to achieve a fame comparable to that of Tower of God. It’s no surprise then that the two have a similar fan base and might be just what you’re looking for next!
The “God of High School” is a tournament containing various Korean high school students, all competing to determine who is the strongest fighter among them. The contest allows all styles of Martial Arts and weapons as well. The winner will be granted their greatest desire, whatever it may be.
Jin Mo-Ri has been training for years in Taekwondo under the tutelage of his grandfather. He is obsessed with fighting and enters the tournament to test out his skills and challenge stronger opponents. He makes many friends along the way, each with their ambitions; however, the tournament isn’t all that it seems, and there are many more secrets that lie behind its existence.
8. Made In Abyss
- Episodes: 13
- Studios: Kinema Citrus
- Genres: Sci-Fi, Adventure, Mystery, Drama, Fantasy
- Aired: Jul 7, 2017, to Sep 29, 2017
The Abyss is a mysterious chasm that digs deep into the Earth. No one knows what lies within the depths of this landmark, and the people that are brave enough to enter it are called Divers. Rika is a novice Diver who aspires to become like her mother, the legendary Diver, Lyza the Annihilator. However, her mother has gone missing, and Riko doesn’t know where.
One day, she meets a robot with the appearance of a young boy. He has no memories until their encounter, and she names him Reg. The two believe that the technology to build him can only be from the Abyss and head off on a journey inside the gaping pit.
The two go on an adventure but are unaware of the kind of world that awaits them in the Abyss. As they go deeper into it, they will face several challenges, getting closer to uncovering the secret behind the Abyss.
7. My Hero Academia
- Episodes: 88
- Studios: Bones
- Genres: Action, Comedy, School, Shounen, Super Power
- Aired: Apr 3, 2016, to Jun 26, 2016
In this popular anime like Tower of God, we meet Izuku Midoriya, an ordinary boy living in a world filled with “Quirks.” While 80% of the population possesses some form of superpowers called “Quirks,” Izuku is born without any. Despite this, he is a huge fanatic of superheroes and studies them whenever possible.
He wishes to one day become the greatest superhero. However impossible his dream may seem, he doesn’t want to give up, and his luck soon shines through.
In a series of opportune events, the boy inherits powerful abilities and must now begin his journey on the road to becoming a hero. The journey won’t be easy, as a group of supervillains is set on wreaking havoc. Moreover, his classmates at the hero university prove to be powerful contenders for a similar goal. How will Izuku prove himself better than his friends, rivals, and enemies to become the greatest?
6. One Piece
- Episodes: Unknown
- Studios: Toei Animation
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Super Power, Drama, Fantasy, Shounen
- Aired: Oct 20, 1999, to present
When Gol D. Roger, the infamous “Pirate King,” was captured by the World Government, he revealed the existence of the greatest treasure in the world, called One Piece. Men around the globe, wanting riches and glory and the title of Pirate King, set on a journey to become pirates and achieve their dreams.
One such boy is Monkey D. Luffy; he wishes to experience the exciting adventures and friendships that the sea holds for him. Creating a powerful crew, he sails on. With the ability to extend his body to extraordinary sizes and the help of his comrades, he must walk on a dangerous yet rewarding path of wonders.
5. Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic
- Episodes: 25
- Studios: A-1 Pictures
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Magic, Shounen
- Aired: Oct 7, 2012, to Mar 31, 2013
In the world of this anime, there are many “Dungeons,” mysterious labyrinths that contain all the treasure and resources that a person could ever need, like Tower of God. They are the creations of rare and powerful magicians called Magi, and each labyrinth is owned by a Djinn who grants their immense powers to those who complete the quest.
Alibaba is a poor boy who, upon facing danger, decides to try his luck at the Dungeon with the help of a young magician, Aladdin, who can summon a Djinn with his flute. Watch as the two begin an adventure, opening their lives to something much bigger.
4. Naruto
- Episodes: 220
- Studios: Studio Pierrot
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Super Power, Martial Arts, Shounen
- Aired: Oct 3, 2002, to Feb 8, 2007
The pillar of Shonen Jump, Naruto is well known in the anime community and outer spheres as well. It’s set in a world of ninjas, where our main character, an orphan named Naruto, must overcome the hardships of life to achieve his dreams of becoming a Hokage, the leader of his village. However, the goal will not be an easy one to achieve. The village people hate Naruto because of his indisciplined behavior and a mysteriously dark past surrounding the boy.
If you’re looking for a fun anime with excellent world-building, likable characters, and lots of depth in the story similar to Tower of God. However, there’s a good chance that you’ve already watched it. So here’s a list of animes like Naruto.
3. Tower of Druaga: The Aegis of Uruk
- Episodes: 12
- Studios: Gonzo
- Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
- Aired: Apr 5, 2008, to Jun 21, 2008
In this anime, we’re taken to the country of Uruk, a country that has a tower, where the evil God Druaga was sealed. The tower, now infested with many demons, is the focus of the countries army. They wish to defeat the demons right at the moment when they’re at their weakest: “Summer of Anu.”
We follow the adventure of an unusual team- a knight named Jil, along with an archer, a magician, and a sorceress. They each have their own reasons, but their goal is the same- to reach the top of the tower. If you’re looking for something dark and mysterious with elements of romance, make sure to give this anime a shot.
2. Angels of Death
- Episodes: 16
- Studios: J.C.Staff
- Genres: Adventure, Horror, Psychological, Thriller
- Aired: Jul 6, 2018, to Oct 26, 2018
Rachel Gardner doesn’t remember much about her life. She finds herself in the basement of a building, wishing only to die. This is when she comes across a masked murderer named Zack. He promises to kill her if she helps him escape. Soon, they begin ascending the floors of the building together. However, as they get higher, they meet new and deranged people.
Mysteriously, all the people seem to be linked to Rachel in some way. She is intrigued by the strange connection she has with these twisted people. With each new level they ascend, they face a new boss.
1. The Promised Neverland
- Episodes: 12
- Studios: CloverWorks
- Genres: Sci-Fi, Mystery, Horror, Psychological, Thriller, Shounen
- Aired: Jan 10, 2019, to Mar 29, 2019
This anime is the story of a group of orphan kids living in the Grace Field House. They live peaceful and carefree lives as a big family, with their caretaker, Isabella, who they call mama. They are free to do as they please with their time but have to give a test every day. The kids are also forbidden from wandering too far away from the premises of the orphanage.
However, their happy-go-lucky lives don’t last forever. When the children are adopted, they leave the orphanage and are mysteriously never heard of again. Having lived all their lives in the orphanage, the three eldest and smartest children begin to suspect something. What mystery will the children uncover?
Honorable Mentions-
- Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?
- Sword Art Online
- Attack on Titan
- Jujutsu kaisen
- Fire force
- Devilman crybaby
- Danganronpa: The Animation
- Children of the Whales
- Future Diary