5 Anime Series You Should Be Watching If You Like Superheroes

When it comes to superheroes, Japan knows how to do things right.

The country is home to iconic heroes such as Super Sentai — who you’ll perhaps know better as The Power Rangers. Other characters such as Ultraman and Kamen Riders were also created abroad, signaling Japan’s love for all things superhuman.

In a world saturated with superhero media, it’s a good thing then that Japan has infused its interest in such characters to its love for anime.

For years now, animation studios and manga writers have carefully crafted a whole new generation of superheroes for both teenagers and adults alike.

If you’re a fan of superheroes, then there is an anime out there for you.

Whether you like The Hulk, Superman, or even Hit-Girl, you will find there are several shows out there that will save your binging queue. So, of course, we’ve decided to make a list of today’s most popular anime series that superhero fanatics will gladly suit up over.

Tiger & Bunny

Considered one of the most popular anime series of 2011, Tiger & Bunny took the superhero genre and updated it by adding heroic company sponsors, real-time TV programs, and two adorably named protagonists.

The series follows two characters named Kotetsu T. Kaburagi and Barnaby Brooks Jr. as they suit up as two world-famous superheroes.

The duo are partnered together by their sponsor company who provides them with tech, suits, and a spot on Hero TV.

Set in an alternate version of New York City, the show takes place in a world filled with superheroes who fight live on-air to gain the public’s affection and earn points by doing good heroic deeds in a bid to become the “King of Heroes.” However, the mismatched pair find themselves embroiled in a dangerous battle with a new superhuman villain makes himself known through a series of gruesome murders. 

Samurai Flamenco

If you interested in watching a male model go full-on vigilante (think anime Zoolander), then it’s time you started watching Samurai Flamenco.

Created by Takahiro Omori, the anime follows Masayoshi Hazama as he struggles to become a powerless superhero.

Teaming up with a local police officer, Samurai Flamenco discovers what it means to be a hero as he hilariously dons a super-powered suit a la Iron Man. 

However, don’t expect Samurai Flamenco to be a consistent series. The show features arcs in the same way that Western comic books do. These different stories change the show’s tone dramatically as the hero goes from being a down-home hero to a vigilante who’s forced to face off against a giant gorilla with a guillotine stomach.

And that’s not even to mention the Super Sentai cameo that comes later on in the series. 

My Hero Academia (Boku no Hero Academia)

Imagine what it would be like to live in a world where superhero were the norm.

For instance, just think of how you’d react to seeing Superman fly by a Starbucks on his way to save Metropolis, and then you’ll be on your way to understanding what makes My Hero Academia such a fun anime. 

The series takes place in a world where superpowers – or, rather, quirks – are gifted to almost everyone in the world.

That is, except for Izuku Midoriya. The student never developed his gifts, leaving him to be bullied by his superhuman friends despite his wishes to become the world’s greatest hero.

The gag-filled romp is filled with hilarious quips and thrilling fight sequences as Izuku is eventually gifted a quirk by All Might, the world’s most powerful hero after the student saves an ungrateful bully from being killed by a local Villain. 

Dragon Ball Z

Even if you’re not a fan of anime, you’re probably familiar with the Dragon Ball franchise.

Does the phrase ‘Kamehameha’ ring a bell?

Created in 1989, Dragon Ball Z stands as the sequel series to Dragon Ball – but don’t be too alarmed. Even though both shows are considered somewhat complex, new fans should be able to jump into Dragon Ball Z without too many hiccups given the series’ use of flashbacks. But, if you’re totally unsure about what Dragon Ball Z is, then you should know the show follows one seriously over-powered group of Saiyans. 

Dragon Ball Z follows a character named Goku who works alongside various companions to save the Earth from total annihilation. Whether they’re facing intergalactic space monsters or a baddie named Majin Buu, these Saiyans spend their time training their bodies to face off against the universe’s most feared villains. And, if you’re wondering how these guys are able to fight on and on for episodes on end, then the anime will soon show you what it means to go Super Saiyan. 

One-Punch Man

Meet the strongest hero known to mankind. 

Saitama might look somewhat plain, but don’t let the character’s shiny bald head and blank stare fool you. The hero is the most powerful man in all of Z-City, an alternate universe plagued by leveled-up monsters and villains. So, really, it’s a good thing then that Saitama can defeat anybody with just one punch – right?

Well, not really.

One-Punch Man follows Saitama as he embarks on a hysterical journey to regain his passion for fighting. The series depicts the insanely strong hero as he encounters all sorts of villains and looks appropriately bored as each character monologues on about their evil deeds. However, those baddies are soon put in their place with Saitama uppercuts them with an over-the-top cutscene, leaving his enemies KO’d on the cold hard ground.