- Updated on: July 24, 2022
- by Ernie
Baki is the first Original Netflix anime series that deserves praise. Incredible art style mixed with mind-blowing fights, unexpected events, they really outdone themselves.
Many of us got hooked from the get-go and the season just killed it. In the meantime, please enjoy this list of similar anime that you will surely appreciate as well!
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Table of Content
26. Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings
|
Action/ Fighting: |
HYPE: | Animation: |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
10/20 |
10/20 |
5/10 |
25/50 |
Premiered Year: 2009
Episodes: 12
Type: TV
Duration Per Episode: 23 minutes
Anime Storyline
Japan is in a pitiful state. A power struggle between the Warlords of the country is destroying any hope for peace and prosperity.
The “Demon King”, Oda Nobunaga, is hell-bent on having all of Japan under his thumb. Date Masamune and Sanada Yukimura who were supposed to be arch enemies, manage to bury the hatchet and combine their force to stop Oda’s advance.
The Right Eye of the Dragon, Kojūrō, Masamune’s bodyguard and trusted strategist will be the key that will lead them to victory or defeat. Unmatched on the battlefield and yet undefeated, he still trains to break his limits. Despite his young age, he shoulders the responsibility of saving Japan’s future with pride and confidence.
Baki is without any doubts a prodigy just like Kojūrō but despite their formidable talent, they still push themselves to become even greater fighters and acquire a higher level of mastery. Their mid set are the same but their personality, however, are polar opposites, Kojūrō is more the hyperactive character that ALWAYS finds a way to make the situation fun.
Where to Watch Sengoku Basara:
25. Berserk
|
Action/ Fighting: |
HYPE: | Animation: |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
11/20 |
10/20 |
7/10 |
28/50 |
Premiered Year: 2016
Episodes: 12
Type: TV
Duration Per Episode: 24 minutes
Anime Storyline
Berserk has literally been everywhere on Social Media since the death of the Mangaka. The Otakus that by miracle missed to watch this masterpiece, now surely did. I will therefore spare you the introduction.
Now you may wonder why it is on the list, well my answer is simple. Baki has only one goal in mind, he wants to surpass his father. He has been training and fighting and training some more as soon as he learned how to walk for that one purpose.
Guts’ situation is exactly the same, killing Griffith is all he cares about. It just happened that both MC enemies happened to be the stronger beings on this earth.
24. Shigurui
|
Action/ Fighting: |
HYPE: | Animation: |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
12/20 |
11/20 |
6/10 |
29/50 |
Premiered Year: 2007
Episodes: 12
Type: TV
Duration Per Episode: 23 minutes
Anime Storyline
Traditions are meant to be broken, but obviously, the first one to do so will have to face the retaliation of the ancestors.
Lord Tokugawa Tadanaga decided to hold a sword-fighting tournament, but instead of the traditional wooden sword, the fighter will be allowed to use real ones. Just because, you know, without some blood there is no real entertainment at all.
A one-armed Martial Artist was facing a blind opponent. They were the disciples of the mightiest swordsman who ever lived, Iwamoto Kogan. Everyone was looking forward to a battle that should be spectacular since the title of Kogan’s successor will be also hanging in the balance.
That will be a fight the Lord didn’t sign up for, a fight he will regret sponsoring for the rest of his life.
Discipline and strength are the basis of Martial Arts but some of us have to find our own specific style to prevail. Baki is nothing like a traditional fighter and the two potential successors too.
23. Ranma ½
|
Action/ Fighting: |
HYPE: | Animation: |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
12/20 |
10/20 |
7/10 |
29/50 |
Premiered Year: 1989
Episodes: 161
Type: TV
Duration Per Episode: 24 minutes
Anime Storyline
As you may have realized, Martial artists have nothing but training in their heads. So does Ranma, a practitioner of Kenpo. Like all other fighters, his purpose is to become number 1.
Even though his skills are at the pinnacle of the Martial Arts world he still wants more, always more. For that purpose, he went with his father to The Springs of Jusenkyo, a legendary location made for training Martial Artists.
One small problem springs are cursed and of course, they didn’t know about it. So the story of the spring goes like this: If one falls in they will transform into the living being that drowned in it. When exposed to cold water they transform and revert back when in contact with hot water.
So the manly and prideful Ranma is now stuck with the body of a girl. Now living a double life, he tries to make sure to never be found out and continues to surpass his limits while searching for a cure.
This comedy anime may have a very different vibe than Baki’s intensity but both MCs have a very similar character and the same thirst for strength.
22. Ganbare Genki
|
Action/ Fighting: |
HYPE: | Animation: |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
12/20 |
11/20 |
6/10 |
29/50 |
Premiered Year: 1980
Episodes: 35
Type: TV
Duration Per Episode: 23 minutes
Anime Storyline
Horiguchi Genki grew up without a mother. His father who was a professional boxer raised him and passed on his passion to him. At the age of 5, he already knew what he wanted and left home to explore the world and master new techniques. AT THE AGE OF 5!
He always wanted to face his father on equal footing and has been working hard. But he was too slow, his father passed away and Genki just shattered. But instead of allowing despair and grief to destroy him, he trained even harder so that one day he could achieve his father’s dream in his name.
In a way, Baki also inherited his talent and love for Martial Arts from his father whether he likes it or not.
Where to Watch Ganbare Genki:
21. Karate Baka Ichidai (Karate Master)
|
Action/ Fighting: |
HYPE: | Animation: |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
13/20 |
11/20 |
6/10 |
30/50 |
Premiered Year: 1973
Episodes: 47
Type: TV
Duration Per Episode: 24 minutes
Anime Storyline
Ken Asuka is a delinquent that was throwing his future away. He woke up and came back on track after being inspired by Musashi Miyamoto, a legendary swordsman.
Karate became his whole world and his reason for living is to someday be worthy to set foot on the same stages his role model did.
A natural talent for fighting that defies all logic is what, like Baki, Ken demonstrates.
Where to Watch Karate Master:
20. Street Fighter II V
|
Action/ Fighting: |
HYPE: | Animation: |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
13/20 |
11/20 |
6/10 |
30/50 |
Premiered Year: 2001
Episodes: 24
Type: TV
Duration Per Episode: 25 minutes
Anime Storyline
This anime revolves around Ryu and Ken. They are childhood friends and incredible martial artists. They travel all the world together to train and acquire new techniques and fighting styles.
Struck by bad luck they get mixed up with “Shadowlaw” and learn of his evil plans. They will have to face the ultimate adversary M. Bison, an individual that defies the natural concepts of this world. Facing an unchallengeable enemy, instead of fear all they can feel is excitement.
Their love for battle, the fun they have learning and facing enemies that are always stronger is what makes the two MCs so similar to Baki.
Where to Watch Street Fighter II V:
19. Fighting Beauty Wulong
|
Action/ Fighting: |
HYPE: | Animation: |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
12/20 |
12/20 |
6/10 |
30/50 |
Premiered Year: 2006
Episodes: 25
Type: TV
Duration Per Episode: 25 minutes
Anime Storyline
Mao Ran hides behind her angelic and innocent face the soul of a redoubtable martial artist.
Even though she tries her best to keep that aspect of herself a secret, her fascination for battle drew her to a tournament called “Prime Mat” that she will end up participating in.
The first woman fighter on the list. In Baki, we see many terrifying women fighters that everybody respects. An aspect that is rarely shown in most anime of this style. But this one fully emphasizes how strong a woman can really be.
Where to Watch Fighting Beauty Wulong:
18. Hinomaru Sumo
(Sumo of the Rising Sun)
|
Action/ Fighting: |
HYPE: | Animation: |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
13/20 |
10/20 |
7/10 |
32/50 |
Premiered Year: 2018
Episodes: 24
Type: TV
Duration Per Episode: 23 minutes
Anime Storyline
Ushio Hinomaru is a sumo champion aiming for the title of “Yokozuna”. Although his height is not a good match for the sport, his natural talent and supernatural strength make him a rare gem that everybody desires. A small gem but a gem nonetheless.
Tournaments and adversaries are more peculiar and astounding than the others, a trait very distinctive of the Baki series.
Where to Watch Hinomaru Sumo:
17. Shootfighter Tekken
|
Action/ Fighting: |
HYPE: | Animation: |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
14/20 |
12/20 |
6/10 |
32/50 |
Premiered Year: 2002
Episodes: 3
Type: OVA
Duration Per Episode: 45 minutes
Anime Storyline
Pro Wrestling VS Nanshin Shadow Style, the Nanshin came out victorious and held high the pride of the ancient fighting style he practices.
Years later, the wrestler is back for a rematch and the new successor of Nanshin isn’t about to be the first to lose the title gained by his clan.
Baki, like this series, is a mix of modern and ancient fighting styles. The series is full of showdowns between new and old.
Where to Watch Shootfighter Tekken:
16. Time of Shura
|
Action/ Fighting: |
HYPE: | Animation: |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
14/20 |
12/20 |
6/10 |
32/50 |
Premiered Year: 2004
Episodes: 26
Type: TV
Duration Per Episode: 23 minutes
Anime Storyline
In the martial arts world, a famous legend is circulating. The legend says that an invincible type of martial arts exists. A martial art that increases tenfold the strength and speed of the user. Is it possible that this legend is more than a simple tail?
A special technique that only the MC knows about and manages to find and master. A plot twister that was very similar to that of the Baki series.
Where to Watch Time of Shura:
15. Rainbow
|
Action/ Fighting: |
HYPE: | Animation: |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
14/20 |
12/20 |
7/10 |
33/50 |
Premiered Year: 2010
Episodes: 26
Type: TV
Duration Per Episode: 22 minutes
Anime Storyline
Torture, abuse, humiliation and fear, this is the fate that awaits you if you ever get incarcerated at the Shounan Special Reform School.
Mario Minakami, a petty criminal who is just about to enter hell, hit the jackpot. He learned that his cellmate is a former professional boxer. Not only that but he is also willing to teach him the ropes in order for him to survive and maybe make it to the outside.
Unwavering determination and the courage to face foes of the highest caliber without flinching. Qualities that Mario and Baki share.
14. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
|
Action/ Fighting: |
HYPE: | Animation: |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
15/20 |
1\/20 |
7/10 |
34/50 |
Premiered Year: 2013
Episodes: 24
Type: TV
Duration Per Episode: 24 minutes
Anime Storyline
George Joestar was in a terrible accident and nearly lost his life. His savior was Dario Brando, a poor beggar that now possesses the favors of a noble. He owes him his life, so when he asked him to adopt and take care of his son, Dio, just as he would his own.
Dio moved in with the Joestar’s with the intention of taking everything they hold dear. Armed with an Aztec stone mask, a cursed item with incredible dark powers, he takes as his first victim George’s son Jonathan.
But the story isn’t about him but about his grandson, Joseph. He found out the origins of the mask and the dangers it is bringing upon the earth. He is now the only person that stands before the “Pillar Men”, the worshipers of chaos.
Secret organizations and their desire to take over the world, cliché but do exist even in Baki.
13. Naruto
|
Action/ Fighting: |
HYPE: | Animation: |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
15/20 |
10/20 |
9/10 |
34/50 |
Premiered Year: 2002
Episodes: 220
Type: TV
Duration Per Episode: 23 minutes
Anime Storyline
Naruto is the most-watched and most famous anime of all time. We all followed and loved the story of the unacknowledged Ninja who dreams to become Hokage.
The story in itself has no similarity to Baki except for the martial arts aspect. But you have to admit that their determination and the effort they put into training and honing their respective skills are pretty similar.
This legendary anime deserves full points, its position in the list is just based on how much it’s comparable to Baki.
12. Record Of Ragnarok
|
Action/ Fighting: |
HYPE: | Animation: |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
15/20 |
12/20 |
8/10 |
35/50 |
Premiered Year: 2021
Episodes: 12
Type: TV
Duration Per Episode: 24 minutes
Anime Storyline
The human race is in danger. They have no respect for each other, they have no respect for the earth that nurtures them and they have no respect for the Gods that created them. As a result, under Zeus’s order, the Gods gathered to decide their fate.
But just eradicating them seemed a bit unfair. To keep the equilibrium they set in motion Ragnarök. Legendary battles between Gods and humans. The tournament where the fate of all humans hangs in the balance begins. The greatest warriors gather in one place to prove to the almighty Gods that their existence is not vain.
Baki’s father is considered to be a being above all humans, a God in mortal flesh. The ultimate challenge that Baki had to face was just like the heroes of this anime who are facing actual Gods.
Where to Watch Record Of Ragnarok:
11. Blade of the Immortal
|
Action/ Fighting: |
HYPE: | Animation: |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
16/20 |
13/20 |
7/10 |
36/50 |
Premiered Year: 2001
Episodes: 24
Type: TV
Duration Per Episode: 25 minutes
Anime Storyline
The “Hundred Man Killer” is the surname given to Majin. A formidable master swordsman who slew more than a hundred people in cold blood, may they be friends or foes. Undefeated with a sword, what is truly terrifying about him is that he possesses an immortal body that can heal all wounds.
A gift that is in reality a curse a nun placed upon him by putting in his body healing bloodworms. Her condition to give him back his mortality is for Majin to kill a thousand sinful men to repent for his sins even if it’s only a little
Here it is the love story that matters, a single woman will manage to shake the hearts of two emotionless heroes and make them better men, stronger men.
Where to Watch Blade of the Immortal:
10. Air Master
|
Action/ Fighting: |
HYPE: | Animation: |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
17/20 |
12/20 |
7/10 |
36/50 |
Premiered Year: 2003
Episodes: 24
Type: TV
Duration Per Episode: 25 minutes
Anime Storyline
Aikawa Maki was a gymnast. Because of a certain turn of events, she abandoned this sport and became a street fighter. She utilizes both her gymnastic skill combined with martial arts techniques to create her own unique fighting style.
Her aggressiveness and elegance while fighting landed her the battle name “Airmaster.”
Her rage and her attitude make her a woman version of Baki.
9. Tenjou Tenge
|
Action/ Fighting: |
HYPE: | Animation: |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
17/20 |
13/20 |
7/10 |
37/50 |
Premiered Year: 2004
Episodes: 24
Type: TV
Duration Per Episode: 25 minutes
Anime Storyline
Toudou Academy is a very peculiar school. Instead of emphasizing studies, they nurture their students to become the best martial artist of the future. The ones that will be representing Japan in the biggest competition.
Souichiro Nagi and Bob Makihara are two new students that just enrolled and are aiming to earn the number one spot in the School. A very difficult feat to achieve since all the students are at the level of champions.
Overpowered students on the level of the greatest fighters in history, remind you of Baki, doesn’t it?
Where to Watch Tenjou Tenge:
8. Fist Of The North Star
|
Action/ Fighting: |
HYPE: | Animation: |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
16/20 |
14/20 |
8/10 |
38/50 |
Premiered Year: 1984
Episodes: 109
Type: TV
Duration Per Episode: 25 minutes
Anime Storyline
In a post-apocalyptic world, where only the strong can survive, Kenshirou is looking for revenge. He is the successor of the greatest Martial Arts ever created, the Hokuto Shinken. By using our bodies’ pressure points he can instantly kill any man or woman. Except for his brother, Ken is undoubtedly the most formidable person currently walking the earth.
Backstabbed by the only person he ever called friend, he is traveling the deserted Japan where food and water are a rare luxury to take back what was taken from him.
One goal, one purpose, one reason to move forward, the desire to get justice from the people we trusted the most.
Where to Watch Fist of North Star:
7. The God of High School
|
Action/ Fighting: |
HYPE: | Animation: |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
15/20 |
15/20 |
8/10 |
38/50 |
Premiered Year: 2020
Episodes: 13
Type: TV
Duration Per Episode: 23 minutes
Anime Storyline
“The God of High School” is a tournament for all younger fighters residing in Seoul. The winner won’t just become the greatest fighter of all Korea, he will also be granted the privilege to make anyone wish.
Jin Mori, one of the contestants of this year’s match hides behind his face unbelievable power that explains why he looks like a monkey.
At the end of Baki, a major tournament will be held between the world’s greatest fighters where Baki and his father will participate.
Where to Watch God of High School:
6. Drifters
|
Action/ Fighting: |
HYPE: | Animation: |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
15/20 |
15/20 |
8/10 |
38/50 |
Premiered Year: 2016
Episodes: 12
Type: TV
Duration Per Episode: 23 minutes
Anime Storyline
Toyohisa Shimasu is a hot-blooded warrior. Nothing scares him, not even death. During a battle, after being gravely wounded he was still holding the rear to allow his comrades to retreat. When his end was near, he suddenly found himself in a white corridor surrounded by hundreds of doors.
One of them opened and warped him in a place unknown to him. Here, those who were summoned like him were called “Drifter”. Their purpose is to fight against the “Ends” who are trying to spread eternal darkness and chaos.
Obviously, the young warrior outshines every historical figure with his charisma and is given the role of leader, a leader whose only strategy is to just attack and die an honorable death.
Toyohisa’s charisma and the way every important figure gathers around him and gives him his support and assistance is exactly what has been happening with Baki all along his journey.
5. Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple
|
Action/ Fighting: |
HYPE: | Animation: |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
16/20 |
14/20 |
8/10 |
38/50 |
Premiered Year: 2006
Episodes: 50
Type: TV
Duration Per Episode: 25 minutes
Anime Storyline
Kenichi Shirahama is a peaceful and collected individual. Fights and battles don’t really interest him, he’d rather read books to pass the time. However, for a boy of his age, a minimum amount of fighting skills is required, just to survive high school. So he decides to become a member of the karate club.
His plan turned south when a bully pressured him into accepting a duel against him with the purpose of getting him expelled before he ever got the chance to learn anything.
At that moment he just wanted to run away with his tail between his legs but there is no way he’d act uncool in front of his crush, Miu Furinji. He went to her dojo and started training under the Master. He showed unbelievable skills and fighting instincts. Could it be that the little coward is not just a wimp?
In the beginning, it would have been a disgrace to compare the MC to Baki. But as the character develops, his personality fundamentally changes and he turns into someone prideful and confident
4. Kengan Ashura
|
Action/ Fighting: |
HYPE: | Animation: |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
17/20 |
16/20 |
7/10 |
40/50 |
Premiered Year: 2019
Episodes: 12
Type: ONA
Duration Per Episode: 24 minutes
Anime Storyline
Business, in this world, isn’t settled the usual way. Instead of boring endless meetings and complicated contracts, companies hire and train gladiators to resolve all kinds of matters through one simple fight.
“The Ashura,” has been fighting in the Arena for a long time now and is determined to become the number one fighter among the ruthless gladiators.
Not only does the art style in this anime resemble Baki’s, the character himself is like his copy. Their goals just differ a bit.
Where to Watch Kengan Ashura:
3. Megalo Box
|
Action/ Fighting: |
HYPE: | Animation: |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
18/20 |
16/20 |
8/10 |
42/50 |
Premiered Year: 2018
Episodes: 13
Type: TV
Duration Per Episode: 24 minutes
Anime Storyline
Megalo Box is a newly created type of boxing. Fighter’s battle equipped with mechanical limbs called “Gear”. Robocop style.
Junk Dog is a young talent that has been wasting his potential arranging matches and purposely losing in exchange for money.
The one who woke him up and lit a fire in his heart was Yuuri, the current Megalo Box champion. He fought him and lost before they even began. But Yuuri, he saw something in him, something special. He challenged him to meet him at the top, on the ring of the professionals where they can have the most memorable fight of their lives.
One opponent, one goal and one way to get it, with your fists and your guts, the spitting image of Baki’s story.
2. Basilisk
|
Action/ Fighting: |
HYPE: | Animation: |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
19/20 |
19/20 |
9/10 |
47/50 |
Premiered Year: 2005
Episodes: 24
Type: TV
Duration Per Episode: 24 minutes
Anime Storyline
The Japanese style Romeo and Juliet. The forbidden love between the son of the Iga clan and the daughter of the Kouga ninja clan.
Rebelling against their families, the two next heads fell in love and planned to get married. Not just for themselves but also to stop the bloodshed and tragedies that their clans have been suffering from for years.
When explained like this, zero similarities between Baki and Basilisk can be found. You will just have to watch and see how similar the two are. I just rather not spoil most of the story.
1. Hajime no Ippo (Fighting Spirit)
|
Action/ Fighting: |
HYPE: | Animation: |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
20/20 |
20/20 |
10/10 |
50/50 |
Premiered Year: 2000
Episodes: 75
Type: TV
Duration Per Episode: 23 minutes
Anime Storyline
This one is the most famous Martial Arts anime for a good reason, it’s also the best one yet.
The Featherweight boxing Champion Ippo Makunouchi, hanging on to his belt for years. Now that his nemesis made his way back to the boxing ring even Ippo isn’t 100% certain that he will come out on top.
That’s it, the greatest ones are usually the simplest. Here you just have to exchange the nemesis with Baki’s father and it’s technically the same story.
Where to Watch Hajime no Ippo:
My 2 Cents:
They all say that natural talent is necessary to become the best, I say this statement is categorically wrong. Hard work, determination and most importantly passion, are the characteristics that will make you number one!
