Caught Up on Pokémon? Here Are 10 Anime Series You Need to Start Streaming Right Now
Look, we get it. You've watched every Pokémon season, replayed your favorite episodes, and you're sitting there wondering what's next. The good news? The anime world is absolutely stacked with series that scratch the same itch — friendship-driven adventures, incredible creature designs, underdog heroes, and animation that'll make your jaw drop, especially in HD.
At PikashowHD, helping fans find their next obsession is kind of our whole thing. So we put together this list of 10 anime series that Pokémon fans consistently love, complete with what makes each one worth your time.
1. Digimon Adventure (1999–2000)
Episodes: 54 | Where to Stream: Crunchyroll, Pluto TV
Okay, the obvious one first — but hear us out. Digimon gets unfairly dismissed as a Pokémon knockoff, but it's genuinely its own beast (pun intended). The digital monsters evolve in real-time during battles, the human-monster bonds are emotionally deeper, and the stakes get surprisingly dark. If you want that classic 90s adventure energy with a slightly more mature edge, this is your starting point.
2. My Hero Academia
Episodes: 138+ (ongoing) | Where to Stream: Crunchyroll, Hulu
This one is practically required viewing at this point. A world where almost everyone has superpowers, an underdog protagonist who refuses to quit, and a deep roster of memorable characters — sound familiar? MHA hits every beat that made Ash's journey compelling, just with high school drama and increasingly epic battle animation layered on top. The HD presentation on streaming is stunning.
3. Hunter x Hunter (2011)
Episodes: 148 | Where to Stream: Netflix, Crunchyroll
If you loved the idea of Pokémon trainers working their way up through increasingly difficult challenges, Hunter x Hunter takes that concept and cranks it up to eleven. The power system (called Nen) is brilliantly designed, the world-building is layered, and the friendship between Gon and Killua is genuinely one of anime's all-time great duos. Fair warning: this one will wreck your emotions.
4. Sword Art Online
Episodes: 96+ | Where to Stream: Crunchyroll, Netflix
For the Pokémon fan who's also into gaming, SAO hits a very specific sweet spot. Players trapped in a virtual RPG world have to fight their way through levels to survive — there's strategy, creature-like enemies, and an evolving cast of characters with genuine chemistry. The animation quality, especially in later arcs, is exceptional in HD.
5. Fairy Tail
Episodes: 328 | Where to Stream: Crunchyroll, Hulu
Fairy Tail is basically the Pokémon of guild-based adventure anime. The core message — that friendship and heart can overcome raw power — is front and center in every arc. The ensemble cast is huge and lovable, the magic system is creative, and there's a warm, optimistic energy to the whole show that feels very much in the Pokémon spirit. Great for binge-watching on a lazy weekend.
6. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Episodes: 64 | Where to Stream: Netflix, Crunchyroll, Hulu
This is the one that consistently sits at or near the top of every "greatest anime ever" list — and for good reason. Two brothers on an epic journey, a richly built world with its own rules and mythology, and emotional storytelling that hits harder than almost anything else in the medium. Pokémon fans who are ready for a more serious narrative will find this absolutely unforgettable.
7. Beyblade (Original Series)
Episodes: 51 | Where to Stream: Tubi, YouTube
Hear us out — this one is pure nostalgia fuel for anyone who grew up in the early 2000s. Kids competing in tournaments with specialized gear, forming teams, and developing their skills through dedication and friendship? It's the Pokémon tournament arc stretched into its own show. Goofy, fun, and surprisingly watchable even today.
8. Naruto
Episodes: 220 (+ 500 episodes of Shippuden) | Where to Stream: Netflix, Crunchyroll, Hulu
Naruto is the anime equivalent of comfort food — familiar, satisfying, and always there when you need it. A misfit kid with hidden potential, a village full of colorful personalities, and a journey from outcast to legend. The parallels to Ash's story are obvious, but Naruto's world is bigger, the lore goes deeper, and the emotional payoffs are massive. Yes, there are filler episodes. Power through them.
9. One Piece
Episodes: 1,000+ (ongoing) | Where to Stream: Crunchyroll, Netflix (Netflix Edit)
One Piece is an investment, no question. But for Pokémon fans who love the idea of a crew of unique individuals traveling the world, finding adventure, and growing stronger together, there's nothing else quite like it. The world Oda built is endlessly imaginative, and the emotional depth of the best arcs rivals anything in anime history. The Netflix live-action adaptation is also a solid entry point if you want to test the waters first.
10. Pokémon Horizons: The Series
Episodes: Ongoing | Where to Stream: Netflix
Yes, we're putting a Pokémon show on a list for Pokémon fans — because Horizons is genuinely different enough to feel fresh. New protagonists Liko and Roy bring a different energy than Ash's era, the animation quality has taken a significant leap forward, and the storytelling is more serialized and character-driven. If you stepped away from the franchise and haven't checked this one out yet, it's the perfect re-entry point.
Final Thoughts
The beauty of being a Pokémon fan in 2024 is that your taste is already calibrated for quality adventure storytelling — which means you've got incredible instincts for what makes anime great. Every series on this list has something that'll feel familiar and something that'll genuinely surprise you. Queue them up on PikashowHD and get ready to add some new favorites to the rotation.
