6 Modern Anime So Good, You’ll Realize Dragon Ball is Overrated

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For a lot of people, Dragon Ball was their first anime. The series has become incredibly famous and well-known – even people who don’t usually watch anime probably recognize Goku.

Everyone agrees that Dragon Ball is an amazing series and hugely influential in popularizing anime worldwide. Many fans still love it and rewatch it frequently. However, with so many new and exciting anime being released, it becomes clear that some shows simply excel in certain areas.

Ranking of Kings

Ranking of Kings is a fantastic series that appeals to both longtime anime fans and those just getting into the medium. While it initially appears to be a typical fantasy adventure, it takes some bold storytelling risks that ultimately make it a rewarding experience.

Prince Boji, the main character, is deaf and is unfairly called “The Useless Prince” by many. Determined to become a great king despite this, Boji works hard to overcome his challenges. He teams up with an unexpected friend, a shadow creature named Kage, and sets out to prove everyone wrong.

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End

Fans widely consider Frieren to be a top-tier anime in recent years. Despite a wealth of excellent new series, Frieren has consistently stood out, and while it didn’t win Anime of the Year (losing to Solo Leveling), it’s gained a huge fanbase that’s already looking forward to season 2 in 2026.

While the animation in Frieren is beautiful, it’s the story and characters that truly shine. The series thoughtfully explores themes like death, relationships, and how time passes – something you don’t often see in anime. It’s a really special show and worth watching, even just to see what everyone is talking about.

Jujutsu Kaisen

While Dragon Ball remains incredibly popular, Jujutsu Kaisen has become one of the most successful action anime and manga series in recent years. Even though the main Jujutsu Kaisen story has finished, a spin-off called Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo is currently being published. Plus, fans are eagerly awaiting season 3 of the anime, which is expected to arrive in 2026.

Jujutsu Kaisen (JJK) follows a familiar formula for action-packed anime, but its stunning animation by MAPPA truly sets it apart. The action sequences are some of the best you’ll find in recent anime, and with season 3 expected to be a huge hit and exciting developments with the Modulo arc, the series has a promising future.

Attack on Titan

Few anime series reached the massive popularity of Attack on Titan during its prime. While still widely enjoyed, it once stood alongside giants like Dragon Ball, One Piece, and Naruto. Even though the series has finished, it’s definitely worth watching if you haven’t already.

Okay, so the finale definitely sparked a lot of debate – some people really felt strongly about it! But honestly, even with the controversy, Attack on Titan is just phenomenal. The world they built is so detailed and immersive, and the characters? They go through so much and really grow. It’s a truly amazing series from beginning to end, packed with moments that genuinely hit you hard, huge surprises, awesome fights, and the voice acting is top-notch. It’s an incredible journey, seriously!

Vinland Saga

If you want a captivating story that grabs your attention right away, check out Vinland Saga. While inspired by history, the show is largely fictional, so you don’t need to know anything about the era to enjoy it.

I’ve been watching Vinland Saga, and while it can be a really intense show – maybe not for those looking for something lighthearted – the story and characters are so well-developed that I think it’s absolutely worth the watch. It doesn’t always get the recognition I feel it deserves, but it’s definitely established itself as one of the best series around right now.

Fate/Zero

The Fate series has become incredibly popular over the past twenty years, expanding from its origins as a fan-made visual novel into a huge franchise with anime, manga, games, and lots of related products. While the original Fate/stay night visual novel is well-loved, many fans believe the prequel, Fate/Zero, has a more compelling story.

Fate/Zero delivers all the exciting urban fantasy you’d expect, but with a more mature story and higher stakes. It focuses on Kiritsugu Emiya, the adoptive father of the main character from the original story, and his involvement in a brutal Grail War. Kiritsugu is a complex character – some will see him as a tragic hero, while others will view him as deeply flawed. The series boasts a fantastic cast, each with compelling motivations and backgrounds. Be warned, it’s an emotionally intense experience, but Fate/Zero will keep you hooked from beginning to end.

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2025-11-29 21:39