For years, the anime world has recognized Bleach, Naruto, and One Piece as the legendary "Big Three." These shonen juggernauts dominated the anime industry with their intense battles, gripping storylines, and unforgettable characters. However, several other anime series also made a massive impact, rivaling the Big Three in terms of popularity, fight sequences, and world-building. In this blog, we will explore some of the best fighting-heavy anime that stood alongside these legends.
1. Fairy Tail (2009-2019)
A Tale of Magic and Brotherhood
While Fairy Tail was not officially part of the Big Three, it followed a similar formula of action-packed storytelling and powerful friendships. Set in the magical world of Fiore, Fairy Tail follows Natsu Dragneel and his comrades in the Fairy Tail guild as they take on dangerous missions, battle formidable foes, and uncover secrets about their pasts.
What Makes Fairy Tail Stand Out?
- Magic-Based Combat: Unlike the chakra system in Naruto or Devil Fruits in One Piece, Fairy Tail employs a diverse magic system, allowing characters to wield fire, ice, celestial spirits, and even time-manipulating powers.
- Emphasis on Guild Camaraderie: The bond between Fairy Tail guild members plays a central role in the story, making it similar to the teamwork themes seen in the Big Three.
- Power-Ups and Transformations: Fairy Tail embraces shonen traditions with power-ups like Dragon Force and Take Over Magic, reminiscent of Naruto’s Sage Mode and Bleach’s Bankai.
2. Hunter x Hunter (1999/2011-2014)
A Strategic Take on Power Battles
Unlike traditional shonen anime, Hunter x Hunter takes a more intellectual approach to combat. The story follows Gon Freecss as he embarks on a journey to find his father while taking the rigorous Hunter Exam and encountering powerful adversaries.
Why Hunter x Hunter Is a Standout?
- The Nen Power System: Nen is one of the most intricate and well-balanced power systems in anime, requiring users to master different categories such as Enhancement, Emission, Manipulation, and Conjuration.
- Tactical and Psychological Warfare: Battles in Hunter x Hunter often revolve around strategy rather than brute force, setting it apart from traditional power-up-focused fights in the Big Three.
- Diverse Story Arcs: From the intense Heavens Arena tournament to the dark and mature Chimera Ant arc, Hunter x Hunter offers a variety of storytelling approaches.
3. Dragon Ball Z (1989-1996) & Dragon Ball Super (2015-2018)
The Grandfather of Shonen Fighting Anime
Before Naruto, Bleach, and One Piece, there was Dragon Ball Z. Akira Toriyama’s legendary series laid the foundation for modern battle shonen anime, introducing power-ups, transformations, and world-shaking battles that defined the genre.
Why Dragon Ball Z Remains Iconic?
- Super Saiyan Transformations: Goku’s iconic Super Saiyan transformation paved the way for later anime power-ups, influencing Bleach’s Bankai and Naruto’s Tailed Beast transformations.
- Massive-Scale Battles: DBZ introduced planet-destroying fights, making it one of the most action-packed anime ever.
- Legacy of Influence: The Big Three drew heavy inspiration from Dragon Ball Z’s fight sequences and character archetypes.
4. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009-2010)
A Blend of Storytelling and Combat
Unlike most battle shonen, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood places heavy emphasis on plot depth, philosophy, and emotional storytelling while maintaining impressive fight sequences. The anime follows brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric as they search for the Philosopher’s Stone to restore their lost bodies.
What Sets Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Apart?
- Alchemy-Based Combat: Instead of traditional martial arts or energy-based abilities, characters use alchemy, which requires transmutation circles, equivalent exchange, and scientific knowledge.
- Deep Narrative and Themes: The series explores themes of sacrifice, morality, and the consequences of seeking ultimate power.
- Well-Choreographed Fights: Despite being more story-driven, the battles in FMA: Brotherhood are some of the best in anime, especially clashes against Homunculi like Wrath and Envy.
Honorable Mentions
My Hero Academia (2016-Present)
My Hero Academia has risen to prominence in recent years, often regarded as the successor to the Big Three. With its focus on heroism, Quirk-based battles, and emotional storytelling, it embodies many traits of traditional shonen.
Attack on Titan (2013-2023)
While Attack on Titan leans more into dark fantasy and political intrigue, its action sequences and Titan battles make it one of the most intense anime experiences ever.
Jujutsu Kaisen (2020-Present)
With its stunning animation and intense hand-to-hand combat, Jujutsu Kaisen is a spiritual successor to Bleach, featuring cursed energy battles and compelling characters like Yuji Itadori and Gojo Satoru.
Conclusion: Expanding Beyond the Big Three
While Naruto, Bleach, and One Piece are widely regarded as the Big Three, numerous other anime have cemented their legacy in the world of action-packed storytelling. Whether through magical battles (Fairy Tail), strategic warfare (Hunter x Hunter), legendary transformations (Dragon Ball Z), or deep philosophical narratives (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood), these anime continue to shape the genre. As anime evolves, we may witness the rise of a new "Big Three," but the influence of these powerhouse series will never fade.
Follow on Twitter