You`re probably familiar with the parody action anime “One-Punch Man” (One Punch Man), which cleverly mocks the superhero genre. The protagonist, Saitama, can defeat any foe with a single punch, yet despite this overwhelming power, he experiences boredom and apathy. Saving an entire city from an alien threat? Just another Tuesday. Saitama is constantly searching for a stronger opponent to alleviate his melancholy and finally feel some excitement. While we count down the time until the release of the third season of this vibrant anime, scheduled for October 2025, allow me to present a selection of interesting series that share a similar atmosphere, concept, or main character with “One-Punch Man.”
My Hero Academia (Boku no Hero Academia)
Saitama from “One-Punch Man” gained his strength through daily physical training: one hundred push-ups, one hundred squats, and the same number of sit-ups, followed by a ten-kilometer run. It`s no wonder he can now defeat enemies with just one blow. If you`re a fan of intense training regimens, amusing characters, and thrilling battles, then the anime “My Hero Academia” is perfect for you. This series is captivating from start to finish.
Izuku Midoriya always dreamed of becoming a hero, but he was born without a Quirk (as superpowers are called in this anime). Everything changes when Izuku meets his idol — All Might, who defeats villains with a signature punch. The strongest hero decides to make the Quirkless schoolboy his successor, but for this, Izuku must undergo rigorous training: build up his body, increase his stamina, and learn to use the Quirk he`s granted. The young man must pass the entrance exam for the most prestigious hero academy, confront numerous villains, and become someone people can rely on. A long journey awaits Izuku, and eight seasons of exciting adventures await us.
Kaiju No. 8 (Kaiju No. 8)
The protagonist of the spectacular action anime “Kaiju No. 8” is no less powerful than Saitama. However, upon gaining new abilities, he didn`t lose the hair on his head. Jokes aside, this stylish and somewhat dark anime offers not only intense battles with alien monsters but also many hilarious scenes involving the main character. Yes, Kafka is quite the eccentric old guy with jokes. Now, about the plot.
Kafka Hibino dreamed his whole life of fighting kaiju in the elite special forces, but he could never pass the selection exam. So, he worked as a cleaner until he was thirty-two, clearing the streets of monster innards left behind by the military. Kafka has one last attempt to pass the exam to join the special squad, but just before this event, something incredible happens: a small kaiju enters his body, granting the hero its power. What will become of Kafka if the military discovers his transformation ability? How will the hero use his power, and how will he join the special squad? You`ll find the answers to these questions by watching the anime “Kaiju No. 8.”
Tiger & Bunny
If the superhero theme hasn`t left you after watching “One-Punch Man,” then pay attention to the anime “Tiger & Bunny.” Battling villains and saving people from evil forces is the life of a typical hero in a cape or mask. But the characters in this series don`t just save people altruistically — for them, it`s a bona fide professional career.
The main characters of “Tiger & Bunny” live in a world where fighting villains is not only a noble endeavor but also entertainment for the masses. Hundreds of thousands of people watch the popular show on Hero TV, where the feats of superheroes and their dangerous, exciting battles with criminals are broadcast live. The experienced hero known as Wild Tiger, despite his achievements, isn`t very popular with viewers. When his ratings hit rock bottom, the management of Hero TV decides to give him a sort of rebranding and pair him with a rookie hero named Bunny. You`ll learn how the veteran and the newcomer will work together and how much trouble will fall upon this superhero duo by watching the anime “Tiger & Bunny.”
Mashle: Magic and Muscles
“Mashle: Magic and Muscles” is a parody not only of “Harry Potter” but also of “One-Punch Man.” The protagonist, Mash, like Saitama, gained his strength through daily physical training. Not just their muscles, but also the expression on their faces seems to be cast from the same mold. Just as Saitama effortlessly defeats villains, Mash can easily deflect an opponent`s magic spell with a simple flick of his hand, maintaining the same stoic expression.
According to the plot, Mash Burnedead, though born in a world of magic, is completely devoid of any magical powers. While his peers mastered spells and learned to conjure with a wand, Mash was building muscles. Those like him are ostracized by society, and according to the Magic Bureau, they are even subject to extermination. To survive in this world, Mash is given a special condition: the hero must enroll in a magic academy and succeed there. But how can he do this without magical powers? Use muscles, or perhaps trickery? If you`re curious, go ahead and watch the anime.
Sakamoto Desu ga? (Haven`t You Heard? I`m Sakamoto)
Being exceptional yet modest is something not everyone can do. The protagonist of the anime “Sakamoto Desu ga?”, like Saitama, possesses a special quality that sets him apart from other people. Both heroes masterfully handle all difficulties, easily resolve heaps of problems, and at the same time, don`t like to boast about their achievements everywhere they go. But we know that even so, they stand out significantly from the crowd.
According to the plot, Sakamoto, a high school student, is talented in absolutely everything, and his peers can`t help but notice this. While some sincerely admire him, others intensely hate and envy him. Sakamoto himself doesn`t care, and even numerous schemes and orchestrated obstacles are unable to faze him. The hero is so cool that he can handle any awkward situation with dignity.
Mob Psycho 100
If you fell in love with “One-Punch Man” for its humor and amusing scenes, then the anime “Mob Psycho 100” will surely grab your attention. Furthermore, both of these stories were created by the manga artist under the pseudonym ONE. These anime share not only visual styles but also similar main characters. Shigeo literally looks like a younger version of Saitama. Remove the hair – and you get our favorite bald superhero in a cape.
The plot of the anime “Mob Psycho 100” tells the story of a schoolboy with psychic abilities. Shigeo can move objects and even entire buildings with just his mind, absorb the energy of other people with superpowers, contain evil spirits, and much more. However, controlling these abilities is a great struggle for the schoolboy, which is why he considers them dangerous to others, while his mentor is quick to convince the hero otherwise. Shigeo has to work as a psychic, get involved in dangerous adventures, and use his powers to save people, while simultaneously learning to manage all his abilities. With such talents, an ordinary life is clearly not in the cards for him, even though that`s what the hero wishes for…