Top 10 Exciting Anime To Watch If You Loved Zatch Bell!

Zatch Bell! is a fantastic fighting and supernatural anime that shares similarities with other popular series such as Shaman King and Digimon.

Its unique blend of themes makes it highly intriguing and enjoyable, offering a refreshing and unique take on the fighting genre.

While it may be challenging to find other anime with similar qualities, we have compiled a definitive list of the best anime like Zatch Bell! for fans of the series to explore and enjoy.

10. Rozen Maiden

We begin with Rozen Maiden, a 2004 anime consisting of 12 episodes adapted from a seinen manga. While there are some differences, we are still sure that it will remind you a lot of Zatch Bell.

Jun is a hikikomori, choosing to isolate himself indoors to avoid social interaction. He has a peculiar hobby of purchasing magical items online, only to discover that they are nothing but scams.

However, everything changes when one of these items turns out to be a unique doll named Shinku, possessing its own intellect. What unfolds from there?

Zatch Bell and Rozen Maiden do have significant differences in terms of plot, setting, and overall atmosphere, as you noticed.

However, if you enjoyed the concept of the servant fighting under the master’s orders in Zatch Bell! and are looking for a refreshing change of atmosphere, then Rozen Maiden is definitely worth watching.

9. The Law of Ueki

The Law of Ueki is a fighting anime from 2005 that bears many similarities to Zatch Bell, both in terms of plot and overall vibes.

The story revolves around Kosuke Ueki, a middle school boy who possesses the ability to transform trash into trees, a power bestowed upon him by Professor Kobayashi, one of a hundred candidates to become God.

In this series, each candidate must select a middle school student to whom they will grant a unique power. These students will then participate in a tournament where the winner will grant their candidate the title of God.

The similarities between these two series extend beyond character design and general vibes.

They share a common plot structure, with the concept of a tournament where participants must defeat others to achieve the ultimate goal of becoming the ruler of something.

8. MaR – Märchen Awakens Romance

MaR and Zatch Bell may have different genres and plots, but they share similar vibes and atmospheres. They also feature comparable character designs and similar comedic elements.

The protagonist of MaR, Ginza, is portrayed as a weak and nerdy kid who is often overlooked by his peers.

He harbors a secret passion for video games and fantasy stories, and his dreams are filled with adventures in the world of MAR, but only his crush, Koyuki, believes in his tales. However, everything changes when Ginza is unexpectedly summoned to the world of MAR as the chosen hero.

While MaR is an isekai anime, setting it apart from Zatch Bell, both series create a lighthearted and action-packed atmosphere. The strikingly similar character designs contribute to the enjoyable experience of both shows.

If you appreciate the comedic and energetic nature of Zatch Bell!, you are likely to find MaR equally captivating, despite their distinct genres and storylines.

7. Tutor Hitman Reborn!

Tutor Hitman Reborn! is a battle shonen series that was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump, and while it differs in terms of plot, it does share some similarities with Zatch Bell! in certain aspects.

The story revolves around Tsuna, an ordinary and socially awkward boy who is unexpectedly chosen to be the next successor of the Vongola, an Italian mafia family. However, due to his complete lack of talent for the role, Reborn, one of Vongola’s skilled hitmen, is sent to train and prepare him for his future responsibilities.

While Tutor Hitman Reborn! diverges significantly from Zatch Bell! in terms of plot, there are commonalities in their focus on action and the dynamic between the two main characters. Both series feature a talented protagonist and a powerful companion who appears as a child.

Although Tutor Hitman Reborn! does not incorporate tournament elements like Zatch Bell! in its plot, you must give a chance to this series, as we’re sure you’ll love it.

6. Beelzebub

If you enjoyed Zatch Bell! for its premise of a demonic child entrusted to the protagonist, Beelzebub is likely to catch your interest as well.

The story revolves around Oga, a delinquent who becomes responsible for raising Beelzebub, the son of the Devil King, after a chance encounter.

The fate of humanity hangs in the balance, and Oga reluctantly takes on the task of raising Beelzebub alongside the demon maid Hilda until he is old enough to fulfill his destiny of destroying humanity.

However, it is important to note that the purposes of the two children differ. In Zatch Bell!, the child serves as a familiar and fights to become the demon king, while Beelzebub focuses more on the comedic and slice-of-life elements with supernatural childcare dynamics.

And also, while Zatch Bell! leans heavily towards action, Beelzebub combines comedy and slice-of-life genres with occasional action interludes.

5. Digimon Adventure

We are confident that you are already familiar with Digimon and why it is included on this list, but allow us to provide an explanation nonetheless.

The series revolves around a group of children who find themselves transported to a new realm known as the Digiworld, a world inhabited by peculiar creatures known as Digimon.

The children are faced with the task of finding a way back home, aided by their Digimon partners, with Taichi Yagami and Agumon leading the way.

Despite the distinct differences in genre, plot, and overall atmosphere, Digimon is widely regarded as one of the finest anime featuring the familiar trope.

This alone makes it a worthwhile recommendation for Zatch Bell! fans.

4. Future Diary

Yes, we know. The vibes and themes in Future Diary are quite distinct from those in Zatch Bell, as it delves into a more violent and mature storyline.

However, if you enjoyed the concept of a tournament in Zatch Bell!, where the prize at stake is the opportunity to become a ruler, then Mirai Nikki is a series you shouldn’t miss.

The narrative follows Yukiteru Amano, an introverted and despondent boy who keeps a record of his daily life events on his cell phone, as if communicating with an imaginary friend named Deus Ex Machina, the god of time.

But one day, Deus gains sentience and begins predicting future events. This sets off a deadly survival game in which participants must eliminate each other and destroy their opponents’ future diaries in order to become the new god of time and space.

If you’re seeking a more mature and graphic-oriented series compared to Zatch Bell!, despite the differences, Future Diary is an excellent choice.

3. Soul Eater

Soul Eater is a popular and widely recognized battle shonen series from the 2000s, that shares several similarities with Zatch Bell.

And despite having a different plot, it incorporates a power system centered around paired master and weapon battles, although handled differently.

While Zatch Bell! showcases the dynamic of the master giving orders to their familiar, Soul Eater presents a concept of one person transforming into a weapon and being wielded by another individual.

The story of Soul Eater unfolds in the Shinigami World, where the primary adversaries are Kishin, dark humans who grow stronger by killing others.

The protagonists, Maka Albarn and her partner Soul Eater, possess the ability to transform Soul into a scythe, allowing them to harvest the souls of their enemies. They attend the Shinigami School alongside their classmates, preparing to confront the looming threat of the Kishin.

Ans also, both series are action-oriented and feature moments of genuine and comedic brilliance. Undoubtedly, Soul Eater is one of the top recommendations on this list.

2. Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works

Fate has undoubtedly become one of the most popular franchises in recent times, and much like Digimon, it excels in its portrayal of the master/servant mechanics-based fighting trope.

The story revolves around Shirou Emiya, an ordinary student who becomes embroiled in the Holy Grail War, a conflict for the possession of an artifact capable of granting any wish.

Each participant is paired with a Servant, a spirit embodying one of history’s great heroes, to engage in battle.

The setting, like the atmosphere, are different in the two anime. Fate is set in a world mixed with fantasy and realism with dark tones, and is much less comic than Zatch Bell!.

Nevertheless, if you found yourself captivated by the master/servant trope, Fate stands as our top recommendation for you to explore.

1. Shaman King

Our top choice couldn’t be anything other than Shaman King, an anime that is virtually identical to Zatch Bell in numerous aspects.

Shaman King follows the story of Yoh Asakura, a young shaman and descendant of a long-standing shamanic lineage. Possessing innate spiritual power, Yoh easily befriends spirits who bestow him with their powers or assist him on his journey.

Among his allies is the spirit of Amidamaru, a betrayed samurai who grants Yoh strength through his spirit, enhancing the swords wielded by Yoh.

Yoh finds himself in Tokyo, where he embarks on a quest to participate in the Shaman Fight, a tournament held every 500 years among shamans to determine the Shaman King, the most prestigious title in the sphere.

It’s evident that Shaman King and Zatch Bell! have more than a few similarities. Both anime feature the master/servant dynamic and incorporate tournaments into their plots to determine a ruler.

Furthermore, they share a delightful comedic atmosphere and exhibit similarities in character design.