Premiered in 2000, Inuyasha is a timeless classic that still ranks amongst the favorites of many anime viewers. For some, it proves to be the perfect gateway into the nuances and unique tropes of the world of anime. For others, it serves as a throwback to the simple yet best shounen anime series of the late '90s.
One of the biggest reasons why many anime fans admire the series is that it bends genres and walks viewers through a gamut of emotions with its strong characterizations. Be it the heroes or villains, Inuyasha makes sure that each character gets a well-fleshed-out story arc, and it's hard not to look for similar shows after watching it.
Rurouni Kenshin - Available On Hulu, HBO Max, Funimation & More
Like most long-running classic shounen, Rurouni Kenshin unfolds as a rite of passage for its main characters. While at it, it doesn't confine itself to a fixed genre. Instead, it walks viewers through slambang samurai-centric action scenes, period settings, comical moments, and a few romantic developments.
While its overarching plot isn't always apparent and it blows off steam with unnecessary fillers, it finds its feet with its well-written characters. Not to mention, for its time, its animation and sound design are both top-notch.
Alice In Borderland - Available On Netflix
Compared to Inuyasha, the tone of Netflix's Alice in Borderland is a lot darker. However, both find a common ground in their dystopian alternate-Japan where their characters set out on intriguing adventures. Put simply, they're both isekai anime in their genres.
What makes Alice in Borderland one of its kind is the ruthlessness with which it deals with its characters. Despite finding themselves in a fantastical setting, they're often outgunned but never overpowered. It's this element — coupled with its stellar production — that makes it all the more thrilling.
Kamisama Kiss - Available On Hulu & Funimation
Kamisama Kiss is more shoujo anime than shounen, due to its inclination towards lighthearted themes and romance. From a character standpoint, though, it has a lot in common with Inuyasha. For instance, its roster is led by a young high school girl named Nanami Momozono, who's a lot like Inuyasha's Kagome and also a half-wolf character, who's similar to Inuyasha's titular character.
With its scintillating animation, the show dives deep into Japanese mythology and features everything from shrines to yokai. And making good use of its runtime, it subtly develops the swoon-worthy romantic developments of its characters.
Toilet-Bound Hanako-Kun - Available On Hulu & Funimation
While the colorful chibi-style animation of Toilet-bound Hanako-Kun is a far cry from Inuyasha's duller palette, the two bring a whole lot of supernatural diversity to the table. Both primarily revolve around an interspecies relationship between their primary protagonists who are often at crossroads because of their glaring differences.
At the same time, the central couples of the two shows somehow find their way back to one another while exploring the nuances of their strange world. Although more suitable for a niche audience, Toilet-bound Hanako-Kun easily befits the taste of almost all shounen fans and stays true to the artistic and narrative spirit of its source.
Ranma ½ - Available On Hulu, Funimation & Vudu
Because its storyline primarily revolves around martial arts, Ranma ½ may not seem similar to Inuyasha. But since it has been created by the same mangaka (Rumiko Takahashi), many viewers may find several parallels between the themes and art styles of the two.
Featuring a vast array of amicable characters, the series unfolds like a typical sitcom—rarely poignant, but often instilling a feel-good vibe. In its hefty runtime of over 160 episodes, it can get repetitive, at times, but many viewers will find themselves returning to it time and again.
A Discovery Of Witches - Available On AMC+, Shudder, DIRECTV & More
Based on an eponymous novel trilogy titled All Souls, A Discovery of Witches harps on the same "magical girl" trope that can be found in Inuyasha. Along with that, just like Inuyasha, it balances its action-oriented fantasy elements with a tinge of subtle romance and comedy.
Visually, A Discovery of Witches is a lot bolder, as its features gothic set designs and costumes, along with lush cinematography. But the forbidden romantic endeavors at its fore aren't any different from Inuyasha's representation of the same.
Fushigi Yuugi (Curious Play) - Available On Peacock, Crunchyroll, Retrocrush & More
While Fushigi Yuugi and Inuyasha are both historical fantasies, their approach towards mythology and magic varies. For instance, Inuyasha's plot harkens back to feudal Japan and draws its inspiration from Japanese myths and legends. Whereas, Fushigi Yuugi features feudal China and coherently, employs Chinese myths in its storyline.
When it comes to Fushigi Yuugi's romantic and fantastical elements, it doesn't defy the common tropes of today. However, similar to Inuyasha, its appeal predominantly comes from its cast of characters and traditional local scores.
Kyokou Suiri (In/Spectre) - Available On HBO Max & Crunchyroll
Also known as In/Spectre, Kyokou Suiri breaks the golden rule of storytelling and tells more than it shows. Even so, by the virtue of its well-crafted mysteries and use of folklore, the anime manages to snag a viewer's attention with each episode, leaving little to no dull moments.
Its setting is a lot more modern compared to that of InuYasha, but several similarities can be found in the character dynamics and narrative structures of the two shows. Romance, too, is an important aspect of its storyline, where its main male character Kurou gets very protective of Kotoko, just like Inuyasha does for Kagome.
Erased - Available On Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max & More
Available as both live-action and anime series, Erased goes back and forth between timelines while seamlessly merging time travel with romance. Its supernatural approach isn't entirely unique, though, and can be found in other time travel anime, like Steins;Gate and Puella Magi Madoka Magica.
However, it gets an edge from the underlying mysteries in its storyline that surpass the boundaries of time and keep viewers white-knuckled throughout its runtime. It's highly recommended for viewers who are looking for romance anime with enthralling supernatural twists.
Demon Slayer - Available On Netflix, Hulu, Crunchyroll & More
For the ones well-versed with the medium of anime, Demon Slayer needs no introduction. Its exceptional production plays a major role in enhancing the viewer's experience with its spectacular action scenes. But more than that, it's the show's typical shounen-esque narrative that appeals to most.
Be it its historical setting or demonic characters, almost everything about the series alludes to the good old shounen of the '90s. And despite having so much in common with classics like Inuyasha, Demon Slayer still manages to build its own brand of dark fantasy through timely twists and memorable characters.