Discover the Best Anime Similar to Digimon and Pokémon!

If there is a formula for success in anime, it certainly includes electrifying battles, adorable partners, and a journey full of challenges. Pokémon and Digimon are two of the biggest examples of this genre, captivating fans worldwide with charismatic creatures and engaging narratives.

If you love the concept of trainers, evolution, and partner creatures, here are some anime that will keep you hooked from start to finish!

Zatch Bell!

Kiyo Takamine receives a mysterious book and meets Zatch Bell, a blond boy with special powers. He soon discovers that Zatch is one of a hundred demons who must fight each other to decide the next king of the Mamodo World. To unleash Zatch's powers, Kiyo must recite the spells written in the book.

Similarities: Just like Pokémon trainers, humans in Zatch Bell! are responsible for commanding their partners in battle. Additionally, the relationship between Kiyo and Zatch resembles the friendship between trainers and their creatures, with growth and learning throughout the journey.

Dinosaur King

Max, Rex, and Zoe find mysterious stones that allow them to revive and command dinosaurs in battles against an evil organization that seeks to dominate the world with these creatures.

Similarities: The idea of collecting and training creatures for battles is very similar to Pokémon. Additionally, the theme of traveling and facing enemies closely resembles the structure of Digimon seasons.

Bakugan Battle Brawlers

Dan Kuso and his friends discover cards that summon creatures called Bakugan. They quickly find themselves involved in an interdimensional tournament to protect Earth.

Similarities: The Bakugan creatures resemble both Digimon and Pokémon, as they have evolutionary forms and battle in strategic confrontations. The idea of competition and training is also a common factor.

Yo-kai Watch

Nate discovers a mysterious watch that allows him to see and communicate with spiritual creatures called Yo-kai. With the help of Whisper and Jibanyan, he resolves problems caused by these mischievous beings.

Similarities: The Yo-kai function similarly to Pokémon, as they have different types, personalities, and abilities. Additionally, the narrative resembles Digimon, as the protagonist directly interacts with the creatures, forming emotional bonds.

Medabots

Ikki Tenryou finds a Medabot, a battle robot equipped with a special medal that grants it advanced abilities. Together, they participate in competitions and face powerful opponents.

Similarities: Medabots and Pokémon share the dynamic of battles between partners and trainers. Meanwhile, the relationship between Ikki and his Medabot is reminiscent of Digimon protagonists, as there is a strong bond of friendship and cooperation between them.

Monster Rancher

Genki, a video game fan, is transported into a world where monsters are summoned from special CDs. He joins Holly and her monster, Suezo, to save the world from evil forces.

Similarities: Just like Digimon, Genki and his friends travel through different lands, facing enemies while training and strengthening their monsters. The idea of summoning creatures from a device is also reminiscent of Pokémon.

Beyblade

Tyson and his friends compete in tournaments with their Beyblades, special spinning tops that contain the spirits of legendary creatures. As the story progresses, the battles become more intense.

Similarities: Although Beyblades are not living creatures, each one has an animal or spiritual essence, similar to Digimon evolutions. The idea of competition and training is also very close to Pokémon.

Monster Hunter Stories: Ride On

In a world where hunters fight against monsters, a group of young people called Riders forms bonds with these creatures instead of battling them. With their Monsties, they explore unknown lands and protect their villages from dangerous threats.

Similarities: Just like in Pokémon, Riders train and strengthen their monsters to overcome challenges. The emotional connection between humans and creatures is a central theme, similar to the friendship between the DigiDestined and their Digimon.

Sakura Card Captors

Sakura Kinomoto discovers a mysterious magical book and accidentally releases enchanted cards. With the help of Kero, the guardian of the cards, she must recover each one before they cause trouble in the world.

Similarities: Like Pokémon, Sakura has an adorable partner who accompanies her on her journey. Additionally, the idea of capturing and controlling magical entities resembles the mechanics of catching Pokémon.

Cardfight!! Vanguard

Aichi Sendou discovers the card game Vanguard and, as he develops his skills, he becomes involved in intense battles against other players, competing in tournaments and facing increasingly strong opponents.

Similarities: Just like Pokémon duels, Cardfight!! Vanguard features strategic battles where deck-building and synergy between cards are crucial, also reminiscent of Digimon’s tactical battles.

Angelic Layer

Misaki Suzuhara discovers a revolutionary game called Angelic Layer, where players control battle dolls called Angels in virtual arenas. Determined to become a great competitor, she enters the world of Angelic Layer battles.

Similarities: The idea of training and controlling a partner in battles connects Angelic Layer to Pokémon and Digimon. The relationship between Misaki and her Angel, Hikaru, is similar to that of trainers and their monsters.

Dragon Drive

Reiji Ozora discovers a virtual reality game called Dragon Drive, where players train and battle with digital dragons. However, he soon finds himself transported into a real world where dragons actually exist.

Similarities: Just like Digimon, Reiji starts by playing a monster game but quickly realizes there's more at stake than just fun. The idea of training and evolving dragons directly mirrors a Pokémon trainer's journey.

Fighting Foodons

In this universe, chefs create creatures called Foodons from dishes, which then battle in competitions.

Fighting Foodons follows a battle and evolution structure similar to Pokémon, but with an unusual culinary twist.

Duel Masters

Shobu Kirifuda is a prodigy in the Duel Masters card game, where monsters from another dimension are summoned during battles.

Very popular in Japan, Duel Masters follows a premise similar to Cardfight!! Vanguard, featuring strategic battles with powerful creatures.

If you grew up watching Pokémon and Digimon, you now have a list full of anime that capture the same essence!

Which of these anime will you watch first?