Sword Art Online was a groundbreaking anime that broke through the barriers between the Western world and anime, captivating audiences worldwide with its unique blend of action, adventure, and romance. With the main series having come to an end, it’s time to explore other anime similar to SAO that offer something special in their own right.
10. Btooom
The Tomb is a great anime that shares similarities with SAO, but with a twist. The story follows Ryuta, a well-known player of an online game, who finds himself stranded on an island with seven other players. The only way to escape is to murder them all. While not an MMORPG, The Tomb has a similar concept of being trapped in a unknown place with the need to kill others to survive.
09. Log Horizon
Log Horizon is another anime that shares similarities with SAO. The story follows Shiro, a strategic player who becomes trapped in the world of Elder Tale, a popular MMORPG. Like SAO, Log Horizon explores the concept of players being trapped in a virtual world, but with a focus on strategy and character development.
08. Overlord
Overlord is a popular anime that shares similarities with SAO’s concept of being trapped in a virtual world. The story follows Momonga, a powerful player who becomes trapped in the world of Yggdrasil, a popular MMORPG. With his newfound powers, Momonga sets out to conquer the digital world.
07. Hunter x Hunter
Hunter x Hunter is a Shonen anime that shares similarities with SAO’s concept of a virtual world. The story follows Gon Freecss, a young boy who aspires to become a Hunter, a prestigious title granted to those who have proven their courage and abilities. While not directly similar to SAO, Hunter x Hunter’s Greed Island arc shares similarities with SAO’s concept of a virtual world.
06. Grimgar, Ashes and Illusions
Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash is an anime that shares similarities with SAO’s concept of being trapped in a virtual world. The story follows Haruhiro, a young boy who finds himself in a fantasy world with no memories of his past. With his newfound friends, Haruhiro sets out to survive in this new world.
05. Re:Zero
Re:Zero is an anime that shares similarities with SAO’s concept of being trapped in a virtual world. The story follows Subaru, a young boy who finds himself in a fantasy world with the ability to rewind time. With his newfound powers, Subaru sets out to change the course of events in this new world.
04. The Future Diary
The Future Diary is an anime that shares similarities with SAO’s concept of a game-like world. The story follows Yuki, a young boy who is given a diary that can predict his future. With his newfound powers, Yuki sets out to survive in a world where 11 other individuals have been given similar diaries, with the goal of becoming the next God.
03. DanMachi
DanMachi is an anime that shares similarities with SAO’s concept of a game-like world. The story follows Bell Cranel, a young adventurer who sets out to become the greatest adventurer in the land. With his newfound powers, Bell sets out to conquer the dungeons and become the best.
02. No Game No Life
No Game No Life is an anime that shares similarities with SAO’s concept of a game-like world. The story follows Sora and Shiro, two siblings who are transported to a fantasy world where games are the only way to survive. With their newfound powers, Sora and Shiro set out to conquer this new world.
01. Accel World
Accel World is an anime that shares similarities with SAO’s concept of a virtual world. The story follows Haruyuki, a young boy who is invited to play a new game called Brain Burst, a virtual reality combat game. With his newfound powers, Haruyuki sets out to become the best player in the game.
These anime offer something unique and special in their own right, while sharing similarities with Sword Art Online. Whether you’re looking for action, adventure, or romance, there’s something on this list for everyone.