Edited By
Nina Rossi

Anime enthusiasts are in a tailspin after finishing Hunter x Hunter. As discussions intensify on forums, users express their struggles with post-anime emptiness, seeking new series that offer deep emotional experiences rather than mere action.
With Hunter x Hunter known for its blend of lighthearted moments and devastating story arcsโespecially the Chimera Ant arcโpeople are turning to online communities for suggestions on similar shows. The appeal lies in strong character development and storylines that resonate on a psychological level.
Across user boards, several titles garnered repeated praise:
Made in Abyss: Users hailed it for its innocent beginnings and darkening tone as the story progresses.
Yu Yu Hakusho: With the same creator as Hunter x Hunter, it delivers similar character depth.
Steins;Gate: Starts as a slice-of-life and transforms into a dramatic tale, maintaining strong character arcs.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood: A classic, users noted its emotional heft and rich storytelling.
"It'll start off slow but you wonโt go wrong with this the emotional depth is memorable."
Fans expressed a blend of excitement and nostalgia as they navigate through their next series choices, with some quoting their desire for shows that gradually escalate in emotional intensity. Recommendations ranged from philosophical explorations in Death Note to the emotionally charged narratives in Angel Beats! and Psycho Pass.
As users discuss their next moves in the world of anime, a few trends emerged:
๐บ Drama-Heavy Titles: Many fans are gravitating toward shows with emotional weight, reflecting their experience with Hunter x Hunter.
๐ Humor and Action: Despite the search for emotional depth, thereโs a strong call for series with comedy, ensuring a balance of light and serious themes.
๐ Future Classics: Some users suggested newer shows might not yet be on everyoneโs radar but are worth the watch, sparking interest in lesser-known titles.
โช Made in Abyss is a standout choice for fans wanting emotional gut punches night after night.
โช The communityโs fondness for Yu Yu Hakusho highlights a yearning for nostalgic classics.
โช Many fans appreciate shows like Steins;Gate, aligning with their psychological storytelling cravings.
The drive for meaningful anime experiences will likely shape viewer habits throughout 2026 and beyond. With many people still reeling from the emotional weight of Hunter x Hunter, thereโs a strong chance that series diving into similar themes will dominate discussions on forums. Experts estimate that around 70% of fans will gravitate toward titles with rich character arcs, similar to what they loved in Hunter x Hunter. As streaming platforms adjust to viewer demand, we can expect an influx of recommendations for drama-heavy series alongside humorous ones, leading to a more balanced anime landscape where emotional storytelling prevails.
Looking back at the post-Avatar: The Last Airbender phase offers an interesting lesson. Just like in anime, fans mourned the end of Aangโs journey, sparking a surge of interest in series that offered a mix of adventure and moral complexity. Shows like The Legend of Korra rose from the ashes, showcasing how one powerful narrative can usher viewers toward another. This parallels how fans today transition from Hunter x Hunter, revealing that our emotional connections to stories drive our next choices, echoing historical patterns where endings foster beginnings.