11 Best Anime Sequel Series That Lived Up to the Original

Fans of anime have become well-versed in the art of storytelling and have come to expect a certain narrative finesse, where a series often concludes with a satisfying end. A sense of closure. It leaves little room for expansion because the character arcs and redemption tales are wrapped up neatly. However, the unparalleled success of some anime has proven too tempting for studios and creators to resist, which leads to an anime getting a sequel.

When a fan-favorite anime is granted a second (or third or fourth) lease on life, the stakes are obviously high. Viewers look forward to a chance to revisit beloved worlds and watch their adored characters in action once again. The original’s popularity sets the bar incredibly high and chances for disappointment really low. Thus, against all odds, some rare anime sequels manage to live up to the legacy of the original and offer a seamless continuation of the narrative. This list looks at 10 anime sequel series that meet the expectations set by their predecessors.

11

‘Black Butler: Book of Circus’ (2014)

Returning to its manga roots, Black Butler: Book of Circus breathes new life into the franchise by adapting the beloved Circus Arc. Set in the dark underbelly of Victorian England, it begins with the mysterious disappearance of children across the city. Queen Victoria sends Ciel Phantomhive and his enigmatic, ever-so-loyal demon butler, Sebastian Michaelis, to investigate. They disguise themselves as circus performers and uncover a sinister conspiracy.

A Faithful Return to Form

The sequel expertly takes the series’ narrative to new and more interesting directions by diving deeper into Ciel’s tragic past. The season, with its darker tone and intricate storytelling, stands apart from the original arcs of earlier seasons and captures the eeriness and elegance of Yana Toboso’s work. Praised for its faithfulness to the source material, the sequel set the stage up for two more incredible seasons.

10

‘Kaguya-sama: Love Is War -Ultra Romantic-‘ (2022)

The third season of Kaguya-sama: Love is War, titled Ultra Romantic, takes the beloved rom-com to new heights. The story continues the delightful battle of wits between Shuchiin Academy’s student council president, Miyuki Shirogane, and vice president Kaguya Shinomiya. They are still very adamant in making the other one confess their love first, but the stakes are raised higher than ever before.

Young Love and Its Complexities

With its sharp writing and outstanding comedic timing, the sequel elevates the romantic tension between the leads. It focuses mainly on evolving relationships, particularly through episodes like “The Nightmare of the Cultural Festival Arc” and “The First Kiss Never Ends,” where long-awaited confessions steal the spotlight. Again, the comedy and romance elements are very engaging, and the mind games keep viewers in stitches from start to finish.

9

‘Digimon Adventure 02’ (2000)

Digimon Adventure 02

Release Date

April 2, 2000

• 

  Tifanie Christun

  Yolei Inoue

• 

  Brian Donovan

  Davis Motomiya

• 

  Doug Erholtz

  T.K. Takaishi

• 

  Lara Jill Miller

  Kari Kamiya

A direct sequel to the original Digimon Adventure, Digimon Adventure 02 takes viewers back into the vibrant world where digital creatures known as Digimon coexist with humans. It introduces a new generation of DigiDestined tasked with protecting the Digital World from the tyrannical Digimon Emperor, who is suppressing their ability to evolve.

Fresh Chapter with Old Roots

The sequel, which is a part of a huge franchise, expands the lore with new mechanics like Armor Digivolution and DNA Digivolution and presents the DigiDestined with complex challenges. It brings fresh twists and excitement to familiar elements. The character development, particularly Ken Ichijouji going from villain to hero, is worth watching. Opinions on the sequel are assorted, but overall it lives up to the original.

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8

‘Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card’ (2018)

The original magical girl classic wrapped things up for Sakura Kinomoto in perfect ways, but Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card picks up where it left off and finds the protagonist beginning junior high school. After a prophetic dream about a mysterious cloaked figure, she wakes up to discover that her Sakura Cards have turned clear and powerless, prompting her on another adventure.

Continues Sakura’s Magical Journey

Directed by Morio Asaka and animated by Madhouse, this sequel retains the charm and elegance of the original series and introduces a more polished aesthetic. Characters like Sakura’s friends, her guardians Cerberus and Yue, and her boyfriend Syaoran Li, accompany her on her journey and add layers of intrigue to her story. Fans appreciated the nostalgic appeal of the anime.

7

‘Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District Arc’ (2021)

Demon Slayer is one of the best and most popular anime out there and its emotionally devastating premise revolves around Tanjiro Kamado, who witnesses his entire family being slaughtered by a demon and his sister turning into one herself. Following the Mugen Train incident, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District Arc plunges Tanjiro and his companions into Yoshiwara district, where he must investigate the disappearance of Tengen Uzui’s wives.

Dazzling Display of Action and Emotion

The initial arcs established a solid foundation and the sequel delivers a visually stunning narrative that exceeds expectations. With its breathtaking animation, heart-pounding action sequences, and further expansion of the characters’ emotional journeys like Nezuko’s transformation, the Entertainment District Arc turns Demon Slayer into a modern masterpiece.

6

‘Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam’ (1985)

Set seven years after the events of Mobile Suit Gundam, this sequel anime series explores the conflict between the oppressive Titans and the rebel Anti-Earth Union Group (AEUG). The story revolves around 17-year-old Kamille Bidan, a pilot who gets into trouble with a Titan officer and even steals a Titan’s prototype Gundam, eventually getting entangled in a dangerous war.

Elevates the Gundam Legacy

The Gundam franchise is a massive one, spanning several series. But Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam expands the Universal Century timeline and adds new factions and mobile suits to the mix. It is a sequel that not only lives up to the original but also exceeds expectations. The complex political themes, nuanced character development, and phenomenal mecha designs have cemented its place as one of the best entries in the franchise.

5

‘Naruto: Shippuden’ (2007)

Naruto: Shippuden

Release Date

2007 – 2017

Directors

Hayato Date, Masaaki Kumagai, Yasuaki Kurotsu, Osamu Kobayashi, Chiaki Kon

In the expansive world of Naruto, Naruto: Shippuden steps in with a lot of answers and resolutions. Set two and a half years after the original series, it follows Naruto’s return to the Hidden Leaf Village, where he reunites with his friends and mentors. The stakes are higher as the Akatsuki, a group of rogue ninjas, pose a massive threat and Naruto and his allies must confront them before they upset the delicate balance of power.

An Epic Continuation

Like the original, Naruto: Shippuden thrives on themes of friendship, sacrifice, and destiny. Some epic plot points include confrontations with Sasuke Uchiha and the Fourth Great Ninja War. The sequel has a darker tone and the animation, particularly in key battles involving Naruto, is breathtaking. Fans of the series gush over the character development, action, humor, and overall emotional impact.

4

‘Dragon Ball Z’ (1989)

Dragon Ball Z

Release Date

1989 – 1995

Directors

Daisuke Nishio

Writers

Akira Toriyama, Takao Koyama

Dragon Ball Z shifts the focus from Goku’s childhood adventures and explores his life as an adult and as Earth’s greatest defender. The series is known for some iconic sagas, including the Saiyan Saga and Cell Saga, as Goku and his friends face-off against one powerful foe after another. There’s also the introduction of Gohan, Goku’s son, which adds a generational element to the sequel.

Epic Battles and Fan-Favorite Characters

This one’s a monumental anime serial that elevates the Dragon Ball franchise to new heights of popularity and acclaim. It singlehandedly refined the shonen genre by delivering some of the most fascinating battles, unforgettable transformations, and emotional arcs. The animation, though dated by today’s standards, remains iconic for the way it delves deeper into the lore and mythology of its rich universe. The instantly recognizable character designs and the charm of Goku and his companions will always make sure Dragon Ball Z is a quintessential anime.

3

‘Higurashi: When They Cry – Gou’ (2020)

Higurashi: When They Cry – GOU

Release Date

2020 – 2021-00-00

Network

Tokyo MX, BS11

Directors

Yasunori Goto, Fujiaki Asari, Satoshi Saga, Hijiri Sanpei, Chikayo Nakamura, Naoyuki Tatsuwa, Takahiro Majima, Toshikatsu Tokoro, Mitsuki Kitamura, Tomoko Hiramuki, Yonpei, Oyunam, Hironori Aoyagi, Takahiko Usui

• 

  Soichiro Hoshi

  Keiichi Maebara (voice)

• 

  Mai Nakahara

  Rena Ryuuguu (voice)

• 

  Satsuki Yukino

  Mion Sonozaki / Shion Sonozaki (voice)

• 

  Mika Kanai

  Satoko Houjou (voice)

A spiritual successor to the original franchise, which comprises several video games, visual novels, and anime, Higurashi: When They Cry – Gou takes viewers back to the tranquil yet eerie village of Hinamizawa, where a dark and unsettling secret is waiting to be uncovered. Transfer student Keiichi Maebara moves to the aforementioned village and befriends Rena, Mion, Satoko, and Rika, only to get caught up with a history of murders.

Chilling Sequel to a Classic

Directed by Keiichiro Kawaguchi, this anime is a mystery horror that really messes with the brain with its shocking plot twists. The sequel stays true to the psychological thrills and slow-burn suspense that defined its predecessor while introducing a modern aesthetic. The character designs by Akio Watanabe and the haunting soundtrack by Kenji Kawai are worth all the praise for the way they amplify the tension.

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2

‘Yu-Gi-Oh! GX’ (2004)

Yu-Gi-Oh! GX

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  KENN

  Judai Yuki / Jaden Yuki

• 

  Masami Suzuki

  Sho Marufuji / Syrus Truesdale

• 

  Kappei Yamaguchi

  Professor Daitokuji / Lyman Banner

• 

  Sanae Kobayashi

  Asuka Tenjouin / Alexis Rhodes

Set several years following the events of the Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters, Yu-Gi-Oh! GX turns the spotlight on a brand-new generation of duelists in Duel Academy. The school, founded by Seto Kaiba, houses a model student named Jaden Yuki, and the anime centers around him as he navigates his academic life, rivalries, and the dark threats that might just shake up the foundation of the games.

Jaden Duels His Way to the Top

Yu-Gi-Oh! GX effortlessly builds upon the legacy of its predecessor by being bolder and more innovative. The awe-inspiring card battles, mature storylines, creative supernatural elements, memorable soundtrack, and a thrilling climax that sees Jaden’s transformation into the Supreme King and his ultimate redemption, keep the narrative engaging from start to finish.

1

‘Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War’ (2022)

A long-awaited continuation of the original Bleach anime, Thousand-Year Blood War adapts the final arc of Tite Kubo’s legendary manga series. We follow Ichigo Kurosaki and the Shinigami of the Soul Society as they face a formidable new enemy – Wandenreich, a powerful Quincy empire seeking revenge after centuries of exile. The war leads to revelations about Ichigo’s past; he gains new powers, and finally confronts Yhwach, the leader of the Quincies.

Most Celebrated Anime Revival

At the heart of the sequel is Quincy’s rebellion, but the episodes also dive into the complex political landscape established by the original. It boasts stunning animation by Studio Pierrot and a cinematic aesthetic where the designs are sharper, the action sequences are more dynamic than ever, and the soundtrack carries the sentimentality of the story. That said, the Thousand-Year Blood War Arc is a truly epic sequel that provides a satisfying conclusion to the Bleach saga.