Christopher Nolan’s film The Odyssey is one of the most anticipated movies of 2026. Adapted from Homer’s classic epic, it promises to take audiences on a perilous journey filled with sea voyages, mythical monsters, Greek gods, and Odysseus’s long-awaited return.
If you love the adventurous spirit of The Odyssey, you can find a similar thrill in many popular anime. From endless sea voyages and quests for revenge to mysterious lands full of monsters, here are five must-watch titles.
1. One Piece
When it comes to adventure anime, few can match One Piece. Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates’ journey across the Grand Line offers endless exploration. Each island features its own culture, people, and secrets, keeping viewers eager for the next destination.
Arcs like Skypiea, with its sky island, and Fish-Man Island beneath the sea capture the spirit of discovering unknown lands, much like Odysseus’s mythological voyage.
Like the hero in The Odyssey, Luffy never backs down from any challenge, whether facing the Four Emperors, the World Government, or the deadliest seas.
2. Vinland Saga
Though it lacks the strong mythological elements of The Odyssey, Vinland Saga stands out as a powerful adventure story through the coming-of-age journey of Thorfinn.
Initially driven by revenge, Thorfinn gradually abandons hatred after major events, especially during the Slave Arc, seeking peace and the true meaning of life.
The most compelling aspect of Vinland Saga lies not in battles but in the psychological growth of its protagonist. Like Odysseus, the most important journey is sometimes the one within.
3. Golden Kamuy
For fans of survival adventures, Golden Kamuy is a great pick. The story follows ex-soldier Saichi Sugimoto and Ainu girl Asirpa on a quest for lost treasure in the snowy wilderness of Hokkaido.
Without magic or giant creatures, Golden Kamuy captivates with intense battles of wits, hunting, survival, and tense confrontations. It also highlights the unique culture of the Ainu people, making its world feel authentic and distinct from other adventure stories.
4. Made in Abyss
While The Odyssey sends Odysseus through many strange lands, Made in Abyss takes viewers deep into a mysterious pit filled with countless unknowns.
Riko and the robot boy Reg descend through the Abyss’s layers searching for the truth. Each level reveals breathtaking beauty but also terrifying creatures and harsh survival rules.
The Idofront Arc, featuring Bondrewd, marks a dark turning point, making the story much more intense. The deeper they go, the more dangerous the journey becomes, evoking the same suspense as Odysseus’s trials.
5. Rage of Bahamut: Genesis
One of The Odyssey’s most captivating elements is its Greek mythological world filled with powerful gods and mystical creatures. If you enjoy this aspect, Rage of Bahamut: Genesis is a perfect choice.
The anime takes viewers to a world where dragons, angels, demons, and gods coexist. The protagonist Favaro Leone teams up with Amira to uncover secrets surrounding the dragon Bahamut and a conspiracy that could change the world.
Combining action, mythology, and fantasy, Rage of Bahamut creates an epic atmosphere very much in line with the spirit of The Odyssey.