Anime Like Great Teacher Onizuka: 10 Unforgettable Stories of Growth and Comedy
Great Teacher Onizuka (GTO) captured fans with its mix of heartfelt storytelling, outrageous humor, and unconventional teaching methods. If you enjoyed Onizuka’s journey as he transformed the lives of his students, this list of anime like Great Teacher Onizuka will surely entertain you. Each of these recommendations offers a blend of comedy, drama, and impactful relationships.
1. Assassination Classroom (Ansatsu Kyoushitsu)
A mysterious yellow creature known as Koro-sensei becomes the homeroom teacher for a class of misfits, training them to assassinate him before he destroys the Earth. While the premise is unusual, the heart of the series lies in Koro-sensei’s unique teaching methods, which inspire growth and self-discovery in his students. Like GTO, it’s a mix of humor, action, and deeply emotional moments.
- Release Date: January 2015
- Studio: Lerche
- Genres: Action, Comedy, School, Supernatural
- MyAnimeList Link: Assassination Classroom
2. Ultimate Otaku Teacher (Denpa Kyoushi)
Junichirou Kagami is a genius physicist turned otaku who reluctantly becomes a high school teacher. Using his deep love for anime, games, and unconventional problem-solving, he helps his students overcome their struggles. This anime delivers comedic moments and heartfelt lessons reminiscent of Onizuka’s approach to teaching.
- Release Date: April 2015
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
- Genres: Comedy, School
- MyAnimeList Link: Ultimate Otaku Teacher
3. Gokusen
Kumiko Yamaguchi, the heir to a yakuza family, becomes a high school math teacher while keeping her background a secret. Her no-nonsense approach and determination to guide her delinquent students mirror Onizuka’s ability to handle tough classes. With a mix of comedy, action, and heartfelt moments, Gokusen is a natural pick for GTO fans.
- Release Date: January 2004
- Studio: Madhouse
- Genres: Comedy, Drama, School
- MyAnimeList Link: Gokusen
4. Golden Boy
Kintarou Ooe, a college dropout, travels across Japan taking on various part-time jobs. While his perverted antics lead to hilarious situations, his genuine desire to help others and learn from his experiences echo Onizuka’s character. The series is a fun mix of comedy and life lessons.
- Release Date: October 1995
- Studio: APPP
- Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Ecchi
- MyAnimeList Link: Golden Boy
5. Cromartie High School (Sakigake!! Cromartie Koukou)
Takashi Kamiyama enters Cromartie High, a school filled with delinquents, robots, and even Freddie Mercury. This absurd and hilarious parody of delinquent manga captures the same humor and over-the-top moments that make GTO so entertaining.
- Release Date: October 2003
- Studio: Production I.G
- Genres: Comedy, School
- MyAnimeList Link: Cromartie High School
6. Beelzebub
Tatsumi Oga, a delinquent, unexpectedly becomes the caretaker of Beelzebub, the son of the Demon King. The series mixes action and comedy as Oga navigates his responsibilities while dealing with other delinquents. Like GTO, it combines humor with moments of character growth.
- Release Date: January 2011
- Studio: Pierrot Plus
- Genres: Action, Comedy, Demons, School
- MyAnimeList Link: Beelzebub
7. Shonan Junai Gumi
A prequel to GTO, this series explores the younger days of Eikichi Onizuka and Ryuji Danma. As high school delinquents, they navigate misadventures and begin their path toward becoming the people we know in GTO. It’s a must-watch for fans wanting more of Onizuka’s backstory.
- Release Date: January 1994
- Studio: J.C.Staff
- Genres: Action, Comedy, School
- MyAnimeList Link: Shonan Junai Gumi
8. Haven’t You Heard? I’m Sakamoto (Sakamoto desu ga?)
Sakamoto is the epitome of cool, solving problems and dealing with challenges in effortlessly stylish ways. While it lacks the emotional depth of GTO, the comedic brilliance and Sakamoto’s ability to inspire those around him align with Onizuka’s charm.
- Release Date: April 2016
- Studio: Studio Deen
- Genres: Comedy, School
- MyAnimeList Link: Haven’t You Heard? I’m Sakamoto
9. Slam Dunk
Hanamichi Sakuragi, a delinquent, joins his high school basketball team to impress a girl. While initially uninterested in the sport, he discovers a passion for basketball and personal growth. The mix of humor, character development, and redemption arcs makes it a compelling pick for GTO fans.
- Release Date: October 1993
- Studio: Toei Animation
- Genres: Comedy, Sports, School
- MyAnimeList Link: Slam Dunk
10. Kodocha (Kodomo no Omocha)
Sana Kurata, a child actress, balances her chaotic school life with her acting career. Her interactions with Akito Hayama, a troublemaking classmate, lead to humorous and heartwarming moments. This series explores themes of personal growth and relationships, reminiscent of GTO’s narrative.
- Release Date: April 1996
- Studio: Gallop
- Genres: Comedy, Drama, School, Shoujo
- MyAnimeList Link: Kodocha
Final Thoughts
Great Teacher Onizuka stands as a classic anime that masterfully combines comedy, drama, and life lessons. If you’re looking for more stories with unconventional characters, heartfelt moments, and hilarious antics, these anime like GTO will not disappoint. From comedic delinquent tales to touching teacher-student dynamics, there’s something here for everyone.
