In recent years, anime has gained significant traction as a respected entertainment medium, transcending its stereotype as children’s programming. Although many shows primarily attract a teenage and young adult demographic, there is a diverse array of series aimed at mature audiences. A prime example of this is Tokyo Ghoul, which is decidedly not for a young audience, as it unfolds in a dark alternate reality where humans coexist with monstrous Ghouls that consume human flesh.
The narrative follows Ken Kaneki, a college student who is transformed into a half-ghoul following a violent encounter with a ghoul. Forced to adapt to his new identity, Kaneki navigates a world rife with conflict, battling both internal and external demons. His quest for a semblance of normalcy amidst chaos is a hallmark of Gothic anime. For fans of this genre, there are numerous captivating series akin to Tokyo Ghoul that explore similar themes and aesthetics. Below, we delve into some of the best anime like Tokyo Ghoul.
16 Chainsaw Man
An Action-Packed Anime Featuring a Devil-Fused Protagonist
Although Chainsaw Man is categorized as Shonen while Tokyo Ghoul falls under Seinen, it predominantly appeals to an older audience. Both the manga and anime present intense and often disturbing violence. Similar to Kaneki, the protagonist Denji experiences a transformation when he merges with a Devil named Pochita, allowing him to morph into the formidable Chainsaw Man, a merciless anti-hero known for annihilating his foes.
Denji’s newfound existence propels him into a treacherous world, compelling him to join the Public Safety Division, a controversial organization confronting Devils. The morally ambiguous nature of the PSD, especially under its enigmatic leader Makima, resonates with the complex themes present in Tokyo Ghoul.
15 Devilman Crybaby
Struggling Against Overwhelming Power
Devilman Crybaby loosely adapts Go Nagai’s seminal work, delving into thematics that resonate with Tokyo Ghoul. Both series portray protagonists who acquire power from dubious origins, leading to identity conflicts as they grapple with changes in their personality. This anime offers a provocative critique of established Battle Shonen tropes and is strictly intended for adult audiences.
14 Ajin: Demi-Human
An Ordinary Guy Thrust into a Nightmarish Realm
Ajin: Demi-Human, available on Netflix, showcases 3D animation and possesses intriguing parallels with Tokyo Ghoul. The protagonist, Kei Nagai, discovers his Demihuman nature after a near-fatal accident, positioning him within a world that persecutes his kind. Like Ghouls, Ajin are humanoid, yet they possess immortality without the need to eat human flesh. Instead, they unleash black phantom-like creatures in combat.
Kei’s journey mirrors Kaneki’s struggle, both facing humanity’s cruel experiments as they strive to survive in hostile environments.
13 Future Diary
Teenagers Engaged in Deadly Battles
Those who appreciate the edgy undertones of Tokyo Ghoul will likely find Future Diary captivating. This series revolves around Yukiteru Amano, a socially isolated teenager who is bestowed with a Future Diary by a god. This unique device allows him to glimpse fragments of the future, thrusting him into a lethal game against 11 other contestants. As the victor earns the title of god and a chance to prevent an impending apocalypse, the series captures visceral drama and psychological twists fellow fans will cherish.
12 Psycho-Pass
A Gore-Packed Psychological Thriller
At first blush, Psycho-Pass might not appear appealing to fans of Tokyo Ghoul, but its thematic elements warrant attention. Set in a dystopian future dominated by cybernetic enhancements, a strict system evaluates individuals’ potential for criminality. The series’s focus on moral ambiguity and psychological tension echoes the investigative elements found in the later part of Tokyo Ghoul:re.
With its neon-lit violence and inquiry into crime and justice, established parallels can be found between the formidable police forces of Psycho-Pass and the CCG in Tokyo Ghoul.
11 Neon Genesis Evangelion
An Iconic Series That Deconstructs Its Protagonist
Regarded by many as a pinnacle of mecha anime, Neon Genesis Evangelion captures intricate storytelling and character development. While its narrative diverges significantly from Tokyo Ghoul’s, both Kaneki and Shinji Ikari undergo harrowing experiences that compel them into leadership roles for which they are wholly unprepared.
Fans will recognize the emotional toll of their respective journeys, with both characters burdened by the gravity of their situations and the inevitable breakdowns they experience.
10 Another
A Gory Horror Series with Intriguing Mysteries
Another is a standout in the horror genre, beginning in 1998 with an unsettling tale of a student’s sudden death. The survivors cope by pretending she is alive, inadvertently summoning a malevolent spirit responsible for a string of gruesome murders. Fans of Tokyo Ghoul will appreciate the series’ blend of mystery and gore, as it delves into dark themes surrounding death and the human condition.
9 Terra Formars
Thrilling Action and Science-Fantasy Blending Intense Battles
In both Tokyo Ghoul and Terra Formars, transformations play a crucial role in confrontations. Set against a backdrop on Mars, Terra Formars chronicles humanity’s fight against mutated cockroaches that resemble humans. Featuring intense violence and brutal battles, fans will find this series strikes a balance with energetic and dramatic storytelling.
8 Claymore
A Cult Favorite Echoing Tokyo Ghoul’s Tone
Claymore unfolds a tale closely tied to the essence of Tokyo Ghoul, though it may present a steeper learning curve for newcomers. The narrative revolves around Clare, a female warrior who becomes part-yokai through a transformative process, tasked with eradicating man-eating monsters. Clare’s internal struggles parallel Kaneki’s own, as both grappling with their identities while hunting beings that walk the line between human and monster.
7 Blue Exorcist
An Engaging Shonen Anime About Humans Versus Demons
Blue Exorcist blends themes of demon-vs-human conflict through the journey of Rin Okumura, who discovers he is the son of Satan. This story parallels Tokyo Ghoul’s exploration of beings caught between two worlds as they grapple with their destinies. While Blue Exorcist may possess less violence, it still offers an engaging narrative packed with action and character growth across various seasons.
6 Gantz
A Pioneering Action-Horror Anime
For those who deem Tokyo Ghoul to be edgy, Gantz raises the stakes. This series is rife with exploration of human nature, action, and gruesome violence. With its narrative centered on a high school student who dies and is resurrected to engage in deadly battles, Gantz reflects the psyche of society as it confronts the macabre, much like the existential dread present in Tokyo Ghoul.
5 Shiki
A Thoughtful Yet Gripping Horror Vampire Tale
Shiki takes viewers to the isolated town of Sotoba, beleaguered by a string of mysterious deaths. Central to this story is the town’s doctor and a bereaved teenager who delve into the unsettling truth that vampires lurk among them. The series artfully mirrors the themes of Tokyo Ghoul, humanizing its antagonists and posing ethical dilemmas regarding non-human entities.
4 Attack On Titan
The Apex of Human Versus Monster Narratives
With its gripping narrative and unforgettable characters, Attack on Titan bears similarities to Tokyo Ghoul through its protagonist, Eren Jaeger, who suffers from a forced transformation into a titan-like monster. Spanning multiple seasons, the series takes myriad twists, exploring deep themes of fear and political intrigue.
While tonally distinct, both series create immersive worlds filled with moral ambiguity, complex characters, and relentless action.
3 Kabaneri Of The Iron Fortress
Intense Action with a Unique Spin on the Zombie Genre
Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress, created by Wit Studio, is set amidst a backdrop of industrial revolution where a deadly virus transforms people into zombie-like creatures. Its protagonist, Ikoma, survives a zombie attack and gains abilities akin to Kaneki’s struggle. Both characters navigate prejudices and the threat of being labeled monstrous in rapidly evolving worlds.
2 Parasyte -The Maxim-
A Psychological Thriller Exceeding Expectations
Lauded for its psychological depth, Parasyte -The Maxim- follows Shinichi, a youth whose life pivots when alien parasites invade humanity. After one attempts to possess him, he retains control and must coexist with the parasite as they confront threats from other parasitic beings. Shinichi’s transformation, mirroring that of Kaneki, showcases his dwindling empathy contrasted against the parasite’s burgeoning emotions.
1 Deadman Wonderland
Thrilling Action with a Compelling Protagonist
Deadman Wonderland, while primarily a Shonen series, captivates Seinen enthusiasts with its unique premise. Following Ganta Igarashi, an innocent high school student wrongfully accused of murder, he is sent to an amusement park prison, Deadman Wonderland. Here, Ganta discovers his power, the Branch of Sin, enabling him to manipulate his blood.
Bearing a striking resemblance to Kaneki’s journey, Ganta is thrust into a brutal world filled with peril. Both shows share thematic elements of survival and self-discovery, despite the anime adaptation of Deadman Wonderland falling short of the manga’s brilliance after one season.