Top Anime Similar to Tokyo Ghoul You Can’t Miss!

Over the last ten years, anime has grown significantly in popularity as people have come to appreciate it as a genuine form of entertainment. Although many shows are geared towards teenagers and young adults, there is a rich selection for older audiences too. For instance, “Tokyo Ghoul” isn’t meant for children due to its mature themes. The story unfolds in an alternate universe where humans coexist with Ghouls – monstrous beings that subsist on human flesh.

The narrative revolves around Ken Kaneki, a youthful student who undergoes a transformation into a half-ghoul following an encounter with a female Ghoul. Once he comprehends his altered condition, he adapts to his new eating habits and abilities. As events unfold, he engages in numerous battles and aligns himself with diverse groups until he settles into a tranquil existence. The anime Tokyo Ghoul showcases the essence of Gothic storytelling, and other series sharing similar motifs and aesthetics are worth checking out for enthusiasts. Here’s a rundown of some highly-acclaimed anime similar to Tokyo Ghoul.

16. Chainsaw Man

An Action-Packed Anime With A Protagonist Who Fuses With A Devil

In contrast to the Seinen genre that Tokyo Ghoul belongs to, Chainsaw Man caters more towards mature audiences, as both its manga and anime versions contain intense and at times unsettling action scenes. Similar to Kaneki’s transformation, Denji undergoes a change when he merges with a Devil named Pochita on the brink of death. Now, Denji can morph into Chainsaw Man, an unrelentingly brutal figure who wields his enemies’ destruction without remorse.

Much like Tokyo Ghoul, Denji finds himself thrust headlong into a perilous realm due to his current circumstances, leaving him no choice but to join the Public Safety Division that handles Devils. However, the PSD is not a paragon of virtue; in fact, its leadership, especially Makima, raises serious questions about the division’s true intentions.

15. Devilman Crybaby

Losing Yourself To Overwhelming Power

Drawing inspiration heavily from Go Nagai’s iconic manga “Devilman,” the challenging-to-watch animated series “Devilman Crybaby” shares some common themes with “Tokyo Ghoul.” Both stories center around main characters who acquire power from a dubious origin, which subtly alters their personalities, leading to an internal struggle as they strive to resist transforming into someone they no longer recognize.

With abundant religious symbolism, dramatic scenes, adult content, and gruesome violence, “Devilman Crybaby” may not appeal to all viewers. Yet, if you’re seeking a series that dares to challenge conventional Battle Shonen tropes in an innovative and unconventional manner, this anime is worth your attention. However, please note that it is intended for mature audiences only.

14. Ajin: Demi-Human

A “Normal” Guy Is Forced Into A Hellish World

From where I stand, I can’t help but notice the captivating array of top-notch anime series on Netflix. Among these hidden gems, “Ajin: Demi-Human” stands out as one such series that deserves more attention. This show employs 3D animation and shares striking similarities with another popular title, “Tokyo Ghoul.”

The story revolves around a character named Kei Nagai, who uncovers an extraordinary truth about himself after sustaining a near-fatal injury in a car accident. It seems he’s not just an ordinary human but an Ajin instead.

Similar to Ghouls, Ajin are beings resembling humans, yet unlike Ghouls, Ajin possess immortality and do not require human sustenance. Instead of Kagune, Ajin can conjure spectral entities for combat, and they’re capable of emitting piercing shrieks. Much like Kaneki, Kei was thrust into this world unwillingly, and humans subject Ajin to experiments much the same way the CCG handles Ghouls.

13. Future Diary

Teenagers In Battles To Death

Tokyo Ghoul is famed for its edgy nature, making it an appealing choice for fans who would also appreciate Future Diary. This survival game anime revolves around Yukiteru Amano, a socially isolated teenager who unexpectedly forms a bond with a god of space and time. The god then transforms Yukiteru’s phone into a Future Diary, granting him the ability to glimpse events up to 90 days ahead.

In a thrilling turn of events, the main character now finds himself engaged in a life-or-death tournament involving 11 others. The victor will gain divine status, tasked with preventing an impending catastrophe. Fans of Tokyo Ghoul’s blend of teenage angst and action would appreciate Future Diary’s similar style. To add intrigue, many characters in the series exhibit varying degrees of insanity.

12. Psycho-Pass

A Gore-Filled Psychological Thriller

Initially, one might think that the anime “Psycho-Pass” would not appeal to fans of “Tokyo Ghoul”. However, it’s worth giving it a try. “Psycho-Pass” is set in a future where advanced cybernetic enhancements are commonplace, and a system exists to predict an individual’s potential for criminal behavior.

Initially, Tokyo Ghoul:re seemed more like a detective or suspense show, much like Psycho-Pass does. If you’re a fan of solving crimes and thrilling mysteries, you’ll appreciate this similarity. In terms of graphic violence, Psycho-Pass doesn’t hold back, and its main law enforcement unit has powers comparable to the CCG in Tokyo Ghoul:re.

11. Neon Genesis Evangelion

An Iconic Anime That Tears Down Its Protagonist

Many people regard “Neon Genesis Evangelion” as one of the greatest mecha anime ever made, a view that is not hard to understand considering its exceptional storytelling and character development. At first glance, “Evangelion” and “Tokyo Ghoul” appear to be very different shows, but fans who appreciate Kaneki’s character will likely find themselves drawn to Shinji Ikari as well.

As a fervent admirer, I can’t help but draw parallels between my two favorite characters: both find themselves thrust into brutal struggles that seem to rest the fate of the world upon their young shoulders. Unexpectedly, they are both thrust into leadership positions for which they are ill-prepared. Those who followed Kaneki’s heartrending descent in Tokyo Ghoul will undeniably recognize a similar pattern in Shinji’s journey.

10. Another

A Gore-Filled Horror Anime With An Air Of Mystery

Among numerous terrifying anime options, “Another” stands out as one of the more favored series. This show began in 1998 and revolves around an unexpected student death. To cope with this loss, their classmates act as if she’s still alive; however, this choice unleashes a malevolent spirit that starts a deadly rampage among them.

This show is known for having a lot of graphic violence, a trait that fans of Tokyo Ghoul are already familiar with. Another series might focus on a mystery and be quite grisly, but it delves into deep, dark themes in the same way as Tokyo Ghoul does.

9. Terra Formars

Good Action Science-Fantasy Anime With Intense And Violent Fights

In the thrilling world of both ‘Tokyo Ghoul’ and ‘Terra Formars’, characters undergo remarkable physical transformations when engaging in combat. These body alterations make for an intriguing watch, especially for fans of Tokyo Ghoul. The series is also packed with intense action and violence.

Terra Formars” is an engaging science fantasy anime series focusing on a Martian conflict, where the planet has been overrun by colossal human-like mutated cockroaches. Regrettably, these creatures are the result of terrestrial insects adapting to Mars’ conditions. Two missions are dispatched to Mars, each comprising survivors from an operation that enables humans to morph into hybrid animal and insect forms.

8. Claymore

A Cult Classic Anime With A Similar Tone To Tokyo Ghoul

While “Claymore” might not be the ideal choice for anime beginners, it bears resemblance to “Tokyo Ghoul” and is more suited for experienced viewers. The narrative revolves around a seasoned warrior named Clare, who was transformed into a Claymore – a unique being that’s half-human and half-Yokai. These Claymores are responsible for eradicating man-eating creatures and other Yokai warriors with their supernatural powers.

Clare and Kaneki display comparable character traits, and they’re both engaged in battles against creatures that disguise themselves as humans. These stories align with the horror, mystery, and action genres, and they also explore romantic themes in a somewhat parallel fashion.

7. Blue Exorcist

Consistently Entertaining Shonen Anime With Humans Vs Demons Story

Blue Exorcist revolves around the persistent struggle between demons and exorcists, a group of diverse hunters. The protagonist, Rin Okumura, unveils an extraordinary ability; he’s none other than the offspring of Satan, making him capable of generating and controlling powerful blue flames.

In a world much like that depicted in shows such as Tokyo Ghoul and Blue Exorcist, I’ve come across a community where individuals with extraordinary powers coexist with humans. A group dedicated to preserving peace between these two entities is at the heart of this setting. Interestingly, both protagonists find themselves grappling with profound life transformations. While Blue Exorcist may not be as brutal, it offers an engaging narrative that unfolds across several seasons, each one surpassing its predecessor in quality.

6. Gantz

The Edgiest Action-Horror Anime Ever

In my opinion, if you find the edge that Tokyo Ghoul offers appealing, then I’d highly recommend delving into the gripping world of Gantz. This anime is as raw and thought-provoking as they come, pushing boundaries in every aspect. It’s a captivating blend of deep introspection, heart-pounding action sequences, gruesome moments, and poignant intimate scenes that truly resonate with viewers.

Similar to Tokyo Ghoul, the protagonist acquires unique abilities following a drastic change in his world. In contrast, Gantz revolves around a high school student who meets an untimely end only to be reborn. Upon resurrection, he receives an alien suit and is compelled to battle terrifying creatures in a grueling survival game. The narrative explores the fear that permeates through society and the depths of human nature.

5. Shiki

A Slow-Paced But Effective Horror Vampire Anime

In another chilling horror tale, we find ourselves in the tranquil yet eerie village of Sotoba, where an unsettling series of mysterious fatalities have been occurring. The narrative primarily revolves around the local physician and a mourning adolescent, both striving to unearth the reason behind these grim occurrences.

It appears that this town grapples with an issue of vampires, accounting for the show’s graphic scenes. Similar to the series ‘Tokyo Ghoul’, ‘Shiki’ endeavors to portray monsters who subsist on human flesh as complex characters, yet it also provokes viewers to ponder over solutions when dealing with non-human kin.

4. Attack On Titan

The Definitive Human Vs Monster Anime

In terms of violence and grisly scenes, similar to Tokyo Ghoul, Attack on Titan features such elements, with humanity facing formidable, man-eating monsters that are both terrifying and challenging to eliminate. The main character, Eren Jaeger, much like Kaneki, undergoes a transformation into a monster at the hands of another person.

Over the course of its four-season run, Attack on Titan (AoT) undergoes numerous transformations, guiding its world and characters down unanticipated paths that, despite being divisive, remain captivating. Compared to Tokyo Ghoul, which is recognized for its contemporary backdrop and emotionally fragile protagonists, Attack on Titan (AoT) explores themes of terror and political ideology more deeply. However, both series are exceptional in their unique ways.

3. Kabaneri Of The Iron Fortress

A Relentless Action Anime With A Fun Take On Zombies

Wit Studio’s major breakthrough was with “Attack On Titan,” and they leveraged this newfound popularity to produce “Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress.” This 12-episode series takes place in a world where a strange virus emerges during the Industrial Revolution. This virus turns humans into undead-like beings, which can only be defeated by destroying their glowing heart.

The protagonist, Ikoma, is a youthful steamsmith who miraculously lives through an encounter with a zombie. Akin to Kaneki, Ikoma obtains new capabilities following his harrowing experience, yet he must navigate a world where he is merely viewed as a beastly figure.

2. Parasyte -The Maxim-

A Psychological Thriller That Lives Up To Its Title

As an anime enthusiast, I’d have to put Parasyte -the maxim- right up there when it comes to psychological anime masterpieces! Before the alien parasites invaded our world, I was just your average shy high school student. But that all changed on a fateful night. One of these extraterrestrial creatures tried to take over my body, but I managed to thwart its attempt, sparing myself from a gruesome fate. Now, it’s a constant struggle between man and parasite, and every day is a new challenge!

In the story, Shinichi’s right arm was seized by a parasite instead, making them unwilling allies in navigating confrontations with other parasites. Over time, as the narrative progresses, Shinichi exhibits decreasing empathy, while Mogi, the parasite, develops it. Similar to Kaneki, Shinichi finds himself thrust into a new existence and is compelled to grapple with beings who seek his demise.

1. Deadman Wonderland

Vicious Action, Likable Protagonist, And Awesome Prison Setting

As a fervent fan of exceptional storytelling, let me share my discovery: “Deadman Wonderland” might initially seem like a Shonen series, but it’s got a depth that truly resonates with Seinen anime enthusiasts too. This gripping tale revolves around Ganta Igarashi, an ordinary high school student who finds himself falsely accused of slaughtering his entire class. His punishment? A life sentence in Deadman Wonderland – a unique prison disguised as an amusement park.

In that setting, he acquires his Blood Sin Branch, a power enabling specific individuals to freely manage and manipulate their blood. Characters from both “Tokyo Ghoul” and “Deadman Wonderland” share similarities, as they’re both grappling with adapting to newly introduced worlds. Both series also display comparable abilities and combative styles. Like “Tokyo Ghoul”, the “Deadman Wonderland” anime doesn’t quite convey the enchantment of the manga, primarily because it concluded after only one season.

2025-03-28 07:28