Top 7 Must-Watch Gangster Anime That Will Keep You on the Edge of Your Seat!

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Summary

  • Gangster anime explore the cost of violence through power struggles and revenge in the criminal underworld.
  • Top gangster anime like Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom offer riveting stories of transformation and survival.
  • Series like Black Lagoon and Gangsta delve deep into themes of crime, anarchy, and moral decay in society.

For numerous centuries, the topic of crime has been a recurring element in countless myths, folklore, and narratives. One of its most enduring manifestations is the gangster saga, which has gained considerable popularity in contemporary storytelling. This narrative thread has also seeped into anime, leading to an array of stories that delve into similar themes over several decades.

Moving from intense power battles to merciless retaliation, anime centered around gangsters have remarkably portrayed the heavy price of violence and the unforgiving nature of criminal existence. Some exceptional series from this genre are worth viewing, and here we present the top-notch gangster anime ever made.

7. Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom

Assassins, Brainwash, and Crime

A Japanese traveler in America unexpectedly bears witness to a murder committed by the clandestine assassins’ guild, Inferno. To conceal their wrongdoing, the elusive mafia group abducts him and reprograms him into an assassin following mind control. The captivating narrative of Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom follows his metamorphosis into a formidable hitman named Zwei, as he grapples with the treacherous underworld and the trials that ensue.

If this world wasn’t a complete hell for me, that’s because you were alive.

Will the once-innocent tourist manage to escape the relentless cycle of violence and murder, as they navigate through a world where death lurks at every corner, in the captivating story Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom? This intriguing tale offers an engaging take on survival and self-preservation within a gangster context.

6. Baccano!

Immortality, Crime, and Fate

In the U.S. during the Prohibition period, the series Baccano unfolds, focusing on an assorted group of individuals whose lives become entangled due to a mysterious potion granting eternal life. Pursuing their goals for various reasons, their encounters result in a peculiar and chaotic mix of violence, humor, and astonishing links.

This thrilling series weaves together various tales as it delves into the intense struggles that arise when individuals from different walks of life vie for survival, power, and the tantalizing prospect of everlasting life. From gangland conflicts to alchemical mysteries and daring train robberies, Baccano skillfully intertwines numerous plotlines, creating a narrative that lingers in one’s mind, making an unforgettable impact.

5. 91 Days

Revenge, Violence, and Italian Mafia

After a span of seven years since departing from Lawless, Angelo Lagusa feels the moment has come to revisit the town as he plans his long-anticipated retaliation against the cruel Vanetti mafia family who brutally killed his loved ones. However, with peril lurking at every corner and vengeance potentially leading to further bloodshed, can Angelo achieve his goal of seeking justice?

91 Days is an enthralling anime that masterfully portrays the power games, brutality, and deceit in the underworld during the Prohibition era. Its captivating yet straightforward world design, influenced by real historical events, along with its well-developed characters, will resonate with fans of gangster-themed anime.

4. Gangsta.

Survival and Loyalty in the City of Crime

In the chaotic, mafia-controlled town of Ergastulum, the series “Gangsta.” focuses on two freelance workers, referred to as the Handymen, who handle risky tasks amidst the ethically murky underground scene, all while attempting to maneuver through its treacherous depths.

Delving into the grim truth of existence amidst crime, the show exposes the heavy price society pays for moral decline, as its tormented characters grapple with a cynical outlook on life. Crime, corruption, violence, heartache, loss, and unforeseen connections – Gangsta. offers everything that fans of gangster-themed anime eagerly seek.

3. Black Lagoon

Crime, Chaos, and Self-Preservation

Black Lagoon follows the story of Rokurou Okajima, a regular office worker who unexpectedly becomes part of a band of pirate mercenaries following his abduction. In a world teeming with criminal activities and corruption, he navigates his journey, holding steadfast to his principles while confronted with difficult decisions at every juncture. However, crime and moral integrity often clash, and as Rokurou gets entangled in the tumultuous underbelly of Roanapur, he must adapt or risk being overwhelmed.

A different way of expressing that could be: “Justice is a term cherished by many. It carries a pleasant sound. Yet, it’s puzzling when one yearns for the demise of others without lifting a finger oneself. To me, the justice you speak of reeks of corruption.

Black Lagoon immerses viewers into a turbulent environment teeming with lawlessness and disorder, where tranquility is seldom experienced. The series is rich in gang-related violence and discord, appealing particularly to fans of mafia-themed anime. Its allure lies primarily in its skillfully executed action scenes and its bold depiction of the criminal underworld.

2. Tokyo Revengers

Time Travel and Bike Gangs

Reflecting on one of the most popular manga series ever, I found myself immersed in the tale of Tokyo Revengers. The story revolves around a 26-year-old salaryman named Takemichi Hanagaki, who seemed to have reached the lowest point in his life. But fate took an unusual turn when he discovered that his former middle school girlfriend, Hinata Tachibana, had been tragically killed due to a biker gang dispute. The next day, he stumbled upon a train platform and somehow found himself twelve years back in time. Driven by the desire to save Hinata’s life, Takemichi embarks on a journey to relive his past, making choices that could potentially reshape his future.

Similar to many intriguingly plotted anime that revolve around time travel, Tokyo Revengers holds audiences spellbound with its compelling narrative and skillfully crafted characters. The show draws heavily on themes of gang warfare, unflinchingly portraying the brutal aspects of a delinquent lifestyle.

1. Banana Fish

Crime, Mafia, Abuse, and the Strength of the Human Spirit

The “Banana Fish” series delves deeply into the gritty and emotional world of New York City’s criminal underworld during the 1980s. It sensitively tackles intense themes such as trauma, abuse, and systemic corruption, offering a profound and nuanced perspective on the harsh truths of mafia existence that viewers can relate to.

That guy always regarded me as a human being with a real heart, not some sort of tool.

The series focuses on 17-year-old Aslan Jade Callenreese, who delves into the enigmatic substance known as Banana Fish, all while safeguarding himself from the grip of his adoptive father, a notorious mafia figure revered as the godfather.

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2025-02-03 07:34