Chainsaw Man has carved out a unique space in the anime and manga world with its intense visuals, dark themes, and unforgettable characters. This thrilling series has left fans eager for more, especially with the recent debut of its anime adaptation. As AnimeKing explores, Chainsaw Man doesn’t just deliver horror—it brings a complex mix of action, mystery, and unforgettable character arcs that keep fans coming back for more. For those looking to expand their watchlists with similar anime, there’s an exciting variety of shows that capture the same heart-racing elements, whether through intense battles, psychological depth, or supernatural horrors.
Whether you’re a seasoned fan of the genre or searching for an anime recommendation for beginner lists, the following selection features series that align with Chainsaw Man’s blend of terror, intrigue, and emotional intensity. From Latest Popular Anime releases to hidden gems, these picks make up an exciting Anime Ranking 2024 list curated just for you by AnimeKing to tide you over until the next season of Chainsaw Man arrives!
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10. Berserk: Dark Fantasy and Unflinching Revenge
- Release Date: October 8, 1997
- Studio: OLM Team Iguchi
- Creator: Kentaro Miura (Manga)
- Episodes: 25
- Genres/Themes: Fantasy, Action, Horror, Psychological Thriller
- MyAnimeList Score: 8.59
Berserk is a pioneering dark fantasy anime that delves into the harrowing life of Guts, a powerful mercenary whose life has been marred by betrayal and violence. Born from a traumatic past where he was nearly killed by his own guardian, Guts becomes a central figure in the Band of the Hawk, led by the charismatic and enigmatic Griffith. The story takes a shocking turn when Griffith makes a dark sacrifice, plunging the story into an intense exploration of revenge and the human psyche.
This series is highly regarded for its deep psychological storytelling, unsettling horror elements, and brutal action scenes that aren’t for the faint of heart. Although several adaptations of Berserk exist, the 1997 series and the Golden Age Arc movies are highly recommended for first-time viewers. With heavy themes of vengeance and survival against unimaginable odds, Berserk is a timeless tale for those who appreciate complex characters and dark narratives.
9. Gantz: Survival Horror at Its Most Gruesome
- Release Date: April 13, 2004
- Studio: Gonzo
- Creator: Hiroya Oku (Manga)
- Episodes: 26
- Genres/Themes: Action, Sci-Fi, Horror, Thriller
- MyAnimeList Score: 6.99
In Gantz, the afterlife is neither peaceful nor freeing—instead, it is a brutal, violent test of survival. After being killed by a subway train, Kei Kurono and Masaru Kato find themselves in a strange room with others who recently died. They are forced into deadly missions controlled by a black sphere called Gantz, where they must hunt aliens in a terrifying game.
Gantz is known for its gritty realism and raw, graphic violence, often pushing the boundaries of horror in anime. With brutal alien encounters, morally ambiguous characters, and high stakes, the series delves into existential themes and the fragility of life. Its dark and unpredictable story keeps viewers on edge, but it’s certainly not for the faint-hearted. For fans of survival horror and psychological thrillers, Gantz offers an unforgettable viewing experience.
8. Attack on Titan: Humanity’s Struggle for Survival
- Release Date: April 7, 2013
- Studios: Wit Studio (Seasons 1-3), MAPPA (Final Season)
- Creator: Hajime Isayama (Manga)
- Episodes: 94+2 Specials
- Genres/Themes: Action, Drama, Fantasy
- MyAnimeList Score: 8.55 (Season 1)
Attack on Titan takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity has been pushed to the brink of extinction by giant, human-eating Titans. The story begins with Eren Yeager, who, after witnessing the destruction of his hometown, vows to eliminate the Titans. As Eren joins the military, the narrative quickly shifts from a simple battle for survival to an intense political and moral drama, unveiling the mysteries behind the Titans and humanity’s true history.
Through thrilling action sequences and profound character development, Attack on Titan examines humanity’s capacity for both heroism and cruelty. Its dark and suspenseful storyline keeps viewers emotionally invested, but fans should brace themselves for the heartbreak of character losses. Widely praised for its storytelling and animation, Attack on Titan remains a modern masterpiece in anime, weaving horror, mystery, and philosophy into an unforgettable saga.
7. Hell’s Paradise: High-Stakes Mission in a Dangerous World
- Release Date: April 1, 2023
- Studio: MAPPA
- Creator: Yuji Kaku (Manga)
- Episodes: 13
- Genres/Themes: Action, Adventure, Dark Fantasy
Hell’s Paradise follows Gabimaru, an infamous assassin who survives numerous execution attempts due to his superhuman resilience. Tasked by executioner Sagiri Yamada Asaemon, he is offered a pardon for his crimes if he can retrieve the mythical Elixir of Life from a mysterious island filled with supernatural dangers. Accompanied by Sagiri, Gabimaru confronts perilous creatures, unraveling secrets of the island that are far more sinister than he anticipated.
With its rich world-building and unique character dynamics, Hell’s Paradise has become a refreshing addition to the dark fantasy genre. As Gabimaru and Sagiri confront internal and external demons, the series delves into the nature of human resilience and redemption, making it more than just an action-packed thriller. Its combination of intense battles, dark lore, and psychological intrigue captivates viewers and promises an emotionally and visually engaging experience.
6. Devilman Crybaby: Love, Violence, and Humanity’s Struggles
- Release Date: January 5, 2018
- Studio: Science SARU
- Creator: Go Nagai (Manga)
- Episodes: 10
- Genres/Themes: Action, Supernatural, Horror
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.75
In Devilman Crybaby, Akira Fudo becomes the host for Amon, a powerful demon, but retains his human heart and empathy. With his demonic abilities, Akira, now the titular “Devilman,” battles against evil forces while questioning his place between humanity and demons. This series is a reimagining of Go Nagai’s original 1972 Devilman, updated with surreal visuals and intense themes of love, loss, and the existential nature of good and evil.
Devilman Crybaby is celebrated for its bold and provocative storytelling, exploring themes of identity, power, and sacrifice. Despite its dark content, it resonates with viewers for its raw portrayal of human suffering and moral ambiguity. This haunting anime examines humanity’s darker tendencies and how love and compassion may ultimately be the only defenses against them. Devilman Crybaby is gripping, disturbing, and thought-provoking, leaving an unforgettable impression on those who watch.
5. Another: A Chilling Mystery of Death and Curses
- Release Date: January 10, 2012
- Studio: P.A. Works
- Creator: Yukito Ayatsuji (Novel)
- Episodes: 12
- Genres/Themes: Horror, Mystery
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.47
In Another, high school student Kouichi Sakakibara transfers to a new school and notices something eerie about his class, especially his enigmatic classmate Mei Misaki. The class is under a curse that leads to horrifying deaths, affecting not only students but their families and teachers. Kouichi, along with Mei, tries to uncover the mystery behind the curse and find a way to stop it. The anime combines a traditional ghost story with a sense of impending dread, creating a mystery that’s as gripping as it is chilling.
Another excels in building an unsettling atmosphere, with its slow-reveal approach keeping viewers on edge as they try to piece together the horrifying truth. It captures the feeling of dread through eerie visuals, sudden deaths, and an atmosphere steeped in supernatural horror. This anime is ideal for fans of murder mysteries with a dark, supernatural twist, offering suspense and jump-scares aplenty, along with some gruesome deaths that make it one of the more unforgettable horror anime.
4. Junji Ito Collection: Tales from the Master of Horror
- Release Date: January 5, 2018
- Studio: Studio Deen
- Creator: Junji Ito (Manga Anthology)
- Episodes: 12
- Genres/Themes: Horror
Junji Ito Collection brings to life some of the most famous works of Junji Ito, Japan’s master of horror manga. Each episode is a standalone adaptation of his terrifying tales, bringing to life the grotesque and the supernatural. With stories ranging from monstrous transformations to eerie paranormal events, the series captures the horrifyingly surreal essence of Ito’s work, offering a variety of unsettling scenarios that are both visually and psychologically disturbing.
For fans of horror and psychological thrillers, the Junji Ito Collection provides an anthology of dread, though some argue that the adaptation doesn’t fully capture Ito’s iconic art style. Nonetheless, it’s a suitable introduction to his world for anime fans and serves as a tribute to Ito’s mastery over unsettling atmospheres and unexpected horror. The short-story format ensures a diversity of scares, making it ideal for viewers who enjoy different types of horror stories.
3. Bludgeoning Angel Dokuro-Chan: A Dark Comedy with a Bloody Twist
- Release Date: March 12, 2005
- Studio: Hal Film Maker
- Creator: Masaki Okayu (Light Novel)
- Episodes: 6
- Genres/Themes: Comedy, Dark Humor, Fantasy, Gore
Bludgeoning Angel Dokuro-Chan may look like a typical light-hearted anime at first, with its bright animation and seemingly innocent character designs. However, it quickly takes a turn into dark comedy territory. The plot centers on a middle school student named Sakura Kusakabe, whose life is disrupted by Dokuro, a heavenly angel tasked with preventing Sakura from developing a device that would make all humans immortal. Instead of assassinating him as ordered, Dokuro decides to try and reform him by constantly “bludgeoning” him into submission. This leads to endless, often fatal, misunderstandings as Dokuro’s chaotic nature becomes a bigger threat to Sakura than any invention he could ever create.
The show revels in its slapstick violence, with Dokuro repeatedly killing Sakura only to bring him back to life seconds later using her angelic powers. This odd mix of extreme violence and comedic moments is both unsettling and hilariously over-the-top. T
2. Castlevania: Gothic Horror and Vampire Battles
- Release Date: July 7, 2017
- Studios: Frederator Studios, Powerhouse Animation Studios (Netflix Original)
- Creator: Based on the Castlevania Video Game Series by Konami
- Episodes: 32 (Four Seasons)
- Genres/Themes: Action, Fantasy, Supernatural, Gothic Horror
Castlevania is a gritty and mature adaptation of Konami’s iconic video game series, set in a dark, medieval world overrun by supernatural beings. The anime follows Trevor Belmont, the last of the Belmont family line, who has taken up the mantle of vampire hunter to save humanity from Dracula’s wrath. Dracula has declared vengeance on humankind after the unjust execution of his beloved wife, unleashing his monstrous forces upon them. Belmont, along with Dracula’s half-human, half-vampire son Alucard, and the powerful mage Sypha Belnades, must fight through a horde of creatures to stop Dracula before humanity is eradicated.
One of the anime’s strongest points is its rich character development, which delves into Dracula’s motivations, making him a sympathetic villain whose descent into darkness is marked by deep emotional pain. The show also explores the dynamics among the protagonists, who each bring unique skills and motivations to the fight.
1. Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress: A Steampunk Zombie Survival Adventure
- Release Date: April 8, 2016
- Studio: Wit Studio
- Creator: Tetsurō Araki (Director), Kazuki Nakashima (Script)
- Episodes: 12
- Genres/Themes: Action, Adventure, Supernatural, Post-Apocalyptic, Steampunk
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.27
Set during an alternate version of the Industrial Revolution, Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress follows a group of survivors trying to stay alive in a world plagued by kabane—zombie-like creatures with iron-clad hearts that are nearly indestructible. Humanity has been driven to the brink, seeking shelter in fortified stations and traveling through the dangerous world on armored trains.
Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress combines high-stakes action with rich steampunk visuals, seamlessly blending elements of horror and adventure. Wit Studio’s animation brings life to the setting, portraying a gritty, mechanical world that is both beautiful and dangerous. The anime’s themes center on resilience and survival, with characters forced to confront their inner demons as much as they face the horrors of the outside world.
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Conclusion:
For fans drawn to the chaotic energy, dark humor, and intense battles in Chainsaw Man, this list of the top 10 best anime like Chainsaw Man offers a lineup of series that bring similarly edgy, high-stakes action and anti-hero dynamics. Titles like Jujutsu Kaisen and Dorohedoro deliver on visceral fight scenes, morally complex characters, and worlds where survival often depends on brutal choices, resonating with Chainsaw Man’s gritty appeal.
As these anime continue to capture attention in anime rankings for 2024 and discussions around latest popular anime, they stand out as must-watch series for fans who crave intense action and subversive storytelling. For anyone seeking more thrill-filled anime journeys, these picks are sure to satisfy. For more recommendations, reviews, and updates, follow Animeking for the latest on the best anime to watch!
