20 Must-Watch Anime Like The Promised Neverland

The captivating manga titled ‘The Promised Neverland‘ was penned by Kaiu Shirai and illustrated by Posuka Demizu. From August 2016 to June 2020, it graced the pages of Shūeisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine. In Japan, an anime adaptation aired from January 11 to March 29, 2019 on Fuji TV during the noitaminA timeslot. This highly-acclaimed series, though it may have sparked some debate with its ending, continues to maintain a dedicated fandom and warrants a guide such as this one.

To pay tribute to the enduring impact of The Promised Neverland, we’ve decided to create a must-watch list featuring 20 top anime series similar to The Promised Neverland. Each title on this list shares some common ground with our beloved show in various aspects.

1. Bungō Stray Dogs

Original Run: 7 April 2016 – ongoing
Number of Episodes: 36 + OVA

I take delight in narrating tales that focus on extraordinary individuals wielding supernatural abilities. They utilize these powers for a variety of tasks, such as managing businesses, unraveling enigmas, and executing missions for an Armed Detective Agency against the criminal organization known as the port mafia. Primarily, this narrative explores the lives of the members within the Armed Detective Agency, shedding light on their daily experiences.

The narrative centers on an extraordinary detective agency, where each agent boasts unique supernatural abilities. Their exceptional traits enable them to tackle cases that are beyond the reach of regular law enforcement. One such case leads our protagonist, the young and nearly starving orphan Nakajima Atsushi, to an unexpected encounter with Dazai Osamu – a member of this peculiar agency – as he rescues him from a potentially fatal plunge into a river.

2. Seraph of the End

Original Run: April 4, 2015 – December 26, 2015
Number of Episodes: 24

The narrative unfolds around Yu, an orphaned youth, and his demonic companion Ashuramaru. A devastating sickness has laid waste to the world. Remarkably, children younger than 13, for some unexplained reason, were resistant to this virus, allowing them to survive. However, these survivors found themselves enslaved by vampires that mysteriously arose from the earth’s depths.

Yûichirô Hyakuya and Mikael Hyakuya, two orphans, act as a sort of “pantry” for vampires: they are allowed to live, but must provide a daily blood donation. After an attempt to flee that ends tragically for his companions, Yûichirô manages to escape, leaving Mikael presumed dead.

3. Sword Art Online

Original Run: July 8, 2012 to December 23, 2012, July 5, 2014 to December 20, 2014, and October 7, 2018 to September 20, 2020

Number of Episodes: A total of 25 episodes from July 8, 2012 to the end of that run, followed by 24 episodes from July 5, 2014 to December 20, 2014, and lastly, 47 episodes from October 7, 2018 to September 20, 2020.

In the year 2022, a groundbreaking virtual reality massively multiplayer online role-playing game called “Sword Art Online” debuts. Players in this world can manage their digital characters as if they were their own bodies, all thanks to the NerveGear – a state-of-the-art virtual reality headset that stimulates their five senses directly through their brains.

Despite their efforts, players discover they are unable to leave the game. Soon after, the creator of SAO, Akihiko Kayaba, emerges and informes them that dying within the virtual world will also result in death in reality. Moreover, he discloses that the only way to exit the game is by conquering one hundred levels first.

4. School-Live!

Original Run: July 9, 2015 – September 24, 2015
Number of Episodes: 12

In a universe blending “moe” and “horror,” we delve into the somber routine of four girls – Yuki, Yuuri, Miki, and Kurumi – at their school. However, an outbreak caused by a lethal biological agent transforms most of the populace into zombies. With the school as their refuge, the quartet must endure amidst the chaos, with the eldest among them, Yuki, experiencing a unique perspective due to a mental condition that causes her to perceive the catastrophe as if it never occurred. Instead, she continues her life as a high school student, attending classes with various instructors like Megumi, oblivious to the disaster unfolding outside.

5. Shiki

Original Run: July 8, 2010 – December 30, 2010
Number of Episodes: 22 + 2

The narrative unfolds in the secluded mountain hamlet of Sotoba, where time-honored customs persist, including funeral rites. Toward the close of an oppressively hot season, the Kirishiki clan unexpectedly settles in a modern castle that overlooks the village from atop a hill.

Concurrently, an unexpected wave of deaths sweeps through the town’s residents; Toshio Ozaki, both the chief physician and proprietor of the sole clinic, initially presumes a baffling epidemic. However, with the assistance of his old friend Seishin Muroi, who is now a renowned temple priest and novelist, they uncover a chilling secret instead.

6. Deadman Wonderland

Original Run: April 17, 2011 – July 3, 2011
Number of Episodes: 12 (+ OVA)

A massive earthquake devastated Japan’s mainland and nearly obliterated Tokyo, causing three-quarters of the city to sink into the sea. Fast forward ten years, and our story unfolds around Ganta Igarashi, a student who appears ordinary but studies at Nagano Prefecture College.

Despite having survived the earthquake, Ganta lived an ordinary life with no recollection of the disaster. However, this routine existence is disrupted when a man drenched in blood and adorned in purple armor appears outside the classroom windows, seemingly floating. The Man in Red, who seemed deranged, murdered Ganta’s entire class, sparing him instead by embedding a piece of red crystal into his chest.

7. Puella Magi Madoka Magica

Original Run: January 7, 2011 – April 21, 2011
Number of Episodes: 12

In a world where certain beings have the ability to fulfill a young girl’s dream, at the cost of transforming them into magical warriors to battle evil entities known as witches. A high school student named Madoka Kaname, along with her friend Sayaka Miki, are offered such an opportunity by one of these beings, Kyubey, who proposes they become magical girls instead. On the other hand, a new classmate, Homura Akemi, seems determined to dissuade Madoka from entering into this contract.

8. From the New World

Original Run: October 3, 2012 – March 27, 2013
Number of Episodes: 25

This anime’s narrative unfolds in Japan, a millennium from our current time when war was rampant globally. The world is governed by individuals endowed with divine powers and psychic abilities. We delve into the lives of Saki, Satoru, Maria, Mamoru, and Shun, who resided in a tranquil town that could be aptly called a utopia. However, an unexpected event exposes the reality of their world to them. Can they alter their predestined paths?

9. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Original Run: April 5, 2009 – July 4, 2010
Number of Episodes: 64

In the realm of Amestris, where alchemy is regarded as a supreme science, brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric roam the land in pursuit of the mythical philosopher’s stone. Their father abandoned them, and their mother, Trisha Elric, passed away from an illness not long after, leaving her two minor offspring behind.

At a later point, the two brothers attempt to resurrect her using alchemy, disregarding the law that forbids human transmutation. This act comes with severe consequences; Edward, the eldest, loses his left leg, while their younger brother suffers complete loss of his body. To save Alphonse’s soul, Edward sacrifices his right arm and imprisons it within armor.

At 12 years old, Edward joins the military as a State Alchemist. He excels in the entrance exam and assumes the title Fullmetal. With his status as a state alchemist, he and his two brothers embark on a perilous quest to recover a stone that will restore what they’ve lost, but the secret of the Philosopher’s Stone remains hidden.

10. Digimon Tamers

Original Run: April 1, 2001 – March 31, 2002
Number of Episodes: 51

12-year-old character named Takato Matsuki is an enthusiast of the Digimon card game. During a friendly card game with pals Kazu and Kenta, he stumbles upon a peculiar blue card hidden in his collection box. His instinctive action is to examine it using his plastic Digivice, which begins to illuminate unusually. It eventually dawns on him that he’s been chosen as a “Digimon Trainer,” and unwittingly brings his own Digimon companion, Guilmon, to life from a sketch.

Later, Takato encounters Henry Wong and Rika Nonaka, both of whom turn out to be tamers. He instantly clicks with Henry, but it takes them a while to bond and work together with Rika, who views Digimon as combat tools.

11. Uninhabited Planet Survive!

Original Run: October 16, 2003 – October 28, 2004
Number of Episodes: 52 + 3 OVAs

In the days to come, humankind dwells in celestial colonies. Luna, an orphan, gains admission into the esteemed academy of Soria. It’s here that she encounters Sharla, her future confidante; Howard, a boisterous and snarky individual; Menori, a student representative; Bell, who seems to be under Howard’s control because it is said his father saved Howard’s life; Kaoru, a quiet and solitary boy with exceptional skills in aerial basketball; and Shingo, an exceptionally gifted computer expert.

On their school excursion, something unexpected happens that transports them to a barren desert world. Now, they must fend for themselves and find sustenance while constructing shelter, as there are no grown-ups inhabiting this desolate planet.

12. Overlord

Original Run: July 7, 2015 – ongoing
Number of Episodes: 39

The narrative unfolds within Yggdrasil, an online role-playing game that has reigned supremely for a dozen years, but is now preparing to shut down permanently. Despite this impending closure, the primary character, Momonga, struggles to come to terms with it. He finds himself bereft of family, companions, romantic interests, and any purpose in the world beyond the game.

One of the game’s top 10 guilds, Ainz Ooal Gown, is led by an individual. This unique guild is comprised entirely of non-human characters and their base of operations is known as the “Great Tomb of Nazarick”. Currently, only the leader and the Non-Player Characters (NPCs) remain active among its original 41 members. The other characters were created by the members to safeguard the tomb.

13. Deltora Quest

Original Run: January 6, 2007 – March 29, 2008
Number of Episodes: 65

According to an old tale, centuries ago, a realm shrouded in darkness launched attacks on the lands of Deltora. In a dream one night, a young boy was guided to craft a metallic belt and insert seven valuable gems: diamond, emerald, lapis lazuli, topaz, opal, ruby, and amethyst, which were held by the seven tribes of the kingdom.

Working together, they successfully drive out the invaders, making Adin the first king of Deltora. Peaceful years follow one after another, passed down from one generation to the next, as people grew confident that danger was no more. However, overconfidence led the last king to hold onto the belt, waiting for the perfect moment. Unfortunately, a new attack by the Lord of Darkness shatters the belt, preventing its use again. The gems were scattered across the kingdom, and the invader reclaimed it once more.

This version maintains the original’s narrative flow while using simpler language to make it easier for readers to understand.

14. Made in Abyss

Original Run: July 7, 2017 – ongoing
Number of Episodes: 13

The narrative revolves around Rico, a young orphan girl residing in the coastal town of Orse, nestled by the Beoruska Sea. The town envelops a peculiar and enormous fissure, often referred to as “the Abyss”. This mysterious void is home to relics and fragments from an ancient civilization that vanished, making it a sought-after location for spelunkers to unearth these treasures, which can then be marketed overseas.

These ancient explorers embark on perilous journeys into the foggy depths of the canyon in search of as many discoveries as they can make. Yet, the deeper an individual ventures into this abyss, the stronger its curse takes hold on their wellbeing, manifesting increasingly severe symptoms upon returning from each level below. Only a small number of brave adventurers have ever ventured to the deepest regions and returned to tell their harrowing tales.

15. Higurashi When They Cry

Original Run: April 4, 2006 – September 30, 2021
Number of Episodes: 89 + 11 OVAs

1983 finds me, a young student from a moderate-income family, yearning for tranquility. In pursuit of peace, I make the decision to relocate to the quaint and isolated village of Hinamizawa. The forest’s air here is peculiar, shrouded in mystery, yet I find myself growing comfortable in this snug little hideaway that seems to embrace me despite its enigmatic aura.

Additionally, he forms friendships at his new school, spending his afternoons with them participating in extracurricular activities, primarily strategy and card games. The town continues its routine, peaceful existence until the arrival of “Watanagashi”, a local celebration honoring the deity Oyashiro-sama.

16. Attack on Titan

Original Run: April 7, 2013 – ongoing
Number of Episodes: 70 (+8 OVA episodes and several movies)

As a cinephile, I’d say, “In the world of Attack on Titan, I reside with the remnants of humanity in fortified cities, shielded from colossal, humanoid creatures known as Titans. These beasts indiscriminately devour people without any apparent rhyme or reason. Among these survivors are my friends Eren Jäger, Mikasa Ackermann, and Armin Arlert – a trio that I call family.

For over a century, walls built to ensure tranquility have stood firm. However, one fateful day, the Titans breach Wall Maria’s outermost barrier, causing panic and retreat among the inhabitants. In this chaos, Eren’s mother perishes, prompting him and countless others to seek refuge behind Wall Rose. Stricken with grief, Eren vows to annihilate the Titans.

17. Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash

Original Run: January 11, 2016 – March 28, 2016
Number of Episodes: 12 + OVA

In a realm called Grimgar, Haruhiro, together with twelve others, find themselves reborn with only their names as their past recollections. To endure, they enlist as soldiers for the Volunteer Army of Alterna’s border town. Among them are Yume, Shihoru, Ranta, Moguzo, and Manato, who leads their group. As they advance together, they strive to adapt and survive in this unfamiliar world.

However, at the peak of their success, Manato is fatally wounded on a mission and requests Haruhiro to take over as group leader before he passes away. Overwhelmed by grief, Haruhiro vows to honor Manato’s wishes and safeguard their comrades.

18. Bokurano

Original Run: April 8, 2007 – September 25, 2007
Number of Episodes: 24

Over the summer break, a band of eight boys and seven girls stumble upon a cave on their island home, revealing hidden treasures such as several computers and their owner, Kokopelli. He proposes a game where they can work together to save Earth from impending doom. The rest of the kids sign up for this adventure, but the youngest, Kana Ushiro, declines.

They all stir from sleep on the beach, questioning if they hadn’t all shared a common dream. But then, a tiny gadget named Koemushi materializes before them. Suddenly, they find themselves in command of an enormous robot overseen by Kokopelli, who shows them their task: Defeat other robots that will emerge. Unfortunately, the battles leave scars on the surface. After the skirmish, Kokopelli vanishes, leaving the children no alternative but to control this robot to save Earth, and face the harsh trials and shocking truths that lie ahead.

19. Fullmetal Alchemist

Original Run: October 4, 2003 – October 2, 2004
Number of Episodes: 51

The Elric siblings, Edward and Alphonse, were gifted in alchemy, a skill they inherited from their father who abandoned their home without looking back. After their mother’s passing, driven by grief, they attempted to bring her back to life using alchemy, disregarding the prohibition of human transmutation. Regrettably, their attempt was unsuccessful, and they endured the consequences.

In this rephrased version:

Al vanishes, while Ed loses one of his legs, but manages to resurrect his deceased brother by infusing him with a spirit within a suit of medieval armor through a transmutation ritual, which requires Ed to amputate an arm. Later, he equips mechanical metal limbs, either referred to as mecagrafts or automails. After successfully passing the examination, Ed is recognized as a State Alchemist and embarks on a journey to locate the Philosopher’s Stone, in hopes of restoring both their physical bodies.

20. Death Note

Original Run: October 3, 2006 – June 26, 2007
Number of Episodes: 37

Light Yagami, an exemplary student, is growing weary of his monotonous life and the crime-ridden, corrupt society he’s immersed in. A pivotal moment arrives when he stumbles upon a strange black notebook titled “Death Note” on the ground. The notebook carries this message: “Any person whose name is written inside will perish.

At first, Light harbored doubts about the authenticity of the notebook. However, his skepticism vanished when he managed to verify its effectiveness on two criminals and encountered Ryuk, a shinigami who was the genuine owner. Inspired by this discovery, Light decided to harness the notebook’s power to eliminate criminals, eradicate wickedness, and ultimately claim the title of “God in the new world”.

In his evil deeds, he is first challenged by the mysterious L and later by his former apprentices.

2025-05-18 23:47