20 Must-Watch Anime Similar to Tokyo Ghoul

Tokyo Ghoul is a manga series created by Sui Ishida, categorized as seinen (adult male) manga. In 2014, an anime adaptation produced by the Pierrot studio aired on Tokyo MX from July to September. The sequel, titled Tokyo Ghoul √A, ran from January to March in the same year. The first half of the Tokyo Ghoul:re adaptation was broadcast in Japan from April 3 to June 19, 2018, followed by the second half from October 9 to December 25, 2018.

In celebration of the global phenomenon that is Tokyo Ghoul, we present to you a handpicked collection of top anime series, reminiscent of Tokyo Ghoul in various aspects. This list encompasses a diverse range of 20 titles that every devoted fan should not miss out on.

1. Darker Than Black

Original Release: April 6, 2007 – September 29, 2007
Number of Episodes: 25

Approximately a decade past, an enigmatic expanse dubbed Hell’s Gate emerged in Tokyo, leaving a trail of destruction and transforming the surroundings as well as the sky above. The natural celestial bodies were replaced by artificial stars. Soon thereafter, we uncovered the existence of individuals gifted with extraordinary abilities referred to as “pactisants”.

Today, a colossal barrier has been erected to keep people away from Hell’s Gate. Each deceptive star represents a party in a contract, pulsates when it exerts its power, and vanishes if it perishes. Participants of these contracts are often identified using designations from astronomical catalogues. Many countries employ these participants as covert agents or assassins.

2. DEATH NOTE

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

High school student Light Yagami leads an exemplary life but feels unfulfilled by his routine and frustrated with the crime-ridden world around him. His existence undergoes a significant shift when he stumbles upon a strange, black notebook titled “Death Note,” with the inscription: “The person whose name is written here will perish.

At first doubting its legitimacy, Light eventually becomes convinced after successfully verifying the notebook’s powers on two criminals and encountering Ryuk, a shinigami who owns the Death Note. With this newly discovered power, he chooses to wield it against criminals, aiming to eliminate evil from society and position himself as the “Supreme Being of the new world”.

3. Demon Slayer

Original Run: April 6, 2019 – present
Number of Episodes: 44

In the Taisho period of Japan, Tanjirō Kamado, the eldest son of a coal-merchant family, finds himself in the role of provider following his father’s passing. To make ends meet, he peddles charcoal within the village nestled at the foot of the mountain. Despite their hardships, they somehow find joy in their simple daily routines. An unexpected turn of events compels him to spend a night under the watchful eyes of a kind villager, due to unfounded tales of a demon lurking after sunset.

Upon his return, everything is different, as an overpowering scent of blood catches his acute nose. He hastily makes his way back home, where he discovers that his loved ones have tragically been killed.

Among his siblings, Nezuko is the sole survivor, though unconscious, and Tanjirou decides to bring her along as he searches for a doctor capable of healing her. During their journey, Nezuko miraculously regains consciousness, transforming into a demon, but displays human feelings and thoughts in her struggle against her brother.

Here comes Giyuu Tomioka, a Demon Slayer, assigned to eradicate the demon causing havoc in the area. However, when he confronts Nezuko, a peculiar thing happens: rather than attempting to devour her brother, Tanjiro, she steps in to protect him from Giyuu’s attack.

4. Elfen Lied

Original Run: July 25, 2004 – October 17, 2004
Number of Episodes: 13 (+ OVA)

The narrative unfolds in the town of Kamakura, Japan, focusing on the Diclonius, extraordinary beings that resemble humans, but possess two peculiar horns on their heads and extraordinarily powerful limbs known as “vectors” which are invisible to the naked eye. These beings are considered a threat to humanity, leading to the infanticide of Diclonius newborns or their confinement in research facilities where they endure gruesome torment and cruel, aggressive experiments.

Among them, Lucy somehow makes it to the shore, slaughtering anyone who crosses her path. Later discovered on the beach by two youths, she’s in a state of total amnesia and exhibiting two distinct personalities, both consequences of a gunshot wound to the head during her escape.

In a unique turn of events, a young Diclonius adopts an entirely new persona. Two boys, intrigued by this change, struggle to address her with a word she can comprehend, eventually settling on “Nyu”. Concerned for her well-being under these circumstances, they bring her home, hoping to uncover her background. However, the military continues its pursuit of her, and every time Nyu suffers head trauma, she transforms back into Lucy.

5. From the New World

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

In a millennia-old Japan, the story unfolds around Saki, a girl residing in Kamisu’s 66th district. Here, humans naturally possess telekinetic abilities and coexist harmoniously in rural communities. Despite her parents’ concerns that she might never awaken her powers, Saki discovers hers at age twelve and teams up with peers Satoru, Maria, Mamoru, Shun, and Reiko to hone their skills at the academy. However, they remain oblivious to the fact that the city council secretly observes and guides them through their education.

Based on certain standards, certain students are excluded from mainstream society, such as those who fail to grasp the abilities, like Reiko, or those who break the rules. These expelled students quickly fade from the memories of other children; Saki and her companions can’t remember Reiko. Later, during a teacher-absent camp, Saki and her friends stumble upon a False White Nudibook, an mythical creature which turns out to be an old artifact housing a library. The False Nudibianco reveals to the boys the dark deeds of their forefathers and the origins of their powers.

6. Blue Exorcist

Original Run: April 17, 2011 – March 25, 2017
Number of Episodes: 37 (+ 2 OVA)

In the realm of Blue Exorcist, we find two contrasting dimensions: one inhabited by humans, known as Assiah, and the other, a domain of demons, named Gehenna. Under normal circumstances, interaction or travel between these realms is unattainable. However, demons have the ability to infiltrate this world by taking possession of anything that exists within it.

While Satan is often referred to as the ruler of demons, there’s one crucial thing he lacks: a suitable vessel in the human world capable of holding him. To attempt this, he had two children, Rin and Yukio Okumura, with a human woman. However, only Rin inherited Satan’s powers; Yukio was too weak. It remains unclear whether these sons are part of his plan or if they will eventually transform into something else.

Following the slaying of guardian father Fujimoto, Rin was granted a vision: one day, he might transform into an exorcist, destined to vanquish the deity of demons.

7. Psycho-Pass

Original Run: October 12, 2012 – December 12, 2019
Number of Episodes: 41

By the year 2112, in Japan, a computer system named Sibyl had fundamentally altered society into an ideal world. With cameras, drones, and scanners everywhere, Sibyl assessed and measured the criminal propensities of individuals, known as “Psycho-Pass”. This allowed it to predict who might potentially engage in unlawful activities.

In cases where a person’s behavior deviates significantly from the societal standard, officers from the Public Security Bureau, along with individuals who have unusually high levels of psychological instability (as indicated by their Psycho-Pass), track down and arrest these individuals. The aim is to subject them to therapy, imprison them, or use lethal force if necessary.

I find myself stepping into the world of the Public Security Bureau, joining Division 1 as a fresh inspector – none other than Akane Tsunemori herself. With unwavering commitment to truth and loyalty, I aim to serve justice faithfully. Yet, as I delve deeper, I discover that the infallible judgments attributed to Sibyl are not as flawless as my colleagues may believe.

8. Guilty Crown

Original Run: October 13, 2011 – March 22, 2012
Number of Episodes: 22

2039 in Tokyo: Struggling to survive after the Apocalypse virus outbreak on Christmas Day Decade’s Past weakened its authority, Japan is now barely hanging on due to aid from various nations under the control of the GHQ military government. Life has lost much of its worth in this regime.

In the given situation, a student named Ouma Shū, who’s struggling with self-esteem issues, encounters Inori, the vocalist of EGOIST, in her hideout – a place known as her lair. The young girl, wounded, has just purloined from Sephirah Genomics a valuable cylinder meant for Gai, the head of the terrorist organization called Underground. The Anti-Bodies, an action group controlled by the GHQ, had moved in to apprehend Inori following this theft. However, she was captured instead, leaving Ouma Shū feeling powerless. Yet, he resolves to carry on with her mission.

9. Jujutsu Kaisen

Original Run: October 3, 2020 – March 27, 2021
Number of Episodes: 24

In the story of Jujutsu Kaisen, the action unfolds in a universe where maladies are born from the deep-seated negative feelings of humans. To safeguard locations teeming with such emotions like schools and hospitals, these structures harbor an artifact, a vessel for the plague, as it’s the only way to combat these afflictions effectively – by using a more potent counteracting plague.

Only a few individuals, such as exorcists, can perceive these unseen entities. Their role typically involves expelling these maladies, thereby safeguarding people, though this task is not devoid of risks, as the maladies can vary in potency.

10. Claymore

Original Run: April 4, 2007 – September 26, 2007
Number of Episodes: 26

Claymores are unique warriors, a blend of human and demon, summoned by villages to ward off monstrous beings like demons. Known for their silver eyes and enormous swords they bear on their backs, humans often refer to them as “silver-eyed witches” or simply “Claymores,” named after the type of sword they wield. Claire is one such warrior.

In a village where she was summoned to vanquish demonic creatures that were terrorizing and consuming its people, she eliminated the nearly last remaining member of a severely depleted family who had transformed into a monstrous form. With everyone else gone, the sole survivor, Raki, chose to accompany her on her bloody escapades, taking on the role of a cook. Over time, he would uncover the mysteries and tragic fate surrounding these unique women.

11. Beyond the Boundary

Original Run: October 2, 2013 – December 18, 2013
Number of Episodes: 12 (+ OVA)

Akihiro Kanbara is a teenager, born from the union of a human and a supernatural being called Yomu. One fateful day, he spots someone on the school rooftop who appears suicidal. This person turns out to be Mirai Kuriyama, the last member of a lineage feared by Yomus, with the power to manipulate blood into deadly weapons. However, due to a past event, she’s unable to harm Yomus. To help her overcome her past traumas and regain her strength, Akihiro offers his support.

12. Pupa

Original Run: January 9, 2014 – March 28, 2014
Number of Episodes: 12

The narrative revolves around two siblings, Utsutsu and Yume, who endured physical abuse from their father Shiro during their youth. Following their mother Sachiko’s divorce, she departs with a new partner, leaving her children behind. In response, Utsutsu swears to safeguard his sister come what may.

One day, upon returning home from college, they encounter an enigmatic scientist with a disfigured visage named Maria. She advises them cautiously about the ominous red butterflies. Shortly following their introduction, colossal red butterflies materialize, and Yume undergoes a monstrous transformation. Unable to restore her to normalcy, their brother is compelled to seek assistance from Maria, who discloses that they’ve contracted a virus known as pupa.

13. 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 old customs like the burial rituals persist. Towards the end of an extremely hot summer season, unexpectedly, the Kirishiki family settles into a modern-style fortress that towers over the village from atop a hill.

Concurrently, an unexpected wave of deaths starts thinning out the local population. Toshio Ozaki, both the head physician and proprietor of the sole clinic, initially presumes a strange outbreak. However, his old friend Seishin Muroi, now a renowned temple priest and novelist, assists him in uncovering an unsettling reality: the deceased are reanimating as bloodthirsty vampires, compelled to drink human blood for sustenance. This chilling sequence of events seems to have been triggered by the arrival of the Kirishiki family.

14. Hell Girl

Original Run: October 4, 2005 – September 29, 2017
Number of Episodes: 90

When someone holds deep resentment towards another, a mystical figure named Jigoku Shōjo (Hell Girl) emerges as an option. This supernatural being agrees to send the source of their anger to the underworld. But there’s a catch – before taking revenge, a pact must be made with her. The cost for this service is that the person making the contract will also journey to Hell upon their own death.

The series primarily consists of standalone narratives that focus on distinct characters who experience hardship at the hands of various antagonists. Each story also features a pact made with Enma Ai, followed by retribution inflicted upon the offender by her.

15. Deadman Wonderland

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

A strong earthquake devastated the Japanese mainland, causing significant damage to Tokyo and making three-quarters of the city sink into the sea. Ten years after that catastrophe, our tale unfolds around Ganta Igarashi, a student who seems like an average individual, studying at Nagano Prefecture College.

Even though Ganta managed to survive the earthquake, he has no recollection of the disaster and has led an unremarkable life. However, this normality is disrupted when a bizarre man, drenched in blood and donning purple armor, appears outside the classroom windows. This Man in Red, sporting a chilling grin reminiscent of madness, slaughters Ganta’s entire class. Instead of ending his life, the Man in Red implants a piece of red crystal into Ganta’s chest.

16. Attack on Titan

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

In the series “Attack on Titan,” our protagonists Eren Jäger, Mikasa Ackermann (his adoptive sister), and Armin Arlert share a life within city walls, a refuge from the titanic attacks by colossal humanoid creatures called Titans, who seem to have no rhyme or reason for their consumption of humans.

For over a century, walls built to ensure peace have stood firm. However, one fateful day, the Titans breach the outermost wall, Wall Maria, forcing people to retreat even deeper. 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. Another

Original Run: January 10, 2012 – March 27, 2012
Number of Episodes: 12 (+ OVA)

1972 saw the unexpected demise of Misaki Yomiyama, a well-liked and vibrant student from Class 3-3 at North Yomiyama School. Overwhelmed by grief, his classmates and teacher pretended that Misaki was still among them, even saving a seat for him during graduation.

It was even more questionable that Misaki seemed in the graduation picture. In the year 1998, ninth-grader Kōichi Sakakibara shifted from Tokyo to Yomiyama, a town his mother hailed from, as his father had gone to work on research in India. His transition was to North Yomiyama School, specifically class 3-3.

18. 🢒M⊙NS†ER🢐

Original Run: April 7, 2004 – September 28, 2005
Number of Episodes: 74

The narrative unfolds in Germany, 1986, specifically at Eisler Memorial Hospital in Düsseldorf. Our protagonist, Kenzô Tenma, is a talented young Japanese neurosurgeon who hails from Japan. He’s betrothed to Eva Heineman, the hospital director’s daughter, and his future looks bright with professional success.

Yet one day, instead of tending to the mayor’s needs first, he chooses to perform surgery on a young boy who had been shot in the head and was admitted to the hospital before the mayor. The boy’s twin sister, deeply distressed, is also hospitalized; their adoptive parents were recently killed violently in their own home.

The young lad extricates himself from the situation, however, the mayor, placed under another physician’s care, meets his end. Later, Dr. Tenma is downgraded at the hospital by its director, and his partner departs from him. Soon after, the boy and his sister vanish, coinciding with the enigmatic deaths of three high-ranking officials within the institution, among them the director himself. Nine years elapse, and Dr. Tenma uncovers the culprit behind these murders: Johann, the ten-year-old boy he once saved, appears to have transformed into a menacing entity causing fear wherever he goes.

19. Hellsing Ultimate

Original Run: October 10, 2001 – January 16, 2002
Number of Episodes: 13 (+10 OVA episodes)

In the heart of London, I find myself drawn into the world of the illustrious Royal Knights of Protestant Order – a lineage I’ve had the honor to follow for generations. Led by the indomitable Abraham Van Helsing, we are not your ordinary knights. We battle creatures that lurk in the shadows, entities most people would dismiss as mere myths: vampires, ghouls, and other supernatural beings often branded as “monsters”. It’s a world unseen by many, yet it’s one I live and fight for every day.

The Organization functions covertly and has served as a secret military force for Her Majesty for quite some time. Heading this entity is Sir Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing, a young descendant of the original Lord Hellsing. Due to circumstances, she must assume command at a relatively young age.

In a weakened state, nearing his end, Arthur, her father, instructs her that if she ever feels endangered, she must make her way to the basement of their grand estate, for it houses something capable of safeguarding her.

20. Parasyte

Original Run: October 9, 2014 – March 26, 2015
Episodes: 24

One evening, globes about the size of tennis balls, each housing serpentine beings, descended mysteriously across the globe. Their design is to replace human intelligence. One of these invaders attempted an attack on a youth named Shinichi during his slumber, failing to penetrate his ear canal.

In the dead of night, spheres resembling tennis balls and inhabited by snake-like entities dropped inexplicably around the world. Their purpose: replacing human brains. One such attacker targeted a young man named Shinichi as he slept, attempting entry through his ear but found it impossible to reach him.

Startled from sleep when a parasitic creature attempted to invade through his nostrils, he desperately tried to fend it off but unfortunately suffered a puncture wound on his right hand instead. The resourceful teenager then utilized his headphones, wrapping them around his arm as a barrier, thereby hindering the parasite’s ascent towards his brain.

Over time, I found myself inexorably bonded to my own arm, eventually becoming an integral part of my right hand. Simultaneously, other malevolent organisms, having gained control over their host’s mind, started feeding on human beings. Under these circumstances, the creature and I were left with no choice but to share our living space.

2025-06-05 11:47