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ToggleTop Anime Like Death Note for Fans of Dark Psychological Thrillers
If you loved Death Note for its dark themes, intense mind games, and the battle of wits between two brilliant characters, you’re not alone. The way it blends suspense with moral dilemmas makes it stand out as one of the most gripping psychological thrillers out there. Light and L’s intellectual rivalry keeps you on the edge of your seat, with every move bringing new twists and turns.
Luckily, there are plenty of other anime like death note that capture a similar vibe. From strategic showdowns to dark, thrilling mysteries, these shows bring their own unique take on the battle of wits, power struggles, and moral questions. Some lean more into psychological tension, while others explore high-stakes games or dark secrets that need to be unraveled.
Quick List of 10 similar Anime Like Death Note:
1. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
- Aired Date: October 2006 – July 2007
- Genre: Action, Mecha, Psychological, Thriller
- Creator: Sunrise (studio), Ichirō Ōkouchi (writer)
- Seasons: 2 seasons (50 episodes)
- Category: Psychological Thriller, Anti-hero
- Subcategory: Strategic warfare, dystopian future
Code Geass Plot:
Lelouch, an exiled prince, gains a supernatural power called Geass that allows him to command others to obey him. He uses this ability to lead a rebellion against the Holy Britannian Empire, aiming to create a world where his sister can live in peace.
Main Character: Lelouch vi Britannia
A charismatic yet manipulative leader, Lelouch uses his intelligence and Geass to orchestrate complex strategies. His double life as a student and a revolutionary adds layers to his character.
Notable Characters:
- Suzaku Kururugi: Lelouch’s childhood friend, who is on the opposite side of the rebellion.
- C.C.: Mysterious girl who grants Lelouch the power of Geass.
- Kallen Stadtfeld: Skilled pilot and loyal member of the rebellion.
Code Geass Lore:
Set in an alternate future, Code Geass depicts a world under the control of the Holy Britannian Empire. The story explores themes of oppression, freedom, and the moral complexities of using power to achieve one’s goals.
Why is Code Geass Similar to Death Note?
- Both series feature highly intelligent protagonists who use a supernatural power to challenge the existing order.
- The main characters, Lelouch and Light, are anti-heroes who manipulate others for their own goals, often blurring the line between good and evil.
- Strategic battles and mind games are a central part of the narrative, keeping viewers engaged in the unfolding plot.
What will you miss from Death Note?
- Code Geass has more action and mecha battles, with a focus on political and military strategy, unlike the intimate psychological battles in Death Note.
- The supernatural element in Code Geass is used differently; while Death Note relies on intellectual duels, Code Geass often includes large-scale conflicts.
Code Geass’ Unique Strategic Depth:
Unlike Death Note, Code Geass combines political intrigue and large-scale military tactics, offering a mix of strategy, emotion, and action.
Fun Fact: The anime was influenced by several historical revolutions, particularly the French Revolution.
If you’re looking for anime like Death Note with a brilliant anti-hero, strategic battles, and moral ambiguity, Code Geass will keep you hooked from start to finish.
Watch Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion Trailer
2. Psycho-Pass
- Aired Date: October 2012 – March 2013
- Genre: Cyberpunk, Psychological, Crime, Thriller
- Creator: Production I.G (studio), Gen Urobuchi (writer)
- Seasons: 3 seasons + movies
- Category: Psychological Thriller, Dystopian Future
- Subcategory: Crime drama, futuristic law enforcement
Psycho-Pass Plot:
In a future society, law enforcement uses the Sibyl System to assess citizens’ mental states and determine their likelihood of committing crimes. Inspectors and Enforcers work together to apprehend or eliminate potential threats.
Main Character: Akane Tsunemori
A young, idealistic inspector who learns the dark realities of the system she upholds. Her growth is central to the story.
Notable Characters:
- Shinya Kogami: A skilled Enforcer with a complicated past.
- Shogo Makishima: Charismatic antagonist who challenges the system’s morality.
Psycho-Pass Lore:
Set in a cyberpunk dystopia, the show explores philosophical questions about justice, free will, and the ethics of a society where freedom is sacrificed for safety.
Why is Psycho-Pass Similar to Death Note?
- Dark themes and a dystopian setting where characters face moral dilemmas about justice and authority.
- Protagonists and antagonists engage in a complex battle of ideologies, with intelligence and strategy playing significant roles.
- Psychological tension and suspense drive the plot, much like the mind games between Light and L.
What will you miss from Death Note?
- Psycho-Pass features more action scenes and focuses on a broader societal narrative, whereas Death Note is centered around the intellectual rivalry between two characters.
- Death Note has a more intimate, one-on-one conflict, whereas Psycho-Pass involves a larger ensemble cast with shifting alliances and dynamics.
Psycho-Pass’ Ethical Exploration:
It offers a deeper look into societal issues, questioning the morality of preemptive justice, making it a richer exploration of philosophical themes.
Fun Fact: The creator, Gen Urobuchi, was inspired by Western movies like Blade Runner and Minority Report.
For fans of anime like Death Note who enjoy dark, dystopian themes and intense psychological tension, Psycho-Pass offers a thrilling exploration of justice and morality.
Watch Psycho-Pass Trailer
3. Monster
- Aired Date: April 2004 – September 2005
- Genre: Psychological, Thriller, Crime, Mystery
- Creator: Madhouse (studio), Naoki Urasawa (manga)
- Seasons: 1 season (74 episodes)
- Category: Psychological Thriller, Mystery
- Subcategory: Crime drama, psychological horror
Monster Plot:
Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a brilliant surgeon, saves a boy’s life, only to discover years later that the boy has grown into a sociopathic killer. Tenma starts his mission to find and stop him, unraveling a dark conspiracy.
Main Character: Dr. Kenzo Tenma
A skilled and compassionate doctor who becomes entangled in a moral quandary and must confront the consequences of his actions.
Notable Characters:
- Johan Liebert: The chilling and manipulative antagonist.
- Nina Fortner: A key figure connected to Johan’s past.
Monster Lore:
Set across various European countries, Monster dives deep into human psychology, morality, and the question of what makes a monster.
Why is Monster Similar to Death Note?
- Intense psychological cat-and-mouse game, similar to Light vs. L’s rivalry, filled with suspense and tension.
- Both series explore moral ambiguity, with complex characters who blur the lines between good and evil.
- Focus on deep, intricate character development and a narrative that challenges viewers to think critically about justice and morality.
What will you miss from Death Note?
- Monster doesn’t involve supernatural elements, focusing on realistic, psychological horror instead of Death Note’s supernatural mind games.
- Monster is slower-paced and more methodical, whereas Death Note has a quicker, more intense storyline with high-stakes twists.
Monster’s Realistic Psychological Tension:
It explores the human psyche in a raw, realistic way, with no supernatural shortcuts, adding depth to its dark, thrilling narrative.
Fun Fact: The manga creator, Naoki Urasawa, was praised for his meticulous research into European culture and geography.
Love the psychological cat-and-mouse chase in anime like Death Note? Monster delivers a gripping, realistic thriller with deep moral dilemmas and mind games.
Watch Monster Trailer
4. Erased (Boku dake ga Inai Machi)
- Aired Date: January 2016 – March 2016
- Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Supernatural
- Creator: A-1 Pictures (studio), Kei Sanbe (manga)
- Seasons: 1 season (12 episodes)
- Category: Psychological Thriller, Mystery
- Subcategory: Time travel, suspenseful investigation
Erased Plot:
Satoru Fujinuma, a manga artist with the ability to travel back in time, tries to prevent a series of tragic events by solving a decades-old mystery of a child abduction.
Main Character: Satoru Fujinuma
A struggling artist who uses his unique power to revisit his childhood and prevent a series of tragic events.
Notable Characters:
- Kayo Hinazuki: The girl whose life Satoru tries to save.
- Sachiko Fujinuma: Satoru’s supportive mother.
Erased Lore:
The story navigates between Satoru’s adult and childhood perspectives, focusing on themes of redemption, regret, and the ripple effect of one’s actions.
Why is Erased Similar to Death Note?
- Both series revolve around a protagonist who attempts to manipulate events to change the future, with thrilling, psychological tension.
- The concept of using supernatural abilities (time travel or the Death Note) to alter outcomes is central to both stories.
- Focus on unraveling mysteries, where the protagonist must outsmart antagonists to protect those they care about.
What will you miss from Death Note?
- Erased has more emotional and sentimental undertones compared to the darker, more sinister plotlines of Death Note.
- The stakes in Erased are more personal and emotional, whereas Death Note has a global impact, making the conflict feel grander.
Erased’s Emotional Journey Through Time:
It mixes suspense with a touching emotional journey, focusing on the protagonist’s quest to save lives by rewriting his past.
Fun Fact: The anime gained significant popularity, even leading to a live-action adaptation on Netflix.
If you’re a fan of anime like Death Note with a twist of supernatural suspense and mystery, Erased will keep you on the edge of your seat with its emotional, time-bending journey.
Watch Erased (Boku dake ga Inai Machi) Trailer
5. Paranoia Agent
- Aired Date: February 2004 – May 2004
- Genre: Psychological, Mystery, Thriller
- Creator: Satoshi Kon (director)
- Seasons: 1 season (13 episodes)
- Category: Psychological Horror, Mystery
- Subcategory: Urban legends, surrealism
Paranoia Agent Plot:
A mysterious figure known as “Lil’ Slugger” terrorizes Tokyo by attacking people. As the cases accumulate, detectives uncover a series of strange, interlinked stories about fear, paranoia, and societal pressure.
Main Character: Detective Keiichi Ikari
One of the detectives trying to piece together the puzzle of Lil’ Slugger’s attacks, often facing his own psychological battles.
Notable Characters:
- Lil’ Slugger: The mysterious assailant whose true nature is revealed over time.
- Tsukiko Sagi: A designer whose encounter with Lil’ Slugger begins the story.
Paranoia Agent Lore:
A surreal take on modern Japanese society, exploring psychological themes and the collective consciousness of fear and paranoia.
Why is Paranoia Agent Similar to Death Note?
- Both series delve into the dark side of human nature, exploring psychological tension and the effects of paranoia.
- Intricate storytelling that gradually uncovers deeper mysteries, much like the strategic games in Death Note.
- Use of a central mystery to weave interconnected stories that reveal the complexity of the characters’ psyches.
What will you miss from Death Note?
- Paranoia Agent is more abstract and surreal, lacking the direct confrontation between two strategic minds seen in Death Note.
- The series doesn’t focus on a continuous rivalry like Light vs. L; instead, it has a more episodic structure.
Paranoia Agent’s Surreal Exploration of Fear:
It creates a dream-like narrative where reality and illusion blur, pushing viewers to question the nature of fear and truth.
Fun Fact: Satoshi Kon, the creator, is known for his distinctive storytelling style, blending reality and fantasy, which is also seen in his films like Perfect Blue and Paprika.
Looking for anime like Death Note that dives into the dark side of human nature? Paranoia Agent offers a surreal, psychological mystery that will leave you questioning reality.
Watch Paranoia Agent Trailer
6. Zankyou no Terror (Terror in Resonance)
- Aired Date: July 2014 – September 2014
- Genre: Psychological, Thriller, Drama
- Creator: MAPPA (studio), Shinichiro Watanabe (director)
- Seasons: 1 season (11 episodes)
- Category: Psychological Thriller, Drama
- Subcategory: Terrorism, cat-and-mouse, societal critique
Zankyou no Terror Plot:
Two teenagers, known by the aliases Nine and Twelve, carry out a series of terrorist attacks in Tokyo, leaving cryptic clues. As the authorities try to decipher their motives, a complex game unfolds.
Main Characters: Nine and Twelve
Geniuses with dark pasts who orchestrate elaborate plans to reveal hidden truths about a secret government project. Their actions are calculated, but their motives remain enigmatic.
Notable Characters:
- Lisa Mishima: A high school girl who becomes entangled in their plans.
- Kenjirou Shibazaki: A detective tasked with stopping the duo.
Zankyou no Terror Lore:
Set in modern-day Tokyo, the show tackles themes of terrorism, government secrets, and the search for identity and meaning in a fractured society.
Why is Zankyou no Terror Similar to Death Note?
- Both series feature intelligent protagonists who use elaborate strategies to manipulate situations to their advantage.
- Themes of rebellion, questioning authority, and challenging the status quo are prevalent.
- The strategic back-and-forth between the characters and law enforcement mirrors the battle of wits in Death Note.
What will you miss from Death Note?
- Zankyou no Terror has a more emotional and humanistic approach, focusing on the protagonists’ past trauma rather than pure strategic rivalry.
- The show is shorter and doesn’t delve as deeply into psychological mind games as Death Note.
Zankyou no Terror’s Poignant Commentary:
It combines thrilling action with a reflective narrative on the impact of past trauma and the search for identity, set against a backdrop of societal critique.
Fun Fact: The soundtrack by Yoko Kanno enhances the series’ emotional depth, blending haunting melodies with thrilling sequences.
If strategic games and societal critiques in anime like Death Note caught your interest, Zankyou no Terror brings a powerful story of rebellion and mystery.
Watch Zankyou no Terror (Terror in Resonance) Trailer
7. The Promised Neverland
- Aired Date: January 2019 – March 2019
- Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Psychological, Dark Fantasy
- Creator: CloverWorks (studio), Kaiu Shirai (manga)
- Seasons: 2 seasons (23 episodes)
- Category: Psychological Thriller, Mystery
- Subcategory: Survival, dark secrets, escape plan
The Promised Neverland Plot:
In an orphanage, children live a happy life under the care of “Mama.” However, three children, Emma, Norman, and Ray, discover a dark secret about their existence and plan a daring escape.
Main Characters: Emma, Norman, and Ray
Bright and resourceful children who use their wits and teamwork to uncover secrets and outsmart their captors.
Notable Characters:
- Isabella: The “Mama” of the orphanage, whose role is far more sinister than it appears.
- Sister Krone: Another caretaker with her own agenda.
The Promised Neverland Lore:
Set in a world where children must escape from a seemingly idyllic orphanage, the show explores themes of survival, deception, and hope amidst despair.
Why is The Promised Neverland Similar to Death Note?
- Both feature highly intelligent protagonists who engage in strategic battles to outwit their adversaries.
- The dark, suspenseful atmosphere, with characters constantly facing life-or-death situations, mirrors the tension in Death Note.
- Exploration of themes such as manipulation, deceit, and rebellion against oppressive forces.
What will you miss from Death Note?
- The Promised Neverland focuses on a group dynamic, whereas Death Note is primarily about individual rivalry.
- There is a greater emphasis on hope, teamwork, and resilience, compared to the darker, more solitary path Light chooses.
The Promised Neverland’s Chilling Escape Strategy:
It combines suspenseful planning with an emotional journey, focusing on the strength of the human spirit and the will to survive against overwhelming odds.
Fun Fact: The manga was critically acclaimed for its dark, thrilling narrative, often being compared to classic escape stories like The Maze Runner.
Fans of anime like Death Note will enjoy the thrilling escape and dark secrets in The Promised Neverland, where clever minds clash in a high-stakes battle for survival.
Watch The Promised Neverland Trailer
8. Higurashi: When They Cry
- Aired Date: April 2006 – September 2006
- Genre: Horror, Mystery, Psychological, Thriller
- Creator: Studio Deen (studio), 07th Expansion (visual novel)
- Seasons: Multiple series (starting with 26 episodes)
- Category: Psychological Horror, Mystery
- Subcategory: Time loops, supernatural, rural setting
Higurashi Plot:
In the seemingly peaceful village of Hinamizawa, a group of friends finds themselves trapped in a series of violent, repeating events, uncovering dark secrets as they attempt to escape the cycle.
Main Characters: Keiichi Maebara, Rena Ryuugu, Mion Sonozaki, and others
Each character harbors dark secrets, and their interactions lead to unexpected twists and turns, making every story arc unpredictable.
Notable Characters:
- Rika Furude: The key to the village’s dark secret, often seen as the observer of the events.
- Satoko Houjou: One of the children whose actions and past play a crucial role in the story.
Higurashi Lore:
Set in a rural Japanese village, the series uses psychological horror to explore themes of paranoia, fear, and the dark side of human nature.
Why is Higurashi Similar to Death Note?
- Both delve into psychological tension and the dark side of human emotions, featuring complex, multi-layered mysteries.
- Characters are manipulated and forced into situations where they confront their own morality, much like Light’s manipulations in Death Note.
- Unpredictable twists keep viewers guessing, with a suspenseful atmosphere throughout.
What will you miss from Death Note?
- Higurashi leans more into supernatural horror and mind-bending scenarios, lacking the direct intellectual battles seen in Death Note.
- It has a non-linear, arc-based storytelling style that can be more confusing than the straightforward narrative of Death Note.
Higurashi’s Unsettling Horror Mystery:
It uses a unique storytelling format with repeated timelines, building suspense and fear, creating a chilling atmosphere that keeps viewers on edge.
Fun Fact: The anime is based on a popular visual novel, which allows players to uncover different story arcs and outcomes based on their choices.
For those who crave the psychological tension found in anime like Death Note, Higurashi: When They Cry delivers a chilling, unpredictable mystery set in a hauntingly rural backdrop.
Watch Higurashi: When They Cry Trailer
9. Mirai Nikki (Future Diary)
- Aired Date: October 2011 – April 2012
- Genre: Psychological, Thriller, Supernatural, Romance
- Creator: Asread (studio), Sakae Esuno (manga)
- Seasons: 1 season (26 episodes)
- Category: Psychological Thriller, Survival Game
- Subcategory: Death game, supernatural, romance
Mirai Nikki Plot:
Yukiteru Amano, a lonely high school student, receives a future diary that can predict events. He is thrown into a deadly survival game where 12 contestants must use their diaries to eliminate each other. The winner becomes the god of time and space.
Main Characters: Yukiteru Amano and Yuno Gasai
Yukiteru is initially a passive participant, but his involvement with the obsessive and unpredictable Yuno drives the plot, leading to a twisted romance.
Notable Characters:
- Deus Ex Machina: The god who organizes the survival game.
- Minene Uryuu: A formidable contestant with a tragic backstory.
Mirai Nikki Lore:
The story delves into a chaotic world where survival and manipulation are key, exploring themes of obsession, love, and desperation, with characters wielding supernatural diaries to outsmart one another.
Why is Mirai Nikki Similar to Death Note?
- Both series feature protagonists who gain supernatural abilities and become part of a deadly game of strategy and manipulation.
- Intense mind games, where characters outmaneuver each other to survive, echo the strategic battles seen in Death Note.
- The dark, suspenseful atmosphere, along with twisted relationships, adds psychological tension.
What will you miss from Death Note?
- Mirai Nikki has a more chaotic, action-driven plot with a heavier focus on romance, whereas Death Note is more about calculated intellectual duels.
- The tone in Mirai Nikki is less serious and can shift to extreme, unpredictable emotional outbursts, compared to the consistent psychological depth of Death Note.
Mirai Nikki’s Twisted Romance and Survival Tactics:
It adds a layer of dark romance to the typical psychological thriller, with unpredictable characters and constant twists that keep viewers guessing.
Fun Fact: Yuno Gasai, known for her obsessive behavior, became one of anime’s iconic “yandere” characters, representing a mix of love and extreme possessiveness.
If you’re after anime like Death Note with dark, supernatural elements and intense, strategic confrontations, Mirai Nikki will keep you guessing until the last moment.
Watch Mirai Nikki (Future Diary) Trailer
10. Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor
- Aired Date: October 2007 – April 2008
- Genre: Psychological, Thriller, Drama
- Creator: Madhouse (studio), Nobuyuki Fukumoto (manga)
- Seasons: 2 seasons (52 episodes)
- Category: Psychological Thriller, Gambling
- Subcategory: Survival, high-stakes games, debt
Kaiji Plot:
Kaiji Itou, a down-and-out gambler, is tricked into joining high-stakes gambling games where failure means falling into deeper debt or even death. He must use his wits and instincts to survive each nerve-wracking round.
Main Character: Kaiji Itou
A resourceful, if impulsive, man who relies on his cunning and luck to navigate dangerous gambling games and escape dire situations.
Notable Characters:
- Yuuji Endou: A loan shark who forces Kaiji into the gambling underworld.
- Hyoudou Kazutaka: The mastermind behind the dangerous games.
Kaiji Lore:
Set in a harsh, gritty world, Kaiji explores the dark underbelly of debt, despair, and the lengths people will go to survive. Each gambling match is a psychological duel, filled with tension and unexpected turns.
Why is Kaiji Similar to Death Note?
- Intense psychological battles where characters must outsmart each other, similar to the mind games between Light and L.
- High stakes and a dark, suspenseful atmosphere, with characters facing life-threatening consequences based on their decisions.
- Themes of manipulation, desperation, and survival drive the narrative.
What will you miss from Death Note?
- Kaiji does not involve supernatural elements; it is grounded in real-world scenarios, relying solely on psychological and strategic maneuvers.
- The focus is on gambling and survival, so the intellectual rivalry isn’t as personal or continuous as the one between Light and L.
Kaiji’s Raw, High-Stakes Mind Games:
It delivers psychological tension in a more realistic setting, where characters must gamble everything, including their lives, making each episode a nail-biting experience.
Fun Fact: Kaiji’s art style is intentionally rough and exaggerated, enhancing the raw, intense atmosphere of the gambling underworld.
Enjoy the psychological thrill and mind games of anime like Death Note? Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor takes you on a nerve-wracking journey through high-stakes gambling and survival.
Watch Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor Trailer
So, if you’re in the mood for more mind-bending plots and clever confrontations, these anime will give you that same rush, keeping you hooked from start to finish. Dive in and see which ones leave you guessing until the very end.
