Fans are still buzzing about Anime like Devilman Crybaby, which is a modern adaptation of Go Nagai’s classic Devilman manga.
The experimental art style, dark take on human nature, and graphic content have been engrossing non-anime fans and otaku alike!
Here are a handful of Anime like Devilman Crybaby that feature similar themes to Devilman Crybaby.
6. Ping Pong the Animation
Studio: Tatsunoko Production
Genre: Coming-of-Age / Sports
Episodes: 11
Quick Pitch: Peco and Smile are childhood friends who share an interest in ping pong. Their lives change after Peco loses a match and decides to quit practicing.
Smile, due to his own issues, can’t find it in himself to beat Peco in a match. However, a coach sees great potential in Smile.
Watch If: Love Director Yuasa’s experimental style, but can’t handle gore and graphic s*x? Ping Pong the Animation is just as great as Devilman Crybaby, with Peco and Smile’s relationship paralleling Akira and Ryou’s.
Just replace the fate of humanity with ping pong!
5. Hellsing Ultimate
Studio: Satelight / Madhouse / Graphinica & Kelmadick
Genre: Action / Horror / Science Fantasy
Episodes: 10
Quick Pitch: Hellsing is an organization dedicated to destroying supernatural forces that threaten humanity’s existence. While they have a vast army, their greatest weapon is Alucard – a vampire who exterminates his own kind.
Watch If: You loved the carnage and gritty tone of Anime like Devilman Crybaby, but want a little less drama. Plus, you want to see a vampire eat Nazi zombies.
4. Neon Genesis Evangelion
Studio: Gainax
Genre: Drama / Mecha / Post-Apocalyptic / Psychological Thriller
Episodes: 26 + 2 movies
Quick Pitch: In the year 2015, humanity faces destruction at the hands of Angels. Humanity’s hopes lie within the Nerv organization and their Evangelion mecha units.
Nerv director Gendou Ikari seeks young pilots that can synch with the Eva units and combat the Angels. Shinji Ikari, Gendou’s son, is whisked away to pilot Eva Unit-01. The weight of humanity’s fate on Shinji’s shoulders starts to unearth dangerous feelings within him.
Watch If: Evangelion creator Hideaki Anno has never been shy about sharing that Devilman and Mazinger Z, which are both Go Nagai works, were his biggest influences.
Themes of facing death, conquering self-doubt, sexual trauma, and perseverance are present in both series – just swap demons for humanoid mechs!
3. Parasyte -the maxim-
Studio: Madhouse
Genre: Horror / Psychological Thriller / Science Fiction
Episodes: 24
Quick Pitch: Parasitic aliens invade Earth and are able to blend into society by burrowing into the brains of human hosts. Once they gain full control, they are able to feed on unsuspecting humans.
However, a parasite fails to invade teenager Shinichi’s brain and instead controls his right hand. The two are forced into an uneasy partnership as they fend off hostile parasites and avoid the gaze of society.
Watch If: Parasyte -the maxim- explores similar themes, but with less depression. Humanity’s weak grasp on power, the internal struggle of containing one’s inner beast, and thrilling action scenes are plentiful!
2. Berserk
Studio: OLM, Inc.
Genre: Action / Dark Fantasy / Tragedy
Episodes: 25
Quick Pitch: Guts is a young mercenary that has embraced the battlefield and thrives when he is on the frontlines. After a run-in, he is recruited by the charismatic Griffith to join the Band of the Hawk, a formidable mercenary group.
As the group gains recognition with each successful mission, Guts finds his heart growing in doubt as he learns the way of the world.
Watch If: Devilman was a huge influence on Berserk. Fans of brutal violence, hellish demons, and the dark side of humanity will enjoy Guts’ journey.
1. Kemonozume
Studio: Madhouse
Genre: Comedy / Horror / Romance
Episodes: 13
Quick Pitch: The Shokujinki are a race of flesh-eating monsters that can appear as humans and live in the shadows. The Kifuuken is a martial arts style passed down through the Momota family which is used to combat the Shokujinki.
Toshihiko is a part of the Momota family, and he falls in love with Yuka, a woman who is a Shokujinki.
Watch If: You love Director Masaaki Yuasa’s experimental style and exploring human nature. Kemonozume is more Shakespearean in tone, which depicts a relationship between the opposing factions.
