Berserk is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Kentaro Miura. This dark fantasy manga and anime series has a complex story and aggressive yet beautifully detailed art that has made it one of the most popular adult manga series in Japan and abroad. In addition, the manga has also been adapted into a TV anime series (1997-1998), an anime film trilogy (2012-2014), and an upcoming anime TV series (2016), making Berserk one of the most well-known and popular manga and anime franchises in all the dark fantasy worlds.
Berserk is an awesome dark fantasy anime in a medieval setting and follows the journey of Guts with his giant sword as he tries to avenge his former leader. Along the way, he encounters other characters who join his band of mercenaries, and they are involved in conflicts that would make the most hardened of men cringe in fear. If you like Berserk’s medieval fantasy setting, supernatural elements, dark themes, and epic battles, then you should check out our top ten similar anime recommendations. There are some really awesome anime out there that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Black Clover
‘Black Clover’ is one of those animes that don’t instantly grab your attention. Instead, it builds on you episode by episode with the magical element and lots of action until you realize its true value.
‘Black Clover’s very generic premise places a young boy named Asta in the dream of becoming the greatest magician in the kingdom.
He is faced with the challenge of becoming the greatest wizard without using magic. He finds a way around it, though is it enough?
As the plot develops slowly, you couldn’t help but get fascinated with this anime’s character dynamics and action-packed battles; give it a chance; you won’t be sorry.
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Jin-Roh
The anime ‘Jin Roh‘ depicts a world ten years after World War II that is an exceptionally dark atmosphere, award-winning, and thought-provoking. Despite being suspended for failing to take out an armed attacker on time, a policeman named Fuse remains on the force.
He failed because the attacker is a child deceived into believing that she is acting in her ethical self-interest.
In the aftermath of the incident, he tries to get in touch with her elder sister. But, instead, he somehow gets himself drawn into a war of sorts between the police force and human terrorists called “Jin Roh.”
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Monster
Dr. Kenzo Tenma had it all: youth, success, and admiration from everyone around him until the moment when fate catches up with him in a most unexpected way- by forcing Dr.Tenma into making an impossible decision between saving two patients who both need surgery at once: Mayor Tatsumi’s friend or ten-year-old twin brother of Police Chief Kengo Matsumoto? But, then, to make matters worse for this young neurosurgeon, while focusing on getting 10-year-old Kanichi Okura out of danger as fast as possible following major injuries after being thrown off their bike during their cross country.
However, things just get worse when one day, the twins suddenly disappear with the director of their hospital. The doctor is later found no longer living, and all fingers are pointed towards Kenzo now, who has never been more innocent than he was right then. Thus, this anime’s story structure and gritty atmosphere take darker turns where every second is worth watching because you’re on this suspenseful ride to find out what happened next!
Akame Ga Kill
Es finds herself in a sticky situation when Akame is unleashed to bring an end to Es and force her to surrender. The one time she thought the battle for protecting her city was over, it turns out that not only are there enemies still left, but they’re coming at full speed with weapons drawn!
Desperate times call for desperate measures, as she knows this could be what finally ends their long-time fight once and for all or else risk never seeing another sunrise again while awaiting loss of life on some gallows somewhere. But, unfortunately, too many people have sacrificed too much of themselves already, so won’t come easy.
When it comes to anime with a dark atmosphere, ‘Akame ga Kill‘ is officially one of the darkest and goriest anime series out there. However, if you like anime such as “Berserk,” this will be an entertaining show that explores many intense moments with a thought-provoking twist!
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Devilman Crybaby
Devilman Crybaby, a Netflix original series based on Go Nagai’s manga, showcases a lot of graphic content, and more mature themes. Along with these similarities to Berserk, the premise follows two male friends who have an intense relationship like Guts and Griffith from Berserk.
You will be in for a wild ride with this one. If you’re looking to go on an emotional journey and have time to spare, then it’s not the show for you; but if adrenaline rushes are what gets your heart pumping, then strap yourself in because these episodes won’t let up!
The designs of the grotesque monsters and use of human possession are reminiscent of Guts’ cursed world. It’s a good show for those who like this genre, but it has more shock value than tragedy.
Basilisk: The Ouka Ninja Scrolls
The struggle for power amongst the two grandsons of Leyasu begins as he steps down from his powerful position. The high-stakes hunger for the future Shogun is relentless, and all involved will do anything to secure their place in history.
Hidetada, the son of Ieyasu, who currently holds the torch of power, announces that to find out which one of his ten best warriors are, he has called forth 10 ninjas from each ninja clan known as shinobi. These representatives will fight amongst themselves until only 1 is left standing.
As soon as the war begins, the sons take the life of each other, leaving behind 9 ninjas from each clan.
So now the next heir will not be the sons but only one ninja who manages to survive this battle to take the life of or get killed.
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Gantz
Gantz’s sci-fi drama is a great recommendation for those looking to watch something different from the typical high fantasy anime. Unlike Berserk, which takes place in a medieval fantasy setting with dragons and swordsmen, Gantz follows participants of a game show that forces recently deceased people into playing games on Earth if they want another chance at life.
Gantz is one of the coolest anime titles available to stream on Netflix. The dark fantasy anime features mature themes and carnage in excess, easily justifying its R-Rating. However, where Gantz truly shines is in how it pushes its characters to the brink before literally saving them from certain with a combo platter of aggression , humor, and heartbreak that would make any anime fan’s day worth living for at least an hour or two more than they had initially planned – if not much longer!
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Afro Samurai
Afro Samurai is flashy, over the top, and equally aggressive alternative to Berserk. It’s an African-American samurai who seeks revenge for his father’s loss of life by following in his footsteps and hunting down his those who took his life one at a time with vengeance on their minds.
For fans of classic samurai movies such as “Seven Samurai” and the more recent, bloodier version, “Berserk,” Afro Samurai is right up your alley. It’s a contemporary take on an old genre that has been updated with some modern special effects to keep things interesting!
If you’re looking for more of the visceral action and carnage that makes Berserk so amazing, Afro Samurai is perfect. It has more of a dark atmosphere than many similar anime series, which offers a refreshing change in pace to some viewers. Though it doesn’t have an intriguing story structure or particularly deep character dynamics, its style over material formula ensures plenty of intense fight sequences with standout art style as well!
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Fist Of The North Star
For fans of Berserk who are after a long-running action series filled with testosterone and action, Fist of the North Star will entice any heart. The story spans 109 episodes, and it’s reminiscent of the classic style of anime we all know about; Kenshirou, well trained martial artist takes on his post-apocalyptic world as he traverses from one end to another in search of peace, or so they say.
This aggressive anime series is brutal, so much that Kenshirou’s signature move literally makes his enemies’ heads explode. His godly powers goes to such extremes, in fact, with one meme featuring a classic line of “you’re already no longer living.”
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Ninja Scroll
Ninja Scroll is a 90s classic anime, not to be missed by any fan of Guts or Berserk. It’s an action-packed anime set in feudal Japan and never shies away from aggression nor more mature themes–much like the fans’ favorite, Berserk.
The story of the lone warrior, Kibagami, lives on in cinematic lore. Even two decades later and it’s still an action-packed thrill ride! With his sword at hand, he must battle supernatural forces to protect Japan from being overthrown by a certain evil plotter who seeks the only destruction for all mankind.
Gungrave
When the creative minds behind Berserk are unleashed, you get Gungrave. Both main protagonists share a pain-filled past of betrayal and loss as they turn to aggression to survive their harsh world.
A video game turned anime, “Gungrave,” has been described as ‘Berserk with guns.’ The story’s premise is shared between both of the main protagonists–Guts and Brandon Heat, also known as Grave–who were once calm individuals molded into something sinister due to their hardships: betrayals by friends who took the life of them brutally or worse yet had betrayed themselves internally.
Grave and Guts are driven by revenge. They will use any means necessary to exact it, including wielding extremely powerful weaponry or being particularly ruthless. Both of them do anything in their power to protect those that they love, as this is the only thing left holding meaning for either character after a world full of pain has been inflicted upon them.
Vampire Hunter D
Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust is the second film in a favorite anime series. It follows the story of a vagabond dhampir on his quest to locate vampire blood and defeat any obstacles that come along with it. The show feels like Romeo & Juliet but in a medieval setting where supernatural entities are often seen roaming around. Bloodshed galore ensues every episode for viewers’ pleasure!
Much like Berserk, the epic story is well-written and deep, with notably brooding characters that you can’t help but love. The protagonists from each show, D from Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust and Guts in Berserk, share several traits like their exceptional skills paired with relentless devotion to their goals. If you loved “oc heavy” themes found within both of these shows, then this masterpiece will not disappoint!
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Hellsing Ultimate
The series the nether regionsing: Ultimate is an adaptation of a manga by Kouta Hirano and follows the excellent story of Alucard, one who hunts down other vampires for sport. One supporting character in this dark universe would fit perfectly with Berserk’s anime-style–Alexander Anderson! He sets out on his quest to slay all those that are not human, including Alucard himself.
There’s no question about it; these two universes have many similarities, like their use of religious themes throughout each episode as well as carnage and monsters galore!
The two series have a lot in common. The Harkonnen Cannon and Bastard Sword are just some of the weapons the characters use to take the life of their opponents. At the same time, Seras wields her large weapon with great skill against all those who dare oppose her. What really brings these anime together is their use of carnage-filled fight scenes as well as copious amounts of foul language.
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Claymore
If you’re looking for something new and exciting, look no further than Claymore. This anime series occurs in a fictional medieval setting where the protagonist is Clare – an expert sword fighter who holds her own against even the most powerful of foes with one swing of a huge sword.
Claymore is a great show for those looking to get into the sword-and-sandal action style and love strong female characters. Claymore features many scenes of bloodshed, fallen angel-slaying, supernatural elements, and creative animation that will keep any fan of Berserk busy!
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