Animes Similar To Berserk – Berserk, created by Kentaro Miura, is a timeless classic that first appeared on the pages of the manga in 1988 and then appeared on television screens in 1997. A few years later, a visually stunning film series was released, and in 2016, a new manga arc was adapted. This seinen series has kept its continuing popularity, captivating audiences with a unique and chilling narrative.
The Berserk fans formed an exclusive group of eager fans. While it’s hard to completely replace the Berserk experience, there are other anime series that can satisfy their passion for stories featuring moral struggles, fantastic creatures, and copious amounts of blood.
The story centers on Guts, a young mercenary on the loose and destined to become the formidable Black Swordsman, known for his giant greatsword. He received the highest-paid contract, never forming a lasting bond with any group until he met the Band of the Falcon.
After being ambushed after completing the mission, Guts manages to defeat many members of the group in battle. Griffith, the leader and founder of the Band of the Falcon, is very interested in Guts and challenges him to a duel. Although the others were nothing compared to Guts, Griffith succeeded with a single strike.
Kentaro Miura’s Berserk stands as one of the most iconic anime series in history. Even after the original creator recently died, the legend of this narrative persisted, demonstrating the fans ‘deep desire to witness the culmination of Guts’ seemingly endless journey. While finding an anime worth Berserk is a challenging task, this list has been updated with recommendations that are definitely worth exploring.
List of Animes Similar To Berserk
1. Gungrave (2003)
In Gungrave, Brandon Heat and Harry MacDowel, two friends whose relationship is like that of brothers, are suddenly reminded one tragic day of the cruelty and mercilessness of the world around them. Their previous life was simple and relaxed, consisting mostly of local fights, seducing women, and committing petty thefts to survive and pass the time. What they don’t realize is that in this cruel world, happiness is fleeting and change is inevitable.
Both series explore themes of violence, betrayal, murder, loyalty, and other adult subjects. They have a strong narrative with two main characters who create an interesting story in each episode. Friendship plays an important role in both series but becomes increasingly complex as their loyalties and bonds are tested.
The story flows smoothly and shows the development of these characters over time. In addition, both series offer elements of action, drama, and a dark atmosphere.
2. Claymore (2007)
When a demon in human form greedy for human flesh, known as youma, appears in Raki’s village, a lone woman with silver eyes arrives in town, carrying only a sword on her back. He is a Claymore, a creature created as half human and half youma with the specific purpose of exterminating these creatures.
After Raki’s family is killed, Claymore saves his life, but he is later expelled from his hometown. With nowhere else to go, Raki meets Clare, the Claymore, and decides to follow her on her journey.
Claymore could be compared to Berserk, but with a female protagonist who becomes a relentless killer rather than a victim. Similar to Berserk, both series are set in a medieval-style period and revolve around dark, vengeful narratives. Despite the different plots, the shared elements in dark fantasy—giant swords and transformations into monstrous creatures—make both an interesting option for fans of one of the series to explore the other.
3. Devilman: Crybaby (2018)
Satan cannot appear without a living host. However, if the individual’s will is strong enough, they can defeat Satan and harness his power, becoming a devil. Akira Fudou, seemingly weak and kind-hearted, deftly accepts the request of his childhood best friend, Ryou Asuka, to expose the existence of the Demons. However, what they encounter is the Sabbath, an immoral feast full of pleasures and blasphemies.
Amidst the bloodshed and death, demons possessed the participants, transforming their bodies into monstrous creatures and wreaking havoc. In a daring attempt to save his best friend, Akira unwittingly joins forces with the demon Amon, transforming into a demon with the power to confront the remaining demons.
The influence of Devilman on Berserk is profound, and it can be said that Berserk may not exist without Devilman. Similar to Berserk, the series is action-packed and features violence, bloodshed, cruelty, and a variety of demonic entities.
The protagonists in both series have to fight for survival and sacrifice part of their humanity to fight the powerful forces of supernatural evil. If you like one of the two, you will most likely enjoy the other.
4. Attack on Titan (2013)
In a world where humanity was nearly wiped out by giant human beings called Titans, the survivors were forced to take refuge behind a huge, layered wall that surrounded them. What makes these titans truly terrifying is their lust for human flesh, seemingly fueled by pleasure rather than hunger.
To ensure their survival, the remnants of humanity have been hiding behind these defensive walls for a century, avoiding encounters with Titans. However, that fragile peace is soon shattered when a Colossal Titan manages to breach the supposedly unshakable outer wall, re-igniting a struggle for survival against these man-eating creatures.
Similar to Berserk, Attack on Titan takes on the themes of demons, revenge, and battle and presents powerful fantasies that match men’s desires. If one of them touches your heart, the other will most likely captivate your interest.
Both series also have interesting protagonists, and among similar anime, Berserk is the most relatable. It is a highly recommended option, according to the validation of many fans, making it a recommendation worth considering.
Read also: 15 Best Animes Similar To Attack on Titan
5. Vinland Saga (2019)
Thorfinn’s childhood was full of stories of experienced sailors who had sailed across the oceans to reach the legendary land of Vinland. Vinland, a warm and fertile place, is in sharp contrast to Thorfinn’s icy birthplace in Iceland and his current life as a mercenary who has grown up in an atmosphere of warfare.
War is now his home. As he grew older, he realized that his father’s words, You have no enemies, no one has enemies, There is nothing to hurt, which is very far from reality.
Similar to Berserk, the Vinland Saga has similarities in historical setting, harsh atmosphere, and complex psychological narrative. Both series excel at character development with deep depth.
Read also: 15 Best Animes Similar To Vinland Saga
6. Monster (2004)
Dr. Kenzou Tenma, a leading neurosurgeon who has become engaged to the daughter of the hospital director, enjoys a promising career until one night changes his life. The trivial decision to exchange patients led to a moral crisis when a poor immigrant worker died as a result of the exchange. The actions of Dr. Tenma haunt him.
Although different in setting and plot, this anime is similar to Berserk; both explore deep exploration of human nature and dark themes such as nihilism in a serious and explicit way. Both series reveal their themes through the intricate interplay between the two central characters.
7. Legend of the Galactic Heroes (1988)
The 150-year-long conflict between two interstellar superpowers, the Galactic Empire and the Free Planet Alliance, reaches its end with the emergence of two new leaders: Reinhard von Lohengramm, an insightful military genius, and Yang Wenli, the historian of the Free Planet Alliance. Reinhard seeks to unite humanity and free his younger sister from the crumbling Goldenbaum Dynasty while retaining the democratic ideal on the other side of the galaxy.
Although their settings and presentations are significantly different, this anime is similar to Berserk. Both series revolve around the pursuit of supreme power and the necessary sacrifices. Political intrigue, military strategy, and individual courage are central focuses in both narratives.
8. Afro-Samurai (2007)
Afro’s life undergoes a tragic change when he witnesses the death of his father at the hands of Justice. Seeking revenge, Afro embarks on a journey to obtain the number-one headgear, now owned by Justice.
Similar to Berserk, Afro-Samurai has a very austere style and a mysterious noir atmosphere, despite the contrasting setting. Both series feature a protagonist who is relentless about achieving his goals.
The anime features amazing animations, awesome sword fights, and lots of bloody scenes. If you enjoy one of them, you will probably find the others just as interesting.
9. Hellsing Ultimate (2006)
In the pitch darkness of the night, evil creatures and darkness lurk, preying on unsuspecting mortals. On the other side stands Hellsing, an organization dedicated to annihilating this supernatural menace that threatens human existence. Leading the way is Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing, a formidable commander who is deploying a powerful military force to fight the undead.
Similar to Berserk, the series is known for its intense violence and blood. Although Berserk, produced in the 1990s, may not have the most refined artwork, its story is interesting compared to popular shonen series like Naruto.
Hellsing, as a newer adaptation, surpasses the original version, making it a must-watch for Hellsing fans. If you are a fan of one of them, the others are without a doubt worth trying.
10. Ninja Scroll (1993)
Jubei Kibagami roamed feudal Japan as a wandering swordsman for hire. Tormented by past betrayals, he avoids getting involved in political conflicts and their intrigues. Unfortunately, his past and political intrigues collide when he meets Kagero, a female ninja whose enemies have the ability to make her body as hard as stone.
Kagero, the sole survivor of a ninja clan, goes on her team’s final mission: to investigate a mysterious outbreak that wiped out an entire village. Jubei, initially reluctant, becomes entangled in the mission when he comes face-to-face with the stone man’s allies—ninjas with supernatural abilities known as the Demon Kimon.
Similar to Berserk, this rough-action anime originated in the 1990s, offering a mix of violence and nudity. Both series also present compelling storylines with protagonists who initially behave independently and then adapt to group dynamics while incorporating supernatural elements into an otherwise realistic setting.
11. Goblin Slayer (2018)
Goblins are known for their cruelty, ingenuity, and rapid reproduction, but they are often underestimated as the most lowly of monsters. They invade rural settlements to kidnap females of other species for breeding purposes, and their threat is ignored as adventurers seek more lucrative rewards.
Berserk and Goblin Slayer have similar elements. Similar to Berserk, Goblin Slayer inhabits a harsh and dangerous world with frequent deaths.
The main character, initially spaced due to past trauma, slowly opens up to different individuals and battles alongside them. These anime do not hesitate to show graphic scenes.
12. Shigurui: Death Frenzy (2007)
At the beginning of the Edo Era, when people enjoyed a period of peace, Master Tokugawa Tadanaga held a fighting tournament. Unlike the previous contests that used wooden swords, this time real swords will be used.
One-handed Fujiki Gennosuke and blind Irako Seigen, both students of Japan’s famed sword maestro Iwamoto Kogan, compete to become the rightful successors of their school. However, there is only one who can emerge as a champion.
Similar to Berserk, the series has a very ambitious, androgynous, talented, and ruthless young character as the main character. These characters undergo similar fates and transformations to achieve their goals. Both series take place in a rather harsh and brutal reality, but reinforce the drama to amaze viewers even more.
13. Texhnolyze (2003)
Within the depths of the dark underground city of Lux, the population lives in constant fear and despair under the rule of various criminal factions. Isolated from the surface world, these gangs only have interactions with the outside world through the mining operation raffia, which is the reason for the city’s existence.
This rare material is only available in Lux and is the basis of the texhnolyze transplant, which allows individuals to replace parts of their body with cybernetic prosthetics. Strikingly, these prosthetics do not trigger an immune response in their bodies, and it is a privileged class that conducts research on these prosthetics.
Both series have protagonists who have no dreams or aspirations in life, eventually uniting with others who have clear goals. While Texhnolyze maintains a melancholic atmosphere and a slow tempo, Berserk offers a higher dose of action.
14. Guin Saga (2009)
In a building inside a dark forest in a mythical land, a man wears a leopard mask that cannot be removed and the name of Guin. He has incredible warrior strength. When the innocent twin brother of Parros, a victim of the Civil War, arrives, Guin understands his purpose.
However, rescuing the children involved much more than fighting well-trained Mongoul Warriors. Victory entails confrontation with magical tribes in the desert, uniting warring factions, and solving mysterious plans in which he plays a central role.
Miura Kentaro acknowledged the Guin Saga’s great influence while working on Berserk. The main characters have several things in common: both are imposan figures with incredible powers, have friends along the way, have a mysterious background, and engage in constant battles.
Guin adopts a strategic and calm personality, while Guts is a reckless and relentless fighter. The only noticeable difference is the head of the guinea pig and the absence of a sword throughout its height. Unfortunately, the Guin Saga was never completed due to the death of the author.
15. Kingdom (2013)
Set during the Warring States period of China, a time known as the reign of the land-eating dragon that would rule the land for 500 years, many kingdoms rose and fell, paving the way for the next generation of leaders and generals to compete for supremacy. Finally, seven powerful nations emerged from an interminable cycle of warfare.
In the Qin Kingdom, Xin, an orphaned slave who trained hard with his best friend Piao, who is also a slave, dreams of becoming the Great General of the Sky One day. However, their paths suddenly separate when Piao is recruited to work at the Royal Court by a vassal of the King.
Xin basically portrays a teenage version of Guts, with the series focusing on his growth and development into a future general, while Guts achieves this in several episodes. Similar to Berserk, both series are rich in action, delve into military strategy, and deal with the theme of death (with Kingdom going deeper in this aspect) while providing an engaging viewing experience.
For those of you who love Anime Berserk and are looking for anime similar to Berserk, then the list above is a recommendation for some selected anime similar to Berserk, which you might be able to watch. Thank you very much for reading this article, and see you in the next article. Enjoy watching, and have a nice day.
