Batman: The Animated Series redefined what superhero storytelling could be—with its noir aesthetics, mature themes, psychological complexity, and emotional depth.
It wasn’t just about crimefighting; it was about trauma, duality, redemption, and the fine line between justice and obsession.
The show emphasized character evolution, compelling villains, and stories that treated kids like adults without losing its sense of wonder.
If you’re searching for anime that echoes Batman: The Animated Series’ blend of brooding atmosphere, complex characters, and morality plays, this list is for you.
Each of these 15 underrated anime series offers similar storytelling grit—balancing action with introspection and style with substance.
1. Darker than Black (2007)
Streaming: Hulu, Funimation
MAL Rating: 7.9 | Episodes: 25
Studio: Bones
Plot: In a shadowy version of Tokyo, Contractors—humans with special powers—navigate espionage and existentialism.
Similarities: Noir tone, mysterious protagonist, and episodic storytelling reminiscent of Batman‘s detective work and moral ambiguity.
2. Ergo Proxy (2006)
Streaming: Funimation
MAL Rating: 7.9 | Episodes: 23
Studio: Manglobe
Plot: A futuristic investigator hunts down rogue androids while uncovering disturbing truths about humanity and her own identity.
Similarities: Psychological themes, gothic sci-fi aesthetics, and a brooding lead echo Batman’s introspective journeys.
3. Witch Hunter Robin (2002)
Streaming: Funimation
MAL Rating: 7.2 | Episodes: 26
Studio: Sunrise
Plot: A teenage witch works with a shadowy organization to hunt down others like her in modern Tokyo.
Similarities: Dark visuals, procedural pacing, and inner conflict mirror Batman’s role as both hunter and outcast.
4. Gungrave (2003)
Streaming: Hulu
MAL Rating: 7.9 | Episodes: 26
Studio: Madhouse
Plot: A betrayed gangster returns from the dead to dismantle the syndicate he once helped build.
Similarities: Crime and revenge narratives with a tragic antihero arc echoing Batman’s grim justice.
5. Baccano! (2007)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu
MAL Rating: 8.3 | Episodes: 13
Studio: Brain’s Base
Plot: Set across different decades, this chaotic crime saga features gangsters, immortals, and intersecting timelines.
Similarities: Jazz-infused noir vibes and morally ambiguous characters match Batman’s crime-laden Gotham atmosphere.
6. Monster (2004)
Streaming: Netflix, Prime Video (region-dependent)
MAL Rating: 8.8 | Episodes: 74
Studio: Madhouse
Plot: A doctor sacrifices everything to save a boy—who later becomes a monstrous serial killer.
Similarities: Deep psychological themes, detective-style narrative, and introspection on morality rival Batman’s greatest arcs.
7. Paranoia Agent (2004)
Streaming: Funimation
MAL Rating: 7.9 | Episodes: 13
Studio: Madhouse
Plot: A mysterious boy on rollerblades assaults people across Tokyo, unraveling layers of societal guilt and delusion.
Similarities: Like Batman, it confronts mental illness, societal decay, and the symbolism of masks and fear.
8. 91 Days (2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.8 | Episodes: 12
Studio: Shuka
Plot: A man infiltrates a mafia family to avenge his murdered family during the Prohibition era.
Similarities: Gritty gangster setting, personal vendettas, and layered characters akin to Batman’s rogues and allies.
9. Black Lagoon (2006)
Streaming: Hulu, HIDIVE
MAL Rating: 8.0 | Episodes: 24
Studio: Madhouse
Plot: A salaryman gets caught up with pirates and mercenaries in the lawless seas of Southeast Asia.
Similarities: Crime-heavy action, moral gray zones, and femme fatales rival Gotham’s underworld.
10. Texhnolyze (2003)
Streaming: Funimation
MAL Rating: 7.4 | Episodes: 22
Studio: Madhouse
Plot: A dying fighter in a dystopian city is reborn with cybernetic limbs and becomes a pawn in a brutal war.
Similarities: Shares Batman’s bleak worldview, themes of bodily trauma, and exploration of purpose through pain.
11. Casshern Sins (2008)
Streaming: Funimation
MAL Rating: 7.3 | Episodes: 24
Studio: Madhouse
Plot: In a ruined world, an amnesiac warrior searches for redemption after triggering the planet’s collapse.
Similarities: Like Batman, Casshern carries guilt, wrestles with identity, and stands alone in a crumbling society.
12. Boogiepop Phantom (2000)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.0 | Episodes: 12
Studio: Madhouse
Plot: A series of disappearances and strange phenomena unfold in a city haunted by trauma and hidden forces.
Similarities: Psychological complexity, fragmented storytelling, and dark themes resonate with Batman’s cerebral arcs.
13. Tokyo Godfathers (2003)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 8.2 | Episodes: Movie
Studio: Madhouse | Director: Satoshi Kon
Plot: Three homeless people discover a baby on Christmas Eve and set out to return her to her family.
Similarities: While less action-heavy, it’s a gritty, heartwarming tale about urban decay and redemption—core values Batman champions.
14. The Big O (1999)
Streaming: HIDIVE
MAL Rating: 7.5 | Episodes: 26
Studio: Sunrise
Plot: In a city where everyone lost their memories, a suave negotiator in a giant robot investigates the past.
Similarities: Often called “anime Batman,” it features noir detective work, moral dilemmas, and a brooding protagonist with a butler.
15. Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo (2004)
Streaming: Funimation
MAL Rating: 7.9 | Episodes: 24
Studio: Gonzo
Plot: A futuristic reimagining of Dumas’ classic tale, with a nobleman seeking revenge in a lavish sci-fi society.
Similarities: Dual identities, revenge as justice, and inner torment make the Count feel like a dark mirror to Batman.
Why These Anime Work for Batman: The Animated Series Fans
Each of these anime dives beneath the surface of good vs. evil to explore pain, identity, justice, and the cost of obsession, hallmarks of Batman: The Animated Series.
Whether through crime-ridden cities, broken heroes, or noir-inspired direction, they carry the same brooding brilliance that made Gotham’s Dark Knight unforgettable.
If you’re drawn to character-driven storytelling, thematic weight, and stylized atmospheres, these anime are your next watchlist essentials.
