Seraph of the End (Owari no Seraph) stands as a compelling dark fantasy anime that masterfully blends post-apocalyptic survival, vampire warfare, and complex power dynamics. The series excels through its exploration of human resilience against overwhelming supernatural forces, intricate character relationships between former friends turned enemies, and the moral ambiguity of survival in a world where humanity teeters on extinction.
While mainstream anime often dominate discussions, numerous underrated series share Seraph of the End’s core DNA of underdog protagonists, supernatural power systems, and morally complex narratives that subvert traditional fantasy expectations.
1. Blood+ (2005-2006)
Streaming: Available on select platforms
Episodes: 50 | MAL Score: 7.8
Saya Otonashi discovers her identity as a powerful vampire slayer while battling monstrous Chiropterans that threaten humanity. Her journey unfolds through emotional depth as she grapples with her dark abilities and the burden of her supernatural heritage.
Similarities: Like Seraph of the End, Blood+ features a protagonist struggling with their supernatural nature while fighting vampire-like creatures, complex family dynamics involving tragedy, and the moral weight of violence necessary for survival.
2. D.Gray-man (2006-2008, 2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
Episodes: 116 total | Studio: TMS Entertainment
Allen Walker joins the Black Order as an Exorcist, wielding cursed weapons called Innocence to battle soul-destroying demons called Akuma. The series explores themes of sacrifice and the price of power through Allen’s connection to both holy and demonic forces.
Similarities: Both series feature protagonists with cursed abilities fighting supernatural enemies, gothic religious imagery, and the psychological toll of wielding dark powers for humanity’s sake.
3. Blue Exorcist (2011-2017, 2024)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu
Episodes: 37+ | Studio: A-1 Pictures
Rin Okumura discovers he’s the son of Satan and enrolls in True Cross Academy to become an exorcist and defeat his demonic father. The series balances supernatural school life with intense demon-fighting action and family conflict.
Similarities: Features a protagonist with demonic heritage fighting against his own nature, academy-based training for supernatural combat, and complex relationships between siblings on opposite sides of a supernatural war.
4. Vampire Knight (2008)
Streaming: Various platforms
Episodes: 26 | Studio: Studio Deen
At Cross Academy, Yuki Cross maintains peace between the Day Class humans and Night Class vampires while torn between her feelings for vampire Kaname and vampire hunter Zero. Hidden truths about her past gradually emerge as tensions escalate.
Similarities: Both series explore the complex coexistence between humans and vampires, feature protagonists caught between two worlds, and examine themes of loyalty, betrayal, and forbidden relationships.
5. World Trigger (2014-2016, 2021-2023)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 73+ | Studio: Toei Animation
When interdimensional invaders called Neighbors attack Earth, ordinary students join Border organization to defend humanity using Trigger weapons. The series focuses on tactical team-based combat and strategic thinking over raw power.
Similarities: Humanity faces extinction from a superior force, young protagonists must rapidly develop combat skills, and survival depends on teamwork and strategic thinking rather than individual strength.
6. Vampire Princess Miyu (1997-1998)
Streaming: Limited availability
Episodes: 26 | Studio: AIC
Miyu exists between human and demon worlds as a vampire tasked with hunting Shinma (god-demons) and sending them back to the underworld. Her eternal duty conflicts with her desire for human connection and normalcy.
Similarities: Features a protagonist with vampire heritage fighting supernatural creatures, explores themes of duty versus personal desire, and maintains a consistently dark atmospheric tone with gothic elements.
7. Shiki (2010)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
Episodes: 22 | Studio: Daume
In the isolated village of Sotoba, mysterious deaths lead Dr. Ozaki and teenager Natsuno to uncover a vampire invasion that threatens to consume the entire community. The series examines the moral complexity of survival when the lines between good and evil blur.
Similarities: Both series feature small communities under siege by vampires, explore the psychological horror of trusted people becoming enemies, and question the morality of violence in survival situations.
8. 07-Ghost (2009)
Streaming: Limited availability
Episodes: 25 | Studio: Studio Deen
Teito Klein escapes military academy after discovering dark secrets and seeks refuge in a church protected by the Seven Ghosts. His journey involves recovering lost memories while being pursued by the corrupt Barsburg Empire.
Similarities: Features a young protagonist fleeing oppressive military forces, incorporates religious and supernatural elements, and explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and uncovering hidden truths about one’s past.
9. Grimgar: Ashes and Illusions (2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
Episodes: 12 | Studio: A-1 Pictures
Transported to a harsh fantasy world without memories, a group of strangers must form a party and fight for survival in an unforgiving environment where death is permanent. The series emphasizes the brutal reality of fantasy adventure over romanticized heroism.
Similarities: Both feature young protagonists thrust into life-or-death situations requiring rapid adaptation, emphasize the psychological toll of constant combat, and subvert typical fantasy expectations with realistic consequences.
10. Blood Lad (2013)
Streaming: Hulu, Crunchyroll
Episodes: 10 | Studio: Brain’s Base
Vampire otaku Staz becomes determined to resurrect human girl Fuyumi after she dies and becomes a ghost in the demon world. Despite his vampire heritage, Staz shows no interest in blood or traditional vampire behavior.
Similarities: Features vampires with unconventional relationships to their nature, explores the boundary between human and supernatural worlds, and combines supernatural elements with character-driven relationship dynamics.
11. Rokka: Braves of the Six Flowers (2015)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12 | Studio: Passione
Six heroes chosen to defeat the Demon God discover seven people at their gathering, forcing them to identify the impostor among their ranks. The series combines fantasy adventure with psychological thriller elements.
Similarities: Both feature chosen warriors fighting against demonic forces, incorporate mystery elements questioning trust between allies, and explore themes of betrayal within close-knit groups.
12. The Heroic Legend of Arslan (2015-2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu
Episodes: 33 | Studio: Liden Films, SANZIGEN
Prince Arslan must reclaim his kingdom after his father’s army falls to invaders, gathering loyal retainers and learning the harsh realities of war and leadership. The series focuses on political intrigue and military strategy.
Similarities: Features a young royal figure fighting to reclaim his homeland, explores themes of loyalty and betrayal among trusted allies, and examines the moral complexities of warfare and leadership.
13. Guilty Crown (2011-2012)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
Episodes: 22 | Studio: Production I.G
Shu gains the “Power of the King” allowing him to extract weapons from people’s hearts, but struggles with the moral implications of his abilities. Set in a quarantined Japan under foreign occupation, the series explores themes of power, responsibility, and revolution.
Similarities: Both feature protagonists who gain supernatural powers with heavy moral costs, examine the burden of leadership in desperate circumstances, and explore complex relationships between characters on opposing sides.
14. Hellsing (2001) / Hellsing Ultimate (2006-2012)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu
Episodes: 13 (original) / 10 (Ultimate) | Studio: Gonzo / Madhouse
The Hellsing Organization employs vampire Alucard to hunt supernatural threats to Britain, exploring the complex relationship between monster and master. The series examines themes of power, control, and the nature of evil.
Similarities: Features vampires working alongside humans against supernatural threats, explores complex power dynamics between different factions, and maintains a consistently dark tone with gothic horror elements.
15. Noragami (2014-2015, 2020)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu
Episodes: 25 | Studio: Bones
Minor god Yato seeks to build his own shrine while helping people with supernatural problems alongside his spirit weapon Yukine. The series balances supernatural action with slice-of-life elements and character development.
Similarities: Both feature supernatural beings serving humanity while struggling with their own nature, explore themes of friendship and loyalty transcending species barriers, and combine action sequences with deep character relationships.
Why These Anime Work for Seraph of the End Fans
These underrated series capture Seraph of the End’s essential appeal through several key elements. They feature protagonists grappling with supernatural abilities that come at significant personal cost, whether through cursed powers, vampire heritage, or divine responsibility. Like Yuichiro and Mikaela’s tragic relationship, these anime explore complex bonds between characters on opposing sides of supernatural conflicts, examining how loyalty and love persist despite insurmountable differences.
