The 1998 anime Spriggan blended high-octane action, supernatural weaponry, and a dark take on military power in a world where ancient technology could reshape modern warfare. Known for its gritty tone, fast-paced storytelling, and morally grey characters, Spriggan stood out for its themes of power, secrecy, and a lone soldier navigating conspiracies far bigger than himself.
While Spriggan gained a cult following, many anime with similar vibes remain overlooked. These 15 series share comparable narrative styles—featuring underdog protagonists, mysterious organizations, deadly artifacts, and intense combat—all while pushing the boundaries of animation and storytelling.
1. Blue Gender (1999)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Episodes: 26
- MAL Rating: 6.82
- Studio: AIC
- Notable Staff: Koichi Ohata (Director)
A man awakens from cryo-sleep to a devastated Earth overrun by alien insects. He’s thrown into a brutal war alongside hardened soldiers.
Similarities: Like Spriggan, it blends bio-tech horror with militaristic action, and the protagonist is a reluctant soldier forced into morally murky decisions.
2. Witch Hunter Robin (2002)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Episodes: 26
- MAL Rating: 7.17
- Studio: Sunrise
- Notable Staff: Shūkō Murase (Director), Yuki Kajiura (Music)
A young woman joins a secret organization to hunt down rogue witches in a modern world hiding supernatural elements.
Similarities: The tone is slow-burning and atmospheric, with conspiracies and hidden organizations akin to Spriggan’s Arkham.
3. Black Magic M-66 (1987)
- Streaming: RetroCrush
- Episodes: 1 (OVA)
- MAL Rating: 6.46
- Studio: AIC
- Notable Staff: Masamune Shirow (Original creator), Hiroyuki Kitakubo (Director)
A rogue military android runs amok, and a war reporter becomes its unlikely adversary.
Similarities: Military-grade tech gone rogue, high-speed chase scenes, and a grounded sci-fi setting echo Spriggan’s core themes.
4. Argento Soma (2000)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 25
- MAL Rating: 6.93
- Studio: Sunrise
A young man loses everything in an alien attack and assumes a new identity to infiltrate the military organization responsible.
Similarities: Features covert operations, revenge-driven plotlines, and human-alien weapon experimentation.
5. No. 6 (2011)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu
- Episodes: 11
- MAL Rating: 7.35
- Studio: Bones
In a dystopian utopia, a privileged boy helps a fugitive escape, uncovering a sinister conspiracy.
Similarities: Combines mystery and rebellion, exploring hidden truths beneath a controlled society—much like the world-hiding secrets in Spriggan.
6. Karakuri Kiden: Hiwou Senki (2000)
- Streaming: Unavailable (DVD only)
- Episodes: 26
- MAL Rating: 6.89
- Studio: Bones
- Notable Staff: Tensai Okamura (Director), Ryōsuke Takahashi (Story)
In a steampunk Meiji era, children pilot giant clockwork mechs to protect their homeland.
Similarities: Features weaponized ancient technology and youth thrust into global conflicts—key elements in Spriggan.
7. Flag (2006)
- Streaming: HIDIVE
- Episodes: 13
- MAL Rating: 7.37
- Studio: The Answer Studio
A war photojournalist documents a mysterious flag with miraculous powers, diving into a hidden UN military operation.
Similarities: Military intrigue, sacred artifacts, and grounded documentary-style storytelling mirror Spriggan’s tone and pace.
8. Gasaraki (1998)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 25
- MAL Rating: 6.85
- Studio: Sunrise
Combines mecha warfare with spiritual rituals rooted in ancient Japanese culture.
Similarities: Explores the military-industrial complex and arcane powers, wrapped in heavy symbolism and political subtext like Spriggan.
9. Giniro no Olynssis (2006)
- Streaming: Unavailable (DVD)
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 6.22
- Studio: Toei Animation
In a future Earth ravaged by nature, rebels fight machines with ancient mechs.
Similarities: Features forgotten technologies and rogue organizations in a dystopian landscape.
10. Devilman Lady (1998)
- Streaming: Amazon Prime
- Episodes: 26
- MAL Rating: 6.72
- Studio: TMS Entertainment
- Notable Staff: Go Nagai (Original Creator)
A model is transformed into a demon and recruited by a secret group to fight supernatural threats.
Similarities: Shares Spriggan’s gritty violence, hidden agendas, and characters caught between human and inhuman worlds.
11. Library Wars (2008)
- Streaming: HIDIVE, Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.36
- Studio: Production I.G
Set in a future where censorship is enforced by military squads, a young recruit fights to protect free expression.
Similarities: Secret organizations, societal control, and protagonists questioning authority parallel Spriggan’s rebellion themes.
12. Shinreigari: Ghost Hound (2007)
- Streaming: HIDIVE
- Episodes: 22
- MAL Rating: 7.81
- Studio: Production I.G
- Notable Staff: Masamune Shirow (Creator), Ryutaro Nakamura (Director)
Teenagers explore the boundaries between the physical and spiritual worlds after childhood trauma.
Similarities: Mind-bending reality shifts and psychological undertones—reminiscent of Spriggan’s metaphysical elements.
13. Ergo Proxy (2006)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Episodes: 23
- MAL Rating: 7.88
- Studio: Manglobe
In a post-apocalyptic dome city, an inspector uncovers government conspiracies and sentient machines.
Similarities: Combines cyber-noir mystery, hidden truths, and existential crises—core to Spriggan’s storytelling DNA.
14. Shigurui: Death Frenzy (2007)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.37
- Studio: Madhouse
Two samurai enter a brutal duel in a tale of obsession, betrayal, and survival.
Similarities: Brutal, stylized violence and intense psychological themes reflect Spriggan’s darker action elements.
15. Eden: It’s an Endless World! (Manga, 1997)
- Streaming: N/A (Manga only)
- Volumes: 18
- MAL Rating: 8.34
- Creator: Hiroki Endo
In a post-pandemic world, a young hacker and his family navigate a web of espionage and rebellion.
Similarities: Politically charged, filled with realistic tech and gray morality, this manga is a spiritual cousin to Spriggan’s themes.
Why These Anime Work for Spriggan Fans
Fans of Spriggan love more than just action—they’re drawn to its sharp commentary on power, ancient mysteries, and high-stakes conflict wrapped in shadowy conspiracies. Each title on this list dives into similar territory, whether through hidden organizations, mind-bending technologies, or lone heroes fighting overwhelming forces. With richly layered narratives and striking animation styles, these underrated gems offer fresh but familiar experiences for anyone looking to go beyond the usual anime fare.
