Dorohedoro is a dark fantasy anime set in a gritty, dystopian world where humans and sorcerers clash. It follows Caiman, an amnesiac with a lizard head, as he hunts for the sorcerer responsible for his transformation.
Known for its unique art style, multi-layered characters, and a blend of gore, humor, and mystery, Dorohedoro stands out as an unconventional masterpiece.
For fans who enjoy its chaotic energy, grotesque world-building, and quirky storytelling, here are 15 underrated anime with similar themes and narrative styles.
1. Golden Kamuy (2018)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, JioCinema
Plot Summary: Set in early 20th-century Hokkaido, a war veteran and an Ainu girl team up to find hidden treasure while battling rivals.
Similarities: Both series feature unpredictable storytelling, eccentric characters, and a mix of brutal action with comedic moments.
2. Chainsaw Man (2022)
Streaming Availability: Netflix, Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: Denji merges with his pet devil, Pochita, to become Chainsaw Man and fights devils while navigating a morally ambiguous world.
Similarities: Shares Dorohedoro’s visceral violence, dark humor, and themes of transformation and survival.
3. Deadman Wonderland (2011)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu
Plot Summary: Wrongfully imprisoned Ganta must survive in a deadly prison where inmates fight in brutal games for survival.
Similarities: Features dystopian settings, gory battles, and protagonists seeking justice in chaotic worlds.
4. No Guns Life (2019)
Streaming Availability: Funimation
Plot Summary: Juzo Inui, a cyborg with a gun for a head, solves mysteries in a cyberpunk world filled with conspiracies.
Similarities: Both series explore bizarre transformations and gritty urban settings with morally complex characters.
5. Akudama Drive (2020)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: A group of criminals embarks on a chaotic mission in a dystopian city ruled by oppressive systems.
Similarities: Shares Dorohedoro’s fast-paced action, anarchic tone, and morally ambiguous characters.
6. Devilman Crybaby (2018)
Streaming Availability: Netflix
Plot Summary: Akira Fudo becomes Devilman to protect humanity from demons while grappling with his own monstrous transformation.
Similarities: Both feature grotesque visuals, existential themes, and protagonists caught between humanity and monstrosity.
7. Parasyte: The Maxim (2014)
Streaming Availability: Netflix, Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: Shinichi Izumi’s life changes when an alien parasite takes over his hand, forcing him to fight other parasites threatening humanity.
Similarities: Explores body horror, identity struggles, and the coexistence of humans and otherworldly beings.
8. Gangsta (2015)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu
Plot Summary: Two mercenaries take on dangerous jobs in the crime-ridden city of Ergastulum while uncovering its dark secrets.
Similarities: Both feature morally gray characters navigating violent urban landscapes with gritty realism.
9. Tokyo Ghoul (2014)
Streaming Availability: Hulu, Funimation
Plot Summary: Kaneki becomes a half-ghoul after an attack and struggles to adapt to his new life while balancing human relationships.
Similarities: Shares themes of transformation, moral ambiguity, and survival in hostile environments.
10. Ergo Proxy (2006)
Streaming Availability: Funimation
Plot Summary: In a post-apocalyptic world, inspector Re-L Mayer investigates murders involving sentient robots while uncovering existential truths about humanity.
Similarities: Both explore dystopian worlds with philosophical undertones and mysterious protagonists.
11. Blame! (2017)
Streaming Availability: Netflix
Plot Summary: Killy wanders through an endless megastructure searching for humans with the Net Terminal Gene in this cyberpunk thriller.
Similarities: Shares Dorohedoro’s bleak atmosphere and focus on survival in desolate worlds.
12. Made in Abyss (2017)
Streaming Availability: Amazon Prime Video
Plot Summary: Riko descends into the mysterious Abyss to find her mother while facing its deadly creatures and psychological horrors.
Similarities: Both feature layered world-building and protagonists exploring dangerous environments filled with grotesque surprises.
13. Black Lagoon (2006)
Streaming Availability: Hulu
Plot Summary: A Japanese businessman joins a group of mercenaries operating in Southeast Asia’s criminal underworld after being kidnapped by them.
Similarities: Features morally complex antiheroes navigating violent worlds with dark humor.
14. Space Dandy (2014)
Streaming Availability: Funimation
Plot Summary: Space adventurer Dandy hunts rare aliens across the galaxy while encountering bizarre situations in this episodic sci-fi comedy.
Similarities: Shares unpredictable storytelling with absurd humor amidst chaotic settings.
15. Texhnolyze (2003)
Streaming Availability: Funimation
Plot Summary: In the underground city of Lux, Ichise becomes entangled in power struggles after receiving cybernetic limbs following an accident.
Similarities: Both explore dystopian societies with themes of body modification and survival.
Why These Anime Work for Dorohedoro Fans
These anime share Dorohedoro’s core elements: surreal worlds filled with grotesque beauty, morally ambiguous characters, and narratives blending dark humor with intense action.
Whether through dystopian settings or existential themes of transformation and identity, these series deliver similarly immersive experiences for fans seeking unconventional storytelling that challenges expectations while keeping them entertained amidst chaos.
