Monster is a masterful psychological thriller that follows Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a brilliant neurosurgeon whose life unravels after he saves a young boy who grows up to become a remorseless serial killer.
The series explores the darkest corners of human nature, moral ambiguity, and the consequences of a single choice, all while subverting expectations and delivering nuanced character development.
For fans of Monster’s suspenseful storytelling and philosophical undertones, many lesser-known anime offer similarly gripping experiences—here are 15 underrated series you shouldn’t miss.
1. Paranoia Agent (2004)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 13
- MAL Rating: 7.67
- Studio: Madhouse (Director: Satoshi Kon)
- Summary: A series of mysterious assaults by a boy with a golden bat unravels the hidden anxieties and secrets of Tokyo’s residents.
- Similarities: Psychological suspense, fragmented narrative, exploration of trauma, and a focus on the dark side of society.
2. Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo (2004)
- Streaming: Funimation, Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: 8.13
- Studio: Gonzo
- Awards: Tokyo Anime Award for Best Art Direction
- Summary: A visually stunning sci-fi retelling of the classic revenge tale, following the enigmatic Count and the web of intrigue he weaves.
- Similarities: Complex characters, themes of vengeance and morality, and a mature, layered narrative.
3. Terror in Resonance (2014)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu
- Episodes: 11
- MAL Rating: 8.09
- Studio: MAPPA (Director: Shinichirō Watanabe)
- Summary: Two mysterious teens orchestrate terrorist attacks in Tokyo, challenging the authorities while hiding a tragic past.
- Similarities: Morally ambiguous protagonists, cat-and-mouse tension, and societal critique.
4. Psycho-Pass (2012)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu
- Episodes: 22 (Season 1)
- MAL Rating: 8.33
- Studio: Production I.G
- Awards: Japan Media Arts Festival Excellence Award
- Summary: In a dystopian future, law enforcement uses a system that quantifies criminal intent, but cracks appear as the system’s flaws are exposed.
- Similarities: Ethical dilemmas, psychological depth, and a focus on crime, justice, and human nature.
5. Erased (2016)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 8.30
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
- Summary: A struggling manga artist with the power to travel back in time tries to prevent tragic crimes from his past.
- Similarities: Dark mystery, moral choices, and a protagonist haunted by guilt.
6. Parasyte: The Maxim (2014)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: 8.33
- Studio: Madhouse
- Summary: A high schooler must coexist with a parasitic alien in his hand, battling other parasites while questioning what it means to be human.
- Similarities: Exploration of morality, identity, and the monstrous within.
7. Higurashi: When They Cry (2006)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- Episodes: 26
- MAL Rating: 7.88
- Studio: Studio Deen
- Summary: In a rural village, a newcomer is drawn into a cycle of gruesome murders and paranoia, with each arc revealing new truths.
- Similarities: Psychological horror, intricate mysteries, and the unraveling of dark secrets.
8. Rainbow: Nisha Rokubou no Shichinin (2010)
- Streaming: Netflix
- Episodes: 26
- MAL Rating: 8.47
- Studio: Madhouse
- Summary: Seven young men form a powerful bond while enduring abuse and injustice in a post-war reformatory.
- Similarities: Gritty realism, underdog struggle, and the resilience of the human spirit.
9. Death Note (2006)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu
- Episodes: 37
- MAL Rating: 8.62
- Studio: Madhouse
- Summary: A student discovers a notebook that lets him kill anyone by writing their name, sparking a deadly game of wits with a genius detective.
- Similarities: Psychological cat-and-mouse, moral ambiguity, and a brilliant but flawed protagonist.
10. Now and Then, Here and There (1999)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Episodes: 13
- MAL Rating: 7.89
- Studio: AIC
- Summary: A boy is transported to a war-torn world, where he witnesses the depths of human cruelty and the struggle for hope.
- Similarities: Dark themes, survival, and the impact of violence on innocence.
11. Elfen Lied (2004)
- Streaming: Prime Video
- Episodes: 13
- MAL Rating: 7.47
- Studio: Arms
- Summary: A mutant girl escapes from a research facility, unleashing violence while seeking acceptance and revenge.
- Similarities: The nature of evil, societal rejection, and graphic psychological conflict.
12. Boogiepop Phantom (2000)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.18
- Studio: Madhouse
- Summary: A series of supernatural events and disappearances are linked by a mysterious entity, told through a fragmented, nonlinear narrative.
- Similarities: Surreal storytelling, psychological tension, and interconnected mysteries.
13. Vinland Saga (2019)
- Streaming: Netflix, Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video
- Episodes: 48 (2 seasons)
- MAL Rating: 8.75
- Studio: Wit Studio, MAPPA
- Summary: Young Thorfinn seeks revenge in Viking-era Europe, confronting the brutality of war and his own ideals.
- Similarities: Complex character arcs, moral ambiguity, and the cost of vengeance.
14. Oshi no Ko (2023)
- Streaming: HIDIVE
- Episodes: 24 (ongoing)
- MAL Rating: 8.67
- Studio: Doga Kobo
- Summary: Twins born into the entertainment industry uncover dark secrets and pursue revenge after their idol mother’s murder.
- Similarities: Twisted family ties, revenge, and the darkness behind public facades.
15. Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo (2004)
- Streaming: Funimation, Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: 8.13
- Studio: Gonzo
- Summary: A futuristic retelling of the classic revenge story, with stunning visuals and intricate character drama.
- Similarities: Psychological depth, themes of betrayal and retribution, and a sophisticated narrative.
Why These Anime Work for Monster Fans
Each of these series delves into the complexities of morality, identity, and the human psyche, echoing Monster’s signature blend of suspense, philosophical questions, and character-driven storytelling.
Whether through psychological horror, crime thrillers, or dark explorations of society, these underrated anime offer gripping narratives and memorable characters that will resonate with anyone captivated by Monster’s depth and tension.
