When Attack on Titan premiered, it flipped the shounen formula on its head—delivering brutal realism, morally complex characters, and an evolving power system layered with political intrigue.
Its gripping storytelling, shocking plot twists, and stark view of human nature made it a modern classic.
If you’re a fan of its themes—like underdogs battling overwhelming forces, existential dread, or hidden conspiracies—there’s a rich world of underrated anime that echo its impact. Below are 15 lesser-known series that deserve more spotlight.
1. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit (2007)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 26
MAL Rating: 8.16
Studio: Production I.G
Awards: Japan Media Arts Festival Recommended Work
Plot: A stoic female warrior is hired to protect a young prince whose death is being plotted by his own kingdom.
Similarities: Political conspiracy, powerful yet grounded characters, and lush animation that builds tension through quiet moments rather than just action.
2. Shinsekai Yori (From the New World) (2012)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 25
MAL Rating: 8.28
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Awards: Tokyo Anime Award for Best Anime
Plot: In a post-apocalyptic future, children in a psychic society uncover dark truths about their world.
Similarities: Dystopia, slow-burn mysteries, societal manipulation, and child protagonists forced to mature rapidly.
3. Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress (2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 7.24
Studio: Wit Studio (Attack on Titan S1–3)
Plot: Amid a zombie outbreak, a steampunk train crew battles undead creatures with the help of a hybrid warrior.
Similarities: Same studio, monster-human hybrids, high-stakes survival, and a dark atmosphere paired with explosive action.
4. Ergo Proxy (2006)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu
Episodes: 23
MAL Rating: 7.92
Studio: Manglobe
Plot: In a domed city, a detective investigates a series of murders tied to sentient androids and uncovers a deeper truth.
Similarities: Psychological tension, philosophical themes, gritty art direction, and characters wrestling with identity.
5. Owari no Seraph (Seraph of the End) (2015)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu
Episodes: 24
MAL Rating: 7.48
Studio: Wit Studio
Plot: After vampires wipe out most of humanity, a young orphan vows revenge against the monsters and their human collaborators.
Similarities: Youth vs. monstrous oppressors, betrayal, government secrets, and a vengeful protagonist with special powers.
6. 86 (Eighty-Six) (2021)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 23
MAL Rating: 8.23
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Plot: In a false utopia, a hidden class of warriors fights drone warfare while the public believes there are no human casualties.
Similarities: Propaganda, marginalized fighters, racial politics, and a dual perspective narrative.
7. Casshern Sins (2008)
Streaming: Funimation
Episodes: 24
MAL Rating: 7.50
Studio: Madhouse
Plot: A mysterious man wanders a dying world, burdened by guilt and hunted by machines seeking his destruction.
Similarities: Bleak tone, existential themes, minimalist dialogue, and philosophical underpinnings about life and death.
8. Kaiba (2008)
Streaming: YouTube (legally via Noitamina channel)
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 8.14
Studio: Madhouse
Director: Masaaki Yuasa
Plot: In a world where memories can be bought and stolen, an amnesiac man searches for his identity.
Similarities: Identity manipulation, unique art, dark sci-fi layers beneath deceptively simple animation.
9. Zankyou no Terror (Terror in Resonance) (2014)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu
Episodes: 11
MAL Rating: 7.77
Studio: MAPPA
Director: Shinichiro Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop)
Plot: Two teen terrorists execute elaborate attacks while hiding a tragic past and a message for society.
Similarities: Rebellion against corrupt systems, psychological warfare, and compelling character backstories.
10. Garo: The Animation (2014)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 24
MAL Rating: 7.23
Studio: MAPPA
Plot: In a medieval kingdom, knights known as Makai protect humanity from demonic creatures.
Similarities: Medieval setting, generational trauma, intense fights with moral ambiguity.
11. Deca-Dence (2020)
Streaming: Hulu, Funimation
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 7.45
Studio: NUT
Plot: A young girl and a cynical mechanic team up in a mobile fortress to fight alien monsters.
Similarities: Sudden genre shifts, layered truths, twisty narrative structure, and a battle for human freedom.
12. Texhnolyze (2003)
Streaming: Funimation
Episodes: 22
MAL Rating: 7.74
Studio: Madhouse
Plot: In a ruined underground city, factions battle over human augmentation tech amidst looming collapse.
Similarities: Bleak tone, body horror, philosophical disillusionment, and complex factional politics.
13. Ajin: Demi-Human (2016)
Streaming: Netflix
Episodes: 26 (2 seasons)
MAL Rating: 7.43
Studio: Polygon Pictures
Plot: After surviving a fatal accident, a teen discovers he’s an immortal “Ajin” hunted by the government.
Similarities: Human experimentation, secret powers, public fear of the unknown, and moral shades of gray.
14. No. 6 (2011)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 11
MAL Rating: 7.33
Studio: Bones
Plot: In a utopian city, a boy shelters a fugitive and gets swept into the dystopian reality behind the system.
Similarities: Friendship under pressure, societal rot beneath perfection, and secrets that unravel civilization.
15. The Twelve Kingdoms (2002)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 45
MAL Rating: 8.05
Studio: Pierrot
Plot: A high school girl is transported to a mystical world where she must rise to become an empress amid political strife.
Similarities: Reluctant leaders, layered world-building, massive lore, and moral dilemmas.
Why These Anime Work for Attack on Titan Fans
Each of these series pushes boundaries in storytelling—just like Attack on Titan. Whether it’s through grim political conspiracies, characters shouldering the burden of destiny, or brutal battles against overwhelming odds, these anime deliver intensity, nuance, and unpredictability.
They may not dominate headlines, but in terms of narrative depth and emotional impact, they stand tall among giants. If Attack on Titan lit a fire for darker, thought-provoking anime, this list will keep it burning.
