Kaiju No. 8 (2024) blends monster-slaying action with themes of identity, underdog perseverance, and societal critique. These lesser-known series mirror its mix of visceral battles, unconventional power systems, and protagonists grappling with duality.
1. Ajin: Demi-Human (2016)
- Streaming: Netflix
- Plot: Immortal “Ajin” Kei Nagai is hunted by governments and mercenaries while struggling to retain his humanity amidst persecution.
- Similarities: Protagonist ostracized for monstrous traits; ethical dilemmas about power.
- Rating: MAL 7.3 | 26 episodes
- Studio: Polygon Pictures
2. Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress (2016)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Prime Video
- Plot: Humans battle zombie-like “Kabane” on steam-powered trains, led by engineer Ikoma, who becomes half-human, half-monster.
- Similarities: Hybrid protagonist; society vs. monstrous threats.
- Rating: MAL 7.2 | 12 episodes + films
- Studio: Wit Studio
3. God Eater (2015)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Warriors wield God Arcs (bio-weapons) to fight Aragami monsters in a post-apocalyptic world.
- Similarities: Military vs. kaiju; weaponized biology.
- Rating: MAL 6.9 | 13 episodes
- Studio: Ufotable
4. Sirius the Jaeger (2018)
- Streaming: Netflix
- Plot: Vampire hunter Yuliy seeks revenge while wielding ancient artifacts against a vampire conspiracy in 1930s Tokyo.
- Similarities: Monster-hunting teams; tragic backstories.
- Rating: MAL 6.9 | 12 episodes
- Studio: P.A. Works
5. Blue Gender (1999)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Plot: Humanity fights insectoid aliens in mechs, focusing on a soldier protecting a cryogenically revived man.
- Similarities: Gritty survival; societal collapse themes.
- Rating: MAL 7.2 | 26 episodes
- Studio: AIC
6. Terra Formars (2014)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Genetically enhanced humans battle mutated cockroaches on Mars, facing moral and physical decay.
- Similarities: Body horror; ethical power use.
- Rating: MAL 6.6 | 13 episodes
- Studio: Liden Films
7. From the New World (2012)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: In a dystopian future, children with psychic powers uncover dark secrets about their society’s “monster” purges.
- Similarities: Societal fear of the “other”; psychological depth.
- Rating: MAL 8.3 | 25 episodes
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
8. Gantz (2004)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Plot: Deceased humans are forced into brutal alien-hunting games for a chance at resurrection.
- Similarities: High-stakes battles; moral ambiguity.
- Rating: MAL 7.4 | 26 episodes
- Studio: Gonzo
9. Kekkai Sensen (2015)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Supernatural agents maintain order in a chaotic New York overrun by interdimensional beings.
- Similarities: Eccentric teams; stylized monster designs.
- Rating: MAL 7.8 | 24 episodes
- Studio: Bones
10. Dorohedoro (2020)
- Streaming: Netflix
- Plot: Amnesiac Caiman hunts sorcerers in a grungy city, using his lizard head and dark humor to uncover his past.
- Similarities: Grotesque charm; power-system mystery.
- Rating: MAL 8.0 | 12 episodes
- Studio: MAPPA
11. Deca-Dence (2020)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Tanker pilot Natsume fights cyborg-controlled monsters in a dystopian fortress hiding systemic lies.
- Similarities: Genre twists; underdog vs. corrupt systems.
- Rating: MAL 7.6 | 12 episodes
- Studio: Nut
12. The Promised Neverland (2019)
- Streaming: Netflix, Crunchyroll
- Plot: Orphans escape a farm where they’re bred as food for demons, using wit to survive.
- Similarities: Hidden monstrous threats; strategic battles.
- Rating: MAL 8.3 | 23 episodes
- Studio: CloverWorks
13. Gatchaman Crowds (2013)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Plot: Extroverted heroine Hajime joins a secret team battling aliens, challenging traditional heroism.
- Similarities: Subversive team dynamics; vibrant art.
- Rating: MAL 7.1 | 24 episodes
- Studio: Tatsunoko Production
14. Concrete Revolutio (2015)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Superhumans navigate Cold War-era Japan, questioning justice in a morally gray world.
- Similarities: Complex power politics; nonlinear storytelling.
- Rating: MAL 6.8 | 24 episodes
- Studio: Bones
15. Arpeggio of Blue Steel (2013)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A submarine crew battles sentient naval ships using holographic tech in a flooded world.
- Similarities: Human vs. AI conflict; tactical combat.
- Rating: MAL 6.9 | 12 episodes
- Studio: SANZIGEN
Why These Anime Work for Kaiju No. 8 Fans
- Dual Identity Struggles: Protagonists like Ajin’s Kei and Kabaneri’s Ikoma mirror Kafka’s battle to retain humanity.
- Societal Critique: Series like From the New World and Deca-Dence explore systemic corruption and fear-driven societies.
- Creative Power Systems: Dorohedoro’s sorcery and God Eater’s bio-weapons offer fresh takes on combat mechanics.
- Underdog Resilience: Shows like Blue Gender and Gantz highlight ordinary humans overcoming insurmountable odds.
For fans craving visceral action layered with existential depth, these hidden gems deliver the same thrilling balance as Kaiju No. 8.
