Berserk: The Golden Age Arc is a visceral journey through betrayal, ambition, and the brutal cost of power. Its legendary storytelling, grounded in intense character development and a gritty medieval world, has left an indelible mark on anime history. With themes of fate, ambition, sacrifice, and friendship twisted by power struggles, it remains a masterpiece that few anime dare to match.
But beyond the mainstream, there are lesser-known anime series that resonate with the same emotional depth, narrative boldness, and dark tone. These underrated gems offer unique perspectives, complex protagonists, and storytelling that isn’t afraid to go to bleak or uncomfortable places. If you’re looking for anime that echo the essence of Berserk, here are 15 to put on your radar.
1. Shigurui: Death Frenzy (2007)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.36
- Studio: Madhouse
- Awards: N/A
Set in Edo-period Japan, two samurai engage in a brutal tournament with real blades, igniting a tale of obsession, honor, and cruelty.
Like Berserk, this series delves into violent ambition, warped honor, and psychological torment—brought to life by grotesque yet stunning visuals.
2. Gungrave (2003)
- Streaming: Hulu, Funimation
- Episodes: 26
- MAL Rating: 7.88
- Studio: Madhouse
- Notable Staff: Created by Yasuhiro Nightow (Trigun)
A loyal friend is betrayed by the man he trusted most after rising together in a crime syndicate, leading to revenge from beyond the grave.
Themes of brotherhood turned bitter, tragic ambition, and violent retribution mirror Berserk’s Guts and Griffith dynamic.
3. Blade of the Immortal (2019)
- Streaming: Amazon Prime
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: 7.52
- Studio: LIDENFILMS
An immortal samurai helps a young girl take revenge against a sword school that destroyed her family.
The dark tone, brutal sword fights, and moral ambiguity echo Berserk’s bloody path and psychological weight.
4. Rage of Bahamut: Genesis (2014)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.61
- Studio: MAPPA
A reckless bounty hunter gets caught in a divine conflict involving demons and gods.
Fantasy elements, anti-heroic leads, and dazzling animation share stylistic DNA with Berserk’s larger-than-life stakes and shifting alliances.
5. Ergo Proxy (2006)
- Streaming: Funimation, Hulu
- Episodes: 23
- MAL Rating: 7.90
- Studio: Manglobe
In a post-apocalyptic domed city, a government agent uncovers secrets about sentient androids and godlike beings.
Philosophical and grim, its slow-burn narrative and descent into identity crises echo the existential dread in Berserk.
6. Texhnolyze (2003)
- Streaming: HIDIVE
- Episodes: 22
- MAL Rating: 7.74
- Studio: Madhouse
In a decaying underground city, a brutal gang war unfolds as a cyber-enhanced fighter gets pulled into humanity’s slow extinction.
Both shows tackle the dehumanizing effects of violence, with slow pacing and desolate tones defining their atmosphere.
7. Devilman Crybaby (2018)
- Streaming: Netflix
- Episodes: 10
- MAL Rating: 7.77
- Studio: Science SARU
- Awards: Crunchyroll Anime Awards – Best Director
A meek teen merges with a demon to battle monstrous forces while trying to protect his humanity.
Its unflinching violence, betrayal, and apocalyptic storytelling feel like spiritual cousins to Berserk’s downward spiral.
8. Wolf’s Rain (2003)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Episodes: 30
- MAL Rating: 7.96
- Studio: Bones
In a dystopian future, a group of wolves seek a mythical paradise while fleeing persecution.
Themes of existential despair and poetic tragedy align with Berserk’s more introspective arcs.
9. Garo: The Animation (2014)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: 7.20
- Studio: MAPPA
A dark fantasy epic about Makai Knights battling demonic creatures to protect humanity.
Like Berserk, it mixes gothic visuals with heroism tainted by darkness and complex family legacies.
10. Ajin: Demi-Human (2016)
- Streaming: Netflix
- Episodes: 26
- MAL Rating: 7.42
- Studio: Polygon Pictures
Immortal beings known as Ajin are hunted by governments. A student discovers he’s one and is forced to survive in secrecy.
The fear of power, human cruelty, and identity echo Berserk’s themes, with CG animation offering a unique stylistic approach.
11. Drifters (2016)
- Streaming: Hulu, Funimation
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.89
- Studio: Hoods Drifters Studio
Historical warriors are transported to a fantasy world to wage war between good and evil.
From the creator of Hellsing, it channels Berserk-esque chaos, warfare, and morally ambiguous characters.
12. Juni Taisen: Zodiac War (2017)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 6.67
- Studio: Graphinica
Twelve warriors named after zodiac animals battle to the death for a single wish.
Its mix of bleak fates, battle strategy, and thematic death has shades of Berserk’s nihilistic undertones.
13. Hakkenden: Eight Dogs of the East (2013)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 25
- MAL Rating: 7.08
- Studio: Studio DEEN
Three survivors of a plague discover supernatural powers and are hunted by the church and demons.
Dark fantasy mixed with emotional trauma and lore-based storytelling creates a Berserk-like world of persecution and mystery.
14. The Twelve Kingdoms (2002)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 45
- MAL Rating: 8.08
- Studio: Pierrot
A high school girl is transported to another world and becomes a ruler amidst political and mythical upheaval.
Like Berserk, it explores destiny, transformation, and leadership burdened by sacrifice and moral complexity.
15. Seirei no Moribito (2007)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- Episodes: 26
- MAL Rating: 8.06
- Studio: Production I.G
A warrior woman becomes a bodyguard to a prince harboring a dangerous spirit.
The serious tone, mature storytelling, and richly animated action scenes are perfect for Berserk fans seeking depth and beauty.
Why These Anime Work for Berserk: The Golden Age Arc Fans
These hidden gems share more than a dark aesthetic—they capture the emotional intensity, mature storytelling, and character-driven narratives that make Berserk unforgettable. Whether it’s through psychological descent, tragic ambition, or unrelenting violence, each anime here continues the spirit of Berserk in bold, unconventional ways.
