Jujutsu Kaisen took the anime world by storm with its exhilarating fight choreography, emotionally layered characters, and unique cursed energy power system. Its balance of action, horror, and humor—alongside intense character arcs—makes it a standout in the modern shonen era.
At its core, Jujutsu Kaisen thrives on themes like battling inner demons, the underdog’s rise to power, and subverting genre tropes with darker storytelling. If you’re craving more anime that taps into this same energy—but haven’t hit the mainstream radar—this curated list of underrated gems is for you.
1. Dorohedoro (2020)
Streaming: Netflix
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 8.07
Studio: MAPPA
Plot: In a grim, magical dystopia, a lizard-headed man named Caiman searches for his true identity while hunting down sorcerers in “The Hole.”
Why it’s similar: Shares Jujutsu Kaisen’s gritty aesthetic, unpredictable world-building, and blend of dark violence with absurd comedy. Also animated by MAPPA.
2. Kemono Jihen (2021)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 7.42
Studio: Ajia-do Animation Works
Plot: A stoic detective and his team of supernatural youths investigate bizarre occurrences caused by beast-hybrids known as Kemono.
Why it’s similar: Features a young outcast protagonist with hidden power, rich monster lore, and team dynamics reminiscent of the Tokyo Jujutsu High squad.
3. Shiki (2010)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
Episodes: 22
MAL Rating: 7.77
Studio: Daume
Plot: A peaceful village unravels after a mysterious family arrives, followed by a wave of gruesome deaths that hint at a vampiric presence.
Why it’s similar: Shares horror themes, moral ambiguity, and explores the clash between humanity and supernatural evil—reminiscent of Jujutsu Kaisen‘s curse-infested world.
4. Kekkai Sensen (2015)
Streaming: Hulu, Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 7.63
Studio: Bones
Plot: A young photographer gains mysterious powers in a post-apocalyptic NYC hybrid zone, battling supernatural threats with the quirky Libra organization.
Why it’s similar: Urban setting with flashy combat, chaotic visuals, and an ensemble cast with layered backstories and unique abilities.
5. Tokyo Majin (2007)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 14
MAL Rating: 7.18
Studio: AIC Spirits, BeSTACK
Plot: A group of high school students acquires spiritual powers to fend off demons threatening Tokyo.
Why it’s similar: Teen exorcists, hidden abilities, intense battles, and a dark, episodic tone echo Jujutsu Kaisen’s atmosphere.
6. Ga-Rei: Zero (2008)
Streaming: Hulu, Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 7.60
Studio: AIC Spirits, Asread
Plot: The story follows elite spirit exorcists dealing with increasingly dangerous supernatural threats—and the tragic rift between two sisters.
Why it’s similar: Action-packed exorcist narrative, emotional trauma, and shocking plot twists mirror the tonal depth and character conflicts of Jujutsu Kaisen.
7. The Mystic Archives of Dantalian (2011)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 7.16
Studio: Gainax
Plot: A nobleman inherits a forbidden library of powerful magical books, teaming up with a mysterious girl to control their deadly powers.
Why it’s similar: Cursed artifacts, gothic atmosphere, and layered magic systems will appeal to fans of the arcane aspects in Jujutsu Kaisen.
8. Pet (2020)
Streaming: Amazon Prime Video
Episodes: 13
MAL Rating: 6.62
Studio: Geno Studio
Plot: Psychics manipulate memories to eliminate threats, but the human cost of their powers starts to unravel their minds.
Why it’s similar: Intense psychological elements, inner demons, and morally grey protagonists reflect themes of cursed techniques and emotional trauma.
9. Karakuri Circus (2018)
Streaming: Amazon Prime Video
Episodes: 36
MAL Rating: 7.10
Studio: Studio VOLN
Plot: A young boy becomes the target of murderous puppets, protected by two powerful fighters with mysterious pasts.
Why it’s similar: High-stakes action, hidden legacies, and tragic backstories all wrapped in a fast-paced supernatural story.
10. Majin Tantei Nougami Neuro (2007)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 25
MAL Rating: 7.57
Studio: Madhouse
Plot: A demon detective feeds on mysteries while using a high school girl as his public face to solve human crimes.
Why it’s similar: Balances horror and humor, with a monstrous mentor-type dynamic similar to Gojo and Yuji.
11. Servamp (2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 6.85
Studio: Brain’s Base
Plot: A boy accidentally forms a contract with a lazy vampire, drawing him into a battle among supernatural servants and their masters.
Why it’s similar: Unlikely partnerships, supernatural battles, and hidden power dynamics mirror Jujutsu Kaisen’s key relationships.
12. Ayakashi Triangle (2023)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 6.29
Studio: Connect
Plot: A ninja exorcist gets cursed into a girl’s body while battling spirits, navigating gender identity and cursed beings.
Why it’s similar: Features exorcist lore, transformation themes, and playful-yet-dark supernatural conflicts akin to the curse battles in JJK.
13. Un-Go (2011)
Streaming: Funimation
Episodes: 11
MAL Rating: 7.39
Studio: Bones
Plot: In post-war Japan, a detective and his otherworldly partner solve mysteries entangled with political secrets and personal lies.
Why it’s similar: Mystical elements wrapped in social commentary, with an eerie tone that mirrors Jujutsu Kaisen‘s darker arcs.
14. Boogiepop Phantom (2000)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 7.17
Studio: Madhouse
Plot: A series of student disappearances sparks urban legends tied to a mysterious entity known as Boogiepop.
Why it’s similar: Psychological horror, fragmented storytelling, and themes of identity and hidden threats evoke JJK’s philosophical undercurrents.
15. The Ones Within (2019)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 6.88
Studio: Silver Link
Plot: Streamers are trapped in a live-action game world where they must complete bizarre challenges to escape.
Why it’s similar: Blends supernatural game mechanics with existential twists and a tightly knit group dynamic similar to the core cast of Jujutsu Kaisen.
Why These Anime Work for Jujutsu Kaisen Fans
Each of these titles taps into key elements that make Jujutsu Kaisen compelling—be it brutal supernatural battles, underdog protagonists with cursed powers, dark humor, or the emotional cost of wielding deadly abilities. They may not all share the same visibility, but they carry the same spirit of storytelling that fans of Yuji, Megumi, and Nobara crave. If you’re ready to go deeper into anime that challenge expectations, stir the soul, and dazzle the senses—these series should be your next binge.
