King of Thorn is a gripping survival horror anime that combines suspense, sci-fi, and psychological drama. The series follows a group trying to outlast a deadly plague in a post-apocalyptic world where power dynamics, underdog stories, and constant subversion of genre expectations keep the audience on edge.
For fans of King of Thorn, finding anime that blend thematic depth, strong character development, and unique storytelling can be an adventure in itself. Here are 15 underrated series that deserve more attention.
1. 7 Seeds (2019–2020)
- Streaming: Netflix
- Plot: In a world decimated by celestial disaster, groups of cryogenically frozen survivors awaken to a hostile new Earth. They must overcome both wild nature and each other.
- Similarities: Survival horror, ensemble cast, unexpected deaths, and psychological tension reminiscent of King of Thorn.
- Episodes: 24
- Studio: Gonzo
- MAL Rating: 6.47
- Recognition: Noted for its mature themes and character arcs.
2. Darwin’s Game (2020)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu
- Plot: Kaname Sudou is thrust into a deadly game where players wield supernatural powers. Each encounter could be his last.
- Similarities: High-stakes game of survival, psychic powers, rapid character growth, and unpredictable plot twists.
- Episodes: 11
- Studio: Nexus
- MAL Rating: 7.26
3. Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor (2007–2011)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Down-and-out Kaiji takes on dangerous gambling games to avoid financial ruin, risking death at every corner.
- Similarities: Tense survival scenarios, psychological duress, underdog protagonist, and sharp power dynamics.
- Episodes: 52 (2 seasons)
- Studio: Madhouse
- MAL Rating: 8.23
4. Ajin: Demi-Human (2016–2017)
- Streaming: Netflix
- Plot: Kei Nagai learns he is an immortal ‘Ajin,’ triggering a nationwide manhunt and forcing him into a brutal world of betrayals.
- Similarities: Suspense, horror elements, morality in crisis, unique animation.
- Episodes: 26
- Studio: Polygon Pictures
- MAL Rating: 7.39
5. Mieruko-chan (2021)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Miko has the ability to see monsters around her, forcing her to navigate daily life invisibly stalked by nightmarish entities.
- Similarities: Unrelenting tension, supernatural horror, exploration of fear and coping, subverts slice-of-life expectations.
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Passione
- MAL Rating: 7.40
6. Grimm Variations (2024)
- Streaming: Netflix
- Plot: A dark anthology reimagining Brothers Grimm fairy tales with disturbing, psychological twists.
- Similarities: Anthology structure, horror, philosophical underpinnings, narrative subversions.
- Episodes: 6
- Studio: WIT Studio
- MAL Rating: N/A (new)
- Notable Staff: Produced by WIT Studio, known for dynamic visuals.
7. School-Live! (2015)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Schoolgirls believe they’re living normal lives, but the truth is bleak: they’re the last survivors of a zombie apocalypse.
- Similarities: Subversion of genre expectations, psychological trauma, survival group dynamics.
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Lerche
- MAL Rating: 7.57
8. Planetarian: The Reverie of a Little Planet (2016)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- Plot: In a ruined city, a scavenger and a robot girl form a fragile bond amidst the remnants of civilization.
- Similarities: Post-apocalyptic melancholy, focus on humanity and hope, tight narrative structure.
- Episodes: 5
- Studio: David Production
- MAL Rating: 7.58
9. Kemonozume (2006)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll (select regions)
- Plot: A secret society hunts flesh-eating monsters, but a forbidden romance between a hunter and a monster sparks chaos.
- Similarities: Genre-bending, horror elements, raw animation style, intense characterizations.
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: Madhouse
- MAL Rating: 7.12
10. Gilgamesh (2003–2004)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll (select regions)
- Plot: Orphans join an enigmatic group combating supernatural enemies in a dystopian world destroyed by an ancient force.
- Similarities: Power struggles, bleak world-building, mysterious antagonists, psychological exploration.
- Episodes: 26
- Studio: Group TAC
- MAL Rating: 6.61
11. Paranoia Agent (2004)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Plot: Residents of Tokyo are terrorized by a mysterious boy, ‘Lil’ Slugger,’ upending reality itself for a city in fear.
- Similarities: Deep psychological analysis, shifting perspectives, narrative unpredictability.
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: Madhouse
- Director: Satoshi Kon
- MAL Rating: 7.67
12. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit (2007)
- Streaming: Amazon Prime
- Plot: A wandering warrior is tasked with protecting a prince pursued by supernatural forces, embarking on a perilous journey.
- Similarities: Detailed character development, maturity, and strong world-building, with a focus on survival and shifting allegiances.
- Episodes: 26
- Studio: Production I.G
- MAL Rating: 8.17
13. Kaiba (2008)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- Plot: Kaiba inhabits a world where memories are material and bodies interchangeable, racing to reclaim his lost identity.
- Similarities: Surreal sci-fi, existential threats, subverts visual and narrative conventions.
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Madhouse
- Director: Masaaki Yuasa
- MAL Rating: 8.16
14. Texhnolyze (2003)
- Streaming: Funimation, HIDIVE
- Plot: In the underground city of Lux, cyborg limbs, criminal syndicates, and bleak nihilism threaten to consume everyone.
- Similarities: Dark, uncompromising tone; power struggles; slow-burn psychological realism.
- Episodes: 22
- Studio: Madhouse
- MAL Rating: 7.73
15. Shigurui: Death Frenzy (2007)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Two crippled swordsmen enter a deadly feud in feudal Japan, driven by revenge and stunningly brutal violence.
- Similarities: Death game stakes, unpredictable outcomes, relentless pacing, meticulously crafted horror.
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Madhouse
- MAL Rating: 7.36
Why These Anime Work for King of Thorn Fans
These underrated series mirror King of Thorn through survival stakes, psychological complexity, and bold genre subversion. Each title features characters faced with life-or-death situations, ever-shifting alliances, or existential threats that drive intense development and unpredictable narrative arcs. From unconventional animation styles (Kaiba, Kemonozume) to intricate power systems (Darwin’s Game, Ajin) and heart-pounding suspense (Shigurui, Paranoia Agent), they all deliver the kind of intricate, emotionally resonant storytelling and surprise that marks the King of Thorn experience. Whether through mature character arcs, unique artistic approaches, or philosophical depth, these anime offer a refreshing, thoughtful alternative to mainstream titles and are ideal picks for those seeking their next intense and memorable watch.
