Mars Red blends historical fiction, tragedy, and supernatural drama into a theatrical anime experience focused on identity, power, and moral ambiguity. Beneath its vampiric premise lies a character-driven narrative that subverts typical action tropes in favor of atmosphere and emotional weight.
1. Shigurui: Death Frenzy (2007)
- Streaming: HiDive (limited regions)
- Episodes: 12
- Studio/Staff: Madhouse; Director Hiroshi Hamasaki
- Rating: MAL ~7.4
- Awards: Critical acclaim for mature storytelling
Plot: Two samurai with a violent shared past participate in a brutal duel that reveals their psychological and physical decay.
Similarities: Like Mars Red, it emphasizes tragic masculinity, stylized violence, and slow-burn character study over spectacle.
2. Mononoke (2007)
- Streaming: Netflix (select regions)
- Episodes: 12
- Studio/Staff: Toei Animation; Director Kenji Nakamura
- Rating: MAL ~8.4
Plot: A mysterious Medicine Seller exorcises spirits by uncovering their Form, Truth, and Reason.
Similarities: Both series rely on theatrical presentation, symbolism, and emotional backstories rather than traditional action-driven plots.
3. Texhnolyze (2003)
- Streaming: Funimation (limited availability)
- Episodes: 22
- Studio/Staff: Madhouse; Writer Chiaki J. Konaka
- Rating: MAL ~7.8
Plot: In a decaying underground city, augmented humans struggle for control and meaning.
Similarities: Bleak atmosphere, philosophical despair, and a refusal to explain everything mirrors Mars Red’s trust in viewer interpretation.
4. House of Five Leaves (2010)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- Studio/Staff: Manglobe; Director Tomomi Mochizuki
- Rating: MAL ~7.7
Plot: A timid samurai becomes involved with a morally ambiguous criminal family.
Similarities: Focus on quiet character growth and emotional vulnerability over traditional heroism.
5. Mouryou no Hako (2008)
- Streaming: No official stream (home media)
- Episodes: 13
- Studio/Staff: Madhouse; Writer Chiaki J. Konaka
- Rating: MAL ~7.5
Plot: A series of supernatural murders intertwines with post-war trauma and occult philosophy.
Similarities: Dense dialogue, slow pacing, and a fixation on psychological darkness.
6. Le Chevalier D’Eon (2006)
- Streaming: RetroCrush
- Episodes: 24
- Studio/Staff: Production I.G
- Rating: MAL ~7.2
Plot: A nobleman uncovers political conspiracies involving the undead in 18th-century Europe.
Similarities: Historical setting, supernatural politics, and identity conflicts parallel Mars Red closely.
7. Ergo Proxy (2006)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 23
- Studio/Staff: Manglobe; Director Shukou Murase
- Rating: MAL ~8.0
Plot: An investigator explores the truth behind artificial beings and humanity’s extinction.
Similarities: Existential themes, heavy symbolism, and subdued protagonists.
8. Night Raid 1931 (2010)
- Streaming: No official stream
- Episodes: 13
- Studio/Staff: A-1 Pictures
- Rating: MAL ~6.8
Plot: Espers operate in the shadows during pre-war Japan.
Similarities: Shared historical period, secret government units, and morally complex missions.
9. No.6 (2011)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 11
- Studio/Staff: Bones
- Rating: MAL ~7.6
Plot: A utopian city hides a dystopian truth revealed through an unlikely friendship.
Similarities: Underdog protagonists, quiet rebellion, and emotional introspection.
10. Gilgamesh (2003)
- Streaming: No official stream
- Episodes: 26
- Studio/Staff: Group TAC
- Rating: MAL ~6.9
Plot: Psychic siblings manipulate a broken world after a global catastrophe.
Similarities: Somber tone, unconventional powers, and character-driven tragedy.
11. Speed Grapher (2005)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Episodes: 24
- Studio/Staff: Gonzo
- Rating: MAL ~7.3
Plot: A photographer gains powers fueled by trauma while exposing elite corruption.
Similarities: Powers as curses, mature themes, and social critique.
12. Casshern Sins (2008)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Episodes: 24
- Studio/Staff: Madhouse
- Rating: MAL ~7.5
Plot: An immortal being wanders a dying world seeking redemption.
Similarities: Poetic melancholy, episodic tragedy, and identity exploration.
13. BEM (2019)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Episodes: 12
- Studio/Staff: LandQ Studios
- Rating: MAL ~6.7
Plot: Monster-humans protect society while being rejected by it.
Similarities: Outcast protagonists and moral ambiguity around “inhuman” heroes.
14. Boogiepop Phantom (2000)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Episodes: 12
- Studio/Staff: Madhouse
- Rating: MAL ~7.1
Plot: Urban legends intersect through fragmented storytelling.
Similarities: Nonlinear narrative and psychological dread over action.
15. Pet (2020)
- Streaming: Amazon Prime Video
- Episodes: 13
- Studio/Staff: Geno Studio
- Rating: MAL ~6.5
Plot: Mind manipulators struggle with memory, control, and identity.
Similarities: Power as psychological burden and emphasis on internal conflict.
Why These Anime Work for Mars Red Fans
Fans of Mars Red often value atmosphere, character tragedy, and thematic depth over flashy battles. These anime echo that sensibility through experimental storytelling, morally complex characters, and worlds shaped by emotional consequence rather than power scaling. Together, they form a hidden canon of anime that rewards patience, reflection, and emotional investment.
