Zetman (2012) blends dark superhero elements, moral ambiguity, and a gritty exploration of humanity’s shadowy side. Its mix of power systems, underdog struggles, and constant subversion of viewer expectations sets it apart from typical action anime.
While many anime fans know of more mainstream dark titles, there are several underrated gems that echo Zetman’s intensity, complexity, and emotional depth. Below, we’ve gathered 15 overlooked series that deserve more attention for fans craving that same blend of raw storytelling and layered character development.
1. Texhnolyze (2003)
- Streaming Availability: HIDIVE, RetroCrush
- Episodes: 22
- MAL Rating: 7.7
- Studio: Madhouse
- Awards: Praised for avant-garde storytelling in animation circles
Plot: In a crumbling underground city, a man who loses his limbs is fitted with cybernetic replacements, only to be pulled into violent power struggles.
Similarities: Like Zetman, it tackles humanity’s evolution, moral decay, and blurred lines between man and machine, with a hauntingly bleak tone.
2. Speed Grapher (2005)
- Streaming Availability: Funimation, Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: 7.2
- Studio: Gonzo
- Awards: None, but regarded as a cult hit
Plot: A former war photographer stumbles into a secret society where members manifest deadly powers based on their obsessions.
Similarities: Power systems rooted in psychological desires mirror Zetman’s dark take on human nature and transformation.
3. Karakuri Circus (2018)
- Streaming Availability: Amazon Prime Video
- Episodes: 36
- MAL Rating: 7.0
- Studio: Studio VOLN
- Awards: Adaptation of a critically acclaimed manga
Plot: A young boy inherits a massive fortune and is protected by skilled fighters battling deadly mechanical puppets.
Similarities: Underdog survival, inherited destiny, and morally gray battles echo Zetman’s central themes.
4. Gungrave (2003)
- Streaming Availability: Funimation, Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 26
- MAL Rating: 7.9
- Studio: Madhouse
- Awards: Recognized for its emotional storytelling among fans
Plot: Two friends rise through the ranks of a crime syndicate, only for betrayal and supernatural powers to twist their fates.
Similarities: Betrayal, power, and the descent into anti-heroism parallel Zetman’s character-driven conflicts.
5. Shigurui: Death Frenzy (2007)
- Streaming Availability: Funimation
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.4
- Studio: Madhouse
- Awards: Known for controversial, uncompromising violence
Plot: Two rival swordsmen are chosen to duel in front of the shogun, uncovering a past riddled with brutality and obsession.
Similarities: Its unflinching violence and focus on survival mirror Zetman’s gritty realism.
6. Ergo Proxy (2006)
- Streaming Availability: Funimation, Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 23
- MAL Rating: 7.9
- Studio: Manglobe
- Awards: Cult favorite, praised for philosophical narrative
Plot: A young inspector investigates murders linked to androids infected with self-awareness, unraveling dystopian conspiracies.
Similarities: Shares themes of evolution, humanity’s corruption, and existential dread, much like Zetman.
7. Blassreiter (2008)
- Streaming Availability: Funimation, Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: 6.9
- Studio: Gonzo
- Awards: Notable for being one of the early CG-heavy anime experiments
Plot: Humans infected with a mysterious virus transform into powerful, monstrous beings.
Similarities: Like Zetman, explores transformations, tragedy, and responsibility tied to new powers.
8. Garo: The Animation (2014)
- Streaming Availability: Funimation, Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: 7.2
- Studio: MAPPA
- Awards: Based on long-running tokusatsu franchise
Plot: Knights known as Makai protect humanity from monstrous Horrors spawned from darkness.
Similarities: Dark heroics, moral battles, and legacy-driven narratives echo Zetman’s superhero twist.
9. Casshern Sins (2008)
- Streaming Availability: Funimation, Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: 7.5
- Studio: Madhouse
- Awards: Praised for its unique art style
Plot: A mysterious amnesiac man named Casshern wanders a decaying world filled with robots seeking revenge.
Similarities: Tragic heroism, identity struggles, and apocalyptic backdrops resonate with Zetman’s darker tones.
10. Un-Go (2011)
- Streaming Availability: Funimation
- Episodes: 11 + OVA
- MAL Rating: 7.4
- Studio: Bones
- Awards: Recognized for its innovative detective storytelling
Plot: A detective and his mysterious partner solve unusual cases in a post-war Japan.
Similarities: Layers of mystery, hidden truths, and ethical dilemmas match Zetman’s narrative style.
11. Jyu-Oh-Sei (2006)
- Streaming Availability: Funimation
- Episodes: 11
- MAL Rating: 7.1
- Studio: Bones
- Awards: Shortlisted as an underrated sci-fi drama
Plot: Twin brothers are exiled to a hostile planet where survival means dominance over rival tribes.
Similarities: Survival-of-the-fittest storytelling echoes Zetman’s underdog struggles.
12. Black Blood Brothers (2006)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.1
- Studio: Group TAC
- Awards: None, but notable cult following
Plot: A vampire warrior returns to protect his younger brother in a city where human-vampire relations are fragile.
Similarities: Family bonds, hidden societies, and dark supernatural action parallel Zetman.
13. Mnemosyne: Mnemosyne no Musume-tachi (2008)
- Streaming Availability: Funimation
- Episodes: 6 (OVA)
- MAL Rating: 7.4
- Studio: Xebec
- Awards: Known for its mature themes
Plot: An immortal detective and her assistant face grotesque cases spanning decades.
Similarities: Mature storytelling and violent, supernatural twists make it a perfect match for Zetman fans.
14. Witch Hunter Robin (2002)
- Streaming Availability: Funimation
- Episodes
- MAL Rating: 7.1
- Studio: Sunrise
- Awards: Well-regarded for stylish direction
Plot: A secret organization hunts witches hiding within society, using one of their own to track them down.
Similarities: Covert power systems, hidden organizations, and moral duality echo Zetman.
15. Persona: Trinity Soul (2008)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 26
- MAL Rating: 6.9
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
- Awards: Spinoff praised for atmosphere
Plot: Three brothers are drawn into supernatural battles tied to mysterious manifestations called Personas.
Similarities: Dark tone, sibling dynamics, and hidden supernatural warfare align with Zetman’s vibe.
Why These Anime Work for Zetman Fans
Each of these underrated anime series expands on the themes that make Zetman memorable: raw human struggles, morally complex heroes, and power systems that come with dire consequences. From cyberpunk dystopias to supernatural battles, these titles blend intensity with thought-provoking narratives, offering hidden gems that deserve more recognition. If you loved Zetman’s depth and edge, these series will keep you hooked with their gritty storytelling and layered characters.
