7 Similar Anime Like Bungou Stray Dogs [Recommendations]

Durarara!! is an anime series that showcases the impressive creativity and broad range of the Japanese animation industry. Set in the Ikebukuro district of Tokyo, the show weaves together themes of friendship, betrayal, gang wars, urban lifestyle, identity, consumerism, and the supernatural into a beautifully complex storyline with multiple intertwining arcs.

The series begins with Mikado Ryugamine, a teenager who moves to Tokyo and reunites with his childhood friend, Masaomi Kida. As Mikado explores the city, he discovers the multitude of secrets and mysteries it holds. The narrative follows a large ensemble cast, with episodes delving into multiple plotlines and character perspectives, which may initially be overwhelming but ultimately proves to be an exciting and intriguing journey.

Durarara!! stands out for its rich character development and story arcs. While Mikado initially takes the spotlight as the protagonist, the series gradually introduces a diverse cast, including Anri Sonohara, Shizuo Heiwajima, Izaya Orihara, and the enigmatic black rider, among others. These characters add depth, dynamic relationships, and a sense of expansion to the world of Durarara!!, even though it all takes place in the confines of Ikebukuro.

Visually, Durarara!! impresses with its unique art style and attention to detail. The animation brings each character to life, and the portrayal of Tokyo and Ikebukuro captures an urban atmosphere, particularly in the vibrant nightlife scenes. The voice acting is solid, complemented by a memorable and evocative soundtrack, although the ending songs may not reach the same level as the captivating opening tracks.

While Durarara!! excels in narrative and aesthetics, it does suffer from some flaws. The expansive story occasionally leads to inconsistencies and unresolved plot points. The rushed finale leaves certain aspects unfulfilled, which could have been resolved with additional episodes or a potential second season.

Despite its imperfections, Durarara!! remains an excellent and unique anime series, showcasing well-written characters and engaging story arcs. The interconnectivity of the narrative and the stunning depiction of urban life in Tokyo make it a standout show. While the rushed conclusion may disappoint some viewers, the overall experience is still captivating, and Durarara!! stands as one of the best anime series of the year, leaving a lasting impression on those who embark on its mysterious journey through Ikebukuro.

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Noragami is a series that manages to flawlessly execute its elements, creating a captivating and well-rounded story. The narrative follows Hiyori, an average high school girl who encounters Yato, a homeless god. The story quickly moves forward, exploring themes of loneliness, forgottenness, and the supernatural, with multiple plotlines that intertwine seamlessly. While the anime follows the manga closely, a filler arc toward the end slightly disrupts the overall flow.

The characters in Noragami are diverse and well-developed, avoiding one-dimensional tropes. Yato, the underdog protagonist, brings mystery, insight, and comedic relief to the series.

His evolution as a character is engaging, and he stands out as a memorable lead. Hiyori, while initially appearing as a typical kind-hearted female protagonist, becomes a window into the hidden reality of the series, reflecting the confusion and shock of an average person thrust into a supernatural world. Yukine, Yato’s weapon and a sarcastic fourteen-year-old Regalia, undergoes drastic character development, making him highly satisfying to watch. The supporting cast adds color and variety, with each character having their own story and unique traits.

The animation style is typical of Studio Bones, with vibrant character designs and attention to detail. Scenery and fight scenes are well-executed, showcasing the animation’s strengths.

The soundtrack, composed by Taku Iwasaki, sets the mood perfectly, and the battle music stands out as exceptional. The voice acting, led by Kamiya Hiroshi as Yato and Yuki Kaji as Yukine, is superb and adds depth to the characters.

Noragami is an enjoyable series with only minor flaws. The narrative, characters, animation, and sound all contribute to its overall appeal. While it may not be perfect, it leaves a lasting impression and stands as one of the best anime of the Winter 2014 season. Fans eagerly await the possibility of a future season to explore more of the manga content and continue the amazing story.

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Tokyo Ghoul is an anime that defies expectations and keeps viewers engaged.

In a world where ghouls, beings that feed on human flesh, exist, Kaneki Ken, a college student, becomes a half-ghoul after a fateful encounter. Struggling to reconcile his newfound identity, Kaneki is thrust into the dangerous and complex world of ghouls, where survival becomes a constant battle against both human and ghoul forces.

The concept of man-eaters may initially seem strange, but the series delves into the complexities of morality and perspective. It reminds us not to rush to judgment without understanding the circumstances faced by others.

The show stands out with its dark and gory elements, attracting gore fans while still appealing to a broader audience. The execution of the story is efficient, offering a fresh take on the theme of gaining new powers and encountering different kinds of people. Tokyo Ghoul emphasizes the blurred lines between good and evil, challenging viewers to consider differing perspectives.

Although there is some censoring in certain scenes, the overall quality of the anime overshadows this disappointment. The art is crisp and modern, and the sound effects, as well as the opening and ending themes, are excellent. The characters are unique and interesting, adding depth to the series.

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My Hero Academia follows the journey of Izuku Midoriya, a dreamer who aspires to become a hero like his idol, the Symbol of Peace, All Might. In a world where supernatural powers called Quirks have become the norm, Izuku’s lack of a Quirk makes him feel neglected by society.

However, when he receives the opportunity to attend U.A. Academy, a prestigious school for heroes, he begins to develop his own skills and face challenges that test his determination.

While My Hero Academia initially starts with a slow pace and a somewhat underwhelming premise, it picks up momentum as the series progresses. The story explores the complexities of morality and perspective, highlighting the blurred lines between good and evil. It introduces a rivalry between Izuku and his childhood friend-turned-enemy, Katsuki Bakugo, and delves into their contrasting personalities and motivations.

The characters in My Hero Academia are well-developed and engaging. Izuku is portrayed as a timid yet cheerful boy who faces constant ridicule for being Quirkless. His determination to become a hero is fueled by his admiration for All Might. Katsuki, on the other hand, is depicted as proud and having a superiority complex due to his powerful Quirk. All Might serves as an enigmatic figure who leaves a lasting impact on both Izuku and the viewers.

Visually, Studio Bones excels in bringing Horikoshi Kosei’s character designs to life. The animation is fluid and dynamic, capturing the essence of the action-packed battles. The voice acting performances, particularly by Yamashita Daiki as Izuku and Okamoto Nobuhiko as Katsuki, effectively convey the characters’ personalities and emotions. The opening theme song, “The Day” by Porno Graffitti, and the ending theme, “HEROES” by Brian the Sun, complement the show’s energetic atmosphere.

My Hero Academia caters to fans of the shounen genre with its tactical fights, unique characters, and ridiculous powers. While it may divide opinions due to its familiar premise, it delivers an enjoyable experience and sets the stage for future seasons. Overall, it demonstrates its potential to be a good series and leaves viewers eagerly anticipating what comes next.

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Baccano! is a non-linear story set in 1930s America, where multiple characters and events intertwine, showcasing the chaos and mystery surrounding immortality, gang warfare, and the search for a mythical elixir of life.

This anime defies conventions while maintaining high standards in animation, sound, and storytelling. The animation by Brains Base is impressive, considering the studio’s smaller size, and the use of color enhances the dramatic moments. The jazz-themed soundtrack adds an authentic flavor to the 1930s American setting, though the ending theme is a small detractor. The voice acting is top-notch, with each character brought to life by talented voice actors.

The characters in Baccano! are well-designed and unique, with standout characters like Isaac and Miria providing humor and serving as a glue that holds the story together. The large and diverse cast is easily distinguishable by their distinct voices. While some argue that character development may be lacking due to the show’s 13-episode length, it doesn’t detract from the overall enjoyment.

The storytelling style of Baccano! is non-sequential, with multiple storylines intertwining into a larger narrative. While not entirely original, it eliminates the need for “down time” episodes and immerses viewers in a fast-paced and entertaining style. The mix of drama, action, and comedy, along with the natural character actions, creates a well-rounded experience.

Baccano! successfully blends different genres without sacrificing animation or sound quality. It appeals to fans of various genres and can be rewatched multiple times without losing its enjoyment. Overall, Baccano! is a gem that stands out for its unconventional approach and high-quality execution.

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Charlotte is an anime that starts off with a unique premise—a meteor bestows special powers upon children, only for them to lose those powers in their teenage years and forget about them entirely. And of course, it’s written by Jun Maeda, known for his work on emotional series like Clannad and Angel Beats, so expect some melodrama in the mix.

As the story unfolds, we meet the protagonist, Yuu Otosaka, who possesses the ability to temporarily control others and steal their powers. Little does he know about his own potential until he gets caught by some students who urge him to enroll in their school—a place where people with supernatural abilities gather. Their mission? To find and recruit more students with powers before the government can experiment on them.

Yuu’s task is to remove the abilities from all the ability users he encounters. However, this proves to be no easy feat, as he faces numerous obstacles along the way. The story, while not groundbreaking, keeps you engaged as Yuu navigates through challenges, unravels mysteries, and grapples with the consequences of his actions.

The animation by P.A Works is top-notch, earning a perfect score from me. The visuals are stunning, and I couldn’t find a single flaw to complain about.

Sound-wise, the opening and ending songs are delightful. It’s worth mentioning that the opening is sung by Lia, the same artist who lent her voice to Angel Beats and Clannad. The voice acting is also commendable, bringing life to the characters and enhancing the overall experience.

While the characters are somewhat decent, I couldn’t help but notice that some didn’t receive enough screen time. This limited their development and left me wanting more from them.

In terms of enjoyment, I had a great time watching Charlotte. The story, despite its flaws, kept me entertained, and the art and sound added to the overall experience.

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I feel truly sorry for anyone who missed out on Psycho-Pass this year because it was an absolutely brilliant anime. Urobuchi Gen, the master of dark storytelling, ripped our hearts out with this series set in a near future where a person’s mental state is quantified by their “Psycho-Pass”. The story follows Inspector Tsunemori Akane as she navigates a seemingly Utopian society while uncovering the truth behind the system.

Let’s address some of the early criticisms that the show received. Some people dismissed Akane as naive and idealistic, but her character development was intentionally designed that way. Others criticized her appearance, but that shouldn’t be a reason to hate on a character. Personally, I found her cute. The series does start off slow, but it’s necessary for world-building and character development. The payoff later on is well worth the initial investment.

Psycho-Pass may draw comparisons to Minority Report, but that doesn’t diminish its merit. The two works explore different themes and tell separate stories. The series pays homage to great literature, and as a literature nerd, I found it exciting and inspiring. The series tackles complex issues such as human nature, governance, and justice, making it thought-provoking and elevating it beyond a typical crime thriller anime.

Urobuchi Gen is known for his dark and tragic storytelling, and Psycho-Pass is no exception. The emotional impact comes from his ability to write realistic characters with flaws and personal motivations. The conflicts in the series are not black and white, leaving the audience questioning who should win and what defines justice. The series challenges and elevates the viewer’s thinking.

Psycho-Pass is not for the weak-hearted. It is bloody, violent, and disturbing. Urobuchi’s reputation precedes him, and he demonstrates his storytelling mastery by twisting our emotions and delivering powerful narratives. The animation by Production I.G. is excellent, with detailed backgrounds and impressive CG integration. The score and opening and ending songs are fitting and memorable.

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