10 Mind-bending Anime Series for Devoted Hunter X Hunter Fans

Madhouse anime studio is renowned for its diverse narrative crafting across various genres, solidifying its place as one of the best anime studios. Its impressive portfolio includes recent popular hits such as Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, the acclaimed reboot of Hunter X Hunter, and the well-received Overlord series. Notably, the first season of One Punch Man remains an iconic creation, contributing to the studio's stellar reputation. While all their anime is praised, some are considered must-watches, especially for Hunter X Hunter fans.

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, Black Lagoon, Prasyte-the maxim, and 7 other Madhouse anime that fans will love

1) Frieren: Beyond Journey's End

Madhouse anime: Frieren Beyond Journey's End (Image via Studio Madhouse)

"Frieren: Beyond Journey's End" is the newest anime from the prestigious Madhouse studio, bringing to life the beloved manga of the same name. Hailed as one of the studio's greatest adaptations, the series currently has 11 episodes out of the planned 28, and can be streamed on Crunchyroll.

2) Black Lagoon

Madhouse Studio has a wealth of beloved classic anime in its portfolio, and Black Lagoon is one of its most iconic and beloved series. The story follows Rokuro Okajima, also known as Rock, who is abandoned by his corporation during a pirate hijacking of his ship.

Feeling disillusioned with the emptiness of his corporate life, Rock joins Dutch and Revy, the pirate crew that hijacked his ship, and starts a new life in Roanapur.

3) Parasyte-the maxim

This anime explores mature themes of graphic violence and unsettling portrayals of organized crime. While the focus is primarily on gunfights, fans of Hunter X Hunter will find Black Lagoon captivating.

Parasyte-the maxim is the anime adaptation of Hitoshi Iwaaki's Parayste manga, which aired in 2014 and consists of 24 episodes, covering almost the entire manga storyline. The "parasites" in the series are intelligent organisms that invade human bodies and assume control.

This anime revolves around Shinichi Izumi and Migi, a "parasite" that has only succeeded in taking control of Izumi's right hand. With a focus on horror, particularly body horror, the series also explores the emotional journey of Izumi Shinichi as he seeks to find his footing in the world following the loss of both his parents at the hands of these parasites.

4) Death Parade

Madhouse anime: Death Parade (Image via Studio Madhouse)

Madhouse Studio, known for creating Hunter x Hunter, has also produced this entirely original anime. The story revolves around a limbo where souls undergo judgment and are then sent to either heaven or hell.

In this anime, the concept of "limbo" is portrayed through a bar known as Quindecim, where souls are judged through various games that reflect their past deeds.

5) No Game No Life

Death Parade remains one of the most visually stunning and distinctive anime series to date, offering a fresh perspective on the concept of posthumous judgment and following the personal development of Decim, a pivotal arbiter of death.

Madhouse anime: No Game, No Life (Image via Madhouse)

No Game No Life is a Madhouse anime that is based on the light novel of the same name by Yuu Kamiya. It was released in early 2014 and consists of 12 episodes. The series also has a prequel movie called No Game No Life Zero.

No Game No Life is an isekai anime that revolves around a brother and sister who are transported to a different world where all conflicts are resolved through games. Despite sparking some controversies, it remains one of Madhouse's most unique anime, known for its distinct art style and engaging story.

6) Hellsing Ultimate

Seras Victoria as shown in the anime (Image via Madhouse anime studio)

Hellsing Ultimate is a reimagining of the famous Hellsing manga series created by Kouta Hirano. The series follows the story of Alucard, the original vampire, and his subordinate Seras Victoria, whom he rescued from a vampire attack. Despite being released in 2006, the anime's stunning visuals and animation are still praised as top-notch even today.

Although only episodes 5-7 of this anime were animated by Madhouse, Hellsing Ultimate stands as one of the most memorable Madhouse anime along with Hunter x Hunter.

7) Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust

Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust, a 2000 masterpiece from the renowned Madhouse anime studio, is a cult classic often overlooked in the anime fandom.

The third novel in Hideyuki Kikuchi's Vampire Hunter D series has inspired a dedicated following for this dark fantasy vampire film, despite its relative obscurity. Set in a post-apocalyptic world devastated by nuclear war, Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust expertly combines horror, dark fantasy, and occult science to deliver a visually stunning and captivating narrative.

The film follows the adventures of D, a dhampir vampire hunter, as he confronts a centuries-old vampire.

8) Nana

Nana (Image via Studio Madhouse)

The touching shoujo drama romance anime Nana, which first aired in 2006, has deeply resonated with numerous fans through its powerful portrayal of friendship, love, and the intricacies of life.

The manga's nearly ten-year hiatus hasn't dampened the enthusiasm of its dedicated fanbase, who eagerly anticipate its return. This is a clear indication of the enduring allure of Nana's captivating storyline.

Nana is a standout anomaly in Madhouse's anime collection, which is typically filled with action-packed shows. This makes Nana a refreshing break from the studio's usual offerings.

9) No Guns Life

No Guns Life, a lesser-known gem in the extensive library of Madhouse anime, has garnered a dedicated following since its premiere in October 2019. This action-packed detective thriller seinen story is set in a dystopian cyberpunk future and follows the story of Juzo Inui, an ex-soldier with a massive revolver for a head.

Haunted by his past traumas, Juzo works as a detective, hunting down dangerous criminals and unraveling the mysteries that plague the city.

10) Hajime no Ippo

Hajime no Ippo, also recognized as Fighting Spirit in certain areas, has remained a beloved classic, captivating viewers since its initial anime release in 2000.

Hajime no Ippo, a beloved but often overlooked anime in its genre, remains a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. It is one of the most highly acclaimed and influential works of Madhouse anime.

The story revolves around Ippo Makunouchi, a shy high school student who discovers passion and a sense of purpose in the world of boxing.

Final thoughts

With resolute determination and the unconventional guidance of his coach, Ippo sets out on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Along the way, he confronts formidable adversaries and conquers personal obstacles in his quest to become a champion.

As Madhouse Studio's anime legacy continues to enthrall fans, anticipation builds for their upcoming project, "Trillion Game," with teasers starting to emerge. Excitement is high for the adaptation of the manga.

Editor's P/S

1. As a Hunter x Hunter fan, I am always on the lookout for new anime series that can capture my attention and provide me with the same level of excitement and enjoyment. The 10 anime series recommended in this article look promising, and I am particularly interested in "Frieren: Beyond Journey's End" and "Black Lagoon." "Frieren: Beyond Journey's End" seems to offer a captivating story with a unique blend of adventure and fantasy, while "Black Lagoon" promises an intense and gritty experience with its mature themes and exploration of organized crime.

2. Overall, I am excited to explore these anime series and expand my anime horizons beyond Hunter x Hunter. Madhouse anime studio has a strong track record of producing high-quality and engaging anime, and I am confident that these 10 series will provide me with hours of entertainment and enjoyment. I appreciate the diverse range of genres and themes represented in this list, and I am eager to dive into each series and discover what they have to offer.