5 Must-Watch Anime Series for Death Note Fans

For fans of Death Note, here are five anime options ranging from supernatural thrillers to historical gore fests.

Death Note, originating from the 2003-2006 Japanese manga series by Tsugumi Ohba, captivated global audiences nearly two decades ago upon its initial release.

If you're looking to fill the void left by the iconic Death Note, here are five exceptional anime series to immerse yourself in.

5 anime to watch if you like Death Note

Monster

Crunchyroll

Our list kicks off with the timeless classic Monster, an award-winning anime adaptation of Naoki Urasawa’s manga, which aired in Japan between 2004 and 2005.

Set in Central Europe, this captivating narrative skillfully intertwines the vast tapestry of European history and culture, immersing us in an enticing psychological thriller that delves deep into one of philosophy's enduring quandaries: the true equality of all human life.

Unfolding with gripping intensity, the series commences by introducing us to Dr. Kenzo Tenma, an esteemed neurosurgeon whose life takes an extraordinary turn following his life-saving act for a young boy. However, as time elapses, the doctor's past haunts him relentlessly, as he confronts the very monster he operated on, vowing to rectify the grave error he committed.

Parasyte: The Maxim

Netflix

Originating from Hitoshi Iwaaki's science-fiction horror manga, Parasyte: The Maxim has emerged as a standout series of the 21st century. It centers around Shinichi Izumi, who unwillingly becomes a host to the intelligent parasite known as Migi. Through their intertwined lives, the show delves deep into contemplations on human nature, the essence of survival, and the moral dilemmas faced along the way. While its premise may differ, Parasyte: The Maxim shares a similar allure to Death Note, as both captivate audiences with intricate dynamics between the main protagonists and seemingly parasitic entities.

Regarded as one of the stand-out anime of the 21st century, Parasyte: The Maxim is a must-watch for fans everywhere and is currently streaming on Netflix.

Death Parade

IMDB

Discover the captivating and introspective world of Death Parade, a thought-provoking anime released in 2015. Crafted by the talented Yuzuru Tachikawa, this series is an adaptation of the acclaimed 2013 short film, Death Billiards. With a concise runtime of 12 episodes, it perfectly satisfies the craving of Death Note enthusiasts. Now, let us delve deeper into this mesmerizing journey...

In Death Parade's world, the majority find themselves in heaven or hell upon death. Yet, a chosen few arrive at the enigmatic bar, Quindecim. Here, they face a distinct proposition: winning a game grants them another shot at life through reincarnation, while losing means complete annihilation.

Similar to Death Note, this series delves into profound inquiries about human nature and morality, leaving a lasting impact even after the final episode concludes. That's why it may just be the ideal option to satisfy your craving for a fresh psychological thriller.

Psycho-Pass

IMDB

This cyberpunk anime had a notable impact in 2012, being nominated for the Seiun Award and securing a spot on Crunchyroll's Top 100 Anime of the Decade list. It's a great choice for fans of Death Note who seek suspenseful storytelling with mind-bending plot twists.

Taking place in the 22nd century, Psycho-Pass delves into a world where law enforcement prioritizes preventing crimes rather than solving them. However, the intentions behind this concept veer off course with unforeseen and disastrous consequences, much like Light Yagami's utilization of the death note provided by the Shinigami Ryuk.

5. Shiki

IMDB

Lastly, there's the underrated anime Shiki, adapted from Ryu Fujisaki's manga. This supernatural vampire thriller serves as an excellent introduction to the horror genre. If you enjoyed Death Note but are hesitant to delve into horror, Shiki may be the ideal choice for you.

In this enduring masterpiece, a clash of philosophical beliefs unfolds in a reality that closely resembles our own, forcing viewers to question their moral principles, similar to the thought-provoking nature of Death Note.

The story takes place in the secluded town of Sotoba, Japan, where a string of unexplained deaths occurs at the same time as the arrival of the Kirishiki family. Toshio Ozaki, the dean of the local hospital, begins his own investigation into the matter and uncovers the presence of a vampire clan known as shiki or corpse demons.

While it may not possess the intricate mind games seen in Death Note, Shiki offers a haunting atmosphere through its vividly depicted scenes and a straightforward narrative that is sure to captivate fans.

How to watch Crunchyroll from outside your location in 2023

Now we have reached the end of our list featuring five anime series that you can immerse yourself in after watching Death Note. While the 2006 anime will always hold its place as a cultural phenomenon (and perhaps the greatest anime of all time), these series offer captivating narratives, thought-provoking themes, and enough spine-chilling plot twists to keep you entertained for months.

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Discover a wide variety of your favorite animes, and even explore new ones, by visiting Crunchyroll online. By accessing Crunchyroll's US roster, you can enjoy the vast collection of almost 1,000 movies and TV shows, compared to the limited selection of less than 100 titles available to Hong Kong users.

Below, you can explore our additional anime coverage. Additionally, on Crunchyroll, you have the option to stream anime for free with an ad-supported plan or subscribe to a paid subscription, with a 14-day free trial available if you're uncertain.

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