Unlocking the Ultimate Anime Experience: Must-Watch Anime for Spy x Family Fans

Since its premiere in 2022, Spy x Family has become one of the biggest hits in the world of anime. Its popularity stems from its ability to attract a wide range of fans, including both men and women, young and old, otaku and newcomers to the genre. This diverse fan base gives the show a unique appeal that few other spy anime have achieved. Yet, there are many other great spy anime out there that fans of Spy x Family will also enjoy.

While spies, espionage, and spycraft serve as the foundation for the story of Spy x Family, they are not the only elements that make it stand out. What sets Spy x Family apart is its incorporation of other themes into the core spy narrative. These themes include a healthy dose of comedy and humor, a touch of superhero fiction through Anya's telepathic abilities, a romantic storyline involving Loid and Yor, and just the right amount of action. Here, we present ten of the best spy anime that share some of these elements, each with its own unique style.

10 Joker Game

9 Release the Spyce

For fans seeking a more authentic spy anime experience without the additional themes found in Spy x Family, Joker Game is the perfect choice. This highly acclaimed series is set in the years leading up to World War II, following the exploits of Lt. Colonel Yuuki and the agents of D Agency—a top-secret intelligence service dedicated to infiltrating foreign nations and gathering crucial information to aid Japan's war efforts. The captivating aspect of Joker Game lies in its meticulous attention to detail, ensuring an atmosphere of suspense and leaving viewers constantly intrigued by the enigmatic characters. The anthology-style format of the series delves deep into the intriguing backstory of each character, making it a truly captivating watch.

For a dose of spy intrigue mixed with everyday life, look no further than Release the Spyce. This anime revolves around Momo Minamoto, a high school student aspiring to follow in her father's footsteps in law enforcement. Unexpectedly, Momo's chance to fulfill her ambition arises when her classmate Yuki invites her to join Tsukikage, a covert spy organization dedicated to safeguarding the city from extraordinary threats. However, what sets Momo apart is her unique ability to discern people's thoughts and emotions by licking them—a peculiar twist reminiscent of Anya's telepathy in Spy x Family. Release the Spyce delivers an enjoyable and light-hearted anime experience, brimming with thrilling action that will satisfy any spy story enthusiast.

8 Full Metal Panic

Part of what makes Spy x Family so relatable and human is its depiction of the demanding nature of an undercover spy's life. However, Full Metal Panic manages to portray the tensions of a covert spy even more effectively. The narrative revolves around Sousuke Sagara, an agent of Mithril - a highly secretive spy agency dedicated to thwarting terrorist attacks. Unlike his desire to be on the front lines, Sousuke finds himself enrolled in a high school, assuming the role of a student in order to secretly protect Kaname Chidori from any harm. Kaname possesses a special ability that the government aims to safeguard for future use. Nonetheless, Sousuke is completely ill-suited for the life of a student. While Full Metal Panic offers a generous amount of action and suspense, its true brilliance lies in its portrayal of the spy's life beyond the realm of action, and the intricate blend of domesticity and high-stakes adventures.

7 Golgo 13

Although Spy x Family primarily focuses on Loid's espionage mission, Yor's assassination endeavors bring a distinct and captivating level of action. Among anime series that revolve around a skilled assassin within a spy's realm, Golgo 13 stands out. This show delves into the thrilling exploits of Golgo 13, a renowned hitman who operates independently but is willing to undertake assignments from any intelligence agency if they meet his high price, justified by his remarkable success rate. Interestingly, Golgo often targets individuals widely regarded as wicked. Beyond its compelling narrative, Golgo 13 is notable for its intriguing blend of espionage tactics and ruthless contract killings. It highlights the fact that elite assassins, like Yor Forger, inhabit their own covert world that rivals that of spies.

6 Mission: Yozakura Family

5 Darker Than Black

Spy x Family has captivated audiences with its portrayal of the Forger family, whose bond goes beyond mere forgery. Their genuine love and support for one another surpasses that of some real families. If you're a fan of this heartwarming dynamic, then Mission: Yozakura Family is a must-watch. Centered around Taiyo Asano, who tragically loses his parents in a car accident, the story delves into his profound connection with childhood friend Mutsumi Yozakura. As their relationship blossoms, they make the life-altering decision to marry. However, there's a catch—Mutsumi's family happens to be one of the largest spy organizations in the country. By becoming a member of this family, Taiyo finds himself thrust into a world of clandestine missions and intrigue. Mission: Yozakura Family offers an engaging blend of spy action and domesticity, where espionage becomes a shared way of life within the household.

Don't be deceived by the world of super-powered individuals in Darker than Black - it's a world of espionage at its finest. This gripping story revolves around Hei, a highly skilled "spy assassin for hire". However, Hei finds himself questioning the morality of his profession. Naturally, agents who begin to have doubts about their missions become a risk to their organizations, and this puts Hei in danger. Darker Than Black explores the same complex struggles faced by Loid and Yor, questioning how far they are willing to go in their line of work, even if it means affecting the people they hold dearest.

4 Night Raid 1931

Night Raid 1931 takes us back in time to a fascinating period, delving into the operations of Sakurai Kikan, a small but mighty spy agency. Their mission revolves around preventing tensions between Russia, China, Japan, and the West from erupting into full-scale conflict in Asia. Located in the strategic hub of Shanghai, China, Sakurai Kikan maximizes their position at the crossroads of the Pacific, employing a team of extraordinary telepaths and espers to maintain peace and security in the region, as well as in Japan.

In a manner reminiscent of Joker Game, this anime presents a captivating and realistic spy setting, offering a refreshing departure from other selections on this list. However, what sets Night Raid 1931 apart is the intriguing twist of its agents harnessing supernatural abilities, akin to the unique dynamics of Spy x Family. This series serves as a prime example of a melding of superhero and spy elements, resulting in an enthralling tale.

3 Lycoris Recoil

What if Loid, Yor, and Anya revealed their hidden truths to each other and made the bold decision to establish their own security consulting firm? The captivating anime, Lycoris Recoil, unravels this intriguing possibility. The narrative revolves around Takina Inoue, a highly skilled assassin spy who, driven by her emotions, once deviates from the company's conventions and subsequently faces termination. Teaming up with another exceptional former agent, Takina starts comprehending that life offers more than just servitude to a single organization. Lycoris Recoil delves into the aftermath when one's existence as an esteemed operative crumbles – particularly shedding light on the myriad opportunities available for individuals possessing her exceptional abilities.

2 Princess Principal

1 Spy Classroom

In a tale reminiscent of Spy x Family and Princess Principal, two neighboring nations find themselves locked in a perpetual Cold War, constantly living in fear of an impending catastrophe. However, contrary to its premise, Princess Principal revolves around the concept of collaboration. The series follows the daring exploits of a spy team as they undertake a mission to infiltrate the enemy royal family, only to be surprised when the princess proposes a proposition. In an unexpected turn, she offers to become a double agent and assist the spies in exchange for their assistance in ascending to the throne. Ultimately, her goal is to establish a unified kingdom, bringing reconciliation and harmony to both nations. Princess Principal seamlessly combines the art of espionage with a noble cause that benefits all involved.

For fans of the Forger family in Spy x Family, Spy Classroom offers a similar experience worth checking out. The anime follows Lily, a spy-in-training who struggles with standardized testing that fails to recognize her potential. Enter Klaus, a former top spy, assigned with training a team for an "impossible mission." He handpicks Lily and six other struggling spy students for the inaugural team. The challenge is that they only have a month to prepare for a mission that even the best spy teams have failed. Like Spy x Family, Spy Classroom combines action and comedy within a captivating spy mission. The show also introduces intriguing characters who become more engaging as the story progresses. It's a compelling tale that hooks fans from the start and keeps them engaged until the end.

Spy x Family is a triumph because it successfully combines different elements, and the aforementioned anime also explore similar themes in their unique approaches. If there is a specific aspect of the Forger family's adventures that you prefer, there is a good chance that one of these shows will offer an even more satisfying balance.