Chainsaw Man is a global hit, regardless of the medium, be it manga or anime. The anime produced by MAPPA is loved worldwide, not only because of its eye-catching animation but also because of the cast of characters that brings life to a story that would be dull otherwise.
Although Chainsaw Man season one concluded with only 12 episodes, a major chunk of the manga’s part one is yet to be adapted into anime. And we all know there will be a season two; however, it isn’t happening anytime soon.
But in the meantime, you might want to watch something similar to Chainsaw Man. That is why; I have created this list of anime like Chainsaw Man that not only resembles several aspects of the anime but also excels in departments where Chainsaw Man left you craving more.
So, without further ado, let’s dive right into the list of the 15 best anime like Chainsaw Man.
SPOILER WARNING: Please skip the similarity section if you don’t want spoilers.
Contents:
Supernatural Anime Like Chainsaw Man
#15 Kemonozume
Number of seasons: 1
Number of episodes: 13
Studio: Madhouse
Shokujinki are creatures that eat humans to survive. Although they perfectly disguise themselves as humans, they can transform into monsters with two giant claws.
They have been living among humans for centuries. And to keep them under control, an organization called Kifuuken has been killing these monsters by severing their giant claws.
However, with the wrinkle in time, Kifuuken is experiencing internal conflicts between brothers – Toshihiko and Kazuma. While Toshihiko, the elder one, is willing to carry the old traditions of the organization, Kazuma believes it’s time for a change in how things are done; by using modern technology.
Amidst this growing tension between the heirs of the organization, one day, Toshihiko had a sudden encounter with Yuka Kamitsuki – and he fell in love at first sight.
However, both of them are unaware of each others’ secrets – Yuka is a Shokujinki, while Toshihiko is the one who hunts them down.
Like the devils of Chainsaw Man, who the devil hunters hunt down, the Shokujinki(s) are hunted down by the Kifuuken – who can be referred to as Shokujinki hunters.
In Chainsaw Man, Denji is attracted to Makima – a devil; similarly, in Kemonozume, Toshihiko falls in love with Yuka – a Shokujinki.
#14 Kemono Jihen
Number of seasons: 1
Number of episodes: 12
Studio: Ajia-do
Kohachi Inugami is a kemono detective hired by a countryside inn hostess – Kanoko Villa – to investigate the recent killings of livestock and dead bodies around the village.
While investigating, a young boy named Dorotabo – seen working in the field, unlike others his age – piques Inugami’s interest.
In reality, Inugami was hired to kill this young boy, a child of a human and a ghoul – a bloodless demon. However, after getting to know Dorotabo during the investigation, Inugami decides otherwise.
Both Denji and Dorotabo had a rough life since childhood. They join an organization focusing on incidents surrounding different species – devils and kemono(s).
If you are head over heels for Makima in Chainsaw Man, you are in luck because, in Kemono Jihen, there’s Yoko Inari, who’s as cunning and evil as Makima.
#13 To Your Eternity
Number of seasons: 3
Number of episodes: 40
Studio: Brain’s Base, Drive
Someone decided to cast an orb on earth to observe it. The first thing the orb touched was a rock, and it soon transformed into one. The condition for its transformation is that it needs some kind of impetus, and with each impetus stronger than the former one, the orb keeps transforming.
From the rock, it transformed into a wolf that died while resting its head on the rock. The wolf was the pet of Fushi, who was waiting for his tribe to return from paradise – where there is warmth, fruits, and smarter people compared to the people of endless snowy plains they live in.
After waiting for years, Fushi decides to embark on a journey to the said paradise along with his pet wolf – Joan. Unfortunately, what awaited him wasn’t paradise – instead, it was an unfortunate accident leading to a severe injury.
A dispirited Fushi returns to his home in the plains, but with a severe injury, it’s just a matter of time before he becomes the stronger impetus for the orb’s (now Joan) next transformation.
To Your Eternity can be defined as a more humane version of Chainsaw Man.
In both anime, the protagonist dies, but their pets – Pochita and Joan – revive them by merging (Chainsaw Man) and transforming (To Your Eternity). Although Fushi isn’t resurrected technically, he lives through the memories of Joan – who took his place instead.
The protagonists fight against a different species – devils in Chainsaw Man and nokkers in To Your Eternity. The orb’s ability is quite similar to a fiend.
#12 Bungo Stray Dogs
Number of seasons: 4
Number of episodes: 49
Studio: Bones
Atsushi Nakajima was kicked out of the orphanage and is starving. Even though he had no energy to lift a finger, he saved a drowning man named Osamu Dazai – a suicidal maniac and a private investigator who isn’t pleased with Atsushi’s action.
The man-eating tiger that Dazai and his partner Kunikida are looking for seems familiar to Atsushi Nakajima. Following this, Atsushi discovers something about himself that he was kept in the dark about by the orphanage and ends up joining the Armed Detective Agency.
Like Denji, who can transform into Chainsaw Man, Atsushi also has the supernatural ability to transform into a tiger.
Both protagonists join an agency after they realize their newfound powers. Bungo Stray Dogs can be dubbed as a more sophisticated version of Chainsaw Man.
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Action Anime Like Chainsaw Man
#11 Birdy the Mighty: Decode
Number of seasons: 2
Number of episodes: 25
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Birdy Cephon Altera is an intergalactic police officer who is pursuing a criminal named Geega – who has fled to earth. To catch him, Birdy and his cyborg assistant Tuto have disguised themselves as a model and a manager because Geega has also taken a disguise in the same industry.
After nearly a year of investigation, Birdy has tracked down Geega in an abandoned building. While fighting against Geega, Birdy accidentally kills Tsutomu Senkawa – a high school student who likes to explore abandoned buildings.
To save Tsutomu from dying, Birdy merges the boy’s consciousness into her body and sends Tsutomu’s body to her home planet for restoration.
Meanwhile, Birdy and Tsutomu have to spend their daily lives operating in that single body – going to school, being a model, and doing the work of an intergalactic police officer.
In both anime, the protagonists – Denji and Tsutomu – die in a tragic incident but lives after merging with – a devil in Chainsaw Man and an intergalactic police officer in Birdy the Mighty: Decode.
In both anime, the protagonist fights against other species – devils, and aliens.
#10 Inuyashiki: Last Hero
Number of seasons: 1
Number of episodes: 11
Studio: MAPPA
Ichiro Inuyashiki is a 58-year-old salaryman leading an unhappy life. Although unwanted by his family, Ichiro buys a home at this age because he dislikes loans.
To get rid of his constant back problems, Ichiro does a physical examination. To turn things worse, it reveals that he has stomach cancer with only three months to live.
Exhausted with life, Ichiro finds an abandoned dog and adopts it. While on a walk with Hanako – his dog – Ichiro bursts into tears in the middle of the field.
However, when a sudden light appears following an explosion, Ichigo loses consciousness. When he wakes up, he feels something different about his body that he can’t point out. But soon, he discovers that he has turned into a cyborg. With his newfound powers, Ichiro saves a life and finds hope in living.
But is he the only one with these powers?
Both Denji (Chainsaw Man) and Ichiro (Inuyashiki) had a life where they were unwanted, with only their dogs as a companion – although Pochita is a dog-like devil. But he barks and wags his tail like a dog, so he is considered Denji’s pet dog.
In these two anime, the protagonists die in an unfortunate incident and get reborn as a species that isn’t human – Denji becomes a devil hybrid, and Ichiro becomes a cyborg.
Both Denji and Ichiro use their powers to protect humanity from the hands of the species they were reborn as.
Lastly, the theme of gore is another similarity between Chainsaw Man and Inuyashiki: Last Hero.
#9 Beyond the Boundary
Number of seasons: 1
Number of episodes: 12
Studio: Kyoto Animation
Mirai Kuriyama is a spirit world warrior and the sole survivor of a clan that can use blood to make weapons. Mirai is on a mission to hunt down creatures that feed on negative emotions – youmu.
On a random day on the school roof, her encounter with Akihito Kanbara – a half-human and half-youmu – changes her monotonous life.
Following her instinct of a spirit world warrior, she stabs Akihito but realizes he is immortal. What follows is a friendship where Mirai tries to kill Akihito every day. As their bizarre friendship deepens, he convinces Mirai to join the literary club, where two other spirit world warriors have also joined.
Things change for the worse when the youmu(s) around them gets more active than ever because the strongest one is on the move.
Both the protagonists, Denji and Akihito, are hybrid humans – one being a devil hybrid and the other a youmu hybrid.
Like Power, Mirai can also control blood and manipulate it to create weapons. And just like Power, there is a limit on how much blood Mirai can use at a go.
These action-fantasy anime has mysteries surrounding the protagonists, which unfold as the story progresses.
#8 Jujutsu Kaisen
Number of episodes: 24
Number of seasons: 2
Studio: MAPPA
Yuji Itadori joined the occult club in his high school as it gave him the freedom to take care of his bedridden grandfather whenever needed. Although the occult club is mostly for fun, a cursed object found by Yuji puts the club members in danger.
To protect them, Yuji decides to gobble up the cursed object – without caring about the consequences – and becomes the host of Sukuna Ryoumen, King of Curses.
Following this, he was ordered to be secretly executed. However, Satoru Gojo – the one who saved Yuji – decided to enroll him at Tokyo Metropolitan Jujutsu Technical High School to train him as a Jujutsu Sorcerer and use the power for good.
Just like Chainsaw Man’s Denji, who becomes one with Pochita to become a devil hybrid, Yuji also becomes the host of the king of curses in Jujutsu Kaisen.
Devils and Curses are the antagonists of Chainsaw Man and Jujutsu Kaisen, respectively. And both Denji and Yuji use these belligerent powers to fight against the antagonists in battle.
If you love the trio of Denji, Power, and Aki, you will definitely love the trio in Jujutsu Kaisen as well.
Last but not least, if you enjoyed the over-the-top action sequences in Chainsaw Man, get ready to get blown away by the high-octane action sequences in Jujutsu Kaisen.
Note: There are a couple more similarities, but as both these anime are in their first season, not much can be revealed as it would spoil the upcoming story.
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Gore Anime Like Chainsaw Man
#7 Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress
Number of seasons: 1
Number of episodes: 12
Studio: Wit Studio
Following a sudden emergence of a mysterious virus, humanity was facing near extinction as the majority were turned into Kabane – flesh-loving creatures – that grow their numbers by infecting humans.
The remnants of humanity decided to build fortified walls to protect themselves from these monsters. To travel, mankind has created heavily armored trains which can withstand attacks of kabane.
The only way to kill these flesh-eating enthusiasts is by destroying their steel-coated hearts. Although there are specialized weapons to kill kabane(s), one of the steam smiths named Ikoma – responsible for the service of the trains – is working on an advanced weapon that’s more efficient and effective in killing kabane(s).
While Ikoma wishes to test these weapons on the real kabane instead of the steel plates, his wish comes sooner than expected when a train infiltrated by kabane(s) breaches the impenetrable wall.
In these two anime, the protagonists – Denji and Ikoma, are hybrid humans, with the other half being that of the monsters — devils and kabane.
Both protagonists are supported by female characters who aren’t human as well.
#6 Claymore
Number of seasons: 1
Number of episodes: 26
Studio: Madhouse
Raki’s parents were the first victim of youma – shapeshifting creatures that blend in with the humans to feast on them with convenience. With no way of identifying one, the distressed village chief has asked help from Claymore – half-youma and half-human, who are created to eliminate these flesh-eating creatures.
The youma that was pretending to be Raki’s brother – to continue the killing spree – was finally slain by the claymore named Clare. Following this incident, Claymore took in Raki as a cook.
Killing youma(s) from one town to the other, Clare’s eyes are searching for a particular someone to exact a long-awaited revenge, because of which she became a claymore in the first place.
Like Denji (Chainsaw Man), who is a devil hybrid, Clare (Claymore) is a youma hybrid. Both had to survive tragic incidents to become these hybrids.
Both Denji and Clare work for an organization that exterminates the monsters they are a hybrid of; devils and youma(s).
These two dark fantasy anime don’t pull punches regarding action and gore.
#5 Parasyte: The Maxim
Number of seasons: 1
Number of episodes: 24
Studio: Madhouse
Shinichi Izumi is a diligent high-school student. One night, while he was playing music on his bed, a parasitic alien tried to take over his brain by going through his nose.
Although it failed to take over his brain, it burrowed into Shinichi’s right hand. Now named Migi – this parasitic alien coerces Shinichi into cooperation. Because if Migi is cut off, Shinichi will lose his right hand, and if he goes to the police, Shinichi will become a test subject for the curious evil.
The next day, Shinichi realizes that he isn’t the lone host of these parasites. Unfortunately, Shinichi becomes the target of hostile parasites because he is an exception – a coexisting host threatening these alien parasites’ existence.
Both the protagonists are hosts to a different species – devils in Chainsaw Man and parasites in Parasyte: The Maxim. Denji and Shinichi fight alongside their hosts to protect humanity from the very species they are hosts to.
Like Pochita, Migi becomes a close ally to Shinichi during his hard times.
When it comes to gore, Chainsaw Man and Parasyte: The Maxim doesn’t shy away from teaching you human anatomy with realistic details.
If flesh, blood, and anatomy of different species intrigue you, Chainsaw Man and Parasyte: The Maxim won’t disappoint you.
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Dark Anime Like Chainsaw Man
#4 Ajin: Demi-Human
Number of seasons: 2
Number of episodes: 26
Studio: Polygon Pictures
Kei Nagai is a high-schooler studying diligently to become a doctor. He doesn’t even have time to eat or enjoy time with his friends, although he saves them as Friend 1, Friend 2, and so on.
While his classmates always talk about Ajin(s) and their recent sightings, Kei has no time to spend in such blabber. Ajin(s) are immortal humans labeled as a threat to humanity. They were discovered nearly two decades ago, and only forty-six exist now, with only two Ajin in Japan.
When returning from school, Kei is run down by a truck. However, to everyone’s surprise, he stands up and realizes he is one of those immortal beings. And within a matter of hours – he is wanted throughout the nation, and the only one who helps Kei is Kaito – his estranged childhood friend.
Both the protagonists – Denji and Kei – are transformed into a devil hybrid and a demi-human, respectively, following fatal incidents.
In Chainsaw Man and Ajin, there’s a battle for survival between two species; devils – humans and ajin(s) – humans.
#3 Devilman: Crybaby
Number of seasons: 1
Number of episodes: 10
Studio: Science SARU
Akira Fudo is a timid boy who avoids confrontations by any means. One day, his childhood friend Ryo Asuka visits Japan to meet Akira. When asked to join for a ride, Akira tags along with Ryo without worry.
What Akira didn’t expect was attending a party of degeneracy called Sabbath. And what the degenerates didn’t expect was Ryo’s summoning of real devils – who seemed fascinated by it.
Trying to protect Ryo from a devil attack, Akira merges with a devil named Amon. With a devil’s body and a human’s heart, Akira is now a Devilman.
The timid Akira has become an icon of the school, garnering all the attention. The duo’s main goal is to kill the devils that pose harm to humanity.
In both Chainsaw Man and Devilman: Crybaby – the protagonist Denji and Akira merge with a devil to become a devil hybrid. Both of them fight to protect humans from devils.
If Chainsaw Man feels like too much gore, Devilman: Crybaby will knock you out of the park with all its blood, bones, and intestines.
These two anime also have tragedies and betrayals in common – which adds the cherry on top.
#2 Attack on Titan
Number of seasons: 4
Number of episodes: 87
Studio: Wit Studio, MAPPA
To survive the extinction of their species from the flesh-loving abominations – Titans, mankind has built walls to protect themselves. They have also formed a military unit known as Survey Corps to exterminate these titans.
Although there wasn’t any significant occurrence of titans for about a hundred years, it all changed when a colossal titan breached the 50-meter-tall wall of the Shiganshina District and let loose these man-eating monsters upon the remnants of mankind.
Amidst this bloodbath, Eren – the protagonist of Attack on Titan – witnesses his mother being eaten alive by a titan. Filled with anger, and thirst for revenge, Eren enlists in the Survey Corps to erase the existence of titans from the face of the earth.
Accompanied by his adopted sister Mikasa Ackerman and his childhood friend Armin Arlert, Eren embarks on a journey that will go down in history as the most spine-chilling revenge drama you will ever witness.
Both Eren (Attack on Titan) and Denji (Chainsaw Man) become one with the beings who are the enemies of humanity. While they use their powers for the sake of humanity, they are always under the watch to avoid any betrayal.
If you are looking for the theme of gore, Attack on Titan and Chainsaw Man are rivals when it comes to bloodbaths.
Loved the trio of Denji, Power, and Aki, and looking for another trio like them? No problem, Attack on Titan has got you covered.
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#1 Dorohedoro
Number of seasons: 1
Number of episodes: 12
Studio: MAPPA
The Hole is a lawless area where the strong prey on the weak. The residents of the hole are mere playthings for the magic users. These magic users experiment, torment and kill these residents for fun.
But, there’s always an exception; in this story, that exception is Kaiman – who has a reptile head but a human body. He is blessed with immunity towards magic.
Kaiman is looking for the magic user who has turned him into this reptile-looking being. His last memory as a human was in the alley, where he remembers seeing a human shadow.
Besides looking for the magic user, Kaiman spends his day eating gyoza at his only ally – Nikaido’s restaurant Hungry Bug and working part-time at a hospital.
While watching Chainsaw Man, the animation, the dark elements, the brutality, the gore, and even the humor reminded me of Dorohedoro.
If you thought Chainsaw Man was bizarre, wait till you watch Dorohedoro. You will love watching Dorohedoro because it delivers what the Chainsaw Man anime couldn’t – a well-fleshed-out storyline shrouded in mystery.
Buckle up your seatbelts because Dorohedoro is here to rock your world with its eccentric characters – another similarity it shares with Chainsaw Man.
Chainsaw Man Season 2: Release Date, What To Read, Cast & More
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All Anime Like Chainsaw Man Recommendations
Some anime don’t make it onto the list but are worth watching because of their resemblance and the uniqueness they bring as a story.
That is why I have made this complete list of anime like Chainsaw Man, which includes not only these honorable mentions but also the 15 anime that we discussed in the listicle so that you can get all the names in one place for your convenience.
And, if you are indecisive like me, you can take help from the AverageBeing Picks column for a better idea of where to start.
NOTE: Above-Average means you should watch them first, and Below-Average means vice-versa. These tags don’t imply the quality of anime because everyone has their taste, which we respect.
| Anime | Episodes | Seasons | AverageBeing Picks |
| Dorohedoro | 12 | 1 | Above Average |
| Attack on Titan | 87 | 4 | Above Average |
| Devilman: Crybaby | 10 | 1 | Average |
| Ajin: Demi-Human | 26 | 2 | Average |
| Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress | 12 | 1 | Average |
| Claymore | 26 | 1 | Average |
| Parasyte: The Maxim | 24 | 1 | Above Average |
| Jujutsu Kaisen | 24 | 2 | Above Average |
| Beyond the Boundary | 12 | 1 | Average |
| Inuyashiki: Last Hero | 11 | 1 | Average |
| Birdy the Mighty: Decode | 25 | 2 | Average |
| Bungo Stray Dogs | 49 | 4 | Above Average |
| To Your Eternity | 40 | 3 | Above Average |
| Kemono Jihen | 12 | 1 | Average |
| Kemonozume | 13 | 1 | Below Average |
| Black Butler | 46 | 3 | Average |
| Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign | 24 | 2 | Average |
| Tokyo Ghoul | 48 | 4 | Below Average |
| Gleipnir | 13 | 1 | Below Average |
| Gantz | 26 | 2 | Below Average |
| No Guns No Life | 24 | 2 | Below Average |
With that, I present to you the 15 best anime like Chainsaw Man.
In this list, you will find anime resembling Chainsaw Man‘s different aspects; some resemble the dark setting, some resemble the protagonist(s), and some resemble the absolute madness that Chainsaw Man illustrates.
Whatever the case, each anime on this list has a unique identity that makes them stand out. That said, I hope you find a couple of anime from this list and enjoy watching them in your comfort.
If you have any suggestions, recommendations, or feedback regarding the article, feel free to reach out to averagebeing’s Instagram handle.
