10 Anime Like Parasyte: The Maxim You Should Watch
Parasyte: The Maxim is a gripping anime that masterfully blends horror, psychological drama, and action, exploring deep themes of humanity, identity, and survival.
If you enjoyed Parasyte’s dark storytelling, unique character development, and thrilling battles, here are ten anime that share similar elements and are definitely worth watching.
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10. Inuyashiki: Last Hero
Inuyashiki: Last Hero follows the story of an elderly man, Ichiro Inuyashiki, who gains extraordinary robotic powers after an alien encounter. Like Parasyte, the show introduces a protagonist who suddenly finds himself with inhuman abilities and struggles to navigate his newfound identity.
Both series feature intense action, mature storytelling, and a grim exploration of human nature. What makes Inuyashiki stand out is its emotionally charged narrative, where the protagonist uses his abilities for good while a younger counterpart chooses a darker path, mirroring Shinichi’s internal struggles in Parasyte.
9. Deadman Wonderland
In Deadman Wonderland, Ganta Igarashi, an ordinary student, is falsely accused of a crime and sent to a deadly prison where he discovers he has the ability to control his blood as a weapon. Similar to Parasyte, the protagonist gains terrifying superpowers against his will and is thrown into a brutal world where survival depends on mastering these abilities.
Both series showcase intense psychological pressure, violent confrontations, and the transformation of a reluctant hero into a hardened fighter.
8. Chainsaw Man
Much like Parasyte, Chainsaw Man follows a protagonist, Denji, who fuses with a supernatural creature—his pet devil, Pochita—and gains the ability to transform his body into deadly weapons. Both series explore the theme of an ordinary young man acquiring monstrous powers and being thrust into a conflict where he must fight similar beings.
The gritty atmosphere, action-packed sequences, and gripping character development make Chainsaw Man a must-watch for fans of Parasyte.
7. Gleipnir
Gleipnir features Shuichi Kagaya, a high schooler who can transform into a monstrous mascot-like creature. His journey mirrors Shinichi’s as he evolves from a timid student into a hardened fighter. Both anime delve into the psychological effects of gaining an inhuman form and the moral dilemmas that come with it.
Moreover, both Parasyte and Gleipnir feature extraterrestrial elements, as Shinichi contends with parasites while Shuichi’s world is altered by an alien-influenced phenomenon.
6. Attack on Titan
Both Attack on Titan and Parasyte revolve around humanity’s battle against a monstrous, non-human threat. Eren Yeager, like Shinichi, finds himself connected to the very creatures he despises, leading to a gripping internal conflict.
Both series feature well-developed characters, intense action, and moments of existential dread as humanity struggles to survive against overwhelming odds. The themes of revenge, transformation, and survival in a hostile world make Attack on Titan an excellent choice for Parasyte fans.
5. Shiki
If you were intrigued by Parasyte’s exploration of the blurred line between human and monster, Shiki offers a similar narrative. Set in a secluded village, Shiki follows a mysterious epidemic that turns people into vampires. Like Parasyte, the anime challenges the perception of good and evil, forcing the audience to question who the real monsters are.
It also delves into deep philosophical themes about the survival of one species at the cost of another, much like the parasite-human conflict in Parasyte.
4. Ajin: Demi-Human
Ajin: Demi-Human introduces Kei Nagai, a student who discovers he is an immortal being known as an Ajin. Much like Shinichi, Kei undergoes a drastic transformation, with his life forever changed by his new, supernatural identity.
Both series focus on government conspiracies, existential horror, and the protagonist’s struggle with his evolving morality. The suspense and high-stakes action in Ajin make it a thrilling ride for fans of Parasyte.
3. Death Note
While Death Note leans more toward psychological thriller rather than body horror, it shares several key similarities with Parasyte. Both series were produced by Madhouse and feature a protagonist who forms a unique relationship with an otherworldly entity—Light with Ryuk and Shinichi with Migi.
The protagonists must keep their secret hidden while engaging in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse. If you enjoyed the tension, moral dilemmas, and dark themes of Parasyte, Death Note is a must-watch.
2. Devilman: Crybaby
Devilman: Crybaby explores similar philosophical questions as Parasyte, particularly concerning human morality and the coexistence of different species. Both anime feature a protagonist who undergoes a monstrous transformation and must grapple with his new reality.
While Parasyte weaves its themes into a structured plot, Devilman: Crybaby delivers them with intense emotional weight and a more chaotic narrative. If you appreciated the thought-provoking aspects of Parasyte, this anime will leave a lasting impression.
1. Tokyo Ghoul
Arguably the most similar anime to Parasyte, Tokyo Ghoul follows Kaneki Ken, a young man who unwillingly becomes part-ghoul after a near-fatal encounter. Both Parasyte and Tokyo Ghoul explore the struggles of a protagonist caught between two worlds—one human and one monstrous.
The two protagonists undergo major character transformations, struggle with their identities, and face gruesome battles that test their morality. If you loved Parasyte’s dark atmosphere and character evolution, Tokyo Ghoul is a must-watch.
Conclusion
If Parasyte: The Maxim captivated you with its thrilling action, philosophical undertones, and deep character development, these ten anime offer a similar experience in their own unique ways.
Whether you’re drawn to the psychological dilemmas of Death Note, the visceral battles of Tokyo Ghoul, or the existential horror of Ajin, each of these shows will keep you engaged with their gripping narratives and intense storytelling.
Which of these anime have you watched? Do you have any other recommendations for fans of Parasyte? Let us know in the comments!
