10 Dark Fantasy Anime Like Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan is one of the most captivating anime series ever created, combining intense action, deep storytelling, and shocking twists. If you’re looking for anime with similar themes of survival, war, and humanity’s struggle against monstrous threats, here are 10 anime like Attack on Titan that you should check out.
Table of Contents
10. Fire Force
| Japanese Title | Enen no Shouboutai |
| Genres | Action, Fantasy, Sci-Fi |
| Release Date | 2019 |
Fire Force and Attack on Titan share striking similarities in their world-building and protagonist journeys. Both anime revolve around organizations dedicated to protecting humanity from an unknown and dangerous force—Titans in Attack on Titan and Infernals in Fire Force.
Shinra, the main character of Fire Force, has a tragic past, much like Eren Yeager. He lost his family in a fire caused by the mysterious phenomenon of human combustion, pushing him to join Special Fire Force Company 8. Similarly, Eren’s desire to eliminate the Titans stems from the loss of his mother in a Titan attack. Both anime also excel in animation, boasting stunning fight sequences and unforgettable soundtracks that amplify the tension and emotions in every battle.
9. Demon Slayer
| Japanese Title | Kimetsu no Yaiba |
| Genres | Action, Supernatural |
| Release Date | 2019 |
Both Demon Slayer and Attack on Titan open with devastating losses for their protagonists. Eren witnesses his mother being devoured by a Titan, while Tanjiro comes home to find his family slaughtered by demons, with his sister turned into one of them. These tragedies set both characters on paths of vengeance and self-discovery.
The Titans and demons are similar in the sense that both are terrifying, human-eating entities. The Demon Slayer Corps also shares structural similarities with the military factions in Attack on Titan, as they are elite fighters tasked with exterminating the monstrous threat. Both series emphasize the cost of war, emotional trauma, and the perseverance needed to fight against overwhelming odds.
8. Claymore
| Genres | Action, Adventure, Fantasy |
| Release Date | 2007 |
In both Claymore and Attack on Titan, humans live under constant threat from monstrous beings—Yoma in Claymore and Titans in Attack on Titan. The protagonists in both anime are warriors who dedicate their lives to exterminating these creatures, though they face discrimination and distrust from the very people they protect.
Like the Survey Corps, the Claymores are an elite group trained to fight against these threats, but their battles often involve personal sacrifices. The dark, suspenseful atmosphere of Claymore will resonate with Attack on Titan fans, as will the themes of survival, identity, and revenge.
7. Knights of Sidonia
| Japanese Title | Sidonia no Kishi |
| Genres | Action, Sci-Fi |
| Release Date | 2014 |
Set in a distant future, Knights of Sidonia tells the story of humanity on the run from a powerful alien species known as the Gauna. The last remnants of human civilization live aboard a massive spaceship while constantly fighting off attacks from these alien monsters.
Like Attack on Titan, the show features a closed society that has been surviving for generations while fearing an overwhelming enemy. The protagonist, Nagate, is thrust into battle and must learn to pilot a powerful weapon to protect what remains of humanity. If you enjoyed Attack on Titan‘s desperate struggle for survival, Knights of Sidonia is a must-watch.
6. 86 Eighty-Six
| Genres | Action, Drama, Sci-Fi |
| Release Date | 2021 |
86 Eighty-Six and Attack on Titan explore themes of war, discrimination, and the illusion of safety. In Attack on Titan, the people behind the walls believe they are safe from the Titans, only to realize that their safety is an illusion. Similarly, in 86 Eighty-Six, the Republic of San Magnolia deceives its citizens into thinking their automated military fights a war against the robotic Legion, when in reality, human pilots from the marginalized Eighty-Six group are sacrificed in battle.
Both anime feature intense action, emotional storytelling, and breathtaking music composed by Hiroyuki Sawano, making 86 Eighty-Six a perfect recommendation for Attack on Titan fans.
5. Tokyo Ghoul
| Genres | Action, Fantasy, Horror, Suspense |
| Release Date | 2014 |
Dark, brutal, and psychologically intense, Tokyo Ghoul shares several similarities with Attack on Titan. Both anime feature protagonists who undergo drastic transformations—Eren gains the ability to turn into a Titan, while Kaneki becomes a half-ghoul after an unfortunate encounter.
Both series explore deep themes of identity, morality, and survival, while delivering well-animated, high-stakes battles. If you enjoyed the dark, suspenseful atmosphere of Attack on Titan, Tokyo Ghoul is worth a watch.
4. Black Bullet
| Genres | Action, Mystery, Sci-Fi |
| Release Date | 2014 |
In Black Bullet, humanity fights for survival against monstrous creatures known as Gastrea, which are eerily similar to Titans. Society is divided between humans and children infected with the Gastrea virus, who are used as weapons against the monsters.
Much like Attack on Titan, the anime portrays a grim world where survival depends on the strength of the few willing to fight back. The power struggles, discrimination, and moral dilemmas within the story mirror the themes of Attack on Titan, making it a compelling recommendation.
3. Seraph of the End
| Japanese Title | Owari no Seraph |
| Genres | Action, Drama, Fantasy |
| Release Date | 2015 |
Seraph of the End tells a tale of humanity’s last stand against a superior species, much like Attack on Titan. Here, vampires have decimated humankind, and the remaining survivors fight back using specialized military forces.
Eren and Yuichiro, the protagonist of Seraph of the End, share similar motivations—both lost their loved ones to an overwhelming force and joined an elite squad to seek revenge. The dark tone, intense action, and high stakes make this anime a thrilling watch.
2. The Promised Neverland
| Japanese Title | Yakusoku no Neverland |
| Genres | Mystery, Suspense |
| Release Date | 2019 |
Both The Promised Neverland and Attack on Titan focus on deep world-building, uncovering secrets, and the horrors of survival. The children in The Promised Neverland live in an orphanage where they believe they are safe, only to discover a horrifying truth—just like how the people in Attack on Titan slowly uncover the reality behind the Titans and the walls.
The mystery, deception, and thrilling escape sequences make The Promised Neverland a gripping experience for Attack on Titan fans.
1. Kaiju No. 8
| Japanese Title | Kaijuu 8-gou |
| Genres | Action, Fantasy, Sci-Fi |
| Release Date | 2024 |
Kaiju No. 8 is one of the newest anime to be compared to Attack on Titan, and the similarities are undeniable. Both anime feature humanity fighting against giant, monstrous creatures that threaten their existence.
The protagonists share similar traits—Kafka, like Eren, undergoes a transformation that gives him the power of his enemy, making him a unique warrior in battle. While Kaiju No. 8 leans more into action than mystery, the intense combat, strong world-building, and high-stakes conflicts make it a must-watch for Attack on Titan fans.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a fan of Attack on Titan, these anime will undoubtedly keep you entertained with their intense action, compelling characters, and gripping stories. Whether you’re drawn to the high-stakes survival themes, tragic backstories, or deep world-building, each of these anime offers something special that mirrors the brilliance of Attack on Titan.
Which of these anime will you watch next? Let us know in the comments!
