19 Movies Like Death Note: Explore the Dark Side of Justice

Attack on Titan, also known as Shingeki no Kyojin, is a series that will captivate you just like Death Note did. While Death Note revolves around an intelligent high school student who goes on a secret crusade to eliminate criminals with a powerful notebook, Attack on Titan tells the story of a young boy named Eren Jaeger who vows to cleanse the earth of giant humanoid Titans that have brought humanity to the brink of extinction. Both series are gripping and intense, keeping you on the edge of your seat with their thrilling narratives. However, Attack on Titan takes the excitement to a whole new level with its jaw-dropping visuals and epic fight scenes. From the beautifully crafted frames that could be hung as paintings to the meticulously designed weapons, this series is a visual masterpiece. The character development and mystery-filled storylines will keep you hooked, and the carefully written dialogues will give you goosebumps.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood takes you on a journey that is reminiscent of Death Note, but with a unique twist. Both series are highly praised for their compelling storylines and intricate characters. While Death Note explores the battle of wits between a high school student and a detective, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood delves into the journey of two brothers searching for a Philosopher's Stone to restore their damaged bodies.
What sets Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood apart is its vast and diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique personalities and storylines. The series effortlessly weaves these individual arcs together, creating a captivating narrative that will keep you hooked from start to finish. The animation and art of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood are top-notch, with no poorly edited sequences or grotesque-looking art in sight. The soundtrack, particularly the opening and closing sequences, adds another layer of excellence to the series.

Steins;Gate is reminiscent of Death Note in its ability to captivate and engage viewers with its intricate storyline and multi-genre approach. While Death Note follows the battle of wits between a high school student and his secret quest to eliminate criminals using a supernatural notebook, Steins;Gate takes us on a journey of time travel and the efforts of a group of university students to stop an evil organization. Both series excel in seamlessly blending various tones, from humor to intensity, drama to sci-fi thriller, creating a mishmash of genres that keeps viewers hooked. Steins;Gate, like Death Note, showcases a brilliant mix of suspense and mystery, with unexpected plot twists that will leave you craving for more. So, if you enjoyed the mind games and intricate storytelling of Death Note, Steins;Gate is a must-watch that will take you on a thrilling and unpredictable ride through time and space.

Naruto: Shippuden, just like Death Note, is an anime series that captivates its viewers with its thrilling storyline and compelling characters. While Death Note engages us in a battle of wits between L and Light, Naruto: Shippuden takes us on a journey with Naruto Uzumaki, an energetic ninja with a burning desire to become the Hokage. Both series showcase the determination and ambition of their protagonists, as they strive to achieve their goals and gain recognition. However, Naruto: Shippuden adds a touch of humor and adventure to the mix, making it a delightful watch for fans of action-packed anime. So, if you enjoyed the mind games of Death Note and want to dive into a world filled with ninjas, battles, and a heartfelt quest for acceptance, Naruto: Shippuden is the perfect series for you.

Beastars. In a world of anthropomorphic animals, a reclusive wolf's complicated relationship with a kindly rabbit is tested by a classmate's murder, a charismatic deer's influence, and his own burgeoning predatory instincts. It's like Death Note meets Zootopia! While Death Note explores the battle of wits between L and Light, Beastars delves into the complexities of a predator-prey dynamic. Both series captivate with their intricate plotlines and morally ambiguous characters. However, instead of a notebook that can kill, Beastars presents a murder mystery that unravels the delicate balance of a society where animals live and interact. So, if you loved the suspense and mind games in Death Note, hop on board the Beastars train and prepare to be enthralled by its unique blend of crime, drama, and anthropomorphism.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, released in 2014, shares some similarities with Death Note. Both movies feature a child prodigy as one of the key topics, although the context is quite different. In Death Note, the high school student uses his intelligence to eliminate criminals with a powerful notebook, while in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the child prodigy is part of a group of mutated turtles who rise up to defend their city. Additionally, both movies fall under the genres of Animation and Crime. However, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles brings a playful and comedic tone to the table, contrasting with the darker and more serious atmosphere of Death Note. While Death Note captivates with its battle of wits, anime style, and secret identity, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles charms with its teenager fighting adult dynamic, human alien hybrid, and interspecies romance.

The Garden of Sinners: Overlooking View is reminiscent of Death Note in its captivating storyline and intense atmosphere. Both movies delve into the dark side of human nature, exploring the battle of wits between characters with secret identities. In The Garden of Sinners, a detective agency investigates a series of mysterious suicides, each lacking a suicide note and motive. Similarly, Death Note follows an intelligent high school student who uses a notebook capable of killing anyone whose name is written in it.
While Death Note focuses on the cat-and-mouse hunt between L and Light, The Garden of Sinners takes a supernatural approach, introducing a strange force behind the suicides. The first half of The Garden of Sinners is gripping, with a great mystery, stunning locations, and an intense atmosphere. The artwork and animation are fantastic, with stormy skies, decaying buildings, and crowded city streets depicted with almost photo-realism.

Black Clover is reminiscent of Death Note in its ability to captivate audiences with its unique storyline and engaging characters. While Death Note explores the battle of wits between a high school student and a secret notebook capable of killing criminals, Black Clover takes us into a world where magic is everything and follows the journey of Asta, an unlikely hero who strives to achieve his goal despite having no magical abilities. Both series showcase anti-hero protagonists who face extraordinary challenges and push the boundaries of their abilities. However, Black Clover stands on its own with its focus on magic and the competition between Asta and his childhood friend Yuno to become the next Emperor Magus. With its thrilling plot and interesting characters, Black Clover is a must-watch for fans of Death Note seeking a new and exciting anime experience.

Durarara!! is reminiscent of Death Note because both series explore captivating and complex storylines. While Death Note follows the cat-and-mouse battle between L and Light over their secret identities, Durarara!! takes us on a journey through the interconnected mysteries of Ikebukuro. Both shows keep you on the edge of your seat, as they expertly weave together different characters and their pasts. While Death Note focuses on a battle of wits and the consequences of possessing a powerful notebook, Durarara!! combines action, comedy, and crime to create a thrilling and unique experience. The characters in Durarara!! are vastly different from each other, but that's what makes the story so intriguing.

One Punch Man takes the superhero genre and flips it on its head, providing a refreshing and hilarious take on the concept. Just like Death Note, One Punch Man showcases a protagonist with extraordinary abilities, but instead of using them for a grand purpose, Saitama does it all just for fun. Both series captivate the audience with their unique premises and keep them engaged throughout. While Death Note focuses on a battle of wits and the psychological cat and mouse game between L and Light, One Punch Man gets your heart pumping with exhilarating superhero action, all while maintaining a clever and satirical edge. So if you enjoyed Death Note, you should definitely check out One Punch Man for an entertaining and light-hearted take on the superhero genre.

Re: Zero, Starting Life in Another World is reminiscent of Death Note in its captivating storytelling and thrilling plot twists. While Death Note follows the battle of wits between an intelligent high school student and a mysterious detective, Re: Zero takes us on a journey with Subaru Natsuki, who is transported to another world and faces the challenge of reliving the same day over and over again. Both series keep you on the edge of your seat, wondering what will happen next and how the main characters will navigate their perilous situations. Additionally, the voice acting and world building in Re: Zero are phenomenal, adding an extra layer of immersion for the viewers. If you enjoyed the mind games and suspense of Death Note, Re: Zero is a must-watch that will easily make its way into your top-five anime list.

B: The Beginning is reminiscent of Death Note in its captivating battle of wits and intriguing storyline. Both anime series revolve around intelligent protagonists, with Death Note featuring a high school student who goes on a secret crusade to eliminate criminals using a mysterious notebook, while B: The Beginning follows an ex-cop and a young detective as they try to solve a series of gruesome murders committed by a mysterious killer. Although Death Note focuses on the cat and mouse hunt between the main characters, B: The Beginning presents a thrilling mystery with a well-written plot and beautifully animated fight scenes. Overall, B: The Beginning is a must-watch for fans of Death Note who enjoy engaging mysteries and a captivating atmosphere.

Digimon Adventure 02 is reminiscent of Death Note because both are animated series that captivate viewers with their intriguing storylines. While Death Note focuses on an intelligent high school student's secret crusade to eliminate criminals after discovering a notebook capable of killing, Digimon Adventure 02 introduces a new evil force, the Digimon Kaizer, who takes control of the digimon using his Black Digivice and Evil Rings. Both series feature battles of wits and elements of mystery, keeping the audience engaged throughout. However, Digimon Adventure 02 brings a different flavor with its action-packed adventures and a new line of DigiDestined that emerge to combat the Kaizer's evil schemes. So, if you enjoyed Death Note's battle of wits and thrilling plot, Digimon Adventure 02 offers a fresh and exciting take on the animated series genre that will leave you wanting more.

Colorful, released in 2010, is reminiscent of Death Note. While the two movies belong to different genres, they both explore dark and thought-provoking themes. Colorful tells the story of a sinful spirit given a chance at redemption by inhabiting the body of a student who committed suicide. Similarly, Death Note follows an intelligent high school student on a secret mission to eliminate criminals using a notebook that has the power to kill. Both movies delve into the complexity of the human psyche, pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms. However, while Death Note is known for its battle of wits and cat-and-mouse chase, Colorful takes a more introspective approach, focusing on personal growth and the appreciation of life. The animation in Colorful is visually stunning, with vibrant colors and captivating locations, while Death Note captivates with its gripping storyline and exceptional character development.

Ghost in the Shell is reminiscent of Death Note in many ways. Both movies are Japanese animations that delve into complex themes and feature intricate plots. While Death Note explores the battle of wits between a high school student and a detective over a powerful notebook, Ghost in the Shell follows a cyborg policewoman and her partner as they hunt down a mysterious hacker. Both movies are set in a futuristic world and touch on topics such as cyberpunk, mind control, and the blurred lines between human and machine. However, Ghost in the Shell sets itself apart with its stunning attention to graphic details, creating remarkably realistic animation. The movie also boasts an outstanding musical score, although it may not accompany all scenes, particularly the action sequences. If you enjoyed Death Note's gripping storyline and thought-provoking themes, Ghost in the Shell is definitely worth a watch for its visually stunning animation and complex plot.

Ghost in the Shell SAC_2045 is reminiscent of Death Note in its captivating storyline and compelling characters. Just like Death Note, Ghost in the Shell SAC_2045 is a series that keeps you on the edge of your seat with its battle of wits and complex plot. While Death Note revolves around a high school student's secret crusade to eliminate criminals using a powerful notebook, Ghost in the Shell SAC_2045 follows the former members of Japan's elite Section 9 as they face the sudden appearance of a highly intelligent and physically capable being called "Post-Human." Both series delve into themes of mystery and thriller, exploring the darker sides of humanity and the consequences of playing god. However, Ghost in the Shell SAC_2045 takes it a step further by incorporating elements of cyberpunk and a futuristic world, making it an exhilarating watch for fans of the genre.

"Bubble" is reminiscent of "Death Note" in its use of animation to tell a captivating story. While "Death Note" captivated audiences with its battle of wits and secret identity theme, "Bubble" takes a different approach by immersing viewers in a post-apocalyptic world where Tokyo has become a playground for young people who have lost their families. The stunning visual effects in "Bubble" are guaranteed to captivate audiences, just like "Death Note" did with its phenomenal anime adaptation. Both movies showcase the power of animation to bring unique and imaginative stories to life. However, while "Death Note" focuses on crime, drama, and mystery, "Bubble" combines action, adventure, romance, and fantasy to create a truly mesmerizing experience. So, if you enjoyed the breathtaking storytelling of "Death Note" and want to be transported to a visually stunning post-apocalyptic world, "Bubble" is definitely a movie you should watch.

Urusei Yatsura is a series that will surely remind you of Death Note, but with a twist of comedy and romance. While Death Note captivated us with its battle of wits and intense storyline, Urusei Yatsura takes a lighter approach with its misfortune-cursed protagonist and his alien wife. Just like Light, Ataru finds himself entangled in a game that will determine the fate of the world. However, instead of a notebook, he must catch Princess Lum by the horns in a game of tag. The reboot showcases a stunning blend of the original 80's art style and a more modern aesthetic, introducing all the manga characters in record time. Although the violence may be slightly toned down, the humor still shines through, leaving us in stitches.

Bungo Stray Dogs, like Death Note, is a captivating series that will keep you hooked from start to finish. While Death Note revolves around a battle of wits between a high school student and a detective, Bungo Stray Dogs focuses on a group of detectives with supernatural powers who handle dangerous cases. Both series dive into the world of crime and mystery, exploring complex plotlines that will keep you on the edge of your seat. However, Bungo Stray Dogs adds a touch of comedy and a dash of fantasy to the mix, making it a perfect blend of genres. The characters in Bungo Stray Dogs, especially Dazai, exhibit two distinct personalities - a serious side and a funny, cute side. This adds depth to the characters and keeps the audience engaged. With its addictive storyline, supernatural powers, and a perfect balance between crime and comedy, Bungo Stray Dogs is a must-watch for anyone who enjoyed Death Note.