So, you’ve just finished watching the mind-blowing masterpiece that is Deadman Wonderland. And now you’re craving more of that thrilling goodness, right? We totally get it!
But fear not; we’ve got your back with a list of the top 10 anime like Deadman Wonderland. Each one of these anime has its own unique vibe while still giving you that DW feeling. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
10. Danganronpa: The Animation (2013)
A prestigious academy filled with genius students is unexpectedly trapped by a wicked bear named Monokuma. To graduate, they must play a deadly game of murder, where getting caught is a nightmare. Our hero, Makoto Naegi, must team up with his classmates. And unravel the secrets of the school and Monokuma, all while staying alive.
It’s a rollercoaster of mystery, suspense, and survival. In both anime, we have students facing intense games that test their skills. However, Danganronpa is not all about gruesome killings like in DW; instead, it’s focused on escaping the dire situation.
9. Rainbow: Nisha Rokubou no Shichinin (2010)
Mario is a young man unjustly convicted for a heroic act. He finds himself in a special reform school. There are also other troubled youths, all crammed into one cell. But their lives take an unexpected turn when they befriend Rokurouta Sakuragi.
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Rainbow is a wild journey as these youngsters face humiliation, brutality, and the mystery of what lies beyond freedom. In DW and Rainbow, a group of unfortunate souls endures unimaginable abuse. Both shows highlight the power of friendship. Rainbow steals the show with its storytelling and characters, while Deadman Wonderland has its own unique charm.
8. Sword Art Online (2012)
Sword Art Online takes you on a thrilling ride with Kirito. A boy caught up in an extraordinary gaming experience. He gets chosen to beta test an MMO game, only to discover that the game’s creator has turned it into a treacherous trap.
Alongside other players, Kirito must conquer 100 challenging levels to escape back to reality. Will he make it out alive? Both anime share a gripping theme: fight for survival or face death. Both shows present a messed-up society where our heroes are trapped against their will. So, if you’re looking for anime like Deadman Wonderland, SAO should be on your watchlist.
7. Guilty Crown (2011-2012)
This anime throws you right into the thick of it as a regular high schooler gets sucked into a full-blown war. He got this insane power to help him unravel mind-blowing secrets about GHQ, a military group trying to restore order. But the truth he uncovers will cost him more than he bargained for.
Both series take place in post-apocalyptic Tokyo, and the MCs get mind-bending powers. Stories revolve around their connection with female characters from their forgotten past. Intriguing, right?
6. Gantz (2004)
Imagine you’re minding your own business when BAM! Out of nowhere, you find yourself face-to-face with a creepy black sphere called Gantz. And here’s the kicker: You’re already dead!
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Gantz gives you a shot at coming back to life, but there’s a catch. You’ve got to go on some messed up missions, hunting down aliens disguised as regular folks.
In both series, the MCs are stuck in a crazy world. They either fight like there’s no tomorrow or face total doom. Both heroes are pushed to their limits and fight tooth and nail just to stay alive. While Gantz is a bit more graphic, it still shares some similarities with DW.
5. Attack On Titan (2013 – 2023)
In the thrilling world of Attack on Titan, we meet Eren Yaeger, seeking vengeance against the horrifying Titans. These Titans have wreaked havoc upon Eren’s homeland, and he’s not about to let them get away with it!
With his childhood buddies and the badass Titan-slaying squad (Survey Corps), Eren sets out on an epic journey to kick some Titan’s butt. AOT is an anime like Deadman Wonderland that doesn’t hold back on the violence and gore. Revenge takes center stage as the characters push their limits. Get ready to join the fight against the Titans in this must-watch anime.
4. Btooom! (2012)
The story follows Ryota Sakamoto, a regular guy who finds himself stranded on a mysterious island. And he soon realizes that he’s trapped in a real-life version of his beloved video game, Btooom! Stranded on an island, he must fight for survival against other players. But here’s the twist: Ryota teams up with a fellow player who shares his moral code of “not killing.”
Together, they embark on a thrilling journey to escape the island. Like Deadman Wonderland, Btooom! had its anime adaptation cut short for unknown reasons. The story continues in the manga and attracts fans with its thrilling action, emotional moments, and memorable characters.
3. Elfen Lied (2004)
Lucy is a victim of cruel experiments who finally breaks free. But a head injury leaves her with a split personality: one innocent, the other deadly. As two college students protect her, the story unravels with government conspiracies and hidden truths.
Both shows deliver intense gore and violence and feature unique humans with special abilities, and the protagonists uncover forgotten pasts. In a world of death and destruction, they search for meaning. So, if you’re up for a wild and bloody ride, Elfen Lied is perfect for you.
2. Tokyo Ghoul (2014)
Our protagonist, Kaneki Ken, narrowly escapes a deadly encounter with the fierce Rize Kamishiro. But hold on tight because his journey is just starting. Waking up in the hospital, Kaneki realizes he’s become a half-ghoul. And now he is facing a whole new set of challenges. Join him as he ventures into his new life and the dangers that come with it.
Tokyo Ghoul and Deadman Wonderland share a common theme: survival at all costs. With jaw-dropping violence and gory action, Tokyo Ghoul is a must-watch for fans craving intense thrills.
1. The Future Diary (2011-2013)
Welcome to the world of Future Diary. Meet Yukiteru Amano, a diary writer with an imaginative twist. He chats with godlike beings, only to discover they are more than figments of his imagination.
He must compete in a battle royale against other diary holders to survive. Along the way, he meets Yuno Gasai, his mysterious lover, whose true feelings take a shocking turn.
This gripping series shares similarities with Deadman Wonderland. Both follow male protagonists fighting for their lives in deadly tournaments. Brace yourself for intense gore, violence, and dramatic clashes between the male and female leads.
Final Thoughts
Deadman Wonderland sure knows how to deliver those spine-chilling vibes, mixing horror with a tournament-style setup. It’s like the perfect fusion of shounen and horror genres. Hats off to Kataoka and Kondou for their genius.
We hope you found this list of anime like Deadman Wonderland. Feel free to drop a comment and let us know which of these shows is your favorite. Or if there are any other hidden gems we missed.
