I’m sure, you remember how iconic Death Parade is, who knew there could be up to 20 anime out there that are very similar to it?

Let’s get on the list of top 20 anime that are like Death Parade without much ado.

20. Pet Shop of Horrors

• Status: Finished Airing
• Episodes: 4
• Type: TV Series

Storyline:

It features Count D, a Chinatown pet store owner who offers rare and hard-to-find critters. If the contract requirements are obeyed, everything is OK, but if someone breaches them, the pet store is not accountable. And also, Leon Orcot, a homicide detective, linked many mysterious killings to Count D’s pet business.

Both tales (Death Parade and Pet Shop of Horrors) concern a shadowy figure who, via unconventional means, elucidates the hidden identities of the people that frequent his establishment (Pet Shop of Horrors has animals; Death Parade has games). Both shows are incredibly in-depth, psychological, episodic anime about philosophy and morality.

Similarities With Death Parade:

• Produced by MadHouse
• Supernatural
• Psychological

19. Kuroshitsuji (Black Butler)

• Status: Finished Airing
• Episodes: 43
• Type: TV Series

Storyline:

Ciel Phantomhive often referred to as the Queen’s Guard Dog, is tasked with protecting the Queen from the numerous disturbing occurrences that plague Victorian England. To get the task done, Ciel will resort to whatever means required, even employing the help of his faithful butler, Sebastian Michaelis, who possesses superhuman skills. However, there’s more to this mysterious butler than meets the eye.

In one of his lowest points, Ciel made a deal with the demon Sebastian, trading his soul for the opportunity to exact revenge on those who had wronged him. This tragedy has haunted him ever since. Sebastian is now not just a fantastic butler but also an ideal servant who can be counted on to do his master’s bidding while secretly drooling at the prospect of feasting Ciel’s soul.

An unbreakable relationship is formed between the two as they work together to discover what is causing Ciel’s string of catastrophes.

Both anime depict psychological theories on people, and they share a visual style and a common topic involving the judgment of life and death.

Similarities With Death Parade:

• Action
• Mystery
• Supernatural

18. xxxHOLiC

• Status: Finished Airing
• Episodes: 24
• Type: TV Series

Storyline:

Seeing ghosts and other supernatural beings is an ability that Kimihiro Watanuki finds incredibly irritating. While haunted by ghosts on his walk home one day, he is driven to investigate a peculiar house he passes.

He meets Yuuko, a mystery woman who, for a price, promises to cure him of his ability to perceive and attract the bothersome creatures. She compels him to work at her shop that grants people’s desires, and from there, Watanuki’s fantastical journey starts.

The story of xxxHolic revolves around a store that grants wishes and is owned by the mysterious and knowledgeable Yuuko and Watanuki, her apprentice. When the customer requests, they are expected to provide something of comparable value in exchange for the service. When two persons pass away at the exact moment in Death Parade, the game sends them to the court to decide their fate.

Similarities With Death Parade:

• Drama
• Supernatural
• Psychological

17. Haibane Renmei

• Status: Finished Airing
• Episodes: 13
• Type: TV Series

Storyline:

This anime tells the story of a winged human (Haibane) called Rakka. Restricted by the laws against her kind in Old Home, Rakka also had to live with the constant fear of persecution against her kind. Haibane Renmei tells Rakka’s story and the tales of others around her as they try to live without recollection of the past and seek peace.

Haibane Renmei and Death Parade are distinctive; both discuss the afterlife and purgatory after a person has passed away. Asides from that, both have an ominous and somber atmosphere, but while Death Parade is the more humorous of the two, Haibane Renmei leans more toward the negative side of things. And they’re both packed with material and sorrowful moments despite their short lengths.

Similarities With Death Parade:

• Drama
• Mystery
• Psychological

16. Parasyte: The Maxim

• Status: Finished Airing
• Episodes: 24
• Type: TV Series

Storyline:

How else could creation be modified in a more gory and thrilling story? Imagine living with a parasite in your right hand, as it could not take over your brain and entire self. And you then have to help this parasite survive persecution from other hostile parasites who seek its species’ extinction.

The show is about a high school student, Shinichi Izumi, getting infested with a parasite (later named Migi) and their struggles living together and saving the world from other the parasites.

Parasyte and Death Parade share a common theme of striving to put oneself in another’s shoes (while Death Parade talks about arbiters and humans, Parasyte talks about humans and parasites). The two shows’ visual design, animation, and audio design are all top-notch.

Similarities With Death Parade:

• Action
• Horror
• Psychological

15. Mushishi

• Status: Finished Airing
• Episodes: 26
• Type: TV Series

Storyline:

Whereas Biology teaches that cells are the most basic of all life, this anime talks about Mushi being the most basic of all life forms. And it tells the tale of Ginko (a Mushishi – people who study Mushi and try to understand everything about them) travails as he journeys to uncover Mushi’s true nature and position in life.

Death Parade’s cadence is somewhat reminiscent of that of Mushishi. Every episode introduces fresh faces that won’t stick around for long. The mushishi episodes’ final moments provide peace, whereas the Death Parade’s are more dramatic. Decim even resembles Ginko in looks.

Similarities With Death Parade:

• Mystery
• Supernatural

14. Devilman: Crybaby

• Status: Finished Airing
• Episodes: 10
• Type: ONA

Storyline:

It’s no news that demons often possess humans. Still, according to this anime, there are certain cases where the possessed individual is of a firm will, thereby subduing the demon and absorbing its power. An accident makes Akira merge with the demon Amon and become a Devilman. And together, the duo starts taking down nasty demons that cause harm to humanity.

Both anime talk about morality, and in any case, the impact scenes are spectacular. Compared to Devilman, Death Parade is a breeze. Death Parade exploits death’s playful manipulation of our emotions to make us feel horrible, whereas Devilman: Crybaby resorts to graphic violence and morbid imagery.

Similarities With Death Parade:

• Action
• Supernatural

13. Link Click

• Status: Finished Airing
• Episodes: 11
• Type: ONA

Storyline:

The synopsis might prove a bit hard to understand without actually seeing this anime. But in simpler terms, all it talks about is two guys: Lu Guang and Cheng Xiaoshi. They have powers that allow them to go into pictures and see events surrounding that picture.

But concerning Death Parade, the notable characters sit on the sidelines and watch. In contrast, others’ tales unfold, evoking strong feelings in the audience. While the environment is very different, both shows deliver the same type of heartfelt drama.

While Death Parade is about passing judgment on those experiences and individuals, Link Click is about putting yourself in their shoes. Both are tragic thrillers; thus, they share that quality.

Similarities With Death Parade:

• Based on an original story
• Drama
• Supernatural

12. Angels of Death

• Status: Finished Airing
• Episodes: 16
• Type: TV Series

Storyline:

Ray is unlike other girls who would worry if they woke up at the house of a serial murderer. As her primary goal in life is to find a peaceful death, her encounter with Zack, a professional murderer, couldn’t have come at a better time.

Moving forward, they’re introduced to increasingly twisted characters, all of whom appear to know Rachel. To what end was she put there, and what is her relationship to this place? Can Zack and Rachel succeed despite having a different boss on each floor?

Similarities With Death Parade:

• Horror
• Suspense
• Psychological

11. Gyakkyou Burai Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor

• Status: Finished Airing
• Episodes: 26
• Type: TV Series

Storyline:

Seeming more like Squid Game, this anime tells the story of Kaiji, whose coworker got into a huge debt he couldn’t possibly pay. And given the option of boarding a ship where he’d have to gamble to pay off the debt, Kaiji’s life is riddled with many games, gambles, and unpredictable allies.

The games in these thriller shows are devious. Most of the decisions in Kaiji are strategic and require intelligence, such as when deciding how to pay down Kaiji’s debts or whether or not to eat; in Death Parade, however, the stakes are much higher.

That all of this is possible indicates a strong psychological foundation. Add in Madhouse’s masterfully crafted air of foreboding as well.

Similarities With Death Parade:

• High Stakes Game
• Produced by MadHouse
• Psychological

10. Shigofumi: Letters From The Departed

• Status: Finished Airing
• Episodes: 12
• Type: TV Series

Storyline:

Strictly comparing both anime, both begin as apparently episodic but then go deeper into more individual anecdotes as they play with the concept of death. Your feelings towards the central character(s) determine how much you love the show. Still, even if they aren’t your cup of tea, you’ll find plenty of other people to root for in a few episodes. Both shows’ pace isn’t consistently rapid but varies between slower and faster passages.

Similarities With Death Parade:

• Drama
• Supernatural
• Psychological
• Anime Only Adaptation (Not based off a Manga)

9. Danganronpa: Kibou no Gakuen to Zetsubou no Koukousei: The Animation

• Status: Finished Airing
• Episodes: 13
• Type: TV Series

Storyline:

Unlike how Death Parade discusses the existence of the afterlife, this anime tells the story of an ordinary teenager, Makoto Naegi. Naegi had just gotten admission into an elite secondary school beyond his wildest dreams, but there was more to come. Right upon resumption, he and other students find out they’re trapped in the school and can only get out whenever each student secretly murders another student.

As the protagonists in both stories discover that it is a game in which their lives are at risk, they go through the same range of mental and emotional experiences. From believing to skepticism, from putting the needs of others ahead of your own, and finally landing back on fear-based paranoia.

Similarities With Death Parade:

• Mystery
• High Stakes Game
• Psychological

8. Bartender

• Status: Finished Airing
• Episodes: 11
• Type: TV Series

Storyline:

Eden Hall is a lone bar in Ginza run by Ryuu Sasakura, a genius bartender who mixes fantastic drinks. Eden Hall must find you, not vice versa. This tavern attracts customers from diverse origins with their problems. Ryuu knows the perfect combination to comfort and lead each troubled soul.

Both give the audience something similar to online counseling sessions, albeit one featuring many exciting moments and the other focusing more on everyday life. Both have the most individual episodes that may be seen as whole storylines, and the individual episodes are some of the greatest in all anime.

Similarities With Death Parade:

• Drama

7. Violet Evergarden

• Status: Finished Airing
• Episodes: 13
• Type: TV Series

Storyline:

This anime tells the story of a young lady whose journey of self-discovery is spurred on by executing her duties as an Auto Memory Doll, after a tragic accident that left her maimed and hospitalized. Left to transcribe people’s feelings and thoughts into words, Violet Evergarden goes on an adventure ride that helps her get closer to the truth she’d always sought.

In both anime (Death Parade and Violet Evergarden), the protagonists are quiet, polished, and almost ephemeral individuals who figure out how to sympathize with human emotion throughout the story properly. You won’t get the same warm slice-of-life vibe from Death Parade because it’s a comedy/horror/fantasy. Still, you will get the same sense of fulfillment from the character development and the way the story unfolds.

Similarities With Death Parade:

• Drama
• Fantasy

6. Kakegurui

Status: Finished Airing
Episodes: 24
Type: TV Series

Storyline:

Anime has been noted for always doting on certain schools where only children of the elite attend, and Hyakkaou Private Academy is no exception. While to the outside world, during the day, it is like a regular school, with normal academic activities, but at night, it becomes a gambling pit. Hierarchy amongst students is a measure of how rich they’ve gotten from gambling.

In the midst of all this, a transfer student who seems innocent and lovely, Yumeko Jabami, is eager to test herself against Hyakkaou’s rigorous coursework. Her borderline-insane approach to gambling could simply bring too many fresh cards to the table since she does not play to win but rather for the excitement of the gamble.

Similarities With Death Parade:

• Drama
• Mystery
• High Stakes Game
• Psychological

5. No Game, No Life

• Status: Finished Airing
• Episodes: 12
• Type: TV Series

Storyline:

Despite their vastly contrasting tones, the characters’ lives are affected by their activity in games.

The anime focuses on the Blank twins, Shiro and Sora: sister and brother, two NEETs on Earth, but confident conquerors on a new absurdist planet, whose desires and achievements leave their opponents both bewildered and impressed.

After encountering Stephanie Dola, and because of the girl’s drive and determination, Sora and Shiro have decided to help her restore Elkia in the hopes of one-day taking control of the mysterious land for themselves.

Similarities With Death Parade:

• Produced by MadHouse
• Strategy Game

4. Psycho-Pass

• Status: Finished Airing
• Episodes: 22
• Type: TV Series

Storyline:

It’s no wonder that Death Parade brings to mind Psycho-Pass; the two anime have a striking similarity in their underlying morals and message. Both of these anime raise similar questions on the nature and boundaries of good and evil. In both shows, the protagonists challenge the authority that makes such judgments. Yet, their ultimate courses of action couldn’t be more unlike.

Death Parade and Psycho-Pass are excellent psychological thrillers because they have stunning visuals that leave the audience wondering, what just happened?. The likelihood of enjoying the second increases if you liked the first.

Similarities With Death Parade:

• Psychological
• Suspense
• Anime Only Adaptation (Not based off a Manga)

3. Hell Girl

• Status: Finished Airing
• Episodes: 78
• Type: TV Series

Storyline:

The plot of Jigoku Shoujo revolves around contracts that can’t be broken, leaving everyone (good and bad alike) at risk the moment they’re signed. The suspenseful situations in between the characters’ conversations draw you in. A person may be driven to treason by the depths of rivalry and commercial competition.

Resisting temptation when it presents itself is difficult, especially if giving in to it would provide relief from pain. Selected individuals have nothing but hell ahead of them, which is a depressing way to go out of life.

Similarities With Death Parade:

• Psychological
• Supernatural
• Mystery
• Anime Only Adaptation (Not based off a Manga)

2. Angel Beats!

• Status: Finished Airing
• Episodes: 13
• Type: TV Series

Storyline:

Since the beginning of time, death has been one of many puzzles that have left people guessing. Teenager Yuzuru Otonashi, 17, finally gets an answer to his pressing issue about the soul’s fate after physical death. He has no recollection of his past life and finds himself in a realm between life and death, where he learns disturbing facts about the afterlife.

This strange world, which takes the shape of a high school, is meant to protect the souls of individuals who have died unceremoniously. Many students at this high school feel God has wronged them in this life, so they have banded together to join the Afterlife Battlefront and fight against the divine Kanade Angel Tachibana, president of the student council.

Yuri Nakamura, the organization’s leader, enlists Otonashi to aid in the rebellion against Angel so the gang members can reclaim their freedom. However, Otonashi goes beyond enemy lines to see things from the other side while doubting the ethics of their actions.

Similarities With Death Parade:

• Drama
• Supernatural
• Anime Only Adaptation (Not based off a Manga)

1. Death Note

• Status: Finished Airing
• Episodes: 37
• Type: TV Series

Storyline:

This anime talks about the twisted and suspense-filled story of adventure, justice, murder, betrayal, etc., especially between L and Light Yagami, who came in possession of a powerful death note which belongs to Ryuk, a Shinigami. The show is known for its spectacular show of brilliance between L and Light, as the two engage in a battle of wits that would end the life of either of them.

These two shows are so riveting that you won’t be able to look away after the first episode. They both have excellent exploration of morality and the passing of judgment as a central issue. Because of humans’ weird and wonderful nature, you’ll find yourself thinking both.

Similarities With Death Parade:

• Supernatural
• Suspense
• Psychological
• Produced by MadHouse

Let us know if you’ve got any comments or opinions regarding this list!

Sayōnara, soshite shukufuku sa reta mama de…(bye-bye, and stay blessed).