Death Note is among the most popular anime of all time, and for good reason. After all, it has a lot going for it: a well-defined magic system, a tense atmosphere meant to agitate and unsettle audiences, a battle between good and evil to decide what truly constitutes justice, and a cast of characters that is fully formed and likeable. It accomplish all that while being a Weekly Shōnen Jump manga. It's possible for Jump series to have all these cerebral story elements, but it can be difficult to focus on them while keeping the series entertaining to the target audience of boys in elementary and junior high school. Fortunately, Death Note has a compelling narrative that makes it entertaining and engaging for all ages.
Another great thing about Death Note's story is the psychological aspect. Besides the well-developed characters, the series features intense battles of the minds rather than fists. As Light Yagami tries to become the god of the new world he's creating as Kira, he also has to prevent police officers and detectives from stopping him. The resulting mind games and strategies really force the reader to think about Light's dilemmas and possible solutions to his problems. The resulting thrills of this series seem unlike anything else, but there are places to find them. Here are some psychological thrillers to give anime fans the same excitement they get out of Death Note.
The Promised Neverland (2019)
The Promised Neverland is good for anyone who likes the mind game aspect of Death Note. The series follows the lives of the extraordinarily intelligent orphans of the Grace Field House. Despite how well-cared for they are they will inevitably be shipped out to brain-eating demons. When Emma, Norman and Ray find out about this horrible fate, they make plans to escape the orphanage with the rest of the kids. Doing so will require strategy and cleverness.
There are a lot of obstacles standing in the way of the Grace Field children's freedom. The most prevalent one is their caretaker, Isabella. As the one who taught all the Grace Field children, she knows how to stay one step ahead of them and cut them off at every turn. The battle of wits and the resulting deception and suspense of TPN are all often likened to that found in Death Note.
Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor (2007)
This is another anime that's good for people who like the tense battles of wits in Death Note. Saddled with insurmountable debt, Itō Kaiji's only chance to get the money he needs is through high-stakes gambles. He takes part in several gambling games hosted by rich snobs who want to see poor people suffer for money. In order to come out victorious, Kaiji must use his wit and strategy to outplay his devilish opponents.
Kaiji is a roller coaster of emotions. The setbacks in Kaiji's gambles are severe and heartbreaking. Conversely, any victories, no matter how small, feel like a big step forward. The unpredictable shifts in mood are what make the series so thrilling.
Fans of Death Note should like the mind games of Kaiji. Light's efforts to stop people from unveiling him as Kira could be either cool or desperate. Both series make characters and audiences work on problem-solving.
Paranoia Agent (2004)
Paranoia Agent offers a chilling interpretation of modern society. This anthology series follows the lives of people who are burdened with all different kinds of real-world problems and the stresses associated with them; pressing deadlines; crippling debt; middle management. The people afflicted with these systematic pressures all seek an escape. Ultimately, their release comes in the form of being struck by a mysterious boy with roller blades and a dented bat known as Lil' Slugger.
The mass hysteria of Paranoia Agent is what makes it similar to Death Note. In the latter series, people around the world react differently to the inexplicable mass murders of the mysterious figure known as Kira; some worship them as a god; others go online and theorize about their identity. In both works, the spread of an unusual phenomenon riles up people from all walks of life and triggers all different types of reactions and responses.
Serial Experiments Lain (1998)
Serial Experiments Lain is always a good pick when looking for psychological anime. The series centers around Lain Iwakura as she uncovers the truth about her apparently-dead classmate sending out emails. Her investigation takes her deep into the virtual world of the Wired. The further she progresses, the more her room and her life get assimilated by her computers. Eventually, the line between the virtual and the real worlds becomes blurred until it’s impossible to distinguish them.
The series tackles themes of existentialism in a way that’s both captivating and unsettling. Also, for a series that came out in 1998, its message on society’s progressive reliance on technology has managed to hold up surprisingly well.
Fans of Death Note will like SEL for its eerie tone and mystery element. They also both represent Japanese culture well despite their fantastical premises. Both these series will astound audiences while making them think.
Monster (2004)
Monster doesn't have any fantastical story elements, but it's definitely one of the more psychological series out there. Early on in the story, brain surgeon Dr. Kenzo Tenma is given a choice; save a mayor's life or save young Johan Liebert's life. Tenma chooses the boy, but that boy turns out to be one of the most malicious, nihilistic villains in all of anime. Thus, Tenma takes it upon himself to find and stop Johan.
As evil as Johan is, the show is actually called Monster because it's about the human condition. It explores the potential for evil within all humans and what brings it about. This exploration will make viewers believe Kira was right to target the wicked.
Besides mass murderers, Monster shares a lot of aspects with Death Note. It has tension, drama, action and brilliant characterization. It's a perfect match for anyone who enjoys more real horrors.
