Kaiju No. 8 has captivated numerous fans with its captivating plot of Kafka Hibino transforming into a gigantic kaiju, thrilling monster showdowns, and poignant emotional moments. For those who enjoy this anime adapted from a manga and are looking for similar shows that blend sci-fi and action with engaging storytelling, there are plenty of options to choose from!
These 10 anime delve into thought-provoking identity themes and feature well-developed monster protagonists and intense battles. Each of these shows also creates immersive worlds with high stakes, making them perfect for fans of Kaiju No. 8 looking for new and stimulating favorites.
This article is solely the writer’s opinion and does not follow any specific ranking.
10 Must-Watch Anime Series for Fans of Kaiju No. 8
Attack on Titan
Eren Yeager, the main character, utilizes enigmatic powers to combat enemies by transforming into a Titan.
Similar to Kafka in Kaiju No. 8, Eren also faces challenges in harnessing his Titan-shifting abilities while battling terrifying enemies. Along with epic fights, the show delves into intricate lore and political complexities surrounding the monstrous danger, unraveling captivating mysteries.
2) Anime Series: Blue Exorcist
Despite the fact that Rin Okumura happens to be the adolescent son of Satan, he rises to oppose demonic forces that threaten humanity. After discovering his own innate demonic abilities, Rin enrolls in order to hone and control them, in order to fight against supernatural evil.
The combination of supernatural elements and morally ambiguous characters make Blue Exorcist a captivating choice.
3) My Hero Academia
Despite being a part of the rare powerless minority in a world where superpowered “Quirks”are the norm, zealous protagonist Izuku Midoriya dreams of becoming a hero. After finally discovering his own abilities, he decides to enroll in U.A. High, a hero academy, in order to fulfill his dream of saving lives from supernatural villains.
The core themes of Kaiju No. 8, which depicts underdogs battling discrimination as they strive to harness newfound abilities and achieve selfless aspirations, are echoed in My Hero Academia. Additionally, both shows showcase exceptional fight sequences and promote camaraderie.
Gurren Lagann
“The popular mecha anime Gurren Lagann tells the story of Simon, a young digger, and his companion Kamina as they fight against the beastmen who oppress them with their powerful Gunmen robots. When they stumble upon a drill-shaped key that can unlock a giant Gunmen, they lead a historic rebellion against the beastmen’s tyranny.”
In a parallel to Kafka’s own battle against discrimination, Simon bears immense responsibility and wields overwhelming mechanical strength. The themes of resilience and enjoyable companionship make it a perfect choice for fans of Kaiju No. 8.
Dragon Ball Z
It is unnecessary to introduce this renowned shonen series, as Gohan’s quest to protect Earth from the antagonist Cell draws similarities to the Kaiju No. 8 universe. Gohan taps into his hidden abilities as a half-Saiyan, transforming into a formidable creature to match Cell’s strength, but facing challenges in controlling his unleashed power and instincts.
The incorporation of intense battle scenes and thought-provoking messages about the responsible use of power make Cell Saga Dragon Ball Z a reliable choice for viewers. And we cannot forget to mention the highly anticipated Super Saiyan transformation journey of the beloved protagonist, Goku.
Claymore
Within a dark fantasy realm, enigmatic warriors known as Claymores, who are half-human and half-Yoma hybrids, wield swords to vanquish demonic Yoma creatures that prey on human beings. The main character, Clare, grapples with harnessing her Yoma abilities while retaining her humanity.
Similar to Kafka’s metamorphosis, Clare struggles to find a middle ground between her immense monstrous power and upholding her values, individuality, and mental stability. Intense conflicts and complex personalities make this dark series a must-read for Kaiju No. 8 enthusiasts.
Tokyo Ghoul
Despite enduring an attack that transformed him into a deadly half-ghoul who feeds on humans, Ken Kaneki finds himself thrust into the secretive ghoul world, where he must fight to retain his humanity while being forced to consume flesh.
Just like Kaiju No. 8’s exploration of identity and its sympathetic monster protagonist, Kaneki also grapples with living in between two worlds and the constant threat of losing his humanity due to an insatiable hunger, similar to Kafka’s transformations that often defy rationality. With intense fights and thought-provoking moral dilemmas, Tokyo Ghoul is a deeply impactful and hauntingly relevant choice.
Parasyte
Despite the invasion of parasitic aliens on Earth, protagonist Shinichi Izumi manages to protect himself from having his brain harvested by trapping one of the aliens in his arm. This results in him being forced to coexist with the shapeshifting creature known as “Migi,”and together they face the ongoing threat of the Parasytes.
Just as Kafka formed a bond with his parasitic kaiju, Shinichi also grapples with the dilemma of preserving his humanity while merging with an inhuman being. This symbiotic relationship between the two drives a compelling exploration of identity.
Darling in the FranXX
In a bleak future controlled by psychic connections between men and women, the youth grapple with their identity and place in a repressive society. As catastrophic creatures emerge due to a plantation malfunction, squad leader Hiro discovers extraordinary abilities that could potentially change the course of events.
Similarly to Kafka’s journey in Kaiju No. 8, Hiro overcomes the dehumanizing effects of his mecha training system and taps into his inner strength to fight off imposing monsters.
10) Anime: Seraph of the End
Yūichirō Hyakuya becomes a part of the Japanese Imperial Demon Army to eradicate the vampiric danger and save the children who have been enslaved by vampires after a virus kills most adults in this supernatural action series. He is willing to transform into something inhuman in order to achieve this goal.
Similar to Kafka’s struggle to manage his metamorphosis, Yūichirō is faced with the challenge of adapting to the physical and psychological transformations that accompany his acquisition of power.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, Kaiju No. 8 effectively enthralls its audience with its profound examination of self and the essence of being human, presented through thrilling science fiction monster battles. Viewers drawn to these stimulating concepts will discover a plethora of engaging anime options within this series.
Whether you are seeking more human-monster partnerships, shape-shifting into beast forms, or heartfelt coming-of-age tales set against the backdrop of supernatural battles, these series offer captivating narratives that are sure to capture your interest. Don’t miss out on your next fix of supernatural action and emotionally impactful drama – check them out now!
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