Top 10 Anime Recommendations for Fans of Banana Fish

Since its release in 2018, Banana Fish has been praised as a contemporary anime masterpiece thanks to its unforgettable characters, raw depiction of organized crime, and powerful exploration of trauma and loyalty. Taking place in New York City, the series centers around Ash Lynx, a street gang leader who delves into the dark world of the mysterious drug ‘Banana Fish’ while facing off against dangerous foes in the criminal underworld.

Those who follow the series have grown to adore its intricate but imperfect main character, the significant connections he forges with his loyal companions, and the perilous quests he undertakes to expose corrupt schemes.

If you found those elements enjoyable and are searching for more intricate and exciting anime dramas to delve into, this list offers a variety of series that embody the essence of Banana Fish.

Note: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and are not listed in any specific order.

Recommended Anime Similar to Banana Fish

Psycho-Pass

In Japan’s dystopian future, the world of Psycho-Pass delves into a totalitarian society where citizens’ mental states are regularly scanned in order to identify their potential criminal behavior. Known as “cymatic scans”or “Psycho-Passes”, individuals’ physical and cognitive data are continuously tracked by the all-seeing Sibyl System.

Individuals with fluctuating readings are subject to examination and intervention by detectives and Enforcers of the Public Safety Bureau. The show chronicles the journey of police inspector Akane Tsunemori as she upholds justice within the organized system, utilizing cymatic scans to track down dangerous offenders and uncovering sinister secrets within the technocratic society.

For those who appreciated Banana Fish’s portrayal of a dystopian society mirroring real-life exploitation, deceit, and the struggle for righteousness, Psycho-Pass presents a captivating cyberpunk drama that delves into similar thought-provoking concepts.

Durarara!!

Nestled in the bustling and treacherous streets of Ikebukuro, Durarara!! delves into the realms of adolescent gangs and enigmatic urban myths. The central figures, Mikado, Anri, and Masaomi, find themselves entangled in the city’s intensifying turmoil as rival groups clash for control.

Durarara!! boasts a sprawling cast of captivating individuals from the criminal underworld, mirroring the gritty urban atmosphere of Banana Fish and featuring characters with the same level of depth as Ash and Eiji’s complex bond.

3) Anime Series: 91 Days

91 Days offers a riveting prohibition-era revenge story just as brutal as anything in Banana Fish.

Following the murder of his family during a raid, young Angelo narrowly manages to escape. Seven years later, he reappears under the assumed name Avilio Bruno, with a hidden agenda: to systematically eliminate all those responsible within the span of 91 days.

Experience the gripping narrative of revenge as it plunges you into the ruthless realm of the mafia in the time of prohibition. With stunning visuals and a compelling plot, it evokes the same impact as the acclaimed series Banana Fish.

4) Gangsta Music

In the city of Ergastulum, known for its crime and corruption, the anime Gangsta. revolves around the lives of two highly skilled mercenaries, Worick and Nicolas. They earn their livelihood by taking on perilous tasks from the mafia and corrupt law enforcement, all while navigating the existence of ‘Twilights’ – individuals with unique abilities.

Gangsta. offers a gripping, mature crime story that will appeal to Banana Fish fans. It follows two hardened criminals embroiled with the city’s most dangerous elements as they struggle to survive. Featuring seedy locations, intense action, and a prominent organized crime storyline, the series delivers a visceral experience that rivals the journey of Ash Lynx.

Rainbow

As a must-watch, Rainbow shares a similar emotional weight to Banana Fish, with its focus on violence, brotherly bonds, and perseverance.

Taking place in 1955, the film follows the journey of six delinquent teenagers who are incarcerated and must learn to collaborate and turn their lives around under the guidance of their mentor, Sakuragi Rokurouta.

Just like the growth and relationships between Ash and his allies, the development of this ragtag group over time is genuine and meaningful. As they navigate the challenges and dangers of life in a high-security prison, their wills are pushed to the limit.

Moriarty The Patriot

Taking place in Victorian London, Moriarty The Patriot delves into the backstory of William James Moriarty, the infamous nemesis of Sherlock Holmes. Having personally experienced the brutality and injustice of society as a child, William and his adopted siblings are determined to dismantle the oppressive class structure and ruling elite that perpetuates the suffering of the underprivileged.

William is a shrewd and determined protagonist whose goal is to defeat influential and corrupt leaders and organizations by using his cleverness. Both series are filled with thrilling suspense and well-crafted strategies to dismantle powerful villains and systems.

Both Moriarty the Patriot and Banana Fish share similar themes and tone, with a clever and compassionate protagonist standing up against corrupt figures of authority.

Joker Game

During the time of World War II, the story focuses on the activities of the “D Agency,”a prestigious espionage team carrying out covert missions throughout Asia.

Sakuma, the protagonist and a Japanese spy, must collaborate with the mysterious D Agency spies, forcing him to confront his own beliefs about loyalty and ethics. Those who enjoyed Banana Fish will find the mature style and examination of international conflicts to be similarly compelling.

Black Lagoon

If you are in search of a gritty anime that is filled with intense shootouts and action scenes similar to the most thrilling moments in Banana Fish, then Black Lagoon is the perfect cinematic action series for you.

This exciting adventure follows the exploits of the Lagoon Company, a band of mercenaries, smugglers, and pirates, and their newest member Rokuro “Rock”Okajima. Through intense gun-fu battles, the story delves into complex themes of corruption, cynicism, and morality.

Black Lagoon’s diverse and lively group of characters and thrilling adventures through the turbulent waters of Southeast Asia are guaranteed to capture the hearts of Banana Fish enthusiasts.

Great Pretender

Despite considering himself as Japan’s top con artist, Edamura Makoto’s confidence is challenged when he is pulled into the world of international confidence schemes by the true experts, Laurent and his crew. Just like the visually stunning Banana Fish, Great Pretender boasts clever schemes, witty dialogue, and stunning backdrops, all beautifully animated.

Despite not involving life-or-death fights in the streets of New York, the focus here is on exorbitant profits and dangerous encounters with criminal leaders across the globe. However, the bonds between Laurent and his team are just as essential to the show as the strong brotherhood between Ash and Shorter.

Despite its portrayal of slick cars, exotic locales, and clever scams, Great Pretender ultimately contains a genuine and honest core that rivals that of any other popular anime.

Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom

The plot of Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom revolves around a young man who loses his memory after witnessing a murder. He is then groomed to become a highly skilled assassin, working alongside the ruthless killer known as Ein.

Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom shares many similarities with Banana Fish, as both narratives center around the world of organized crime and the dangerous lives of assassins.

The story follows a protagonist with a darker persona, who possesses deadly skills and delves into the criminal underworld in search of answers about his past. The intricate dynamics between assassins reflect the close-knit connections seen within Ash’s gang.

Conclusion

For those who resonated with the harrowing past and intricate development of Ash Lynx, as well as the unforgettable relationships he builds in Banana Fish, the anime series featured in this list offers a continuation of the intense and emotionally resonant journeys to enjoy.

These shows revolve around embarking on bold missions to seek revenge against malevolent entities, all within immersive and perilous environments brimming with mystery. These settings can range from feudal Japan in the past to futuristic cyberpunk settings or even modern urban areas.

If you enjoyed Banana Fish, be sure to check out these remarkable anime series for their haunting narratives about the unbreakable bonds formed in challenging circumstances and the extreme measures individuals take to safeguard their loved ones.

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