Top 10 Anime Recommendations for Fans of Darker Than Black

Darker Than Black is a renowned anime celebrated for its dark storytelling, intricate antiheroes, and an appealing combination of sci-fi, mystery, and the supernatural. Featuring the morally complex protagonist Hei, its unique world-building with supernatural contractors, and an unpredictable narrative have attracted a dedicated fanbase among anime lovers.

If you enjoy the elements of Darker Than Black, including its conspiratorial themes and atmospheric action, there are numerous shows that offer a similar tone to satiate your thirst for more.

The following recommendations present other anime with dark philosophical themes, introspective leads, secretive worlds intertwined with reality, intense combat sequences, and captivating visual artistry. From cyberpunk thrillers to gritty urban fantasy, here are 10 top anime series that are worth watching if you appreciated Darker Than Black.

Psycho-Pass, Ergo Proxy, and 8 Best Anime for Fans of Darker Than Black

1. Psycho-Pass

Set in a dystopian future where a person’s propensity to commit crimes can be quantified, Psycho-Pass delves into thought-provoking themes about individual moral responsibility in relation to criminal inclinations versus actual actions.

This series follows rookie inspector Akane Tsunemori as she works in the Public Safety Bureau’s Criminal Investigation Division alongside veteran enforcer Shinya Kogami. It poses intriguing philosophical inquiries around crime, punishment, and the essence of true justice, making it a compelling choice.

Moreover, Kogami’s troubled past and motivations resonate with Hei’s complex characterization. With tense action and deeper discussions on justice, Psycho-Pass is an enticing recommendation.

2. Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex

Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (Image via Production I.G)

This sci-fi police thriller explores profound concepts related to technology, identity, and the limits of humanity. In a world teeming with cybernetic enhancements and AI, the elite anti-terrorist unit Public Security Section 9 investigates crimes linked to hackers and corruption involving these advancements.

Led by the dynamic Major Motoko Kusanagi, a full-body prosthetic grappling with her own self-identity, Section 9 unravels political conspiracies and technological enigmas, including the elusive mastermind known as The Laughing Man.

With stunning visuals that enhance its sleek futuristic setting and plenty of thrilling action, Ghost in the Shell examines themes of human identity and technology, putting it alongside Darker Than Black in exploring characters’ identities in evolving environments.

3. Ergo Proxy

Merging sci-fi, philosophical reflections, and Gothic visuals, Ergo Proxy crafts a foreboding future reminiscent of Darker Than Black‘s atmospheric style. Inside a colossal dome shielding citizens from the wasteland outside, investigator Re-l Mayer searches for malfunctioning infected robots.

As Re-l investigates, she uncovers a more sinister truth related to humanoid beings called “Proxies.”The unraveling of humanity’s fate and the character development throughout provide a gripping narrative.

Fans of Hei’s intricate journey will appreciate Ergo Proxy‘s unpredictable storytelling, stunning visual aesthetics, and its thought-provoking exploration of existence.

4. Tokyo Ghoul

Set in a dark urban fantasy realm, Tokyo Ghoul grapples with familiar genre fiction themes regarding morality, highlighting the conflict between humans and apparent monsters.

Main character Kaneki is thrust into the shadowy world of ghouls inhabiting modern Tokyo—creatures that are both deadly and capable of emotional depth.

As he confronts his lost humanity and newfound powers, fans of Darker Than Black will resonate with the series’ empathetic lead and its exploration of whether true nature or choices define what constitutes a monster.

5. Zankyou no Terror (Terror in Resonance)

Zankyou no Terror (Terror in Resonance) (Image via MAPPA)

The conspiracy thriller anime resonates with a tone, atmosphere, and focus on morally ambiguous characters akin to Darker Than Black. In contemporary Tokyo, two teenage boys, known as Nine and Twelve, instigate chaos through a series of terrorist acts.

Their actions are tied to a mysterious childhood project that augmented their intellect and capabilities. With its blend of grounded urban drama, high-stakes action, mystery, and crime, Zankyou no Terror is a fitting recommendation for Darker Than Black fans.

The protagonists navigate morally gray territories, mirroring Hei’s complex portrayal as a protagonist and assassin.

6. Code Geass

With its political intrigue, shadowy battles, and rebels concealing their true identities, Code Geass offers a wealth of engagement for those who enjoyed Darker Than Black‘s focus on secret organizations and power struggles.

Set in an alternate universe, the story follows exiled prince Lelouch vi Britannia, who gains the power of absolute obedience termed Geass. Leading a dual life as Zero, he orchestrates a rebellion against the Holy Empire of Britannia and his own father, leveraging his tactical brilliance and charm.

With its strategic plot twists, mecha action, and moral dilemmas, Code Geass is essential for any fan of Darker Than Black seeking similar themes of betrayal and empowerment.

7. Kekkai Sensen (Blood Blockade Battlefront)

Kekkai Sensen (Blood Blockade Battlefront) (Image via Bones)

While leaning toward humor, Kekkai Sensen‘s premise of a hidden society in a city teeming with monsters makes it an intriguing recommendation for fans of Darker Than Black.

Following a rift between Earth and the netherworld that opens a portal to New York, humans and supernatural entities forge an alliance under the secret organization Libra to maintain harmony.

Featuring captivating visuals that blend supernatural elements with a gritty urban environment, Blood Blockade Battlefront unfolds episodically. An outstanding cast of antiheroes, vampires, demons, psychics, and otherworldly warriors engage in battles and scheming behind the scenes.

8. B: The Beginning

B: The Beginning (Image via Production I.G)

This Netflix original anime offers a sleek, modern thriller centered around advanced technologies in a stylish sci-fi setting. When royal investigator Keith Flick uncovers a sinister murder linked to his past, he embarks on a quest involving missing scientists and the enigmatic figure known as “Killer B.”

The intriguing crime procedural framework and Keith’s relentless pursuit of truth surrounding these technologically enhanced serial killings make B: The Beginning a gritty and engaging watch. Fans of Darker Than Black‘s Hei will find Keith to be an equally compelling, complex protagonist to follow.

9. Paranoia Agent

Directed by the acclaimed Satoshi Kon, Paranoia Agent offers a unique and mysterious narrative. The psychological thriller begins with the assault of a timid character designer, unfolding into an investigation where everyone becomes a suspect in the shadowy attacks by a villain known as Lil’ Slugger.

As the assaults persist despite suspects being arrested, the series evolves into an unsettling exploration of anxiety, urban folklore, dreams versus reality, and societal panic.

Dark, eccentric, and captivating, Paranoia Agent is an artistic mind-bender that fans of non-traditional dark anime like Darker Than Black should definitely add to their watchlist.

10. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (Image via Bones)

Although more mainstream in the shonen category, the philosophical discussions and moral inquiries in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood resonate strongly with fans of serious anime like Darker Than Black.

After losing their mother and parts of their bodies in a failed alchemical experiment, brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric embark on a quest to find the Philosopher’s Stone to rectify their mistakes and regain their bodies.

The complex relationships, unique alchemy-based magic system, and morally ambiguous homunculi make Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood a rewarding experience for those who appreciated the intricate dynamics and moral dilemmas in Darker Than Black.

Conclusion

If you love the fusion of sci-fi, fantasy, and gritty urban adventures in Darker Than Black, these anime recommendations encapsulate a comparable tone, style, or theme that will likely engage you as a fan.

There’s something for everyone, whether you desire more anime about human experimentation, morally ambiguous characters, bleak conspiracies, philosophical depth, or simply high-quality animation paired with an unpredictable storyline.

Be sure to check out these top recommendations if you’re seeking shows similar to Darker Than Black—each is worthwhile for your watchlist!

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