10 Must-Watch Anime for Fans of Attack on Titan That Will Keep You on the Edge of Your Seat!

Delighting in the spectacle of colossal humanoid beings assaulting a city guarded by walls concealing monumental secrets, what’s not to adore about Attack on Titan? If you’re seeking additional viewing options following your Attack on Titan marathon, whether it’s Giants or Monsters, action or intrigue, or a morally ambiguous narrative that appeals, we’ve got you covered. Although Attack on Titan possesses its own distinctive visceral appeal, there are other anime with unique storylines that share the same sense of peril, action, and enigma.

If you’re seeking engaging stories and character growth that delves beyond the depths of a fortified metropolis, here are some anime series worth exploring. Some characters shoulder personal burdens with immense significance, while others bear the burden of saving all mankind. Regardless of the circumstance, these shows offer captivating plots and character development that could fill the vastest of ocean trenches. If you’ve found yourself enthralled by “Attack on Titan,” these series are an ideal choice for your next viewing experience. They span from the confines of prison cells to cosmic terrors lurking beyond the fragile boundaries of our species.

Kaiju No. 8

In the destroyed hometown of Hibino Kafka and Mina Ashiro dwell, one of the monstrous creatures called Kaiju brings devastation. They vow to join the Defense Force when they mature. While Mina achieves her aspiration, Kafka’s maturity takes an unexpected course — clearing up the Kaiju-scale wreckage left by the military. Alongside janitorial coworker Reno Ichikawa, who shares the dream of becoming a soldier, they cross paths with a renegade Kaiju. The event lands them in the hospital after Kafka sustains injuries while saving Reno. However, when Kafka acquires the power to transform into a humanoid Kaiju, dubbed “Kaiju No. 8” by the military, he employs his abilities to battle alongside Reno and Mina.

As a devotee myself, here’s my take: In my youth, I shared unforgettable moments with my cherished friends as we grew up in our beloved hometown. However, our peaceful life was shattered when colossal beasts laid waste to everything we knew. Determined not to let history repeat itself, we swore an oath: to become valiant warriors and defend our land. But then, something extraordinary happened – one of us acquired the power to metamorphose into one of these very monsters! Such a captivating twist would undoubtedly pique any fan’s curiosity, as it subtly deviates from the original storyline while retaining its core essence.

Kaiju No. 8 can be streamed on Crunchyroll.

Deadman Wonderland

In the story, Ganta Igarashi finds himself unexpectedly sent to Deadman Wonderland, a macabre amusement park where prisoners are forced to perform for the entertainment of visitors, after being falsely accused of a massacre by a mysterious figure known as the “Red Man.” Equipped with a collar designed to take his life and surrounded by ruthless, manipulative inmates who possess unusual abilities, Ganta is thrust into the brutal Carnival Corpse death matches. Despite the suspicious intentions of other prisoners, an unusually jovial convict named Shiro appears equally determined to help Ganta not only survive these games but also uncover the truth about his innocence.

Observing from afar, it’s striking how the fortifications of Deadman Wonderland and the city of Maria in Attack on Titan bear a chilling resemblance. Both seem to loom ominously, confining rather than protecting. Unlike the walls of the city designed to keep Titans at bay, those of Deadman Wonderland unwillingly cage Ganta amidst its monstrous inmates.

Deadman Wonderland can be streamed on Crunchyroll.

Demon Slayer

Despite taking on the responsibility of supporting his family following his father’s demise, Tanjirou Kamado leads a generally tranquil life in the secluded mountains, venturing to the nearby village to earn money. Often returning home after dusk, on one such occasion, he seeks shelter for the night at a stranger’s house, who warns him of the dangerous demons that prowl the woods at night. The next day, upon his return home, Tanjirou is shocked to discover that his sister Nezuko was the lone survivor of their family massacre, though she herself had been transformed into a demon. Driven by the desire for revenge and to restore Nezuko’s humanity, Tanjiro decides to join the Demon Slayer Corps.

Motivated by fury and the desire for retribution, Tanjirou and Eren share some similarities in their missions to eliminate the creatures that stole their families from them and protect their sisters. With plenty of episodes to keep you engaged, Demon Slayer makes an excellent choice for watching after a satisfying marathon of Attack on Titan.

Demon Slayer can be streamed on Netflix and Crunchyroll.

Knights of Sidonia

3394 years from now, I find myself amongst a band of survivors, humanity clinging to existence amidst the cosmos, far from the ruins of our once-home planet, Earth – now under the relentless pursuit of extraterrestrial beings known as Gauna. As I emerge from the bowels of this colossal spaceship in search of sustenance and provisions, I’m thrust into a battle against these terrifying alien creatures.

Now, not only am I learning the ropes of warfare alongside my newfound comrades-in-arms Shizuka Hoshijiro, Izana Shinatose, and Yuhata Midorikawa, but also uncovering what it means to live day-to-day on the surface of this ship. Every moment is a new adventure in this endless cosmic odyssey.

Despite some people finding the CGI animation style off-putting, “Knights of Sidonia” offers an enjoyable 24-episode, 2-season viewing experience. Unlike the humans in “Attack on Titan,” who are confined to a secluded area of an undiscovered world, the civilization in “Knights of Sidonia” doesn’t even have a planet – they’re fleeing from space monsters without a homeworld.

Knights of Sidonia can be streamed on Crunchyroll.

Neon Genesis Evangelion

In this story, Earth is under siege by enigmatic extraterrestrial beings called Angels. To protect mankind, a secretive scientific group named NERV, led by Gendo Ikari, employs massive, humanoid machines known as Evangelions for combat. When Gendo summons his long-lost son Shinji to pilot one of these robots, Shinji discovers that much more than the battle against colossal monsters is at stake. As the truth about NERV and Gendo’s motives unravels, Shinji finds himself in a far deeper struggle.

Eren Yeager has been determined since childhood to battle colossal monsters that endanger mankind, whereas Shinji Ikari isn’t driven by ambition but grapples with personal doubts about such a task. Despite this, both characters encounter battles against peculiar massive perils for humanity and grapple with mysteries surrounding their origins in the series “Neon Genesis Evangelion“.

Neon Genesis Evangelion can be streamed on Netflix.

Deca-Dence

In the distant future, beings called Gadoll pose a threat to all remaining humans, forcing them to seek refuge within a massive mobile fortress known as Deca-Dence. Warriors, or Gears, are stationed on the upper decks while the rest of humanity hides in the lower levels, known as the Tank. Although many Tankers are content to offer support from behind the lines, Natsume patiently waits for an opportunity to join the fight alongside the Gears. Led by a seemingly indifferent individual named Kaburagi, he initially shows no warmth towards Natsume, who is an orphan with prosthetic arms. However, as events unfold and secrets are revealed, Kaburagi recognizes her potential and takes on the role of mentor, preparing her for a unique position within the flawed system.

In a world where humanity teeters on the edge of annihilation, much like the civilians in “Attack on Titan” and “Deca-Dence,” both series delve into alternative perspectives of a doubtful corporate societal structure. The Solid Quake conglomerate, holding the authority to govern mankind, consistently falls short in delivering genuine liberty or prospects for society as its system proves exploitative in nature.

Deca-Dence can be streamed on Crunchyroll.

NieR:Automata Ver1.1a

In their desperate bid to survive, mankind retreats to the Moon, leaving Earth under the control of alien Machine Lifeforms. The only defense against these invaders are the combat androids, known as YoRHa soldiers, who valiantly fight on behalf of humanity. Among them is YoRHa 2-gou B-gata, or simply 2B, who leads her fellow androids in their struggle to reclaim Earth. As they make strides towards victory, they also begin to unravel the mystery behind the conflict, causing 2B to ponder her own existence and the suffering she endures as a synthetic being, ultimately serving humanity.

2B, along with the YoRha units, fight against the Machines while uncovering their mysteries, much like Eren and the Survey Corps battle the Titans and delve into their origins. Meanwhile, Eren ponders the essence of humanity, and 2B reflects on the very nature of existence itself.

NieR:Automata Ver1.1a can be streamed on Crunchyroll.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

In their quest to resurrect their mother, the Elric brothers disobeyed the prohibition on human transmutation, which resulted in severe consequences. Edward lost both his arm and leg, while Alphonse had to give up his physical body entirely. Winry, their neighbor and friend who is a bio-mechanical engineer, provided advanced prosthetic limbs for Edward. As for Alphonse, his soul was bound to an entire suit of armor in an attempt to save him. Driven by the desire to restore their bodies, they embarked on a journey to find the Philosopher’s Stone, a legendary item rumored to enable alchemists to bend the fundamental rules of Equivalent Exchange. However, they unwittingly became entangled in a web of intrigue as they went along.

This animated series, “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood”, may not focus primarily on battling colossal beasts, yet it delves deeply into the realms of secrets, enigmas, and clandestine plots in a thrilling, action-filled fantasy landscape. With a resolute lead character grappling with significant challenges, this timeless gem is a must-watch for any anime enthusiast, not only those who appreciate “Attack on Titan”, but the entire anime community as well.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood can be streamed on Netflix and Crunchyroll.

Vinland Saga

Born in the frosty landscapes of Iceland, I once listened to my father’s unique counsel: “No one has enemies; hurt belongs nowhere.” However, when Askeladd cruelly took my father’s life, I found myself drawn into a world of violence and bloodshed, as revenge became an integral part of my existence. The never-ending conflict between England and the Danes made it easy for Vikings like me to thrive, reaping the rewards of war and carving out reputations.

Reminiscing about seafaring stories I’d heard in my youth, tales of a land lush with fertility and devoid of conflict, I became determined to find the fabled Vinland.

In their respective worlds, Eren and Thorfinn face tough realities, persistent conflicts, and struggle for survival. However, Thorfinn’s response to the challenges in his world is noticeably less violent compared to Eren’s. Despite the fantastical nature of battles in Attack on Titan, Vinland Saga presents an equally intense action and drama-filled storyline. Interestingly, both series were initially animated by WIT Studio but later moved production to MAPPA, a similarity that fans might find intriguing.

Vinland Saga can be streamed on Netflix, Amazon, and Crunchyroll.

Goblin Slayer

Though Goblins create significant issues and destruction, they are often perceived as harmless, with towns being raided for abductions of females from various species for breeding purposes. This issue is often disregarded as adventurers prioritize hunting larger game for greater rewards. When a 15-year-old Priestess teams up with a group of novice fighters to combat goblins, they quickly find themselves outmatched by the supposedly insignificant monsters. However, when the renowned Goblin Slayer intervenes to save the Priestess and eradicate the entire goblin horde, she decides to join him in his mission to eliminate these overlooked menaces. Accompanied by the Priestess, a High Elf, Dwarf, and Lizardman, the Goblin Slayer is determined to bring an end to these despised creatures that have been ignored for too long.

Some colossal monsters are hard to overlook given their towering heights and ability to level entire urban areas. However, others might appear harmless or insignificant, but they too can inflict devastating consequences. Whether it’s Titans or goblins, they each engage in their unique struggles against the main characters, battles that are often emotionally taxing.

Goblin Slayer can be streamed on Crunchyroll.

2025-03-26 22:13