If you’re here, chances are you’ve stumbled upon The Fable, an intense, action-packed series that takes a refreshingly humorous approach to the world of hitmen. Or maybe you’re already a fan and looking for something similar to fill the void.
The Fable isn’t just your average action series. It’s a masterful blend of intense fight sequences, slice-of-life hilarity, and a protagonist who’s both deadly and endearing. You’ll find yourself drawn to its unique charm and craving more.
Desire to explore similar anime that strike that perfect balance between heart-pounding action and unique humor? If you’re searching for anime similar to The Fable, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve got you covered with a list of anime that hit similar notes, whether it’s the over-the-top antics, the gritty action, or the lovable yet dangerous protagonists.
What Kind of Anime Is The Fable?
The Fable isn’t your typical action hitman anime. Adapted from the manga by Katsuhisa Minami, this series is all about a professional assassin who’s so good at his job that he’s ordered to lay low for a year and “live as a normal person.”
That means no killing or missions, just mundane, everyday existence. Imagine a predator trying to blend in with sheep, and you’ll get the idea.
What unfolds is a hilarious and action-packed story where our stoic, highly skilled protagonist navigates mundane daily life while trying not to draw attention to himself. This is a good anime about hitman and humor, with quirky protagonists.
Think of it as a quirky blend of intense action scenes and slice-of-life comedy with a dark edge. The beauty of The Fable lies in its balance. It’s thrilling without taking itself too seriously, blending clever humor, memorable characters, and moments of introspection.
The Fable info (MAL):
- Alternative Title: N/A
- Released: Spring 2024
- Studios: Tezuka Productions
- Genres: Comedy, Suspense
- Themes: Adult Cast, Organized Crime
- Score: 8.09 (MAL), 7.7 (IMDb)
If you loved its blend of action and heart, you’re probably eager to find something that scratches the same itch. Luckily, the anime world is full of similar gems. Let’s break them down.
Anime Similar to The Fable
Here are the 10 anime that have similar “vibes,” whether it’s sharp humor, over-the-top action, or eccentric characters trying to navigate unfamiliar “normal life” situations:
- Sakamoto Days
- The Way of the Househusband
- Golgo 13
- Hinamatsuri
- Great Teacher Onizuka
- Buddy Daddies
- Back Street Girls: Gokudols
- Golden Kamuy
- Black Lagoon
- Great Pretender
1Sakamoto Days
If you’ve ever wondered what it’d be like if The Fable‘s protagonist had a family, Sakamoto Days might just be your answer. Sakamoto Days follows a retired yet terrifying hitman who runs a convenience store but somehow gets pulled back into the world of assassins.
Sakamoto Days shares The Fable‘s knack for blending over-the-top action with comedic moments. Watching Sakamoto’s calm, unassuming demeanor turn into deadly precision when protecting his loved ones is pure entertainment.
Plus, the supporting cast is just as quirky and lovable, adding to the fun. While it’s relatively a new series (still ongoing when this post was made), I read the manga and can confirm both of them share similar vibes.
Sakamoto Days info (MAL):
- Alternative Title: N/A
- Released: Winter 2025
- Studios: TMS Entertainment
- Genres: Action, Comedy
- Themes: Adult Cast, Organized Crime
- Score: 8.02 (MAL), 8.0 (IMDb)
2The Way of the Househusband
If you loved The Fable‘s humor and its protagonist’s struggle to live a “normal” life, The Way of the Househusband is an absolute must-watch.
This anime follows Tatsu, a former yakuza boss known as the “Immortal Dragon,” who trades his life of crime for domestic bliss as a househusband.
Watching Tatsu’s intimidating presence clash hilariously with mundane tasks like grocery shopping or perfecting bento boxes is pure comedic gold.
Much like The Fable, the humor in The Way of the Househusband comes from the absurdity of its premise. Tatsu applies the same intensity he used to intimidate rival gangs to tasks like finding the perfect detergent.
What makes this anime even better is how it balances its humor with heartfelt moments. Despite his intimidating past, Tatsu is wholly devoted to his wife and their unconventional life together. It’s the kind of character-driven comedy that fans of The Fable will adore.
The Way of the Househusband info (MAL):
- Alternative Title: Gokushufudou
- Released: Spring 2021
- Studios: J.C.Staff
- Genres: Comedy
- Themes: Adult Cast, Gag Humor, Organized Crime
- Score: 7.25 (MAL), 7.3 (IMDb)
3Golgo 13
For fans who love the action-packed side of The Fable, Golgo 13 delivers in spades. This classic anime centers around Duke Togo, a legendary hitman known by his codename, Golgo 13. His missions are gritty, suspenseful, and filled with edge-of-your-seat action.
Like The Fable’s protagonist, Duke Togo is a professional through and through, and his expertise in the art of assassination and espionage is unparalleled. What makes Golgo 13 similar to The Fable is its exploration of the hitman’s psyche.
While Golgo 13 leans more heavily into its noir and serious tone, it shares an appreciation for showcasing the complexities of a character who operates in the shadows.
The anime’s episodic format allows viewers to see Duke’s skills tested in a variety of scenarios. Golgo’s stoic demeanor and razor-sharp precision will remind you of The Fable‘s protagonist during his more badass moments.
Golgo 13 info (MAL):
- Alternative Title: N/A
- Released: Spring 2008
- Studios: The Answer Studio
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Suspense
- Themes: Adult Cast
- Score: 7.52 (MAL), 7.4 (IMDb)
4Hinamatsuri
Hinamatsuri is another gem that mixes absurd comedy with heartwarming moments. The story revolves around a mid-level yakuza member, Nitta, whose life takes a wild turn when a mysterious girl with psychic powers crashes into his apartment.
Nitta suddenly finds himself acting as a guardian to the mysterious girl, Hina. Their unlikely bond and the hilarious situations they find themselves in will remind you of The Fable‘s mix of action and humor.
Nitta’s attempts to balance his criminal lifestyle with parenting duties mirror the comedic dilemmas faced by The Fable’s protagonist.
Add in a quirky supporting cast and unexpected moments, and you’ve got an anime that will appeal to fans of absurd humor and unconventional storytelling.
Hinamatsuri info (MAL):
- Alternative Title: Hina Festival
- Released: Spring 2018
- Studios: feel.
- Genres: Comedy
- Themes: Childcare, Organized Crime, Super Power
- Score: 8.12 (MAL), 7.8 (IMDb)
5Great Teacher Onizuka
While Great Teacher Onizuka (GTO) might not have the intense gunfights of The Fable, it shares an incredible similarity in tone.
The story follows Onizuka, once a member of a biker gang, who takes on the challenge of guiding a class of unruly high school students as their teacher.
His unorthodox methods and surprising moments of wisdom make him a character you can’t help but root for. Onizuka is hilariously out of place in his new role. The comedy shines in both series, balancing out the more serious themes.
If you’re looking for something that combines humor, heartfelt moments, and a larger-than-life protagonist, GTO is a perfect match.
Great Teacher Onizuka info (MAL):
- Alternative Title: GTO
- Released: Summer 1999
- Studios: Pierrot
- Genres: Comedy
- Themes: Delinquents, School, Workplace
- Score: 8.68 (MAL), 8.5 (IMDb)
6Buddy Daddies
Imagine the quirky premise of The Fable, but add a pinch of wholesome chaos. Buddy Daddies anime is about two hitmen, Kazuki and Rei, who end up raising a young girl after an assignment goes awry.
The duo’s struggle to balance their dangerous profession with their new parenting responsibilities makes for a comedic yet touching story. Watching these unlikely “parents” juggle dangerous missions and childcare is as entertaining as it sounds.
Buddy Daddies info (MAL):
- Alternative Title: N/A
- Released: Winter 2023
- Studios: P.A. Works
- Genres: Action, Comedy
- Themes: Childcare, Organized Crime
- Score: 8.11 (MAL), 7.9 (IMDb)
7Back Street Girls: Gokudols
What happens when three yakuza members are forced to undergo gender reassignment surgery and become idols? You get Back Street Girls: Gokudols, an absurd comedy that revels in its ridiculous premise.
The anime follows three yakuza members who are forced to undergo gender reassignment surgery and debut as a female idol group after failing their boss.
It’s as chaotic and bizarre as it sounds, and the comedy comes from their struggle to balance their tough-guy personas with the pressures of being idols.
While The Fable finds humor in the contrast between a hitman’s skills and the mundane world, Back Street Girls: Gokudols leans into the absurdity of its characters’ transformation.
Back Street Girls: Gokudols info (MAL):
- Alternative Title: Back Street Girls: Washira
- Released: Summer 2018
- Studios: J.C.Staff
- Genres: Comedy, Ecchi
- Themes: Gag Humor, Organized Crime, Workplace
- Score: 6.97 (MAL), 6.6 (IMDb)
8Golden Kamuy
If you’re looking for an anime that mixes action, humor, and a cast of eccentric characters, Golden Kamuy is a must-watch. The story focuses on Saichi Sugimoto, a war veteran known as “Immortal Sugimoto” for his incredible survival skills.
Sugimoto embarks on a dangerous journey to find a hidden stash of Ainu gold rumored to be worth a fortune.
While Golden Kamuy has a more historical and adventurous tone, it shares The Fable’s knack for blending intense action with comedic moments. The dynamic between Sugimoto and Asirpa is reminiscent of the unexpected bonds formed in The Fable.
The anime’s ability to switch seamlessly between high-stakes drama and laugh-out-loud humor will keep you hooked. Plus, the show’s historical setting adds a unique flavor to its action sequences.
Golden Kamuy info (MAL):
- Alternative Title: N/A
- Released: Spring 2018
- Studios: Geno Studio
- Genres: Action, Adventure
- Themes: Adult Cast, Historical, Military
- Score: 7.88 (MAL), 8.0 (IMDb)
9Black Lagoon
The series follows a group of mercenaries navigating the seedy underbelly of Southeast Asia, where morality is often a luxury.
Like The Fable, Black Lagoon doesn’t shy away from exploring its characters’ darker sides, but it’s also full of adrenaline-pumping action sequences and sharp dialogue.
While Black Lagoon leans heavier into the action, it still manages to weave in humor and heart, making it a great pick for fans of The Fable‘s unique blend.
Black Lagoon info (MAL):
- Alternative Title: N/A
- Released: Spring 2006
- Studios: Madhouse
- Genres: Action
- Themes: Adult Cast, Organized Crime
- Score: 8.03 (MAL), 7.9 (IMDb)
10Great Pretender
If con artists and elaborate schemes sound like your thing, then Great Pretender is a must-watch. This anime focuses on Makoto Edamura, a trivial swindler who finds himself caught up in the high-stakes world of international con artists.
While it lacks the physical combat of The Fable, its intricate plots and the moral ambiguity of its characters provide a similar thrill.
Great Pretender info (MAL):
- Alternative Title: N/A
- Released: Summer 2020
- Studios: Wit Studio
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Mystery
- Themes: Adult Cast, Organized Crime
- Score: 8.20 (MAL), 7.8 (IMDb)
Conclusion
Whether it’s the humor, the action, or the heartfelt moments that drew you to The Fable, there’s an anime out there waiting to give you that same rush.
From the gritty world of Black Lagoon to the heartwarming chaos of Buddy Daddies, each recommendation offers a unique twist on what made The Fable so special.
So, which one will you dive into next? Have a favorite that isn’t on this list? Share your thoughts with us, and let’s talk about it. After all, finding your next obsession is half the fun!
