Have you ever finished an anime and felt like you were hit by an emotional freight train? That’s exactly what Inuyashiki: Last Hero does to its viewers.
With its unique blend of heart-wrenching drama and intense action, this anime hooks you from the first episode and keeps you questioning humanity until the very end.
Don’t forget the unique mix of emotional depth, dark themes, and also intense action from this anime.
What makes Inuyashiki so special is its ability to mix jaw-dropping sci-fi elements with profound philosophical questions that make us question humanity’s nature.
Imagine gaining superhuman powers overnight: would you use them for good or fall into darkness?
That’s the dilemma at the heart of this gripping tale.
If you’re here, chances are you’ve experienced its rollercoaster of emotions and are craving something just as impactful. Don’t worry, we’ve got some amazing anime recommendations for you.
What Kind of Anime is Inuyashiki: Last Hero?
Inuyashiki: Last Hero is an emotional and action-packed sci-fi drama that pushes boundaries.
The story follows Ichirou Inuyashiki, a kind but overlooked old man who gets a second chance at life when an alien accident transforms him into a cyborg with incredible powers.
However, he’s not the only one who undergoes the transformation. Hiro Shishigami acquires the same abilities but chooses to wield them in terrifying and destructive ways.
What unfolds is a gripping tale of power vs morality, humanity, and the stark contrast between altruism and destruction.
Inuyashiki: Last Hero info (MAL):
- Alternative Title: Inuyashiki
- Released: Fall 2017
- Studios: Madhouse
- Genres: Action, Drama, Sci-Fi, Suspense
- Themes: Gore, Psychological
- Score: 7.63 (MAL), 7.7 (IMDb)
Anime Similar to Inuyashiki: Last Hero
Here’s my list of about 10 anime that capture the same intense emotions, dark themes, and moral dilemmas as Inuyashiki: Last Hero. They explore humanity, technology, and the clash between good and evil in gripping and thought-provoking ways:
- Parasyte: The Maxim
- Ajin: Demi-Human
- Death Note
- Terror in Resonance
- Gantz
- Tokyo Ghoul
- Juuni Taisen: Zodiac War
- Claymore
- Deadman Wonderland
- Elfen Lied
1Parasyte: The Maxim
If you enjoyed the sci-fi elements and moral dilemmas of Inuyashiki, Parasyte: The Maxim is a must-watch anime for you.
This anime tells the story of Shinichi Izumi, a high school student who becomes partially infected by a parasitic alien.
Much like Inuyashiki, it delves into questions of humanity, morality, and what it means to coexist with something beyond human comprehension.
Both series feature protagonists grappling with newfound powers and the responsibilities they entail, with dark and realistic stories, intense action, and emotional moments to keep you hooked.
Parasyte: The Maxim info (MAL):
- Alternative Title: Kiseijuu: Sei no Kakuritsu
- Released: Fall 2014
- Studios: Madhouse
- Genres: Action, Horror, Sci-Fi, Suspense
- Themes: Gore, Psychological
- Score: 8.33 (MAL), 8.3 (IMDb)
2Ajin: Demi-Human
“If humans were to evolve beyond their current state, like in Ajin or Inuyashiki, would they still hold on to their moral compass?” Both anime bring this thought to the forefront and leave us questioning what it truly means to be human.
If the concept of immortality and its accompanying struggles fascinated you in Inuyashiki, then Ajin is absolutely worth a watch.
Picture this: you’re immortal, but instead of it being a blessing, it makes you a target. That’s the reality in Ajin.
The story follows Kei Nagai, who discovers he’s an Ajin (a rare being who cannot die), only to find himself hunted by the government and others who want to exploit his abilities.
With its intense action, moral conflicts, and dark themes, Ajin captures a tone similar to Inuyashiki while offering its own gripping exploration of ethics and survival.
Ajin: Demi-Human info (MAL):
- Alternative Title: Ajin
- Released: Winter 2016
- Studios: Polygon Pictures
- Genres: Action, Horror, Mystery, Supernatural
- Themes: Gore
- Score: 7.38 (MAL), 7.5 (IMDb)
3Death Note
While Death Note may not involve cyborgs or aliens, it shares Inuyashiki’s exploration of morality and the duality of good and evil.
The story follows Light Yagami, a genius character who gains a notebook capable of killing anyone whose name he writes in it.
Like Inuyashiki, this anime explores the corrupting influence of power and presents a gripping battle of wits between two contrasting characters, Light and L as the opposing sides.
The psychological intensity and moral ambiguity will have you questioning your own beliefs as you watch. If you crave thought-provoking storytelling from Inuyashiki, you might like Death Note as well.
Death Note info (MAL):
- Alternative Title: N/A
- Released: Fall 2006
- Studios: Madhouse
- Genres: Supernatural, Suspense
- Themes: Psychological
- Score: 8.62 (MAL), 8.9 (IMDb)
4Terror in Resonance
For those who appreciated the human drama and social commentary in Inuyashiki, give Terror in Resonance a shot as it offers a similar emotional depth.
This anime revolves around two teenage terrorists, Nine and Twelve, who orchestrate attacks across Tokyo to reveal a dark government conspiracy.
Both Inuyashiki and Terror in Resonance are not just about the action, they’re about the emotional undercurrents and the broader questions of justice and morality.
Both anime critique the apathy and disconnection in modern society, making their narratives feel grounded and relevant.
Its story challenges viewers to see things from multiple perspectives which makes it compelling to watch.
Terror in Resonance info (MAL):
- Alternative Title: Zankyou no Terror
- Released: Summer 2014
- Studios: MAPPA
- Genres: Mystery, Suspense
- Themes: Detective, Psychological
- Score: 8.08 (MAL), 7.8 (IMDb)
5Gantz
Gantz was created by the same author, Hiroya Oku, so you might want to check it out if you are a fan of his work.
Gantz offers a similar dark, gritty atmosphere exploring humanity at its most vulnerable and raw moments.
The story revolves around individuals forced to participate in deadly missions after their deaths, fighting aliens, that is. It’s violent, thought-provoking, and brimming with existential themes.
If you enjoyed the visceral action and moral complexities of Inuyashiki, Gantz will feel like a natural progression.
Gantz info (MAL):
- Alternative Title: GANTZ
- Released: Spring 2004
- Studios: Gonzo
- Genres: Action, Drama, Horror, Sci-Fi, Suspense
- Themes: Gore, High Stakes Game, Psychological, Survival
- Score: 6.98 (MAL), 7.1 (IMDb)
6Tokyo Ghoul
Much like Inuyashiki, Tokyo Ghoul explores the transformation of an ordinary individual into something extraordinary and terrifying.
Kaneki Ken’s journey as he struggles with his ghoul identity mirrors Inuyashiki’s battle to maintain his humanity.
Tokyo Ghoul is a great choice for fans of dark atmospheres, character-driven narratives, and also some good battle actions.
What sets Tokyo Ghoul apart is its haunting atmosphere, rich world-building, and especially its epic battle scenes that beat Inuyashiki.
The depiction of ghouls, beings that must consume human flesh to survive, creates a chilling yet fascinating setting.
Kaneki’s journey is filled with heart-wrenching moments, gripping battles, and poignant questions about what it means to truly live.
Even for those who aren’t fans of Inuyashiki, I’d probably recommend Tokyo Ghoul. The “oshiete” moment is simply too iconic to miss (and the song as well).
Tokyo Ghoul info (MAL):
- Alternative Title: Tokyo Kushu
- Released: Summer 2014
- Studios: Pierrot
- Genres: Action, Fantasy, Horror, Suspense
- Themes: Gore, Psychological, Urban Fantasy
- Score: 7.79 (MAL), 7.7 (IMDb)
7Juuni Taisen: Zodiac War
For fans of Inuyashiki who enjoyed its darker, action-packed moments, Juuni Taisen: Zodiac War is an engaging pick. This anime pits twelve warriors, each representing a zodiac sign, against one another in a brutal battle royale.
The high-stakes action and morally ambiguous characters provide a thrilling experience.
Juuni Taisen: Zodiac War info (MAL):
- Alternative Title: Juni Taisen
- Released: Fall 2017
- Studios: Graphinica
- Genres: Action, Suspense
- Themes: Gore, High Stakes Game
- Score: 6.53 (MAL), 6.5 (IMDb)
8Claymore
If you’re drawn to stories of individuals with immense power fighting against overwhelming odds, Claymore is a fantastic choice.
The anime follows Clare, a half-human, half-yoma warrior, as she battles monstrous Yoma while grappling with her own identity and purpose.
Its dark fantasy setting and intense battles evoke a similar vibe to Inuyashiki while focusing on themes of humanity and identity, making it a compelling watch.
Claymore info (MAL):
- Alternative Title: N/A
- Released: Spring 2007
- Studios: Madhouse
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
- Themes: Gore
- Score: 7.73 (MAL), 8.0 (IMDb)
9Deadman Wonderland
This anime’s combination of brutal action and emotional storytelling makes it a great match for Inuyashiki fans. The dark tone and moral struggles will resonate with fans of Inuyashiki.
The story follows Ganta Igarashi, a young boy wrongly accused of mass murder and sent to a twisted amusement park prison where inmates fight for survival. The series explores survival, betrayal, and the darker sides of humanity.
Deadman Wonderland info (MAL):
- Alternative Title: N/A
- Released: Spring 2011
- Studios: Manglobe
- Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Supernatural, Suspense
- Themes: Gore, High Stakes Game, Survival
- Score: 7.14 (MAL), 7.1 (IMDb)
10Elfen Lied
Known for its graphic violence and emotional depth, Elfen Lied shares thematic similarities with Inuyashiki.
It tells the story of Lucy, a genetically modified human with deadly abilities, as she struggles with her traumatic past.
Like Inuyashiki, it gave us intense action with poignant moments, exploring the darker aspects of human nature.
Elfen Lied info (MAL):
- Alternative Title: Elfen Song
- Released: Summer 2004
- Studios: Arms
- Genres: Action, Drama, Horror, Romance, Suspense
- Themes: Gore, Psychological, Super Power
- Score: 7.46 (MAL), 7.9 (IMDb)
Conclusion
Inuyashiki: Last Hero is a rare gem that masterfully combines emotional storytelling, intense action, and deep moral questions.
Whether you’re here for the sci-fi thrills, the exploration of humanity, or the dark, thought-provoking themes, the anime on this list have something to offer.
From the existential questions in Parasyte to the psychological battles in Death Note, these shows offer a variety of experiences that echo the themes and intensity of Inuyashiki.
So, have you decided what anime you are going to watch next? Go grab the popcorn and watch it!
