10 Anime like Tokyo Ghoul

Halloween has long passed us by, but the appetite for horror hasn't ended. By horror, we mean real scares and not gory scenes where blood splashes on the screen like torrential rain. This genre of anime has very few takers, as a certain amount of skill is needed to create the right environment for suspense with a dash of mystery. Luckily, some decided to take a chance and created anime that redefined the genre.

Tokyo Ghoul narrates the story of Ken Kaneki, a reticent college kid who's more into reading than dating. One day, he finally accepts a date but it turns out to be nasty. By that, we mean, his date tries to eat him (literally!). But he's saved when an I-beam crushes her and ends her story.

Kaneki, somehow survives the incident but gains an appetite for human flesh in return. He finally learns that he is half-ghoul, and uses his powers to save humanity from other ghouls like him. In order to know the origin of his powers,

he joins the Mado Squad of the Commission of Counter Ghoul (CCG), an elite section of half-ghouls just like him and assists them in their daily investigations. If you are with us this far, then scroll further to read about anime similar to Tokyo Ghoul, or those which you may enjoy if you have liked this one.

Directed by: Kenichi Shimizu

The anime centers on the life of Shinichi Izumi, a carefree 17-year old whose life changes when he has to share his body with a Parasyte, an alien species.

The Parasyte that attaches itself to Shinichi, only takes over his right hand, unlike others of his species who take over the host and go on a human-eating binge. But in Shinichi's case, both learn to co-exist and develop a certain pattern to take on other parasytes that threaten to reveal their existence or kill their near ones. With parasytes taking over the world, can Shinichi retain his humanity and trust his Parasyte to protect him? Find out in this gripping series.

Directed by: Kōichirō Hatsumi
Run Time: April 17, 2011 - July 3, 2011
As the title suggests, it consists of a tournament held in a prison where the combatants have already been deemed dead in the real world. After a massive earthquake devastates Tokyo, Ganta Igarashi enjoys a peaceful life when one day his classroom is annihilated by a being covered in crimson, dubbed 'The Red Man'.

Ganta is the only survivor of this massacre and is sentenced to life imprisonment to Deadman Wonderland, a prison-themed amusement park. To survive in this prison, Ganta has to take part in the tournament as well as find the identity of 'The Red Man', all the while being aided by Shiro, who seems to already know him.

Directed by: Tsutomu Mizushima
Run Time: July 8, 2011 - September 30, 2011
It centers on a shy, timid girl named Saya Kisaragi who fights Furukimono, ancient beasts that threaten the city of Tokyo. Armed with her katana, she battles them continuously, all the while wondering about her purpose of doing so and the reason for their attack. Uncover the mystery in this action and adventure anime.

Directed by: Ichiro Itano
Run Time: April 12, 2004 - November 18, 2004
Kei and Masaru were childhood friends who coincidentally meet at a subway station. When Masaru commits a chivalrous act of saving someone stuck on the tracks, Kei follows it up by saving him and both end up dead. But instead of reaching the afterlife, they are regenerated in an unknown apartment, where they are given a second chance at life.

The only requirement is to complete every mission given by a spherical ball named Gantz. Will Kei and Masaru be able to save the planet from annihilation from every unimaginable species ready to wreak havoc? Watch this series and find out.

Directed by: Ei Aoki
Run Time: October 5 - December 21, 2008
The Paranormal Agency of Japan was overworked with a large number of spirits targeting businesses and roadways. When Kensuke meets Kagura by accident, their group collaboration manages to destroy spirits.

Hereafter, Kagura lets Kensuke tag along on a few missions to help exorcise the demons as well as improve her skills.

Directed by: Tetsurō Amino
Run Time: July 8, 2010 - December 30, 2010
When a mysterious illness affects the small town of Sotoba, the local doctor tries to decipher the mysterious deaths of the residents who only have bite marks. With the strange Kirishiki family just moved in, the townspeople start to suspect something amiss. In the midst of all this, Natsuno prefers the city life instead of the countryside.

But his life is haunted by these deaths. Will Natsuno and the good doctor be able to solve the mysteries of the town or will they fall victim to it?

Directed by: Tetsurō Araki
Run Time: April 6, 2013 - Ongoing
Mankind was almost wiped out by giants named Titans. But a section that survived barricaded themselves in the walled city with three outlying borders. When Eren's mother is eaten by a Titan, he swears revenge by defeating all the Titans. Each section of the wall is more fortified than the last, with the last protecting the royal family.

But Eren soon discovers that there's more to the mysterious attacks than what meets in the eye. Catch up to the series, 'cause the next season is bound to premiere in 2016.

Directed by: Hiroshi Hamasaki
Run Time: September 26, 2014 - December 19, 2014
If you thought cockroaches were scary on Earth, imagine giant cockroaches roaming the landscape of Mars. Mankind later dubs them as Terraformars. But to combat the issue, scientists genetically engineer beings capable of unimaginable feats of strength and endurance. But with each crew being annihilated, doubts are raised over a virus afflicting mankind and their connection to the Terraformars.

Directed by: Tetsuro Araki
Run Time: July 5, 2010 - September 20, 2010
With humankind struck by a deadly virus that turns humans into zombies, the last safe zone is a high school. But with teachers turning into zombies and the ammo and rations running at an all-time-low, can the students survive this one-sided onslaught till help arrives? Watch and find out.

Directed by: Naohito Takahashi
Run Time: October 7, 1997 - March 31, 1998
Berserk centers on Guts, a mercenary of the former group known as the Band of Hawks. When a demon mark is plastered on him, he must do everything possible to defend himself against demons and spirits of the night. With an anime spanning 20 years, this one won't disappoint you with supernatural creatures and monsters joining the fray.

If you thought the story ended at the series, there are 3 OVA that take the story forward while staying true to the manga.

- Another
- Corpse Party
- Claymore
- Akame ga Kill!
- Psycho-Pass
- Ao no Exorcist