In recent months, the Chinese anime series Link Click (Shiguang Dailiren) has captivated audiences with its unique blend of action, mystery, and emotional depth. Featuring a gripping narrative centered around time travel and the interconnected lives of its protagonists, the show has quickly climbed to the top of anime charts worldwide. As viewers become engrossed in its intricate storytelling and richly developed characters, many are left seeking out similar series that offer the same level of excitement and emotional resonance.
Whether you’re drawn to the thrill of unraveling complex mysteries, the warmth of heartfelt connections, or the imaginative possibilities of time manipulation, we’ve curated a list of the 10 best anime like Link Click that are sure to satisfy your cravings. From suspenseful narratives to poignant character arcs, these selections promise to deliver the same compelling experience that made Link Click a standout hit. Dive in as we explore these remarkable series that blend fantasy with profound human emotions, perfect for both seasoned otakus and newcomers alike.
10. Kimi no Na wa (Your Name)
The story centers on two individuals, Mitsuha Miyamizu and Taki Tachibana, whose lives dramatically influence each other. Mitsuha is a high school girl from a rural town who dreams of experiencing life in the bustling city of Tokyo. In contrast, Taki is a Tokyo high school student managing multiple part-time jobs while aspiring to be an architect.
One day, Mitsuha wakes up in an unfamiliar room, only to discover she has swapped bodies with Taki in Tokyo. Meanwhile, Taki finds himself living Mitsuha’s life in her quiet countryside home. In their quest to understand this bizarre phenomenon, they embark on a journey to find one another. This body-swapping premise aligns with the thematic elements of Link Click.
09. Violet Evergarden
Following the end of a prolonged and devastating conflict known as the Great War, the continent of Telesis slowly begins to heal. At the heart of this story is Violet Evergarden, a young girl raised solely for the purpose of war. Severely injured during the final stages of the conflict, Violet is left with only the last words of the person she held dearest, yet she struggles to comprehend their true meaning.
After her recovery, Violet starts anew by working at CH Postal Services, where she encounters the role of an “Auto Memory Doll”—individuals who transcribe people’s thoughts and feelings into written words. Inspired by this work, Violet takes on the profession herself, leading her on a transformative journey that not only reshapes the lives of her clients but also helps her in her own quest for self-discovery.
Violet Evergarden resonates with fans of Link Click due to its poignant, melancholic themes and emotional depth.
08. Id
introduces the Mizuhanome system, a cutting-edge technology that allows individuals to enter the human subconscious. When detectives from the Kura police squad discover “cognition particles” at a crime scene, they delve into the criminal’s mind within a surreal virtual landscape called an “id well.” Their mission is to explore this psychological realm to uncover the perpetrator’s identity, but only those who have committed murder can access these id wells.
Among them is Akihito Narihisago, a former detective now known as “Sakaido.” Although he once served with honor, he now finds himself on the other side of the law. Despite his confinement, Narihisago aids the Kura in solving crimes, uncovering a darker truth hidden behind the string of murders. Much like Link Click, this anime intricately weaves mystery-solving with psychological exploration.
07. Death Note
In Death Note, a shinigami—essentially a god of death—possesses the power to kill anyone by writing their name in a mystical notebook, as long as he knows their face. Bored with the monotony of his existence, Ryuk drops a Death Note into the human world, where it is discovered by Light Yagami, a brilliant high school student. Curious about its power, Light tests the notebook by writing the name of a criminal, only to find the criminal dead shortly afterward.
Realizing the devastating potential of the Death Note, Light embarks on a mission to rid the world of criminals, seeking to establish a utopia where he is revered as a god. However, as mysterious deaths draw police attention, they enlist the help of the world’s greatest detective, known only as L.
The themes of manipulating life with supernatural abilities create a parallel between Death Note and Link Click, both of which are thrilling, suspenseful series filled with psychological battles and intricate mysteries.
06. Pet
Throughout history, extensive research has been conducted on the human mind, yet it remains an enigma. Hidden from public view are individuals with the extraordinary ability to delve into the minds of others and even manipulate their memories.
Hiroki, Tsukasa, and Satoru are among these special individuals, operating under the command of their leader, Katsuragi. They use their unique powers to carry out assignments that often involve committing crimes. Their missions require them to navigate the treacherous depths of the human mind while protecting their own thoughts and memories.
Pet aligns closely with Link Click through its themes of supernatural abilities, psychological intrigue, and mystery. In both series, two male protagonists utilize their distinct psychic powers to exert control over others.
05. Death Parade
In the afterlife, the traditional concepts of heaven and hell are rendered obsolete. Instead, souls find themselves at a bar called Quindecim, where their fates are determined through a series of games. Each game—whether it’s bowling, darts, or air hockey—unveils the true nature of the deceased as they wager their potential for reincarnation against the risk of oblivion.
Decim, the enigmatic arbiter of Quindecim, welcomes each guest and facilitates their trials. However, the arrival of a peculiar black-haired visitor causes Decim to question the very essence of his judgments and the meaning of existence itself. Death Parade shares thematic similarities with Link Click, as both series delve into profound emotional and personal stories, laden with thrills and a sense of tragedy.
04. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
Makoto Konno is a high school student grappling with the uncertainties of her future as she navigates the pressures of academics and friendships. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she accidentally discovers the ability to leap through time. As she begins to experiment with her newfound power, she soon realizes that each decision carries significant consequences, and that the complexities of time travel are far more intricate than they appear.
Similar to Link Click, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time explores the theme of returning to the past to reshape the future, driven by emotion and the desire to alter events for a better outcome.
03. Boku dake ga Inai Machi (Erased)
Satoru Fujinuma, a 29-year-old manga artist, possesses a unique ability he calls “Revival,” which allows him to return to moments just before a tragedy strikes. Utilizing this power, he has successfully saved lives, but when he becomes embroiled in a murder accusation involving a loved one, Satoru is sent back 18 years to 1988. There, he realizes that a murder case from his childhood is linked to the recent tragedy he seeks to solve.
As he attempts to uncover the mystery surrounding the abduction and murder of his classmate Kayo Hinazuki, Satoru must navigate both past and present to protect those he cares about. Erased aligns closely with Link Click in its focus on time travel for the purpose of preventing tragedies, featuring suspenseful storytelling and a haunting atmosphere.
02. Tokyo Revengers
Once a respected middle schooler, Takemichi Hanagaki now finds himself at the bottom of society. When he learns that the Tokyo Manji Gang is responsible for the murder of his ex-girlfriend and her brother, his life takes another devastating turn. In a twist of fate, just before a train ends his life, Takemichi is transported back to the day he was still dating Hinata Tachibana.
Reliving that pivotal day, he encounters Hinata’s younger brother and urges him to protect her. Upon returning to the present, Takemichi discovers that he can alter the course of events. Determined to save his ex-girlfriend from her tragic fate, he embarks on a time-traveling journey filled with action and suspense. Tokyo Revengers shares the core theme of time travel with Link Click, utilizing it as a driving force in the narrative.
01. Steins;Gate
Okabe Rintarou, a self-proclaimed mad scientist, along with his childhood friend Mayuri and skilled hacker Daru, form the Future Gadget Laboratory. Their days are spent inventing quirky gadgets, though most of them fail spectacularly. Their most intriguing creation, the Phone Microwave, unexpectedly allows them to send text messages to the past, resulting in unpredictable changes to the present.
As they grapple with the implications of their discovery, Okabe and his friends face the heavy burden of altering history. Steins;Gate stands out as the most comparable anime to Link Click, as both series explore the profound consequences of time manipulation and the moral dilemmas that come with it.
Dev King is a passionate fan of manga, manhwa, and webtoons, with a love for Korean, Japanese, and Chinese cartoons. Always exploring new worlds and stories, he finds joy in every unique style and plot twist.
