Life can be full of surprises. One moment, you could be enjoying the best day of your life, and the next, you may face challenges you never expected. Sometimes, life even works in reverse, offering unexpected joys when you least expect them. Even in less dramatic moments, life still has its way of surprising us with what it holds. Nakajima Atsushi, an orphan, loses his home and unexpectedly finds a new one on the same day. But nothing compared to the unpredictability he experiences after joining the Armed Detective Agency.
Atsushi Nakajima, an 18-year-old boy, is thrown out of the orphanage after being wrongfully accused of being connected to a mystical white tiger terrorizing it. Homeless and hungry, Atsushi encounters Osamu Dazai, a suicide enthusiast and a supernatural detective, who has been investigating the same tiger. Along with Dazai’s partner Doppo, they solve the mystery, leaving Atsushi questioning his own identity. Atsushi eventually returns with Dazai to the Armed Detective Agency, where he begins working with the quirky members of the team and finds a new family along the way.
The series features an excellent cast of characters, a captivating plot, and thrilling action-mystery that makes you question whether the concepts of good and evil are as simple as they seem, or if there’s a hidden, more complex third side. The show has been well-received, and fans can look forward to its second season, with Season 4 being produced by Bones and scheduled to premiere in January 2023. While waiting, here are some other anime similar to Bungo Stray Dogs that are sure to keep you entertained.
20 Anime Similar to Bungo Stray Dogs
20. Kekkai Sensen
Kekkai Sensen, like Bungo Stray Dogs, is a supernatural action mystery filled with humorous situations and an engaging storyline. Set in a fantasy version of New York called Hellsalem’s Lot, where humans and supernatural beings coexist, the story follows Leonardo Watch, a photojournalist who gains the power of “All-seeing Eyes of Gods” at the cost of his sister’s eyesight. To learn more about his new power and find a way to restore his sister’s sight, Leonardo joins Libra, a secret organization working to maintain peace in Hellsalem’s Lot. Kekkai Sensen shares similar elements with Bungo Stray Dogs, particularly the theme of a team of quirky characters with special abilities working together to protect the world.
19. Darker Than Black
Darker Than Black also explores the world of contractors with supernatural abilities. After a mysterious event known as the Hell’s Gate occurs in Japan, people with psychic powers—known as Contractors—emerge, but at a cost: they lose a part of their humanity. Hei, one of the most powerful Contractors, works for the Syndicate, a secret organization trying to unravel the mysteries of the Hell’s Gate. Similar to Bungo Stray Dogs, this series focuses on dark themes, espionage, and crime, but with a more serious and dramatic tone.
18. Tokyo Revengers
Tokyo Revengers delves into the consequences of time travel and the impact small changes can have on the future. Takemichi Hanagaki, a man living an unsuccessful life, travels back in time to prevent the death of his childhood girlfriend, Hinata. As he tries to change the course of events, he finds himself involved in gang conflicts. Like Bungo Stray Dogs, Tokyo Revengers mixes crime, violence, and complex character relationships, focusing on redemption and personal growth.
17. Hamatora
In Hamatora, people known as “Minimum Holders” possess supernatural powers, or “Minimums.” Nice and Murasaki, two Minimum Holders, run their own detective agency. When they investigate a series of murders, they uncover a larger mystery involving a serial killer targeting other Minimum Holders. Like Bungo Stray Dogs, Hamatora combines detective work, superpowers, and a colorful cast of characters who tackle dangerous cases others cannot solve.
Kemono Jihen tells the story of Kabane Kusaka, a young boy who is ostracized for being different. When a string of strange animal deaths occurs in a mountain village, an occult detective named Inugami Kohachi takes on the case. He teams up with Kabane to solve the mystery, and Kabane ends up joining Inugami’s team of supernatural investigators. Like Bungo Stray Dogs, Kemono Jihen explores themes of belonging and the dynamic of a team working together to solve the unsolvable.
15. Yuukoku no Moriarity
Yuukoku no Moriarity explores the moral complexities of justice. William James Moriarty, the adopted son of a noble family, despises the corrupt British class system. With his brothers, he sets out to destroy the aristocracy and change the world. This psychological historical mystery delves into right and wrong, similar to Bungo Stray Dogs, but without supernatural elements, focusing instead on intellect and strategy.
14. Karneval
Karneval is set in a world where a circus-like group, known as “Circus,” acts as a defense agency dealing with supernatural threats. The protagonist, Nai, is searching for his long-lost friend and joins Circus in hopes of finding him. Along with Gareki, a thief he meets under strange circumstances, Nai becomes involved in the group’s investigations. Like Bungo Stray Dogs, Karneval features a team of eccentric individuals with unique abilities, working together to fight evil forces.
13. Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens
Set in Fukuoka, where hitmen, detectives, and revenge seekers abound, Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens follows Zenji Banba, a laid-back detective, and Xianming Lin, a hitman. Together, they take on a corrupt organization and its dangerous secrets. Like Bungo Stray Dogs, this series blends the mafia and detective genres, with quirky characters and fast-paced action.
12. Special 7: Special Crime Investigation Unit
In an alternate Japan, humans coexist with magical beings. A group known as Nine threatens to disrupt the peace by seeking the power of dragons, and a special unit, Special 7, is formed to stop them. Rookie detective Seiji Nanatsuki joins this team, where he learns that they are special not just because of their cases but because of their members’ unique qualities. Similar to Bungo Stray Dogs, Special 7 is a supernatural action series that explores themes of teamwork and the bonds formed through difficult missions.
11. Kuroshitsuji
What is so important to you that you would even trade your soul for it? Is it a person, a purpose, or a thing? For Ciel Phantomhive, it’s the desire for truth and vengeance for the death of his family. A thirteen-year-old boy who came back from the dead with a demon in tow, with the sole motive of bringing his parents’ murderer back to hell. Similar to Bungo Stray Dogs, Kuroshitsuji is also a historical mystery with crazy characters and tragic pasts.
On the brink of death, Ciel makes a contract with a demon to help him get revenge on the people who planned to bring the Phantomhive household down, in exchange for his soul. Now, the same demon, Sebastian, not only helps him solve cases for the Queen while searching for his parent’s murderers but also handles every necessary task of the household as his butler.
It’s an anime dealing with deep and dark issues, similar to Bungo Stray Dogs, that will make you think. Like Bungo Stray Dogs, it’s filled with action, revenge plots, wacky characters, and emotional moments that will quickly draw you into the series.
10. Black Cat
Train Heartnet, once a ruthless assassin known as Black Cat, reconsiders his life after meeting Saya Minatsuki, a bounty hunter with an optimistic outlook. After leaving his deadly role, Train becomes a bounty hunter, but his past soon catches up with him in the form of Creed Diskenth, a former associate who wants to bring him back to the world of assassins.
Black Cat shares similar themes with Bungo Stray Dogs, particularly the conflict between groups and the struggle to find one’s true path. The series blends action, drama, and a touch of humor, making it a compelling watch for fans of Bungo Stray Dogs.
09. Baccano
The concept of immortality can be a dream or a nightmare depending on the person’s desires. But is it even possible to find a potion for immortality? Maybe with magic and alchemy, as seen in Baccano. Set in the 1900s, this series revolves around mafia groups and supernatural elements.
In 1711, a group of alchemists acquires the elixir of immortality but decide to keep it a secret, only for members of the group to be murdered one by one. In 1930, one of those members, Slizard Quates, manages to make a new batch of the elixir but loses it in a transaction. Mistaken for a bottle of alcohol, it is consumed by several people from different walks of life, creating a new generation of immortals. The story follows various characters from different groups, places, and times, who might seem unrelated but are all part of a larger picture.
Baccano, similar to Bungo Stray Dogs, features a unique and engaging plot, quirky characters, and a comedic undertone within a mafia setting that will keep you hooked until the very end. It blends suspense, romance, comedy, action, and the supernatural.
08. 91 Days
Another anime revolving around mafia wars and the conflict between factions, 91 Days mirrors Bungo Stray Dogs in many ways. The series follows Angelo Lagusa, a young boy whose entire family is killed by the Vanetti Mafia in front of his eyes. Seven years later, he returns to his hometown under the alias Avilio Bruno, seeking revenge on those responsible for his family’s demise.
Angelo’s journey begins when he befriends Nero, the son of the mafia don, and sets his revenge plot in motion. What follows is a blood-stained path filled with betrayal, mafia warfare, and a quest for justice.
If you enjoyed the mafia conflict, drama, action, and mystery in Bungo Stray Dogs, 91 Days will captivate you with its intense and gripping story.
07. Taboo Tattoo
Tattoos, while beautiful, are often symbols of strength. But what if they could also be used as weapons? In Taboo Tattoo, such tattoos exist—ancient marks that enhance the power of the wearer. Like Bungo Stray Dogs, this series revolves around people with supernatural powers solving cases.
Akatsuka Justice (Sigi), a normal high school student, finds himself embroiled in a conflict after he receives a mysterious tattoo from a homeless man in gratitude for saving him. The tattoo holds immense power and attracts the attention of various groups, including a powerful American girl named Easy who seeks to collect the tattoos. This spirals Sigi into a larger, chaotic fight for control over these ancient, dangerous powers.
Similar to Bungo Stray Dogs, Taboo Tattoo combines supernatural abilities, crime-fighting, and comedic moments into an engaging series.
06. Banana Fish
What does “Banana Fish” even mean? It’s a foolish name with a tragic backstory at the heart of this thrilling series. Banana Fish follows Ash Lynx, a young man entangled in a web of gang violence, mystery, and power struggles. His life changes when he meets Eiji Okumura, a Japanese photographer, and both become involved in the investigation of “Banana Fish”—a phrase linked to a devastating conspiracy.
Despite lacking supernatural elements, Banana Fish shares with Bungo Stray Dogs an exploration of power imbalances, violence, and the quest for truth in a world rife with injustice. The fast-paced, character-driven narrative and emotional depth make it a must-watch for fans of Bungo Stray Dogs.
05. Arcana Famiglia
In Arcana Famiglia, family bonds are tested in a mafia-like setting. The Arcana Famiglia, an organization that protects the island of Regalo, is led by Mondo, who decides to retire and pass his position to his daughter, Felicita. However, Felicita, unwilling to marry the winner of the competition to choose the next head, decides to fight for her freedom in the Arcana Duello. Contestants not only fight for the position but also for her hand in marriage.
If you enjoyed the relationships and dynamics between characters in Bungo Stray Dogs, Arcana Famiglia will also resonate with its themes of family, crime, justice, and friendship in a supernatural mafia world.
04. Vanitas no Carte Vanitas no Carte is a supernatural mystery set in an alternate 19th century where humans and vampires coexist. The story revolves around Noe, a vampire, and Vanitas, a human self-proclaimed vampire doctor. Together, they search for the Book of Vanitas, which can cure a disease that forces vampires into predatory behavior. The pair must face a deadly threat while navigating a world of complex politics and supernatural elements.
If you enjoyed the dynamic between Dazai and Atsushi in Bungo Stray Dogs, you’ll love the relationship between Noe and Vanitas. Vanitas no Carte shares the same supernatural mystery and comedic tone, making it a fitting recommendation for fans of Bungo Stray Dogs.
03. Senkou no Night Raid
Set in Shanghai during the 1930s, Senkou no Night Raid follows a special agency, Sakurai Kikan, whose members possess extraordinary paranormal powers. They work to prevent impending disaster, particularly a secretive organization named Hydra, which seeks to trigger a global conflict.
Similar to Bungo Stray Dogs, Senkou no Night Raid showcases a team of unique individuals with supernatural abilities working to protect society from evil forces, all while dealing with personal tensions and conflicts.
02. Black Lagoon
What if pirates still existed? Black Lagoon takes this concept to the extreme, introducing Rokurou Okajima, a businessman who ends up joining a group of ruthless pirates after his company abandons him. The pirates, known as Black Lagoon, take him on a wild, dangerous ride through the underworld.
This action-packed series shares Bungo Stray Dogs‘ chaotic energy, dark humor, and unpredictable plot, as well as its focus on the relationships between a team of misfits who manage to work together.
01. Fuuto Tantei Fuuto Tantei is another detective anime with a supernatural twist. The story centers around Shotaro Hidari and Philip, two detectives with special powers, and their new assistant, Tokime, who suffers from amnesia. As they solve cases, they uncover a deeper connection between the murders plaguing Fuuto city and Tokime’s mysterious past.
If you enjoyed the detective aspect of Bungo Stray Dogs and its supernatural elements, Fuuto Tantei is a series you’ll want to check out.
These 20 anime share common themes with Bungo Stray Dogs, including suspense, mystery, crime, supernatural powers, and compelling character dynamics. If you’re a fan of Bungo Stray Dogs, you’ll likely find these series equally captivating!
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.
