If you’re a fan of Spy X Family and love spy comedies and thrillers with intriguing characters, here are 10 manga series that share similar themes of espionage, family dynamics, and thrilling action, often with a mix of humor and heartwarming moments:
1. Kaguya-sama: Love is War
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Psychological, Drama
While Kaguya-sama: Love is War isn’t directly about spies, it shares a similar dynamic of intellectual battles and strategic games, making it a good pick for fans of Spy X Family. The story revolves around two student council members, Kaguya Shinomiya and Miyuki Shirogane, who are deeply in love with each other but too proud to confess. Instead, they engage in a series of psychological games to outsmart each other into confessing first.
Much like Spy X Family, Kaguya-sama features a unique blend of humor, tension, and clever strategies. The humor comes from the absurd situations that arise due to their competitive nature, and the complex dynamics of the characters as they navigate their feelings. In terms of tone, both series balance intense situations with light-hearted moments, offering a similar experience for those who enjoy psychological combat combined with heartwarming dynamics.
2. The Irregular at Magic High School
Genre: Science Fiction, Action, Magic
Set in a world where magic is a scientific discipline, The Irregular at Magic High School follows Tatsuya Shiba, a student at a prestigious school for magical education. Tatsuya’s exceptional skills and mysterious background make him an enigmatic character, similar to how Twilight in Spy X Family leads a double life as a spy while playing the role of a husband and father.
Like Spy X Family, the story blends action and a school setting, but it also adds a unique twist with magic and high-tech elements. The family dynamics in the series mirror those of Spy X Family as Tatsuya and his sister, Miyuki, share a deep but sometimes complicated bond. Tatsuya’s hidden skills and secrets add to the spy-like atmosphere, while his interactions with his family members provide moments of warmth and growth.
3. Great Pretender
Genre: Action, Comedy, Thriller
If you love the espionage feel of Spy X Family, Great Pretender will be right up your alley. This anime follows a group of international con artists who carry out complex heists across the world. The main character, Makoto Edamura, is a Japanese con artist who is deceived into working with a more experienced group of criminals. They engage in high-stakes schemes, using clever tactics, disguises, and deception, much like the undercover work of spies.
Similar to Spy X Family, the series is rich in humor, with witty banter between characters, while also building tension as the heists unfold. The camaraderie between the con artists evokes the close-knit dynamic of the Forger family, especially with the themes of trust and deception running throughout. The setting of Great Pretender is filled with intrigue, and each mission brings new challenges and reveals hidden motives, much like the constantly evolving mission dynamics in Spy X Family.
4. Mayoiga (The Lost Village)
Genre: Psychological, Mystery, Thriller
Although Mayoiga isn’t a spy series, it shares the underlying theme of mysterious characters with secret pasts, which makes it a compelling choice for Spy X Family fans. The plot follows a group of people who travel to a secluded village in search of a fresh start, only to find themselves trapped in a nightmarish situation. Each character harbors their own dark secrets, creating an atmosphere of suspense and intrigue.
Much like Spy X Family, Mayoiga features a group of individuals with contrasting personalities and motivations, where secrets and hidden agendas play a central role. The series explores how these characters’ pasts and hidden fears shape their actions, offering a psychological thriller that emphasizes the complexity of human emotions and relationships. The mix of mystery, psychological tension, and character-driven drama mirrors the intrigue found in Spy X Family.
5. Joker Game
Genre: Spy, Mystery, Psychological
Joker Game is a much more serious take on the spy genre compared to Spy X Family, but it captures the tension, espionage, and clever strategizing that fans of the spy thriller genre will appreciate. Set during World War II, Joker Game follows the D-Agency, a secret spy organization created to carry out covert missions. The agents in this series are highly skilled, manipulative, and deceptive, often using psychological tactics to outsmart their enemies.
The main appeal of Joker Game lies in its complex characters, who carry out their missions in a world filled with political intrigue and covert operations. The themes of deception, trust, and strategy align with the espionage elements found in Spy X Family. While Joker Game is more mature and serious in tone, it still offers a gripping exploration of the spy genre, perfect for fans who enjoy well-crafted, high-stakes intelligence work.
6. Noir
Genre: Action, Drama, Mystery
If you enjoy Spy X Family’s mix of action and drama, Noir offers a darker, more intense version of espionage. This series focuses on two female assassins, Mireille and Kirika, who are bound by their shared pasts and their profession. They work together to unravel the mystery behind their connections to an organization known as Noir, an elusive and deadly group.
The series is filled with suspense, betrayal, and intense action sequences. It features the same themes of hidden identities and complex relationships, especially between the two leads who form an unlikely bond. Noir shares Spy X Family’s ability to balance action with emotional depth, though it does so in a much more serious and often violent manner.
7. Detective Conan (Case Closed)
Genre: Mystery, Detective, Thriller
Detective Conan is a classic mystery series that, like Spy X Family, involves secret identities and high-stakes situations. The main character, Shinichi Kudo, is a teenage detective who is transformed into a child after being poisoned. Now known as Conan Edogawa, he continues to solve complex cases while hiding his true identity from those around him.
Similar to Spy X Family, the series revolves around the protagonist keeping a major secret—Shinichi’s true identity—while balancing his everyday life with his role as a detective. Detective Conan features intriguing cases, clever deductions, and plenty of comedic moments, as well as some heartwarming relationships, making it an enjoyable pick for fans of Spy X Family.
8. Family Complex
Genre: Comedy, Slice of Life, Drama
This lesser-known series delves into family dynamics in a light-hearted and humorous way, though with more focus on misunderstandings and quirky character traits than espionage. The story follows a young boy, Hideki, who is living with his eccentric family members. Each family member has their own peculiarities and secrets, creating amusing yet heartfelt moments of growth and realization.
Like Spy X Family, the story revolves around family relationships, albeit in a more grounded and comedic setting. The characters are flawed, yet endearing, and as they navigate their differences, they build stronger bonds. Family Complex captures the charm of family dynamics and the humor in hidden identities and secrets, making it a fitting choice for fans of Spy X Family’s heartwarming theme.
9. Killer Bee
Genre: Action, Comedy, Thriller
This manga follows the story of a hitman who balances his violent job with his seemingly normal life. Much like Spy X Family, the protagonist’s life is filled with deception, as he hides his true profession from those closest to him. As he navigates through dangerous missions, he faces moral dilemmas and must deal with the complexities of relationships in a high-stakes environment.
Killer Bee shares Spy X Family’s themes of hidden identities and family ties, along with intense action and comedic moments. It offers a darker look at the consequences of living a double life, making it a thrilling option for fans of espionage and complex character dynamics.
10. Master Keaton
Genre: Mystery, Action, Drama
Master Keaton follows Taichi Keaton, a former special forces operative who works as a private investigator. Throughout the series, Keaton takes on various cases that lead him into the world of espionage, art thefts, and mysteries that blur the lines between his personal life and professional duties.
Much like Spy X Family, Master Keaton delves into the life of a character who juggles multiple identities—Keaton is both a skilled agent and a loving father. His adventures are filled with intellectual challenges, action sequences, and emotional moments, making it a great option for fans who appreciate complex characters, thrilling missions, and nuanced family dynamics.
These manga series offer thrilling espionage, humor, and engaging characters, much like Spy X Family. Whether you’re looking for action-packed spy missions, light-hearted comedy, or deep family connections, these titles provide a satisfying mix of all the elements that make Spy X Family so enjoyable.
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.
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