Even though Attack on Titan ended in November 2023, it still left an indescribable void for many fans who just wish to rewatch it again to find any missing foreshadowing in Hajime Isayama's incredible story. However, although Attack on Titan is considered one of the best anime of all time and no series is exactly the same, there are still options that share the same essence and can attract any fan of dark fantasy shōnen or stories about survival in a dystopian world.

While Attack on Titan is an unforgettable series for its plot twists, morally complex characters, and impeccable animation, there are still a variety of excellent animes that cover similar premises. Either because of their worldbuilding, mysteries, or deep themes like humanity, sacrifice, war, and social classes, these animes are similar to Attack on Titan and are sure to delight those looking for what to watch next.

10 Kaiju No. 8

Based on the Manga by Naoya Matsumoto

Kaiju No. 8's plotline shares common elements with Attack on Titan, as the protagonist, Kafka Hibino, unexpectedly gains the ability to transform into a kaiju, a giant threat attacking humanity like the Titans, and the same type of creature he's seeking to destroy. Also, Kafka wishes to a military organization, the Japanese Anti-Kaiju Defense Force, to protect his country, which reminds fans of Eren Yeager's story.

Another similarity is the squads to eliminate Kaijus and titans found in both Kaiju No. 8 and Attack on Titan, the fact that both protagonists have a 'childhood friend' who is an extremely lethal soldier prodigy, and that both Kafka and Mina and Eren and Mikasa lost their homes after being attacked by one of these creatures. However, these stories are still different, since Kaiju No. 8 is inspired by Shin Godzilla and is more lighthearted than AOT, having a great emphasis on comedy.

9 Black Bullet

Based on the Light Novel Series Written by Shiden Kanzaki and Illustrated by Saki Ukai

Black Bullet is an underrated anime that has some of the elements that characterize Attack on Titan. In Black Bullet, the world is divided not by a wall but by a walled fortress due to a virus that devastated the Earth, generating giant monsters called Gastrea. In addition, there are hybrid children like Eren, who, although they do not become Gastrea, are at an intermediate point that grants them superhuman abilities and allows them to fight with these monsters.

Another similarity is that a special team is formed to stop the Gastrea, like the Survey Corps, and the anime also deals with topics such as tragic deaths, oppression of the social classes and discrimination, like the one suffered by Ymir's children, which gives rise to representing the internal conflict caused by the humans themselves rather than what exists beyond the monsters.

8 Seraph of the End

Based on the Light Novel Series Written by Takaya Kagami and Illustrated by Yamato Yamamoto

Another anime from Wit Studio, Seraph of the End, upon its airing, caused many viewers to make many comparisons with Attack on Titan, as its protagonist, Yuichiro Hyakuya, also fights for the sake of humanity and to seek revenge against the creatures that murder his family, proclaiming that he will kill them all. Seraph of the End follows a post-apocalyptic setting where humanity is on the brink of extinction, not because of the Titans, but because of a disease and a vampire insurrection.

Likewise, just like Eren, Armin, and Mikasa a special force, Yuichiro s an organization, the Moon Demon Company, which is a resistance group dedicated to killing vampires by using specifically designed weapons. Also, both Yuichiro and Mikaela shared a sibling-like relationship, like Eren and Mikasa.

7 Deca-Dence

Original Anime Series Directed by Yuzuru Tachikawa and Written by Hiroshi Seko

Deca-Dence mixes the best elements of Attack on Titan, Gurren Lagann, and Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and delivers an enjoyable story that has flown under the radar of many viewers. Like in Attack on Titan, in Deca-Dence, strange giant space monsters called Gadoll wiped out almost the entire human population, and the survivors are forced to lock themselves behind a gigantic fortress or traveling city.

Like Eren, Natsume also lost a parent and dreams of peace and longs to become a Gear to fight the Gadoll, sharing the same unbreakable fighting spirit but with a much more upbeat perspective. Also, the Gear are part of a military organization called The Power, whose purpose is to fight the gadoll, like the Survey Corps in Attack on Titan, and similar to the ODM gear, the characters in Deca-Dence use jetpacks to maneuver in battle.

6 Parasyte -The Maxim-

Based on the Manga by Hitoshi Iwaaki

An anime whose plotline resembles Attack on Titan and whose manga came out two decades earlier is Parasyte -the Maxim-. Even though Parasyte isn't set in a different dystopic world but in a modern reality, in the anime, humanity is also at risk due to a parasitic species that takes control of humans. Also, these parasites devour humans just like the titans.

Another way in which Parasyte is related to Attack on Titan is in the unexpected metamorphosis of its protagonist Shinichi, who becomes a kind of hybrid when a parasite takes over his right arm, and how he must protect himself from other parasites that want to attack him and also help other humans. A theme that both animes have in common is offering unique perspectives on humanity and the morality of society.

5 God Eater

Based on the Video Game Series by Namco Bandai Games

God Eater is an anime based on a game that is inevitable to draw comparisons with Attack on Titan because of their similar setting, as it also showcases a post-apocalyptic world where most of the humanity lives confined in bases surrounded by walls to protect themselves from the Aragami, who are giant monsters that can only be defeated with special weapons.

In God Eater, its protagonist Lenka, like Eren, enlists as a soldier in a unit due to his tragic past, but since it’s not shown from the beginning, he has an aura of mystery, being revealed as the anime progresses thanks to flashbacks. Because of this, in God Eater, the background of the world isn’t unknown like in Attack on Titan, but as it is gradually explained, this keeps the revelations interesting.

4 Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress

Original Anime Series Directed by Tetsurō Araki and Written by Ichirō Ōkouchi

One anime that shared more with Attack on Titan besides having the same director and composer and being animated by the same studio is Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress. Upon its release, Kabaneri was referred to by many as a 'steampunk Attack on Titan copy', as its plotline was too similar since the series also places humanity behind 'walls' in the face of a supernatural threat. But in Kabaneri, the walls are actually walled stations and a reinforced high-speed train, and the threats aren’t titans, but rather zombies named Kabane.

However, Kabaneri proved to be a great series on its own despite the clear inspiration. Not only is Kabaneri’s animation visually striking, but it also has great character design that recalls Alita: Battle Angel and fast-paced moments full of absolute frenzy, unlike the calm moments of Attack on Titan. Additionally, its story is also simpler, so it could appeal to viewers who want to experience a pure action anime.

3 The Promised Neverland

Based on the Manga Written by Kaiu Shirai and Illustrated by Posuka Demizu

Just like in Attack on Titan, in The Promised Neverland, the main group of characters is completely unaware of the reality outside the small world they live in. Moreover, like the walls in Attack on Titan are made to ‘protect’ the characters, in The Promised Neverland, the characters live in an orphanage that also keeps them from finding the truth and those controlling everything from the shadows. Also, The Promised Neverland brilliantly conveys tension and psychological terror like few animes can, keeping viewers hooked to see if the characters can survive.

Unfortunately, while The Promised Neverland season 1 was considered a masterpiece by many, the quality takes a drop in the next season, from the animation to cutting many important storylines, which leads to a rushed, lackluster ending. So, as it is fairly short for a shōnen (181 chapters), going straight to the manga after the first part is recommended.

2 Knights of Sidonia

Based on the Manga by Tsutomu Nihei

Knights of Sidonia is the perfect anime for mecha lovers wanting to see how Attack on Titan's premise will work in space. In the anime, humanity is almost extinguished by creatures called Gauna, which are even more enigmatic than the titans in AOT. However, instead of humanity being confined behind walls, the earth was destroyed, and the survivors formed nomadic space colonies, escaping from the creatures that hunt them.

As in AOT, Knights of Sidonia features a complex militarized society, and even though they have lived far from the Gauna attack, it showcases a fleet of pilots trained to face these monsters. Also, like Attack on Titan, it’s loved for its dark story, political intrigue, and well-thought-out mysteries. Knights of Sidonia raises many questions for viewers, like what these creatures are, what they want, and what the truth is surrounding the ship.

1 86 Eighty-Six

Based on the Light Novel Series Written by Asato Asato and Illustrated By Shirabii

86 Eighty-Six is one of the best underrated modern anime and has many similarities with Attack on Titan. In both animes, squads of elite fighters are formed to combat an impending threat, which leads to losing many lives in the process. On the other hand, in Attack on Titan, the people seem to peacefully live behind walls without knowing the truth, and in 86, most of the society is unaware of the true horrors the soldiers face on the battlefield.

Despite being a mecha anime, 86, like Attack on Titan, has a great representation of war but shows it from a different perspective, more focused on the consequences and toll on people than on its nature. The anime also showcases intriguing twists and how politics and racism affect society while also featuring well-crafted, complex characters, each one with their own struggles. This makes 86 Eighty-Six an anime similar to Attack on Titan that any fan will enjoy.