If you’ve binged Kaiju No. 8 and found yourself hooked on Kafka Hibino’s double life as a kaiju-fighting everyman-turned-monster, you’re not alone. This 2024 breakout hit masterfully blends high-stakes action, body horror, and heartfelt camaraderie in a world overrun by colossal beasts. But once the dust settles on those epic Defense Force battles, what do you watch next? Fear not—we’ve curated a list of 15 anime that capture the essence of Kaiju No. 8‘s monster-mashing mayhem, from grotesque transformations and apocalyptic threats to underdog heroes wielding insane powers. These picks span shonen epics, mecha masterpieces, and dark fantasies, each with enough gore, grit, and grandeur to keep your adrenaline pumping. Let’s dive into the abyss.
1. Attack on Titan (2013–2023)
In a walled society terrorized by ravenous Titans—humanoid giants that devour without mercy—Eren Yeager joins the Survey Corps to reclaim humanity’s freedom. What starts as a survival horror tale evolves into a labyrinth of political intrigue, betrayal, and jaw-dropping twists. Like Kaiju No. 8, it thrives on visceral monster battles and the psychological toll of fighting otherworldly horrors, but amps up the scale with city-crushing sieges and moral ambiguity. With 94 episodes across four seasons, it’s a marathon worth the sweat—perfect for fans craving that “humanity’s on the brink” tension.
2. Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995)
Teen pilots Shinji Ikari, Asuka Langley, and Rei Ayanami command bio-mechanical Evas to fend off enigmatic Angels invading Earth in this seminal mecha series. Beneath the explosive robot-vs.-god showdowns lies a Freudian deep dive into depression, identity, and existential dread. Echoing Kaiju No. 8‘s themes of reluctant heroes grappling with inner demons (literally), Evangelion delivers psychedelic action sequences and soul-crushing character arcs. The original 26-episode run plus its 1997 End of Evangelion film finale make it a mind-bending gateway to anime’s psychological underbelly.
3. Godzilla: Singular Point (2021)
A team of scientists and kaiju enthusiasts uncovers a conspiracy linking ancient bones to modern-day rampages by the King of the Monsters himself. Blending hard sci-fi with pulse-pounding kaiju clashes, this Netflix original features innovative animation that makes Godzilla’s atomic breath feel thunderously real. For Kaiju No. 8 devotees, it’s a no-brainer: direct ties to the kaiju genre, quirky character dynamics, and a narrative that treats monster ecology like a detective thriller. At 13 episodes, it’s a snappy, intellectually satisfying romp.
4. Parasyte: The Maxim (2014–2015)
High schooler Shinichi Izumi bonds with an alien parasite that spares his hand, granting him superhuman abilities to battle invasive “Parasytes” mimicking humans. This 24-episode horror-action hybrid explores symbiosis, ethics, and survival with graphic body horror and philosophical bite. It mirrors Kaiju No. 8‘s transformation anxiety and “monster among men” vibe, but leans harder into gore and moral quandaries—think Kafka’s plight, but with tentacle-sword duels. A must-watch for its razor-sharp social commentary wrapped in visceral fights.
5. Tokyo Ghoul (2014–2018)
Ken Kaneki, an ordinary college student, becomes a half-ghoul after a gruesome encounter, forcing him to navigate a hidden world of flesh-eating ghouls while suppressing his hunger. The four-season arc (root, Tokyo Ghoul √A, re, and the faithful manga adaptation :re) delivers brutal CCG vs. ghoul skirmishes and identity crises galore. Fans of Kaiju No. 8‘s undercover heroics will relish the mask-clad battles and themes of alienation, though its pacing can falter—stick to the manga for deeper lore if hooked.
6. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (2019–Ongoing)
Tanjiro Kamado trains as a Demon Slayer after his family is slaughtered by demons, wielding a Nichirin blade and water-breathing techniques alongside his demon-turned-sister Nezuko. This Ufotable masterpiece boasts fluid, breathtaking animation in its demon-slaying arcs, from spider-infested mountains to infinity trains. It captures Kaiju No. 8‘s blend of familial bonds and ferocious combat against grotesque foes, with seasonal releases keeping the hype alive—over 50 episodes so far, each a visual feast.
7. Jujutsu Kaisen (2020–Ongoing)
Cursed by a special-grade spirit, Yuji Itadori swallows a finger of the ancient sorcerer Sukuna to become a vessel, joining Tokyo Jujutsu High to exorcise curses born from human negativity. MAPPA’s slick production shines in domain expansions and finger-blasting sorcery across two seasons (and counting). Like Kaiju No. 8, it’s a shonen powerhouse of team-based monster hunts and power scaling, but with supernatural flair—ideal for fans of strategic, high-octane brawls.
8. My Hero Academia (2016–Ongoing)
In a world where 80% of people have Quirks (superpowers), Izuku Midoriya inherits One For All to enroll in U.A. High and battle villains threatening society. This 7+ season juggernaut emphasizes found family, hero ethics, and escalating threats from Nomu beasts to All For One. It parallels Kaiju No. 8‘s underdog rise and quirk-vs-kaiju spectacle, delivering feel-good action with deeper dives into discrimination and ambition—over 140 episodes of pure hype.
9. One Punch Man (2015–Ongoing)
Saitama, a bald hero who defeats any foe with one punch, grapples with boredom in a hero-obsessed world plagued by bizarre monsters. Season 1’s god-tier animation highlights epic city-smashing fights, while Season 2 explores satire and side characters. For Kaiju No. 8 lovers, it’s the comedic flip on monster defense, with Saitama’s deadpan vibe contrasting Kafka’s earnestness—22 episodes total, blending laughs with over-the-top destruction.
10. Mob Psycho 100 (2016–2022)
Shigeo “Mob” Kageyama, an esper suppressing his psychic powers to live normally, teams with con-man Reigen to tackle spirits and cults. Studio Bones’ three-season run (36 episodes) bursts with fluid esper explosions and emotional growth.
ALSO READ: Kaiju No. 8: Roaring into the Unknown – Is Season 3 on the Horizon After the Manga’s Epic Finale?
It echoes Kaiju No. 8‘s “power within” struggle and mentor-protégé dynamics, but infuses psychic kaiju-like entities with heartfelt coming-of-age—visually stunning and profoundly moving.
11. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009–2010)
Brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric seek the Philosopher’s Stone after a failed transmutation costs their bodies, clashing with homunculi in a steampunk world of alchemy and war. This 64-episode fidelity to Hiromu Arakawa’s manga weaves action, tragedy, and philosophy seamlessly. Similar to Kaiju No. 8‘s body-altering stakes and moral battles against man-made monsters, it’s a genre-defining epic of resilience and redemption.
12. Hunter x Hunter (2011–2014)
Gon Freecss trains to become a Hunter, uncovering dark secrets while facing Chimera Ants—hybrid horrors evolving into god-like threats. Yoshihiro Togashi’s 148-episode adaptation shines in its Chimera Ant arc, a monster invasion masterpiece. It matches Kaiju No. 8‘s scale of escalating abominations and strategic combat, with Gon’s optimism fueling profound explorations of humanity—though its hiatus-prone manga adds meta charm.
13. Chainsaw Man (2022–Ongoing)
Denji, a devil-hunter fused with the Chainsaw Devil Pochita, slices through infernal contracts in a blood-soaked world of public safety devils. MAPPA’s first season (12 episodes) revels in chaotic, R-rated gore and twisted humor. For Kaiju No. 8 fans, it’s the punk-rock cousin: visceral transformations, devilish kaiju analogs, and anti-hero grit that subverts shonen tropes deliciously.
14. Blue Exorcist (2011–Ongoing)
Rin Okumura, son of Satan, wields blue flames to exorcise demons at True Cross Academy after his father’s reveal. Spanning four seasons (plus OVAs), it mixes school-life comedy with hellish exorcisms and family drama. It resonates with Kaiju No. 8‘s infernal heritage and demon-slaying squads, offering lighter tones amid demon realm invasions—around 60 episodes of fiery, fate-defying fun.
15. Gurren Lagann (2007)
Simon and Kamina pilot Gunmen mechs to pierce the heavens against the Beastmen and Anti-Spirals in a spiral-powered rebellion. Gainax’s 27-episode fever dream escalates from underground drills to galaxy-shattering mecha wars. It embodies Kaiju No. 8‘s theme of defying monstrous odds with unyielding spirit, delivering bombastic speeches and visual poetry— a hype-fueled finale that’ll leave you yelling “Who the hell do you think I am?”
There you have it: a kaiju-sized playlist to extend your Kaiju No. 8 high. Whether you’re drawn to the horror, heroism, or sheer spectacle, these series offer fresh riffs on monster mayhem. Start with one that grabs you—maybe Godzilla: Singular Point for pure kaiju cred—and let the binge begin.
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Hello, I am a huge anime fan with a decent experience in writing articles regarding the anime industry.
