Top 10 Anime Series for Tokyo Ghoul Fans

1. "Parasyte: The Maxim" (2014-2015)

"Parasyte: The Maxim" could easily be crowned as the king of body horror in anime. The story is centered around high schooler Shinichi Izumi, whose life takes a sharp turn when a parasitic alien invades his right hand. Now named Migi, the parasite and Shinichi must coexist, defending themselves against other hostile parasites. The series is based on a manga from the late '80s and early '90s, but its themes of coexistence and survival are still extremely relevant today. A horror is a horror, guys: still chilling even in 2023.

2. "Shiki" (2010)

"Shiki" takes the cake for making your skin crawl with its eerie atmosphere. The series occurs in the isolated village of Sotoba, where a sudden series of mysterious deaths has the inhabitants on edge. As the local doctor and the town's priest dive into the mystery, they discover the horrifying truth that their village is under attack by vampires. This series is a slow-burn, but it pays off with an intense climax that'll leave you both shocked and awed (no spoilers here.)

3. "Deadman Wonderland" (2011)

"Deadman Wonderland" introduces us to a dystopian Japan where a privately run prison serves as an amusement park for oblivious spectators. Our protagonist, Ganta Igarashi, is framed for murdering his classmates and is sent to this very prison. While navigating this dangerous world, Ganta discovers he has the power to control his blood – a power that comes with a hefty price. Sadly, the manga creators decided to end the series prematurely due to health issues, leaving many plotlines unresolved.

4. "Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign" (2015)

A devastating virus that kills all above the age of 13 and blood-sucking vampires that enslave the remaining children – that's the apocalyptic world of "Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign." The story follows Yuichiro Hyakuya, who dreams of killing all vampires after escaping their clutches. Despite the doom and gloom, the series is peppered with humor and camaraderie, making for an engaging watch.

5. "Elfen Lied" (2004)

The series' name and theme are inspired by a German poem and song, "Elfenlied," which means "elf song." "Elfen Lied" is notorious for its graphic violence, but beneath the bloodshed is a tragic tale of discrimination and dehumanization. The series follows Lucy, a Diclonius (a mutated human with invisible telekinetic hands) who escapes from a government facility. After her escape, she suffers a head injury, which causes her to develop a split personality.

6. "Ajin: Demi-Human" (2016-2017)

"Ajin: Demi-Human" sets up a world where immortal beings, known as Ajin, are feared and hunted by humans. The series follows Kei Nagai, a medical student, whose life is turned upside down when he discovers he's an Ajin after surviving a fatal accident. Suddenly, he's on the run from government forces, battling moral dilemmas and grappling with his newfound abilities. This show originally started as a webcomic before being adapted into manga, anime, and even live-action.

7. "Another" (2012)

Class 3-3 of Yomiyama North Middle School is cursed, according to "Another". A string of mysterious deaths associated with the class has people talking about a curse set in motion 26 years ago. The plot thickens as Kouichi Sakakibara, a new transfer student, starts to unravel the class's deadly secret. All this creepy tension builds to a finale that's as shocking as it is brutal. If you're looking for a horror anime that doesn't hold back, "Another" is your ticket to a thrilling (and maybe just a bit nerve-wrecking) ride.

8. "Psycho-Pass" (2012-2013)

"Psycho-Pass" presents a dystopian future where the Sibyl System can determine a person's criminal tendency. Enforcers and Inspectors uphold the law, with our main characters being newbie Inspector Akane Tsunemori and veteran Enforcer Shinya Kougami. Despite its sci-fi trappings, "Psycho-Pass" is a deep dive into moral philosophy and the definition of justice. The title "Psycho-Pass" is a portmanteau of "psychopath" and "pass" (as in giving a judgment), reflecting the series' central themes.

9. "Berserk" (2016-2017)

"Berserk" follows the grizzled mercenary Guts as he fights against demonic forces in a medieval world. Yes, it's technically a fantasy series, but its dark themes, brutal violence, and exploration of humanity's inner demons give it a horror vibe. While the 2016-2017 adaptation has been criticized for its CGI animation, the intense story and complex characters make it worth your time. A bit of trivia for you – "Berserk" has been around since the late '80s and has influenced numerous games, comics, and TV series.

10. "Tokyo Majin" (2007)

"Tokyo Majin" is a series where five high school students become imbued with mystical powers to combat the dark forces plaguing Tokyo. Sounds straightforward, right? But throw in some demonic conspiracies, occult rituals, and a whole lot of supernatural action, and you've got a series that's a roller coaster from start to finish. Despite its title, "Tokyo Majin" has no connection to Tokyo Ghoul, aside from sharing a setting and some supernatural themes.