When it comes to gory action shows dipped in crazy, Future Diary stands at the top. Taking all of the hyperactive action of a Shonen battle royale series and unleashing a manic, pink-haired yandere on its cast, the series is one that revels in the chance to shock and offend its audience while still keeping them glued to the screen for all of its battle royale-esque action. That said, it’s not the only series that can provide this kind of experience, and these six anime will scratch that same itch if you’re looking for something similar.
Juni Taisen: Zodiac War
Anime Like Future Diary if You’re Looking for Something Similar
Once every 12 years, warriors who carry traits of animals of the Zodiac gather to engage in a deadly competition with one another. Each is trained in the ways of war and granted special abilities, their battles span entire cities and leave destruction in their wake until only one remains to be granted a wish of their choosing. However, this also comes with the catch that each competitor is administered a deadly poison, killing them if they don’t eliminate all of their competition in 12 hours. With this in mind, twelve new combatants enter a deserted city, eager to rip each other limb from limb in the hopes of gaining what they’ve always longed for.
Frantic, violent and packed with fights, this series will sate even the most blood thirsty of anime fans. Plus, at only 12 episodes, it’s a breeze to get through in a single, slaughter-filled sitting.
Fate/Zero
Anime Like Future Diary if You’re Looking for Something Similar
In a world where magic is readily studied and used by those with the power to control it, there are a select few who take part in the Holy Grail War. Through it, master mages and their summoned heroes of legend duke it out with one another until only one remains. They are then granted a single wish of their choosing by the Grail, bending the laws of reality to their will to change the world as they see fit. After several inconclusive wars, the fourth looks to be the one to end them all with psychopathic murderers, trained hitmen and time-honored mages of royal lineage all in the mix with one another. Blood will be spilled, moralities tested and spirits weathered before the night is through, but it’s clear not everyone will make it out alive.
The prequel to the equally good Fate/Stay Night, this 25 episode series is a masterwork in its story pacing, fight scenes and gripping character dynamics. From the tragic quest of Kiritsugu and Sabor to save the world from hardship to the personal journey of the church assassin Kirei to uncover his true nature, each character’s growth and ordeals drag you in and never let go. By the final episode, you’ll be hungry for everything else this franchise has to offer.
Deadman Wonderland
Anime Like Future Diary if You’re Looking for Something Similar
Following a cataclysmic earthquake which sunk three quarters into the ocean, special individuals able to manipulate their blood began to emerge, wreaking havoc on those not blessed with such abilities. In response, a special facility was created to not only house them, but pit them against one another in literal blood matches for the entertainment of the once terrorized populace. Ganta Igarashi, a young boy framed for the murder of his classmates, finds himself taken to this facility and forced to battle against deranged psychopaths in order to uncover the truth of why he was framed, gain his freedom and put an end to the insanity of this game of death once and for all. It’s about as insane as a Shonen battle series can get, and if you like violent anime, you won’t walk away from this series disappointed.
Btooom!
Anime Like Future Diary if You’re Looking for Something Similar
For those who hate someone enough, there is a secret organization that will spirit them away to a deserted island for a game of death. Ryōta Sakamoto, a master at combat video games and an unemployed burden on his mother, finds himself the victim of this tradeoff and trapped with no clear way of escaping. With no other options, he is forced to utilize his past experience with games to adapt to this battle for survival. Armed with an array of special explosives that can kill his enemies and himself in equal measure, he’ll have to decide whether to hold onto his humanity or blow it away along with the competition. Though only a small portion of the manga series was adapted to anime, what is available is a top-tier experience whether you love explosive action, survival thrillers or chaotic gore-fests.
Magical Girl Raising Project
Anime Like Future Diary if You’re Looking for Something Similar
Armed with unfathomable magical powers, magical girls are capable of taking on untold horrors and mystical threats to the world. In this series, however, they themselves are the enemies, tasked with killing each other in a death match in order to hold onto their powers and protect themselves from the threats posed by their work. It’s safe to say this series isn’t meant for everyone – fans of magical girl shows will feel much more at home here than Shonen fans will, and even then those fans should be willing to see their favorite genre literally torn to shreds in front of their eyes – but for those willing to give it a chance, this dark take on the bubbly genre has some excellent moments of chaotic battles and characters doing whatever it takes to survive.
Gantz
Anime Like Future Diary if You’re Looking for Something Similar
After dying in a freak train accident, Kei Kurono and his friend Masaru Kato awaken to discover they’ve been enlisted into Gantz, a game where humans are pitted against supernatural and cosmic horrors. Those who succeed in surviving each round accrue points, able to gain advantages in the next round ranging from powerful armaments to special abilities or even buy their way toward being resurrected and returned to their former lives; but, for those who fail, there is nothing but a grizzly second death waiting for them at the hands of the latest monster of the week. Though the first anime series hasn’t aged perfectly, the stellar story still holds up and sets up the recent 3D animation film, Gantz 0, wonderfully. Consider this if you love a visceral and pulse-pounding survival thriller experience.
What are some series that you believe match up to the insanity of Future Diary? Let us know in the comments below, and check out some of our other lists for shows like Psycho-Pass and Vampire Knight.
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