12 Best Anime Like The Walking Dead

The Walking Dead needs little introduction. As it stands, TWD is one of the most popular post-aplocalyptic shows of all time among the likes of The Last of Us, The 100, and Station Eleven. And if you need some anime like The Walking Dead to watch, there’s no shortage of both series and anime to watch to satisfy one’s craving.

Keep scrolling to find your next show to binge.

12. Zombie Land Saga

As someone who has been watching anime since the age of 5, I’m accustomed to many genres. There are not many surprises for me anymore. This made me initially skeptical about Zombie Land Saga. Zombies and idol culture? It sounded like a bizarre concoction.

However, after giving it a chance, I found myself hooked on the ingenious blend of undead shenanigans and idol aspirations. It taught me that sometimes, the most unexpected combinations create the most entertaining stories.

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In this series, Sakura, your typical high school girl, gets hit by a truck and wakes up as a zombie. No biggie, right? Well, she ends up in this crazy mansion managed by Kotaro, who’s on a mission to turn a bunch of undead girls from different eras into the ultimate idol group, Franchouchou.

While Zomblie Land Saga doesn’t have a gritty setting, it offers a fresh and comical take on the post-apocalyptic theme found in The Walking Dead.

11. Higurashi: When They Cry

Higurashi When They Cry first aired in 2006 and was adapted from a visual novel by 07th Expansion. At first glance, it presents itself as a typical, peaceful, and seemingly cute rural setting with a group of friends.

However, the tale takes a dark turn as it introduces a series of gruesome and violent events. Specifically, a series of brutal murders and mysterious events in the seemingly peaceful village of Hinamizawa. As friends become entangled in a cycle of paranoia, insanity, and supernatural occurrences, the anime explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the consequences of one’s actions.

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Higurashi combines horror and mystery, mirroring The Walking Dead’s unpredictability as characters confront the unknown in a small, seemingly peaceful village.

10. Blue Gender

I’ll never forget the emotional rollercoaster Blue Gender took me on. The struggles of the characters for survival, the sacrifices made, and the constant uncertainty struck a chord.

Blue Gender is set in a dystopian future where Earth has been overrun by gigantic insect-like creatures known as the Blue. These creatures have driven humanity to the brink of extinction, with survivors taking refuge in space. The story follows Yuji Kaido, who awakens from cryostasis to find himself in a drastically changed world. He becomes part of a military effort to combat the Blue and reclaim the planet for humanity.

Similar to The Walking Dead, Blue Gender is a gruesome anime show that focuses on survival and human nature, delving into the psychological toll of constant danger.

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09. Claymore

Claymore is a dark fantasy anime and manga series that follows Clare, a half-human, half-demon warrior known as a Claymore. In a world plagued by monstrous creatures called Yoma, Claymores are created to hunt them down.

The anime isn’t meant for those who are faint at heart. It’s deep, character-driven, and doesn’t shy away from brutal scenes.

Exploring a world plagued by humanoid monsters, Claymore shares The Walking Dead’s dark undertones and the struggle for survival in a seemingly doomed world.

08. The Promised Neverland

The Promised Neverland captivated me (and thousands of others) with its mix of suspense and unexpected twists. It shares a vibe with anime like Made in Abyss or Higurashi, as it begins seemingly cute and wholesome, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

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The anime follows the story of a group of orphans living seemingly idyllic lives in an orphanage. However, they discover a dark truth – the orphanage is a front for a farm where children are raised to be harvested by mysterious creatures.

The Promised Neverland, with its strategic planning and escape, offers a tense atmosphere akin to The Walking Dead, as characters deal with a world filled with hidden dangers.

07. Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress

Imagine a world where zombie-like creatures threaten to devour humanity, and the only sanctuary is a colossal, armored train hurtling through the apocalypse. Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress not only delivers heart-pounding action and a unique steampunk aesthetic but also explores the thin line between survival and sacrifice in a desolate, undead-infested landscape.

With relentless zombie-like foes and a quest for safety, Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress captures The Walking Dead’s essence while infusing it with steampunk flair.

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06. Deadman Wonderland

Ever wondered what happens when a regular high school day turns into a nightmare framed for murder? That’s Deadman Wonderland. It’s like a twisted carnival where inmates fight for their lives.

If you’re into the edgy, suspenseful, and a touch of the supernatural, you’ll be surely hooked. After all, Deadman Wonderland mirrors The Walking Dead’s exploration of humanity’s darker instincts in desperate situations.

05. Parasyte -themaxim-

Parasyte -the maxim- is the ultimate alien invasion with a twist. Space parasites take over humans, and poor Shinichi gets a hand – literally – in the chaos. It’s not just survival; it’s a deep dive into morality and identity, all wrapped up in an alien-human buddy story.

The story had me double-checking my own hand late at night. The idea of an alien taking over your body hits differently when you start side-eyeing your own appendages. It’s the kind of show that messes with your sense of security, even in the comfort of your living room.

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Moreover, Parasyte’s intense story draws parallels with The Walking Dead, emphasizing the fight against an evolving threat.

04. Seraph of the End

Seraph of the End was among the first post-apocalyptic vampire anime I’ve seen. Not only is there a beautiful vampire princess, but it also features some of the most intense and epic soundtracks that I keep listening to this day.

It’s just like The Walking Dead, but instead of just dodging zombies, you’re dealing with hungry vampires. The survival and rebellion theme is strong in both – humans fighting back against forces way beyond their pay grade. If you’re into that gritty, rebellious energy from The Walking Dead, Seraph of the End serves up a blood-pumping dose of the same vibe.

03. Tokyo Ghoul

Another intense anime like The Walking Dead is Tokyo Ghoul, exploring ethical dilemmas and internal conflicts as the main character grapple with his newfound identity as ghouls.

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Tokyo Ghoul delves into the life of Kaneki, a college student turned reluctant half-ghoul after a chance encounter with one of these flesh-eating creatures.

Kaneki’s journey in Tokyo Ghoul will very likely hit you in the feels. His struggle with identity and humanity got me thinking about what it truly means to be human. The anime proves that it’s more than just gore; it’s an introspective journey that can make you ponder for days.

02. Highschool of the Dead

After binge-watching Highschool of the Dead, you might find yourself glancing around suspiciously whenever you hear strange noises – blame it on too many zombie-filled episodes.

On a serious note, for those who appreciate a bit of ecchi humor and cheeky moments in their anime, Highschool of the Dead delivers on that front, adding a playful element to the survival narrative.

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In a nutshell, Highschool of the Dead is like The Walking Dead if it was anime, but instead of adults dealing with zombies, it’s high schoolers running from the undead.

01. Attack on Titan

Sundays became my Attack on Titan ritual – waiting for the latest episode, grabbing snacks, and preparing myself mentally for what’s about to happen.

The anime concluded its final season with Part 3 on November 5th, 2023, and has received critical praise. Even among those who were critical of the manga’s ending for Attack on Titan, many found greater satisfaction with the conclusion presented in the anime adaptation.

All in all, Attack on Titan shares a post-apocalyptic survival, political intrigue, moral dilemmas, and character growth with The Walking Dead, making it one of the most similar anime to the series.

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Misaka
Misaka

Hi, my name is Mia, and I am the founder of 9 Tailed Kitsune. I am a big fan of esports, games, and anime. When I was around 7 years old, Phantom Thief Jeanne sparked my fascination for anime, and it has never faded! 🌟💖

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