Welcome to the world of anime like Black Lagoon. If you’re a fan of the gritty, action-packed, and often violent series, you’re in for a treat.
Black Lagoon is a highly acclaimed anime series that combines action, drama, and crime elements.
It tells the story of a group of mercenaries operating in Southeast Asia’s criminal underworld and the challenges they face as they navigate the dangerous world of organized crime.
If you’re a Black Lagoon fan and looking for similar anime to watch, then you’re in luck!
The following anime series share themes, settings, and genre elements similar to Black Lagoon and are sure to provide an action-packed and thrilling viewing experience.
1. Cowboy Bepop (1998)
Cowboy Bebop is a Japanese animated television series created by Shinichirō Watanabe.
Set in the year 2071, it follows the lives of a group of bounty hunters, known as “cowboys,” who travel the galaxy in their spaceship, the Bebop, in pursuit of criminals with bounties on their heads.
The main characters include Spike Spiegel, a skilled warrior and the leader of the group; Jet Black, a former cop and the brains of the operation; and Faye Valentine, a con artist and thief who joins the group.
The series is known for its mix of genres, including science fiction, film noir, and Westerns, and its use of jazz music. Cowboy Bepop is one of the best anime like black lagoon.
2. Jormungand (2012)
Jormungand is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Keitarō Takahashi.
The story follows Koko Hekmatyar, a young arms dealer who is the leader of a private military company, and her bodyguard, Jonah, a child soldier haunted by his past.
The series follows Koko and her team as they travel the world, selling weapons and getting caught up in various conflicts and political intrigues.
Along the way, they are pursued by multiple enemies, including rival arms dealers and government agencies.
The series explores themes of war, the arms trade, and the impact of violence on individuals and society. Jormungand is one of the best anime black lagoon.
3. Baccano! (2007)
Baccano! is a Japanese anime series from the 1930s in the United States.
The story follows a group of immortal individuals connected to a mysterious event on board a train called the Flying Pussyfoot.
The main characters include a group of thieves, a group of gangsters, and a group of alchemists, all of whom are searching for the secret to immortality.
The series follows their adventures as they navigate the dangerous world of organized crime and try to uncover the truth about the immortal beings known as “immortals.”
Along the way, they encounter various characters, including rival gangs, corrupt politicians, and supernatural beings.
As the story unfolds, the truth behind the Flying Pussyfoot incident is slowly revealed, leading to a dramatic and action-packed finale.
4. Gunsmith Cats: Bulletproof (1995)
Gunsmith Cats is a manga and anime series that follows the story of two female gunsmiths, Rally Vincent and Minnie-May Hopkins, who run a gun shop in Chicago, Illinois.
They take on various jobs, from tracking stolen firearms to being hired as bodyguards.
They are also involved in the underworld of illegal arms dealing and often find themselves in dangerous situations.
Alongside their work as gunsmiths, they also become involved in a larger plot involving the FBI, the CIA, and other government agencies.
The series is known for its detailed and accurate depictions of firearms, as well as its fast-paced action and thrilling plot.
As the story unfolds, Rally and Minnie-May find themselves in an intense cat-and-mouse game with the criminal underworld.
However, they must use their skills and knowledge of firearms to stay alive and protect their clients. Gunsmith Cats is one of the best anime like black lagoon.
5. Samurai Champloo (2005)
Samurai Champloo is a Japanese anime series in an alternate version of Edo-period Japan. The story follows the journey of three main characters:
A skilled and quiet samurai named Mugen. A young woman named Fuu, and a ronin named Jin Fuu.
A waitress hires the two samurai to help her find a “samurai who smells of sunflowers.” In return, she’ll pay them with a large sum of money.
The journey takes them through different parts of Japan, where they encounter various characters, including other samurai, bandits, and even a group of rebels fighting against the government.
Along the way, they also come across different forms of art and culture, including hip-hop music.
The series is known for its unique blend of historical and cultural elements and its action-packed and thrilling plot.
As the story progresses, the three main characters are pulled into a more significant conflict involving political intrigue.
They must rely on their skills and determination to survive and complete their journey. Samurai Champloo is one of the best anime like black lagoon.
6. Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom (2009)
Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom is a Japanese anime series that takes place in the United States and follows the story of a young man named Zwei.
Zero is taken in by a mysterious organization called Inferno, which trains him to be an assassin.
Zwei is given a new identity and is paired with a skilled assassin named Ein, who becomes his mentor and partner.
Together, they are sent on various dangerous missions to eliminate targets. This series is one of the best anime like black lagoon.
As Zwei becomes more capable, he starts questioning his actions and the morality of his actions.
The series also explores the theme of identity and whether one can ever truly escape their past.
The series is known for its intense and thrilling plot and detailed and realistic depictions of weapons and combat.
As the story progresses, Zwei and Ein must navigate Inferno’s dangerous and complex world while also dealing with their struggles and conflicts.
7. Great Pretender (2020-2022)
Great Pretender is a Japanese anime series that follows the story of a young con artist, Makoto Edamura, known as the “Great Pretender.”
He is drawn into a larger international con artist ring by Laurent Thierry.
With a team of skilled con artists, Makoto is sent on various dangerous and elaborate scams, pretending to be multiple people and pulling off elaborate heists.
The series is known for its complex and detailed plot and fast-paced and thrilling action.
As the story progresses, Makoto and the team must navigate the dangerous and cutthroat world of international con artists while also dealing with their struggles and conflicts.
The series also explores themes of trust, deception, and the blurred lines between good and evil.
As the story unfolds, Makoto and the team are pulled into a conspiracy involving a powerful criminal organization.
They must use all their skills and wits to stay alive and pull off the ultimate con. Great Pretender is one of the best anime like black lagoon.
8. Btooom! (2012)
Btooom! is a Japanese anime series that follows the story of Ryota Sakamoto, a 22-year-old unemployed man who is a skilled player of a popular online game called “Btooom!”
One day, Ryota wakes up to find himself stranded on a deserted island with no memory of how he got there.
He soon discovers that he is participating in a real-life version of the game, where players are forced to fight to the death using bombs modeled after the ones in the game.
The series is known for its intense and thrilling plot and detailed and realistic depictions of bombs and combat.
As the story progresses, Ryota must navigate the dangerous and cutthroat world of the game while also dealing with his struggles and conflicts.
The series also explores themes of survival, trust, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy.
As the story unfolds, Ryota and the other players are pulled into a larger conspiracy involving the game’s creator.
However, they must use all their skills and wits to stay alive and uncover the truth. Btooom! is one of the best anime like black lagoon.
9. Hellsing Ultimate (2006)
Hellsing Ultimate is a Japanese anime series that follows the story of the Hellsing Organization.
It is a secret organization dedicated to protecting the United Kingdom from supernatural threats, particularly vampires.
The main character is Alucard, a powerful vampire who serves as the organization’s deadliest weapon.
He is joined by police officer Seras Victoria, who becomes a vampire after being saved by Alucard.
Together, they must fight against terrifying enemies, including other vampires and supernatural creatures.
The series is known for its intense and brutal action and detailed and realistic depictions of violence and gore.
As the story progresses, Alucard and Seras must navigate the dangerous and complex world of vampire politics and supernatural threats while also dealing with their struggles and conflicts.
The series also explores themes of power, loyalty, and the blurred lines between good and evil.
As the story unfolds, the Hellsing Organization is pulled into a more significant conflict involving a powerful vampire organization. They must use all their skills and resources to stay alive and protect the UK.
10. Banana Fish (2008)
Banana Fish is a Japanese anime series that follows the story of Ash Lynx, a 17-year-old street gang leader in New York City.
Ash is a survivor of a traumatic past and is haunted by the memory of his older brother, who was murdered by the same people who forced Ash into a life of crime.
Ash is also trying to uncover the truth behind a mysterious drug called “Banana Fish,” which is said to have the power to control people’s minds.
The series is known for its intense and emotionally charged plot and detailed and realistic depictions of crime and violence.
As the story progresses, Ash must navigate the dangerous and cutthroat world of organized crime while also dealing with his struggles and conflicts.
The series also explores themes of family, loyalty, and the blurred lines between good and evil.
As the story unfolds, Ash and his allies are pulled into a larger conspiracy involving the drug’s creators.
However, they must use all their skills and resources to stay alive and uncover the truth. Banana Fish is one of the best anime like black lagoon.
11. Michiko & Hatchin (2008)
Michiko & Hatchin is a Japanese anime series that follows the story of two women, Michiko Malandro and Hana Morenos. They embark on a journey together in search of freedom.
Michiko is a charismatic and dangerous woman who escapes from prison to find her long-lost lover, Hiroshi.
Hana is a young girl living with her abusive foster family and is desperate to escape.
Michiko rescues Hana from her foster family, and the two embark on a journey together.
The series is known for its intense and thrilling plot and detailed and realistic depictions of crime and violence.
As the story progresses, Michiko and Hana must navigate the dangerous and cutthroat world of organized crime and corrupt government officials while also dealing with their struggles and conflicts.
The series also explores themes of family, loyalty, and the blurred lines between good and evil.
As the story unfolds, Michiko and Hana are pulled into a larger conspiracy involving their pasts, and they must use all their skills and resources to stay alive and find freedom. This series is one of the best anime like black Lagoon.
12. Canaan (2009)
“Canaan” is a Japanese anime series that was released in 2009. The story follows a young woman named Canaan, a powerful assassin who can see “aura,” or the emotions of others.
She is hired to participate in a terrorist attack on Shibuya. Still, she gets caught up in a much larger conspiracy involving a dangerous virus and a powerful organization known as the “Snake.”
Throughout the series, Canaan must use her skills and abilities to uncover the truth behind the virus and the Snake while fighting against other powerful enemies.
Along the way, she forms alliances and develops relationships with other characters, such as a journalist named Maria, a hacker named Alphard, and a young girl named Siam.
The series also explores themes of identity, trust, and the use of power.
The action and animation are also notable, with a good blend of emotional and psychological elements. Canaan is one of the best anime like black lagoon.
13. Speed Grapher (2005)
“Speed Grapher” is a Japanese anime series released in 2005.
The story takes place in a near-future version of Tokyo, where a retired war photographer named Tatsumi Saiga.
Tatsumi discovers a secret underground society of people with supernatural abilities known as “Graphers.” Speed Graphers is one of the best anime like black lagoon.
Saiga gets embroiled in the world of Graphers when he stumbles upon a secret club, where he discovers a woman who can bring inanimate objects to life with her voice. This woman is Kagura Tennōzu, a performer at the club and a Grapher.
Saiga is captured and tortured by the club’s owner, Suitengu, who wants to use Saiga’s newfound powers to further his own goals.
But Saiga manages to escape with Kagura’s help, and together they set out on a mission to take down Suitengu and his organization.
Along the way, they encounter other Graphers with unique abilities, such as a woman who can manipulate time and a man who can control fire. The series is a blend of action, drama, and science fiction.
It explores power, corruption, and the consequences of using one’s abilities for personal gain.
14. Princess Principal (2017)
“Princess Principal” is a Japanese anime series released in 2017.
The series takes place in an alternate history version of London during the 19th century, where the city is divided by a wall and controlled by various factions.
The story follows a group of five young girls who attend a prestigious academy that serves as a cover for their secret activities as spies. The main character is a girl named Princess, the group leader.
The other members include Ange, a skilled hacker; Chise, a master of disguise; Dorothy, a weapons expert; and Beatrice, a competent driver. Princess Principal like black lagoon.
The girls are tasked with carrying out various missions, such as gathering information and conducting sabotage, to help their factions in the ongoing conflict.
Along the way, they encounter other spies and agents from rival factions and have to deal with the challenges and dangers of their work.
Throughout the series, the story also explores themes of loyalty, trust, and the cost of war and espionage. The series is a blend of action, drama, and Steampunk elements.
15. Burst Angel (2004)
Burst Angel” is a Japanese anime series released in 2004. The series is set in a near-future version of Tokyo, where society is plagued by crime and violence. The city is protected by a private security force called “Angel.”
The story follows a group of four female mercenaries, the “Burst Angels,” hired by the police to take on the most challenging and high-profile criminal cases. The main character is Jo, a skilled fighter and group leader.
The other members include Meg, a skilled marksman; Sei, a hacker and technician; and Amy, an experienced driver and mechanic.
The Burst Angels are equipped with advanced technology and weapons.
They use their skills and abilities to take down various criminal organizations, such as drug cartels, organized crime syndicates, and terrorist groups.
Along the way, they also encounter other mercenaries and rival security firms and have to deal with the challenges and dangers of their work.
The series is a blend of action and science fiction, with a mix of cyberpunk and post-apocalyptic elements.
It explores themes of justice, power, and the role of private security in a dangerous world.
