Aren’t you tired of the same old shonen tropes that you’ve been watching? And you’re probably searching and looking for something deeper and wider about adult and mature narratives. May it be all about action, drama, or the darker side of humanity, you’ve been in the perfect places!
While Black Lagoon may be a different kind of story, there are plenty of more themes that capture survival, moral dilemmas, and human relationships that you will appreciate. Below is the list of the best adult anime like Black Lagoon you must never miss out!
Hellsing Ultimate
Vampires in a hunt of other vampires: this is the life of a powerful vampire named Alucard, who works for the Hellsing Organization. With an eerie smile, he executes supernatural threats smoothly, with the main objective of having brutal efficiency while protecting England. It revolves more around the Hellsing Organization and the blood-dripping battles against Nazi and other entities.
Unlike any usual vampire stories, Hellsing Ultimate is not for the faint of heart with its over-the-top action and gory atmosphere, making it a wild ride from start to finish. It is highly one of the most sinister, with high-energy twists that would make you fearful and entertained both at the same time. Don’t miss this out!
Jormungand
Idealistic and young, Koko Hekmatyar, a charismatic arms dealer, travels the world with her team of ex-military operatives to sell weapons while also trying to balance world peace—oddly enough for a narrative! She then recruited Jonah, a child soldier, into her rank to become her bodyguard and was forced to face the complexities of the arms trade.
This anime masterfully balances action-packed firefights and commentaries about war and peace. Aside from this, there will surely be good and memorable dynamics of the characters that can make Jormungand the best flavor for your taste. Also, you must have enough distinction and a wider perspective if you watch this.
Cowboy Bebop
How imaginative could it be when space cowboys could chase bounties across the solar system? Anything is possible with Cowboy Bebop, following the story of Spike Spiegel and his crew aboard the Bebop as they journey into a future filled with crime and corruption. Not only will they face the morbid danger ahead of them, but they will also confront the echoes of their pasts.
Giving you an adventure you never knew you needed, Cowboy Bebop is a timeless classic for a reason. It has the undertones of an anime series that similarly relates well with Black Lagoon and will set you in a timeline different than we normally live by, making it an unforgettable one to watch. Plus, the legendary soundtrack, making it one of the best adult anime like Black Lagoon.
Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom
Waking up to be forced to have the life of an assassin, Zwei is caught in a web of violence and deception, grappling with his lost identity to finally move freely from the moral implications of his actions, Living in the dark underworld of a sinister organization, Inferno, he must navigate the means of surviving, at all cost.
This show is a perfectly dark and compelling thriller with a strong focus on character growth and psychological drama. The sequences of the story were well-written, keeping you engaged with the next twists coming to your end. If you appreciate stories that explore human nature, this is worth checking out.
Baccano!
Evolving around a criminal estate, Baccano! is a masterpiece set in Prohibition-era America, jumping between different timelines that follow the stories of gangsters, alchemists, and assassins as their fate digs more into a bloody encounter with unpredictable ways.
What makes Baccano! stand out is the unique storytelling it has and the timeline it sets. This is one of the best anime you might ever watch due to its golden standard of animation throughout its entirety. The whole series is refreshing and ambitious that will make you stay and want for more!
Akudama Drive
A group of highly skilled criminals in a dystopian cyberpunk future known as Akudama are forced to work together on a dangerous mission. You will witness each of the Akudama’s unique skills and motivations, which will lead to certain conflicts and alliances you never expected.
It might be another anime recommendation for you, but Akudama Drive is more than an action-packed story, as it has great and intriguing world-building established. If you feel like you already guessed what will happen next, that’s not the case with this anime, as each episode feels unpredictable and chaotic. You’ll probably find this series interesting!
91 Days
Revenge has never been compelling, most likely in the Prohibition era. 91 Days tells the story of Angelo Lagusa, a young man who seeks revenge on the Vanetti mafia family who murdered his family. As he journeys to plot their downfall, he adopts the alias Avilio Bruno and infiltrates the Vanetti. Will he ever be successful?
This anime, like Black Lagoon, is a gripping and atmospheric crime drama that strongly focuses on revenge and betrayal. You will see how hatred could make you do something despite the danger you will possibly face. If you like historical settings and mafia stories, this is a must-watch.
Gunsmith Cats
Ever seen two badass women working in a gun shop? See more with Irene “Rally” Vincent, a skilled gunsmith, together with her partner “Minnie” May Hopkins, a demolitions expert, as they journey to work together as bounty hunters in Chicago. Dealing with various dangerous cases seems to be a normal deed to them, as much as solving mysteries along the way.
Gunsmith Cats is a fun and well-balanced anime that focuses more on gun fights and violence, with a lot of car chases around. If you’re one of the anime lovers who likes to watch cool and strong main characters with firearms, this is a good dose of entertainment for you!
Gangsta
In a crime-ridden city, Ergastulum follows the story of two handymen, Nicolas Brown, and Worick Arcangelo, as they take on jobs that no one else will—will you? Until they become entangled in dangerous and complex joints of violence and corruption that could anytime break them, or worse, kill them. How will they even be able to run from this situation?
If you’re looking for a gritty and violent anime with a good character build-up, Gangsta is a must-watch on your list! With the perfect similarity it offers to Black Lagoon, the intense action and great plot will leave you hanging until the end.
Psycho-Pass
What will happen to the world when a person’s tendency for crime can be measured? It certainly happens in Psycho-Pass with Akane Tsunemori, a young inspector, who starts to have bluffing doubts and questions the system and its implications. Working alongside enforcers, who are criminals who assist the police, she works on the truth and uncovers the real side of corruption within the Psycho-Pass system.
What makes it good is the concept of offering a thought-provoking narrative, exploring the themes of justice, free will, and the dangers of technology. Although the plot is completely complicated, it is still engaging, which would make you appreciate it more as you watch. This is one for the books, hence, missing this out will probably cause a huge gap in your life!
Conclusion
Black Lagoon might set a high standard for you, but these given lists will change your mind, leaving you with more sets of options to binge-watch! While each has its unique style and tone, they still share a common theme of stories and world-building, which makes them great options for you! Remember, always start one anime at a time to fully grasp and appreciate the story it perceives. These were the best adult anime like Black Lagoon and if you liked that, make sure to check out the Top 10 anime like Prison School!
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