Highschool of the Dead left a lasting impression with its mix of horror, action, and fan service. If you’re a fan of its zombie-filled chaos and are searching for similar adrenaline-pumping anime, this list is for you. These shows bring their unique spins on survival, action, and supernatural elements, guaranteed to keep you hooked. And without further ado, here are the best anime similar to Highschool of the Dead!
1. School-Live!
A group of high school girls faces a zombie apocalypse while living in their school. They manage to survive by barricading themselves inside and maintaining a facade of normalcy for the sake of one mentally fragile friend. The story alternates between their struggles to endure the harsh realities of their situation and moments of camaraderie and hope.
School-Live! shares many similarities with Highschool of the Dead, including the school setting and the constant threat of zombies. What sets it apart is its emotional depth, as it delves into how the characters cope with trauma and denial in a way that hits harder emotionally. If you liked the mix of action and heart in Highschool of the Dead, this one’s for you.
2. Attack on Titan
Eren Yeager and his friends live in a world where humanity is confined behind enormous walls to protect themselves from man-eating Titans. After witnessing a Titan destroy his home and kill his mother, Eren vows to exterminate every last one of them. The series follows the intense battles between humans and Titans as secrets about their world unravel.
As an anime similar to Highschool of the Dead, Attack on Titan is a survival story at its core, with characters constantly on edge as they fight for their lives. The visceral action and high-stakes drama make both series equally thrilling. If you enjoyed the adrenaline-fueled pace of Highschool of the Dead, Attack on Titan is an absolute must-watch.
3. Tokyo Ghoul
Kaneki, a college student, is turned into a half-ghoul after a date gone horribly wrong. Now caught between the human and ghoul worlds, he struggles to survive while learning the rules of his new reality. The series delves into his internal battle as he fights to protect those he cares about while grappling with his monstrous side.
Tokyo Ghoul captures the same themes of survival and transformation as Highschool of the Dead. Both protagonists are thrust into dangerous, unfamiliar worlds and must adapt quickly to survive. The dark, eerie tone and brutal combat in Tokyo Ghoul will keep you on edge, just like the relentless zombie onslaught in Highschool of the Dead.
4. Hellsing Ultimate
The Hellsing Organization is tasked with combating supernatural threats like vampires and ghouls. Their ultimate weapon, Alucard, is a powerful vampire who relishes in the chaos of battle. The series is packed with intense action, dark humor, and graphic violence as Alucard and his allies take on increasingly powerful foes.
Hellsing Ultimate shares the same love for gore and action as Highschool of the Dead, but it leans even harder into its mature themes. Both series are unapologetically violent and feature protagonists who thrive in the chaos of their respective worlds. If you’re looking for something darker and bloodier, Hellsing Ultimate won’t disappoint.
5. Deadman Wonderland
After being falsely accused of murdering his classmates, Ganta is sent to Deadman Wonderland, a prison where inmates compete in deadly games for entertainment. He discovers he has a unique ability to manipulate his own blood as a weapon, which he must use to survive and uncover the truth about the real killer.
Being an anime similar to Highschool of the Dead, this series plunges its protagonist into a life-or-death scenario filled with action, gore, and psychological tension. Both shows feature characters fighting against insurmountable odds in brutal environments, making Deadman Wonderland a great choice for fans of survival horror.
6. High School DxD
Issei Hyoudou’s life changes when he’s killed on his first date and resurrected as a devil servant to the beautiful Rias Gremory. Now part of a devil faction, Issei juggles his new life while fighting supernatural enemies and navigating his growing feelings for Rias.
While High School DxD focuses more on comedy and ecchi moments, it shares the over-the-top action and fan service that made Highschool of the Dead so entertaining. Both shows don’t shy away from mixing intense battles with lighthearted (and often very fanservice-y) scenes, making this a fun and action-packed alternative.
7. Parasyte: The Maxim
Shinichi’s life takes a horrifying turn when his right hand is infected by a Parasyte, an alien organism that failed to take over his brain. As he battles other Parasytes, he struggles with what it means to be human and how to coexist with the alien inside him.
Parasyte mirrors Highschool of the Dead in its exploration of humanity’s fight for survival against a monstrous threat. The action scenes are brutal, and the series delves into philosophical questions about morality and identity, much like the struggles faced by the characters in Highschool of the Dead.
8. Angel Beats!
Otonashi wakes up in the afterlife and joins a group of students fighting against a mysterious girl known as Angel. As they work to uncover the secrets of their world, Otonashi learns about the regrets and dreams that tie them all together.
Although Angel Beats! focuses more on emotional storytelling, it shares the survival element and group dynamic that made Highschool of the Dead so engaging. The blend of action, humor, and heartfelt moments makes it a great pick for those who enjoyed the camaraderie in High School of the Dead.
9. Akame ga Kill
Tatsumi joins the Night Raid, a group of assassins fighting to overthrow a corrupt empire. Alongside his comrades, he faces deadly enemies and must come to terms with the heavy cost of their mission.
Akame ga Kill and Highschool of the Dead both feature high-stakes action and a willingness to kill off major characters, keeping viewers on edge. The intense battles and emotional weight of the story will resonate with fans who enjoyed the survival-driven plot of Highschool of the Dead.
10. Shiki
In a small rural village, mysterious deaths lead to the discovery of vampire-like creatures called Shiki. A young doctor and a boy team up to uncover the truth and fight back against the growing threat.
For fans of Highschool of the Dead, Shiki offers a slower-paced but equally terrifying take on survival horror. The suspense, bloodshed, and moral dilemmas in fighting an undead enemy create a chilling atmosphere that will appeal to fans of apocalyptic horror.
Conclusion
Each of these anime brings its unique flavor to the themes of survival, horror, and action, while maintaining the thrilling energy that made Highschool of the Dead so memorable. Whether you’re here for the intense battles, the emotional stakes, or the fan service, this list has something for everyone. Grab some snacks, pick your favorite, and let the binge-watching begin! And if you. Liked that, make sure to check out the best anime like Snow White with the Red Hair!
What anime is just like Highschool of the Dead?
If you loved Highschool of the Dead, check out School-Live! (zombies + school survival), Attack on Titan (nonstop survival action), Tokyo Ghoul (dark, gory transformations), Hellsing Ultimate (insane violence and badassery), and Deadman Wonderland (brutal survival with a prison twist). Each one brings a unique take on high-stakes battles and survival horror
What kind of anime is Highschool of the Dead?
It’s a wild mix of action, horror, survival, and ecchi (fanservice). Basically, it’s a zombie apocalypse story with over-the-top fights, intense survival moments, and a lot of suggestive scenes. If you’re into adrenaline-pumping action with a side of fanservice, this anime is right up your alley.
Will there be a season 2 of Highschool of the Dead anime?
Unfortunately, no. The series was never continued because the creator, Daisuke Satō, passed away in 2017. Without him, the story remains unfinished, and a second season is highly unlikely.
What genre is Highschool of the Dead?
It falls under horror, action, supernatural, and ecchi. It’s all about zombies, survival, and high-energy combat, but it also leans heavily into fanservice moments.
Why does Rei hate Mr. Shido?
Rei despises Mr. Shido because he’s a manipulative and slimy teacher who ruined her father’s career and takes advantage of his students. He’s a classic scumbag character, and Rei sees right through him.
Why did Highschool of the Dead get canceled?
The series didn’t get canceled in the traditional sense, but it was left unfinished due to the passing of its creator, Daisuke Satō. Since he was the driving force behind the story, the manga and anime were never continued.
Will there be a season 2 of All of Us Are Dead?
Season 2 of All of Us Are Dead has been confirmed by Netflix, but the release date isn’t set yet. (Highschool of the Dead, however, is not getting another season.)
Is Highschool of the Dead harem?
Yes, but it’s a soft harem. The main character, Takashi, is surrounded by multiple girls who show romantic interest in him, but it’s not the central focus. The anime leans more into action, horror, and fanservice rather than romance.
Is Daisuke Satō dead?
Yes, the creator of Highschool of the Dead, Daisuke Satō, passed away in 2017 due to heart disease.
Who kills Satō?
No one killed him in the series but he died of natural causes (heart disease).
Who did Daisuke marry?
There’s no public information confirming that Daisuke Satō was married.
Is Reiko Mikami dead?
Yes, she was stabbed by an unknown assailant and thrown in the river in October of 1996
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