mature anime recommendations

The Best Adult Anime Like Black Lagoon: Action, Drama, & Guns

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Adult Anime Like Black Lagoon

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 … Read more

Top 5 More Realistic Animes Like The Fable You Should Watch

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More Realistic Animes Like The Fable

If you loved The Fable for its grounded action, dark humor, and deep dive into the world of assassins, you might be looking for more anime that offer a similar mix of realism, character-driven storytelling, and intense action. While anime often leans into the supernatural and over-the-top powers, some series keep things grounded, focusing on gritty crime, realistic martial arts, and complex human interactions. Here are five more realistic animes like The Fable! Black Lagoon Imagine you’re a regular office worker who suddenly gets kidnapped by modern-day pirates and then decides to join them instead of going back home. That’s exactly what happens to Rokuro “Rock” Okajima in Black Lagoon. Thrown into the world of mercenaries, arms deals, and organized crime, Rock teams up with the Lagoon Company, a group of ruthless but strangely likable criminals. Each episode follows their high-risk missions in the lawless city of Roanapur, where survival depends on who’s holding the biggest gun. The deeper Rock gets into this underworld, the more he struggles with his own morality, questioning whether he’s still the same person who once lived a corporate life. It’s a story of transformation, where Rock’s old world and new one collide in ways he never expected. Much like The Fable, Black Lagoon focuses on a protagonist who has to adapt to an ultra-violent world. The action is intense but not exaggerated, with realistic shootouts and hand-to-hand combat. The series also dives deep into its characters, exploring the morality of mercenary life and whether someone can keep their humanity in such a brutal environment. If you enjoyed The Fable’s mix of humor and violence, Black Lagoon will keep you hooked. The anime’s gritty atmosphere and unpredictable storytelling make every episode feel like a high-stakes thriller. Plus, the chemistry between Rock and his crew, especially Revy, adds an extra layer of intrigue that makes it hard to stop watching. Gangsta In the city of Ergastalum, two men known as the “Handymen” take on jobs that no one else is willing to do. Nicholas Brown and Worick Arcangelo are mercenaries who navigate the underground world of crime syndicates, corrupt cops, and a deadly group known as Twilights, enhanced humans created through drug experimentation. When a simple contract job puts them in the middle of a gang war, the duo must fight for their lives while uncovering the city’s dark secrets. As the violence escalates, their pasts start catching up to them, revealing deeply personal struggles that shape their every move. Their bond, though forged through violence, gives the series an emotional weight that makes the action all the more gripping. If you liked The Fable’s realistic portrayal of the criminal underworld, Gangsta offers a similar gritty feel. The fights are raw and intense, and the characters, especially Nicholas, feel incredibly human despite their violent lives. The show doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of crime, addiction, and power struggles, making it a compelling watch for anyone who enjoys serious, mature storytelling. What sets Gangsta apart is its portrayal of people with disabilities. Nicholas, who is deaf, communicates through sign language, making him a unique and powerful protagonist. The series pulls you into its dark, immersive world where every fight carries weight, and survival is never guaranteed. This makes it one of the best more realistic animes like The Fable! Crying Freeman Yo Hinomura was once an ordinary potter until a run-in with the Chinese mafia, the 108 Dragons, changed his life forever. Brainwashed into becoming their top assassin, he carries out their orders flawlessly. However, he’s not a cold-blooded killer. Each time he takes a life, he sheds tears of remorse, earning him the title Crying Freeman. His journey is a mix of high-stakes assassinations, betrayals, and attempts to regain his freedom. As he becomes one of the deadliest men alive, he also finds himself entangled in a tragic romance that challenges his loyalty to the mafia. His struggle between duty and personal redemption creates a fascinating emotional conflict. Like The Fable, Crying Freeman focuses on an assassin who is far more human than he appears. The series captures the emotional weight of taking lives and the internal struggles of someone who doesn’t want to kill but has no choice. The action is stylish but grounded, making it a perfect match for those who loved The Fable’s realistic approach to combat and character development. The detailed animation and fluid fight sequences keep the tension high, making every assassination feel personal. Plus, the deep exploration of identity and fate adds depth beyond the action, making it a gripping character study as well. Golgo 13 Duke Togo, also known as Golgo 13, is the world’s most feared and respected hitman. With unmatched precision and professionalism, he completes every job he takes, whether it’s assassinating high-profile targets or infiltrating heavily guarded locations. He operates alone, following a strict personal code that ensures his success. Every episode follows a different mission, showing just how efficient and deadly he is. No matter the circumstances, he never fails to deliver, proving why he is the most sought-after contract killer. His cold demeanor and methodical approach make him one of the most fascinating assassins in anime history. If you admired the cold, calculated professionalism of The Fable, then Golgo 13 is a must-watch. It takes a no-nonsense approach to assassination, focusing on the tactics, planning, and execution of each job. There’s no unnecessary flair, just a realistic portrayal of what it takes to be the best in the business. The episodic format makes it easy to pick up, and the tension in each mission keeps things exciting. While Duke Togo may not have a deep emotional arc, his sheer presence and legendary skill make him one of anime’s most compelling antiheroes. Watching him outmaneuver opponents with precision is always satisfying. Tokyo Tribe 2 In an alternate version of Tokyo, different gang “tribes” rule the streets. Rivalries run deep, and battles break out regularly over territory and power. The story follows Kai, … Read more