9 anime you must watch if you like soulslike games

Over the past decade, Soulslike games have skyrocketed in popularity. A 2009 FromSoftware title Soul of Demons is often cited as the game that started it all, p Dark souls trilogy keeping pace and 2015 Bloody achieving legendary status in the community. These action titles are known to be frustratingly difficult, with players often having to die dozens, hundreds, or thousands during their run in order to learn everything needed to find the ultimate victory. Salvage points are rare and stress is high, but regardless, the genre is still going strong with no signs of stopping.

Many Soulslike titles feature a dark fantasy setting, and while not strictly necessary, it has become somewhat expected. Those hoping to put down the controller for a while but still get their genre fix have plenty of anime series to choose from, with many on this list being somewhat lesser known or often forgotten. Some feature vicious battles, high stakes, and plenty of gore, while others are full of what could simply be described as “ghost vibes.”

Grimgar, Ashes and Illusions

One day a group of people wake up in a strange land with no memories. The group is immediately thrown into danger, forced to fight monstrous beasts and deal with frequent deaths, and even though it may seem like a game world, those who die are gone for good. Unlike many other dark fantasy isekai series, there are no traditionally OP anime characters, just unprepared youths desperately trying to get stronger physically and emotionally as they search for answers.

An adaptation of Ao Jumonji's light novel series Fantasy Grimgar and AshThis 2016 anime series is often praised for its animation quality and dark themes such as grief and the psychological impact of violence. At a time when isekai anime series are a dime a dozen, Grimgar, Ashes and Illusions sets itself apart by being more down-to-earth and bolder than many of its cohorts. For fans of Soulslike, its world and lore are a perfect fit.

Claymore

Nothing encapsulates the atmosphere of a Soulslike game more than that Claymore. The series is set in a fictional medieval world full of terrifying man-eating humanoid shapeshifters called Yoma. A strange group, known only as the Organization, seeks to fight these monsters by creating human-Yoma hybrids, with these warrior women taking on these dangers for a fee. As the name suggests, they fight with claymore swords and each female warrior has her own unique fighting style or supernatural abilities. After saving a young boy named Raki from Yoma, a hybrid named Claire agrees to take him with her as a companion.

The 26-episode series, released in 2007, was inspired by Norihiko Yagi's manga series of the same name, which was serialized in Monthly Shonen Jump. Its action-packed fight scenes and unique world-building have made it a cult classic, and oddly enough, a live-action TV series is currently in development at CBS studios, with Shueisha helping to produce it. It is unclear if it will be as bloody and violent as the anime release.

Tokyo Ghoul

In an alternate version of Tokyo, humans coexist with creatures called ghouls who look like humans but must consume human flesh in order to survive. College student Ken Kaneki is transformed into a half-ghoul after coming into contact with one of these creatures, putting him in a difficult and deeply disturbing situation. While making every effort to retain his humanity, he must find a way to bridge the gap between humans and ghouls while hiding what he is from those closest to him. Packed with drama, body horror and dark themes, Tokyo Ghoul is a simulation for Soulslike lovers.

Running for three seasons, Tokyo Ghoul provided a brilliant adaptation of its manga counterpart. Those interested in dark fantasy who want to delve deeper into Ken's story should also consider giving it a try Tokyo Ghoul manga because it takes more time to delve into the protagonist's psyche and doesn't bother to censor her gratuitous violence. In addition, a live-action film was released in 2017 to excellent reviews.

Crazy

For many readers, Crazy is probably what came out when they put 'Soulslike' and 'anime' in the same name. The 1997 anime adaptation, inspired by Kentaro Miura's legendary dark fantasy manga series, follows Guts, a swordsman who embarks on a difficult journey to get revenge on Griffith, the leader of a mercenary group called the Band of the Hawk. Ranging from the true meaning of free will to the more gruesome aspects of human nature, the series' themes have made it one of the most acclaimed anime series of all time and has become known as one of the most influential works in the realm of dark fantasy.

While Crazy manga series that began serialization in 1989 is still ongoing, Miura's untimely death in 2021 saw his friend and artist Kouji Mori take over the reins. While the 1997 anime series is a must-watch for Soulslike fans, the newer 2016 adaptation continues to be the target of countless jokes for its poor production quality, use of subpar CGI, and bizarre music choices.

Wolf rain

Those who watched Cartoon Network's Adult Swim lineup in 2004 may remember fondly Wolf rain. The post-apocalyptic dark fantasy series focuses on an ancient legend that claims that when the world ends, a place known simply as Paradise will appear – but only wolves will know how to find it. While most people believe that wolves became extinct hundreds of years ago, this is not the case as the creatures cast illusions on themselves to appear human. Kiba, a lone wolf, is led to Freeze City after picking up an intoxicating scent. Here he finds three more of his kind and the three begin to search for a way to find the promised land.

Wolf rain has long been praised for its character dynamics, heavy themes, and a particularly beautiful soundtrack, produced and arranged by Yoko Kanno of Cowboy Bebop and Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex glory. The desperation felt by Kiba, Tsume, Hige, and Toboe is palpable in almost every scene, and it's that torture and willingness to throw themselves headlong into danger that makes the series feel right for Soulslike fans.

Rage of Bahamut

Dark fantasy anime series Rage of Bahamut takes place in a world where gods, demons and humans live together. Once upon a time, the dragon Bahamut tried to destroy the earth, but all these races came together to shut it down. The key used to open this seal was split in half, with one side given to the gods and the other to the demons, ensuring that Bahamut would never threaten the world again. Two millennia later, a woman named Amira arrives during the peaceful days with half the key of the gods in hand. Searching for her lost mother and aided by two bounty hunters, Amira travels the land encountering those who want to keep the dragon sealed away and those who want to revive it for their own nefarious purposes.

The first season is packed with thick lore and praised for its characters Rage of Bahamut it is especially loved by fans of dark fantasy. The series was produced by MAPPA and maintains the same animation quality as many of its other releases such as Jujutsu Kaisen and A man with a chainsaw. Those who enjoy the show may also be interested in picking up the digital card battle game that inspired it, but sadly, the English version is now defunct.

Goblin Slayer

At first sight Goblin Slayer is like any other dark fantasy adventure series. In the mythic world, adventurers flock to join the Guild, eager to become stronger and complete contracts to gain gold and admiration. The young priestess is happy to finally have the opportunity to join her first group, but things quickly go awry when the goblins attack the nausea. The girl watches in horror as her friends are killed or attacked, but is soon saved by the titular goblin slayer, a man who hates the creatures with all his heart and is bent on eradicating them all from existence.

In many anime circles, Goblin Slayer is a source of controversy and scorn. Its dark themes and graphic violence blindsided many first-time viewers, as it doesn't seem particularly offensive at first glance. However, this brutality is one of the reasons Soulslike fans might want to give it a shot, despite the negative reviews it received in the years following its release.

Made in the Abyss

An adaptation of Akihito Tsukushi's manga series, Made in the Abyss follows Riko, an orphaned girl who lives near a giant hole descending deep into the earth. Known as the Abyss, this massive crater is filled with the remains of long-lost civilizations and attracts all kinds of people hoping to unearth unknown treasures. However, a curse befalls those who dare to step into the Abyss, and the deeper one goes, the more severe the consequences. Rik's mother disappeared down the hole years ago, and now the young girl is trying to follow in her footsteps and descend. Here she meets a half-human, half-robot boy and her adventure truly begins.

Dubbed by many in the community as one of the best anime series of 2010, Made in the Abyss continues to impress, with fans and critics applauding its sense of adventure, emotional drama and soundtrack. Its darker, more disturbing aspects will appeal to those who don't shy away from difficult situations or stressful exploration, and its world-building is second to none. More is on the way in the West as a live event Made in the Abyss the film was greenlit in 2021.

Akame ga Kill!

Inspired by the popular shonen manga series, Akame ga Kill tells the story of the Night Raid, the secret assassination branch of the Revolutionary Army. The group hopes to overthrow Prime Minister Honest, who is only known for his lust for power and greed, while his people starve and fight. Tatsumi is the newest member of the assassins who left his remote village to help his people, and over time he learns what it means to kill while growing stronger in a world that thirsts for blood.

The series focuses heavily on the impact of corruption and how, even when seemingly justified, murder tears away at a person's soul. Each side fights for what they believe is right, and it's up to each character to come to terms with their decisions. Souls fans will appreciate the focus on the reality of death and the feeling that you're running into enemy territory, where if you make one wrong move, nothing awaits. There's a bit of random comedy, but at the end of the day, Akame ga Kill is a dark fantasy series with a bite.