10 Anime Like Darwin’s Game You Should Watch

If you’re captivated by the intense survival game plot of Darwin’s Game, where characters must outsmart their opponents using superhuman abilities, you’ll find these anime equally gripping. Each show delves into high-stakes battles, psychological tension, and the harsh consequences of playing deadly games. Let’s explore 10 anime that bring similar thrills!

1. Mirai Nikki (Future Diary)

Mirai Nikki centers on a brutal survival game where participants wield future-predicting diaries. Like Darwin’s Game, the characters face dangerous conflicts, and only one can survive. The protagonist, Yukiteru, is a shy, isolated boy, but his ordinary life changes when he’s forced to participate in this deadly game. Each diary owner possesses a unique ability, making every encounter unpredictable and tense. With psychological drama and twisted relationships, Mirai Nikki shares the high-stakes tension in Darwin’s Game. Therefore, if you enjoyed the strategic battles, Mirai Nikki is a must-watch.

Release Date: October 9, 2011
Studio: Asread
Genres: Action, Psychological, Supernatural, Thriller
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2. Alice in Borderland

In Alice in Borderland, three friends find themselves in a deserted Tokyo, where they must compete in deadly games to survive. The story shares Darwin’s Game‘s life-or-death stakes and features intense psychological battles. The games vary in difficulty, testing the participants’ wits and physical abilities. As they navigate this dangerous world, they must make complex moral choices, which adds depth to the action. With its dark atmosphere and high-stakes tension, Alice in Borderland will appeal to those who loved Darwin’s Game‘s survival elements.

Release Date: October 2020 (OVA)
Studio: Silver Link
Genres: Action, Mystery, Supernatural, Psychological
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3. Ousama Game The Animation (King’s Game)

Ousama Game presents a terrifying scenario where students must obey dangerous commands sent through text messages or face death. This deadly game mirrors Darwin’s Game’s phone app mechanic, where failing results in dire consequences. The tension escalates with each command, driving the characters to extreme actions in their struggle to survive. Betrayals and horrifying consequences intensify the suspense. Thus, Ousama Game delivers a gripping experience for fans of horror and high-tension survival anime.

Release Date: October 5, 2017
Studio: Seven
Genres: Horror, Supernatural, Mystery
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4. Higashi no Eden (Eden of the East)

Higashi no Eden follows Akira, a man with no memory, who discovers a phone loaded with 8 billion yen and must use it to save Japan. This mysterious phone-based game, like Darwin’s Game, forces the protagonist into dangerous situations. The anime not only features action-packed missions but also explores deeper themes of identity and responsibility, adding complexity to the story. Both series blend suspense with character-driven storytelling, making Higashi no Eden a great match for Darwin’s Game fans.

Release Date: April 10, 2009
Studio: Production I.G
Genres: Mystery, Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller
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5. Caligula

In Caligula, a group of high school students is pulled into a virtual world controlled by a vocaloid AI. They must confront their inner demons and use their emotions as weapons, similar to the unique powers in Darwin’s Game. Additionally, Caligula explores philosophical themes about the nature of reality and human emotion, adding depth to its action-packed battles. Fans of psychological thrillers will appreciate Caligula‘s unique take on the survival game genre.

Release Date: April 8, 2018
Studio: Satelight
Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Psychological
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6. Deadman Wonderland

In Deadman Wonderland, prisoners compete in violent games for the public’s amusement. Like Darwin’s Game, the series features dark, life-or-death stakes and a protagonist trying to survive. Ganta, the main character, must use his unique ability to battle others and uncover the truth behind his imprisonment. With intense action and psychological tension, Deadman Wonderland offers a gripping story of survival, making it a must-watch for Darwin’s Game fans.

Release Date: April 17, 2011
Studio: Manglobe
Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Horror
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7. Gleipnir

In Gleipnir, the protagonist transforms into a monstrous creature and enters a deadly battle against others with similar powers. Like Darwin’s Game, the characters must rely on their supernatural abilities to survive. The show combines psychological elements with visceral action, as the characters face moral choices and consequences. Gleipnir’s dark tone and unique character designs make it an exciting option for fans of intense battles with a supernatural twist.

Release Date: April 5, 2020
Studio: Pine Jam
Genres: Action, Supernatural, Mystery
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8. No Game No Life

While No Game No Life is more lighthearted, it shares Darwin’s Game‘s core concept of characters trapped in a game where strategy determines their survival. The show follows two genius siblings who are transported to a world where everything is decided by games. The strategic battles and clever plot twists offer a fun counterpart to the darker tone of Darwin’s Game, making No Game No Life an entertaining follow-up.

Release Date: April 9, 2014
Studio: Madhouse
Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Supernatural
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9. Sword Art Online

In Sword Art Online, players are trapped in a virtual reality MMORPG where dying in the game means death in real life. Like Darwin’s Game, the series explores the psychological impact of being forced into a life-threatening situation. The intense battles, combined with emotional character arcs, create a captivating narrative that resonates with Darwin’s Game fans. Its blend of action and virtual reality elements makes it a classic in the genre.

Release Date: July 8, 2012
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
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10. Btooom!

Btooom! takes the survival game concept to a new level with explosive combat. The protagonist, Ryouta, finds himself on an island where participants must kill each other using bombs. The strategic use of explosives mirrors the tactical combat in Darwin’s Game, and the constant tension keeps the stakes high. As Ryouta fights to survive, he uncovers deeper mysteries about the game, adding layers of intrigue. For fans of intense survival anime, Btooom! offers explosive action and psychological depth.

Release Date: October 4, 2012
Studio: Madhouse
Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Psychological
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Final Thoughts

For those who loved the high-stakes action and psychological tension of Darwin’s Game, these anime provide equally thrilling experiences. Each show explores the themes of survival, intense battles, and strategic conflict, making them perfect for fans of the genre.