Death Note - Recommendations

helixcs says...

Both Death Note and Elfen Lied contain a ruthless murderer who uses unusual techniques to eliminate a mass of people, and both anime have special task forces set up to stop the insanity. In both cases, the true identity of the killer is hidden. Each is head-scratcher and chin-scratcher, and is filled with mystery, ensuring thorough entertainment.

MistyRain says...

Both Elfen Lied and Death Note have people who murder others in rather unique ways. Elfen Lied is sad and is full of people who just want to find a home.

wolfangel87 says...

Elfen Lied and Death Note involve the morally skewed notion of murdering people ruthlessly. Each series is deliberately made to be graphically morbid throughout, while still set to elegant music. The murders also take place in unnatural ways while demonstrating the grotesque mindset of the killers.

formax says...

The perfect pair! Both anime make you understand and "fall in love" with a monster that actually wants to destroy the current world. The plot is excellent in both stories keeps you up all the time. Also they both make you wonder about your beliefs and your way of thinking.

Salvio says...

Both have similar story lines in which they both have to do with Death. I found that both Death Note and Elfen Lied have interesting storys for anyone who likes killing, even though that may seem a little twisted.

eaper says...

These series are both extremely dark and have very psychological plots. Also, main characters in each happen to be cold blooded mass murders with some sort of a very like-able alter ego. Finally, both of the series have extremely elegant sound tracks that seem to fit well with the scenes where murder takes place, making death almost seem elegant.

hum4ntank says...

Both Elfen Lied and Death Note involve killing a mass amount of people using supernatural methods.

DigitalShinigami says...

Two titanic intellects, one bent on reshaping the world to their own desire, the other fighting to maintain the status quo. This description fits both of these animes to a tee.

They both tell their respective stories from the perspective of the two main characters. Rather than portray one as the protagonist and the other as the antagonist, they both leave the decision of who's the good guy and who's the bad guy up to the viewer.

I have often heard both of these being referred to as a "thinking mans" anime and require some thought on behalf of the viewer to aperciate. So long as LOGH's archaic animation doesn't bother you then there's no good reason that if you liked one you wouldn't like the other.

sothis says...

I'm surprised that more people haven't made this recommendation pairing. The lead characters in LOTGH and Death Note calculate their moves carefully and constantly are engaging in battles of wits with each other - though LOTGH is more sci fi and on a far grander scale. If you liked the pacing and psychological elements of one, do check out the other.

Kez says...

Although both anime have hardly anything in common plot wise they are both 'Thinker's Anime' in meaning that both give the viewer more than a screen of flickering colors and lights but also a deep story based on logic and psychology.

Both anime treat you like a person with a brain, not a retarded chimp that needs every little detail and occurrence explained.

LuluSama says...

Both animes are very similar to each other. In both animes you óbserve two opposing factions who are trying to outwit the other. The basic idea is the same, whereas the rules and conditions might be a tad different. If you liked one of these, i honestly can not see a reason for you to not like the other.

Solipsism says...

There are a lot of reasons why you wouldn't think these two anime would go over well with the same people, but when it comes down to it, if you focus on characterization more than on plot and you liked the characters of either LoGH or of Death Note, I expect you will like the other. The presentation of each anime is very different - indeed, LoGH is about 20 years older than Death Note, and the original LoGH novels are even older - and many aspects of the plot of each are totally unrelated, there nevertheless exists a similarity between the main characters (especially in the two main characters of each respective show) and in the ideals and morals that drive each series, particularly the two main concepts in each series: The struggle between the Machiavellian desire to do whatever is necessary to right what is wrong with the world, and the belief that certain methods of achieving victory and peace are unacceptable, no matter the consequences of forgoing them.

chrono9665 says...

On the surface the two animes have little in common, one is a space opera and the other is psychological thriller. Both however have a common but important element. They both involve incredibly intelligent strategists pitting their minds against each other in a struggle of life and death and we the audience get all the benefit.

Astelia says...

The both are interesting and deep. Though I prefer Legend of the Galactic Heroes to Death Note.

ninjapintu says...

Although the plot is entirely different, Death Note and Shiki are extremely similar in many ways. Both of them flesh out the two sides well enough so that you can't call any of them right or wrong. Both of them have main characters(Light in Death note and Toshio in Shiki) who don't stop at anything to achieve their goals and aren't afraid to make sacrifices or take underhanded measures. Not to mention these characters actually make the audience feel for the antagonists. Shiki has much more despair than Death note but both of them can get your heart racing

Morwen says...

Both Shiki and Death Note examine the psychology of murderers. These are both incredibly dark series with a "grey-and-grey" mortality to them. Can either Light or L be called a hero? Are the shiki or humans in the wrong? Both series are a visual treat to boot. If you like morally ambiguous, psychological horror-thrillers, these series are both excellent choices.

hamletsmage says...

Both of these anime involve a string of deaths that seem unsolvable at first. With a mixture of realism and the supernatural, the plots are complex and twisting. Both sides of the struggle are given detail that makes you wonder which side is "good".

cloudpatrol says...

Shiki is an anime about mysterious death occcuring in a village. Also, this anime is about what finding out is causing them, and putting an end to it. Death note is an anime about solving a mystery, too. Much like Death Note!

Atalea says...

Though both of them have a complete different plot, they are similar when it comes down to the choice: what is good and what is evil? In both of these series it's the main question you're asking yourself. Though Death Note is more down-to-earth and one big mindgame, Shiki is supernatural and a very good horror show. If you liked one, you might just like the other one as well.

MegumiShimizu says...

Both anime have the main protagonist turn into a villain as is the case with Light and Toshio Ozaki.  goes from a warmheToshiowarmhearteddoctor to a cold emotionless killing machine when he realises his town is getting attacked by vampires. 

manoletus says...

Although plot and ambient differ greatly, both animes will make you feel the thrill and the fear of having your side lose the battle, because at some point you can't just be a neutral spectator of the events. The maturity of the themes, conversations and morals help create this ambigous environment that others animes tried and failed to reach.

alp2va says...

Keep in mind, this is written only 4 episodes into Talentless Nana, but so far I get a strong Death Note vibe from it. Both involve understanding the psychology of killers and predicting their behavior. Both have a cat-and-mouse type story of the two main characters working together while also knowing (but cannot prove) the other is against them.

22ouncebitch says...

phycological mind games all day every day. the murderer and the detective tip toeing around each other, both knowing who's who but not having enough proof.

planetnoya says...

they both include murder mysteries and thrilling plot twists which make them both really interesting and exciting to watch

LUCIIIII says...

They are both include physiological, and have thrilliing plot twists. They both also inclucude a smart detective and murderer who are playing like cat and mouth. :)

But of course, the plot and character development of Death Note was still more advanced and exciting.

mousecookie says...

Both Death Note and Talentless Nana have a similar plotline, basically there's the criminal that is trying to act innocent and the detective that is trying to uncover the truth while suspecting the "innocent" person. However, the MC's are totally different from the ones of Death Note.

Johntt says...

Both of them are that damn brilliant.....                                     

L0001 says...

Both mcs are super smart and manipulative, give it a shot, both mcs lie thru their teeth and dont even bat an eye, they are masterminds, i really enjoyed both, hope you enjoy too

MonkeyZerg says...

If you like the psychological mind games, psychological wars, and gripping suspense of Death Note, then you'll definitely like Akagi's equivalent in the underworld of Mahjong gambling. Both these anime revolve around battles of wit and intellect, often these battles are for the protagonists' lives. They are light on action, and heavy on thinking, and are sure to leave the acute viewer breathless and wanting more. It is not often that I am addicted by an anime as I have been by Death Note. And even though I don't know the rules of Mahjong, I found Akagi always pulling me for more intense board game battles.

 Don't let the Mahjong premise put you off. I still don't know how to play Mahjong. Though I'm sure I would've appreciated Akagi more if I actually knew the game, it was the suspense and story that won me. Watch it! Kon!

Grv says...

Both Akagi and Death Note follow the life of a boy genius, tracing his devious antics as he strives to become God (Death Note in a more literal sense, Akagi less so). Both plot lines are progressive, manga-lead stories, which genuinely keep you in a state of suspense.

Adam says...

Both Akagi and Death Note run on the basic principle of manipulation, trickery, and mind battles. While in one this is done on an actual game board, in the other it is performed through a man's pursuit to create his ideal world. While everything else is different, the core that the shows are built upon is the same. If you liked Akagi, you will adore Death Note. If you liked Death Note, you will probably like Akagi.

marthie says...

Akagi and DN are both strongly psychological anime. At a glance, they're not quite the same, but if you keep watching you'll find out that Akagi is not only about mahjong. Both Light and Akagi are genious in what they do.

What's more, it's surely same vibe here and in DN, though it's of coure not as dynamic as DN, you have to be patient sometimes and "wait for a better times". Still, both is Madhouse work, so you won't be dissapointed.

MuffinMan says...

Both are suspenseful and could be classified as thrillers as the battle of mind and wit take place. Only the smartest will win. Both suprisingly nail biting

valondar says...

Admittedly, Akagi requires knowledge of mahjong and has a pretty poor ending while Death Note - however uneven at times - concludes rather well. However, both series are depictions of antihero geniuses who battle in elaborate and melodramatic mind games against their opponents.

hauntedhedgehog says...

They are not similar in regards to the storyline or characters but both deal with death, humanity, inhumanity, and moral judgements. If you like one you very well may like the other.

Aniky777 says...

This is something you should see. These is a Anime that almost made me cry it was emotional and was sad had thriller and is something you should see. It was also funny. 

JamOnAnime says...

They are related as in Death Note, he chooses who lives or dies, in Death Parade you choose who goes to Heaven or Hell.

apocalypticGnostic says...

Both of them are psychological thrillers about human mortality. Death Note is about how one man decided to judge humanity, while Death Parade asks what standard humans should be judged on.

onichiban says...

Both give a sensation of mystery and it keeps you hanged for the next episode. Despite having similar titles and different plots both are entertaining, exciting and fun.

Pjuskehelt says...

They just gave me the same vibes + There is a Light Yagami easter egg in Death Parade which is really awesome!

DraconAsilian says...

Both of these anime are the type that I've come to love. They make you think the entire time, and tend to keep you guessing, wanting to figure it all out before they let you. They are excellent psychological thrillers, and there is a good bit of action in both. Definitely check out Ergo Proxy if you've seen Death Note, and vice-versa.

wolfangel87 says...

Death Note and Ergo Proxy are excellent psychological thrillers that give the viewer a sense of understanding until the end of the series. There is a good bit of action in both with suspense and plot turns.

Mokiemorty says...

Both have a really creepy, supernatural, mystery feel. Both can be confusing, but everything comes together in the end very well.

noblemage says...

I think death note and Ergo proxy are very similar in the dark atmosphere also the sense that you never quite know who is wrong and who s right.

giantsquid says...

Death Note is in a different genre, but both series are smart, very well written, and very exciting.  Two of my favorites.

VivisQueen says...

Both anime exploit a narrow premise in order to create a strategic game of life and death. Kaiji has no paranormal elements like Death Note, and the animation styles are incredibly different, but the dark, edgy tone and atmospheric settings guarantee that liking one means liking the other.

Lagore says...

If you liked Death Note, you will LOVE Kaiji. Both of them are about people in potentially deadly situations who must use their intelligence to outsmart and outmaneuver their opponents.

They are both unbelievably suspenseful with dozens of twists and turns. But don't take my word for it: see for yourself!

crawller says...

Both anime are incredibly thrilling and is a must if you like thrillers. They make you sit at you computer watching for hours just because it's so "exciting". cancell your life for some hours and watch Death Note//Kaiji. If you liked one of them i am sure you will enjoy the other.

IdleSolution says...

Both characters ecounter many problems they need to solve by using their inteligence. One wrong step and they are dead. There are no OP characters and every ideas are brilliant. If you liked how Yagami did things you will also like Kaiji's solutions.

itsavibe says...

they're both very psychologically driven. the person who made this also made a second season (against all rules - another great watch) and akagi (which is the one that started me down the thread of these 3 great shows. all of these are incredibly high stakes mind games. and to be completely honest, i prefer the mind games within these shows more than I do death note. I feel like they're more fleshed out and there's a lot more clues given to the audience what the twist will be. its not just a huh????? out of nowhere.

cutestdeadgirl says...

Death Note and Speed Grapher both have a story with a similar feel. They are wonderfully dark anime with dark story lines, though Death Note has a deeper and more morbid take than Speed Grapher's slightly calmer adventures. I'm certain that if you liked one, you'd have an interest in the other too. Enjoy! ^.^x

DeathfulJaguar659 says...

Both Death Note and Speed Grapher are really awesome. They involve many people who use a lot of mind and brain powers, and each contains characters with supernatural powers. They are both very smart anime.

Kickyo says...

Both characters can kill with seemingly normal objects.  Speed Grapher is a little more adult themed, but if you enjoyed Death Note you should definitely take a look at Speed Grapher (but you may have to wait an episode or two to see the similarity)

draconic says...

Both animes involve the main character with new-found "super-powers" that are both unusual, and each have their own limitations that each character learns to work around.

Jon113 says...

Both are recommended if you like dark tones, environments. They both have main characters that appeal to rich/ wealthy people and teenagers. 

basti007 says...

Both animes have a supernatural element to it (Death Note uses the power of a shimigami, while Umineko is driven by witch powers) and in both animes, this element is used to play people out against each other - just like on a chess board.

If you like the scenes, where the protagonists think about solutions to certain situations and problems and are thrilled by how they play them out, both animes are what you want.

The main difference is, that Death Note has a pretty dark tone to it, while Umineko is a little more satiric, yet not less intense and graphic.

Bnmjkl says...

Both Umineko and Death Note have some sort of mind game going on where the players in the mind game has to contridict one another.

peopleandme says...

Both animes features death and mystery. Death Note has more of a moral issue that dwells on who has the right todecide who live and dies whiel Umineko doesn't. Both are suspensful and makes you think, but not in a bad way.

NicoNicoDesu says...

Both anime contain a cat-and-mouse game between two formidable opponents--L and Light for "Death Note" and Battler and Beatrice for "Umineko." The anime characters have battles of intelligence and wits. Both are dark and confusing (but "Umineko is MUCH more confusing than "Death Note").

Gavia says...

Both series are about a mass murderer and someone in the detective role, trying to stop them. The plot is driven by the mind games between these two characters, as well as a lot of murders. As such, both are similarly cynical and dark. There are some supernatural elements in both.