Monster - Recommendations

Budweineken says...

Both have a dark atmosphere and good amount of drama, with psychological aspects.

gatorboy12003 says...

Both Monster and Death Note are masters of suspense and psychology. They do a good job of questioning your morality as well. If you want edge of your seat suspense that will haunt you for days these two series go hand and hand.

Preutz says...

If you enjoyed the dark, gritty tone of one, then you'll definitely like that of the other. The road to Hell is paved with good intentions, the protagonists in Death Note and Monster are both brilliant persons with a deep-rooted sense of justice, which ironically leads them to make the wrong choices for the right reasons. Set in a realistic modern world, both storylines involve a cat-and-mouse chase between a tragic hero and a villain of terrfying intellect and charm. There is little humor in both anime series; instead, they explore the value of human lives in an unique angle and seel to challenge our traditional perceptions of clear-cut right and wrong.

SlinkyABC says...

While Monster and Death Note have very different and unrelated stories, one can't mistake the somber tone that sets the mood for each series. Each anime takes itself very seriously and explores different moral and social issues. Also, both series have similar (and very good) animation and production values.

If you find yourself attracted to the character designs and the deep moving stories that also function as a kind of social commentary in one series, I can almost guarantee you'll like the other. Please note that Monster is more slower-paced than Death Note is, but that's not to say that its pacing doesn't add to the overall value of the series.

kmull says...

Monster and Death Note are very much alike in general mood and theme, particularly since they both have a heavy psychological component. One difference is particularly striking -- in Monster, the antagonist kills people with seemingly no rhyme or reason while being chased by a slew of individuals caught in the path of madness, while in DN, the protagonist kills criminals to rid the world of evil and cleverly avoids detection. Monster has more character development and side plots, while DN gives you a quick but eventful trip through the story.

Lewis16 says...

It's been said before here, but both Monster and Death Note deal brilliantly with the darker, more sinister aspects of human nature; and so if you enjoyed the dark side of one, you'd like the other too.

tasanime says...

If you ever wanted to know what would happen to the human psyche once man has the power to take away human life, then Death Note and Monster are about the best insight you'll ever get. Both provide an in-depth, highly intense view of murderers and their pursuers in a fast-paced, psychological twister of a chase of cat and mouse.

quippy says...

Death Note and Monster are two masterpieces of anime with a high psychological aspect and a lot of very well-developed characters.

Both examine the question of "what is right and wrong" and keep you thinking!

SatoshiJiro says...

Suspense and a twisting storyline to back it up are certainly a great combination; you'll see this in both Monster and Death Note.  

Just when you think you have things figured out, something new will be thrown into the open and you're left trying to solve the riddle, once again.

Both have something for the thriller fan inside of you. Whether you're into mystery or drama, you won't finish these titles unsatisfied.

Adam says...

Monster is a seinen anime and Death Note is a shonen anime, but both shows are thrillers that keep you asking for more. I picked up Death Note first, and as soon as I saw Monster, I recommended it for lovers of Death Note. If you liked one, you will like that other.

dholsonbake says...

Both Death Note and Monster have plots that leave you guessing until the very last episode. If you enjoyed the suspense of one, you'd like the other.

whatismyname says...

Both Death Note and Monster have a darker and more adult oriented theme to them. The story revolves around two intelligent and determined individuals who, in a sense, battle with each other to the end.

JayGee says...

If you like suspenseful series, then both series are for you. Each are fantastically engrossing, dark and mature dramas that blur the lines between what's right and what's wrong.

freakzilla says...

Death Note and Monster are aguably the biggest hypes of the recent years. What's more, is that these two hypes aren't your everyday Naruto or DBZ; but actually offer a deep story and appeal even the older anime fans. Both offer a few plot twists, a deep story, a dark atmosphere and a reflection upon the human nature. The difference? While Monster keeps putting the information in slowly to not get some people lost in the plot, Death Note moves at a much faster pace.

tetsuofjustice says...

Both of these series have the same kind of intense feeling when you watch it. Cept with Death Note they base the anime more on the fact that "If you would make peace by killing, would you?" and the sides that oppose it aka Light and L. Although shorter the ride is definately worth it.

Nocturnalgloria says...

Monster and Death Note are unique in many ways. In both cases the issue of morality in its truest form, that is the frontier between good and evil, is explored via highly tense psychological thrillers. Monster is highly realistic and portrays a very believable world while Death Note has a supernatural element to it; in both the viewer is forced to think and make choices toward deciding who the real villains are and just what it is that makes one individual evil.

XTJ7 says...

The similarities of the series are quite astounding, good and bad fighting each other in an intellectual way, thinking around 2 and more corners is a requirement for both. Although the perspective in Monster is the good chasing the bad, while in Death Note the bad is mostly shown being chased by the good, they are still pretty similar in their style. If you like trying to figure out what happens next and lots of turnarounds are welcome to you, both series are much more than just pretty enjoyable.

mastersam says...

Death Note is another triller/suppense series just like Monster. It has the same rush and supense that you feel during Monster and the plot is complex. just like Monster the main bad guy is a psychopath/socipath mess up. Althought Death Note is shorter the action is more condensed and the suspense amazing. The intellingece level is also about the same between the two shows. The minor difference between the two is that in Monster Dr Tenma was running after the bad guy, in Death Note the plot is a face-off/death-match with death waiting for the loser.

shazbob says...

Monster and Death Note explore and raise moral questions, the first questioning whether it is right to become a murderer in order to kill a murderer, whereas the latter explores if it is right to become a murderer to kill criminals.

Both are psychological thrillers that leave you at the edge of your seat and pleading for the following episodes.

UltimateShinobi says...

Both anime are about stopping a monster. While Death Note shows the life of the monster, Monster shows the life of the creatorof the moster.

fullmetalstrawberry says...

Brilliant. Psychological Thriller. A villain that is so twisted and brilliant he will leave you begging for more.

Both Monster and Death Note hold these qualities - whether it is Johan causing an entire town to implode on itself, or Light bending the world to his will you will find yourself unable to take your eyes off the screen. If you liked Monster you will love Death Note. If you liked Death Note you will love Monster.

This show's got what you need!

cerberus38 says...

Monster and Death Note deal with similar themes, such as the value of a human life, cat and mouse games between antagonists, etc. Whilst Death Note aims to be cooler and Monster has far superior characterisation, both series have extremely engaging storylines. I'm sure if you like the psychological thriller genre you should check out these series.

Linkums says...

After I watched Death Note, I thought that I'd never again see an anime that so thoroughly satisfied my hunger for intelligent mystery and drama. I was wrong. Monster is brilliant, dark, intelligent, and suspenseful. Don't be daunted by its length; it's excellent.

dopestarrr says...

detective, thriller, dark atmosphere, psychology, morality and incredibly interesting story... both anime contain all these aspects! 

badazz5001 says...

Bouth are very intense series that ask a lot of questions about morallity and jusTICE. they are also bouth done by madhouse and have simmiler animation.

Expervert says...

They both have excellent and serious stories, great characters and a dark theme.

LilMayar says...

They have very similar psychological themes and have a very nervewrecking story. The thought process involved in both animes leaves users perplexed until the very end.

Kaorichaos says...

The police vs. a lone figure that is almost fabled and has no valid proof of exhistance. Suspense, Dark tones, and a deadly game of cat and mouse.  You can be sure to find all of these in both animes.

Richard0 says...

I think Monster is underrated as opposed to Death note which is overrated but both are great series to watch. The key elements that correlate in Death note and Monster is that they both involve a psychological element in the story, also the characters themselves are very intelligent. The thing about both is that you have two antagonists who are pretty much unbeatable due to their high intellect.

But that is where the similarity ends; while both are relatively dark animes, monster is much darker and has little to no comic relief moments unlike Death note which shows a comic side to many of their characters (misa misa and L notably).

What I can say for sure is that if you liked the battle of wits of one anime you'll be equally blown away by another, both thrilling and filled with suspense; Yagami Light and Johan Liebert are both among some of the best villains you'll ever see as well.

MVortex says...

Monster is a mature version of Death Note that is brutally down to earth in one sense. Death Note possess a lot of charm in it's twists and turns that Monster fans should find refreshing.

ReviewGirlXIII says...

Both have a  "dark" atmosphere, and question reality as we believe it to be. In Monster, we see that the hospital is run by politics, and Dr. Tenma gets punished and ends up on the run because be went against orders. In Death Note, Light sees the corruption of the justice system he was raised to believe in - he sees the faults and tries to "correct" them...

epicadventure389 says...

DeathNote just like monster is full of twist and turns, that leave you wanting more.

if you stopped after every few episodes to try and figure out what was going to happen, you will love deathnote.

both very macbre, however deathnote has comic releif and a much faster pace.

Monster is more about humanity as a whole and deathnote looks more closely at individuals.

both are excelent thrillers that leave you wanting more.

VictorMitro says...

Both involve psycholoical drama and make the viewer question what is good and what is evil. There are not many action scenes in either anime, but the writers manage to keep a thrilling atmosphere without them.

hamletsmage says...

Both of these anime have very dark atmospheres surrounding young men that want to change the world. Each is a combination of suspense, drama, and psychological tension. With intertwining storylines, police chases, and interesting characters, these anime were made for each other. 

blitzmut says...

both deal with murders in the real world and are geared towards a very mature audience. there are several "higher themes" involved than just the superficial plot.

JonStark says...

While Monster is a masterpiece of all sorts, DN is no where near it, though the atmosphere in both the anime is same.

derv says...

My 2 all time favourite animes! They both come under psychological, mystery, suspense, thriller.. and they both deal with their dark themes in a very mature way. Unlike other 'psychological' animes such as 'Another' or 'Higurashi', these animes require alot of thought, and are in no way childish or badly written. They really make you think, and after watching one episode you cannot wait to watch the next! :)

Hutai says...

After watching death note I couldn't find an anime that would be as good as this one. But when I tried Monster I knew that they are alike.The story is really good. You might thing that for this anime there's too much episodes, but no. All these episodes are for a great character and story developing. You loved Kira and L, you're gonna love doctor Tenma, Johan, Lunge and others.  Both animes gets you more affected to the characters and story. Choosing the sides  good or evil.Both Death note and Monster has a dark atmosphere, great story and characters, soundtracks and what I really love is the art style. It's not the anime with the rainbow hairstyles and eyes. It's realistic. Also many details and it's really beautiful. 

zardock says...

- dark atmosphere/setting- psychological aspects- authentic character- intelligent plot (no popcorn movie/series)- thrilling

Mozzlez says...

The pure brilliance of this psychologial thriller will truely be appreciated for those who are drawn to Death Note because of it's psychological aspects and vice versa

0oDaano0 says...

Mystery, suspense, fleshed out and mature. Both these series are dark and full with murder. We know early on who's the badguy and goodguy and they are constantly closing in yet miles apart.

Both use unique angles and shots, use facial expressions and shadow and are just "complete" in details, especially for such long series. Voice cast and music are simply brilliant in both with Death Note having the better opening and Monster the better ending (the Japanese versions).

Both are among the best I've ever seen, perhaps Monster is slightly better to me.

Don't hesitate to start on these longer series, they'll pay off, leaving you shattered. The only con I found is that all series watched soon after ones like these feel empty.

Haka says...

Both are psychological crime mysteries with a dark overtone, and plenty of twists and turns that will keep the viewer on the edge of their seat, trying to guess what will happen next.

YariMari says...

Both are dark, psychological anime that question morale and justice, but through different perspectives. In Monster, the MC wants to stop a serial killer, and in Death Note the MC is the serial killer.

SaggyBallsack says...

The two have several similarities while also being vastly different.                 

buu says...

Human emotion, pain, hatred, terror, etc. are all themes that both these real people type anime share in common. The Count of Monte Cristo and Johan are portrayed as mysterious monsters capable of manipulating other humans to do their bidding. Both these animes use elements of darkness and dramatic irony throughout the plot to hook the audience into wanting more. These are humanistic shows that delve into the human emotions and allow us to see another reflection. If you are looking for a story driven anime without the fanservice and humor; then these are a good place to start.

puolukankukka says...

Monster and Gankutsuou both have a classical, sophisticated plot evolving around an evil person...  is he evil or just biased?

tasanime says...

Gankutsuou and Monster share not only a production company, but an insight into the cruelty, mayhem and harm inflicted upon others. Both examine such themes through frightening character development of both protagonist and antagonist and the psychological games they play - not to mention those who surround them and their impact upon them.

JayGee says...

Each series is completely different in subject matter and tone, but if you enjoyed the well-executed story of one, you'll surely love the other. Each series keeps you guessing and begging to more after each episode ends.

freakzilla says...

Gankutsuou is, just like Monster, a plot-filled anime about betrayal and a cruel villain. Things entagle alike in both series and the story is build up very well. I have no doubts you'll like Gankutsuou if you liked Monster!

LilMayar says...

Both series take place in Europe and explore psychological themes of corruption of morals and trust.

Lel0uchViBritannia says...

Both animes are very similar. The Count of Monte Cristo and Johan are portrayed as mysterious people capable of manipulating other humans using psychological means. Both are story driven animes having a very serious tone.

bardackx says...

Both have vengance (or depemtion, in the end the seek of justice) as the main subject, and they are not conventional animes.

MushiMaster says...

Both involve a villain that we don't know much about in the beginning but slowly unravel throughout the show. Both the Count and Johan are driving the show half the time and dominate every scene they're present in. 

pedroneo says...

Paranoia Agent has an awesome plot, just like Monster. Plus the scenery is dark and full of mystery.

Colddaye says...

These series are mysteries with a horror angle, and both explore more than the anime world in which they exist. Both deal with social themes, albeit on two different continents, and with the impact incidents in our childhood have on our adult selves.

opui says...

Monster and Paranoia Agent both have their roots in psychology. A major theme in both is the human mind and what (sinister) things it can produce when placed in certain circumstances. Both these anime have amazing depth and humanity. They treat even their secondary characters with sympathy and respect, and even if we have only a very short time to get to know some of them, we are still left with the impression that we were granted a good look into their lives, feelings and motivations. Paranoia Agent makes frequent use of symbolism and even surrealism whereas Monster is mostly firmly rooted in reality, but even with their differences in length and style, both series make an excellent job in examining themes like the human mind, the sense of responsibility, the descent into madness, the moral choices of life, overcoming one's past, facing reality and so much more.

bhokal13 says...

Both of them make you ponder about the age old question of an individual's purpose and aim in life!! PA kicks ass though!!

hamletsmage says...

Suspense, psychological themes, and plenty of police drama are inherent to both of these anime. These anime will keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat for the entire ride. 

quacker says...

Monster and Paranoia Agent have similar psychological themes that touch on what a person's true nature is and what their purpose in life should be.

Hutai says...

One of the "older" anime that still has great story, realistic and very detailed animation, great soundtracks fitting the world, dark atmosphere. Mystery, detectives, crimes, action  etc. 

Nohansen says...

Alfred Hitchcock was a genius. The man was a pioneer of the suspense thriller and his influence is still being felt to this day. In the world of anime and manga, no two men are more deserving of Hitchcock's legacy than Satoshi Kon and Naoki Urasawa.

Kon's Perfect Blue, scripted by Sadayuki Murai, is a psychological thriller worthy of the master himself. The diluted sense of reality creates an uneasiness that will keep you guessing and entertained until the credits roll. Monster, a faithful adaptation of Urasawa's manga, stars a Hitchcockian hero: an ordinary man accused of a murder he didn't commit. Tenma's quest to prove his innocence thrusts him into an extraordinary world of intrigue and deceit grander than North By Northwest and The Man Who Knew Too Much combined.

They may be different mediums, but if you enjoyed one give the other a chance.

tasanime says...

Although very different in length, plot and style, both are very well written, intense psychological thrillers that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Both able to create that similar Hitchcock like "I have no idea what's about to happen and it's driving me insane" kind of feel, I feel they may appeal to a similar type of viewer, possibly a very frightened one...

kenikki says...

Monster and Perfect Blue are the only anime titles that are thrillers that upholds such a great quality all the way. So if you like either title as a thriller, then watch the other one.

hamletsmage says...

Both of these anime delve into some intense psychological suspense, as well as some parts violence, memory issues, young women in despair, and a whole plot devoted to finding the "man behind the curtain." While they differ in length and content, they both have a deep rooted sense of realistic horror.

bardackx says...

Mental state distortion, both are thrillers, very well writen characters, both focus on the psycology of the characters while creating a great atmosphere

Mayank says...

Monster and Perfect Blue are both psychological thrillers that manage to bring you to the edge of your seat. Not only that, before reaching scenes full of "stuff happening" both anime have masterful play at suspense. Certainly if you like these tropes woven together with a serial killer in the mix, you'll love Monster as well as Perfect Blue.

JayGee says...

Both FMA and Monster are the type of series chock full of twists and turns to keep you guessing. If you enjoyed one series, then you'll definitely enjoy the other.

SeiyaManG says...

Although the series are about 2 completely different subjects, they both succeed incredibly in fleshing out characters in the series and in the emotion that they both convey. They're both very methodical with their progression and lead the watcher through a compelling storyline that leaves you wanting to know more.

Singan says...

Both anime are dramatic detective thrillers with analogous plot: a kind and somewhat naive protagonist does a good deed that results in terrible consequences, and he embarks on a long journey to correct his mistake, where he gets opposed by inhuman murderers manipulating other people. The main differences are the setting and the protagonist's age, but the essential similarities still make them a fine recommendation for each other.

hamletsmage says...

"You've Lord of the Rings'd the series!" as my father would say. Both of these anime have the main characters wandering around a vast world, looking for something or someone important. Corrupt politicians, an underworld of danger, and some mind-bending mysteries await the protagonists as they search. With a wide, well-written cast and beautiful landscapes, these anime have plenty in common.

inuj22 says...

In both series, the main characters are searching for something incredibly important. Ed and Al are looking for the philospher's stone, and Tenma is looking for Johan. While both animes are about completely different subjects, they both delve into the psychological aspects of power and its abuse. Also, the tiniest of details that seemed insignificant at the beginning end up making a gigantic impact at the end!

MushiMaster says...

Though opposite genres, Monster and FMA share very similar overarching themes in what it means to take a life. Where with Monster it is to prevent more deaths from occuring at the cost of proving the villain that anyone can be corrupted; Fullmetal Alchemist approaches it from the angle on what lengths Ed and Al are willing to go to get their bodies back and save their friends. Both shows are also steeped in corruption of the government from secret police to puppet leaders controlled from the shadows. Monster and Fullmetal Alchemist are must watch shows for any fan of psychological dramas.

Uriel says...

If you liked one of these for being realistic and not having any fantasy/sci fi elements then you can safely try the other one. Monster's action plays out in our times and it's darker and more criminal, while Planetes is set in the near future and is more of a light drama. There is not much else in common between the two except that the action and story elements are built on character development. I found this to be very appealing and it's why both shows drew my attention in the first place.

scenthr says...

The only real thing that is similar in these anime is their reality. So here we have people dealing with problems of today in a real world setting. Planetes is set in the near future, but it is a future which is very plausible from today's point of view. Monster has set its plot in "now-time" Germany. So, you get what I mean.

They also deal more with human interactions, human agendas, human needs and pleasures.

TheQi2B says...

Location, Location, Location... is definately not what these animes share.

These shows share a similar sense of story telling. While Monster spends more time on dark moments instigated by regrets Planetes spends more time in more lively naive, or possibly optimistic, story set.

The important thing to note is the core of these two stories. In both the advancement of the plot rests in the struggle to harmonize views on the importance an individual and the value of countless others.

Posing the question 'is one life worth more then another?'

quacker says...

While Monster has a darker atmosphere and Planetes has no thriller aspects, both have drama, extreme realism, and are mostly character-driven, adding credibility to the themes explored in each series.

hamletsmage says...

A lot of these animes is devoted to character development, with a realistic and rather adult view on the strengths and flaws of the main cast. At the same time, each touches upon how politics, racial bias, and other large topics affect the character in their travels. These animes move in a slightly slower pace than most, but there's plenty of action and adventure to keep even the most impatient of viewers happy. 

Laone says...

Fate, covert action, trust, betrayal, determination and survival are all important elements of these shows. Though the storylines are different, the shows *feel* similar in many aspects. Pacing and character development are rich and though GSG is a shorter series, in both you experience a lot in short spans of time. Atmospheres are similar and comfortable. In both, the primary characters question themselves and their purposes and must face realizations about themselves that may not be pretty. Side characters are likable and its easy to fall into their worlds with quality development.

freakzilla says...

Gunslinger Girl and Monster definitelly appeal the same people. Compared to other anime they both have a slower pacing and more story. But most importantly: they show us how the characters think. Mental fragility or the lack of moral aspects are two topics that several characters emphasise.

Nocturnalgloria says...

Monster and Gunslinger Girl are very intelligent anime that explore serious issues such as the impact of conditioning on children who are driven to commit murder, the role of education and that of personal choice in the shaping of one's personality. Both are quite realistic and tragic in the compelling manner they reveal a highly believable cast to the audience. In Monster and in Gunslinger Girl, the human element is what is at stake even as definition of what is human is questioned.

Zuzane says...

These two series share the subject (in both anime we have very young people, for whom killing is everyday life and although brutal murders are showed, the emphasis is put on the psychological site), very alike graphics, ascetic music and the place - they both happen in Europe.

buu says...

Even though Baccano is a lot shorter than monster, both of these series develope the good and bad side of the human nature. If you enjoy the mystery, thriller type of anime with a theme of psychopathic killing, then you will want to watch these. Both of these directors tell their stories in a nonlinear style by jumping to different stages of the characters, so be prepared to connect the dots.

Oehr says...

Monster is a very very dark and serious anime, while Baccano is twisted, funny and somewhat crazy, though also not that happy but slightly dark overall.

As I don't want to talk about the actual complex and great plot of both anime, these anime show you how evil people can turn out... Introducing psychopaths, murderers and maniacs!

We need heroes! Watch now!

hamletsmage says...

Both of these anime have plots that run along parallel timelines. They both dip their proverbial toes in mass murder, organized crime, pyschopathic killers, and bizarre experimentation. While Baccano! is faster paced and has some comedic qualities, it pairs well with Monster.

bardackx says...

Even though Baccano is a lot shorter than monster, both of these series develope the good and bad side of the human nature. If you enjoy the mystery, thriller type of anime with a theme of psychopathic killing, then you will want to watch these. Both of these directors tell their stories in a nonlinear style by jumping to different stages of the characters, so be prepared to connect the dots.

UltimateShinobi says...

Both anime are physchological thrillers.They both have a good dosage of philosophy, Lelouch is trying to take over the world and the main character of Monster is trying to stop the world from being taken over.

Otherer says...

You'll like it cause they're both psychological anime, in which the main subject is mental problem of characters

AceAttorney says...

They Both have excellent, brilliant written plots, and are very similar, without you feeling ripped off because they seem copied.

This is the anime i would recommend the MOST to anyone, it is SO underwatched it isnt even funny.

hamletsmage says...

Both of these anime have an anti-hero, someone that goes against society to take down a greater evil. Both include some rather interesting side characters, a bizarre sibling bond, and a society in need of saving. If you like suspense, psychological drama, and tactical protagonists, these two are for you.

Hutai says...

Both anime has conspiracies, the elite scheming behind the scenes - doctors, politicians, scientists are involved and pulling the strings of their puppets. Crimes, action, thought provoking dialogues. Both of these anime just makes you look deeper and question what's right and wrong, good and bad. Great soundtracks, voice acting and story. 

Mayank says...

Obvious similarities: Seinen anime, plot revolving around conspiracy, mystery and death (A lot of deaths).

Then we have the animmation style too. Everything is mostly realistic when it comes to character designs and movements. If you're a fan of anime that can pull off being/looking as realistic as possible, Babylon and Monster are more likely to satisfy you.

Rascal says...

Monster and Babylon are both revolutionary Psychological Thriller titles centered around a strong enigmatic figure who the protagonist fights against. They're very similar shows with a similar feel and atmosphere to them, with a variety of disturbing and intriguing content in both. If you like one you may like the other.

twokaibutevil says...

a villain with twisted mind and questionable philosophy, who can manipulate others into actions they might have never commited otherwise. a man on the quest to punish the villain. both shows question human morality, the nature of good and evil, and other popular themes that mankind has pondered for centuries.