10 Anime to watch if you love Kaiju No. 8

Hibino Kafka as seen in his Kaiju form in Kaiju no. 8
Hibino Kafka as seen in his Kaiju form in Kaiju No. 8 (Image Source: Studio Khara)

Kaiju No. 8 broke conventions by making its protagonist an older cleanup worker who changes into the very monsters he once washed from the streets. Kafka Hibino's transition into a kaiju while holding his humanity forms a unique internal war between duty and survival. The series revolutionizes monster anime by questioning what happens when the hunter becomes the hunted.

These ten anime explore similar territories where protagonists walk dangerous lines between human and beast.


1. World Trigger: Border defense excellence

Kuga Yuma as seen in the series (Image Source: Toei Animation)
Kuga Yuma as seen in the series (Image Source: Toei Animation)

World Trigger brings tactical warfare against alien invaders called Neighbors. Defense squads use high-tech weapons to protect humanity from interdimensional threats.

The series mirrors Kaiju No. 8's military structure perfectly. Protagonists must prove themselves within defense organizations. Both shows balance strategy with character growth. They feature heroes hiding special abilities from their own teams.


2. Parasyte the Maxim: Alien infiltration horror

Shinichi and his parasite, Migi (Image Source: Studio Madhouse)
Shinichi and his parasite, Migi (Image Source: Studio Madhouse)

Shinichi becomes host to a parasite named Migi in this survival horror masterpiece. Their relationship creates constant internal conflict between human instinct and alien logic.

Like Kafka's kaiju transformation in Kaiju No. 8, Shinichi walks between two worlds. He protects humanity while harboring monstrous power. Both protagonists question their remaining humanity. They fight creatures similar to what they've become themselves.


3. Chainsaw Man: Devil-powered carnage

Denji defeats the Katana Man (Image Source: MAPPA Studio)
Denji defeats the Katana Man (Image Source: MAPPA Studio)

What happens when devils fight devils using devil power? Chainsaw Man answers this question with explosive results and dark humor throughout its chaotic narrative.

Denji transforms into Chainsaw Man to battle supernatural threats, exactly like Kafka uses kaiju abilities against other kaiju. Both heroes hide their true identities within monster-hunting organizations. They sacrifice personal happiness for society's protection. The moral complexity of using evil power for good drives both stories forward.


4. Gurren Lagann: Mecha-powered revolution

Simon the Digger from the series (Image Source: Studio Gainax)
Simon the Digger from the series (Image Source: Studio Gainax)

Underground dwellers Simon and Kamina discover giant robots to fight surface threats. Their journey from zero to hero defines classic mecha storytelling at its finest.

Controlling massive mecha mirrors Kafka’s personal growth in Kaiju No. 8 flawlessly. Both series emphasize determination over natural talent. Friendship and self-belief overcome impossible odds. Spectacular battles grow increasingly epic in scale. The power of the human spirit drives both narratives toward triumphant conclusions.


5. Dorohedoro: Magic meets mayhem

Caiman's appearance in the series (Image Source: MAPPA Studio)
Caiman's appearance in the series (Image Source: MAPPA Studio)

The bizarre realm of Dorohedoro fuses sinister sorcery with surprising humor. Caiman searches for his true identity while navigating between magic users and regular humans.

Mysterious powers make both Caiman and Kafka valuable yet dangerous to different factions. They uncover transformative truths while fighting oppressive systems. Kaiju No. 8 reflects themes of fractured identity and blurred morality. Both protagonists face discrimination from the people they try to protect.


6. Inuyashiki: Cybernetic senior citizen

Inuyashiki vs. Shishigami (Image Source: MAPPA Studio)
Inuyashiki vs. Shishigami (Image Source: MAPPA Studio)

An elderly man acquires robotic abilities after an alien encounter changes his life forever. Ichiro Inuyashiki uses his newfound power to protect innocent people from various threats.

Both Inuyashiki and Kafka locate extraordinary abilities later in life, giving mature protagonists new purpose and meaning. They use their powers responsibly despite societal bias and incredible temptation. These two series also delve into redemption and second chances, where age serves as strength instead of weakness.


7. Goblin Slayer: Methodical monster hunting

The Goblin Slayer from the series (Image Source: Studio White Fox)
The Goblin Slayer from the series (Image Source: Studio White Fox)

Goblin Slayer takes a calculated approach to monster extermination. Specialized tactics and proper equipment matter more than raw power against dangerous creatures.

Both Goblin Slayer and the Defense Force in Kaiju No. 8 highlight the importance of preparation and teamwork. Strategic thinking overwhelms supernatural enemies via coordinated attacks. Both protagonists dedicate their lives to protecting civilians from monster threats. Knowledge and planning triumph over individual strength.


8. Ajin: Demi-human discrimination

Sato discovers he is an Ajin (Image Source: Polygon Pictures)
Sato discovers he is an Ajin (Image Source: Polygon Pictures)

Government forces hunt immortal beings called Demi-Humans for brutal experimentation purposes. Kei Nagai must hide his demi-human nature while fighting oppressive systems that want to capture him.

Concealing dangerous identities becomes a survival necessity for both Kei and Kafka in Kaiju No. 8. They face discrimination from the very people they try to protect through their actions. Psychological burdens weigh heavily on protagonists with valuable yet feared abilities. Both series delve into ideas of discrimination and being cast out by society.


9. Ultraman: Classic giant hero action

Ultraman transformation as seen in Netflix adaptation (Image Source: Tsuburaya Productions)
Ultraman transformation as seen in Netflix adaptation (Image Source: Tsuburaya Productions)

The legendary Ultraman franchise established giant hero versus monster battle templates that directly inspired modern series. Human hosts fuse with Ultra beings to fight kaiju threats threatening Earth's safety.

Netflix's modern anime adaptation brings fresh animation to classic tokusatsu concepts while maintaining core themes. Both Ultraman and Kaiju No. 8 feature fusion transformations and titanic battles between good and evil forces. Responsibility comes with immense power in both franchises. Heroes must sacrifice personal happiness to protect humanity from existential threats.


10. D.Gray-Man: Cursed crusader combat

Allen Walker as seen in the series (Image Source: TMS Entertainment)
Allen Walker as seen in the series (Image Source: TMS Entertainment)

Allen Walker’s cursed arm gives him anti-Akuma powers, marking him as both fortunate and doomed. The Black Order exorcist fights demonic creatures while questioning his own humanity.

Transformation struggles echo throughout both D.Gray-Man and Kaiju No. 8 as protagonists wrestle with their changing nature. Allen and Kafka work within military organizations while harboring dangerous secrets about their true identities. They question whether they're becoming the monsters they fight against during their heroic journeys.


This list shares DNA with Kaiju No. 8's core philosophy: power comes with isolation, and monsters aren't always the enemy. These series understand that true horror lies not in the creatures themselves but in losing one's humanity while fighting them.

Edited by Sangeeta Mathew