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Lazarus is a series created by Shinichiro Watanabe. It has become very popular since it started airing, capturing the attention of anime fans worldwide with its signature combination of spectacular action, dystopian storytelling, and existential overtones.
This new generation anime has similar vibes to the classic series like Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo. But as a fan, if you are looking for something similar to Lazarus, this article is the right guide.
A list of 10 anime definitely worth watching if you loved
Lazarus
1) Banana Fish
Episodes: 24
Genre: Action, Drama, Crime, Psychological
Set against the gritty underworld of New York City, Banana Fish follows Ash Lynx, a teenage gang leader, and Eiji Okumura, a Japanese photographer, as they unravel a deep political and criminal conspiracy tied to a mysterious drug called "Banana Fish. This anime is similar to Lazarus as both of them deal with real-life themes of corruption and trauma.
All of the characters are morally gray, and they are all well written in a way that they resonate with fans, especially those who enjoy Shinichiro Watanabe's works. If Lazarus keeps you engaged, Banana Fish will grip you just as tightly, if not more.
2) Cowboy Bebop
Episodes: 26 + 1 Movie
Genre: Sci-Fi, Action, Space Western, Drama
This anime is again a Shinichiro Watanabe classic. The story is about Spike Spiegel and his crew of bounty hunters aboard the spaceship Bebop. It is set in a futuristic world, and each episode is extremely stylized, has fluid fight scenes, and jazzy vibes.
Lazarus contains Cowboy Bebop's DNA. Both have narrative structures that are similar: a mix of Eastern and Western influences, mysterious characters, and episodic storytelling.
3) Psycho-Pass
Episodes: 22 (Season 1); several sequels and movies
Genre: Sci-Fi, Cyberpunk, Psychological, Crime Thriller
This anime is set in a futuristic Japan where people are governed by the Sibyl System. In this world, the system rates one's psychological state to determine an individual's criminal potential.
The story follows Inspector Akane Tsunemori and Shinya Kogami, and they navigate through dilemmas and try to fight against the corruption. This anime is a must-watch for those who enjoy a darker story that openly questions morality, justice, and what it means to be human.
4) Samurai Champloo
Episodes: 26
Genre: Historical, Action, Adventure, Samurai
Samurai Champloo is a series from the same creators as Lazarus. It is set in the Edo period in Japan and is combined with modern hip-hop culture. The story is about Jin and Mugen, and Fuu, who have started a quest to find the samurai who smells like sunflowers.
Although the vibe is different from Lazarus, it still has the essence of the same creator. If you loved the philosophical detours and stylish combat of Lazarus, Samurai Champloo is your next must-watch.
5) Death Parade
Episodes: 12
Genre: Psychological, Supernatural, Drama
Death Parade is an anime that has a different approach to answering the question of what happens after one dies. It is set in a mysterious bar where the souls of the dead people have to play games to determine if they will be reincarnated to sent to a void.
The protagonist is the bartender who is both the host and the judge. If you liked how Lazarus has metaphysical questions and emotional undertones, Death Parade also has similar concepts. Although the setting of this anime is static, it still matches with the philosophical depth, just feels the same.
6) Darker than Black
Episodes: 25 (Season 1), 12 (Season 2), OVAs
Genre: Sci-Fi, Mystery, Action, Supernatural
This anime takes place in a dystopian world where mysterious spatial anomalies known as Hell’s Gate have started appearing. And with these appearances, some selected individuals also gain supernatural powers known as the Contractors.
Hei, the masked protagonist, is one such Contractor, navigating covert operations and moral dilemmas. If Lazarus kept you hooked with its story, this anime needs to be given a chance. Even the main protagonist is similar to Lazarus.
7) Bungo Stray Dogs
Episodes: 61+ (multiple seasons and a movie)
Genre: Supernatural, Mystery, Action, Seinen
Bungo Stray Dogs is a popular series that is about Atsushi Nakajima, an orphan who joined an agency known as the Armed Detective Agency. After joining, he gets to know that they are a group that usually takes bizarre cases that usually involve powerful criminals. There is something fascinating about this show, and it has a lot of elements in common with Lazarus.
Both of these series dive deep into the meaning of one's existence, combined with showing the true nature of society. This anime is basically for those who have finished Lazarus and have a feeling of wanting more, Bungo Stray Dog is perfect for that.
8) Perfect Blue
Episodes: 1 Movie
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Horror, Drama
The Perfect Blue is a psychological thriller movie by Satoshi Kon. It follows Mima Kirigoe, who is an idol who chooses to retire from her career to pursue her luck in film and become an actress. But throughout the story, her character keeps on descending into paranoia as she is unable to distinguish reality from delusion.
While Perfect Blue does not have over-the-top stunts or high-stakes fights like Lazarus, it can get under its viewers' skins. If you enjoyed the way how story of Lazarus is unfolding and want to watch something small, this anime movie is a perfect recommendation to check out.
9) Serial Experiments Lain
Episodes: 13
Genre: Cyberpunk, Psychological, Mystery
Serial Experiments Lain is a story about Lain Iwakura. She is an introvert who was obsessed with a virtual world known as Wired. This virtual world blurs the difference between reality and digital existence. The main character gets immersed in this and tries to understand the themes of identity and the nature of reality.
If you enjoyed Lazarus, this anime is best to watch as this series also has a unique kick to it. The animation and the sound design team have done an incredible job in creating a mysterious vibe around it, and viewers will end up questioning reality.
10) Great Pretender
Episodes: 23
Genre: Crime, Comedy, Action, Drama
This anime is about a slick con artist, Makoto Edamura. He calls himself the best swindler from Japan. In this story, he partners up with another con artist known as Laurent Thierry. They work as a team and swindle against the elite and rich, corrupt people.
This anime's got way more color and a lighter vibe, but honestly, it has that same jet-setting energy, jazzy style, and a wild streak for chasing justice in bizarre, roundabout ways. Plus, it doesn’t shy away from digging into actual heavy stuff like human trafficking, drugs, and war crimes.
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In conclusion, these 10 anime have a similar vibe to Lazarus. All of these are works of art that offer a unique story in this vast world of anime. If you’re searching for the next best show to binge, the anime on this list are not just simple substitutes; they are important entries into the world of mature anime that question the mind and awaken the soul.
From the jazzy desolation of Cowboy Bebop to the cerebral twists of Serial Experiments Lain, these series have the essence of beloved Lazarus and should absolutely not be skipped. So, try these anime out, and who knows, maybe one of them might become your next favorite series.
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