9 Anime You Need To Watch If You Enjoy Soulslike Games

In the last decade, the popularity of Soulslike games has skyrocketed. From the 2009 title of Software Demon spirits Often cited as the game that started it all Dark spirits The trilogy continues the momentum and of 2015 blood borne To reach legendary status in the community. These action titles are notoriously difficult, requiring players to learn the ins and outs and die dozens, hundreds, or thousands of times during their run to achieve ultimate victory. Save points are rare, and tension is high, but nonetheless, the genre is still going strong, with no signs of stopping.

Many Soulslike titles feature a dark fantasy setting, and while it's not strictly necessary, it's somewhat expected. While there are plenty of anime series hoping to set the controller down for a bit but still get your fix of the genre, many on this list are little-known or mostly forgotten. Some have gruesome battles, high stakes and plenty of bloodshed, while others have what could be described as 'soul-like vibes'.

Grimgar, Ashes and Confusion

One day, a group of people wake up in a strange land with no memories. Immediately thrown into danger, the group is forced to fight monstrous beasts and face death over and over again, and while it may seem like a game world, the dead are gone for good. Unlike many other dark fantasy isekai series, there are no traditionally OP anime characters here, just unprepared young people trying to become physically and emotionally strong while searching for answers.

An adaptation of Ao Jumonji's light novel series Fantasy and Grimgar of AshThis 2016 anime series is often praised for its animation quality and dark themes, such as the psychological impact of grief and violence. At a time when isekai anime series are a dime a dozen, Grimgar, Ashes and Confusion distinguishes itself from many of its cohorts by being more down-to-earth and gritty. For Soulslike fans, its world and lore are perfect.

Claymore

Nothing quite captures the vibe of a Soulslike game Claymore. The series is set in a fictional medieval world populated by terrifying man-eating humanoid shape-shifters called Yoma. A strange group, known only as The Organization, seeks to fight these monsters by creating human-yoma hybrids, female warriors taking on these threats for a fee. As the title suggests, they fight with claymore swords, and each warrior has their own unique fighting style or supernatural ability. After rescuing a young boy named Raki from a yoma, a hybrid named Claire agrees to take him in as a companion.

The 26-episode series, released in 2007, was inspired by Norihiko Yagi's manga series of the same name, which was serialized in Monthly Shōnen Jump. Its action-packed fight scenes and unique world-building have made it a cult classic, and interestingly, a live-action TV series is currently in development at CBS Studios, with Shuisha stepping in to produce the show. It is unclear if it will be as bloody and violent as the anime release.

Tokyo Ghoul

In an alternate version of Tokyo, humans coexist with creatures called ghosts, who appear human but must eat human flesh to survive. College student Ken Kaneki is transformed into a half-ghost after coming into contact with one of these creatures, putting him in a difficult and deeply embarrassing situation. While trying his best to maintain his humanity, he must find a way to bridge the gap between humans and demons and hide himself from those close to him. Filled with drama, body horror, and dark themes, Tokyo Ghoul A shoo-in for Soulslike lovers.

Three seasons running, Tokyo Ghoul Provided a fantastic adaptation of its manga counterpart. Those interested in dark fantasy and wanting to dive deeper into Kane's story should also consider picking it up. Tokyo Ghoul manga, because it takes more time to delve into the main character's psyche and doesn't bother to censor its gratuitous violence. In addition, a live-action film was released in 2017, which boasts excellent reviews.

Berserk

For many readers, Berserk Putting 'Sulslike' and 'anime' in the same title is likely to pop up. Inspired by Kentaro Miura's legendary Dark Fantasy manga series, the 1997 anime adaptation follows Guts, a swordsman, who sets out on a difficult journey to avenge Griffith, the leader of a group of mercenaries called the Band of the Hawk. The series' themes, from the true meaning of free will to the more sinister aspects of human nature, have made it one of the most acclaimed anime series of all time, and it has become known as one of the most influential works in the field of dark fantasy.

While the Berserk The manga series, which began serialization in 1989, is still ongoing, with Miura's untimely death in 2021 leading to his friend and colleague Kouji Mori taking over the reins. While the 1997 anime series is a must-see for Soulslike fans, the latest 2016 adaptation continues to be the butt of countless jokes for its poor production quality, use of subpar CGI, and weird music choices.

Rain of wolves

Those who tuned in to see Cartoon Network's Adult Swim lineup in 2004 may well remember. Rain of wolves. The post-apocalyptic dark fantasy series focuses on an ancient story, claiming that when the world comes to an end, a place known as Paradise will appear—but only wolves will know how to find it. While most people believe that wolves became extinct hundreds of years ago, this is not the case, as the creatures put on illusions to make themselves look human. Kiba, a lone wolf, is taken to Freeze City after picking up an intoxicating scent. Here, he finds three more of his kind, and the three begin their quest to find the Promised Land.

Rain of wolves It has long been praised for the dynamic between its characters, its heavy themes, and its particularly beautiful soundtrack, which was composed and arranged by Yoko Kano. Cowboy Bebop and Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex fame The desperation felt by Kiba, Tsume, Hige, and Toboe is palpable in almost every scene, and it's that willingness to run headfirst into pain and danger that makes the series feel like such a good fit for Soulslike fans.

Wrath of Bahamut

Dark fantasy anime series Wrath of Bahamut It is set in a world where gods, demons and humans live together. Long ago, the dragon Bahamut tried to destroy the land, but all these races came together to stop it. The key used to open this seal was split in half, with one side given to the gods and the other to the demons, ensuring that Bahamut would never again threaten the world. Two millennia later, a woman named Amira arrives in peaceful days with half the keys to the gods in hand. Searching for her missing mother and with the help of two bounty hunters, Amira travels the land, confronting those who want to keep the dragon at bay and those who want to revive it for their own nefarious purposes.

Filled with thick lore and praised for its characters, the first season of Wrath of Bahamut is particularly beloved by fans of dark fantasy. The series was produced by MAPPA and maintains the same animation quality as many of its other releases, viz Jujutsu Kaisen and The Chainsaw Man. Those who enjoyed the show might also be interested in picking up the digital card battle game that inspired it, but unfortunately, the English-language version is now defunct.

Goblin Slayer

At first glance, Goblin Slayer It's like any other fantasy adventure series. In a legendary world, adventurers flock to join guilds, eager to become more powerful and complete contracts to earn both gold and praise. A young priestess is happy to finally have the chance to join her first party, but things quickly go wrong when goblins attack Ad Nujam. The girl watches in horror as her friends are killed or attacked, but she is soon saved by the titular Goblin Slayer, who hates the creatures with all her heart and seeks to wipe them all out of existence.

In many anime circles, Goblin Slayer A source of controversy and scorn. Its dark themes and graphic violence blindsided many first-time viewers, as at first glance, it didn't seem particularly offensive. This brutality, however, is one of the reasons why Soulslike fans want to give it a chance, despite negative feedback in the years following its release.

Made in the Abyss

An adaptation of Akihito Tsukushi's manga series, Made in the Abyss Follows Rico, an orphaned girl who lives near a giant hole that sinks deep into the earth. Known as the Abyss, this vast crater is filled with the remains of a long-lost civilization and attracts all kinds of people looking to dig up unknown treasures. However, the curse torments those who dare to step into the abyss, and the deeper one goes, the more severe the effects. Riko's mother disappeared into the hole years ago, and now, the young girl aims to follow in her footsteps and form her own lineage. Here, she meets a half-human, half-robot boy, and her adventure truly begins.

Dubbed by many in the community as one of the best anime series of 2010, Made in the Abyss It continues to impress fans and critics alike, praising its adventure, emotional drama, and soundtrack. Its more dark and disturbing aspects will appeal to those unafraid of difficult situations or tense exploration, and its world-building is second to none. There's more to the West in the form of live-action Made in the Abyss The film was greenlit in 2021.

Akame ga Kill!

Inspired by the popular shonen manga series, Akame ga Kill Tells the story of Night Raid, the secret assassination branch of the revolutionary army. The group hopes to oust Prime Minister Imandar, who is known only for his lust for power and greed, leaving his people hungry and struggling. Tatsumi is the newest member of the Assassins, who has left his remote village to help his people, and over time, he learns what it means to kill as he grows stronger in a world out for blood.

The series focuses heavily on the effects of corruption and how, even when seemingly justified, murder can take away a person's soul. Each side fights for what they believe is right, and it's up to each character to make peace with their decisions. Soul-like fans can appreciate the focus on the reality of death, and the feeling of running into enemy territory where, if one wrong move is made, all that awaits is nothingness. There's a little random comedy thrown in, but at the end of the day, Akame ga Kill With Bite is a dark fantasy series.