Sakamoto Days is a unique blend of action-comedy, artfully balancing moments of absurdity and heartfelt emotion. It transcends traditional storylines, focusing on the life of a retired hitman who has swapped the perilous existence of covert assassinations for a mundane life filled with family dinners and grocery trips. Yet, trouble seems to have a way of following him.
The appeal of Sakamoto Days lies in its smooth choreography, the continual struggle between the protagonist’s lethal past and his newfound domesticity, and the skillful merging of violence with vulnerability. This list explores seven compelling anime series that capture a similar exhilarating energy and thematic resonance.
7 The Way Of The Househusband
Once Feared, Now Folding Laundry
The premise of The Way of the Househusband imagines that one does not cease to be a legend upon switching from wielding knives to kitchen utensils. This deadpan comedy follows Tatsu, the feared yakuza known as “The Immortal Dragon, ”who now dedicates his time to mastering homemaking.
The series forgoes a linear narrative, opting instead for short, skit-like segments highlighting Tatsu’s overzealous approach to mundane tasks, from bargain hunting to crafting lunchboxes for his working wife, Miku. While some viewers initially criticized the motion comic style by J. C.Staff, it has grown on many for its fittingly absurd tone.
Featuring a notable English dub, with Jonah Scott voicing Tatsu, the humor draws from the stark contrast between Tatsu’s intimidating past and his current domestic endeavors. Like Sakamoto Days, it expertly blends action with comedy, mining humor from nostalgia and old habits.
6 Golden Kamuy
Survival, Savagery, and Stolen Gold in Hokkaido
Golden Kamuy opens with a treasure map tattooed on the backs of 24 escaped prisoners, setting the stage for a gripping historical action-thriller centered on themes of greed, honor, and survival in the harsh landscapes of post-Russo-Japanese War Hokkaido.
Focusing on war veteran Saichi Sugimoto—dubbed “Immortal Sugimoto”—and Asirpa, an Ainu girl, the duo embarks on a quest to reclaim her tribe’s stolen gold. The series is notable for its authentic cultural portrayal of the Ainu people and visceral depictions of wilderness survival and combat.
Since its debut in 2018, Golden Kamuy has garnered attention through its four-season run on networks like Funimation and Netflix, showcasing a cast of eccentric, multi-dimensional characters reminiscent of the engaging personalities found in Sakamoto Days.
5 Assassination Classroom
He Taught Them How to Kill, and How to Live
Imagine being tasked with assassinating your teacher before he wipes out humanity.Assassination Classroom captivates with a premise that is both thrilling and emotionally profound.
The story revolves around Class 3-E, a group of underachieving students given the impossible assignment of killing their alien octopus teacher, Koro-sensei. Over time, the enigmatic teacher imparts invaluable life lessons alongside combat skills, empowering his students to grow and find purpose.
Spanning two seasons from 2015 to 2016, the series is praised for its pacing and impactful storytelling—especially in its final episodes. Like Sakamoto Days, it artfully juxtaposes life-and-death scenarios with humor and emotional depth, exploring the complexities of relinquishing violence.
4 Durarara
The City That Breathes, Schemes, and Fights Back
In Durarara!!, the Ikebukuro district is as much a character as the extensive cast it hosts. A hub of intrigue and chaos, the city is populated with headless riders and devious information brokers.
Central to the narrative is Celty Sturluson, a headless spirit on a quest to recover her missing head, and Izaya Orihara, a cunning manipulator thriving in turmoil. The anime, initially produced by Brain’s Base in 2010 and later by Shuka, is notable for its robust English dub and the skillful interweaving of its numerous character arcs.
3 Spy x Family
A Family Built On Lies
Spy x Family centers around the lives of Twilight, a skilled spy, Yor, a lethal assassin, and Anya, a telepathic child. Unbeknownst to each other, they craft a façade of a perfect family amidst the drama of Cold War tensions.
Since its debut in 2022, adapted by Wit Studio and CloverWorks, it has captivated audiences across various demographics, thanks to its seamless blend of thrilling action and wholesome family moments. The second season premiered in 2023, alongside the feature film, Spy x Family Code: White, released in theaters in 2024.
With top-notch voice acting, especially Megan Shipman’s portrayal of Anya, the series captures the humor found in balancing extraordinary skills with everyday life. Both Sakamoto Days and Spy x Family find humor in the contrast between professional predicaments and domestic ordinariness.
2 The World’s Finest Assassin Gets Reincarnated in Another World as an Aristocrat
Death Was Only His First Assignment
In an intriguing twist, the global elite assassin is offered a second chance at life. In this isekai-action fusion, he is reborn in a fantastical realm where his new quest revolves around eliminating the Hero poised to destroy everything.
Aired in late 2021, this series, crafted by SILVER LINK and Studio Palette, emphasizes strategy and intricacy in assassination, marking a departure from typical isekai narratives. With a slower pacing, it dwells on tactical maneuvers, especially when political intrigue and magical conflicts arise.
This show, available dubbed on Crunchyroll, stands out by treating its protagonist with the depth of a true assassin rather than a mere strongman in a different world. Fans of Sakamoto Days will appreciate the intricate handling of a calm, collected professional meticulously balancing his covert life with the charm of nobility as Lugh Tuatha Dé.
1 Gangsta
Two Broken Men in a Broken City
The gritty city of Ergastalum serves as the backdrop for Gangsta, which chronicles the lives of Worick and Nicolas, two ‘handymen’ willing to accept any task posed by law enforcement or the mafia without hesitation.
First aired in 2015 through Manglobe—a studio known for Samurai Champloo—the series tackles dark themes and delivers raw, intense action. Though it only adapts the early arcs of the manga, it resonates deeply with its audience. The English cast brings the gritty setting to life, with Brandon Potter’s portrayal of Worick standing out.
What distinguishes Gangsta is its emphasis on marginalized characters, particularly through Nicolas, who is deaf and communicates using sign language, providing a rare and respectful representation within the anime genre. The story also explores the “Twilights, ”genetically augmented fighters facing ostracism, introducing ethical dilemmas into every confrontation.
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