Overview of Gangster-Themed Anime
- Anime series often merge the thrilling aspects of gangster films with distinctive anime flair, captivating fans of crime dramas.
- From the morally complex characters presented in Gangsta. to the intricate relationships found in Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom, these shows engage in profound psychological examinations set within the criminal underbelly.
- With action-heavy narratives like Jormungand and the darker themes explored in Banana Fish, there’s a rich variety available for crime drama aficionados.
The allure of gangsters, mobsters, and crime bosses has long fascinated audiences. Numerous anime series thoughtfully investigate the shadowy world of organized crime across various cultures, deftly combining high-octane action with nuanced exploration of morality, psychology, and human behavior.
These titles skillfully incorporate the quintessential elements of Hollywood gangster films while infusing a unique anime style. With breathtakingly animated action sequences and impressive soundtracks, these series effectively cater to the tastes of even the most discerning crime drama enthusiasts.
Latest Update (January 10, 2025) – by Mark Sammut: Apart from Sakamoto Days, centering on a retired hitman, Winter 2025 does not boast any new anime focusing on organized crime. Nevertheless, Fall 2024 saw the release of Yakuza Fiancé: Raise wa Tanin ga Ii, making it a fantastic option for those seeking a romantic spin on organized crime. Fans might also consider revisiting older series that delve into the Yakuza or mafia culture.
16 Gangsta.
MyAnimeList Score: 7.41
The name itself serves as a clear indicator of what viewers can expect. The visually striking opening theme sets the stage for this mature seinen series, with themes of drugs, prostitution, and gangsters taking center stage against a catchy soundtrack. Gangsta. is set in Ergastalum, where a group of enhanced individuals, known as “Twilights,”created through a unique drug, operate. Nicholas Brown, a Twilight, and his partner Worick Arcangelo take on dangerous tasks as the ‘Handymen.’
Regrettably, the series concludes on an unresolved note, and given that the studio Manglobe disbanded after producing Gangsta., the likelihood of a second season is grim. This series primarily serves as an introduction to the manga, and it does a commendable job in that respect.
15 Hinamatsuri
MyAnimeList: 8.12
Hinamatsuri presents a unique blend of organized crime with delightful humor, albeit this aspect is somewhat underdeveloped. This series caters to those who appreciate comedy intertwined with a narrative featuring espers, yakuza, and a teenage bartender. Its charm lies in seamlessly weaving these elements into a well-rounded experience filled with humor and heartwarming moments.
The storyline follows Nitta, a low-ranking yakuza member, whose life dramatically changes when he discovers a girl emerging from a pod in his apartment. Given the impossibility of ignoring her, Nitta embraces a surrogate father role to Hina, a formidable psychic trying to carve out a fresh start on Earth.
14 Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom
MyAnimeList Score: 7.92
In this dark tale, Zwei becomes a pawn for an organization called Inferno after being brainwashed by its top assassin, Ein. As he fights to comprehend the harsh realities of Inferno and reclaim his lost memories, viewers are treated to a mature narrative rich in character development.
For those seeking a deeper exploration of the human psyche over exhilarating action, the intricate dynamics between Ein and Zwei offer a captivating and multifaceted story. Despite some narrative inconsistencies, particularly with a significant time gap, Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom remains a worthy viewing experience.
13 Jormungand
MyAnimeList Score: 7.79
At first glance, Jormungand seems reminiscent of Black Lagoon, delving into similar organized crime themes. The story follows Jonah Mar, a child soldier turned protector of arms dealer Koko Hekmatyar. The twist unfolds as Jonah grapples with his deep-seated aversion to weapons, culminating in a complex web of conflicting loyalties.
While this series is more action-driven compared to Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom, viewers seeking relentless action may enjoy the adrenaline-fueled sequence of events despite a potential sacrifice in plot depth and character growth. Jormungand serves as an exhilarating ride for those who enjoy high-octane narratives.
12 Michiko & Hatchin
MyAnimeList Score: 7.83
Michiko & Hatchin uniquely positions itself outside the typical Japanese setting, diving into the narratives of escaped convict Michiko Malandro in a fictional South American realm, Diamandra. The plot centers around Michiko’s journey to reconnect with her former lover, Hiroshi Morenos, alongside her unintended surrogate daughter, Hana, whom she rescues from an abusive home.
This series, created by the talents behind Samurai Champloo and Ergo Proxy, brings visibility to a region often obscured in anime, offering vibrant visuals and an exceptional soundtrack from acclaimed composer Shinichiro Watanabe, coupled with believable, multifaceted characters.
11 Reborn!
MyAnimeList: 8.12
With a spotlight on an unsuspecting teenager thrust into the spotlight as the heir to a powerful mafia clan, Reborn! embodies the quintessential organized crime anime. While this series leans more towards a traditional battle shonen narrative than an intricate mafia exploration, it manages to blend exaggerated action and humor, ensuring an entertaining viewing for those not seeking a deep dive into organized crime.
10 JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind
MyAnimeList: 8.58
Typically unconnected to organized crime, the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure franchise takes a bold turn in Golden Wind, which is set in Italy and follows a mafia group known as Passione. As with previous installments, conflicts are settled using ‘stands’ rather than conventional combat weapons, making for a fresh storytelling approach.
Retaining its battle shonen roots allows Golden Wind to resonate with fans while seamlessly incorporating a different cultural backdrop that distinguishes it from both its predecessors and other genre contemporaries.
9 Odd Taxi
MyAnimeList: 8.65
Odd Taxi lures viewers into an engaging mystery narrative featuring anthropomorphic characters, deliberately revealing as little as possible to preserve the plot twists. This series marries effective storytelling with a sense of realism, as taxi driver protagonist becomes embroiled in events that exceed his typical dimension.
The original series stands out, while the Odd Taxi film also leaves a strong impression.
8 91 Days
MyAnimeList Score: 7.83
Set against the backdrop of the 1920s prohibition era, 91 Days stands out in the realm of mafia-themed media. Angelo Lagusa’s journey for revenge against the Vanetti crime family unfolds after witnessing the brutal murder of his parents. Following seven years in hiding, he wades back into his hometown, plotting vengeance against Don Vincent Vanetti by befriending his son, Nero.
This narrative mirrors the tone of classics like The Godfather rather than the typical action anime, crafting a gripping revenge tale with a morally intricate lead. The stylized violence and clever tactics contribute to a robust immersion experience, best appreciated through the highly praised English dub.
7 Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
MyAnimeList Score: 8.60
Although the Cyberpunk 2077 video game faced challenges, its prequel series, Edgerunners, earned widespread acclaim. Set a year before the game’s events, the narrative centers on troubled teen David Martinez, whose life changes drastically following a drive-by shooting.
Gifted with a high-speed prosthetic, Martinez is drawn into a criminal gang led by the capable netrunner Lucy Kushinada, leading him to confront daunting moral challenges throughout his journey.
6 Banana Fish
MyAnimeList Score: 8.48
Defying typical shojo conventions, Banana Fish adapts Akimi Yoshida’s seminal manga from the 1980s, introducing audiences to the intense narrative of Ash Lynx, a teenage gang leader delving into the enigma of ‘Banana Fish,’ alongside Eiji Okumura, a photographer’s assistant covering American street gangs.
The anime’s profound impact within the anime and manga realm is noteworthy, especially regarding the relationship dynamics between the leading characters, significantly influencing boys’ love and shonen-ai genres. Although labeled as shojo, this series tackles harrowing subjects such as trafficking, substance abuse, and gang-related violence.
5 Gungrave
MyAnimeList Score: 7.82
Gungrave captivates by fusing sci-fi with classic crime drama, following the journey of Brandon Heat and Harry MacDowel as they ascend within the Millennion crime organization. Betrayal befalls Brandon when Harry kills him, leading to Brandon’s resurrection through a controversial process termed necrolyzation.
This series emerges as a hidden gem within video game adaptations, enhancing and expanding upon its source material in unexpected and engaging ways.
4 Bungo Stray Dogs
MyAnimeList: 7.81 (Season 1)
The seinen anime Bungo Stray Dogs begins modestly but evolves into a remarkable tale, initially presenting as a typical supernatural action series. It gains momentum notably in its second season, which coincides with a deeper examination of the Port Mafia and protagonist Osamu Dazai’s enthralling ties to the organization.
Despite pushing plot elements to the side occasionally, the narrative develops a rich portrayal of the Port Mafia, showcasing the complexities of power dynamics within the organization. While its stylized approach might appear less realistic for those seeking authentic portrayals of crime, Bungo Stray Dogs stands out as one of the most enjoyable anime showcasing mafia themes.
3 The Fable
MyAnimeList: 8.07
While the manga’s brilliance may not be fully captured, The Fable anime emerges as a compelling dark comedy offering a fresh perspective on underground crime. The narrative follows an ex-hitman who struggles to abandon his violent past and, in doing so, becomes unwittingly tangled in the local yakuza’s affairs.
Despite its humorous undertones, this series does not shy away from serious themes such as blackmail, murder, and coercion, offering an unglamorized portrayal of the yakuza in an appropriately gritty setting.
2 Black Lagoon
MyAnimeList Score: 8.03
For enthusiasts of Hollywood-style action, Black Lagoon is a must-watch. The narrative follows Rokurou Okajima, a businessman taken hostage by the Lagoon Company, a gang of mercenaries operating in Southeast Asia, where he eventually joins them as their negotiator, bringing his corporate acumen to navigate Roanapur’s murky criminal landscape.
Self-aware and articulate, Black Lagoon balances moments of levity with insightful reflections on crime-based lifestyles, featuring an engaging ensemble of characters and a vibrant examination of diverse criminal networks around the globe, ensuring an entertaining experience filled with humor, gravity, and high-intensity action.
1 Noise!
MyAnimeList Score: 8.35
If Quentin Tarantino were to make an anime, Baccano! is what it might look like. This series follows a non-linear narrative style, intertwining three distinct story arcs within the broader context of the Great Depression, showcasing a colorful cast of characters including mobsters, thieves, and immortals such as the comical duo Isaac and Miria, alongside the menacing figure of Ladd Russo.
With a delightful mixture of humor, chaotic storytelling, violence, romance, and a critically acclaimed English dub often likened to Cowboy Bebop, Baccano! delivers an unforgettable viewing experience filled with eccentric moments and a riveting plot.
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