10 Thrilling Shows & Movies Like Death Note

Description: A surreal psychological thriller that delves into the collective anxieties of modern society through a series of interconnected stories. It examines how fear and paranoia can spread through a community, with a mysterious assailant serving as a catalyst.

Fact: This was the only TV series directed by Satoshi Kon, known for his mind-bending films like 'Perfect Blue'. The opening theme was composed by Susumu Hirasawa, who also worked on 'Berserk'.

Description: A violent psychological horror series exploring themes of discrimination, trauma, and the duality of human nature. It features a powerful, unstable protagonist with a tragic past and a tendency for extreme violence.

Fact: The title comes from the German 'Elfenlied' meaning 'elf song'. The opening sequence features the song 'Lilium', which uses Latin lyrics from biblical and medieval sources.

Description: A gothic supernatural series featuring a demonic butler serving a young aristocrat seeking revenge. It blends dark themes with intricate plotting and a morally ambiguous protagonist-antagonist relationship.

Fact: The series is set in Victorian England and incorporates many historical elements. The manga has sold over 30 million copies worldwide.

Description: A science fiction thriller involving time travel and its unforeseen consequences. The story follows a group of friends who accidentally discover a way to alter the past, leading to a complex narrative about causality, sacrifice, and the burden of knowledge.

Fact: The series is based on a visual novel that won multiple awards for its storytelling. Many of the locations in the anime are based on real places in Akihabara, Tokyo.

Description: A psychological thriller set in a dystopian future where society is governed by a system that measures mental states and criminal tendencies. It explores themes of justice, morality, and the nature of evil, with a cat-and-mouse dynamic between the protagonist and antagonist.

Fact: The series was influenced by classic dystopian literature like '1984' and 'Brave New World'. It features a unique visual style blending cyberpunk aesthetics with noir elements.

Description: A brutal action series with deep psychological and political undertones, featuring humanity's struggle against monstrous foes. It presents complex moral dilemmas and explores how far people will go for survival and revenge.

Fact: The manga was inspired by a frightening experience the author had with a drunk stranger. The series' distinctive 3D Maneuver Gear was based on mountain climbing equipment.

Description: A fantasy series where all conflicts are resolved through high-stakes games, featuring brilliant protagonists who outwit their opponents through psychological strategies and unconventional thinking.

Fact: The anime's vibrant color palette uses oversaturated colors to represent the fantasy world. The series was originally a web novel before being published as a light novel.

Description: A dark fantasy horror series about a young man thrust into a world of supernatural creatures, struggling with his dual nature. It examines themes of identity, morality, and what it means to be human versus monster.

Fact: The manga's author, Sui Ishida, originally planned to make it a cooking manga before changing to horror. The series' iconic mask designs became popular cosplay items.

Description: An existential psychological drama set in a mysterious bar where the deceased are judged through games. It explores human nature, morality, and the value of life through intense psychological confrontations.

Fact: The series originated from a short film called 'Death Billiards' which was part of the Young Animator Training Project. The opening theme features a unique animation style reminiscent of 1920s cartoons.

Description: A dark fantasy series featuring brilliant children engaged in a high-stakes battle of wits against their caretakers. It combines psychological tension with strategic mind games in a confined environment where the protagonists must outsmart seemingly omnipotent adversaries.

Fact: The manga won the 63rd Shogakukan Manga Award for the shōnen category. The story was inspired by classic escape room concepts and survival horror games.