Top 5 Anime Like Death Note You Must Watch

If you have just finished Death Note and are feeling that massive void in your heart, you are not alone. The story of Light Yagami and L is a masterpiece of psychological warfare, moral ambiguity, and high-stakes strategy. Finding an anime that matches its intensity can be tough.

But don't worry! We have curated a list of the top 5 anime like Death Note that will scratch that itch for mind games, brilliant protagonists, and dark, gripping narratives. Here are the best psychological thrillers you need to add to your watchlist immediately.

1. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion

Code Geass is widely considered the spiritual successor to Death Note. It follows Lelouch Lamperouge, a brilliant strategist who obtains a power called "Geass," which allows him to command anyone to do his bidding—but only once. Like Light Yagami, Lelouch decides to use this power to reshape the world according to his own ideals, leading a rebellion against the mighty Britannian Empire.

Why it matches the Death Note vibe:

• Genius Protagonist: Lelouch is just as smart, manipulative, and charismatic as Light.
• Supernatural Power: The "Geass" functions similarly to the Death Note as a tool for "justice."
• Alter Egos: Lelouch hides his identity behind the mask of "Zero," creating intense tension.

2. Monster

If you loved the cat-and-mouse chase between L and Light, Monster is the perfect follow-up. This series is a grounded, realistic thriller about Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a neurosurgeon who saves a young boy's life, only to discover years later that the boy has grown up to be a serial killer. Tenma sets out to stop the "monster" he saved, leading to a chilling psychological journey across Europe.

Why it matches the Death Note vibe:

• The Villain: Johan Liebert is arguably one of the few anime villains who is more terrifying and intelligent than Light Yagami.
• Moral Dilemmas: The show constantly asks what the value of a human life is.
• Police Procedural: It features a gripping investigation and a fugitive on the run.

3. Psycho-Pass

Imagine a future where a computer system can measure your "Crime Coefficient"—the likelihood that you will commit a crime. In Psycho-Pass, justice is enforced before a crime even happens. The story follows Akane Tsunemori and her enforcer partner Kogami as they hunt down criminals and uncover the dark truth behind the "perfect" Sibyl System.

Why it matches the Death Note vibe:

• Justice vs. Morality: Like Light, the villain Makishima wants to destroy a corrupt system, blurring the lines of good and evil.
• Intellectual Battles: The dialogue is heavy on philosophy and strategy.
• Dark Atmosphere: It shares the moody, noir aesthetic of Death Note.

4. The Promised Neverland

Do not let the cute art style fool you. The Promised Neverland is one of the most intense psychological thrillers in recent years. It follows three genius orphans—Emma, Norman, and Ray—who discover their idyllic orphanage is actually a farm raising children as food for demons. They must use their pure intellect to outsmart their caretaker, "Mom," and escape certain death.

Why it matches the Death Note vibe:

• Mind Games: The battle of wits between the children and "Mom" is just as intense as Light vs. L.
• High Stakes: One wrong move means death for everyone.
• Strategy: The characters rely entirely on planning and deception, not physical strength.

5. Steins;Gate

Steins;Gate starts as a quirky story about a self-proclaimed "mad scientist" named Okabe Rintaro, but it quickly spirals into a dark conspiracy involving time travel and murder. When Okabe accidentally invents a way to send messages to the past, he realizes that changing history comes with devastating consequences. He must fight against fate itself to save his friends.

Why it matches the Death Note vibe:

• Butterfly Effect: Small actions have massive, terrifying ripples, similar to the rules of the Death Note.
• Psychological Stress: You watch the protagonist slowly unravel under the pressure of his secret knowledge.
• Twists and Turns: The plot is unpredictable and will keep you guessing until the very end.

Conclusion

Whether you want the political strategy of Code Geass, the chilling realism of Monster, or the dystopian philosophy of Psycho-Pass, these anime are guaranteed to satisfy your need for a smart, gripping thriller. Each one offers a unique take on the themes that made Death Note a legend.

Which one will you watch first? Dive in and prepare to be hooked all over again!