Banana Fish stands out as a modern masterpiece in action-horror anime, cementing its place as a cult classic. Its influence spread throughout various anime communities, thanks to its expansive thematic depth and its bold departure from genre norms.
The story revolves around Ash Lynx, a formidable figure in the New York underworld, and his unlikely partner, Japanese photographer assistant Eiji Okumura.
Together, they unravel the mysteries tied to the mystery of the same name, creating a story that seamlessly combines elements of organized crime drama with profound themes of love and friendship. connection between people.
What sets Banana Fish apart is its unparalleled uniqueness in anime.
Since the manga debuted in 1985, no other story has come close to its exceptional emotional resonance. However, in the midst of this exceptional situation, some works have tried to reflect certain aspects that make Banana Fish so remarkable.
For fans looking to recapture that unique appeal, these similar yet different animated films can serve as a new source of admiration and fascination.
Baccano! And 9 Other Anime Series Similar to Banana Fish
Below is a list of the top 10 must-watch anime series if you love the story of Banana Fish.
10. Noise!
Banana Fish exudes a unique style that few anime can match, with the exception of Baccano's unabashed panache! come very close.
Set in 1930s America, Baccano! Unfolds like a whirlwind of organized crime and action, weaving together eccentric tales of various gangsters and crooks into one explosive story.
What puts Baccano! There's also a playful embrace of its time, drawing heavily from the stylistic trademark of classic American gangster films. However, it throws in an unexpected twist by introducing characters granted supernatural immortality, adding another layer of intrigue to its already great plot.
With non-stop action, humor and unforgettable character dynamics, Baccano! considered one of the top anime series revolving around organized crime.
9. 91 days
In the anime, 91 Days stands out as a parallel to Banana Fish with its story of organized crime and revenge set in 1920s America. The story unfolds around Angelo, the main character, whose life shattered when his family fell victim to the ruthless grip of the local mafia.
Driven by a burning desire for revenge, Angelo meticulously orchestrated a seven-year plan to infiltrate the notorious Vanetti family, the perpetrators of his childhood tragedy, and execute his revenge.
Angelo's journey is a painful symphony of vengeance, where he falls into the same abyss of brutality and cruelty as those he seeks to destroy.
What sets 91 Days apart, however, is its nuanced depiction of its characters, where shades of gray blur the lines between heroism and villainy.
In the crime and its aftermath, no character escapes trauma, making 91 Days a profound and riveting exploration of the human psyche amid the agony of a vendetta.
8. Click the link
Link Click emerges as a suspenseful mystery drama revolving around a duo with the unique ability to time travel through photographs. Universally praised for its fast pace, lovable characters and emotional storytelling, this Chinese animated series is a testament to the craft of engaging storytelling.
Different from the narrative trajectory of Banana Fish, Link Click interweaves its mystery with supernatural appeal.
However, both series share a common theme of inspiration in their thrilling, labyrinthine storylines. The dynamic between protagonists Lu Guan and Cheng Xiaoshi rivals Eiji and Ash's incredible bond, drawing viewers into their intertwined fates with equal enthusiasm.
The tragedy serves as a test of character development in Link Click, resonating with fans of Banana Fish's deep emotions and touching their hearts in familiar yet moving ways. .
7. Rainbow
For fans drawn to Banana Fish's masterful handling of heavy subject matter, Rainbow offers a poignant parallel. Set within the confines of a 1950s Japanese juvenile detention center known for its deplorable conditions, the series delves into the lives of seven inmates who forge a close friendship. an unlikely necessity amid the gloom around them.
Enduring relentless abuse at the hands of brutal guards and a cruel prison doctor, the prisoners find solace and strength in their relationships with each other.
Haunting and suspenseful, Rainbow navigates the darkest corners of the human experience with unflinching realism, making it a challenging yet rewarding watch for mature audiences. wall.
While its exploration of sensitive themes may be difficult for some viewers, those looking for a story that reflects an honest depiction of Banana Fish's despair will find Rainbow to be an enjoyable experience. Fascinating and necessary viewing experience.
6. SK8 Infinity
Although SK8 the Infinity may at first glance appear as a light-hearted sports film, it has unexpected similarities to the tense and serious crime mystery Banana Fish, which comes from their shared director. , Hiroko Utsumi. Despite the obvious differences in genre, these two series have surprising similarities.
In SK8 the Infinity, we follow the journey of Reki, an energetic teenager with a strong love for skateboarding, and his newfound friend Langa, whose background in snowboarding shows a talent for skateboarding. natural skater.
The close friendship between Reki and Langa reflects nuances of the less tragic dynamic between Eiji and Ash, emphasizing the importance of supportive relationships in both stories.
Furthermore, the cinematic and aesthetic similarities between the two shows help highlight the similarities in their character arcs, cultivating a sense of familiarity and connection for viewers.
5. The great pretender
Great Pretender follows the escape of a motley crew of skilled con artists led by charismatic criminal mastermind, Laurent.
Famous for its unrivaled style, the series mirrors Banana Fish in its narrative thrust, as protagonist Edamura, a naive Japanese youth, accidentally plunges into dangerous crime, adapting seamlessly to his environment. new school and form unexpected bonds with his teammates.
Embarking on a world tour thanks to Laurent's daring heists, the duo's exploits range from the glamor of Hollywood to the streets of Singapore.
Their adventures, filled with intrigue and suspense, leave no room for monotony, as they outwit the world's most nefarious villains at every turn.
4. Stray dog Bungou
Boasting an exciting story with vivid and unforgettable characters, BSD primarily revolves around the mysterious Armed Detective Agency and its diverse members—individuals with extraordinary supernatural abilities. tasked with stopping criminal efforts that threaten the fragile balance of power in Yokohama.
BSD seamlessly interweaves supernatural elements with complex detective stories, creating a harmonious balance that caters to both action-packed adventure fans and thriller fans. a well-founded mystery.
However, the series truly shines in its masterful character development, as its diverse cast of heroes and villains surprise viewers with their complexity and depth, solidifying its BSD's status as a resounding success in anime.
3. Gun grave
Gungrave emerges as a wild and thrilling mafia action spectacle, delivering all the elements one could want from the genre. Anchored by the tumultuous relationship between old friends Brandon and Harry, who are drawn into the influential criminal organization Millennion, Gungrave unfolds their story from dual perspectives.
One narrative arc delves into the complex history shared by Brandon and Harry, while the other follows Brandon's reincarnated character, Beyond the Grave, as he seeks revenge on Millennion after being betrayed by Harry and kill.
While Gungrave may not match the nuanced character development in Banana Fish, it makes up for it with visceral and unrelenting action sequences, imbued with a raw intensity that remains grounded regardless whether the series incorporates science fiction elements or not.
2. Gangsta
Many fans of Banana Fish find resonance in its subtle yet meaningful romantic tone, especially in the relationship between Eiji and Ash. Although romance is not overtly emphasized, its presence adds layers of complexity to the main characters and amplifies the grief over their ultimate fate.
Similarly, Number 6 ventures into a sci-fi mystery with the story focusing on two male protagonists, Shion and Nezumi, who forge an indomitable bond despite coming from different worlds. widely different worlds.
Shion originates from a futuristic utopian world, while Nezumi lives in a desolate wasteland beyond its limits. Unfortunately, the love story between Shion and Nezumi takes place against a backdrop of tragedy, reflecting the bittersweet nature of Eiji and Ash's relationship in Banana Fish.
1. Number 6
Gritty, visceral but undeniably cool, Gangsta. provides a fascinating look into the lives of individuals who thrive beyond the constraints of social norms.
Set in the chaos of the dangerous city of Ergastalum, the series focuses on the exploits of a morally ambiguous duo, Worick Arcangelo and Nicholas Brown, who operate as Handymen—soldiers Ren is not bound by conventional morality, willing to navigate the city's dangerous underworld to achieve his goals. correct price.
Their ranks swell with the addition of Alex Benedetto, a vulnerable prostitute caught in danger. Together, Worick, Nicholas and Alex take on countless criminal factions vying for control in Ergastalum, their resolve unyielding and their weapons ready for action.
Outstanding parallel with Banana Fish, Gangsta. explores overarching themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the insidious allure of power.
Notably, both series delve into the ramifications of a mysterious drug, Gangsta. featuring Twilights — individuals imbued with supernatural abilities through said substance — creates an intriguing connection to Banana Fish's thematic plot.