10 Best Animated Shows Like ‘Castlevania: Nocturne’ Ranked by IMDb Score
Over the years, Netflix was popular for its “binge-able” TV series that would glue us to the screen until we finished the whole thing. ‘Castlevania,’ the video game franchise that was first released in the 1980s, was adapted into an animated TV series of the same name and released in 2017. The anime had four seasons and ended in 2021. It was truly a successful story that made way for other anime series to enter the Netflix domain and proved that video game franchises could be adapted to television screens.
‘Castlevania: Nocturne’ is an upcoming adult animated action-fantasy series that will premiere on Netflix on September 28, 2023. The series will follow the descendants of the main protagonists from the original series, Trevor and Sypha, the man named Richter. Since the show will have a world premiere soon, we decided to list ten shows that are similar in theme to ‘Castlevania: Nocturne,’ so if you’re interested, stay with us until the end.
We won’t include ‘Castlevania’ series from 2017 since it’s given to check it out before the new series. Let’s start!
10. ‘Devilman Crybaby’ (2018)
IMDb score: 7.6
What it’s about: The series follows the world where special demons start to possess humans and turn into monsters. Of course, the survivors try to stop the evil beasts, specifically Akira Fudo and his buddy Ryo Asuka. To defeat the evil entities, Akira fuses with a demon to seek its powers, transforming him into Devilman, who still has a human soul.
Why it’s like ‘Castlevania’: Despite the strange animation that will turn off some of the fans of the genre, ‘Devilman Crybaby’ is an enjoyable dark fantasy anime that should keep you interested in its duration. It only has ten episodes, but enough for one to be interested in the story.
9. ‘Tokyo Ghoul’ (2014)
IMDb score: 7.7
What it’s about: The story follows a Tokyo college student who is attacked by the ghoul, a superpowered being who feasts on human flesh. After he survives the encounter, Ken Kaneki becomes half-ghoul and a fugitive who will fight for his life.
Why it’s like ‘Castlevania’: At one point, ‘Tokyo Ghoul’ was among the most popular manga and anime series worldwide, especially with younger audiences. Of course, older people can enjoy this anime, and despite some fans being “mixed” on this anime, ‘Tokyo Ghoul’ is a really good dark fantasy anime series.
8. ‘Golden Kamuy’ (2018-)
IMDb score: 8.1
What it’s about: This historical, fantasy anime follows Saichi Sugimoto, a war veteran from the early twentieth century, who goes on a journey to find a gold fortune for the Ainu people. Saichi is assisted by the young Ainu girl Asirpa, and the duo go on the journey of their lives.
Why it’s like ‘Castlevania’: ‘Golden Kamuy’ is one of the current manga series, and the anime isn’t far behind in the quality. The show will air its fifth and final season this year, so definitely check it out at some point. It is a great and unique historical story with fantasy elements.
7. ‘Hellsing Ultimate’ (2006-2012)
IMDb score: 8.2
What it’s about: The sequel of the original OVA ‘Hellsing’ follows the Hellsing organization, the Vampire Alucard, and Seras Victoria in stopping the crazed SS-Major, who wants to destroy England with his vampire army.
Why it’s like ‘Castlevania’: ‘Hellsing Ultimate’ is one of the best and most popular vampire-themed anime that has aired for years. The synopsis doesn’t do justice to the whole story of the anime, so definitely check it out – the story and animations are incredible.
6. ‘The Dragon Prince’ (2018-)
IMDb score: 8.3
What it’s about: This Western-style anime is set in the fantasy continent of Xadia, where two human princes, Callum and Ezran, and the Moonshadow Elf Rayla, try to end a thousand-year conflict between two races. With that, two great races need to join their forces and take care of the Sky Dragon, the Dragon Prince.
Why it’s like ‘Castlevania’: ‘The Dragon Prince’ is still an ongoing series considered one of the best projects that Netflix has developed in the last few years. It is a really solid story with a unique style of Western animation that will make you feel all kinds of emotions.
5. ‘Jojo’s Bizarre Adventures’ (2012-)
IMDb score: 8.5
What it’s about: This notable anime series follows the story of the Joestar family, who possess powerful psychic powers, and their adventures during multiple timelines.
Why it’s like ‘Castlevania’: This notable manga series became one of the best anime series in the last decade or so. ‘Jojo’s Bizarre Adventures’ has an interesting premise and uniqueness to make you want more. A must-watch for any anime fan.
4. ‘Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba’ (2019-)
IMDb score: 8.6
What it’s about: One of the most popular “shōnen” manga and anime series of the last few years follows Tanjiro Kamado and his sister Nezuko, whose family gets attacked and slaughtered by a demon. Nezuko becomes possessed by a demon, and Tanjiro vows to avenge his family and find a cure for his sister.
Why it’s like ‘Castlevania’: ‘Demon Slayer’ is a perfect example of the “shōnen” genre, which follows one main protagonist and his journey to become a hero the world needs. Interestingly enough, ‘Demon Slayer’ expands its horizon outside the usual “young adult” focus group, meaning anyone can watch and root for Tanjiro and his family.
3. ‘Berserk’ (1997-1998)
IMDb score: 8.7
What it’s about: ‘Berserk’ follows the main protagonist, Guts, a young mercenary who joins the Band of Falcon after being defeated by their leader, Griffith. Seemingly finding his family for life, Guts realizes that something isn’t right around and with the group members.
Why it’s like ‘Castlevania’: Kentaro Miura created one of the greatest manga series ever. ‘Berserk’ anime from 1997 covers the most popular manga arc in the series, the Golden Age arc. There are more ‘Berserk’ anime adaptations, which we recommend you to check out. An immensely good story with incredible characters, ‘Berserk’ will make you read Miura’s 30-year-long work in a heartbeat.
2. ‘Attack on Titan’ (2013-2023)
IMDb score: 9.0
What it’s about: The series follows Eren Jaeger, whose hometown is destroyed and whose mother dies after the attack of the gigantic humanoid monsters, Titans. With other members of the Survey Corps, Eren must prevent Titans from destroying every single human.
Why it’s like ‘Castlevania’: ‘Attack on Titan’ is an exceptional series that charmed its way through the Western side of the world and will air its final part in November of 2023.
1. ‘Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood’ (2009-2010)
IMDb score: 9.1
What it’s about: ‘Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood‘ follows the story of the Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse, who search for the Philosopher’s Stone after trying to revive their mother with alchemy, using a taboo method, human transmutation.
Why it’s like ‘Castlevania’: It is probably the best dark fantasy anime series released ever, but that depends on personal preference. ‘Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood’ has everything – great characters and story, and it will most definitely make you emotional.
Have something to add to our list? Let us know in the comments below!