We all need movies and anime sometimes to take a break from the hectic routines. They are a great source of entertainment. Today, I’ve put together the top mafia anime series list for anime fans who like gangsters. However, just keep in mind to not miss out on anything from the list.
This genre deals with mafias, Yakuza, Gangsters, Mob, and many more. However, they all have one thing they share, which is the fact that they are criminal groups involved in heinous activities. Following is the list of the 50 best mafia anime.
List of Best Mafia Anime
Let’s go through the best mafia anime list one by one, so you can take the pick of your choice easily.
1. Bungo Stray Dogs
The story follows an adult in his teens known as Atushi Nakajima. After being exiled from his orphanage, Atsushi stumbles upon the death attempt of a detective named Osamu Dazai. Who believed that he had drowned within the water. In his encounters in the presence of Dazai, Atsushi learns he is blessed with an extraordinary ability to transform him into a fierce white tiger under the moonlight, which led the orphanage to punish him and throw out the previous.
Dazai is recruited into his Agency. There, he interacts with several other users of abilities in tackling different cases and events in the city of Yokohama, a city brimming with people with Supernatural Abilities. Atsushi is targeted by the Port Mafia, especially Dazai’s former teacher, Ryunosuke Akutagawa, as there’s a bounty on his head in the black market.
2. 91 Days
The story takes place within the town that is Lawless in Illinois, The United States, in 1928. The period that was set in 1928 is called Prohibition. This was when Prohibition was the term used by the US government effectively prohibited the production and distribution of alcohol. In Lawless, however, brewed liquor is making appearances because of an Italian mafia.
The story centers on Angelo Lagusa, who takes his name Avilio Bruno to gain access and take justice against those in the Vanetti Family. He is motivated by an incident that afflicted his family a few years before the story’s start.
3. Banana Fish
Aslan Jade Callenreese, also known by Ash Lynx, was a runaway rescued from on the street in New York City and raised by the famous Mafia’s godfather Dino Golzine. Aged 17 and the head of his group, Ash begins investigating the mystery of the “Banana Fish”–the exact two phrases his sister, Griffin, has muttered after returning from Iraq War.
However, his research is restricted because his men send Dino to pursue Ash in an underground bar he uses as a hiding place. In Bar, Skip, Ash’s best friend, is introduced to Shunichi Ibe and his assistant, Eiji Okumura, who are Japanese photographers covering American street criminals.
Their conversation gets abruptly interrupted by Shorter Wong, one of Ash’s comrades, who is called to warn him of Dino. Soon, Dino’s gang stormed the bar, and then in the ensuing chaos can kidnap Skip as well as Eiji. Then, Ash must find a solution to save them as well as continue to investigate Banana Fish. However, can his previous involvement in the Mafia keep him from doing what he wants to do?
4. Gangsta
With a name as catchy as Gangsta, it’s not difficult to figure out the show’s plot. The story is set on the streets in Ergastulum, which is the home of numerous Mafia clans. Ergastulum is awash with prostitution brothels, heroin as well as everything else that you would imagine from a gangster flick.
The main characters in the show do not belong to any mafia families, but they’re experts who can take jobs from the criminals and the police. They’re there to make cash!
5. Katekyo Hitman Reborn!
The main story of the series revolves around the protagonist, a teen boy known as Tsunayoshi Sawada. Who is recognized as lost is introduced to an infant hitman, Reborn, who serves as his tutor at home to prepare him to become the 10th boss of the Mafia Famiglia, also known as Vongola Famiglia.
6. Durarara
Mikado Ryugamine, a boy of just a few years old who is longing for the lively life of a big city, makes a move to Ikebukuro to study at Raira Academy with his childhood acquaintance Masaomi Kida, who hasn’t seen since his young days. After they have a meeting at the station, they set on a tour of the streets in Ikebukuro.
7. Baccano!
Aboard the boat Advenna Avis on the 17th of November in 1711, an assemblage of alchemists summons a demon in the hope of attaining immortality. The demon grants them an elixir that guarantees immortality, as well as the means to end their existence through “devouring” one another. It gives the summoner Maiza Avaro the formula for the elixir.
8. Black Lagoon
Black Lagoon is a Japanese action-oriented series inspired by the manga written by Rei Hiroe. Dissatisfied with the corporate lifestyle, a Japanese businessman stays with the mercenaries who kidnapped him and joined their group.
9. Cowboy Beebop
Spike attempts to escape out of his previous life, but it quickly catches up with Spike. But before it comes back for him. We get an abundance of heart-wrenching action. Guns are fired, rival gang members get into intense fights, car chases through space, and many other crazy things while jazz music is playing as background music.
10. Darken Than Black
Ten years before the show’s events, a spatial anomaly that was named “Heaven’s Gate” appeared in South America. This was followed by an opening ceremony for “Hell’s Gate” in Tokyo, changing the sky and creating havoc on the land. In the meantime, “Contractors,” people who had special powers capable of performing amazing feats of the supernatural, appeared. They were kept from the public. Contractors were killed brutally and smothered their emotions using reasoning and logic.
11. Arcana Famiglia
The Famiglia is comprised of individuals who have signed contracts using Arcana cards and have acquired special abilities because of this. Mondo’s birthday celebration was a success, but Mondo has decided it’s time to step down and surrender his title to the new boss, who will have authority over the Arcana.
12. Golden Wind
The story is set in the year 2001. Two years following what happened in Diamond is Unbreakable, Koichi Hirose is taken to Italy and is entrusted with the task by Jotaro Kujo to find Giorno Giovanna. Giorno is a potential mafia gangster who is the child of Dio Brando. But since Dio had the physique of Jonathan Joestar at the time of his conception, Giorno is technically a Joestar and has more in common with him than his father, whom he has never met, despite his blonde hair.
13. Jormungand
A soldier amid a child, Jonah, hates guns and those who earn an income from these weapons of destruction. But, to protect the other orphans in his care, Jonah had to perform under what Jonah hates the most. Jonah is the latest bodyguard for Koko Hekmatyar, the heiress with silver hair regarded as one of the most clever and successful arms dealers around the globe.
14. Tokyo Ghoul
The story follows a Tokyo university student who gets slain by a ghoul. It’s a superhuman that feeds on human flesh and transforms into a skeletal ghoul.
15. Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens
It’s an action-oriented series that’s a mix of Getbackers, Bungou Stray Dogs, and the street fighting portion that is Slam Dunk. It packs a punch that is unique ideal for binge-watching.
16. Akame Ga kill!
Tatsumi is a young villager who goes to the Capital to find money to pay to build his home. He is taken in by an assassin’s group called Night Raid to assist fight empire corruption.
17. Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom
The show revolves around a Japanese citizen kidnapped by an assassin’s syndicate known as Inferno after having personal experience of assassination while traveling to America.
18. Gungrave
From the beginning we meet Mika Asagi an innocent girl seeking revenge, who can see “Beyond the Grave” in action, killing creatures that change shape with white ease…
19. JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken: Ougon no Kaze
Giorno Giovanna, a 15-year-old man from Naples is a victim from DIO — who is the enduring adversary of the Joestar family through his veins. Giorno is a convicted criminal because of his persecution from childhood. But he’s redirected on the right path due to a gangster who helped Giorno and helped him believe in the worthiness of others.
20. K Project
When a prominent member of HOMRA is killed, the Red Clansmen are determined to retaliate against the young man who appears similar to the murderer an ordinary, pleasant high school student identified as Yashiro Isana.
21. Lupin III
The story follows the adventures of the master thieves Arsene Lupin III, the grandson of Arsene Lupin the gentleman thief in Maurice Leblanc’s books.
22. Cuticle Detective Inaba
The show is set in a universe in which half-animal, half-human chimeras exist. They possess the abilities that are animal and human aspects of their body. In this Zootopia-like environment, Inaba, our protagonist, is a half-wolf Inaba attempts to solve mysteries using his sharp eyes.
23. Heat Guy J
It starts slightly slow and low, and the animation style was created almost 20 years earlier. It picks up the pace when the main characters begin moving. With enough action and suspense to get you going, Heat Guy J is a futuristic mafia-themed anime that borders on a short-shonen anime.
24. Noir
Noir is one of the rare anime series that have become the foundation for the genre of girls-with-guns. It doesn’t appeal to male viewers with charming female characters.
25. GetBackers
One of the most enduring! For viewers who were watching it in the 2000s, this was one of the unforgettable funny, humorous duo adventure stories that hit the right spot. Many of us were able to learn what we did not know later in life. It was an enjoyable experience throughout 49 episodes.
26. Hinamatsuri
It begins with a raunchy meeting scene that then cuts and jumps to three years earlier. In all honesty, it does not lean too heavily into comedy as Gintama; however, it does have the right balance of humor and touching moments.
27. Gokushufudou (The Way of the Househusband)
A significant challenge for those who were once Yakuza or Mafia members is that they are or whatever, is that they’re joining society once again. Check them out. But, Gokushufudou or The Way of the Househusband is a satirical take on this fable and combines it into a hilarious story.
28. HunterXHunter
HunterXHunter is a great piece of work that has a special place among the hearts of a lot of anime enthusiasts. Although it is behind due to hiatuses, it has a strong fan base. In the past, it has taken on various themes and genres. It has featured The Hunter Exam, the Isekai Greed Island, and the famous Chimera Ant Arc. It is a personal favorite and an ideal fit for this article is the Yorknew City arch.
29. Great Teacher Onizuka
It’s more diverse over The Way of the Househusband and it’s where Tatsu has found love for the rest of his entire life, Eikichi hasn’t. GTO may have helped create an optimistic outlook for people with a history of trouble.
30. Shonan Junai Gumi
The story revolves around two gangsters determined to become more mature and to pop their cherry. In the process, they find out what the real world is like while constantly looking at each other’s backs.
31. Tokyo Revengers
The story is about Takemichi Hanagaki, a person who appears to be without hope for his life. As he is lying around and watching television, he sees in an article that his former girlfriend in middle school Hinata Tachibana was murdered at the hands of the Tokyo Manji Gang. In the afternoon she was pushed into the direction of the train and sent the victim back 12 years into the past.
32. Black Street Girls: Gokudolls
After failing to impress their Yakuza boss the last time, the thugs Yamamoto, Tachibana, and Sugihara have two choices. They could either choose to commit seppuku to the Yakuza group and sell their organs or travel to Thailand to undergo a sex reassignment process. They then transform into idols. Then they come back as three “cute” and “pure” idols. Airi Yamamoto acts as the main character.
33. Beastars
In the world of Beastars, we live in an advanced, civilized society populated by anthropomorphic creatures. But there is tension under the surface since carnivores and herbivores are at odds and unable to live with one another. In Cherryton Academy, where Legoshi the wolf is studying, peace is knocked out of the windows with the killing of his fellow student in his drama group.
34. Saezuru Tori wa Habatakanai
Caution: It is a BL film and a mature one to boot. It’s got men, it has nakedness, and it is a cultural film. It’s a jumble. It’s real as well as violent and uncompromising in its depiction of the Japanese Mafia known as the Yakuza.
35. Kaiji
Kaiji is an interesting case and an excellent masterclass in narration. I believe it’s safe to affirm that Kaiji can stand up against classics and hits like Liar Game, Kakegurui, and Alice in Borderland.
36. Gokusen
Gokusen is among the most well-known entries in the mafia/gangster and Yakuza genres. It’s a mix of action, comedy and drama. It’s an absolute must-watch, particularly for those of a younger age. Women’s strength and street smarts all in a sleek Yankumi-sized box!
37.Accel World
The same applies to the world of accel. The future will see the augmented games allow players to improve their mental abilities, which can lead to a variety of amazing capabilities. In the present, the players in this accel have to fight off other legions and gangs while establishing their name. It’s a must-watch in all likelihood!
38. Beelzebub
It’s an underrated treasure, as few people have heard of the show. The show is primarily about an infraction victim who discovers an infant in a river. As you are and he’s astonished and wants to hand over the baby’s responsibility to a student at his school.
39. Nisekoi
In the anime, the main two lead characters are required to stick with each other, despite their disdain with each other for the gangs they are part of remain in peace.
40. Kemonozume
Creatures called Shokujinki are a threat to Kemonozume with their wrath. Kemonozume. These creatures have modified their appearances to the point that they appear and act like a human. However, one particular characteristic distinguishes them from humans.
41. Air Gear
Air treks, a brand-new variant of the classic inline skates, have experienced a recent rise in popularity in Japan. Our protagonist is also a liar and wants to be crowned the title of wind King.
42. Dogs: Bukkets and Carnage
The show is set shortly on the European continent, where society appears dismal at best. The show depicts an alternative vision of the way Europe could be shaped.
43. Texhnolyze
Texhnolyze is set within the city beneath Lux. Men entirely constructed the city. However, due to the neglect of top officials and lack of genuine interest in keeping it in order, there is chaos within the city!
44. Tokyo Tribes
The anime focuses on an alternative kind of Japan. In this alternative version of Japan, people are hip-hop lovers and dress like hip-hop musicians. There’s no denying the hip-hop influence of the 90s anime shows.
45. Golden Kamuy
After the war between Japan and Russia ceases, the main character in our story, Saichi, tirelessly loans to gold. He made a promise for one of his closest friends, who tragically passed away in the line of duty. He pledged to assist his family by donating gold that his friend had stored somewhere.
46. Trigun
Vash is a common man who has a peculiar habit of eating donuts and is a complete clown. However, he’s somehow made it to the sought-after top man, with an estimated $60,000,000,000 bounty to his name!
47. Psycho-Pass
Psycho-pass deserves its place on this list. Even though it’s not the Mafia in it, we are still able to glimpse the underbelly that is Tokyo through the lens of police officers.
48. Dorohedoro
A hole is a place that checks every box that makes a dystopian area. There is a lot of corruption, there is no sense of law and law and order, murders are common happenings, and psychopaths wander the streets in a flurry.
49. Akira
Akira sets in the city of Neo-Tokyo in which the gangs are enthralled! But chaos ensues when a man known as Tetsuo can summon his psychic abilities after an accident. This is why numerous rival gangs get involved in fighting, resulting in a riot-like scene in the town!
50. Crying Freeman
Yo Hinomura was an ordinary Japanese pottery maker when a clash with a Chinese mafia turned his life completely. Now an assassin with the 108 Dragons, Yo can be described as the ideal killer. To show regret for his victims, Yo sheds tears when he kills his target. In this way, the public is known to those who belong to the Dragons as well as every criminal syndicate around across the world, as “Crying Freeman.
