Delving into the shadowy realms of organized crime, mafia anime series provide a captivating glimpse into the underworld, exploring themes of power, loyalty, and the blurred lines between right and wrong. The allure of these complex and often morally ambiguous narratives remains as strong as ever.
Whether set in historical periods or contemporary settings, these anime offer a unique blend of action, drama, and character development that keeps viewers entertained. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best mafia anime that have left a lasting impression. So, without further ado, l et’s get started.
10. Gungrave
Gungrave tells the tale of betrayal and the all-consuming need for revenge, but with an organized crime bend to it. The series opens thirteen years after Brandon Heat is betrayed and killed by his best friend Harry MacDowell. He is reborn and begins a quest for revenge against the crime syndicate.
The anime then backtracks to Brandon’s youth and follows him and Harry as they grow up on the streets together and rise through the criminal underworld, detailing the circumstances that led to their eventual falling out. Gungrave is a must-watch revenge anime for enthusiasts.
9. Darker Than Black
Sci-fi mafia anime, Darker Than Black is set in an alternate present-day where a spatial anomaly identified as Hell’s Gate appears in Tokyo, altering the sky and landscapes. As gates came to the surface, individuals known as Contractors acquired supernatural abilities in exchange for their humanity.
The series follows the exploits of Agent Hei, an elite Contractor skilled in combat and infiltration. Recognized as one of the most terrifying figures in the world going by the alias “Black Reaper”, Hei sets off to uncover the secrets of Hell’s Gate while saving his sister from potential threats.
8. Black Lagoon
Black Lagoon is a refreshing crime-thriller where women dominate the battlefields. Featuring a sadistic protagonist, the series follows the Lagoon Company, a four-member team of pirate mercenaries smuggling goods in and around the seas of Southeast Asia.
Sometimes the hero of the story may not necessarily be the “good” person – with this motive, Revy and her gang take on various jobs involving criminal organizations and violent gunfights! Black Lagoon succeeds in presenting a colorful cast who are compelling in part for their moral ambiguity.
7. Millionaire Detective Balance: Unlimited
Millionaire Detective portrays the life of Daisuke Kambe, a man of extraordinary wealth, who is assigned to the Modern Crime Prevention Headquarters as a detective. There he gets partnered with Haru Katou, a humane detective who values justice above all.
The two are polar opposites, and their morals clash time and time again. However, despite their differences, the two will have to combine their efforts to solve the crimes and challenging mysteries that are coming their way! Millionaire Detective brings a comedic element to the mafia anime genre.
6. Baccano
Baccano! is told from multiple points of view and focuses on various people at the same time including alchemists, thieves, and thugs who are unconnected to one another. The series is set in the fictional United States during the Prohibition era.
After an immortality elixir is recreated in 1930 Manhattan, the characters begin to cross paths, setting off events that spiral further and further out of control. Baccano! is one of its kind as it thrusts its cast into a realm of violence centered on the idea of immortality.
5. Durarara!!
Durarara!! is an urban fantasy set in Ikebukuro, a downtown district of Tokyo, which is considered a criminal haven filled with distinct denizens. The story of Durarara!! is told from multiple perspectives, featuring a diverse set of crime organizations from Japan to Russia.
Cultural diversity is highlighted throughout the story as the series follows the lives of several characters as they are drawn into the chaos and intrigue of Ikebukuro, including the headless Black Rider and the leader of the anonymous gang Dollars.
4. 91 Days
“Revenge is a dish best served cold” – the whole narrative of the story can be understood in this single phrase. 91 Days emphasize the revenge-based mafia anime set in the fictional form of America during Prohibition when there was no law and the Mafias and illegal gangs used to rule the place.
The anime sees Angelo Lagusa’s retaliation against the powerful Vanetti family after witnessing his family’s brutal murder orchestrated by them. After leaving his hometown, Angelo returns seven years later to inflict pain on anyone tangentially related to his family’s death.
3. Banana Fish
Banana Fish is a suspense thriller mafia anime series from Studio MAPPA that’s dark and gritty and focuses heavily on the main protagonist Ash Lynx, a 17-year-old gang leader in New York City as he investigates the mysterious drug “Banana Fish”.
Along the way, Ash encounters a Japanese photographer’s assistant Eiji Okumura, and they form a close bond. Together, they try to solve the mystery behind the drug while rescuing their subordinates from the enemy hideout as well.
2. Gangsta
Gangsta is a dark and violent mafia anime taking place in the city of Ergastulum where crime is rampant and the police are powerless to stop it. The anime is about two “Handymen” Nicholas Brown and Worick Arcangelo who take on any job, no matter how dangerous or dirty.
During one of their deadly encounter, the pair bump into a female prostitute and mutually agree to protect her from a powerful mob boss. Unaware of the chaos, they soon find themselves in a war of power shift that could shake the very foundations of Ergastulum.
1. Bungo Stray Dogs
Bungo Stray Dogs takes place in an underworld and mafia setting with a colorful cast based on real-life personas. The anime tells the story of Atsushi Nakajima, an orphan who has the strange ability to transform into a white tiger in the moonlight.
After rescuing a supernatural investigator who was about to commit suicide, Atsushi ends up joining their firm where he finds himself the target of underworld leaders who wants his power as part of a bigger plot to alter the very fabric of reality! Great mafia anime to kickstart the journey.
Which one of the following mafia anime is your favorite? Feel free to comment down your thoughts and make sure to recommend some other anime like the ones listed above, also don’t forget to share this article with your fellow otaku friends.
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