10 More Bizarre Shows To Watch!
Dan Da Dan is a series that may start normally at first. However, this anime likes shifting toward the nonsensical route on occasion. Dan Da Dan: First Encounter was released in select cinemas worldwide. With the upcoming anime’s release, we’re certain many fans will be excited to see what lies ahead.
But for those unaware, Dan Da Dan follows Momo and Okarun. They’re two high schoolers who argue over their distinct beliefs. Momo and Okarun visit different locations tied to each other’s interests. When they discover entities surrounding their interests exist, they must work together to protect each other and others from danger.
If you’re currently watching this anime but don’t know of shows/anime that capture its magic, fear not. We’ve searched through the archives to find you 10 more TV shows/anime that offer a similar viewing experience.
Additionally, for each program we’ve covered, including Dan Da Dan, we’ve included a link that allows you to view our full thoughts about the series to see if it’s worth your time.
So without further ado, we present 10 TV shows/anime that should whet your appetite when you’ve finished streaming Dan Da Dan!
Chainsaw Man
Similarities – Action, Supernatural, Themes
Fun fact, Yukinobu Tatsu, the author of Dan Da Dan’s manga was one of Tatsuki Fujimoto, Chainsaw Man’s author’s, assistants. That aside, Chainsaw Man’s tale won’t be for the faint of heart. In Chainsaw Man, we follow Denji and his Chainsaw Devil pal, Pochita.
Denji had a rough upbringing and had to fight devils alongside Pochita to pay off his deceased father’s debt. Eventually, Denji and Pochita run into trouble with a few yakuza members and a pesky devil. Pochita grants Denji access to his powers, allowing him to become Chainsaw Man.
After Denji makes the opposing devil and its yakuza allies suffer, a woman named Makima offers him a devil-slaying job. Denji accepts the role and the anime focuses on the new experiences he creates with Makima and the others. Like Dan Da Dan, expect lots of action and occasional erotic scenarios to crop up in this anime.
While the animation can be hit or miss with Chainsaw Man’s anime, it delivers enough fun material to hook audiences.
You can check out our Chainsaw Man Season 1 review here!
Regular Show
Similarities – Structure & Tone
After walking out of the cinemas, many folks argued Dan Da Dan felt like the anime equivalent to J.G. Quintel’s hit 2010 animated sitcom Regular Show. Upon further inspection, folks weren’t off with that comparison. Regular Show follows Mordecai and Rigby.
The former is a blue jay while the latter is a raccoon. This duo spends their lives performing park duties for their boss, Benson. Despite performing normal tasks for Benson, our anthropomorphic duo somehow gets involved in strange and amusing mishaps. Regular Show and Dan Da Dan offer similar story structures.
They portray their characters in normal situations at first. Eventually, their characters get roped into downright bizarre scenarios. From competing against mystical basketball players to developing supernatural powers, Mordecai and Rigby’s adventures are never dull.
This series offers a touch of romance involving Mordecai, Rigby, and a few female characters in their series too. Watch this cartoon if you love Dan Da Dan’s structure and tone.
FLCL
Similarities – Action, Comedy, Sci-fi
FLCL is a Studio Gainax anime that’s just as insane as Dan Da Dan. This series features over-the-top action, wonderful music, and weird happenings. In it, we follow Naota. He’s a boy who was tasked with observing his brother’s ex-girlfriend. His life changes when Haruko, a weird woman, hits him with her Vespa.
Dan Da Dan and FLCL are fast-paced thrill rides with plots that’ll make one’s mind go bonkers. Both series deliver breathtaking visuals and contain music that’ll put anyone in a good mood. Both stories tackle topics like growing up to wonderful effect. Dan Da Dan and FLCL offer great sci-fi allure from neat vehicles to living organisms.
Give FLCL a try if you want an older anime with a similar vibe as Dan Da Dan.
Dorohedoro
Similarities – Action & Supernatural
Dorohedoro and Dan Da Dan are very much alike. Both anime feature protagonists who aren’t entirely human, a fancy art style, and varied humor to entertain a crowd. In Dorohedoro, we follow Caiman, a reptile man who lives in a fantastical environment. His world is filled with mutants who get experimented on by magically gifted people.
Interestingly, Caiman is immune to magic. Therefore, Dorohedoro examines Caiman’s quest to meet many magic users. He wants to discover the truth behind his existence.
Much like Okarun, Caiman is on a mission to find a resolution to his transformation issue. He’ll be joined by Nikaido, who is as wonderful and helpful as Momo in Dan Da Dan.
With its unique supernatural setting, many mysteries, and shady and likable figures, Dan Da Dan fans should check out Dorohedoro.
You can check out our Dorohedoro Season 1 review here!
Mob Psycho 100
Similarities – Action & Supernatural
If fans adored Dan Da Dan’s ghostly entities, Momo’s psychic powers, and the lore surrounding both aspects, then Mob Psycho 100 is worth watching. This anime offers great fights, enjoyable characters, and enough supernatural happenings to appeal to many paranormal junkies.
In Mob Psycho 100, we examine Mob. He’s a boy with low self-esteem but fantastic psychic abilities. Eventually, he meets Reigen, a gentleman who offers him an exorcism job. Mob accepts Reigen’s offer and we observe Mob’s thrilling outings from there. Like Dan Da Dan, expect great paranormal-oriented fights and encounters in this anime.
Mob Psycho 100 is also humorous. However, don’t expect dirty humor with this one. Its jokes lean more toward the lighthearted spectrum. Regardless, if you loved Dan Da Dan’s mystical themes and its younger leads, you’ll love Mob and his friends’ excursions in Mob Psycho 100.
Soul Eater
Similarities – Action, Comedy, Supernatural
Okarun and Momo would fit in with Maka and the others at the Death Weapon Meister Academy. Although they’d need proper weapons, Maka and the others would love interacting with these two, especially when they learn about Momo and Okarun’s experience with the occult.
Soul Eater is a colorful, spooky anime with a strong supernatural aura. It features Maka and other students traversing their world to collect souls and protect citizens from danger. Both series features great action, comedy, and paranormal aspects. Both series have a compelling art style that helps differentiate them from other works in their genre.
The comedy isn’t too raunchy like Dan Da Dan. However, folks will admire Soul Eater’s slapstick, goofy facial expressions, and many jokes. While it has shortcomings, many fans will find this spooky and comical show to their liking.
Devilman Crybaby
Similarities – Action, Horror, Supernatural
Science Saru Studios’s experience with horror doesn’t start with Dan Da Dan. They happened to work on an adaptation of Go Nagai’s classic devilish manga, Devilman. Devilman Crybaby is a gorey, well-written anime that’ll leave Dan Da Dan fanatics impressed and engaged.
Like Dan Da Dan, Devilman Crybaby’s visuals and animation aren’t all that great from start to finish. Some folks may find the characters’ designs and movement animations appalling. However, if fans can look past those moments, they’ll walk away satisfied. In it, we follow Akira. He attends a night party with his childhood friend, Ryou.
Matters go south when devils arrive at the party and murder people. Before Akira perishes, he merges with the devil, Amon. Then, Akira becomes Devilman and murders the rampaging devils. After Akira forges a partnership with Ryou, we’ll observe Akira’s efforts to cope with his powers and defend his world from fierce demons.
You can check out our Devilman Crybaby Season 1 review here!
Jujutsu Kaisen
Similarities – Action, Horror, Supernatural
Jujutsu Kaisen, like Dan Da Dan, features a male lead who fights many paranormal entities for humanity’s sake. Unlike Okarun, Yuji, Jujutsu Kaisen’s protagonist, attends a specific school that will help him develop his otherworldly capabilities. However, like Okarun, Yuji has a power source he can depend on to triumph over tough situations.
Additionally, both anime feature interesting world lore and power systems. Jujutsu Kaisen’s power system is more complex than Dan Da Dan’s (so far). Moreover, Jujutsu Kaisen’s comedy is more lighthearted unlike the erotic humor fans will encounter in Dan Da Dan.
Nevertheless, both anime serve as visual spectacles for the eye and contain scenarios that grip viewers. Give this anime a shot if you want something that offers fantastic fights, an intricate power system, and decent supernatural aspects.
You can check out our coverage of the Jujutsu Kaisen series here!
Mieruko-chan
Similarities – Horror & Supernatural
Miko would fit right in with Momo, Okarun, and the others in Dan Da Dan. However, that could be bad considering Miko isn’t that fond of the spirits she sees. Mieruko-chan is a horror comedy anime that follows Miko, a girl who can see paranormal entities.
Instead of engaging with these entities, Miko acts indifferently toward them. Like Momo and Okarun, Miko doesn’t want these spirits messing with people close to her. The spirits will do everything in their power to ruin Miko’s day. From misunderstandings to moments of uneasiness, fans will enjoy Mieruko-chan’s take on ghosts.
Also, the spirits Miko encounters have fantastic and unique designs. From bandaged three-headed ghouls to female spirits with large teeth, horror fans are in for a treat with this one. Despite lacking action, this horror comedy anime should appeal to Dan Da Dan’s fandom.
Dark Gathering
Similarities – Horror & Supernatural
Dark Gathering is an enjoyable, fairly new horror anime Dan Da Dan fans may find intriguing. It follows Keitaro, a boy who can sense spirits. Keitaro doesn’t like his powers so he strives to live a normal life. That changes when his boss partners him up with Yayoi. She’s a young ghost hunter who wants to defeat a strong otherworldly entity.
Left with no choice, Keitaro must help Yayoi resolve supernatural dilemmas that come their way. Like Momo and Okarun, Keitaro and Yayoi explore numerous settings, some mundane and others haunted. Both groups fight spiritual organisms with rich origins and admirable powers.
From spooky maidens to soul-sucking courtesans, Dan Da Dan fans who loved yokai like Turbo Granny will find Dark Gathering’s ghosts unique. Give this series a go if you require another ghost-hunting anime to watch.
You can check out our Dark Gathering Season 1 review here!
So there we have it, our 10 anime/TV show alternatives to watch when you’ve caught up with Dan Da Dan!
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!