10 More Shows With A Sense of Action, Danger, or Humor!
The Fable is a yakuza-themed anime with a mix of humor, action, and suspense. In it, we follow Fable, an exceptional assassin. Unfortunately for Fable, his boss orders him to take a vacation. Left with no choice, Fable travels to Taihei with his companion Yoko to accomplish his goals. While the anime has its lows (as of this writing), fans love this one for its intriguing writing.
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 The Fable, 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 The Fable!
The Way of the Househusband
Similarities – Characters, Drama, Slice of Life
Much like Fable, Tatsu is a criminal who left his brutal life behind. In The Way of the Househusband, Tatsu becomes a househusband and we explore his day-to-day activities as one. As with Fable, Tatsu will partake in many casual activities. These are no different from the tasks people tackle today. He’ll shop for goods, cook interesting dishes, and participate in other typical affairs.
Also, like Fable, Tatsu has a group of buddies fans will cherish from his wife to former employees like Masa. These characters have great chemistry with Tatsu and get into mishaps worth remembering. Moreover, Fable and Tatsu treat others respectfully, making them likable lead characters. If you’re after an anime with bits of crime, humor, and slice of life, check this one out.
Check out our review of The Way of the House Husband Season 1 here!
Black Lagoon
Similarities – Action, Drama, Themes
Hardcore females and exhilarating shootouts are two aspects that best define Black Lagoon. Like The Fable, Black Lagoon tackles organized crime and loyalty in endearing, unforgettable ways. Both series contain a great mix of suspense and action. However, many will argue Black Lagoon offers better action scenes than The Fable.
On the other hand, both anime contain characters with gripping backgrounds, great personalities, and wonderful chemistry. Those who aren’t fans of Yoko’s activities or characteristics in The Fable will find Revy’s unruly persona better. Revy and Rokuro’s partnership is just as alluring and entertaining to watch as Fable and Yoko’s.
Fans will enjoy seeing the former pair clash verbally and physically on occasion. Some scenes between Revy and Rokuro will make fans cry, too. If you’re looking for an incredible crime anime with similar themes, but better action and visuals, watch Black Lagoon.
Hinamatsuri
Similarities – Comedy, Drama, Themes
Fable and Yoko may not be true family members, but some folks enjoy seeing the two discuss crime, life, and other topics together. Hinamatsuri is a fabulous crime-related anime. It leans more into the crime family spectrum of things than The Fable (so far). Also, Hinamatsuri’s humor can be hit or miss. Most of the jokes in this anime occasionally ruin its suspenseful story segments.
Lastly, this anime offers a smidge of supernatural aspects. This is due to Hina’s otherworldly abilities. Nevertheless, fans can pinpoint many similarities between Hinamatsuri and The Fable. For instance, Hinamatsuri and The Fable feature amusing slice-of-life segments. From rock-paper-scissors to embarrassing replies, Hinamatsuri isn’t afraid to place its characters in ordinary scenarios despite their unruly origins.
This anime tackles loneliness and companionship to a wonderful degree like The Fable, too. For those who love yakuza tales with a familial touch, give Hinamatsuri a chance.
Spy x Family
Similarities – Action, Characters, Comedy
Following Hinamatsuri is another crime anime that’ll appeal to The Fable’s audience. Like The Fable, Spy x Family features several characters who must keep their true identities a secret. Additionally, this series features epic fight scenes, compelling slice-of-life outings, and enough gags to keep audiences entertained.
The Fable and Spy x Family also feature talented assassin protagonists. Like Fable, Yor Forger (or Briar) is a skilled hitwoman, who always gets the job done. Additionally, Yor and Fable don’t participate in many assassin activities within their respective universes. However, when they’re forced or given the chance to assassinate someone, they’ll get the job done. The same can be said with Yor’s pretend-husband Loid Forger (or Twilight).
All in all, if you’re after a crime anime with similar ideas, characters, and scenarios, check this out.
Check out our coverage of the Spy x Family series here!
Great Teacher Onizuka
Similarities – Characters, Comedy, Drama
Fable can learn a lot about life from Eikichi Onizuka. Much like Fable, Eikichi has endured his share of rough life experiences. However, unlike Fable, Eikichi chose to embark on a quest that would make life meaningful for him. However, like Fable, Eikichi didn’t anticipate this outing would bring him something fantastic in return.
Like Fable, Eikichi works an ordinary job. Eikichi is a teacher who must guide his delinquent students down a brighter path. He uses unconventional methods to do so. From bizarre studying methods to engaging in fisticuffs with rude men, Eikichi is an unforgettable and motivational lead character. On that note, The Fable and Great Teacher Onizuka excel at interpreting their crooked leads in a respectable light.
Whether it’s Eikichi standing up for his students or Fable offering Misaki a compelling drawing, these two men are worth admiring. Give this comedic classic a watch during your free time.
Buddy Daddies
Similarities – Characters, Crime, Drama
Buddy Daddies and The Fable aren’t too different. These shows feature hitmen who struggle to adjust to casual lifestyles. For instance, Kazuki and Rei, Buddy Daddies’s leads, must balance their hitman and caretaking work. As with Fable, he must live a normal existence. Unfortunately, folks like Takeshi force Fable to get involved in crime-oriented affairs.
Both shows contain a solid mix of comedy, drama, and criminal activity. Buddy Daddies is more lax on the criminal activity side of things. This anime centers most of its plot around the boys’ struggles to look after Miri, their pretend daughter. However, Buddy Daddies doesn’t hold back on the action. Most of Rei and Kazuki’s missions are exciting to watch, from infiltrating hideouts to fleeing from criminals.
Rei and Kazuki’s partnership mirrors Fable and Yoko’s platonic pairing, too. Give this a shot if you want a more family-driven crime series though.
Check out our review of Buddy Daddies Season 1 here!
My Home Hero
Similarities – Crime & Drama
My Home Hero is an enjoyable crime series centered around a male lead who is as insightful about yakuza as Fable. In it, we follow Tetsuo, a man who learns his daughter, Reika, is getting abused by her boyfriend. Eventually, Tetsuo murders Reika’s boyfriend and learns her boyfriend is a part of a mafia syndicate. With his family’s lives in jeopardy, Tetsuo must find a way to resolve his dilemma.
Besides both works being animated by Tezuka Productions, My Home Hero and The Fable aren’t too different. Both anime feature competent leads who occasionally clash with cunning members of the yakuza. The difference is that Fable is affiliated with a syndicate and Tetsuo isn’t by choice. Nevertheless, both men work alongside interesting female leads.
Kasen, Tetsuo’s wife, isn’t as raunchy as Yoko, but she’s just as intelligent. She and Yoko find ways to assist our male protagonists with their internal and external issues, too. For example, Kasen cracks a safe’s code to support Tetsuo. As for Yoko, she provides Fable with solid transportation. Yoko also informs Fable about past assassin tasks he tackled.
While these shows have their faults, both are fun crime anime that’ll please you.
Check out our coverage of the My Home Hero series here!
One Punch Man
Similarities – Action, Characters, Comedy
One Punch Man, the superhero anime? How could this compare to The Fable? Well, upon further inspection, there are some striking similarities between the two. For instance, both shows feature a powerful male lead who feels unstoppable. Like Fable, Saitama defeats foes with ease. This is thanks to the incredible power Saitama achieved by working hard.
Additionally, Saitama and his protegee Genos have a dynamic similar to Fable and Kuro’s (so far). Much like Kuro, Genos admires Saitama for his skills and occasionally gets punished when he takes his admiration for Saitama a bit far. Also, both anime depict their protagonists’ respective career fields in a comedic light. Some examples include the hilariously-designed heroes in One Punch Man and the unwise jokes novice yakuza share in The Fable.
Both series feature our male leads in high-stakes situations. One Punch Man’s situations are more pleasing to the eye though. Regardless, fans will walk away from One Punch Man impressed.
Check out our review of One Punch Man Season 1 here!
Banana Fish
Similarities – Action, Crime, Suspense
Banana Fish is another great anime, with a lead who deals with corrupt organizations and is exposed to gun violence. In it, Ash investigates the secrets behind “Banana Fish.” This is something his older brother Griffin told him about. However, when Ash’s godfather abducts some of Ash’s closest companions, Ash must save them while uncovering the truth about Banana Fish.
Like The Fable, Banana Fish gives viewers a wonderful portrayal of gang culture. From fishy schemes to dangerous criminals, Ash must conquer many odds to achieve his goals. Additionally, both shows excel at keeping audiences hooked with their array of twists. Both anime know how to build tension, keeping audiences glued to their devices.
On top of having likable male leads, Banana Fish is worth your time.
Golgo 13
Similarities – Action & Themes
Golgo 13 is a classic assassin series with a lead as fantastic as Fable. This story follows Duke, a skilled hitman who tackles numerous missions within his career field. He’ll use his assassin skills and wit to complete his goals. Fable and Duke fight many crafty and mean-spirited crooks. The ways Fable and Duke approach their foes will leave audiences in awe.
Duke and Fable evoke this cold and serious presence when they’re completing tasks, too. Unfortunately, Duke doesn’t receive the best development, especially when compared to other crime series’ protagonists. Yet, if folks can look past Duke’s lack of growth, then they’ll likely find him appealing. For fans who want to watch a crime anime with fun action set pieces, watch Golgo 13.
So there we have it, our 10 anime/TV show alternatives to watch when you’ve caught up with The Fable!
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!