10 More Gaming or Thought-Provoking Shows!
No Game No Life is an ecchi, psychological series following two familial companions named Shiro and Sora. They live shut-in lives and like to compete against others in online games. They get teleported to a world called Disboard after replying to an unknown user’s message. Tet explains the rules of his world and leaves the duo alone. They meet Stephanie Dola, an emotional girl who wants to attain her father’s throne. Although Sora and Shiro want to become Disboard’s new rulers, they offer to help Stephanie achieve her goal.
Fear not if you’re having trouble finding anime similar to No Game No Life! We’ve discovered 10 alternate shows that’ll give you a similar experience as No Game No Life.
Additionally, for each anime we’ve reviewed, 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 that should whet your appetite when you’ve finished streaming No Game No Life!
Kakegurui
Similarities – High-Stakes Matches & Characters
Kakegurui and No Game No Life are anime with a focus on high-stakes match-ups and strategy. In Kakegurui, the students of Hyakkaou Private Academy engage in games of chance that determined their status and social standing within the school. Similarly, in No Game No Life, Sora and Shiro are transported to a universe where conflicts are resolved through strategic games.
Both anime deliver thrilling and slightly unpredictable games that will keep viewers excited. Both anime highlights characters with distinct and exaggerated personalities. Jabami loves competing in high-stakes gambling to satisfy her addiction while Sora and Shiro are portrayed as genius-level gamers who can outsmart their foes.
These anime create a cast of eccentric and memorable characters whose personalities will keep you invested in the plot. For those looking for another anime with high-stakes strategic gameplay, colorful characters, and nice animation, check out Kakegurui.
You can read our thoughts on Kakegurui in our full-season review here!
Overlord
Similarities – Alternate Reality, Worldbuilding, Strong Protagonists
Another great anime with a focus on the concept of an alternate reality is Overlord. In Overlord, the protagonist Momonga finds himself trapped in an MMORPG after it shut down but is surprised to find himself transported to an actual alternate world with its own unique rules. Like No Game No Life, this anime’s world is vastly different from our own and offers an immersive viewing experience.
Momonga will meet numerous species like Sora and Shiro. Some will worship him while others will challenge him. Although it takes Momonga time to adjust to his new setting, he’ll become familiar with his world’s unique features and governing principles. To some extent, both series harbor overpowered protagonists who use their skills to complete their goals.
Both anime harbor funny humor that can lean toward wholesomeness and sensual activity. If you’re looking for another great anime with great world-building, characters, and animation, check out Overlord.
Classroom of the Elite
Similarities – Characters & Hierarchal Structures
Did you enjoy Sora and Shiro, but wished you could’ve seen them struggle before becoming a formidable pair? Ayanokouji from Classroom of the Elite may be the character you’ve been looking for. He and several other students must climb the ranks, and they’ll do whatever it takes to achieve their desires. Both anime contain strategic and highly competitive protagonists.
They have a strong grasp of human psychology and use their intelligence to gain an upper hand over their opponents. No Game No Life and Classroom of the Elite tackle topics related to power and hierarchy. Classroom of the Elite takes place in a prestigious school where top students enjoy luxuries that are denied to low-ranked students.
As for Sora and Shiro, they must challenge and defeat numerous beings who’ll prevent them from taking over Disboard. Give this anime a viewing if you’re looking for a series that offers a realistic environment but characters who are as intelligent as Sora and Shiro.
That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime
Similarities – Characters & Fantasy
Despite their vastly different inferences, That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime features many key commonalities with No Game No Life. This anime features a protagonist who possesses extraordinary powers and intellect on par with Sora and Shiro. This tale is about Satoru who gets reincarnated as a slime with great absorbing and mimicry abilities.
Both anime involve characters getting transported to another world, where they use their knowledge to navigate new societal structures and power dynamics. Additionally, That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime has a vibrant and delightful world full of colorful characters who’ll remind you of the people Sora and Shiro meet in Disboard.
Along with having similar approaches to comedy, That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime is a great anime to watch after No Game No Life.
Code Geass
Similarities – Characters & Story
Code Geass is one of the few anime originals that left a major impact on anime fans. It has fun robot battles, intellectual characters, and clever mind games that will keep you on the edge of your seat. In it, we follow Lelouch Lamperouge, a student who gets caught in the middle of a war between Britannia’s Empire with Japanese refugees.
Before some Britannian troops murder Lelouch, he receives a supernatural power from a green-haired woman named C.C. She gives him the Geass, allowing Lelouch to command anyone as long as he makes eye contact with them. With these powers, Lelouch seeks vengeance upon Britannia’s ruler for the cruelties he put him and his sister through.
From a protagonist with unparalleled intelligence to both series harboring larger tales about overthrowing existing power structures, there are a lot of similarities between Code Geass and No Game No Life. Although their worlds may not look identical from a visual perspective, many No Game No Life fans will find a lot of Code Geass’s material entertaining.
Death Parade
Similarities – Game-Based Plots
Death Parade is a short but thought-provoking anime like No Game No Life that has its characters competing in numerous gaming activities. In Death Parade, characters are forced to compete in games that test their souls, while No Game No Life’s cast competes in games to gain power and status. Both anime explore games and competitions as a way to resolve matters.
They also illustrate the consequences of winning and losing. This creates a high-stakes environment that makes both anime thrilling to watch. Furthermore, the morally ambiguous choices the cast makes in Death Parade will make viewers question their own beliefs and values, adding to the story’s depth. On that note, Death Parade has gorgeous visuals that’ll add to one’s enjoyment of the series. With its gaming-themed plot, high-stakes match-ups, and dark tone, Death Parade’s worth your time.
Re:Zero — Starting Life In Another World
Similarities – Fantasy & Thought-Provoking Story
Re:Zero is an incredible fantasy anime with a deep plot and complex cast. This anime involves its protagonist Subaru using his time-travel abilities to escape imminent danger and forge a life that’s great for his comrades. Like Sora and Shiro, Subaru will meet many different people during his journey, some look like humans while others are fantastical species.
Although Subaru doesn’t compete in games like Sora and Shiro, he’ll need to rely on his wit to survive and save those around him. Subaru also feels more humble than Sora and Shiro. The world-building is incredible between both works. The supporting cast receives as much screen time as Subaru and has enjoyable backstories and personalities that you’ll adore. Although Re:Zero features more horror elements than No Game No Life, you’ll wind up loving this one for its strong fantasy and thought-provoking elements.
Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor
Similarities – Games & Competition
Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor is a thought-provoking anime many will enjoy for its strategic cast and thrilling world. It follows Kaiji, a man who attends a cruise ship event to remove debt. However, Kaiji must clear each game to be rewarded with this debt removal. If he closed, he’ll become someone’s indebted servant for life. As one can tell, both anime have their cast compete in high-stakes games.
Kaiji and his competitors will participate in numerous gambling events that have the potential to change their life for better or worse. This high-stakes element creates a gripping atmosphere that keeps viewers engaged. Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor’s cast will use their wits and intelligence to outclass their competitors. This anime also proposes moral questions to its audience.
The characters will confront their own greed and selfishness to succeed in games. These explorations of morality add to the story’s depth and make the character feel more life-like. For those looking for another anime with mind-numbing moments and enjoyable characters, check out Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor.
Log Horizon
Similarities – Fantasy, Strategy, Themes
Log Horizon is an Isekai anime with an alluring gaming-themed world. It follows Shiroe, who finds himself trapped within an MMORPG called Elder Tale. Despite his situation, Shiroe’s willing to traverse Elder Tale’s landscape and learn more about his potential new homeland. Like Sora, Shiroe won’t be traversing his fantasy environment alone.
He’ll be joined by colorful characters with intruiging backgrounds and personalities. Both anime’s fantasy settings are lively, vast, and imaginative. Characters in Log Horizon engage in strategic battles like Sora and Shiro from No Game No Life. You’ll see them form alliances and strategically plan their movements and attacks to win battles. These strategy elements will grab viewers’ attention. If you’re looking for a compelling fantasy anime that will remind you of classic RPGs, check out Log Horizon.
Accel World
Similarities – Virtual Settings & Characters
Despite having more romance and sci-fi elements than No Game No Life, Accel World shares many aspects with this anime. For instance, both anime place their cast in alternative realities. In Accel World, Haruyuki, its protagonist, enters a virtual world where he competes in battles to gain status and power. Likewise, Sora and Shiro get transported to a game world and want to be its new rulers.
Additionally, Haruyuki uses his strategic thinking and wits to gain advantages over his opponents. His world offers well-developed game mechanics and this adds to one’s excitement for its storytelling. Haruyuki has a NEET background like Sora and Shiro. Although he’s a shut-in in the real world, he uses his knowledge to excel in the virtual setting. If you’re after an anime with more action elements though, Accel World should keep you entertained.
So there we have it, our 10 anime/TV show alternatives to watch when you’ve caught up with No Game No Life!
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!