Banana Fish stands as a modern marvel in the action-thrillers anime, etching its place as a cult classic. Its influence extends far and wide across various anime communities, owing to its expansive thematic depth and its daring departure from genre norms.
The narrative orbits around Ash Lynx, a formidable figure in New York’s underworld, and his unlikely comrade, the Japanese assistant photographer Eiji Okumura.
Together, they unravel the mysteries entwined with the eponymous enigmatic substance, crafting a tale that seamlessly weaves together elements of organized crime drama with poignant themes of love and human connection.
What sets Banana Fish apart is its unparalleled originality within the anime.
Since its manga inception in 1985, no other story has quite matched its distinctive emotional resonance. However, amidst this singular status, a handful of productions have managed to echo certain facets that rendered Banana Fish so remarkable.
For aficionados seeking to recapture that unique allure, these alternative yet akin anime may serve as a new source of admiration and fascination.
Baccano! And 9 Other Anime Series Similar To Banana Fish
Here is a list of the top 10 must-watch anime series if you love the story of Banana Fish.
10. Baccano!
Banana Fish radiates a unique style that few anime series can rival, but the unabashed panache of Baccano! comes remarkably close.
Set against the backdrop of 1930s America, Baccano! unfolds as a whirlwind of organized crime and action, intertwining the eccentric tales of disparate gangsters and rogues into one explosive narrative.
What sets Baccano! apart is the playful embrace of its era, drawing heavily from the stylistic trademarks of classic American gangster flicks. However, it injects an unexpected twist by introducing characters endowed with supernatural immortality, adding an extra layer of intrigue to its already amazing plot.
With its relentless barrage of action, humor, and unforgettable character dynamics, Baccano! stands tall as one of the premier anime series centered around organized crime.
9. 91 Days
In anime, 91 Days stands out as a parallel to Banana Fish with its tale of organized crime and vengeance set in 1920s America. The narrative unfurls around Angelo, the protagonist, whose life is shattered when his family falls victim to the merciless grip of the local mafia.
Driven by a burning desire for retribution, Angelo meticulously orchestrates a seven-year plan to infiltrate the notorious Vanetti family, the architects of his childhood tragedy, and exact his revenge.
Angelo’s journey is a harrowing symphony of vendetta, where he descends into the same abyss of brutality and ruthlessness as those he seeks to dismantle.
However, what sets 91 Days apart is its nuanced portrayal of its characters, where shades of gray blur the lines between heroism and villainy.
In crime and consequence, no character emerges unscathed, rendering 91 Days a profoundly compelling exploration of the human psyche amidst the throes of vendetta.
8. Link Click
Link Click emerges as a suspenseful mystery drama centered on a duo endowed with the unique ability to traverse time through photographs. Hailed universally for its brisk pacing, endearing characters, and emotionally charged storytelling, this Chinese animation series stands as a witness to gripping narrative craftsmanship.
Diverging from Banana Fish’s narrative trajectory, Link Click interlaces its mystery with a supernatural allure.
Nevertheless, both series share a common thread in infusing heart into their labyrinthine thriller plots. The dynamic between protagonists Lu Guang and Cheng Xiaoshi rivals the amazing bond of Eiji and Ash, drawing viewers into their intertwined destinies with equal fervor.
Tragedy serves as a crucible for character growth in Link Click, resonating with fans of Banana Fish’s poignant sentimentality and tugging at their heartstrings in familiar yet stirring ways.
7. Rainbow
For fans drawn to Banana Fish’s adept handling of weighty themes, Rainbow offers a poignant parallel. Set within the confines of a 1950s Japanese juvenile detention center notorious for its deplorable conditions, the series goes into the lives of seven inmates who forge an unlikely camaraderie amidst the bleakness of their surroundings.
Enduring relentless abuse at the hands of sadistic guards and a malevolent prison doctor, the inmates find solace and strength in their bonds with one another.
Grim and suspenseful, Rainbow navigates the darkest recesses of human experience with unflinching realism, making it a challenging but rewarding watch for mature audiences.
While its exploration of sensitive topics may prove difficult for some viewers, those seeking a narrative that mirrors Banana Fish’s unvarnished portrayal of despair will find Rainbow to be a compelling and essential viewing experience.
6. SK8 the Infinity
Although SK8 the Infinity may appear as a lighthearted sports drama at first glance, it shares unexpected similarities with the tense and serious crime mystery Banana Fish, stemming from their common director, Hiroko Utsumi. Regardless of the apparent disparity in genres, the two series bear surprising resemblances.
In SK8 the Infinity, we follow the journey of Reki, a spirited teenager with an unwavering love for skateboarding, and his newfound friend Langa, whose background in snowboarding reveals a natural knack for skating.
The wholesome camaraderie between Reki and Langa echoes shades of the less tragic dynamic between Eiji and Ash, underscoring the significance of supportive relationships in both narratives.
Moreover, the cinematographic and aesthetic parallels between the two shows serve to accentuate the similarities in their character arcs, fostering a sense of familiarity and connection for viewers.
5. Great Pretender
Great Pretender follows the escapades of a motley crew of skilled con artists under the leadership of the charismatic criminal mastermind, Laurent.
Renowned for its unparalleled style, the series mirrors Banana Fish in its narrative thrust, as protagonist Edamura, a guileless Japanese youth, inadvertently plunges into the high-stakes crime, seamlessly adapting to his newfound milieu and forming unexpected bonds with his cohorts.
Taking off on a whirlwind tour across the globe, courtesy of Laurent’s audacious heists, the duo’s exploits span from the glitz of Hollywood to the streets of Singapore.
Their adventures, brimming with intrigue and suspense, leave no room for monotony, as they outwit the world’s most nefarious villains at every turn.
4. Bungou Stray Dogs
Boasting an exhilarating tale brimming with vibrant and unforgettable characters, BSD primarily orbits around the enigmatic Armed Detective Agency and its eclectic members—individuals endowed with extraordinary supernatural abilities tasked with thwarting criminal endeavors that threaten the delicate equilibrium of power in Yokohama.
BSD seamlessly intertwines its supernatural elements with intricate detective narratives, striking a harmonious balance that caters to both aficionados of action-packed adventures and fans of grounded mystery tales.
However, the series truly shines in its masterful character development, as its multifaceted cast of heroes and villains alike amazes viewers with their complexity and depth, solidifying BSD’s status as a resounding success in the anime.
3. Gungrave
Gungrave emerges as a wild and thrilling mafia action spectacle, delivering all the elements one might desire from the genre. Anchored by the tumultuous relationship between former friends Brandon and Harry, who find themselves embroiled in the influential criminal organization Millennion, Gungrave unfolds their story from dual perspectives.
One narrative strand goes into the intricate history shared by Brandon and Harry, while the other follows Brandon’s reborn persona, Beyond the Grave, as he seeks vengeance against Millennion after being betrayed and killed by Harry.
Although Gungrave may not match the nuanced character development found in Banana Fish, it compensates with its visceral and unrelenting action sequences, imbued with a raw intensity that remains grounded regardless of the series’ incorporation of sci-fi elements.
2. Gangsta
Many fans of Banana Fish find resonance in its subtle yet significant romantic undertones, particularly within the relationship between Eiji and Ash. While romance is not overtly emphasized, its presence adds layers of complexity to the main characters and amplifies the poignancy of their eventual fate.
Similarly, No. 6 ventures into the sci-fi mystery with a narrative centered on two male protagonists, Shion and Nezumi, who forge an indomitable bond regardless of hailing from vastly different worlds.
Shion originates from a futuristic utopia, whereas Nezumi dwells in the desolate wastelands beyond its confines. Regrettably, the love story between Shion and Nezumi unfolds against a backdrop of tragedy, mirroring the bittersweet essence of Eiji and Ash’s relationship in Banana Fish.
1. No. 6
Gritty, visceral, yet undeniably amazing, Gangsta. offers a riveting peek into the lives of individuals who thrive beyond the constraints of societal norms.
Set amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the perilous city of Ergastalum, the series centers on the exploits of the morally ambiguous duo, Worick Arcangelo and Nicholas Brown, who operate as Handymen—mercenaries unbound by conventional ethics, willing to navigate the city’s treacherous underworld for the right price.
Their ranks swell with the addition of Alex Benedetto, a vulnerable sex worker caught in the crosshairs of danger. Together, Worick, Nicholas, and Alex confront the myriad criminal factions vying for control in Ergastalum, their resolve unyielding and their weapons primed for action.
In a striking parallel to Banana Fish, Gangsta. explores overarching themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the insidious allure of power.
Notably, both series go into the ramifications of a mysterious drug, Gangsta. featuring Twilights—individuals imbued with supernatural abilities by said substance—drawing an intriguing connection to the thematic storyline of Banana Fish.
Honorable Mention
Relationship Reversal Button Raw
My High School Bully
