10 ‘Revenge Seeking Hero’ Anime Just as Good as Miura’s Berserk

As many would say, Kentaro Miura’s Berserk is inarguably one of the most nuanced vengeful storylines ever written. However, within this lustrous anime media, there still exists a plethora of other such awesome shows one can experience. Each presents the concept of taking revenge in a new light.

Berserk might have put up a masterclass in showing the grotesque and brutal side of someone’s lust for seeking revenge, but some other anime also do it equally well, if not better. So, after much consideration, here we’ve picked 10 such shows that fans of this genre or trope would love to watch, as they are all must-sees without exaggeration.

1. 91 Days

Angelo and Nero pointing their guns at each other on 91 Days' poster.
Angelo and Nero in a still from 91 Days | Credits: Shuka Studio

Unlike Berserk, 91 Days plays the long game, a game of seeking revenge but with a calm and more calculated approach. And honestly, that might just be more practical to relate to real life.

After losing his entire family to the Vanetti mafia, Avilio Bruno reborns and returns years later, not with a sword like Guts, but with patience, deceit, and the cold fire of revenge burning inside him. It is a gripping watch for those who also love murder mysteries, as it’s terrifying to see how Avilio slowly destroys his targets from the inside out.

2. Afro Samurai

a still from afro samurai
Afro from Afro Samurai | Credits: Gonzo

Afro Samurai presents a powerful narrative of revenge, though it’s nothing like Berserk. It strips vengeance down to its rawest, bloodiest form. As a samurai, Afro’s journey is straightforward: cut down anyone who stands between him and the Number One headband.

While Berserk explores the emotional and psychological aspects of vengeance, Afro Samurai stands out for its stylish execution. Every fight, every kill, is a spectacle of rage and cool determination. So, if you have a knack for watching visually stunning, well-choreographed fight scenes, Afro Samurai is another must-watch.

3. Hell Girl

Ai Enma looking at something in hell girl
Ai Enma from Hell Girl | Credits: Studio Deen

Revenge comes off even more brutal when it’s shown from the perspective of a school kid. As naive as they are, and without knowing the consequences, they might go to great lengths to fulfill their desires. That’s exactly what Hell Girl shows us.

Upon coming across a website that can send people they hold a grudge against to hell, Ai Enma becomes completely consumed by this power. She doesn’t scream or rage; she offers people a choice: vengeance now, damnation later. Unlike Berserk, or most other entries on this list, this one might be the most horrifying of all.

4. Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo

Best Revenge Anime shows Gankutsuou
A still from Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo | Credits: Gonzo

Quite like 91 Days, Gankutsuou turns revenge into an elegant, calculated performance. However, this one is a much weirder adaptation, giving off the uncanny, unsettling vibes that can enchant and hook you to its world-building.

Set in a sci-fi world in the year 5053, the story follows a protagonist falsely accused of a crime he didn’t commit. As he seeks revenge against those who framed him, he encounters aliens, which eventually escalates into a massive war between Earth and the Eastern Empire. Wild as it sounds, the raw impact of the show can leave you speechless, just like Berserk did.

5. Tokyo Ghoul

Embracing gore as part of its power system, Tokyo Ghoul might just be one of the hardest-hitting revenge stories adapted into an anime. But unlike Berserk, it puts viewers in a difficult position alongside our MC, Ken Kaneki, as the narrative forces us to sympathize with the so-called “bad.”

In Tokyo Ghoul, everything is grey. Both ghouls and humans have their own lives, so it becomes more about survival. Kaneki, although initially motivated by revenge against those who want to exploit him, gradually lets his hatred and desire for vengeance toward other ghouls turn him into one of them. And that is only the beginning.

6. The Rising of the Shield Hero

naofumi looks serious in a still in The Rising of the Shield Hero
Naofumi in a still from The Rising of the Shield Hero | Credits: Kinema Citrus

Although Isekai, as a genre, is often criticized for its repetitive themes, Rising of the Shield Hero manages to stand out from the crowd. After being betrayed by fate itself and reincarnated as the Shield Hero, he finds himself plagued by a series of misfortunes: kicked out of the palace and left abandoned.

Now seeking revenge against the ungrateful king of this new world, the other heroes who receive all the praise, and the conspiring princess, he sets off on a journey: a journey to become stronger and get back at those who wronged him. Gradually, his defensive powers grow, setting him on the path of revenge. Much like Berserk, but good for a change of pace.

7. Vinland Saga

Thorfinn ready to start his Vinland journey in Vinland Saga.
Thorfinn from Vinland Saga | Credits: MAPPA

While most revenge stories only focus on how the MC takes their revenge or what the consequences of it might be, none really consider that their desire for revenge might just be irrelevant, as it holds no value in the greater good. Throughout Thorfinn’s journey, you’d realize how a blind sense of revenge can strip one of their humanity.

Berserk and Vinland Saga had a very similar start, but as the two stories progressed, Guts became more ruthless in his search for revenge, while Thorfinn took a step back and observed the world from a neutral lens. For its unique and compelling take on this brutal genre, Vinland Saga is a one-of-a-kind revenge story that you definitely don’t want to miss.

8. Code Geass

Lelouch smiling in a still from Code Geass.
Lelouch from Code Geass | Credits: Sunrise

Out of all the entries on this list, Code Geass’ vengeful plot might just be the coolest. It follows our MC, Lelouch, who harbors deep hatred toward the Britannian Empire after being stripped of his position as Prince of Britannia. Now seeking revenge against the current emperor, his own father, he uses his newfound power, “Geass,” to wreak havoc on the current empire.

At its heart, Code Geass is a mecha show, but the revenge plot shines as Lelouch commits serious crimes while effortlessly evading consequences thanks to his mind-controlling powers. Though very different from Berserk, the show manages to impress in more ways than one.

9. Attack on Titan

Attack on Titan’s grand storyline offers more than just revenge, though that is Eren Jaeger’s primary goal. Fueled by his hatred for the Titans, who have wiped out humanity, and after witnessing his own mother being devoured by one, he swore to himself that he would kill every last one of them with his own hands.

Later, the story takes a turn when he discovers that he can transform into a Titan himself. This adds much complexity to the narrative. But Eren continues his quest for revenge using his newfound Titan abilities, but questions arise: where did this power come from, and can he truly save the rest of humanity?

10. Monster

johan liebert in a still from monster
Johan from Monster | Credits: Madhouse

Unlike Berserk, Monster isn’t your typical revenge story. Essentially, it questions the very nature of revenge: is it truly wrong? Do evil people need to be killed, or does killing them make you evil? This is not just a story; it’s a psychological study on the value of human life itself.

Set in post-WWII Europe, the story follows Tenma, a neurosurgeon who unknowingly saves the life of a young boy at the risk of his own career, only to find out later that the boy he saved is a ruthless serial killer. But how can a child become a killer? Tenma embarks on a journey to stop him (by killing, of course), gradually uncovering the dark truths of the world at that time.

Here’s a table provided below with some basic information about each entry:

TITLERELEASE DATESTUDIOWHERE TO WATCH
1. 91 DaysJuly 9, 2016ShukaCrunchyroll
2. Afro SamuraiMay 3, 2007GonzoNetflix, Crunchyroll
3. Hell GirlOctober 5, 2005Studio DeenCrunchyroll
4. Gankutsuou: The Count Of Monte CristoOctober 6, 2004GonzoCrunchyroll
5. Tokyo GhoulJuly 4, 2014PierrotNetflix, Crunchyroll
6. Rising of the Shield HeroJanuary 9, 2019Kinema CitrusCrunchyroll
7. Vinland SagaJuly 8, 2019WIT, MAPPACrunchyroll
8. Code GeassOctober 6, 2006SunriseCrunchyroll
9. Attack on TitanApril 7, 2013WIT, MAPPACrunchyroll
10. MonsterApril 7, 2004MadhouseNetflix

So, has any of the anime mentioned in the list piqued your interest? Or, maybe you have your own recommendations to suggest to other fellow weebs. Let us know all about that in the comments.