Anime Like Black Lagoon: Top 6 List (Crime and Gunplay)
Anime Similar to Black Lagoon
Looking for an anime like Black Lagoon based on fan votes? Top match: Jormungand.
Ready to trade corporate boredom for the chaotic underworld of gun-slinging mercenaries?
Fans connect to Black Lagoon’s nihilistic edge and the explosive dynamic between Rock and Revy. Usually, viewers crave mature, high-stakes crime stories where the morality is as dark as the gunpowder. This guide delivers the grittiest underworld picks. Please upvote or downvote matches only if you’ve watched both shows to keep the rankings accurate.
Follow Koko Hekmatyar, an eccentric arms dealer, and her team of elite bodyguards as they navigate international war zones. It’s the spiritual successor to Black Lagoon’s brand of tactical chaos.
Why it's similar: Both shows focus on professional groups operating in the grey areas of global law. You get the same mix of heavy tactical gunplay and philosophical debates about the necessity of violence in a broken world.
Power comparison: Combat is grounded in realistic modern weaponry and squad tactics rather than supernatural abilities.
Why watch after Black Lagoon: Start this if you want more modern military aesthetics and a female lead who is just as calculated as she is dangerous.
In the crime-ridden city of Ergastulum, two 'Handymen' take on dirty jobs that neither the cops nor the mob can handle. It's a brutal look at urban decay and superhuman mercenaries.
Why it's similar: The atmosphere mirrors the 'no-man's-land' vibe of Roanapur. It focuses on the internal politics of crime syndicates and the outsiders who get caught in their crossfire.
Power comparison: Introduces 'Twilights,' people with enhanced physical abilities via drugs, creating a faster, more superhuman pace of combat than Black Lagoon.
Why watch after Black Lagoon: Watch this for a darker, more localized crime story that feels just as hopeless and violent as Revy’s backyard.
Start with Season 1 (Black Lagoon), followed by Season 2 (The Second Barrage). Finally, watch the 5-episode OVA series 'Roberta’s Blood Trail,' which serves as a direct canonical sequel to the main series.
Will there ever be a Black Lagoon Season 3?
A traditional Season 3 is unlikely soon because the anime has adapted most of the manga. Since author Rei Hiroe takes frequent hiatuses, there isn't enough source material for a full new season yet.
Is there any romance between Rock and Revy?
There is no explicit romance, but the 'Cigarette Kiss' in Episode 7 signifies their deep, psychological bond. Their relationship is a complex partnership built on mutual trauma and reliance rather than traditional dating.
Is the Black Lagoon anime faithful to the manga?
Yes, the anime is highly faithful, capturing the tone and dialogue of the manga almost perfectly. However, the anime's 'Roberta’s Blood Trail' OVA features a slightly different ending and pacing compared to the El Baile de los Muertos manga arc.
A crew of bounty hunters travels through space trying to make a buck while escaping their haunted pasts. It’s the gold standard for adult-oriented episodic action.
Why it's similar: It captures the 'jobber' lifestyle perfectly, where the protagonists are talented but constantly broke. The shared DNA lies in the episodic adventures, incredible soundtracks, and the weight of past regrets.
Power comparison: Features a blend of Jeet Kune Do martial arts and old-school dogfighting in space.
Why watch after Black Lagoon: This is essential if you loved the cool, jazzy atmosphere and the feeling of a crew just trying to survive the next day.
Set during Prohibition, Avilio Bruno infiltrates the Vanetti mafia family to avenge his murdered parents. It is a cold, calculated tale of betrayal.
Why it's similar: While it lacks the modern explosive action of the Lagoon Company, it doubles down on the cynical underworld themes and the toll that revenge takes on the human soul.
Power comparison: Action is strictly historical gunfights and stealthy assassinations using 1920s technology.
Why watch after Black Lagoon: Pick this if you want a tight, serious narrative focused on the inner workings of organized crime families.
A hardened criminal escapes prison to find her lost daughter, leading them on a wild chase through a fictionalized version of Brazil. It’s stylish, sun-soaked, and dangerous.
Why it's similar: Michiko shares Revy's explosive temper and 'shoot first' attitude. The setting feels alive and dangerous, emphasizing the struggles of living on the edge of society.
Power comparison: The action consists of gritty brawls, motorcycle chases, and desperate shootouts.
Why watch after Black Lagoon: Watch this for the incredible style, the strong female dynamic, and the vibrant, high-stakes setting.
The Hellsing Organization uses the vampire Alucard to hunt down supernatural threats and a literal army of neo-Nazis. It is peak over-the-top violence.
Why it's similar: It matches the 'rule of cool' and extreme gore found in Black Lagoon’s most intense arcs. If you enjoyed the blood-soaked spectacle of the Roberta arcs, this is the logical next step.
Power comparison: Combat is purely supernatural, featuring regenerative vampires, holy weapons, and mass-scale slaughter.
Why watch after Black Lagoon: Go with this if you want to turn the violence up to eleven and don't mind a heavy dose of the supernatural.
