10 best anime to watch if you like Kaiju No. 8

With its gripping story about Kafka Hibino becoming an enormous kaiju, intense monster battles, and emotional drama, Kaiju No. 8 has captured many fans' imaginations. For viewers loving this manga-adapted anime and seeking similar series blending sci-fi elements with action and compelling narratives, the options await!

Beyond sympathetically portrayed monster protagonists and destructive fights, these 10 anime all explore thought-provoking identity themes while building immersive worlds with engaging stakes. Kaiju No. 8 devotees are bound to find stimulating new favorites here.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the writer's opinion and is not ranked in any particular order.

10 must-watch anime series for fans of Kaiju No. 8

1) Attack on Titan

This massively popular anime features the terrifying human-devouring Titans, giant humanoid monsters that have brought humanity to the brink. Protagonist Eren Yeager harnesses mysterious Titan-morphing abilities to fight back.

Like Kafka in Kaiju No. 8, Eren struggles to control his Titan-shifting powers against the nightmarish foes. Beyond bombastic battles, the series also features complex lore and politics behind the monster threat that unfurls intriguing mysteries.

2) Blue Exorcist

When demonic forces threaten humanity, fortunately the hero rises to oppose them—even if said hero happens to be Satan's adolescent son, Rin Okumura. After unlocking his own latent demonic powers, Rin enrolls to master them to combat supernatural evil.

Like Kafka's monstrous transformation granting great strength, Rin grapples with controlling his infernal abilities while straddling the line between human and horrifying demon. The blend of occult action and characters of shades of gray morality make Blue Exorcist a riveting pick.

3) My Hero Academia

In a world where superpowered "Quirks" have become commonplace, zealous protagonist Izuku Midoriya dreams of becoming a hero despite being one of the rare powerless minority. After finally developing his own abilities, he enrolls in hero academy U.A. High to save lives from supernatural villains.

My Hero Academia mirrors Kaiju No. 8's central themes about underdogs struggling against discrimination to master new powers and pursue their selfless dreams. Both series feature phenomenal fight animation and camaraderie as well.

4) Gurren Lagann

Gurren Lagann, a beloved mecha anime, follows the young digger Simon and his friend Kamina as they resist beastmen oppressors with their powerful Gunmen robots. After discovering a drill-shaped key that unlocks a massive Gunmen, they launch a rebellion for the ages against beastman threats.

Echoing Kafka's own underdog fight against prejudice, Simon shoulders great responsibility, wielding dizzying mecha power. Themes of defiant spirit and fun camaraderie make this perfect for Kaiju No. 8 fans.

5) Dragon Ball Z

Dragon Ball Z (Image via Toei Animation)

This iconic shonen series needs no introduction, but Gohan's journey defending Earth from villain Cell provides great Kaiju No. 8 parallels. Gohan unlocks his latent half-Saiyan power to morph into a super-charged beast state to rival Cell, struggling to control his power and impulses.

The blend of earth-shaking battle spectacle with engaging themes about responsible power-wielding makes Cell Saga Dragon Ball Z a solid bet for viewers. And that's not even mentioning beloved protagonist Goku's own Super Saiyan transformation journey!

6) Claymore

In a dark fantasy world, mysterious half-human, half-Yoma hybrid warriors brandishing swords—the Claymores—slay hellish demonic Yoma that feast on human flesh. Protagonist Clare struggles with tapping into her Yoma power without losing her sense of humanity.

Like Kafka's transformations, Clare fights to balance tremendous monstrous strength with retaining her principles, identity, and sanity. Brutal battles and layered characters help make this grim series perfect for Kaiju No. 8 fans.

7) Tokyo Ghoul

After surviving an attack that turned him into a dangerous half-ghoul preying on humans, Ken Kaneki enters the hidden ghoul world, struggling to cling to his humanity, now forced to consume flesh.

Echoing Kaiju No. 8’s identity questions and sympathetic monster lead, Kaneki faces living between worlds with an insatiable hunger threatening his humanity, like Kafka’s transformations overwhelm reason at times. Its visceral fights and moral dilemmas make Tokyo Ghoul a hauntingly resonant pick.

8) Parasyte

When parasitic aliens invade Earth to harvest humans, protagonist Shinichi Izumi stops one from claiming his brain by trapping it within his arm. Now forced to coexist with the shapeshifting "Migi," together they combat the onslaught of Parasytes.

Like Kafka's bond with his own parasitic kaiju, Shinichi balances retaining his humanity against integration with an inhuman entity. Their symbiotic dynamic fuels great, thought-provoking identity exploration.

9) Darling in the FranXX

Darling in the FranXX (Image via A-1 Pictures and Trigger)

In a dystopian future piloted by psychic bonds between male and female partners, the children struggle to determine their role and humanity within an oppressive system. When plantation failure triggers massive emerging monsters, squad leader Hiro unlocks staggering powers that may turn the tide.

Much like Kafka in Kaiju No. 8, discovering great strength within to fight imposing monsters, Hiro withstands his mecha training system’s dehumanizing effects to access the power within.

10) Seraph of the End

Seraph of the End (Image via Wit Studio)

In this supernatural action series, a virus wipes out most adults, leaving children enslaved by vampires. After escaping, Yūichirō Hyakuya joins the Japanese Imperial Demon Army to exterminate the vampiric threat, even if it means becoming inhuman himself.

Like Kafka struggling to control his transformation, Yūichirō grapples with the physical and psychological changes that come with gaining power. This dark vampire tale features plenty of hard-hitting action and thought-provoking drama about ends justifying means that fans are sure to appreciate.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Kaiju No. 8 clearly captivates viewers with its resonant exploration of identity and what defines humanity through the lens of spectacular sci-fi monster action. Fans responding to these thought-provoking themes will find no shortage of compelling anime recommendations here.

Whether craving more human-monster symbiosis, transforming beast states, or simply poignant coming-of-age sagas couched in supernatural combat backdrops, these shows deliver engaging stories sure to appeal. So check them out for your next supernatural battle fix alongside emotionally resonant drama!