It’s on par with the likes of The Office, Breaking Bad, The Wire, The Sopranos, and a few more titles that are etched on the Mount Rushmore of TV shows. Despite its ending that many fans (including yours truly) found rather lackluster for a series of its caliber, it’s still arguable that GoT retains its legacy because of what it once was… A gritty, realistic masterpiece that subverted expectations from the very first season. When it comes to the fantasy genre, there are just no other titles that come even close to it. With all that said, which anime series would be a great watch if you liked Game of Thrones? Here’s some of our recommendations.
15. Kingdom
Starting off the list, we have Kingdom whose title precedes its actual content much like Game of Thrones. It’s a historical drama that was loosely based on the real-life unification of China that was led by Emperor Qin Shi Huang. The story is shown through the lens of your typical hotblooded shounen character Ri Shin, who learns and grows along the way as he fights through countless battles. This show might not have dragons or sorcery. But it features intense cavalry and infantry battles, legitimate war strategies, not to mention a realistic depiction of politics. Perhaps a bit too realistic, now that I think about it. And that’s just the way some of you might like it.
14. Overlord
Overlord is the isekai/(very) high fantasy equivalent of Game of Thrones. It’s also a title that won’t disappoint if you prefer morally flexible characters that get things done no matter what the cost. And unlike Qyburn, Momonga (the MC) is a true necromancer who would’ve brought back Gregor Clegane in a much better condition. If it fits his agenda, that is. Plain and simple, Overlord is a series that’s led by a great anti-hero character in a world that seeks to antagonize him at every turn. Unfortunately for the world, this damned skeleton man is just way too smart (not to mention overpowered) to be taken down.
13. Tower of God
Tower of God holds the title of being one of the most famous and well-crafted Webtoons of all time. Naturally, its anime adaptation also turned quite a lot of heads when it was first released despite the first season falling a bit too short in terms of episodes. Nevertheless, ToG is a very good watch for GoT fans simply because of its thrilling plot, and a story that relies heavily on worldbuilding. And much like Game of Thrones, its first season also starts with a certain event that would probably come as a shock if you haven’t read the webcomic. How’s that for avoiding spoilers?
12. The Rising of the Shield Hero
While the first season of Tower of God ended with a certain shocking event, The Rising of the Shield Hero kicked things off with the very same thing. And man did they do it so darn well. The dark yet effective introduction to the story setup the tone of the anime & the main character’s struggles quite nicely. Which, again, is always a plus for people who generally cope well with tragic storylines. Game of Thrones fans, basically.
11. Made in Abyss
Speaking of tragedies, there are most likely no other titles released in the past decade that features a more tragic tale than Made in Abyss. Do not let the cutesy artwork fool you, friend! After all, this series actually features scenes that are on the same level of darkness and malevolence as the infamous “Red Wedding” scene that made me lose sleep for a few days. Simply put, this anime leans heavily into the gritty and often unnerving parts of survival in a fantasy setting. There are no wars, no kingdoms, nor thrilling mind games and politics employed to get to a throne. There is only life and death, and the characters can only either win by living or lose by dying in several tragic and often gruesome ways.
10. Death Note
If you were a fan of Littlefinger’s or the Lannisters’ schemes and plots throughout GoT’s run, then you’ll definitely enjoy this one. I know schemes and plots are the same thing (thanks for reminding me Tyrion) and that there are a lot of other cerebral characters in the show, but none else mirrors Kira’s psyche other than the ones I just mentioned. Cold, opportunistic, and ruthless. Those are the words I would describe Light Yagami. He’s someone who would fit right in with the Lannisters or as Littlefinger’s aide. And to his credit, his nigh-diabolical brand of genius was one of the many things that made this show such a thrilling masterpiece overall.
9. Vinland Saga
What if a parallel world version of Arya Stark had his father killed by Vikings and lived in 1013 A.D. England instead of Westeros? Vinland Saga basically offers us a possible rendition of the events — all in a neat, action-packed, and worldbuilding-rich package. The series is led by a short, wild, and battle-savvy youth named Thorfinn who’s driven by vengeance against the murderer of his father. That’s four strikes in a row. Hmm, see the comparison yet?
8. GATE
If you think swords, magic, and dragons are more awesome than modern-day weapons, then this anime will surely prove you wrong. GATE is a predominantly war-themed anime that shows us humanity’s endless potential for malice and evolution. Swords? That’s rich. Try a 9mm handgun. Magic? Who needs that when you’ve got an assault rifle that can spray death at a rate of 600 rounds per minute? What, dragons you say? Ever heard of heat-seeking missiles? As you can see, Gate explores the unorthodox “Fantasy vs Technology” trope – and it does the job very well inside a war setting.
7. Record of Grancrest War
Admittedly, the good old “Greedy and power-hungry noble” is one of the more common character tropes that made me watch Game of Thrones. There’s nothing like an evil, proud, and pompous villain to either hate or hate, am I right? When it comes to these “lords”, you’ll find no shortage of them in this particular series. The story plays out in a high fantasy setting that follows the journey of the ever-honorable and righteous Theo Cornaro — a wandering knight whose actions will make Ned Stark proud. What’s better is that the good guy actually gets to keep his head this time.
6. Dr. Stone
From witnessing the countless wars waged for the Iron Throne, you’d probably think that conquering an entire kingdom is a monumental task for anyone. But what about starting one from scratch? I’m talking zero existing civilizations, no technology, no horse-riding armies, no infantry made up of elite warrior-eunuchs, or three dragons to back you up. Armed with nothing but his genius and his burning passion for science, Senku (the MC) aims to achieve this insurmountable task with the help of his friends. You’ll love this one if you’re every bit of a fan as I am when it comes to GoT’s masterful execution of its kingdom-building elements.
5. Attack on Titan
Very few anime go as hard as Attack on Titan when it comes to the dark and gritty details of living in a post-apocalyptic dystopian fantasy. Needless to say, it’s not considered as one of the most well-known and well-crafted anime masterpieces of all time for nothing. It also has several of the elements that made me fall in love with GoT. I’m of course talking about the epic plot, the dark undertones, the relatable characters, and of course, the unexpected and brutal deaths that add a touch of dark realism to the story. Ironically, this series also fell victim to the “underwhelming end” criticism that plagued GoT. But again, it still doesn’t change the fact that it’s still one of the best anime of its kind.
4. Berserk (1997)
Speaking of masterpieces, how can I ever forget Kentaro Miura’s magnum opus that woke me up to the darker and more adult side of anime? Berserk isn’t necessarily a title that I would recommend to younger anime fans… But if you already watched and liked GoT, then I guess you already have the necessary requirements to enjoy Berserk. And rest assured, you’ll enjoy this one a lot. It has all the action, all the drama, and all the blood and gore you could ever want that’s relevant to the plot and isn’t in any way gratuitous.
3. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime
We’ve tackled a lot of dark and mature-themed titles on this list thus far. But what about something a little more lighthearted? That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime fits the bill exactly because of its less serious approach when it comes to its conflicts and character motivations. After all, the series is led by Rimuru — a slime who’s neither evil nor morally gray, despite being an actual monster. Hah! Joffrey better take notes from this one. Joffrey being a little bastard aside (kind of an understatement) you’ll be a fan of this series if you don’t mind a casual yet incredibly fun kingdom-building anime on your watchlist.
2. Akatsuki no Yona
Let me paint you a picture. Imagine a princess that’s been coddled all her life, but then a usurper came along and sparked a rebellion and made her lose everything. Her family, her home, and her very way of life — gone and changed forever as she runs and hides in the hopes of reclaiming her throne one day. Is the plot sounding familiar yet? Akatsuki no Yona is one of the best, if not the best anime that tells a thrilling tale much like that of Daenerys Targaryen’s almost perfectly. Well, before she did what she did in the final season anyway. What a shame.
1. Code Geass
For our top spot, we have one of the most critically acclaimed anime series of all time. Code Geass might have giant mechas instead of dragons, but it is every bit as intriguing as Game of Thrones. Clever dialogue, shrewd political maneuvers, incessant plotting, shocking deaths, and a dark, yet realistic portrayal of conquest. These are all engaging elements that GoT heavily features. Which, luckily for us fans, Code Geass also does and in a very well-done fashion. Moreover, it’s led by a brilliantly cerebral and calculating character named Lelouch vi Britannia that I’m sure most GoT fans would absolutely love.
