Gungrave

Note: The first episodes of both include villain 'SPOILERS' required for this recommendation. Read with caution if you know nothing~ ---- Both shows begin in a very similar manner, with teaser first episodes where monsters exist. Then, they jump into lengthy flashback arcs where there aren't monsters and political/gangster intrigue is focused on. Characterisation heavy excellence. The similarities don't end there: the most obvious similarity is the way two best friends' relationship worsens over the course of the story until the best of friends become the worst of enemies. Protagonists become antagonists. While not identical (Berserk is set during medieval times, where as Gungrave is about gangsters), the core themes are definitely similar enough for fans of one to like the other. read more 

The Gungrave game's story, in which the anime'ss story is based, was written by the author of Trigun. They have similar pace and feeling of nostalgy. Both are based on western themes and have lone heroes having to deal with errors of the past.  

Out of all the mafioso inspired anime entries out there, these two come the closest to capturing the very essence of the subgenre. The usual themes revolving around family, loyalty, revenge, and corruption are omnipresent. They center around the inner-turmoil of the mafia families on display, and in some capacity, also have a frenemy relationship occurring between the two main characters involved. With muted color-palettes, earthy tones, realistic character designs, and an invested attempt in taking cinematic cues from films that inspire it; these entries are something like gift-wrapped viewing bargains. The only tradeoff for watching either boils down to how much fantastical elements you're looking for. If you want the bread and butter of the mafia subgenre, go with 91 Days. However, if you want something that adheres to the subgenre with a bit of a left-hook coming in the form of supernatural elements, then go with Gungrave. Either way, they're both satisfying in their own right. read more 

Ignoring the obvious criminal underworld and assassin lead links between the two, there's a parallel of sorts between Brandon & Harry and Reiji & Claudia's relationships. Where as both Brandon and Reiji do the dirty work required to push their 'bosses' further up the ladder, Harry and Claudia fight their battles in the criminal political arena; trying to get ahead of their rivals. There are VERY few anime in existence that deal with assassins killing too many people to count and their involvement with criminal organizations. So, though the directions the two go in differ, if you liked one then it's definitely worth checking out the other. read more 

Both series are set in an almost identical place, with a city overrun by a variety of criminal organizations who struggle for the control of it. However, the path taken by each series is different. Gungrave starts off by exploring the past of the character Brandon Heat and later on his ressurection and revenge against the syndicate known as Millenion while Black Lagoon develops around a small group, consisting of Revy, Rock, Dutch and Benny, with the name of Lagoon Company and how they carry their jobs given by other major syndicates. Despite this both involve guns, fights, characters that will surely get 'stuck' in your head and a reason for you to see Black Lagoon in case you liked Gungrave. read more 

The animetion style of these 2 animes look really alike, And in both we have a hero with a really big Gun ;) 

They both have a similar feel to them. Although Gungrave has more of a depressing feel. But both them are about to low poor people guys whom ended up becoming higher up bosses in Gangs. Both becoming the bosses most trusted people. Both no longer fully human use it to there advantage to keep what they treasure the most alive. 

"Friendship" and brotherly bonds between the characters is a very strong theme in the beginning of both series.... 

Both have the mains shooting up undead ghouls while having deeper stories. Both similar feels to them and would recommend watching one if you liked the other. 

As the story develops it is similar to Gangsta a bit supernatural, yakuza, friends and their life after being pulled in shady kind of life :)  

Both are about a guy who is kind of a loner. They both use guns to do their work. 

Both series features betrayal by a trusted friend for his dream and ambition and the rise from hell for revenge by the protagonist. Both of the series share a lot of common elements and circumstances on the main characters as well as a similar ending.  

When i first started Heat Guy J i immediately thought of my friend who really likes Gungrave. I thought he would really enjoy Heat Guy. Heat guy deals with crime and cops, which is kinda similar to Gungrave, but its the action, gun-play, and sci-fi elements that feel the same. Either way, you'll enjoy heat guy and gungrave for the action. Also the dubs are pretty good in heat guy.  

Rather standard crime dramas with a similar underdog setup + a sci-fi twist. Also, video game adaptations. 

Two "brothers" after bearing witness to the worst of humanity strive to make a difference in the world. Where one of these brothers attempts to ascend to the top of a crime syndicate. Gungrave differs with a lot more action and with both "brothers" apart of the crime syndicate "Millenium". While Sanctuary has more of a psychological battlefield with one "brother" ascending the ranks of the Yakuza and the other striving to become the Prime Minister. If your a fan of the inner workings of a crime syndicate, characters ascending with power and a brotherhood relationship, then trust me you'll love both series. 

Darker times, both anime include mafia, gangs and lots of action, shooting, killing, drugs and 2 best friends. Both main characters have something precious to them that they want to protect, but they're also pretty smart and good with guns and shooting, surely know how to handle themselves.  

Both have emotionally gripping stories and have death as a focal point. 

Both series focus around a couple of people who have a strong friendship bond and would do anything to help each other until something or someone else interferes, with the resulting actions causing an immediate shift from best friends to enemies. Not to mention both series also start with the end and then show the events leading up to what happened at the start. Originally written by Seasonreaper.... http://myanimelist.net/forum/?topicid=58150&pages=1&show=0#msg2469841 

Both anime have a very similar plot which involves a badass superhuman tracking someone down who leads an organisation that produces monstrous beings. So, if your a big fan of a chase that involves a lot of action and monsters I suggest you go watch one of these. 

If you need action and a deep multiple episode long story to get your anime hard-on, either of these will work. Darker than BLACK contains supernatural action and police-scoured situations with a slowly evolving story, and Gungrave takes the action one step further with intense gun-fights and classic mafia-esque plot development. Watching one will prepare you for the alternative, but make sure you have several months of free time if you plan on watching both @_@ 

Both gunshooting action with dark plots. Both are also sci fi and in a way, you feel that Spike and Viscious are similar to the Brandon and Harry in their pasts and struggles. Many, many signinficant scenes that will leave you thinking that it's just like how it happened in that other anime, and you'll know what I mean if you watch both series from start to finish. 

both deal with the underground world and people with superpowers  

Alright, if any of you out there liked Gungrave, I can assure you you'll *love* Baccano! And vice versa. ;D Both have the fantastic gritty mafia settings, plus plenty of violence, action, and even a bit of the supernatural. I was surprised no one else had linked these two animes, I saw the similarities at once, even the art styles are very reminiscent of each other.  

Same author whose character designs and gritty yet classy style appeals to American and English speaking viewers. 

Gungrave starts out with around 15 episodes of pure Mafia anime. It's a lot more serious and is more reallife like (Those starting episodes have close to none science fiction added. No fire shooting, magical animals, monster, you get the picture), but if you love mafia anime like KHR, you will love Gungrave. 

Afro Samurai and Gungrave are action-packed anime that feature strong main characters that are carving their bloody paths to nothing but vengeance and retribution. They are rather quiet and do not tend to think too much because their goals remain the same throughout the whole series, while fighting with horrific malformed monstrosities around them. Both series have really great endings and somewhat similar animation that leave you screaming for nothing but more. If you liked watching one of them you shouldn't hesitate to try out the other. 

Both focus on death related themes as well as being based around notable video game adaptations and also lots of stylish action and fighting unique deadly lieutenants with their own special powers as well too. 

sad as he'll story about a hero injected with a serum that brings back the dead. Both fight said reanimated dead and seek to stop the plans of the one who betrayed them. 

Both are compelling tales of friendship between two men, which spans from childhood to middle age. Gungrave is lengthier as an anime that deals with the mafia. Friend is a five and a half minute music video that deals with Chinese gangs. However, despite their differences in length, both Friend and Gungrave describes a powerful, unbreakable bond between two best friends from the beginning of youth, to the bitter end of old age. 

Both have powerful beings. One serves a single individual. The others are created by an organzation for dark purposes. Gungrave has great action. Ah My goddess doesn't. 

both animes about dark side of lost cities 

Mafia conflicts, hitmen dueling it out and betrayal play dominant roles in both these series. Intense action scenes and the typical "walk away from the explosion while you put your sunglasses on" type moments make you forget about the plot and yearn more for the action. 

In both the main guy tries to revenge for the death of the girl he loved and a teenage girl travels together with him.  

Both shows are about friends becoming foes, and have a lead character that becomes evil over time. Both lead characters abuse friends and foes alike to get to the top. Both also have a tragic romance aspect to them. 

Altered Carbon: Resleeved and Gungrave have very different stories, but are focused on the drama between the main character and a criminal syndicate. Gungrave created a fictionalized criminal syndicate whereas Altered Carbon features the yakuza. Unlike live action gangster movies, your choices of gangster anime is more limited and what is available is very stylized. That being said, you should consider watching this anime if you are looking for more anime involving criminal syndicates.  

Similar concept but in different zones. Gungrave is done far better and has a very unique plot. 

The character relations are very similar and its full of action too! 

While a series about junk collectors in space and a cold-blooded ganster drama sound like night and day, both these series one theme that's prominently featured in nearly every aspect of their storytelling: Ambitions. Yes. Both these series show characters and their hopes and ambitions for the future. How they deal with them and try their best to make them happen, how they sometimes doubt the path they are going down, and even how certain characters end up getting crushed under the weight of their own ambitions. Which brings me to my second point. Both these shows are very character-driven. With all sorts of characters of different personalities and backgrounds interacting and trying to make the best of themselves and if possible each other. Some characters are eventually forced to make huge sacrafices only to wonder if it was all worth it whereas others dream of things that are way out of their reach. So there you have it. Two very unusual, character-driven shows that discuss themes like 'ambition' and 'society' in very engaging ways. Both are excellent anime well worth a watch if you want a more serious watch. read more 

Anti-heroes living on the wrong side of the law. War and competition between gangs and lots and lots of action and violence.  

Same action with zombies that have evolved into something much more sinister. if you liked Resident Evil then you will surely like gungrave 

Both feature a lot of crime drama and realistic gun violence.  

Both are about people (believed to have died) who come back to destroy those who wronged them in the past 

They are not similar in any such way imaginable, but Gungrave is also a darker anime that fans of Paranoia Agent will certainly be able to appreciate. Not to mention the artwork on both of them are both by Madhouse who has made similar works. 

Mafia member's, Organization, Gunfights and Drama. 

Although the characters of these two stories are vastly different, the setting is quite similar. They both are mafia animes focusing on a particular 'organization'. The shoot em battles between well dressed gunmen are present in each one, and a slower pace style of storytelling is also shared. Plenty of blood and gun fights in each one as well.