Attack on Titan's release schedule has been an interesting one, as it has taken multiple extended production breaks since its initial release in 2013, several of which have been over two years in length. Despite this irregular release schedule, the show has garnered an increasingly large fan base, especially since the debut of its fourth season in 2020.
As fans intently await the last part of the show's final season, many have turned their eyes towards other series to fill in the gap. With Attack on Titan's characteristics in mind, a few select titles stand out as worthy of receiving a bump in viewership.
10 Jujutsu Kaisen & Attack On Titan Share Production Studios
Released in 2020, Jujutsu Kaisen is the latest feather in the cap of its burgeoning production studio, MAPPA. The series follows its protagonist, Yuji Itadori, as he attempts to adjust to the strange and dangerous world of jujutsu sorcerers after he merges with the strongest curse of all time, Ryomen Sukuna.
Jujutsu Kaisen isn't quite as nihilistic as Attack on Titan, and to be fair, few series are, but what it lacks in grave maturity, it more than makes up for with quality humor, great characters, and movie-quality animation. Given that both shows currently share the same production studio, there is plenty of overlap between the two series that should appeal to fans of the 104th Cadet Corps.
9 Blue Gender Shares Attack On Titan's Dark Tone
Blue Gender has experienced a resurgence in popularity over the past decade. Yet, it still goes largely unappreciated by much of the anime community. The gritty title debuted in 1999 and played an important role in the development of modern horror anime, laying the groundwork for many of the series, including Attack on Titan, that came after it.
Attack on Titan has been lauded for its mature storytelling, fantastic world-building, and terrifying material, all sentiments that have commonly been applied to Blue Gender. Fans looking to switch things up with an older classic while awaiting the return of Eren Jeager could do worse than checking out this title.
8 Vinland Saga's Thorfinn Is Just As Vengeful As Eren Jeager
With the recent releases of The Northman and Assassin's Creed: Valhalla, it's clear that the "Viking-boy becomes a Viking-man" trope has once again become a popular narrative in fictional media, 2019's Vinland Saga is the latest anime to cash in on this trend. Its protagonist, Thorfinn, is forced into the warrior lifestyle at a young age, resulting in his violent, yet incredibly nuanced, path to maturity.
Vinland Saga and Attack on Titan share a peculiar similarity. After first being produced by Wit Studio, both series made the transition to MAPPA. While Vinland Saga's second season has yet to be released, if Attack on Titan's success after their switch to MAPPA is any indication, the series should fare just fine.
7 Goblin Slayer's Gore & Intensity Parallels Attack On Titan's
2018's Goblin Slayer sent shockwaves through the anime community with its infamous first episode, which, on top of intense violence, showcased one of the more controversial scenes seen in the action genre. While the series tones itself down following its preliminary episode, it certainly sets the mood for the rest of its narrative.
Attack on Titan seeks to inspire a similar sense of shock within its viewers with its graphic violence and intense plot twists. Goblin Slayer's second season has been green-lit for production, making it a worthwhile investment for anime watchers looking for life after Attack on Titan.
6 Monster's Plot & Nuance May Appeal To Attack On Titan Fans
MADHOUSE has earned its reputation as one of the most consistent studios in the entire industry, and titles like 2004's Monster are a major reason why. Despite not being as popular as One-Punch Man, Hunter x Hunter, or Death Note, this psychological thriller, centered around the pursuit of a prolific, unidentified serial killer, is as critically acclaimed as any other in the production studio's library.
Monster and Attack on Titan are obviously presented quite differently due to their contrasting genres. However, fans of the latter will likely find that the crime drama touches on very similar themes throughout its narrative. At 74 total episodes, this early-2000s series contains more than enough material to keep audiences entertained until the conclusion of Attack on Titan.
5 Berserk Laid The Groundwork For Titles Like Attack On Titan
There have been several iterations of Kentaro Miura's flagship title, Berserk, but the original 1997 series still stands out as the best of the bunch. Despite multiple cancellations, several sub-par sequels, and decades between releases, the series has maintained an ardent following that has only gathered steam since Miura's unfortunate passing.
Guts and his trusty greatsword played a huge role in introducing dark fantasy to the anime medium, and although Attack on Titan doesn't classify as such, its nihilistic outlook and brutal subject matter draw natural comparisons to the legendary series.
4 Bleach's Final Arc Will Likely Be Airing During The Same Season As Attack On Titan's
Much of Attack on Titan's groundbreaking success is made possible by the groundwork laid by foundational shonen series like Tite Kubo's Bleach. Ichigo Kurasaki's journey through the Soul Society comprised one-third of anime's "Big 3" during the 2000s, and many of its narrative elements can be seen in the titles that popped up in its wake, Attack on Titan included.
MAPPA has yet to release a definitive date for the return of Eren Jeager and friends. On the other hand, Bleach's reboot is set to launch in October 2022, providing a great option for Attack on Titan fans who are looking for other shows to help tide them over until its return.
3 Akame ga Kill! & Attack On Titan Both Possess Major Shock Appeal
Upon Attack on Titan's initial release in 2013, its gore and dark material played a huge role in attracting many of its new fans. While this has certainly changed since the show's shift towards a more plot-driven narrative, its shockingly graphic presentation still captivates audiences on a regular basis. The same can be said of the similarly popular shonen, Akame ga Kill!
Akame ga Kill! features more political conflict than monster-related combat, but given its frequent action sequences and graphic violence, it shares plenty of similarities with Attack on Titan. While the White-Fox-produced series doesn't possess the nuance or originality of Attack on Titan, it's likely to touch on many of the same notes that fans of the series know and love.
2 Demon Slayer Will Appeal To Fans Of Attack On Titan's Horror
Plenty of popular shonen anime have left a distinct impact on the genre, but the recent success of the Demon Slayer franchise has completely redefined the art form's commercial viability. Its first movie, Demon Slayer The Movie: Mugen Train, became the first non-Hollywood production to claim the title of the highest-grossing film of the year.
Its grave tone, grizzly scenes, and ghastly enemies are all reminiscent of Attack on Titan's own. While Tanjiro Kamado may be the walking antithesis of Eren Jeager's boiling rage, fans of the latter will likely appreciate Demon Slayer's great storytelling and visual splendor.
1 Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress Is An Attack On Titan Knock-Off
Discussing Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress without mentioning the similarities it shares with Attack on Titan is almost impossible. Both are produced by Wit Studio, both follow humanity's attempt to survive within large, protective walls, and both feature a scrappy group of heroes who fight back using steam-powered weaponry.
The dizzying amount of overlap was a common cause for criticism when Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress debuted in 2016, and for good reason. This show is nothing if not derivative, but for Attack on Titan fans unable to wait for the start of the final season, it could provide just enough material to tide them over.