[Top 15] Best Anime Like Danganronpa You Need To Watch

Will the students make it out alive from this hellish high school? Only time will tell.

Updated:

08 Jan 2021

[Top 15] Best Anime Like Danganronpa You Need To Watch

15. Ace Attorney: The Animation

Based on the first three video games in the series, Ace Attorney takes place in a world where the court system has been changed to the point where trials are held in the first instance and courts must reach a verdict within three days. Phoenix Wright is a rookie defense lawyer who works under his mentor, Mia Fey. When Mia is murdered, Phoenix befriends her younger sister Maya, a spirit medium-in-training who can channel the spirits of the dead. Joined by Maya, Phoenix heads up the Wright & Co. Law Offices and stands up to defend his clients in court, often butting heads with several prosecutors, most notably his childhood friend Miles Edgeworth.

My opinion starts off by acknowledging that while Ace Attorney has a certain level of darkness to it, after all, people are getting murdered, it has significantly more levity when it comes to its overall tone. It's still very fast paced, as it's attempting to do justice to its video game predecessor, but not quite as fast as Danganronpa. In Ace Attorney, one has three days to reach a verdict. In Danganronpa, the students only have twenty-four hours to investigate, and then only a few hours after to reach a decision. Ace Attorney also operates on a sense of justice and truth, and honor usually wins in the end. Phoenix himself even has a bit of a “White Knight” complex, despite being a rookie at his job, and that can help and hinder him. Ace Attorney still has the intensity and the courtroom aspect of Danganronpa, but if you’re looking for a happier ending, you’re better off here. After all, the primary reason it’s number fifteen on my list is that it’s less graphic, it actually has a happy ending, and its overall animation is much brighter.

Why Ace Attorney Is Better Than Danganronpa

The court cases, overall, feel more like an actual court case would in a realistic situation. The approach isn’t as panicked or rushed. It’s well thought out overall.
Ace Attorney generally comes across as more optimistic in terms of plot, and the characters are generally more likable than those of Danganronpa, even the villains. Although the point of Danganronpa is for its characters to be disliked.
Overall, the relationships between the characters in Ace Attorney is cleaner, healthier, and generally just better for the plot.

14. Angels of Death

13-year old Rachel awakens to find herself trapped in the basement of an abandoned building. Without any memories or even a clue as to where she could be, she searches for a way out. In her search, she comes across a man covered from head-to-toe in bandages. He introduces himself as Zack and he wields a grim-reaper-like sickle.

As the two unlikely partners try to escape from the deadly building, a strange bond is struck between them, strengthened by a strange, crazy promise. But waiting in the building are a cast of twisted characters who intend to prevent their escape, by any means necessary. Forced into a battle for survival and pushed to the edge, will Rachel's mysterious past catch up with her?

This is the least like Danganronpa, but in my opinion, it’s equally as eerie and terrifying. The name of the game is survival again, and the aspect that really translates over is the ever-present idea that you can’t trust anyone, otherwise death is upon you. The story itself is psychologically fascinating and even has some mixtures of CG animation as a new aspect. The animation is thrilling and sharp, which works incredibly well with the intensity of the story.

Why Angels of Death Is Better Than Danganronpa

The animation is definitely cleaner, sharper, and more varied than Danganronpa. I also feel like the voice acting was done much better and the characters felt more expressive.
The plot itself is more inventive, it takes more risks, and isn’t afraid to step outside of the box when it comes to the relationships between the characters. They bounce off of each other much more effectively than the characters in Danganronpa.
Death is more creatively expressed, defined, and addressed. They both do it well, but Angels does it significantly better in terms of style and presentation.

13. Evil Or Live

Internet addiction has become an epidemic infecting the nation's youth, resulting in their extreme dependence on the world wide web. Those who are too far gone are enrolled at Elite Reeducation Academy in order to help them become functioning adults in society. Hibiki is a teenager who awakens in the facility unaware of how he came to be there. He learns from the head instructor that he was knocked out and brought to the school at the request of his mother, who was concerned with how belligerent her son was becoming as a result of his internet addiction.

Stuck in a place more akin to a prison than an academy, and with no escape from the abuses of the instructors, Hibiki decides to end his life by jumping from the roof. But as fate would have it, he meets a mysterious man named Shin who promises to give his life meaning.

I like this anime because it feels different. In my opinion, the vibes that it gives off are simultaneously frustrating and well written, in terms of character interactions. The dialogue is quick and very sharp-witted, something I appreciate in shows with younger protagonists. Overall, while not close to number one, is still just as high quality.

Why Evil Or Live Is Better Than Danganronpa

Using the teenager's internet addiction as a catalyst for death and destruction, especially at the idea of parents, is incredibly unique. Once again, another anime utilized technology better than Danganronpa.
The way that the instructors aren’t in total control versus in Danganronpa is a much more freeing concept, one that is appreciated. The students aren’t at the mercy of authority this time, which I like versus Danganronpa.
The visuals in terms of death, while I’m aware this sounds particular, are better than Danganronpa. It feels more in touch with reality, despite being the exact opposite, and feels authentic in the colors of blood compared to Danganronpa, although in that case, it’s a stylistic choice.

12. Angel Beats!

Angel Beats! is set in the environment of a high school in the afterlife, a type of limbo where people who have experienced trauma or hardships in life must overcome them before passing on and being reincarnated. The story follows Yuzuru Otonashi, a boy with amnesia who ends up in the afterlife. He meets Yuri Nakamura, a girl who invites him to join the Afterlife Battlefront, an organization she founded and leads which rebels against an unseen God for their unfair circumstances in life. Their enemy is Angel, the student council president, who has supernatural powers and is believed to be God's associate. After joining the SSS, Otonashi meets the other members, including Hideki Hinata, the co-founder; Masami Iwasawa, the lead vocalist of a four-girl rock band, Girls Dead Monster, and Yui, an underclassman and fan of GDM. Other than the SSS members, the afterlife is populated by fabricated students and teachers, whom Yuri refers to as "non-player characters” or NPCs.

When it comes to my opinion on Angel Beats! I first focus on the characters and their setting. The reason I put it above Ace Attorney and Evil Or Live is because the environment itself is most like Danganronpa, this environment being a dark universe with a high school that bends the rules of reality. This is apparent here especially, as it all takes place in the afterlife. The visuals are stunning, and in the very first episode, the music at the rock concert is amazing. The visuals themselves also put it above the previous two, as it’s more fluid, and the character designs are more like Danganronpa in general with the stylized hair and big eyes.

Why Angel Beat! Is Better Than Danganronpa

In general, it’s humor comes across much better. I understand that neither show was primarily written for comedy, especially Danganronpa, but Angel’s small moments have better delivery.
Angel Beats! has beautiful music, right at the start of the show. While Danganronpa isn’t expressively known for its music, the score that Angel Beats! has definitely put it over the edge in terms of quality. It’s one of the things that makes it better.
This will be a common theme throughout this list, but this show’s main male characters generally have a better personality and more depth than those of Danganronpa. Makoto’s hope can only be so much of his personality, and Byakuya being a tsundere can only be so much of a comedy bit.

11. Deadman Wonderland

A massive anomaly caused a great earthquake that ravaged Japan's mainland and destroyed most of Tokyo, sinking three-quarters of the city into the Pacific Ocean.

Ten years later, the story shifts to Ganta Igarashi, an ordinary student attending Nagano Prefecture's middle school. As an escapee, a survivor of the great earthquake, Ganta has no memories of the tragedy and has lived a normal life. This all changes when a strange person covered in blood and crimson armor floats through his classroom windows. Grinning madly, the "Red Man" murders Ganta's entire class. Instead of killing him, the "Red Man" embeds a red crystal shard in Ganta's chest. Within days of the massacre, Ganta is placed on trial as a suspect. Due to the evidence rigged against him, he is sentenced to death at Deadman Wonderland, a prison that doubles as a theme park and is run by the warden Tsunenaga Tamaki (who posed as Ganta's lawyer and was secretly responsible for the evidence.

Arriving at the prison, Ganta is fitted with a special collar that monitors his location and vital signs. A lethal poison is constantly injected into his bloodstream through the collar but can be neutralized by consuming a peculiar candy-like medicine every three days, which can be acquired through various activities in the prison. Activities include performing for audiences, working backstage, and purchasing with Cast Points (a form of currency among inmates at Deadman Wonderland). To gather Cast Points, an inmate must perform in the facility's lethal games and survive. Fortunately for Ganta, he is aided by a mysterious albino girl named Shiro who apparently knows Ganta but whose existence is unknown to the other prisoners.

While trying to survive as an inmate on death row, Ganta intends to find the "Red Man" to clear his name.

Deadman Wonderland is incredibly graphic, and I’m not exaggerating. In the first episode, the main character’s entire class is murdered, and his best friend is decapitated. After that, you have characters getting murdered left and right, which becomes pretty par for the course and generally normal. Despite being graphic, however, the visuals are smooth and detailed, and it’s characters are well executed. While the premise isn’t necessarily a high school setting, unless you count high school to be a prison, the urgency behind the idea of survival is higher than in the previous picks. That was the whole point of Danganronpa anyway; to make it out alive.

Why Deadman Wonderland Is Better Than Danganronpa

The general premise behind Deadman Wonderland is already more unique and interesting than the plot of Danganronpa. This makes it more entertaining and easier to get invested in. Despite there only being one murder mystery, it proves more interesting than those in Danganronpa.
The story itself is more immersive and moves at a better pace than Danganronpa does. It’s exciting and heartbreaking, the characters are even easier to care for.
Compared to Danganronpa, the visuals are generally sharper and fit the mood their story is trying to convey in a more effective way.

10. Assassination Classroom

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Earth is left in jeopardy after an immensely powerful tentacled creature suddenly appears and destroys 70% of the moon, leaving it permanently in the shape of a crescent. The organism claims that within a year he will destroy the planet next, but offers mankind a chance to avert this fate. In class 3-E, the End Class of Kunugigaoka Junior High School, he starts working as a homeroom teacher where he teaches his students regular subjects, as well as the ways of assassination. The Japanese government promises a reward of ¥10 billion to whoever among the students succeeds in killing the organism, whom they have named "Koro-sensei,” meaning “unkillable teacher.” But this proves to be a highly unachievable task, as not only does he have several superpowers, including accelerated regeneration, visual cloning, an invincible form, and the ability to move and fly at Mach 20.

Oddly enough, he is also the best teacher they could ask for, helping them to improve their grades, individual skills, and prospects for the future. That last part is ironic considering that they only have until the end of the year to kill him, otherwise they suffer a grisly death.

As the series goes on, the situation gets even more complicated as other assassins come after Koro-sensei's life, some coveting the reward, others for personal reasons.

In my opinion, Assassination Classroom comes across as goofy during moments, but it works. Koro-Sensei is very similar to Monokuma with his mannerisms, the way he exercises control over others, his tone of voice, and even his role as a pseudo-administrator. This serves as a similar connection to Danganronpa, as it helps with comic relief and also serves to make the character interactions more interesting. Assassination Classroom isn’t as graphic as some of the others, but it’s still as creepy, violent, and intense. Just the way I like these types.

Why Assassination Classroom Is Better Than Danganronpa

The idea of an alien invasion leading to a similar situation such as Danganronpa is a much more interesting and creative way to go than just being stuck in a post-apocalyptic universe with a private school. In general, the concept is better and more unique.
Koro-Sensei and Monokuma could easily go to war with each other and it would be amazing. And overall, Koro-Sensei could be considered a better villain than Monokuma. Definitely a better teacher.
There are more characters than in Danganronpa, and that slightly works in its favor. It makes the universe a little easier to understand, and even creates a better opportunity for character interactions.

9. Future Diary

Yukiteru Amano is a 14-year-old boy, a shy and daydreaming loner who observes life and jots down the events on his cell phone. His only friends are Deus Ex Machina, the God of Space and Time, and his assistant Muru Muru. Deus transforms Yukiteru's phone into a Future Diary, capable of predicting the future up to ninety days. Yukiteru discovers he and eleven others are part of a survival game created by Deus. The goal is to eliminate the other diary holders, the winner succeeding Deus as god and can prevent the Apocalypse. Yukiteru finds himself protected by Yuno Gasai, a charming but terrifying classmate who obsessively stalks him after they promised to go stargazing together a year before. He wouldn’t interact with her if it weren’t for the fact that she is his only means of survival in this new world.

In my opinion, Future Diary has to be one of the most unique anime on this list. The entire concept comes from the figment of a young boy’s imagination and then manifests itself into a show similar to Danganronpa minus the investigation part. It was also one of the first anime’s to start truly utilizing cell phones as a major plot device. It wasn’t the first, but definitely one of the most interesting. The plot doesn’t feel contrived, I enjoyed it immensely, and the intensity in the plot ramps up with every episode.

Why Future Diary Is Better Than Danganronpa

Despite it being even more confusing than Danganronpa in general, the concept is ten times more unique and still manages to capture the same feel that Danganronpa does with its intense plot and of course, murder.
Future Diary’s characters, like a lot of characters for the shows on this list, are still more likable than the majority of Danganronpa’s characters. This makes the plot more engaging and overall a better story.
There is also the use of CG in Future Diary with Deus, something Danganronpa didn’t utilize. It gives it a more modern and exciting pull, as well as something awesome to look at.

8. Corpse Party: Tortured Souls

The horrifying events that occurred on the grounds of the Heavenly Host school were so gruesome and shocking that the entire school was razed in an attempt to wipe the events from memory. But a new high school, the Kisaragi Academy, was built in Heavenly Host's place, and all true evil needs is an invitation. So when a group of students innocently perform a charm intended to bind them as friends forever, the nightmarish evil is unleashed once again. Transported into a living hell where Heavenly Host still stands and undead horrors stalk the bloodstained halls, the students are now the prey in the most brutal test ever designed by inhuman minds. What follows isn't for the squeamish or weak of heart, as they are hunted down in a savage orgy of torture, murder, and insanity.

Corpse Party, in my opinion, is rightfully graphic. Not only does it’s gory animation fit the story that’s being told, but it also fits with the common denominator of all of these shows; murder. The fact that this also takes place in a high school makes it very similar to Danganronpa itself, and I find the story incredibly unique and entertaining. It’s very eerie, intense, and the characters are surprisingly likable. Which makes it sad when people start dying.

Why Corpse Party: Tortured Souls Is Better Than Danganronpa

Also a game first, I feel as if this was better adapted to becoming an anime. The story and the characters overall translated better with each other versus the way Danganronpa turned out.
It’s graphics when it came to addressing violence were definitely more graphic in terms of how violent it was, but it worked well with world-building. Danganronpa was meant to be a little less intense, but I feel as if what was meant to be conveyed was done better.
The high school in general has such a more creative design than Hope’s Peak does. I mean, it’s in the very pits of Hell, which is an interesting setting all by itself. I just truly think it does a better job.

7. High School D X D

Kuoh Academy is a former all-girls school that has recently turned co-ed, but it has a secret. Unknown to normal humans, angels (Tenshi), fallen angels (Datenshi), and devils (Akuma) comprise part of the student population. One of these students, Issei Hyodo, is a second-year human student who lives a peaceful life. After an ordinary school day, Issei is suddenly asked out on a date by a girl named Yuma Amano. After their date, Yuma brings Issei to a local park and makes a startling request that she wants him to die for her. She reveals herself as Raynare, a fallen angel, and she tries to kill him. Using her summoning card, Rias Gremory, a buxom third-year student at Kuoh Academy, revives him. Issei wakes up the next morning, thinking that the events that occurred were all just a dream. Immediately after being attacked by another fallen angel and waking up, he notices Rias naked in his room. Rias reveals to Issei her true identity as a devil and says that as a result of his death at the hands of Yuma, she has reincarnated him as a devil, becoming her faithful servant in the process.

I have always found High School D X D entertaining, and my thoughts still haven’t changed. It’s funny, creative, a little crude, but still a high-quality anime. It’s popular and well written. I’ve always enjoyed its witty dialogue and in-depth characters. The plot is unique and clever in terms of main characters, motive, and story. The character relationships are authentic and interesting, something every show needs and something I love.

Why High School D X D Is Better Than Danganronpa

The character designs are more unique overall. They don’t look like cardboard cutouts of each other, at least when it comes to the girls. Compared to Danganronpa, the colors and facial features are more appealing and unique
Females get a much more powerful role in this series. While Kyoko and Junko are powerful and intelligent in their own rights, characters such as Yuma has a better presence overall in High School D X D, translating over to the rest of the cast.
I like the fact that there’s more of a fantasy aspect to this show versus Danganronpa. It also feels much more original and creative. While not every show can have fantasy aspects, I do very much prefer them.

6. Riddle Story Of Devil

Tokaku Azuma has just transferred to the elite Myoujou Academy, a private girls' boarding school. But there's a catch: she, along with eleven of her fellow students in Class Black, is an assassin taking part in the challenge to kill their sweet-natured classmate, Haru Ichinose. Whoever succeeds will be granted their deepest desire, no matter the difficulty or cost. However, each assassin only gets one chance; if they fail to kill her, they will be expelled.

Despite the extraordinary reward, Tokaku decides to take a different course of action. Though Haru is her target, the young assassin soon finds herself drawn to the very girl she is supposed to kill. With the entire class out for Haru, Tokaku refuses to let her friend die, vowing to protect her from a growing bloodlust.

Unlike Danganronpa, character motives in Riddle Story are very obvious and become so very quickly. In my opinion, this makes the story even more interesting, as motives that were meant for violence have the opportunity to rise or decline in intensity. It’s glaringly clear as to who the mysterious target classmate was supposed to be, Haru, but I see that as the point of the show when it comes to developing Tokaku’s character. After all, her motives completely change once she gets to know Haru as a person and not an objective. It’s also regularly implied, especially in the fandom, that Tokaku develops feelings for Haru, despite wanting to kill her at first. It can be a little slow at times, and nearly every character can be incredibly invasive, but that doesn’t stop it from being interesting.

Why Riddle Story Of Devil Is Better Than Danganronpa

The character motives and being unconventional and fast work extremely well. Danganronpa tried this and only mildly succeeded. Riddle did it so much better.
The romantic implications between characters work extremely well versus in Danganronpa. While nothing is ever truly defined, either way, the chemistry Riddle creates is far superior.
Riddle also has superior character visuals. Not only are the characters more unique personality-wise, but they are also the same in terms of design. Compared to Danganronpa, they’re amazing.

5. BTOOOM!

Ryōta Sakamoto is an unemployed 22-year-old young man who lives with his mother Yukie. He is one of the world's top players of the combat video game called Btooom! One day, he awakes in what appears to be a tropical island, though he does not remember how or why he has been transported there. While wandering around, Ryōta sees someone and calls out for help. The stranger responds by throwing a bomb at him. Ryōta soon realizes that his life is in danger and that he has somehow been trapped in a real-life version of his favorite game. In the game, Ryōta meets Himiko, who is another Btooom! player — and Ryōta's in-game wife.

As the series progresses during Iida's investigation with the government agents like Matthew Percier, along with the help from Ryōta's step-father and step-uncle Hisanobu and Mitamura, it is revealed that the developer of Btooom!, Tyrannos Japan, has been associated with the terrorist organization called Schwaritz Foundation, in an attempt to use the players as their test subjects to conquer the entire world and getting rid of the evidence of their exposed crimes they are currently committing.

It also contains two separate endings in Chapter 121, a good ending, and a bad ending.

I like this anime because of how well it translates into government issues while still focusing on the themes and ideas Danganronpa does. It’s significantly more interesting knowing that the national government of this world was heavily involved with the issues now presented by the school, and I really like that. I also enjoy how video games are so immersive in this anime, which is a unique aspect that makes it superior to lots of shows similar to it that lack video game subjectivity.

Why BTOOOM! Is Better Than Danganronpa

Once again, the video game immersion. Danganronpa doesn’t have this despite originally being a video game, and BTOOOM! truly benefits from using it as a creative strategy. This helps it leave Danganronpa in the dust.
The animation style is incredibly unique. It feels like a true war, and the texture of the setting you see when you watch it helps you immerse yourself in the story even better. Danganronpa doesn’t do as great of a job, and could stand to take a few points from BTOOOM!
The characters aren’t the best people, and the show uses it to their advantage. Danganronpa tries to go the same route, and only mildly succeeds compared to BTOOOM! This show does it with more subtle finesse and cold calculation, while Monokuma gladly points out anyone’s flaws whenever he can. I understand that that’s his character, but BTOOOM! does it much better.

4. Ousama Game: The Animation (King’s Game)

It can be rough transferring to a new school—even more so if you don't want to make any friends, like Nobuaki Kanazawa. But the reason for his antisocial behavior soon becomes clear when his class receives a text from someone called "The King." Included are instructions for the "King's Game," and all class members must participate. Those who refuse to play, quit halfway, or don't follow an order in the allotted time of 24 hours will receive a deadly punishment.

Having played the game before and watched as those around him died, Nobuaki tries to warn his clueless classmates. Unfortunately, they only believe him after the King's Game claims its first casualties. Stuck in a horrific situation with no chance of escape, Nobuaki has a choice: put his own survival above those around him, or do what he couldn't before and save his classmates.

In my opinion, King’s Game is better than most people have made it out to be. Its release in 2017 was met with mixed reviews, accused of being a little dull, and the dub contrived. However, compared to the majority of the anime’s on this list, we finally have a male protagonist that is more than shy or just thrust into the wrong place at the wrong time. Nobuaki seems to have previous issues, meaning that the fact that he is antisocial isn’t his entire personality, although that is a trait. It’s also nice to have a character in the know about a frightening situation rather than suffering from some form of amnesia or being completely out of it with the rest of the class. It also manages to cover difficult topics beyond death, such as religion, relationships, societal norms, and even mental illness. Like Danganronpa, the setup feels like a game, although here in a literal sense, and this works well in terms of suspense.

Why King’s Game Is Better Than Danganronpa

Its use of technology is better utilized. Danganronpa and King’s Game were developed around the same time, yet Danganronpa didn’t exactly take advantage of it the way they could have. That helped King’s Game reign supreme.
Despite presenting certain issues such as death, religion, relationships, societal norms, and mental illness, Danganronpa doesn’t address them the way King’s Game does. King’s Game goes for the throat with these, and that makes it better.
Amnesia isn’t a factor. Amnesia can get contrived, and while it was working for Danganronpa, King’s Game managed well without it and didn’t fall into the same stereotypes.

3. Rampo Kitan: Game Of Laplace

After what appears to be just another ordinary day, middle school student Yoshio Kobayashi wakes up in his classroom to make a terrifying discovery: his teacher has been mutilated, and Yoshio happens to be holding the weapon used to commit the crime.

Despite the initial shock of finding himself in this predicament, the curious and detached Yoshio can't help but be secretly thrilled about this attempt to frame him. His put-upon friend Souji Hashiba is turned into a willing accomplice, and together, they are determined to prove Yoshio's innocence. Additionally, Kogorou Akechi, a genius high school detective, has come to the scene of the crime in order to investigate the case and when Kogorou meets the young man found guilty, an intense mutual interest sparks between the two of them. Kobayashi wishes to enter Akechi's world of crime-solving as his assistant, and Akechi is determined to see if the enthusiastic boy is up to the challenge.

From a personal standpoint, this anime has to be the most beautiful in terms of setting and music. It manages to be incredibly intense, but also minimal in terms of design. Granted, this show isn’t as high stakes as the others and focuses primarily on an ongoing investigation that won’t totally result in the destruction of the entire class. But overall, that’s what makes it interesting. It really serves as more of a well thought out mystery, akin to a younger and darker version of Ace Attorney. The fandom also analyzes the show as challenging gender and relationship norms, which it definitely does with Kobayashi’s appearance, as well as the fact that everyone thinks him a girl. I definitely appreciate diversity in my anime. And I’ll say it again, the music is one of my favorite parts.

Why Rampo Kitan: Game of Laplace Is Better Than Danganronpa

The diversity. Choosing to work with a character whose appearance defies traditional gender norms is not only a smart move but a respectable one. This is something Danganronpa definitely doesn’t have.
Adult/children character relationships are portrayed very well here when it comes to terms of intelligence. Adult and children characters in Rampo Kitan play very well off of each other. Danganronpa doesn’t really get that chance, as Monokuma is the closest we get to an adult.
The music, once again, makes this anime one hundred percent. While Danganronpa doesn’t have that, Rampo Kitan takes it to the next level and rises above Danganronpa.

2. Another

In 1972, a popular student in Yomiyama North Middle School's class 3-3 named Misaki passed away during the school year. Since then, the town of Yomiyama has been shrouded by a fearful atmosphere, from the dark secrets hidden deep within.

Twenty-six years later, 15-year-old Kouichi Sakakibara transfers into class 3-3 of Yomiyama North and soon after discovers that a strange, gloomy mood seems to hang over all the students. He also finds himself drawn to the mysterious, eyepatch-wearing student Mei Misaki; however, the rest of the class and the teachers seem to treat her like she doesn't exist. Paying no heed to warnings from everyone including Mei herself, Kouichi begins to get closer not only to her but also to the truth behind the gruesome phenomenon plaguing class 3-3 of Yomiyama North.

Another follows Kouichi, Mei, and their classmates as they are pulled into the enigma surrounding a series of inevitable, tragic events—but unraveling the horror of Yomiyama may just cost them the ultimate price.

I particularly enjoyed this anime because of the time period it was set in. After all, there aren’t many animes that take place during the seventies, and I think Another portrayed the time period very well. The animation was fluid, sharp, and overall told the story it needed to tell. The characters weren’t static; they constantly changed and developed with their story, and Kouichi is a relatable, high school character himself. I thought the music was also well-timed and well placed, so it was an overall great show.

Why Another Is Better Than Danganronpa

The time period. That’s the main point. It sets it on a colossal level away from Danganronpa in that it used the stereotypes of the decade to its advantage and as a plot point. There are plenty of period animes, but none that went back to a specific decade and made it work so well.
The personalities of the characters are less stereotypical and more original, making for a better story. I know that Danganronpa was using stereotypes to their advantage, but Another blew it out of the water by avoiding them.
The storyboard style was just smoother and cleaner. Character movements were sharper and, in general, had cleaner fluidity throughout each episode.

Top Anime: Danganronpa 3: The End Of Hope’s Peak

The series serves as a conclusion to the storyline of Hope's Peak Academy, the elite school where the Super High School Level Despair, Junko Enoshima, played hostess to a "killing school life" among its students under the guise of the evil bear drag king Monokuma. The story is split up into two chapters: Side: Future and Side: Despair, and is followed by a finale called Side: Hope.

Side: Despair takes place prior to the events of Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc. Chisa Yukizome begins her job as the homeroom teacher for Hope's Peak Academy's 77th Class of Super High School Level students. Meanwhile, Hajime Hinata, a student of the school's Reserve Course for students without talent, prepares to undergo an experiment to make him the Super High School-Level Hope. What follows is a series of tragic events that lead to the birth of the Remnants of Despair and the realization of "The Biggest, Most Awful, Most Tragic Event in Human History."

Side: Future takes place after the events of Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair. Makoto Naegi, the Super High School-Level Hope who defeated the Super High School-Level Despair, Junko Enoshima, is under suspicion of treason against the Future Foundation for saving the Remnants of Despair who carried on her will. As top members of the Future Foundation, including Makoto's former classmates Kyoko Kirigiri, Aoi Asahina, and Yasuhiro Hagakure, are brought together to decide on Makoto's punishment, they are all imprisoned by Monokuma, the bear avatar of Junko who was thought to have been dead. Monokuma forces everyone to participate in a final killing game, in which they must try to determine a traitor amongst their ranks who will kill them in their sleep, while also trying to avoid being poisoned to death by personalized forbidden actions. Thrust into a game where no one can trust each other, Makoto's ideals of hope are pushed to their very limits.

I know this is part of the Danganronpa world, but it’s a completely different show from the original. The animation is sharper, the story is darker, and it’s significantly better developed. And while some of the characters are the same, they’re less shallow and have more depth to their story. For example, Makoto feels less like a gullible optimist, and the same can be said for Aoi. The fact that there are also two sides to the show, Despair, and Future, makes the storyline all the more interesting and fun. I enjoyed the dialogue as well, as the character exchanges were sharp, quick, and never dull.

Why Danganronpa 3: The End of Hope’s Peak Is Better Than Danganronpa

I feel in this one that the characters aged well, and are more likable. Yes, their new personalities are based on things that happened in the first Danganronpa, but I feel as if these characters were written better. Also, some of the more annoying characters are dead so that does help.
Things are less confusing. The world-building makes much more sense than it did in the first Danganronpa, and I’m not just saying that for those that have already seen the first one. You could jump into this show without any sort of background knowledge and still understand it better.
The voice acting feels more genuine. The voice actors are the same for the returning characters, including the new ones, and the characters themselves feel more alive. No pun intended there.