7 / 10 (based on 1322 reviews)
Humanity was driven to the brink of extinction by unknown life forms Gadoll. Until one day, Natsume, a girl who dreams of becoming a warriors meets Kaburagi, an armor repairman. They will shake the future of this world.
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Main Cast: Ben Balmaceda, Jordan Dash Cruz, Gabe Kunda, Alex Mai
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes, 23-minute runtime
Shows Most Like Deca-Dence (2020)
Appare-Ranman! (2020)
6.8 / 10 (based on 411 reviews)
In the late 19th century, two Japanese, an inventor and a samurai guard, get stranded in America. They enter a cross-country race from Los Angeles to New York to earn money to get home.
Genre: Animation, Adventure
Main Cast: Lin Gothoni, Suzie Yeung, Ivan Jasso, Emi Lo
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 13 episodes
Akudama Drive (2020)
7.3 / 10 (based on 2211 reviews)
Long ago, a war broke out in Japan that pitted Kantou against Kansai and divided the country. Kansai became dependent on Kantou, but slowly the police and government began losing control of Kansai to criminals known as Akudama.
Genre: Animation, Action, Sci-Fi
Main Cast: Tomoyo Kurosawa, Yuichiro Umehara, Maaya Uchida, Jonah Scott
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes, 23.0-minute runtime
Gleipnir (2020)
6.8 / 10 (based on 1563 reviews)
Shuichi Kagaya is a high school student with an ability to transform into a monster costume. But when he rescues a fellow classmate, she forces him into a partnership to hunt down other monsters.
Genre: Animation, Action, Fantasy, Mystery
Main Cast: Brittney Karbowski, Ry McKeand, Michelle Marie, Kieran Flitton
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 13 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
The God of High School (2020)
7.2 / 10 (based on 6959 reviews)
A tournament takes place to determine the best fighter among all high school students in Korea.
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Sport
Main Cast: Robbie Daymond, Tara Sands, Landon McDonald, Tatsumaru Tachibana
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 13 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
Tower of God (2020)
7.7 / 10 (based on 6193 reviews)
Reach the top, and everything will be yours. At the top of the tower exists everything in this world, and all of it can be yours.
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Mystery
Main Cast: Matthew David Rudd, Cherami Leigh, Johnny Yong Bosch, Scott Whyte
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 13 episodes, 23.0-minute runtime
ID:Invaded (2020)
7.6 / 10 (based on 2879 reviews)
A detective is called upon to solve a murder in a virtual reality world. But how can he manage a case when its rules can and are constantly being changed?
Genre: Animation, Crime, Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Main Cast: Kenjirô Tsuda, Yoshimasa Hosoya, Sarah Emi Bridcutt, Monica Rial
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 13 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
Kakushigoto (2020)
7.4 / 10 (based on 879 reviews)
A writer of lewd stories tries to keep his work a secret from his innocent and unknowing daughter.
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Drama
Main Cast: Hiroshi Kamiya, Rie Takahashi, Natsuki Hanae, Taku Yashiro
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes, 23.0-minute runtime
Somali and the Forest Spirit (2020)
7.5 / 10 (based on 924 reviews)
When a golem discovers a young human girl in the forest that he protects, the two set out on a journey in search of other humans, whom are considered to be nearly extinct.
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
Main Cast: Inori Minase, Daisuke Ono, Hiroki Nanami, Tatsuhisa Suzuki
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
Great Pretender (2020)
7.9 / 10 (based on 5732 reviews)
A Japanese conman crosses paths with a French rival, and gets entangled in conspiracies and scams beyond his wildest dreams.
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Crime, Drama
Main Cast: Chiaki Kobayashi, Jun’ichi Suwabe, Natsumi Fujiwara, Wolf Williams
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 24 episodes, 23.0-minute runtime
Majo no Tabitabi (2020)
7 / 10 (based on 953 reviews)
The anime centers on a girl named Elaina. When she was a kid, she loved reading books. And among all the books she read, there was a series called ‘Niike’s Adventure’, which was her favorite. It was a collection of short stories about the witch Niike’s adventures around the whole world, based off of the writer’s own life experience. Elaina liked Niike’s adventures so much that starting her own adventure became her all life’s dream.
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Fantasy
Main Cast: Kaede Hondo, Tomoyo Kurosawa, Kana Hanazawa, Yôko Hikasa
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
Munou na Nana (2020)
7 / 10 (based on 1025 reviews)
A group of super-powered children are gathered to prepare for defending humanity. One of them has no powers, but is in fact the emissary of a grand mystery.
Genre: Animation, Action, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Main Cast: Rumi Okubo, Yûichi Nakamura, Stephen Fu, Michelle Marie
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 13 episodes, 23.0-minute runtime
In the ever-evolving landscape of anime, certain shows manage to stand out not just for their animation quality or voice acting, but for their ability to challenge the status quo, to present ideas and narratives that are fresh and engaging. “Deca-Dence” is one such show, a 2020 gem that has intrigued viewers with its unique premise, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes. Let’s break down what makes “Deca-Dence” a must-watch, without any unnecessary fluff.
The Premise
At first glance, “Deca-Dence” might seem like your typical post-apocalyptic anime. The story is set in a future where humanity is on the brink of extinction due to the emergence of life forms known as Gadoll. Humans now live in a massive mobile fortress called Deca-Dence, which protects them from these creatures. However, as you peel back the layers, the show reveals itself to be anything but typical.
The protagonist, Natsume, dreams of fighting the Gadoll as a soldier, despite having lost her arm in a Gadoll attack and being relegated to a maintenance team. Her encounter with Kaburagi, a seemingly aloof armor repairman with a hidden past and a deep-seated disillusionment with the system, sets the stage for a narrative that’s as much about fighting monsters as it is about challenging societal norms and the status quo.
Breaking the Mold
What sets “Deca-Dence” apart is its willingness to take risks, both in terms of its storytelling and its thematic exploration. Here are a few key aspects where the show shines:
1. A Dual World Concept
Without venturing into spoiler territory, it’s safe to say that “Deca-Dence” introduces a dual-world concept that flips the entire narrative on its head. This twist not only adds depth to the storyline but also serves as a commentary on class struggle, the nature of entertainment, and the concept of free will. It’s a bold narrative choice that pays off by keeping viewers on their toes and constantly re-evaluating what they know about the show’s universe.
2. Character Development
“Deca-Dence” excels in its portrayal of complex characters who defy simple categorization. Natsume is not your typical anime heroine; her optimism and determination are matched by her naivety and moments of self-doubt. Kaburagi, on the other hand, undergoes a significant transformation throughout the series, challenging his own beliefs and the system he’s a part of. The dynamic between these two characters, their growth, and how they influence each other is a highlight of the series.
3. Themes and Messages
At its core, “Deca-Dence” is a show that doesn’t shy away from tackling big themes. It questions the nature of reality, the systems of control that govern society, and the role of individuals within these systems. It’s a narrative that encourages viewers to think critically about the world around them, to question the status quo, and to consider what it means to truly live.
Why It Matters
In an anime landscape filled with sequels, spin-offs, and adaptations, original titles like “Deca-Dence” are increasingly rare. It’s a show that proves there’s still room for innovation and originality, for stories that challenge and engage in equal measure.
The Importance of Originality
In a medium as diverse as anime, originality is what keeps the industry vibrant and evolving. “Deca-Dence” is a testament to the creative potential of anime, showcasing that new stories with fresh perspectives are not only possible but necessary. It’s a call to action for creators to experiment and for viewers to support and celebrate original content.
A Reflection of Society
“Deca-Dence” holds up a mirror to our own world, exploring themes that are universally relevant. From the nature of societal systems to the importance of individual agency, the show encourages a reflection on our own reality. It’s a reminder that art, in any form, has the power to comment on society, to inspire change, and to provoke thought.
In Conclusion
“Deca-Dence” is more than just another entry in the vast library of anime; it’s a standout piece that dares to be different. It challenges viewers with its complex narrative, engages them with its character development, and provokes thought with its thematic depth. In a world where it’s easy to follow the tried and tested path, “Deca-Dence” carves out its own, reminding us of the power of originality and the importance of questioning the world around us.
Whether you’re a long-time anime fan or someone looking for a show that’s out of the ordinary, “Deca-Dence” offers a compelling experience that’s well worth your time. It’s a reminder of what anime can be when it dares to dream big, to question, and to innovate. So, if you’re in search of a show that blends action, drama, and thought-provoking themes into a unique and engaging narrative, look no further than “Deca-Dence.”