Crime anime offer a different kind of excitement. Instead of focusing only on supernatural powers or fantasy battles, these shows explore the world of criminals, secret organisations, dangerous deals and clever plans.
Some stories follow professional thieves who carry out difficult missions, while others explore gang rivalries, undercover operations and people caught in the middle of crime. Many also feature characters who must make difficult choices to survive.
These series combine suspense, action and mystery with interesting characters and unexpected situations. If you enjoy stories involving criminals and secret plans, here are seven crime anime worth adding to your watchlist.
1. Great Pretender
Great Pretender follows Makoto Edamura, a young Japanese man who believes he is a skilled con artist. His life changes when he meets Laurent Thierry, an experienced international fraudster.
Laurent introduces Makoto to a group of con artists who target wealthy and powerful people. Their plans involve complicated tricks, fake identities and carefully prepared operations.
The anime moves between different countries and introduces new characters with every major story arc. Its colourful animation and entertaining storytelling make it different from many serious crime dramas.
Great Pretender is a good choice for viewers who enjoy clever scams and stories where things are not always what they seem.
2. Lupin the Third
Lupin the Third is one of the most recognised names in Japanese crime anime. It follows Arsène Lupin III, a master thief who travels around the world to steal valuable objects.
He is usually joined by a group of trusted companions, including the skilled marksman Daisuke Jigen and the swordsman Goemon Ishikawa XIII. Inspector Zenigata often tries to catch Lupin and bring his adventures to an end.
The series combines comedy, action and clever robbery plans. Each story brings a new target, a different challenge and plenty of unexpected moments.
Its long history and many versions make Lupin the Third a good option for viewers who enjoy stylish adventure stories.
3. 91 Days
91 Days is a crime drama set during the period of Prohibition in the United States. The story follows Angelo Lagusa, whose family is killed during a violent gang conflict.
Years later, Angelo returns to his hometown using a different identity. He plans to get close to the people responsible for his family’s tragedy and take revenge.
The anime explores the world of organised crime, family loyalty and dangerous friendships. Its serious tone and focus on revenge make it different from lighter crime shows.
Viewers who enjoy emotional stories with gang rivalries and difficult decisions may find 91 Days especially interesting.
4. Baccano!
Baccano! brings together several characters whose lives become connected through crime, mystery and unusual events.
The story moves between different time periods and follows thieves, gangsters, criminals and other people involved in a series of strange incidents. Rather than telling everything in a straight line, the anime slowly reveals how the different stories connect.
Its setting includes the world of organised crime in early twentieth-century America. The characters have different goals, and their actions often lead to unexpected situations.
Baccano! is a strong choice for viewers who enjoy complex storytelling and a large cast of memorable characters.
5. Black Lagoon
Black Lagoon follows Rokuro Okajima, a Japanese businessman who becomes involved with a group of mercenaries after being kidnapped during a business trip.
The group operates from a boat called the Black Lagoon and takes on dangerous jobs in the criminal world. Their work brings them into contact with smugglers, gangs and powerful organisations.
The main characters have different personalities and reasons for living outside the law. Their missions often involve gunfights, risky deals and difficult choices.
Black Lagoon is known for its action and gritty atmosphere. It is worth watching if you enjoy stories about criminals and people trying to survive in a dangerous world.
6. Joker Game
Joker Game is a spy thriller set before the Second World War. It follows members of a secret Japanese intelligence organisation known as the D Agency.
The agents are trained to gather information, use false identities and complete missions without attracting attention. Instead of relying on direct fights, they often use intelligence and careful planning to achieve their goals.
Each episode explores a different mission and introduces new situations involving secrets, deception and international politics.
Joker Game is a good choice for viewers who prefer quiet suspense, undercover operations and stories built around strategy rather than constant action.
7. Banana Fish
Banana Fish follows Ash Lynx, a young gang leader in New York who becomes involved in a dangerous mystery connected to a strange phrase called Banana Fish.
His investigation brings him into conflict with powerful criminals and people who want to control the secret behind it. During this journey, he meets Eiji Okumura, a Japanese photographer’s assistant who becomes an important part of his life.
The series combines crime, action and emotional storytelling. It also explores the impact of violence, exploitation and trust.
Banana Fish is a serious and intense anime that may appeal to viewers who prefer character-driven crime dramas.
Which Crime Anime Should You Watch First?
Each of these anime offers a different experience. Great Pretender is a good starting point if you enjoy clever tricks and entertaining schemes. Lupin the Third is ideal for viewers who like stylish theft adventures, while 91 Days offers a darker story about revenge and organised crime.
Baccano! is worth exploring for its unusual storytelling, and Black Lagoon delivers plenty of action. Joker Game focuses on intelligence and secret missions, while Banana Fish combines crime with an emotional story.
Crime anime show that every criminal story has its own rules, risks and consequences. Whether you prefer clever cons, gang conflicts or undercover missions, these seven series offer plenty of suspense and entertainment.
