If you had told anime fans that RWBY, a show created by Rooster Teeth utilizing 3D animation, would one day be a household name among the community, many would have laughed in your face. And yet, so many years later, that’s exactly what the show has become, and it doesn’t look to be slowing down anytime soon. Boasting break-neck fight pacing and an engrossing story, it continues to bring in fans and wow those who have stuck around for the ride, opening the doors for other animated shows like it the world over. As such, there are more than a few shows to watch if you enjoy it, and these seven, in particular, are some of the best anime to watch if you’re looking for something similar.
Land of the Lustrous
Anime Like RWBY if You’re Looking for Something Similar
A standout title from the Fall 2017 season, Land of the Lustrous is exactly what people always dreamed 3D anime could look like. Following Phos, a sentient jewel person tasked with creating an encyclopedia of information about the world around them, the story can be reflective one moment and action-packed the next, all the while moving as fluidly as the best shows anime has to offer. Strange as the premise may be, it’s one that is executed brilliantly and gives real hope to the dream of top-notch 3D anime being just on the horizon.
Ajin: Demi-Human
Anime Like RWBY if You’re Looking for Something Similar
More in line with the darker aspects of RWBY, this film series provides a grim take on what would happen to super humans in our world. After discovering a number of people who can come back to life after being killed, the government sets out to capture them for grizzly and painful experiments. With time though, these immortals discover they can summon a guardian spirit to protect them, each with their own traits and abilities in battle.
Though a little rough around the edges, this series shows real promise on the 3D animation front with stellar battles and emotive character designs. If you can appreciate RWBY for its highs, you’ll have no problem finding something to like about this promising series.
God Eater
Anime Like RWBY if You’re Looking for Something Similar
In a world overrun by mutated monstrosities called Aragami, the only thing standing between humanity and extinction are individuals with the ability to wield weapons made from the creatures’ cells. With time, those with the ability to change and morph their weapons appear, presenting the opportunity to finally bring the fight to the Origami in earnest.
Boasting stellar animation and a slew of interesting character designs, God Eater is a go-to for many who enjoy Shonen shows with a creative twist on weaponry and attacks. One moment, it could show the main characters duking it out with great swords and massive axes; the next, they could jump straight into a firefight, their weapons morphed into cannons and rifles. It should also be noted that the series has several tie-in games, with a third entry on the way.
Inuyahsiki
Anime Like RWBY if You’re Looking for Something Similar
Most wouldn’t expect an action anime to center around an old man, but it proves to be a great decision when that man is a mighty morphin’ mechanized hero. After being struck by an asteroid, the mild-mannered Inuyashiki Ishiro discovers his body has become robotic and is equipped with several enhancements and weapons. Determined to use these new powers for good, he sets out to save those in need with his new abilities and prepares for the day he may encounter another with such powers.
Offering lightning-fast action and a story with impressive emotional beats, Inuyashiki is an underrated gem of a show with some of the best 3D animation around. While it may not always scratch the itch for someone looking for light-hearted moments, it more than makes up for it with characters and writing on par with some of the best in anime as a whole.
Soul Eater
Anime Like RWBY if You’re Looking for Something Similar
Where RWBY offers an arsenal of weapons that shift and change mechanically, this show presents a world where people themselves can become a variety of different arms for battle. Following Maka, Blackstar and Death the Kid and their weapon partners – Soul, Tsubaki, and Liz and Patty respectively – the show presents a quirky and intense journey as they take on enemies, hunt unsavory witches, and attempt to dispose of the looming chaos threatening the world’s fragile balance.
From scythes to dual pistols, gauntlets to katanas, there are a number of interesting takes on weaponry to spice up the action, all with a stylish design that still helps the series stand out among other Shonen.
Berserk: The Golden Age Arc
Anime Like RWBY if You’re Looking for Something Similar
While its most recent offerings left a lot to be desired, the Berserk series’ movies stand as a great case for the potential of 3D animation. Set during the prequel arc of the Berserk manga, the story follows Guts as he joins a group of young soldiers led by Griffith, a skilled warrior with his eyes on the throne. With time, they begin to see each other as family and rivals, culminating in a heartbreaking tale of ambition and desire gone wrong.
Of course, it wouldn’t be Berserk without visceral battles, and these films bring them in spades. From duels with demons to battlefield skirmishes, there’s more than enough Seinen action to sate even the most die-hard action fan.
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Anime Like RWBY if You’re Looking for Something Similar
While there may be some that wouldn’t count this show as an anime – and would also argue against RWBY being counted as an anime – there’s more than enough about this show that makes it feel right at home in the medium. Set in a world where those known as benders can control and harness the elements, the story follows Aang, the Avatar and sole bender with the ability to control every element. After being frozen in an iceberg for 100 years, he awakens to find the world in disarray and on the verge of ruin by the Fire Nation. With no other choice, he sets out to gather allies, master every element and restore peace to the world.
From its animation style to its writing and characters, the series feels as genuinely anime as anything else out there and even surpasses many along the way. Anime or not, it’s an experience nobody should pass up on.
Know of any other great anime similar to RWBY? Let us know about them in the comments below, and check out some of our other anime recommendation lists.
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