Detective Conan (also known as Case Closed) is one of the longest-running and most beloved anime series in the world. Known for its thrilling mysteries, clever deductions, and complex characters, the show has captivated audiences for over two decades. If you’re a fan of Detective Conan and are looking for other anime that offer similar themes of investigation, suspense, and intellect, you’re in the right place. This article explores 15 anime like Detective Conan, each with its unique approach to mystery-solving, crime, and detective work.
1. Death Note
Death Note is a psychological thriller that explores the battle between two brilliant minds. The protagonist, Light Yagami, discovers a supernatural notebook that allows him to kill anyone whose name he writes in it. However, his actions attract the attention of L, a mysterious and genius detective, leading to a high-stakes game of cat and mouse. Like Detective Conan, Death Note features an intellectual showdown between the protagonist and the detective, keeping the viewers on edge with every move.
2. Psycho-Pass
Set in a dystopian future, Psycho-Pass follows Akane Tsunemori, a rookie inspector in a world where a person’s mental state and criminal potential are measured by a system called the Psycho-Pass. The series presents complex ethical questions and deals with psychological crime-solving, similar to the investigative nature of Detective Conan, but with a futuristic twist. The show’s dark atmosphere, gripping cases, and philosophical undertones make it a perfect pick for fans of crime-solving anime.
3. The Mentalist
Although not strictly an anime, The Mentalist is a popular TV series that shares many similarities with Detective Conan. The show centers around Patrick Jane, a former psychic medium turned consultant for the California Bureau of Investigation (CBI), who uses his sharp observational skills to solve crimes. The Mentalist’s intricate cases and emphasis on psychological analysis make it a great match for fans of Detective Conan who enjoy intellectual detective work.
4. Gosick
Set in a fictional European country during the 1920s, Gosick follows a young Japanese student named Kazuya Kujo and his encounters with a brilliant and enigmatic girl, Victorique de Blois. With her sharp intellect and knowledge of deduction, Victorique helps solve various complex mysteries. Like Detective Conan, Gosick is filled with intriguing mysteries, dark secrets, and well-developed characters, all set against a historical backdrop.
5. Kindaichi Shounen no Jikenbo (The Kindaichi Case Files)
Much like Detective Conan, The Kindaichi Case Files centers around a young detective, Hajime Kindaichi, who solves mysterious and often deadly crimes. With his impressive skills and intuition, Kindaichi uncovers dark secrets and exposes criminals. This series offers a similar tone to Detective Conan, blending elements of mystery, action, and drama. The show is famous for its puzzling cases and mind-bending twists, making it a solid recommendation for fans of Conan’s investigative style.
6. Case Closed: The Phantom of Baker Street
This is a special movie within the Detective Conan franchise that offers an interesting concept: Conan Edogawa and his friends find themselves trapped inside a virtual reality game where a murder is committed. The movie presents a blend of high-tech crime-solving and traditional detective work, which fans of the main series will enjoy. While it’s not a full series like the others on this list, it’s a great choice for those who love Detective Conan and want a similar mix of virtual crime-solving and mystery.
7. Hyouka
Hyouka is a slice-of-life anime that mixes everyday school life with subtle mysteries and detective work. The main character, Oreki Houtarou, is a lazy high school student with an exceptional mind for deduction. Alongside his friends, he solves various small mysteries, ranging from the obscure to the more serious. Though it doesn’t have the intense crime-solving of Detective Conan, Hyouka offers a refreshing, intellectual take on the mystery genre with a focus on character development and puzzle-solving.
8. Monster
Monster is a dark psychological thriller that follows Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a Japanese brain surgeon who becomes embroiled in a series of murders after saving the life of a young boy, Johan Liebert, who later turns into a monstrous killer. As Tenma tries to track down Johan and stop his rampage, the series delves into deep psychological themes, ethics, and the nature of evil. Like Detective Conan, Monster focuses on intellectual pursuits and complex characters while exploring darker and more sinister themes.
9. Black Lagoon
Black Lagoon is an action-packed anime with a focus on the underworld and criminal organizations. While it may seem different from Detective Conan at first glance, Black Lagoon shares the theme of solving problems and navigating dangerous situations. The series follows a group of mercenaries as they get caught up in various violent encounters. Although it leans more heavily on action and crime, the characters’ cleverness and problem-solving skills will resonate with Detective Conan fans who enjoy complex plots.
10. Canaan
Set in a war-torn world, Canaan follows a skilled assassin named Canaan, who must solve the mystery behind a terrorist attack. The series blends action, suspense, and mystery as Canaan uncovers a web of secrets while dealing with her own traumatic past. While it is more action-oriented than Detective Conan, the anime still shares the theme of solving mysteries and uncovering hidden truths, making it an intriguing watch for fans of detective shows.
11. Sherlock (BBC Series)
Though not an anime, Sherlock is a modern adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous detective stories. With Benedict Cumberbatch as the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as his loyal friend Dr. Watson, the show is filled with mind-bending mysteries and intellectual duels. The sharp wit and clever deductions made by Sherlock will appeal to Detective Conan fans who appreciate the intricacies of crime-solving.
12. Rampo Kitan: Game of Laplace
Based on the works of the famous Japanese author Edogawa Rampo, Rampo Kitan: Game of Laplace is a psychological mystery anime that follows a high school student, Akechi Kogoro, as he solves bizarre crimes that appear to be inspired by Rampo’s literature. This anime combines elements of crime, mystery, and the supernatural, offering a unique blend of genres that fans of Detective Conan will enjoy.
13. Durarara!!
While Durarara!! doesn’t focus solely on detective work, it features an ensemble cast of characters involved in solving various mysteries, conspiracies, and urban legends in the Ikebukuro district of Tokyo. The series explores the connections between various people, gangs, and supernatural beings, with a heavy focus on character-driven narratives. It offers a more dynamic, urban setting compared to Detective Conan, but fans of complex storytelling and mystery will find Durarara!! fascinating.
14. Un-Go
Un-Go is a mystery anime that follows a detective named Shinjuurou Yuuki and his assistant, Inga, as they solve crimes in a post-war Japan. The anime is filled with twists and intricate puzzles, blending traditional detective work with a more philosophical look at truth and justice. Like Detective Conan, Un-Go presents cases that require sharp intellect and keen observation to solve.
15. Nocturne
A lesser-known anime, Nocturne is a psychological thriller that follows a detective named Haruka as she investigates a series of murders linked to a mysterious criminal organization. The anime features dark tones and explores the minds of both the detectives and the criminals. While it may not be as widely recognized, it offers a fresh take on crime-solving, with a similar intellectual and investigative feel to Detective Conan.
Conclusion
From intellectual cat-and-mouse games like Death Note to psychological thrillers such as Monster, the world of anime offers a wide range of detective and mystery shows for fans of Detective Conan. Whether you’re looking for intense crime-solving, dark psychological drama, or action-packed investigations, these 15 anime will keep you on the edge of your seat. Each show brings something unique to the table, but all share a common thread of clever deductions, complex characters, and thrilling mysteries. So, if you’re craving more detective stories after Detective Conan, these anime are sure to satisfy your craving for crime-solving and intellectual intrigue.
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