Television series
Hamatora
Hamatora is a stylish anime crime thriller about a detective duo with superpowers investigating serial murders in a neon-soaked city. It's snappy and fun—25 minutes of mystery, action, and witty banter with an ensemble cast that clicks. Perfect for anyone who wants their detective story weird, fast, and visually sharp without committing to a 50-episode slog.
If you liked this
Psycho-Pass2012
Another anime about superpowered investigators hunting criminals in a dystopian system. It has the same collision between character comedy and serial killer darkness, with equally inventive action sequences and a genuinely unpredictable plot.
But The philosophical questions it raises sometimes overwhelm the story. It can feel preachy, and the second half loses some momentum.
Durarara!!2010
A crime ensemble where supernatural ability holders live among ordinary people in an interconnected city. It shares Hamatora's love of cool detectives, found family, and short episodes that pack a lot in. The dialogue sings.
But It's deliberately confusing—the plot loops and overlaps by design. If you hate being lost, this will frustrate you for weeks.
Monster2004
A detective hunting a serial killer across Europe with real weight and dread. It's methodical where Hamatora is zippy, but both nail the obsessive pursuit and the question of what solving a case actually costs you.
But It's 74 episodes. Hamatora moves fast; Monster breathes. Some will find that patience rewarding, others will hit episode 30 and wonder if anything has happened.
Not sure tonight? Get a pick in a minute, starting from Hamatora
The wildcard
Something you would not have found on your own.
Carole & Tuesday2019
Both understand that character chemistry and pace matter more than plot complexity. Both make you love the cast before anything else.
Space-set anime about two musicians, written by the creator of Cowboy Bebop. No crime plot, but it has Hamatora's gift for building an ensemble where everyone clicks, witty banter between characters, and that same shimmer of style. A completely different engine, same soul.
But If you're here for serial killers and mysteries, this trades that entirely for music and found family. It's gentle in ways Hamatora isn't.
More like this (8)
Death Note2006
A detective and a criminal with supernatural powers locked in an intellectual battle. Hamatora has the same energy—clever, twisty, visually stylish, and genuinely funny about its own premise.
But The middle section stalls, and the ending divides fans sharply. It's also a very different tone: much darker and more serious than Hamatora's lightness.
Bungou Stray Dogs2016
A detective agency of gifted misfits solving crimes while being hunted by a rival organisation. It has Hamatora's mix of quippy dialogue, supernatural powers, and ensemble chemistry, with gorgeous animation.
But It wears its literary references heavily. If you're not into that, it can feel show-offy. Also gets more melodramatic as it goes on.
Baccano!2007
Nonlinear crime story across decades with an ensemble cast, immortal characters, and genuine surprises. Like Hamatora, it trusts the audience and rewards attention with style and wit.
But The jumbled timeline is intentional but can feel gimmicky. Some viewers spend the first half frustrated rather than intrigued.
Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch2006
A protagonist gains supernatural power and uses it to investigate and manipulate a corrupt system. It has Hamatora's visual style, fast pacing, and the same pleasure in watching smart characters outthink each other.
But It gets incredibly convoluted and sometimes feels like it's making things up as it goes. The ending is divisive.
Darker Than Black2007
Supernatural agents solving mysteries in a noir city. It's got spies instead of detectives, but the same slick aesthetic, episodic structure, and the constant question of who's actually on whose side.
But The plot is deliberately vague and never fully explained. Some find that atmospheric; others find it unsatisfying.
Michiko e Hatchin2008
A crime story with genuine warmth and style. It's smaller in scope than Hamatora but shares that blend of action, character, and the sense that these people actually care about each other.
But It's slower and more grounded. If you want supernatural fireworks and twists every episode, this won't deliver that.
Samurai Champloo2004
Both are anime about mixed-ability ensembles doing a job together, trusting chemistry over exposition, and making 25-minute episodes feel packed without rushing.
Three people on a journey together—swordsmen instead of detectives, feudal Japan instead of modern city, 26 episodes of episodic adventure punctuated by larger plot. Every episode is gorgeous. The banter is effortless. It's got the same pleasure in watching people who work.
But The overarching plot is minimal and thin. If you need a tight serialized mystery, this will feel loose and meandering.
The Ghost of Frankenstein1942
Both make espionage/investigation feel like a craft worth savoring, with strong ensemble dynamics and the recurring pleasure of characters getting the better of each other through wit and preparation.
A live-action spy thriller with real weight, style, and a ensemble that actually has fun together. It's Bond but lighter, with the same visual flair and pleasure in watching competent people execute a plan that Hamatora brings to detective work.
But The plot is deliberately intricate and sometimes nonsensical. If clarity matters, you'll spend half the runtime confused. Also Bond-film length, not anime shorthand.
