 If you liked Kenpuu Denki Berserk |  ...then you might like Gungrave |
Note: The first episodes of both include villain 'SPOILERS' required for this recommendation. Read with caution if you know nothing~ ---- Both shows begin in a very similar manner, with teaser first episodes where monsters exist. Then, they jump into lengthy flashback arcs where there aren't monsters and political/gangster intrigue is focused on. Characterisation heavy excellence. The similarities don't end there: the most obvious similarity is the way two best friends' relationship worsens over the course of the story until the best of friends become the worst of enemies. Protagonists become antagonists. While not identical (Berserk is set during medieval times, where as Gungrave is about gangsters), the
report Recommended by AironicallyHuman
Guts and Griffith share a similar relationship to that of Brandon and Harry.
report Recommended by totallyrad
Both have friendship and betrayal as their main themes.
report Recommended by MagEarwhig
Both of them have similar themes, but the only difference between them is the the setting of the story.
They have very similar plots and characters, although Gungrave has a less open ending.
report Recommended by Daisuki-chan
Story-wise these two are quite similar, but have a different setting. Whereas Berserk is set in a medieval world, Gungrave is more of a post-modern sci-fi. And in contrast to Berserk, Gungrave continues it's story where berserk ended it, giving it more closure and makes it a more rewarding watch. It also offers a better soundtrack. In my opinion, though, Berserk is still a better anime due to it's amazing characters, but if you've enjoyed Gungrave, chances are you will enjoy Berserk, as well.
report Recommended by Tintin_VS_China
It starts off in a similar matter, with the end of the show starting first. Basically, it has a deep, fulfilling and great story that Anyone can enjoy.
both main characters were betrayed by people or person they called friend/s. being vague to not give to much away.
Both seires have the same feeling starting out normal and then spinning out of control. the plots are remarkably similar with just the difference of mediavla times verses modern times. The main characters are motivated by similar goals and so are the villians. In short, Gungrave is basically like a modern times berserk but with a little less gore and a complete ending.
Vastly differing settings but similar character dynamics. Both deal with companions who have nothing but are fighting to survive and make names for themselves in their respective worlds.
report Recommended by RandomChampion
The main character in both has a very strong bond with another male. Though in each pair the friendship is shared, one of them still feels more important. The supporting character in each also has what seems like impossible dreams. Though the environments share absolutely nothing in common, the story lines follow a similar path, including the way the story is told, with both animes being nearly entirely flashbacks.
report Recommended by morbid_jester
In both series, the backgrounds of violence, betrayal, murder, loyalty, and other mature themes are explored. They have a deep plot with two main characters who makes up an interesting story throughout each episode. As such, friendship also plays a prominent role in both series. It becomes complicated as their royalty and friendship are tested. It flows well and shows how much these two develops over time. Both series also contains action, drama, and a dark atmosphere.
Similar in the sense that one of the main drives of the both series is the deteriorating friendship of two friends. Both are great in their own way,but in my opinion Gungrave has the better ending.
report Recommended by MadanKenshin
Gungrave similar to berserk does a good job of character development of it's main protagonists. Both series take similar routes in that we start off in present time before delving back into the past explaining the events that lead up to present time. Gungrave in my opinion was better executed and this is mainly from the better conclusion that the series left. In comparison to Berserk which was left open ended and to this day the manga is still on-going. I felt that the characters had a lot more depth in Gungrave and I was surprised with the story decisions made in Gungrave and it
report Recommended by Honest_Senpai
Both have a first episode showing off what will happen later in the series and how drastically different things are. There are two main characters who are best friends that want to support each other in their endeavors and make a name for themselves. Both anime also involve a lot of violence and killing especially towards the end.
Story about trust to betrayal and glory to tragedy with fleshed out characters.
Both start with episodes that somewhat give you a taste of whats to come (which you'd be better off skipping in both cases), both shows take a fairly similar turn toward there ladder halves, and both MCs take a similar turn later in the series (of course this doesn't really happen in Berserk until the Black Swordsman ark which won't be animated until sometimes 2016/2017). They're both worth a watch IMO, more so in Berserk's case.
report Recommended by hildahildahilda
While the settings are different (medieval world vs mafia), these two series deliver hard with themes of friendship and betrayal between the characters. They also follow a similar formula with a spoilerific episode 1 (which I would recommend to skip for both series) into episodes focused on giving backstory to the characters and then finally the current events in consequence of what happened.
report Recommended by MetaThPr4h
Both start with a grim and dark setting, flash back in time to a "Golden Age" where we witness the meteoric rise of our hero and his charismatic best friend, before experiencing the fall that leads us to where the first episode begins. Both shows also show how our ragtag heroes climb their way up their respective social ladders (Berserk's medieval nobility, Gungrave's modern mafia). Also, demon-slaying happens near the end of both series.
Different world but themes of loyalty, trust and betrayal run deep in both. They both start with giving a taste of what's yet to come in the first episode before showing how such events came to me as the shows go on. The relationship between the leads in both are also eerily similar. Both are cult classics and deserve a watch.
report Recommended by AndoCommando
Both feature similar heavyness in the tone of the story, and a similar narrative. The relationship between the main chracters is siimlar. Both are good shows.
I really think Gungrave was inspired a lot by Berserk, here are some similarities: -The first episode of this two shows the future; (I higly recomend you to skip Berserk first episode or watch after the last. And Gungrave first episode are the same as the 17, so just skip it); -This two begins more "realistic" and as it progresses more supernatural it gets; -This two addresses issues of friendship, loyalty and betrayal; -The two MC of Berserk and the two MC of Gungrave have similar objectives and personalities. But Gungrave as progresses falls off A LOT, already Berserk just gets better. AND DO
Harry and Brandon's relationship is similar to Guts and Griffith's. Watching both groups climb the social latter together gives a similar level of enjoyment.
Sé lo que pensás, estos dos no se parecene en absolutamente nada, uno es una historia de fantasia oscura en el medievo y el otro es un drama de gangsters en la vida actual. Pero creeme, tienen muchísimas cosas en común. Como por ejemplo, lo podría ser la relación entre dos personajes muy unidos, que están muy bien caracterizados, planeados, y se complementan muy bien con el otro, los dos tienen un dúo legendario. Berserk el Griffit y Guts, y Gungrave Harry y Brandon. Paso de spoilear Gungrave, mirenlo, porque es algo genuinamente infravalorado. I know what you think, these two are absolutely nothing alike, one
These two share 2 huge similarities : 1) when watching it, you should skip the first episode because the first episode takes place in the present and then, from the second episode, you go back to the past to see the events that preceded and lead to the current situation so this first episodes could be considered (massive) spoilers and ruin the experience for the watcher 2) revenge and betrayal play an important role in both