Half a second before the train brings his life to a tragic end, Takemichi Hanagaki is transported back twelve years to the same day he was in a relationship with Hinata Tachibana. Devastating news had previously reported the merciless murder of Takemichi’s only girlfriend by the notorious Tokyo Manji Gang.
As he is compelled to relive the fateful day that turned his world upside down, Takemichi encounters Hinata’s younger sister. Filled with determination, he implores her to protect his brother and once again return to the future. However, something seems different this time—the future appears to have transformed.
Takemichi discovers that he possesses the ability to alter the flow of time. Presented with the opportunity to prevent his girlfriend’s tragic death at the hands of the Tokyo Manji Gang, he resolves to journey back in time and change the course of destiny.
Tokyo Revengers revolves around two central themes: street gang dynamics and time travel. To help fans explore similar anime that feature either of these elements, I have curated a list of ten compelling series that captures the essence of Tokrev.
Anime Like Tokyo Revengers
1. Durarara!!
- Genre: Action, Mystery, Supernatural
- Episodes: 24, 12 (Shou), 12 (Ten), 12 (Ketsu)
In the vibrant city of Tokyo, where urban legends and mysterious gangs intertwine, lies the captivating world of Durarara!!!. If you were captivated by the gang dynamics in Tokyo Revengers, get ready to dive into the eccentric realm of the Dollars in Durarara!!!, set in the bustling Ikebukuro district.
In this enigmatic metropolis, rumors and warnings about dangerous denizens have been circulating, but one urban legend stands out: the headless Rider. Witnesses claim to have seen this figure, donning a jet-black motorbike, racing through the city streets, captivating the imagination of those who dare to believe.
Enter Mikado Ryuugamine, a young man longing for the thrill and excitement of city life. Persuaded by his childhood friend, he takes a leap of faith and relocates to Tokyo. Little did he know that his first day in the city would be marked by the sighting of the infamous Black Rider as if his wish had been granted.
However, as Mikado settles into his new surroundings, he quickly realizes that Ikebukuro is no ordinary place. Unsettling and supernatural events unfold, drawing him and other ordinary citizens into the district’s chaos. Together, they must navigate the tangled web of mysteries, secrets, and unexpected alliances that define the captivating world of Durarara!!!.
2. Koukou Butouden Crows
- Genre: Action, School, Shounen
- Episodes: 2
While many may be more acquainted with the live-action films of Crows Zero rather than the original manga or anime, one thing is for certain. This classic series has profoundly influenced the depiction of Japanese high school delinquents.
In Suzuran High School, a gathering place for troublemakers, we meet Bouya Harumichi, a new transfer student. With his impressive fighting skills, Harumichi is a formidable combatant, yet his carefree and irresponsible nature sets him apart.
Beyond the challenges they face, there is a striking similarity between the protagonists of these two anime: their ability to inject humor into their tumultuous lives. Despite their tough circumstances, these main characters bring a light-hearted and comedic touch to their stories.
3. Ikebukuro West Gate Park
- Genres: Action, Drama, Mystery
- Episodes: 12
In the crime-infested streets of Ikebukuro, a district teeming with gangs and Yakuza, we find Makoto Majima, a young man tasked with mediating conflicts between rival factions. He aims to safeguard his friends and tackle issues even the police struggle to handle.
Tokyo Revengers and Ikebukuro West Gate Park share common themes of gangs, delinquents, responsibility, and the power of friendship. Both narratives provide an intriguing glimpse into the intricate power dynamics and gang rivalries that dominate the landscape of Tokyo, particularly in the Toshima area.
In Ikebukuro West Gate Park, we witness a protagonist who infiltrates the heart of a gang while still maintaining an outsider’s perspective. Similarly, the main characters in Tokyo Revengers and Ikebukuro West Gate Park are not driven solely by personal gain or entertainment; their involvement in these underworld struggles is fueled by their genuine desire to bring about positive change and help those in need.
4. Erased
- Genre: Mystery, Psychological, Supernatural, Seinen
- Episodes: 12
A similar concept of an adult returning to his younger self’s body and trying to change the past to save a girl close to him.
Boku dake ga Inai Machi follows Satoru on his mission to uncover what happened 18 years ago and prevent the death of his classmate while protecting those he cares about in the present.
5. Orange
- Genre: Drama, Romance, School, Sci-fi, Shoujo
- Episodes: 13
In this anime, both protagonists are granted a remarkable opportunity to travel back in time and alter the course of their future, all to save their cherished friends.
In the case of Naho Takamiya, her journey begins on the first day of her second year of high school, which takes an unexpected turn. As she awakens from a late start, she finds herself in possession of a peculiar letter addressed to her.
What makes this letter extraordinary is its origin—it was written by no other than Naho’s 26-year-old self, offering guidance and a chance to rectify past mistakes.
The letter reveals that Naho’s future self is burdened with regrets and fervently wishes for her younger counterpart to avoid the same pitfalls. It also serves as a cautionary tale, urging Naho to monitor a new transfer student, Kakeru Naruse, closely. Armed with this invaluable knowledge and guidance, Naho embarks on a mission to protect Kakeru and rewrite their shared destiny before he succumbs to a future filled with remorse.
Through the power of time travel and the wisdom of her future self, Naho now possesses the means to shield Kakeru from potential heartache and ensure his happiness. With every step guided by the letter’s instructions, Naho navigates the complexities of teenage life, facing challenges and making choices that will reshape her future and that of her friends.
The anime beautifully explores themes of friendship, regret, and the profound impact of our actions on the lives of others. As Naho embarks on this extraordinary journey, she learns the true power of love, determination, and the importance of seizing the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of those she holds dear.
6. Steins; Gate
- Genre: Drama, Psychological, Sci-fi, Thriller
- Episodes: 24
Steins; Gate, an enthralling anime series, draws inspiration from the visual novel 5pb. and Nitroplus created. In this captivating narrative, we accompany the brilliant mind of Rintaro Okabe as he explores into the intricacies of scientific theory and grapples with the practical implications of time travel.
Okabe’s journey unfolds as he finds himself compelled to navigate through the intricate tapestry of timelines, seamlessly weaving between the threads of the past and present. However, this newfound ability comes at a heavy cost, as he becomes burdened with the consequences of tampering with the flow of time.
With each leap into the unknown, Okabe faces the challenges and dilemmas that time travel presents. He must confront the ethical implications, the unforeseen ramifications, and the moral responsibility accompanying his actions. As the boundaries of possibility blur and the fabric of reality is stretched, Okabe’s resolve is tested, pushing him to the limits of his scientific prowess and emotional endurance.
7. Great Teacher Onizuka
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, School, Slice of Life, Shounen
- Episodes: 43
The anime’s MCs are young men in their twenties and former motorcycle gangs.
Twenty-two-year-old Eikichi Onizuka, former motorcycle gang leader, conqueror of Shonan, and still a bachelor, has a dream: to become the greatest high school teacher in all of Japan. This was not because of a desire to teach but because he wanted a loving teenage wife when he was old and gray.
Still, for a delinquent, Onizuka is more than meets the eye. So when he gets a Class 3-4 homeroom teacher job in the prestigious Academy, all of his talents are tested, as this class is notoriously difficult to manage.
Bullying, suicide, and sexual harassment are just a few of his students’ daily problems. Onizuka supports them by addressing their root causes through his unexpected and unconventional methods. Onizuka is no ordinary teacher, and he is ready to take on any challenge that comes his way.
8. Rainbow: Nisha Rokubou no Sichinin
- Genre: Drama, Historical, Seinen, Thriller
- Episodes: 26
Both MCs are at the bottom of society with the violence, fights, bonds, and thrills that surround the two.
Set in 1955, Mario Minakami has just arrived at Shounan Special Reform School with five other teenagers arrested on serious criminal charges.
All assigned to the same cell meet older inmate Rokurouta Sakuragi, a former boxer, and they develop a close bond with him.
Rainbow: Nisha Rokubou no Shichinin follows seven cellmates fighting against the brutal suffering and humiliation inflicted on them.
Facing such hellish conditions, seven inmates must muster all their strength to survive until their sentence ends.
9. ReLife
- Genre: Slice of Life, Romance, School
- Episodes: 13
Follows the idea of reliving the past to correct one’s mistakes, gain a chance to live, and regaining what one has lost. There are some similarities in the characters despite their different character dynamics.
27-year-old Arata Kaizaki flies from job to job after leaving his first company.
His ordinary existence takes a sharp turn when he meets Ryou Yoake, a member of the ReLife Research Institute, who offers Arata a chance to change his life for the better with the help of a mysterious pill.
Taking it without a second thought, Arata awakens the next day to find that his appearance has returned to that of 17 years. Arata soon learns he is now the subject of a unique experiment and must attend high school as a transfer student for one year.
ReLIFE follows Arata’s struggle to adjust to his new busy lifestyle and avoid repeating his past mistakes while slowly drawing closer to his classmates.
10. Kyou kara Ore was!!
- Genre: Comedy, School, Shounen
- Episodes: 10
Two transfer students, Mitsuhashi Takashi, and Itou Shinji, tired of their normal lives, decide to take their arrival at a new school as a chance to reinvent their image and become delinquents!
Itou’s views of justice clash with Mitsuhashi’s sloppy ways; they are initially enemies but soon become friends.
This delinquent duo embarks on various misadventures to become Japan’s biggest delinquents!
