If you’ve watched Dandadan and are still picking up your brain cells from the floor, congrats! You’re officially ready for more bizarre, out-of-this-world anime that will twist your mind and tickle your funny bone.
Here’s a list of 10 shows that, like Dandadan, will make you question everything you know about life, the universe, and whether non-human entity have been spying on your browser history.
1. Mob Psycho 100
A socially awkward middle schooler with psychic powers? Check. Spirits, exorcisms, and a boss-level bowl cut? Double check. Mob just wants to live a peaceful life, but his powers make him a magnet for chaos.
Like Dandadan, Mob’s got some ridiculous supernatural powers, but he’d rather be doing something chill, like breathing. The wacky humor and mind-bending fight scenes in Mob Psycho 100 will make you think, “Should I start working out my psychic muscles too?”
Mob’s deadpan expressions and emotional explosions are more relatable than you want to admit.
2. Chainsaw Man
Boy meets chainsaw demon. Boy becomes chainsaw demon hybrid. Boy fights devils with a bloody grin. It’s pretty much your classic coming-of-age story, if your “age” involves killing devils and chasing after a girl who probably manipulates you for fun.
Here’s a fun fact: Dandadan’s author, Yukinobu Tatsu, used to work as an assistant for Chainsaw Man’s creator, Tatsuki Fujimoto. You can definitely feel the chaotic, high-energy, supernatural influences bleeding over from Chainsaw Man into Dandadan.
Both shows throw the characters into supernatural conflicts that they’re hilariously unprepared for, and the wild action scenes share a similar vibe of absolute mayhem.
Both Dandadan and Chainsaw Man are all about wild supernatural showdowns and characters who are definitely not ready to handle the messes they’re in. Also, let’s not forget how casually the absurdity is delivered with a straight face.
Who doesn’t want to see a guy turn into a chainsaw? And maybe question how life got this strange.
3. FLCL
A guitar-wielding alien girl hits a boy with her bass, causing giant robots to emerge from his forehead. Yep, totally normal. FLCL makes no sense and it’s proud of it.
Like Dandadan, FLCL throws logic out the window and invites pure chaos to the party. If you loved the random UFOs and bizarre fights in Dandadan, you’ll feel right at home here.
FLCL is a classic in the realm of anime absurdity, boasting fluid, boundary-pushing animation that still influences shows today. Tatsuki Fujimoto has openly praised its off-the-wall storytelling.
Since Dandadan’s author worked as Fujimoto’s assistant, it’s safe to say some of that FLCL-style absurdity trickled down the creative chain. The bizarre humor and free-form action scenes in Dandadan have that same spirit of “let’s just go wild with this.”
It’s a six-episode fever dream that makes your brain feel like it’s in a rock concert with no rules.
4. Haruhi Suzumiya
Haruhi is a girl who doesn’t realize she’s a god. She wants to meet aliens, time travelers, and espers, and lucky for her (and unlucky for everyone else), she accidentally summons them into her life.
If you’ve ever wondered what Dandadan would look like if it were animated by Kyoto Animation, congratulations—you’ve found your answer in Haruhi Suzumiya!
Both Dandadan and Haruhi take a seemingly normal school setting and then flip it upside down with aliens, psychics, and reality-warping madness.
Plus, the chaotic energy of the protagonists—Okarun’s frantic attempts to keep up with Ayase’s nonsense are like Kyon trying to survive Haruhi’s rollercoaster of whims.
If you enjoyed Dandadan’s mix of otherworldly hijinks with normal life, Haruhi delivers that in spades. Plus, the whole “main character doesn’t realize their own power” thing is a big theme here.
Haruhi is the chaotic energy we all secretly wish we could be—only she could accidentally rewrite the universe over a bad summer vacation.
5. Devilman Crybaby
A sensitive boy turns into a demon-human hybrid and has to battle both literal and metaphorical demons. It’s dark, it’s brutal, and it will mess with your soul.
Like Dandadan, Devilman Crybaby smashes supernatural craziness into everyday life, but with a side of existential dread and body horror. Think of it as Dandadan’s older, edgier cousin who listens to death metal.
To feel deeply disturbed and then wonder if you should get a hobby that doesn’t involve watching anime about the end of humanity.
6. Kill la Kill
Schoolgirl fights a fascist student council in sentient clothing that gives her superpowers. It’s as wild as it sounds, with battles that will leave you questioning the laws of physics.
Much like Dandadan, Kill la Kill has over-the-top battles and ridiculous outfits that make you wonder how anyone’s wearing these things unironically.
For the plot. No, really, it has a plot. But stay for the epic clothing-based battles that prove laundry day will never be the same again.
7. Monogatari Series
Araragi, a high school student, deals with vampires, oddities, and girls with more emotional baggage than an airport terminal. It’s full of cryptic dialogue, surreal visuals, and paranormal madness.
Dandadan and Monogatari share a love for supernatural problems that lead to awkward romantic tension. If you love bizarre, otherworldly creatures and witty banter, this one’s for you.
Nowhere else will you find a toothbrush scene that’s somehow both unsettling and intimate.
8. Gintama
Imagine a samurai-era Japan invaded by aliens. Now imagine the entire series as a fourth-wall-breaking parody that could jump from serious sword fights to characters complaining about their animation budget.
Both Dandadan and Gintama are unafraid to break the rules of reality, often blending sci-fi absurdity with laugh-out-loud comedy. And both shows know how to balance weird humor with surprisingly emotional moments.
It’s the king of comedy anime. Plus, Gintoki’s deadpan reactions to the madness around him are basically us trying to cope with real life.
9. Undead Unluck
A guy who can’t die teams up with a girl who makes everything unlucky. Together, they fight to change fate while chaos and destruction follow them around.
Much like Dandadan, Undead Unluck doesn’t take itself too seriously despite the insane amount of destruction happening. Expect action-packed sequences mixed with outlandish humor.
Watching a guy get blown to pieces repeatedly has never been so funny. You’ll end up rooting for this unlikely duo just as much as you cringe at their bad luck.
10. DEAD DEAD DEMON’S DEDEDEDE DESTRUCTION
Aliens invade Tokyo, but life goes on. High school girls navigate their teen years under the shadow of an alien mothership that’s just chilling in the sky. It’s a dark comedy about apathy, consumerism, and growing up in a world that’s falling apart.
Dandadan and DEDEDEDE both feature the strange in the mundane, with characters treating wild phenomena like another day at the office. Aliens, anyone?
For its deep social commentary wrapped in a hilarious package. Plus, if you can say the title ten times fast, you’ve officially transcended.
So, there you have it! If Dandadan left you hungry for more chaotic energy, these ten shows will make sure your mind stays thoroughly blown. Enjoy the ride—just don’t expect to make sense of any of it!