Banana Fish

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Alternative Titles

Japanese: BANANA FISH
English: Banana Fish
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Information

Type: TV
Episodes: 24
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Jul 6, 2018 to Dec 21, 2018
Premiered: Summer 2018
Broadcast: Fridays at 00:55 (JST)
Licensors: None found, add some
Studios: MAPPA
Source: Manga
Genres: ActionAction, AdventureAdventure, DramaDrama, SuspenseSuspense
Themes: DelinquentsDelinquents, Organized CrimeOrganized Crime, PsychologicalPsychological
Demographic: ShoujoShoujo
Duration: 22 min. per ep.
Rating: R - 17+ (violence & profanity)

Statistics

Score: 8.461 (scored by 387642387,642 users)
1 indicates a weighted score.
Ranked: #1552
2 based on the top anime page. Please note that 'Not yet aired' and 'R18+' titles are excluded.
Popularity: #203
Members: 899,482
Favorites: 30,911

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Recommendations

Both anime have mafia, gangs, lots of action and fights. Main characters of the show go through a rough childhood that later on has a big impact in their life and choices. Main protagonist is smart and tends to do everything to get what he wants.  
report Recommended by Hutai
definitely No.6 and Banana Fish fall under the same ... "vibe" ? Aura ? both have realistic gloomy worlds that you end up being grateful that you aren't living in one or the like, and praying for the well being of those stuck in such toxic environments both have relationships between the protagonists that makes you jealous and looking for your own "soulmate" irl. Cause FIGHT ME over this if you want! but I don't think there was ever a couple/partners more in love with each other than in those two shows! to the point where I find myself finding it difficult to call them  read more 
report Recommended by AnikiXvi
Both about boys (Given is much more direct with their relationships) both have darker tones, not nearly as much as Banana Fish but still does both will leave you feeling emotional 
report Recommended by illest
Both have a blonde man and a japanese man, include mafia stuff, drama, police etc etc ITS SO GOOD 
report Recommended by LiterallyKira
I'm surprised that no one has made connections between these two shows! Both directed by Hiroko Utsumi (who also directed Free!), both shows have two male protagonists that share instant connections and strong emotional bonds, holding dynamic personalities with each other and the people around them. Yet their strong bonds are put to the test with internal and external forces that makes us root for the success of our lovable duos. With a good balance between their comedy and drama, it's enough for all of us watchers to share the joys and pains alongside our favorite characters.  
report Recommended by TheHappyMedium
Both of them take place in America and revolve around mafia families and gunfights. Even though Baccano takes a more supernatural approach, they both give off similar mafia vibes. If you enjoyed watching Banana Fish, you should definitely check out Baccano as well. 
report Recommended by Pan0s
- Both deals with mafia-related scenarios - Mostly male cast of characters - Emphasis on literature 
report Recommended by cornonacob
Though it seems like an odd comparison, both are extremely dark, engage heavily in mystery elements and feel like psychological thrillers. Both have some similar thematic morally grey content and feature characters with dark pasts tied to politically-charged conspiracies tetering on the edge of, or jumping over the edge to, insanity, though incorporates these elements in radically different ways. Monster is a lot more atmospheric and slower paced, Banana Fish is much more character and relationship-driven and fast-paced. Both are among my favorites, however, for similar thematic reasons. 
report Recommended by mpdissonance
Both animes Pne of the mc in both animes is a japanese innocent and good guy, who goes overseas and gets involved into the world of violence and gangs. Both of them builds a strong connection with a person from that alien to them enviroument, which changes their own reality forever. In both shows there is good action, animation and both give off a similar feel, though Black Lagoon is more action oriented and consists of mini arcs,while Banana Fish follows one story arc.  
report Recommended by ani147
Gangs, delinquents, fights for power! Both series will keep you on the edge of your seat, but they also have an emotional side, as the characters face adversities. The interaction between the main characters in Tokyo Revengers (Takemichi and Mikey) is similar to how the main characters in Banana Fish interact. Both of them will give you the same feeling as you're watching. 
report Recommended by Ephemerisu
Same studio production, character styles are similar and they give off the same sort of feeling of fun and excitement, however Banana Fish goes on with a bit more intricate plot making you experience sadness as well. 
report Recommended by Trimaya
Both anime have lots of action, fights, shooting and killing, gangs, mafia, drugs and sexual abuse. Main protagonists had a rough childhood, but now as grown up's they're pretty smart and good at fighting.  
report Recommended by Hutai
Both have male leads who have a friendship that runs deep and would almost make some believe that they are lovers. Both have a work together and lean on one another through the odds are faced even when they aren't being honest. Both have drama related to the past and things that need to be dealt with for the sake of their future lives. 
report Recommended by MadLoves
The characters and their development are really similar. The character Yashiro is very similar to Ash Lynx in the way they act and their history. The Clouds Gather has a stronger emphasis on sex as a factor to further relationships while Banana Fish tends to avoid this between the two main characters. Both have a MLM relationship which makes it even more similar. Overall I feel like these are so similar that if you like one you will definitely like the other. 
report Recommended by jjashael
Can trauma truly be healed? Are there wounds that time cannot cure? Ultimately, Cowboy Bebop and Banana Fish reach the exact same sad conclusion. While surface wise choice of the setting and story are different, on a deeper level both anime deal with the similar topic of trauma. Main character of Cowboy Bebop, Spike, and Ash of Banana Fish are traumatized, and each one has to constantly carry the weight of his past. These are two excellent anime, but no matter how fun it starts in the beginning, - do not kid yourself, - you WILL cry.  
report Recommended by Vergilius3D
Well, Banana Fish is way much better than IWGP, but if you look for something about gangs, underground life etc. than IWGP should do the job too. Well, while Banana Fish takes place in New York, IWGP takes place in Japan, so do not wait for gun fights. 
report Recommended by HyugaNeji2024
Both are about a gangster's relationship with another boy and the ways in which they help each other.  
report Recommended by wangxianlove654
Banana Fish and Nana are two of my favorite anime, so for starters, they both appeal to my set of values, whatever those may be exactly. Nana and Banana Fish both showcase the relationship (which starts of rocky for both) between two characters of the same gender, one having come from a happy, loving home and the other experiencing pain and abandonment throughout the entirety of their youths. Both of these pairs meet eachother due to the more innocent one's expected life plans not working out exactly as they wanted. As the shows progress, characters fade in and out of the shows and both pairs  read more 
report Recommended by MissMisu
Are you a Fujin who loves contrasting aesthetics? Banana fish and Tasogare out of focus have main couples with very similar styles. Plus both couples are hair contrast duos. Despite the series's differences in tones and themes, if you like your bad boys with blonde hair and slightly better boys with dark hair, this is for you. Also Uchida Yuuma plays the blonde boy in both of these series. Note: if you intend to watch bf please take my note that its VERY tonally different seriously. I believe there's a good tw list for it on tumblr you should read before watching if certain things get  read more 
report Recommended by jotasui
So both of these anime are gonna be aimed towards the female audience more than men. It is very focused on relationships between men that transcend romance and fall under a partnership/soulmates title and are about our main characters trying to escape an evil organization. Both shows are very serious and a bit trippy but overall, the story will come together in the end and make sense. They both have action, mystery and drama involved. 
report Recommended by Mayuka
The pair of male leads share a very unique "selfless love" kind of relationship. Both shows are filled with action and the main character's lives are often on the line. 
report Recommended by Phoebe3315
Both series give the viewer a sense of thrill and showcase how the world around the characters is incredibly messed up. Both have great animation as well.  
report Recommended by SGHope
~Both shows are crime thrillers. ~Both shows have a cat and mouse game plot; Where one character is up against other characters who seem to have the upper hand. ~Both shows deal with sensitive topics openly. ~Extra: Both shows have amazing openings.  
report Recommended by x3leex3chan
plot driven, heart wrenching, very well written BL shows with great characters. 
report Recommended by voytashek
Both stories are focused around a certain mystery where the 2 leads have to solve it, and also the 2 leads share a very close relationship with each other too as time goes by.  
report Recommended by Disapeared_Ghost
Both focus around characters who were thrust into crime and are fighting against a much powerful criminal group and of course dashes of romance in it as well too and lots of wild action. 
report Recommended by Disapeared_Ghost
Though the time of setting and technologies is way different, but both have gangs, action, fighting, shooting and motorcycles. 
report Recommended by Hutai
Darker times, both anime include mafia, gangs and lots of action, shooting, killing, drugs and 2 best friends. Both main characters have something precious to them that they want to protect, but they're also pretty smart and good with guns and shooting, surely know how to handle themselves.  
report Recommended by Hutai
In terms of context, both have something to do with human experimentation although using different techniques. The main character of each show (Canaan & Ash) are both overpowered and really good at uh what they do. The other main characters who form a strong bond with the OP people are Maria who is accompanied by Minoru, just like Eiji who is accompanied by Ibe. All four of them are photographers from Japan going to a foreign country to try to capture something interesting. Although they have other similarities, what really makes me think of the other anime is the bond that Ash has with Eiji & the  read more 
report Recommended by authenticity
Banana Fish and Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind are both 2018 adaptations of manga franchises that started in the 1980's. The main character in both anime are the child/in custody of the main villain in each series. The main character in both series hates something to do with drugs. Giorno in Golden Wind hates gangsters who sell drugs to children, while Ash hates Banana Fish, the drug that made his brother crazy. In both series the main character is a blond male teenager who wants to kill the boss of the gang and they were both abused as children. Both anime can also sometimes be  read more 
report Recommended by 64BitRatchet
Be gay. Do crime. Ramens is definitely more light-hearted and Banana fish does develop the characters much better but I love both series and they're so enjoyable! 
report Recommended by yeolivman
Both have premises that are on the darker side of the world. Both touches on sensitive (possibly taboo or mature in some cultures) subjects in the show. But Kabukichou does it in a very nonchalant way while in Banana Fish, those sensitive subjects are what makes the story. Kabukichou is a lot more diverse in its genres, characters, and storylines. You can't really see the similarity unless you break the show down. It isn't as straightforwardly dark nor is it as attractively solemn as Banana Fish. 
report Recommended by mushi_Jyou
similarities: -western themed -action oriented -main character is searching for someone -same gender bonding differences: -michiko to hatchin is more comedic, banana fish is more dark -MC's partner is a kid, in banana fish it's an adult 
report Recommended by Chika_tetsu
If you love a romance story that makes you cry. I RECOMMENND YOU, YES YOU TO WATCH ORANGE OFC. I found it enjoyable and wholesome, some parts made me tear up a little bit. There is also a movie for it too and boy, IT WAS CONFUSING but other than that try it  
report Recommended by Da_Bish
Surprised this was not related to each other yet... - drugs - mafia - guns - a blonde male main character who is good at deceiving others - in comparison his partner in crime - the other main lead - is naive and way more innocent - a moment where a main person is shooting themselves in order to protect their partner - a bromance-feeling but not actually a romance going on 
report Recommended by Wusel-chan
both really intense and will constantly have you on the edge of your seat! 
report Recommended by Ange3lchu
They're both solid series with tons of style involving gang violence. Both have solid artwork and sound design, but Banana Fish in particular is exceptionally well written! Banana Fish also has the substance that K lacks. 
report Recommended by DiscipleOfKreia
While at first, it seems that these two have nothing in common both are filled with bad things that happen and eventually get resolved. Also, those endings make you think, "why is this it".  
report Recommended by GeneralMayo
Banana Fish and Elfen Lied are dark, sad anime about horrendously abused children trying to escape from the patterns and lifestyles they were brought up in. Unfortunately, as the characters fall in love and try to better themselves they also find themselves falling deeper into darkness. These stories can be very disturbing at times but remain poignant. They both come to a close with somewhat controversial endings, but I think each show does a really interesting—albeit very different—job of exploring if someone can truly be doomed from birth. 
report Recommended by survivor_girl
Wanna sob and tear yourself apart some more? This is the way to do so.  
report Recommended by bluusugar
Though there isn't a specific "couple" like Eiji and Ash it is more about the friendship. Rainbow also has some sensitive topics that are similar to those in banan fish. If you enjoyed Banana fish i would really recommend it!  
report Recommended by julirby
Similar character dynamic and scenes  
report Recommended by StariaSan
Boys love with dark themes and tones, even have a blonde haired black haired pairing. 
report Recommended by momochi22
IMO this is what banana fish was trying to be, organized crime in a BL context, except yami no matsuei did it better and the BL is more prominent. 
report Recommended by momochi22
Both about gangs and similar ending 
report Recommended by blnc112e
theyre both angst, enjoy watching ;) 
report Recommended by rashihanno
This may seem like an odd recommendation as these animes are clearly VERY different in setting and plot but I feel like people who liked Banana Fish might also like Iron Blooded Orphans (and probably vice versa). I saw elements of Ash’s character in several characters in IBO. Both shows deal with the exploitation of children and characters being forced to make difficult decisions and do things they may not want to do for the sake of their own lives or the lives of their loved ones. The main reason for the recommendation is that the emotional attachment I felt for the characters while watching  read more 
report Recommended by SafetyInLetters
Though Devilman Crybaby is a more supernatural anime, both show the darker side of humanity, are violent and gory, have 2 main characters who's relationship is a side plot, and both are guaranteed to make you ugly cry at the end. 
report Recommended by Ryatatata
BL in a dark context rather than what we typically see aka the kinda rough and deep type of BL both series are known for rather then within a typical slice of life or humourous setting. 
report Recommended by momochi22
Both of them: 1. Feature a blonde, attractive, charismatic, and angsty teenage male that had a harsh childhood 2. Feature similar themes of love and revenge 3. Feature a black-haired Japanese boy named Eiji 4. Are fast-paced psychological thrillers that take place in realistic settings but often contain exaggerated elements 5. Contain references to J.D. Salinger and his books 
report Recommended by asdfasdg
Both animes are about two people from completely different upbringings "worlds" come together and try to be friends. Both have similar color, art style and great OST Supporting character is also well-developed  
report Recommended by Reonaa
Both focus on male sexual abuse, powerful mobs, and the gritty underside of society. Ai no Kusabi is sci fi while Banana Fish is modern New York. Both have infuriating endings. 
report Recommended by singmuse4
Although Balance Unlimited isn't as dark as banana fish, the similarities I have from both is big people have their hands on a dangerous thing (banana fish/adollium) that can ruin the whole world. 
report Recommended by Paradiso09
The anime have different themes and audience but they share similarities. Both anime are about a MC which has a really sad past, which have made them 'cold' and is a main factor for killing enemies in cold blood. They both also kill to protect the people they love. 
report Recommended by Berrytae
While seeing Banana Fish I was constantly reminded of Speed Grapher, there are a lot of similarities in many different levels. In general both shows share the same sense of hopelessness and longing in a world where it always feels like those in power have control over you. Social classes are very divided as well with a clear contrast. The rich seek only pleasure and more power doing whatever is necessary to attain it. There are also a lot of (very) heavy, dark, violent and perverted/sexual themes. The main characters in both shows have a strong connection and they have the same dynamic of one being  read more 
report Recommended by _neri_
The main characters who suffered as children, are still suffering, and retaliate for various reasons against their the people who hurt them. In both stories is an underlying tone of their desperation and loneliness, even as they display great power. 
report Recommended by ArtyWolve
A gritty crime drama with intense relationships. 
report Recommended by samspot8r8s
Tons of action, fights and interesting plot twists. Both anime have conspiracies and few "important" people controlling the society.  
report Recommended by Hutai
Dark atmosphere of the world, both series composed by Hiroshi Seko. Biggest thing they have in common is showing how few can control the many. Big corporations are testing new species whilst public knows nothing about it or are forced to thing that it's helpful and nice for ajin too. In Banana Fish it's the mafia ordering everyone around, getting people in important government positions do what ever mafia wants and public are left in the dark. Sort of soft disclosure.  
report Recommended by Hutai
Various life circumstances connect two guys who seem different and unable to change. Chased by the mafia, involved in crime, and a corrupted society the two find friendship, people they hold dear, and new experiences that allow them to change.  
report Recommended by Hutai
1. Both anime show us a complex relationship between two main, male characters. 2. Both anime are more appealing towards female fanbase (and their off-brand fan fictions show that as well) 3. Both anime have pretty boys doing cool stuff with IQ >200 
report Recommended by fallowy
Not entirely similar but they're both action packed and show a strong dynamic relationship between male characters. Both anime are in my top favourite anime as the plots are amazing and show a clear structure. The main characters are strong and independent and work hard at surviving in completely different worlds. Banana Fish is set in New York, America around the 90's, whereas Vinland Saga is set during the Viking Era in England. Check both of them out if you haven't already done so 
report Recommended by salt-bae
Both anime have a dark atmosphere and great soundtracks. Main characters are smart and they had some hardships in life, they both lost someone they loved and now are trying to solve their case. And in all that we have some higher powers who control police and government. Some conspiracy theories too. And same voice actors.  
report Recommended by requimcompany123
Banana Fish is not a shounen-ai, but Hitorijime My Hero is. They both include gang-society into their plots, but the relationship between the two main characters is in focus. Since Hitorijime My Hero is both a shounen-ai and a lot more "friendly", you get more fluff and cutesy stuff than in Banana Fish. 
report Recommended by Neko_Netti
it has lgbtq+ and deals with strong and painful subjects, tw to rape, drugs and violence! 
report Recommended by chazschn
In genre alone, these animes are not very similar, but if you liked one, you'll probably like the other. In short, both animes focus on a young attractive male who leads others against evil. In BF it's Ash leading his gang, Shorter, Eiji, Max, and everyone else. In SF it's Masayoshi leading Gotou and his fellow heroes. It should be noted that SF has a much lighter tone and atmosphere to it than BF does, at least until the end. SF in general is a hard anime for people to watch all of the way through because its genres switch throughout the anime, but the last three  read more 
report Recommended by Katamaran00
Code Geass and Banana Fish are in very different genres, but they have some similar themes, and the main characters also share many traits. -Both Ash and Lelouch are complex characters who will stop short of nothing, even mass murder, in order to do what they think is right and protect those important to them. They both have a dainty appearance that is at odds with their aggressive nature, are distrusful, and are extremely intelligent and calculating. -The main character has a strong relationship with another guy who has a very different personality and is somewhat naive. Those relationships do play out very differently over time,  read more 
report Recommended by -Lupa-
So William James Moriarty is a criminal genus, and Aslan Jade Callenreese (Ash Lynx) is a gang leader who happens to be a genus. But they're both blond, genus criminals and they both have a friend from a different walk of life. Both series make commentary on classism, and they are both inspired by classic literature. 
report Recommended by Ameonna93
Both have urban settings, friendships between characters that are from polar opposites in terms of personality, and lots of really nice character designs and art design as well too and stylish action as well. 
report Recommended by Disapeared_Ghost
If you like the Blonde Guy vs. Brunette Guy bromance/rivalry "sub-genre" then that's for you. Just that LoTGH has a 10x more unsatisfying sour ending than Banana Fish. 
report Recommended by Gabriell_Braga
The main character and their supporting gang go up against a corrupt organization led by someone very manipulative. 
report Recommended by KustyKabs
Both series deal with gruny topics and in a dark but comedic manner. Banana fish is more of a slow burn action with gangs and armies fighting each other over a mysterious 'problem' and EIS is more of an op main character with the large army behind the MC. Both series will try and kick back with witty humor and I found it interesting especially with EIS 
report Recommended by ST63LTH