Kaiba

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Alternative Titles

Japanese: カイバ
English: Kaiba
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Information

Type: TV
Episodes: 12
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Apr 11, 2008 to Jul 25, 2008
Premiered: Spring 2008
Broadcast: Fridays at 00:00 (JST)
Producers: VAP, WOWOW
Licensors: Discotek Media
Studios: Madhouse
Source: Original
Genres: AdventureAdventure, Avant GardeAvant Garde, Award WinningAward Winning, MysteryMystery, RomanceRomance, Sci-FiSci-Fi
Theme: PsychologicalPsychological
Duration: 24 min. per ep.
Rating: R+ - Mild Nudity

Statistics

Score: 8.141 (scored by 4614246,142 users)
1 indicates a weighted score.
Ranked: #4612
2 based on the top anime page. Please note that 'Not yet aired' and 'R18+' titles are excluded.
Popularity: #1560
Members: 156,918
Favorites: 3,813

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Recommendations

A protagonist and a comrade, traveling through planets/countries. On their journey, they meet people who live in these places, and learn the different customs, cultures or tragedies they experience, trivializing the world we live in.  
report Recommended by Siing
- At a glance both seems like they came from a Pixar studio but in reality, Kaiba and Made in Abyss targets older or mature audiences - Both have world or places with specific rules on it that makes them unique and scary at times. - Excellent in world building - As each episodes goes by, secret and stuff are slowly revealed that will makes you emotional and realized how deep and meaningful both anime is - Both are short anime but tells more content than some of the multi-season anime out there 
report Recommended by bokami
Kemonozume and Kaiba do not look the same, however they both fully use interesting visual approaches to aptly suit the tone of each show. Kemonozume is a bit more rough around the edges and Kaiba is more bubbly. Both of these shows are science fiction on the surface; love stories at heart. I'd recomend watching both of these anime series, especially if you liked one. Same producers too.  
report Recommended by SY_IS_DEAD_IRL
Extremely similar plot, characters and themes. Both explore themes of self-discovery and accepting a predestined role or forging your own destiny. Both follow an amnesiac exploring a unique world trying to find answers and purpose. Lost love and betrayal are major aspects of each. Character development drives each series forward.  
report Recommended by Danish
Although in story, style, and presentation these series have nothing similar, the psychological approach to both is quite similar: the depth of humanity, understanding of the self and questioning the existence of humanity itself. Both series travel completely different ways to express their ideas, but that doesn't mean that one of them is wrong, at the contrary, show how the same idea can be expressed beautifully in completely different manners . If you liked one due to the ideas it expressed, you, unavoidably, will like the other.  
report Recommended by shadowspiral
Both explore very surreal, highly creative and imaginative worlds.  
report Recommended by Pandadice
Animation that would be appealing to children, but the content of the anime is for adults. Both are science-fiction and surreal.  
report Recommended by KawaiiObsessive
Both have pretty unique and distinctive styles as well as being thematically close at times. Lain focuses more on communication in relation to identity, where Kaiba seems to explore what comprises an identity. Where Lain is obviously cyberpunk, Kaiba is involved in many of the ideas that make up the cyberpunk genre. I just got very similar vibes from the two. 
report Recommended by MEGATRON
- introspective and coolheaded MC - (mentioned in another rec) very ambient, explores different 'worlds' - exhibit the Japanese concept of [i]aware[/i]  
report Recommended by smallasiangirl
It's distant future, the golden age of humanity is in the past. Main character finds himself in a strange place and realises he have no memories. He starts the journey and piece by piece finds out who is he. Both anime are gloomy, with strong spirit of loneliness and bittersweet ending. 
report Recommended by Day-Elven
- Main character in both shows are trying to become better (coming of age) - Super heartwarming tearjerking wholesome story - Extremely good animation (despite simple character design, the production is superbly good with great OST & super smooth action scenes) - Kaiba is 2000s masterpiece from super director Maasaki Yuasa (animated in Madhouse), meanwhile Ousama Ranking is 2020s masterpiece from WIT Studio (famously for Guilty Crown, Attack on Titans first 3 seasons, Vivy, Kabaneri) MUST WATCH!  
report Recommended by NickLim27
Both anime have a unique worldview. They have their own philosophy. Also, they have big educational value - especially Houseki no Kuni. Both are top-rated (over 8.0) on MAL and have over 100,000 votes. Most recommendations do like "both have similar..." but you want to see something that catches your eye and you fell in love with. 
report Recommended by DreamingGhost
They may not be similar in genre or art~ but they are in another way. Mushishi is an episodic series in which the main character goes on a journey and learns the stories of other people. For the first half of Kaiba there are also quite a few episodes in which the main character meets and learns about other people while traveling. Both series are very unique as well 
report Recommended by jaygold33
While the plotlines of these two series are quite different, each has a similar atmosphere. They both use unusual art styles to interpret the out-of-the-ordinary worlds they happen in: in Gankutsuou, colorful animation paired with a futuristic past; in Kaiba, old-style character designs to express a different sort of sci-fi. Each is also set in space, but very unscientifically, using it as a springboard for unconventional ideas, not realism. 
report Recommended by Anomalous
Similar eccentric art style with equally mind blowing plot twists which keep you seating on the edge the whole time. Both has episode element, though Kaiba has a main plot between the sub plots. Both are not your every day style anime and definitely worth your time!  
report Recommended by xxbluebirdxx
Both series are directed by Masaaki Yuasa, which means that they both present strong themes and ideas behind the plot. They also have a somewhat similar and special art style, which is actually a way to represent human emotions in a symbolic way. If you liked one, the chances are you'll also enjoy the other. 
report Recommended by destinyunknown
These two titles are from Masaaki Yuasa and have a similar feel to them. These two anime have stories that are very emotional, tragic and dramatic with a unique art style. Both are a great pick if you want to see more of Yuasa's visual story telling.  
report Recommended by Genocyberfanboy
- In both shows, in their society bodies become replaceable - Deals with threats of terrorism - Dystopic  
report Recommended by cornonacob
Characters that don't fully understand the world they live in, and most of the story comes from unraveling that. They also both feature similar art styles in certain ways, though I won't go into detail on that for spoilers. Kaiba is a masterpiece, Deca-Dence is just a fun story to watch, but both left me with a similar feeling (though Kaiba was much stronger).  
report Recommended by Xaeveax
Both feature: -utopias and "out-of-the-box" worlds; -great story lines; -believable and well-thought characters; -the best and worst of humankind. 
report Recommended by GroovyLoopy
-Both have the same sad-moody hopeless feel atmosphere to them -Both have futuristic weird sci-fi settings where humanity has gone in a pretty sad direction on a whole -There's this constant feeling that things won't really get any better, there isn't any hope left for humanity -Both have very unique settings that contrast with the cute character designs of the characters, it creates a very unique experience for both -Both are kind of episodic, with the adventure continuing as the series makes progress, with some connected story bits in there as well  
report Recommended by alpha_shadow
protagonists travel the galaxy and visit many different planets. some episodes of space dandy feature very similar art styles to kaiba, along with similar stories. both are incredible 
report Recommended by someoka
Both have cartoonish character styles paired with contrasting dramatic storylines that explore a unique fantasy world. 
report Recommended by Arboria
Both shows have the same director in Yuasa Masaaki. Kaiba is an original anime written by Masaaki whereas Ping Pong is adapting source material by Taiyou Matsumoto. The shows are very different in terms of what they are actually about, but if you like the visuals in Ping Pong or Kaiba then you would definitely appreciate the other. I get more "Kaiba-vibes" from Ping Pong than I do Kaiba's sibling, The Tatami Galaxy, in terms of aesthetics, and especially when Smile is "Entering the Hero".  
report Recommended by Volt1993
Both series feature bizarre alternative worlds on a regular basis. Their styles are also both classic, in very different ways. Kaiba feels like a 40s cartoon, whereas Flip Flappers has a 90s meets Trigger feel. 
report Recommended by nyasu
Artistic, stylish, colorful, contemplative, fantastical stories about exploring worlds and different ways of life in the universe. Dandy is much more comedic but can share some of the heartfelt moments of Kaiba. A few episodes of Dandy look straight out of Kaiba. Both series take such beautiful and courageous liberty with their art direction. 
report Recommended by Danish
Masaaki Yuasa's segment in Genius Party is similar to Kaiba.  
report Recommended by xMatronxMalicex
Kaiba is similar in terms of themes more than aesthetics or plot. Like in Ghost in the Shell SAC, a person's memories can be transferred from one body to another. Similarly, a person's economic class affects whether they can take advantage of this technology. This is a key focus of Kaiba, along with the mystery of the main character's forgotten memories. Since both series are action-packed, fans of one will not be to put off by the other. If you give Kaiba's experimental visual style a chance, you will not be disappointed. Similarly, something to consider about Ghost in the Shell is that it often features  read more 
report Recommended by flameiguana
Both series are very visually beautiful, with a creepy, unsettling atmosphere that is constantly lingering throughout the whole work. Surrounded by mystery and horror, secrets and a visual atmosphere that seems to be rarely done, they're both amazing works that are very similar, and yet, fairly different in their own respective fields.  
report Recommended by decco6226
Both features a young MCs presumably of a similar age exploring a fantastical society with strange creatures, traditions and customs 
report Recommended by Tyujg
Both of these takes place in a fantasy sci fi esque world with different creatures/advertars where the main cast have to deal with a mysterious and destructive situation. Both also have a similar fluidness for its style and comedy scenes together with scenes that older audiences can relate. The main difference is that one switches between the real world while the other is just purely fantasy 
report Recommended by Tyujg
Both Saraiya Goyou (House of Five Leaves) and Kaiba have a slower pace. The way the shows unravel are similar as well, being chronological and episodic. Both shows are also fairly cerebral, likely Saraiya Goyou more so. If you are a fan of one, most likely you will be a fan of the other. 
report Recommended by SamuraiSteve
A Tree of Palme just screams Kaiba in both its art direction and themes... Though I would argue Kaiba is more successful in delivering on those themes, A Tree of Palme is a great watch if you're into the art of the series. It's truly lovely stuff, and it's very interesting to watch a piece of media with such a similar style to Kaiba being animated with a movie budget. It's a mixed experience, but I'd say it's well worth a watch! :-) 
report Recommended by 10xTiger
Both these series were made to be experienced rather than watched and critiqued. Although they both feature vague plot elements and sporadic character development the main appeal comes from just sitting back and enjoying ride. 
report Recommended by Trap_Traps_Traps
If you liked the psychological elements of Monster, you could like Kaiba. Kaiba also questions, what is life? what does it mean to exist? etc Both series have some gruesome moments. 
report Recommended by slayermusiq1
It has the same "dream" feeling to it. Be it the animation or the story, the "dream" feeling is quite similar 
report Recommended by KuroiKikyou
Similar slow pacing and beautifully unique art styles. Both are wonderfully surreal and heavy with allegorical story telling that encourages you to question how you live your life and who you live it for. 
report Recommended by kerokero-
Both are very well animated and experimental, while also being genuinely touching despite having generally wacky looking character designs. I'd consider both shows to be pretty character driven stories, and side characters from either show end up being pretty memorable despite not being focused on much. There are also similar themes addressed. Kaiba is definitely a more upsetting watch, but I'd say both shows manage a weird mix of both light-hearted and emotional. 
report Recommended by grsse
While the premise and plotline of both shows are fundamentally different, both have a unique sci-fi setting, with an outwardly "childish" appearance in the art style, but both are aimed at an older demographic. Both anime don't initially explain the foundation/fundamentals of the worlds they're set in, adding some sense of "mystery" to their settings. Both series also have simple-looking creatures that make "cute", incoherent noises (Hyo-hyo in Kaiba, and the Mojos and Densuke in Dennou Coil). 
report Recommended by NonaryGames
In my opinion, I consider Kaiba to be a unique and wonderful experience, a truly hidden gem of today's times. Both shows explore their themes in unique and engaging ways, but I believe that "Frieren" is actually worse than Kaiba in every objective way, such as character development throughout the series, world-building and such. Of course, the enjoyment of a series is entirely subjective, but I find "Kaiba" as one of those "can't hate" series. 
report Recommended by markphp
The setting, story, and art style are very different, but they both have some similar themes. These are both short episodic series where the protagonist travels around and learns, through the plight of episodic side characters, what it means to be human. In Violet Evergarden, the MC tries to learn the meaning of love, which she doesn't know because she was raised as a child soldier. In Kaiba, the MC has amnesia. Kaiba is much more of a mindfuck, but both will hit you in the feels, and both have incredible soundtracks. 
report Recommended by Khashishi
Both are from acclaimed directors (Kaiba from Masaaki Yuasa and Ghost Hound from Ryutaro Nakamura) Both deal with existential themes and science fiction. Both have great and unique visuals, music and sound direction. Both have a great cast of characters.  
report Recommended by TheNextDoor
Made this mostly based on how unique both directing and animation styles are for both of these shows 
report Recommended by ChickenClicker
They both have a different art work style than normal 
report Recommended by Asuna621
While BB does not explore everything that may be as most other sci-fi do (e.g. Kaiba, about memories, but then again how tall players are is more relevant than their memories in a game), it is still very much solidified as a background in its multitudes - architectural sci-fi, if such a genre were to exist. 
report Recommended by Quirky_analysis
Both series are set in sci-fi world, but are primarily driven by romance. Despite both of them having faults, they are both pretty transcendental when they're at their best. They both also have lovely and inspired visuals and soundtracks. 
report Recommended by NessieFynn
Both are set in a surrealistic world. 
report Recommended by lighthalzen-kun
Both follow a traveler, both have a particular atmosphere, and an original design. 
report Recommended by lighthalzen-kun
don't know why, but have similar feelings during watching. Both series looks like not really serious at the start, but they are rather serious, I think. About strange people, their journey for goal and adventures during this. But Kaiba is more interesting for me. 
report Recommended by irenika
Same design, similar story (where people owns other strange bodies) 
report Recommended by saegeek
Aside from both being science-fiction, these wouldn't seem very similar at first. However, it's clear that one theme that both of these real hit home on is the contemplation of what it really means to be human. - Eve No Jikan is a very down to Earth tale showing a world where very life-like androids are commonplace . - Kaiba is set in a very fantasy-like futuristic universe where memories can literally be extracted or implanted into people. I'd heartily recommend both to anyone who likes thought provoking sci-fi. Try not to let Kaiba's visual's deter you from it. It's somewhat off-putting at first, but by the  read more 
report Recommended by Falaina
Don't be fooled by their childlike exteriors. Both Kaiba and Chirin no Suzu combine cute artistic styles with in-depth, often dark themes.  
report Recommended by Lucena
The most basic premise is the same - you have a main character who you like, but who has no recollection of who he is. You are going along for the ride with this character who you're rooting for, but you're not entirely sure who is the good guy and who is the bad guy. Memory loss, love and troubled times in the name of a more perfect society are present in both series. One caveat - if you can not stand a variety of unique artwork or animation styles, then you will probably have a hard time watching Kaiba... which is  read more 
report Recommended by Dinamet7
Some weird s**t happens in both anime, mixed with some romance and mindf**k. The art is kinda similar in some parts, that is only because Amuri is mostly CGI. Also the story is almost alike, they run/hide/figth for there lives and for the sake of the planet.  
report Recommended by ElemenT
Travelling to various planets with intriguing characteristics, changing bodies, and at the end, political schemes. Kaiba is a return to the 60s and 70s in character design and finds inspiration in Galaxy Express 999 in themes. 'What if we could swap bodies?' is a question addressed by both works. Further, the two series have protagonists travelling to different intriguing planets and societies, and both hide underlying political schemes which gain more importance as the episodes go on. In both series, various aspects of dystopian transhumanism in moving scenarios are presented which the protagonists remain silent about, leaving the viewer to ponder. 
report Recommended by lpf
These shows are both set in distopian sci-fi settings. Although Kaiba's world is more blatantly smybolic and dreamlike, short, addicting, atmospheric, depressing, and downright harsh. Both are incredible and I recommend you watch them in succession for full effect.  
report Recommended by ovoon7
Both Fractale and Kaiba have the concept of "memory data", which means that both shows feature alternate bodies with the possibility of loading an entire individual onto them. They also feature a world that has changed and modernised, but not entirely into the best. Not a dystopia in every sense, but a world that has developed into something very unfriendly. Both protagonists are also searching for a girl who possibly hold a lot of answers to their past and future.  
report Recommended by Semonthy
The art style is actually very similar in my opinion. Also, they are both dialogue heavy, and have the same kind of subtle humor. 
report Recommended by ernietinkle
Both of these anime: - have main characters who seem to not fully comprehend their world; - have main protagonists' love interest play an important part in the plot; - have a peculiar and unorthodox style of animation; - are sci-fi anime with somewhat of a cyberpunk feel; - have people fighting for their survival. 
report Recommended by HandsomeMan
Both are pretty sci-fi like, and ultimately revolve around a love story. Both are pretty bizarre, strange and unusual. Although Luluco is much more of a wacky comedy, while Kaiba is much darker, but does have elements of humor as well.  
report Recommended by yotsuo
Sometimes slow-paced, sometimes dark, and sometimes a bit pretentious, Aku no Hana and Kaiba both give out a very unique feel with their unique art style and artistic feel. Aku no Hana is way better in my opinion, but for anyone looking for an unique experience, look no further than these two anime.  
report Recommended by Fujaku
They both have very unique art styles full of symbolism and portray characters trying to cope with living in a cruel world. 
report Recommended by gabe475
They both deal with psychology and the inner workings of the mind, one through dreams, the other memories. At times there are 'parades' of the contents of the mind which is accompanied by intererestingly similar melodies. 
report Recommended by Seyfert
Both involve lost memories and groups on an adventure. Both stories turn into a serious drama. And they involve romance. 
report Recommended by Chicken008
Both involve lost memories and groups on an adventure. Both stories turn into a serious drama. And they involve romance. 
report Recommended by Chicken008