Whether set in historical periods or contemporary settings, these animes offer a unique blend of action, drama, and character development that keeps viewers engaged. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best mafia animes that have left a lasting impression. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

10. Gungrave

Gungrave tells the story of betrayal and the all-consuming need for revenge, but with an organized crime twist to it.

The series begins thirteen years after Brandon Heat is betrayed and killed by his best friend Harry MacDowell. He is reborn and begins a quest for revenge against the crime syndicate.

The anime then flashes back to Brandon's youth and follows him and Harry as they grow up together on the streets and rise through the criminal underworld, detailing the circumstances that led to their eventual falling out.

Gungrave is a must-watch revenge anime for enthusiasts.

9. Darker Than Black

The sci-fi mafia anime Darker Than Black is set in an alternate present where a spatial anomaly identified as Hell's Gate appears in Tokyo, altering the sky and landscapes.

When the gates came to light, individuals known as Contractors gained supernatural abilities in exchange for their humanity.

The series follows the exploits of Agent Hei, an elite Contractor specializing in combat and infiltration.

Recognized as one of the most terrifying figures in the world, known as the “Black Reaper”, Hei sets out to uncover the secrets of Hell's Gate while saving his sister from potential threats.

8. Black Lagoon

Black Lagoon is a refreshing crime thriller where women dominate the battlefield.

Featuring a sadistic protagonist, the series follows the Lagoon Company, a four-member crew of pirate mercenaries who smuggle goods in and around the seas of Southeast Asia.

Sometimes the hero of the story may not necessarily be the “good” person – with that in mind, Revy and her gang take on a number of jobs involving criminal organizations and violent shootouts! Black Lagoon manages to feature a colorful cast that is appealing in part because of its moral ambiguity.

7. Millionaire Detective Balance: Unlimited

Millionaire Detective portrays the life of Daisuke Kambe, a man of extraordinary wealth, who is assigned to the Modern Crime Prevention Headquarters as a detective.

There he partners with Haru Katou, a human detective who values justice above all else.

The two are polar opposites and their morals clash time and time again. However, despite their differences, the two will have to join forces to solve crimes and defy the mysteries that come their way! Millionaire Detective brings a comedic element to the mafia anime genre.

6. Baccano

Cool! is told from multiple points of view and focuses on multiple people at once, including alchemists, thieves, and bandits who are unconnected to each other.

The series is set in the fictional United States during the Prohibition era.

After an elixir of immortality is recreated in 1930s Manhattan, the characters begin to cross paths, setting off events that spiral further out of control.

Bacano! is unique in that it throws its cast into a realm of violence centered around the idea of immortality.

5. It will last!!

Durara!! is an urban fantasy set in Ikebukuro, a district in central Tokyo considered a crime haven filled with diverse inhabitants.

The story of Durarara!! is told from multiple perspectives, featuring a diverse set of criminal organizations from Japan to Russia.

Cultural diversity is highlighted throughout the story, as the series follows the lives of several characters as they are drawn into the chaos and intrigue of Ikebukuro, including the headless Black Rider and the leader of the anonymous Dollars gang.

4. 91 Days

“Revenge is a dish best served cold” – the entire narrative of the story can be understood in this single sentence.

91 Days emphasizes revenge-based mafia anime set in the fictional form of America during Prohibition when there was no law and illegal mafias and gangs used to rule the place.

The anime follows Angelo Lagusa's retaliation against the powerful Vanetti family after witnessing their brutal murder of his family.

After leaving his hometown, Angelo returns seven years later to inflict pain on anyone tangentially related to his family's death.

3. Banana Fish

Banana Fish is a dark and gritty mafia thriller anime series from Studio MAPPA that focuses heavily on the main protagonist Ash Lynx, a 17-year-old gang leader in New York City as he investigates the mysterious drug “Banana Fish”.

Along the way, Ash meets a Japanese photographer's assistant, Eiji Okumura, and they form a close bond. Together, they attempt to solve the mystery behind the drug while rescuing their subordinates from the enemy hideout.

2. Gangsta

Gangsta is a dark and violent mafia anime set in the city of Ergastulum, where crime is rampant and the police are powerless to stop it. The anime is about two “Handymen” Nicholas Brown and Worick Arcangelo who will take on any job, no matter how dangerous or dirty.

During one of their deadly encounters, the two stumble upon a prostitute and mutually agree to protect her from a powerful mafia boss. Unaware of the chaos, they soon find themselves in a power-shifting war that could shake the foundations of Ergastulum.

1. Bungo Stray Dogs

Bungo Stray Dogs is set in an underworld and mafia setting with a colorful cast based on real-life characters.

The anime tells the story of Atsushi Nakajima, an orphan who has the strange ability to transform into a white tiger in the moonlight.

After rescuing a supernatural investigator who was about to commit suicide, Atsushi ends up joining the company, where he becomes the target of underworld leaders who desire his power as part of a larger plot to alter the very fabric of reality!

Great mafia anime to kickstart your journey.

Which of the following mafia anime is your favorite? Feel free to comment your thoughts and be sure to recommend some other anime like the ones listed above, also don’t forget to share this article with your otaku friends.