5 Anime You Should Be Watching If You Like HBO Max's "Tokyo Vice"

If you like organized crime shows, these anime are right up your alley.

When I first saw the HBO Max's Tokyo Vice trailer, it immediately caught my attention. It's based on the 2009 memoir by American journalist, Jake Adelstein, which detailed his time working for one of the most prominent Japanese newspapers as the first non-Japanese reporter.

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He primarily worked on the police beat as a crime reporter during his time there. Through his relationship with an older detective, he was able to have unprecedented access and learn about the underworld of Tokyo, which included the Yakuza.  

This book has been turned into a gripping show that gives some great insight into a culture that I feel most anime fans are enamored by and a deeper view of the Yakuza we don't get to see too often in American shows.

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I bring this up because while watching the show, I started thinking about different anime that this show reminded me of in terms of style, humor, and drama. So I figured I'd compile a list of shows that I think anime fans would like if they're a fan of this HBO Max crime drama. 

1. Tokyo Revengers

Ken Wakui, KONDASHA/ TOKYO REVENGERS Anime Production Committee

This show not only delivers on a unique concept, but it's yet another great anime that delivers on great characters you cheer for. Takemichi Hanagaki is a 26-year-old who hasn't really achieved much and is cruising through life when he learns about the death of his childhood girlfriend and her brother. A day after receiving this news and reminiscing on the best days of his youth, he is pushed in front of a train, and before his death, somehow transported twelves years back to the time when he was a delinquent and didn't have a care in the world. After discovering the way in which to travel from the past to the present, he seeks a way to not only save his love, Hinata, but also save the people around him who become victims of the notorious Tokyo Manji Gang. I highly recommend this anime if you're looking for something that just came out and want to be caught up before the new season drops. 

2. Katekyo Hitman Reborn!

Akira Amano/Shueisha, TV Tokyo, REBORN! Production Committee

This anime features the underwear-fighting Tsuna, who starts as a poor student and cowardly loner, but becomes a more confident badass after meeting the two-year-old hitman tutor, Reborn. Through this toddler, Tsuna learns about his connection to one of the most prominent mafia organizations, the Vongola family. Reborn's mission is to teach Tsuna to become the eventual mafia boss he is destined to be, although Tsuna doesn't make that easy. It's an exciting take on an Italian mafia story, but one that delivers charm and great fights, making this anime a great addition to your must-watch list. 

3. 91 Days

Shuka

A period crime drama set in the prohibition era of Illinois, 91 Days is a classic revenge story. Angelo Lagusa's family is murdered in front of him at a young age by the Vanetti crime family, which sets Angelo to come out of hiding after several years to exact his revenge. It's through a name change and his newfound friendship with Nero Vanetti, the don's son, that allows him to infiltrate the mob. Of course, it's never as easy as it seems when you go deep undercover to get your revenge and 91 days does it masterfully. Though mafia revenge tropes aren't anything new, the way they landed this series as a whole is worth watching. 

4. Cowboy Bebop

Sunrise

A bounty hunting show set in space, what's there not to love? It's hands down one of my favorite anime growing up and, in my opinion, a must-watch for anybody diving into anime for the first time. Its animation and story-telling, and phenomenal soundtrack, make it a classic anime in my book. The story follows former Syndicate hitman, Spike Speigel, and his adventures as a "cowboy," trying to collect bounties with his Bebop crew, which is filled with a former detective in Jet, a con artist with amnesia in Faye, as well as the child hacker, Edward, and genius Corgi, Ein. This episodic adventure makes for great entertainment and dives into subjects not often seen during those times. 

5. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind

Luckyland Communications/Shueisha JOJO's Animation GW Project

This season of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure takes the audience to Naples, Italy, where the focus is on Giorno Giovanna, who is aspiring to become the next boss of the Passione mafia so he can make positive changes to Italy. Through "bizarre" circumstances, we find out about his ties to the Joestar family. Though I recommend watching the previous seasons to get more context of the history of the Joestar family, considering each season focuses on a different Joestar character in different timelines, this season stood out in seeing the ties to the Italian mob and the reveal of Gio's father. All this story-telling and great action lend to an entertaining anime with unique animation that'll stick out in your mind. 

If you're wondering where you can watch all of these fantastic anime series without switching streaming services, be sure to check out Crunchyroll for all your anime needs. Have you watched any of these anime? What do you think of Tokyo Vice, and do you have any organized crime anime we should be watching? Let us know in the comments below!