If you’re a fan of the supernatural and like your horror with a side of humor, then Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun is probably already one of your top picks. It comes as no surprise that it has become such a success, thanks to its inventive premise, colorful characters, and beautiful animation.
Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun follows the adventures of Hanako, a young boy who has the unique ability to see spirits. Hanako uses this ability to help spirits who are trapped in the human world find peace in the afterlife. However, Hanako is also haunted by a dark past that he must overcome in order to use his abilities to their fullest potential. The anime series is set in the real world, and Hanako’s ability is kept a secret from most people – as he attempts to solve the mystery of his own past while helping ghosts find peace.
If you’ve already watched every episode and need more anime Like Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun to add some supernatural fun to your life, rest assured! I got you covered by recommending 10 shows that have the same spooky and whimsical vibe as Hanako-kun.
1. The Case Study of Vanitas
The anime is set in France in 19th-century Paris where humans and vampires coexist. The story revolves around Vanitas, along with his mentor, a vampire named Noe. He possesses a book, the Grimoire of Vanitas, that he uses to cure vampires who have been afflicted with a curse that turns them into mindless beasts. This relic has the ability to cure vampires who have been afflicted by the curse, as well as allow Vanitas to cure himself of a number of deadly diseases. But what Vanitas seeks is the truth behind the curse, and the story delves into a dark world of horror and mystery. And as the story progresses, Vanitas finds himself facing his past and confronting his deepest secrets as he works to unravel the mystery.
Both anime also have a Gothic aesthetic and explore themes of life and death. Additionally, the main characters in both anime have unique abilities and play key roles in solving the central mystery. The Case Study of Vanitas is an anime like Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun, both anime have a quirky sense of humor, often featuring comedic moments to offset the darker and more serious aspects of the story. Despite the similarities to Toilet Bound Hanako-kun, The Case Study of Vanitas explores more mature themes and delivers a more adult take on the supernatural genre.
2. Nakame’s Book of Friends
Nakame’s Book of Friends revolves around a teenage boy named Takashi Natsume who is able to see yokai, supernatural creatures from Japanese folklore. After his grandmother dies, Takashi inherits a book containing the names of the yokai she defeated and bound to her will.
Along the way, Takashi becomes friends with several yokai, who become his allies and guide him through the world of spirits as he frees the yokai from the book and avenges his grandmother’s actions. In addition to his abilities, Takashi must also deal with conflicts and challenges resulting from other humans seeking to use his power for their own gain.
Like Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun, Natsume’s Book of Friends explores the relationships between humans and yokai. Character development and friendship are also prominent themes in both anime, as the main characters navigate their respective worlds and form relationships with mysterious entities.
3. Mushishi
The mysterious Mushishi is an anime that follows the adventures of Ginko, a silver-haired traveling herbalist who can see Mushi, or living beings that exist in a different realm from humans. Ginko uses his knowledge and skills to help those who are plagued by the Mushi, and in return, he is given a host of gifts from the people he saves. Although at times his work can be challenging, Ginko continues to travel throughout Japan and use his gifts to help others, all while learning more about the Mushi and himself.
While the series is set in a fantasy world, Mushishi has a strong focus on the beauty and wonder of the natural world, with a greater emphasis on philosophical themes such as existence, death, and suffering.
4. Kekkai Sensen (Blood Blockade Battlefront)
In New York City, a parallel world of hidden occult beings exists peacefully alongside humans. In this world, there are a group of hunters called “Kekkai Sensen” who protect this peace. One day, a young man named Leonardo Watch is attacked by a monster called “Eccentric” who plans to create a world of chaos where humans would be forced to live in fear of the supernatural beings around them. Leonardo is saved by a young Kekkai Sensen named Klaus, and together they set out to defeat Eccentric and protect the world from his evil plans.
Kekkai Sensen has a more action-packed and fast-paced approach with intense fight scenes, flashy animation, and a diverse cast of characters with unique powers and abilities.
5. Jigoku Shoujo (Hell Girl)
Set in modern-day Tokyo, Jigoku Shoujo is an anime series that follows the adventures of Enma Ai, the “Hell Girl” a sadistic character who is tasked with guiding lost spirits to the afterlife. Enma Ai is summoned by people who want revenge against the person who wronged them. She loves her day job of tormenting spirits and making them face their weaknesses, which she believes is what they deserve for coming back to haunt the living. However, Enma Ai also has a side to her personality that is sympathetic to those who are suffering – even if her methods are extreme and often terrifying. As the series progresses, Enma Ai must learn to strike a balance between her cruel nature and her ability to empathize with human suffering.
Both Jigoku Shoujo and Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun are dark fantasy horror anime that deal with the themes of death and revenge. However, the two anime approach those themes in very different ways. Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun is a more comedic and lighter-hearted series, while Jigoku Shoujo is a more serious and darker story. Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun deals more with supernatural elements and creatures, while Jigoku Shoujo is a more psychological horror series.
6. Hoozuki no Reitetsu (Hozuki’s Coolheadedness)
Hozuki’s Coolheadedness takes place in the netherworld, where the devil Hozuki works as a clerk for the Demon Capital Bureau. Hozuki’s job is to help resolve problems in the demon world, but he’s also tasked with keeping tabs on his fellow demons and employees. Hozuki’s unique brand of “coolheadedness” often gets him into trouble, especially when it comes to dealing with his stubborn colleagues. But despite his constant bickering with the other demons, Hozuki always manages to find a way to resolve whatever problem has been thrown at him.
Hozuki’s Coolheadedness is an anime like Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun, both anime features a main cast of demonic characters, and they both include elements of Japanese folklore and mythology.Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun deals more with supernatural creatures, while Hozuki’s Coolheadedness is a more realistic story focused on the daily lives of the demons.
7. Mononoke
The anime series Mononoke tells of a mysterious medicine seller who wanders the countryside of ancient Japan, helping to rid people of their inner demons and nightmares. Each episode takes viewers into the heart of a new story, where the medicine seller encounters various spirits and evil creatures, and helps people understand their problems and fears. As the medicine seller helps others overcome their problems, he also learns to deal with his past and his struggles in life.
Both Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun and Mononoke have a unique aesthetic and a focus on the relationship between humans and demons.
8. Durara!!
In Durara!!, several characters’ paths cross unexpectedly in the bustling city of Ikebukuro, setting the scene for an urban fantasy anime series. Mikado Ryuugamine, a young boy who moves to Ikebukuro to attend high school, encounters a headless rider, a street gang, and a mysterious information broker during his time at Ikebukuro. The anime follows the lives of these people as they deal with the dangers and mysteries of their city and their problems. As the anime progresses, the stories of each character become more and more intertwined, with the various plot threads coming together in a finale that no one could have anticipated.
Like Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun Durarara!! features a large cast of characters with unique and distinctive personalities. Identity, morality, and the complexity of human relationships are explored in the show, often blurring the line between good and evil. The show is known for its intricate storytelling, nonlinear narrative structure, and fast-paced action scenes.
9. Tasogare Otome x Amnesia (Dusk Maiden of Amnesia)
The fantasy romance anime revolves around the ghost Yuuko haunting Seikyou Private Academy. A first-year student named Teiichi Niiya stumbles upon her, and unlike others, he can see her and communicate with her. Their investigation of paranormal events at school uncovers dark secrets about Yuuko’s past as they form a paranormal investigation club with the help of Teiichi’s childhood friend, Kirie Kanoe, and Momoe Okonogi, the club’s president, Momoe Okonogi’s president.
In the same way, as Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun, the anime deals with paranormal activity and has a romantic element. The main characters are also students, and the story takes place in a school setting.
10. Kai Byoui Ramune (Dr. Ramune -Mysterious Disease Specialist)
Ramune is a doctor who has the unique ability to cure any illness. However, his cures always have unexpected side effects, and the people he treats often end up in an even worse condition than before. Despite this, Ramune continues to search for the perfect cure – a cure that will both heal a patient and leave no side effects behind. Along the way, Ramune encounters a variety of strange illnesses and cures, all while trying to unravel the mystery behind his unique abilities.
Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun is more of a psychological horror series, while Kai Byoui Ramune is more of a mystery-driven story focused on the relationship between a doctor and his patients. Additionally, Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun is set in the real world, while Kai Byoui Ramune is set in a fictional version of the city of Tokyo.
