Anime Like Rozen Maiden: Zurückspulen

Saya Otonashi leads an ordinary life with her foster family in Okinawa City, blending in as a typical high school student, though she frequently suffers from anemia and has no memories of anything before the previous year. Her past comes back when a bloodthirsty creature attacks her at school. A mysterious man named Haji appears and rescues her, forcing her to drink his blood. This sends Saya into a trance, where she uses her own blood as a deadly weapon against the monster. As Saya discovers Red Shield, an organization created to fight these monsters, she joins forces with Haji to confront these terrifying beings and unravel the mysteries hidden in her past.

In a world where vampires secretly coexist with humans, these beings do not require blood for survival but can succumb to a powerful bloodlust driven by intense emotions, turning them into savage creatures. Tsukasa Taira, a 22-year-old university student, uncovers the truth about vampires when she learns that her childhood friend is one after a tense confrontation with Yuuki Anzai, a human-vampire hybrid. Following her friend's arrest, Tsukasa develops a deep connection with Anzai, who gradually reciprocates her feelings despite his inner struggle against the urge to prey on her. Their unique bond is tested by the constant battle Anzai wages against the vampire part of himself that craves Tsukasa's blood.

In "Dance in the Vampire Bund," Mina Tepes, the ruler of the vampires, publicly announces the existence of vampires on live television and proposes establishing a sanctuary in Japan called the Vampire Bund. Using her family's immense wealth, she settles the country's debts and secures the rights to build a haven for vampires. However, her declaration sparks opposition from humans who doubt her intentions for peace. Akira Kaburagi, a skeptic of vampires, feels uneasy when discussions about them arise, though he cannot explain why. Living a carefree life since suffering a head injury a year prior, Akira's world changes when he meets Mina, who awakens his buried memories and compels him to protect her without knowing the reasons. Unbeknownst to Akira, he holds an extraordinary secret: he is a werewolf, destined from birth to safeguard the vampire queen at the cost of his own existence. As Mina and Akira navigate the dangerous environment of the Vampire Bund, they uncover the deep nature of their bond.

Jun Sakurada has withdrawn from school and spends his days at home, habitually ordering products online with the intent of returning them before the trial period expires. His routine shatters when he discovers a cryptic note asking whether he would wind something. Agreeing without thinking, Jun sets off a chain of unforeseen events. A parcel soon arrives containing a mechanical doll. After winding her, the doll—Shinku, the fifth creation in the Rozen Maiden series—stirs to life, revealing a proud and commanding personality. Shinku explains that she and her sisters are part of a special line crafted by the legendary dollmaker Rozen, and they are locked in a contest called the Alice Game. In this competition, each doll relies on a human partner to help them triumph; the winner transforms into a real girl capable of meeting their creator. As more dolls appear in Jun's home, the situation grows increasingly complicated. An old rival of Shinku's emerges, and the resulting conflicts and battles pull Jun deeper into the dolls' world.

High school often represents a fresh start, complete with new classes and new friendships—but for Souichiro Nagi and Bob Makihara, it is merely a platform for becoming the most dominant fighters at their school. Unfortunately, Toudou Academy is the worst possible choice for that ambition. Unlike ordinary schools, Toudou Academy was established to revive martial arts in Japan, where subjects like math and science take a backseat. Souichiro’s dream of ruling the martial arts scene at Toudou Academy comes to a halt when he clashes with seniors Masataka Takayanagi and Maya Natsume. These experienced fighters quickly put the brakes on the freshmen’s aggressive march through the school. Yet instead of discouraging them, the setback only fuels their determination to compete. Who are these incredible fighters at Toudou Academy? Is there anyone stronger than Masataka and Maya? And why is Maya’s younger sister so obsessed with Souichiro? The answers to these questions and more can be found in Tenjho Tenge.

Set in 1864 Japan, Hakuoki ~Demon of the Fleeting Blossom~ centers on Chizuru Yukimura, a young woman searching for her missing father, Koudou, a doctor who is seldom at home. After months without any word from him, Chizuru disguises herself as a man and travels to Kyoto hoping for clues. While evading suspicious ronin, she accidentally happens upon a brutal scene where those ronin are viciously killed by crazed white-haired beings. The Shinsengumi step in, eliminate the attackers, and then capture Chizuru, debating whether to kill her or let her live. When Chizuru reveals her father’s name, the Shinsengumi decide to protect her, since they too have been looking for Koudou. It emerges that Koudou shares a deep link with the Shinsengumi, drawing Chizuru into the group’s struggles against their enemies and the political turmoil gripping Kyoto.

In "Nabari no Ou," Miharu Rokujou is a quiet and aloof 14-year-old with a subtle mischievous streak who possesses the highly sought-after ninja technique called "Shinrabanshou." This ability makes him a target for numerous ninja clans seeking to control the hidden world of Nabari. Protecting him are his classmate Kouichi Aizawa and his English teacher Thobari Durandal Kumohira, both members of the Banten ninja clan tasked with guarding Miharu. Despite his apparent indifference, Miharu initially refuses their invitation to join their ninja organization. But as the threats against him escalate, he comes to accept the necessity of their protection. As the story unfolds, Miharu becomes increasingly drawn into the conflict over who will rule Nabari.

The first animated installment of the Bleach franchise, Memories in the Rain, was initially screened at the Jump Festa 2004 Anime Tour before its DVD release. Produced before the TV series began, this OVA functions as a pilot episode, providing a different version of the events seen in episodes 8 and 9. Substitute Shinigami Kurosaki Ichigo, who works under Kuchiki Rukia, discovers that the Hollow he is chasing is the same creature that caused his mother's death. Fueled by a strong urge for revenge, Ichigo faces the Hollow in battle.

Despite remaining concealed from general knowledge, Witches—humans endowed with supernatural talents—have coexisted alongside humanity for centuries. Though not particularly numerous or innately evil, these Witches can still disrupt society if they abuse their powers for illegal purposes. Such supernatural offenses fall outside the purview of regular policing and are handled by the Solomon organization. Upon finishing her education in Italy, Robin Sena joins Solomon’s regional office in Japan, known as STNJ. Possessing formidable pyrokinetic powers herself, Robin is a Witch who disagrees with STNJ’s approach to combating rogue Witches. Her main issue lies with a potion named Orbo, which has the capability to diminish or nullify a Witch’s abilities. To prove her worth within the organization, Robin must maneuver through Solomon's intricate internal politics while also confronting the peril posed by antagonistic Witches, each presenting distinct challenges.

Park Hyung Suk, a high school student constantly bullied and mocked for his overweight appearance and low self-esteem, longs to escape his miserable life. After transferring to a new school hoping for a fresh start, he experiences an incredible transformation, waking up in the body of a tall, handsome, and naturally athletic person. He realizes he now possesses two separate bodies, swapping between them every time he falls asleep. Excited by this newfound advantage, Hyung Suk presents himself as this attractive and strong version at his new school. However, popularity brings its own problems, drawing unwanted attention from superficial admirers and conflicts with jealous troublemakers. As he navigates his double life, Hyung Suk discovers that each identity carries its own unique challenges.

In the continuation of Rozen Maiden titled "Träumend," Shinku and the other sentient dolls from the Rozen Maiden collection continue their daily life at Jun Sakurada's home. Jun, who has grown accustomed to his role as Shinku's partner in the dangerous Alice Game, is now overcoming his past anxieties and preparing to return to school. While the dolls enjoy peaceful days at Jun's residence, the emergence of a new enemy, Barasuishou—the seventh Rozen Maiden—signals approaching trouble. Barasuishou remains a mystery to the other dolls, as none of them have encountered her before. Shinku sees this as an indication that the Alice Game is nearing its final stage, meaning the dolls will soon be forced to confront one another. Troubled by the impending battles and haunted by dreams of another doll, Shinku begins to distance herself from the group. To win, she realizes it will come at a great cost—the lives of her sisters.

A dark force begins stirring in the hidden corners of Tokyo. Tatsuma Hiyuu, a quiet high school senior, enrolls at Magami Academy in Shinjuku. His enigmatic personality and impressive martial arts abilities quickly attract the friendship of the rebellious Kyouichi Houraiji. Through fate and coincidence, Tatsuma meets wrestling club athlete Yuuya Daigo, the girls' archery team captain Komaki Sakurai, and Student Council President Aoi Misato. These bonds form just as a violent disruption occurs in the Ryumyaku, the mystical energy current. This upheaval awakens hidden supernatural powers within the five teenagers. Hisui Kisaragi, the young head of the Kisaragi Clan and owner of an antique shop, tells them about their new abilities and the sacred duty to defend Tokyo from the Oni. The group decides to use these powers to protect the city from the approaching darkness. Partnering with Hisui, the unlikely allies realize the danger runs deeper than mere evil creatures. A practitioner of Dark Arts has deliberately disturbed the Ryumyaku to revive an ancient evil. To overcome this threat, the teenagers must face their own weaknesses and fears. As they uncover their Stars of Fate, they are forced to confront their destinies. The story is based on a manga and originated from a 1998 Nintendo role-playing video game.

In feudal Japan, Manji, a feared swordsman known as the "Hundred Man Killer," has murdered one hundred innocent people. His infamy is compounded by his immortality, a curse placed upon him by Yaobikuni, an eight-hundred-year-old nun who implanted bloodworms in his body capable of healing nearly any wound. To atone for his crimes, Manji pledges to kill one thousand evil men. Yaobikuni agrees to this arrangement, promising that his immortality will be lifted once he fulfills this oath. Shortly afterward, Manji encounters Rin Asano, a sixteen-year-old girl who begs him to avenge her parents' brutal deaths. Initially, Manji refuses her request, but seeing her helplessness, he changes his mind and agrees to protect her for four years. Together, they embark on a perilous journey filled with violence, revenge, and the search for redemption, each driven by their own personal motives.

Following the events of Hakuoki, Chizuru Yukimura and the Shinsengumi are forced to leave Kyoto and sail to Edo. With Isami Kondou no longer leading them, Toshizou Hijikata steps up as commander. The weight of this new role puts immense pressure on Hijikata, causing concern among his allies, and he struggles with a sudden, uncontrollable bloodlust that also drives others in the unit to madness. When Kondou returns, he brings orders from the emperor to protect the castle and renames their group the Kouyou Chinbutai. But in wartime, loyalties can shift quickly. In Hakuoki Hekketsuroku, Chizuru fights alongside the Shinsengumi as she continues searching for her missing father, while her bond with Hijikata deepens.

A compilation series adapting 8 short stories created by manga artist Tatsuki Fujimoto during the ages of 17 to 26. 1) A Couple Clucking Chickens Were Still Kickin' in the Schoolyard (Dir. Seishirou Nagaya, ZEXCS) 2) Sasaki Stopped a Bullet (Dir. Nobukage Kimura, Lapin Track) 3) Love is Blind (Dir. Nobuyuki Takeuchi, Lapin Track) 4) Shikaku (Dir. Naoya Ando, GRAPH77) 5) Mermaid Rhapsody (Dir. Tetsuaki Watanabe, 100Studio) 6) Woke-Up-as-a-Girl Syndrome (Dir. Kazuaki Terasawa, Studio Kafka) 7) Nayuta of the Prophecy (Dir. Tetsuaki Watanabe, 100Studio) 8) Sisters (Dir. Osamu Honma, P.A.WORKS) This anime held a worldwide premiere ahead of its release at the "Global Stage Hollywood 2025" film festival on October 5, 2025. A general two-week theatrical run in Japan, split into two parts, launched on the same day, October 17, 2025. The series later began streaming globally on Amazon Prime Video on November 8, 2025.

Manji, a morally ambiguous swordsman, is cursed with immortality. Exhausted by the endless bloodshed he has caused and possessing no skills beyond killing, he hatches a plan to regain his mortality: for every good person he has slain, he will kill one hundred evil ones. The old witch who placed the curse on him agrees to this arrangement, and Manji embarks on a mission to eliminate one thousand villains. On his journey, he meets a young girl named Rin, who seeks revenge against the sword school whose members murdered her family. Rin and Manji travel together, each hoping to find some form of peace. They face a wide array of enemies and are almost constantly under attack, forcing them to learn how to live their lives without being consumed by their thirst for vengeance.

Renzaburou Taki seems like an ordinary office worker, but he is actually a member of the Black Guards, a covert group dedicated to preserving peace between humans and demons. With the peace treaty renewal deadline nearing, Taki is assigned to protect Giuseppe Mayart, a key human mystic, alongside Makie, a female demon. The task proves far more challenging than anticipated; as a faction of radical demons uses terrorist methods to break the agreement between the two realms, Giuseppe focuses on avoiding his duties to pursue romantic adventures with women.

In "Requiem of the Rose King," Richard Plantagenet devotes his life to acquiring the power needed to support his father, the Duke of York, in their struggle against King Henry VI and the House of Lancaster for control of the English throne. However, Richard conceals a hidden secret that his mother despises and which tormenting voices in his mind endlessly highlight. Despite these struggles, he draws strength from his father's affection. As the War of the Roses intensifies, Richard's ambitions strengthen, threatening to disrupt the family's path to power and glory.

In the midst of the Rozen Maiden conflicts, where the life-like dolls battle each other, Jun Sakurada takes a brief respite to hear a tale. After buying a brooch intended as a gift for Shinku, the fifth doll, her refusal to accept it prompts Souseiseki, the fourth doll, to recount the backstory of Shinku and Suigintou, the first doll. The story reveals the sorrowful beginnings of Suigintou's creation and the series of misunderstandings that led to the intense rivalry between her and Shinku, fueled by Suigintou's relentless animosity. Set against the backdrop of 19th century London, Rozen Maiden: Ouvertüre uncovers the hidden truths behind these once-close companions.

Ryuunosuke Ibuki, having lost everything, is found and taken in by Kamo Serizawa, who gives him a position as a personal attendant. Thinking he has left his grief behind, Ibuki soon discovers that his new role only makes him a servant to one of Kyoto's powerful figures. As ronin attacks on civilians grow worse, the shogunate dispatches the Roshigumi to Kyoto to restore order. Guided by the honorable Isami Kondou, the Roshigumi consists of skilled samurai but lacks the political influence needed to establish themselves in the lawless city. To secure their position, Kondou forms an alliance with the arrogant Serizawa, trading the Roshigumi's combat abilities for political backing. Despite his deep hatred for samurai, Ibuki finds himself pulled into the Roshigumi's affairs. Through his encounters with Kondou and his comrades, Ibuki starts to realize that not all samurai represent the cruelty and dishonor he once associated with them. Hakuouki Reimeiroku examines the turbulent period before the Shinsengumi's formation, highlighting the chaos and unrest driven by political conflict in Kyoto.

Kusakabe Maron appears to be an ordinary high school student, but she is actually the reincarnation of Jeanne d'Arc. Guided by the angel Fin Fish, she transforms into the phantom thief Jeanne each night to hunt down demons that have possessed artworks, exploiting the emotional vulnerabilities of their owners. As the artworks vanish once the demons are sealed away, Maron is branded as a thief. Her situation becomes even more complicated with the arrival of a new classmate and neighbor who is also her rival, the thief Sinbad. With her best friend, the daughter of a detective, determined to capture her, and Sinbad competing against her, Maron's missions are far from simple.

In "Angel Sanctuary," 16-year-old high school student Setsuna Mudo finds it difficult to avoid the relentless bullying from his older classmates. Adding to his troubles are his forbidden emotions toward his younger sister Sara, whom he can only see once a month. However, beneath this seemingly normal life lies a concealed truth. Setsuna is suddenly targeted by mysterious angelic and demonic beings, each convinced they know his true destiny. The angels believe he is the reincarnation of their commander, Alexiel, while the demons claim he was once their leader in a rebellion against God. As Setsuna confronts these startling revelations about his identity, the ancient conflict between Heaven and Hell begins to resurface. Can he prepare himself for the coming war?

Evil Shinma—shape-shifting monsters and vampires—roam the Earth, seeking to spread their darkness among humanity. Miyu, a royal princess from the realm of darkness, is the Chosen One, the sole being fated to banish these Evil Shinma from the world. She possesses the power to grant humans eternal happiness, yet remains trapped between two worlds, doomed to perpetual solitude and inner turmoil. Her only companion is Larva, once an evil Shinma himself, now her loyal guardian. Together, they traverse a dark odyssey through the frailty of the human heart and the sorrowful loss of innocence. Cut off from humanity by the burden of knowing what she truly is, Miyu endures an endless quest as both hunter and hunted, forever standing at the edge of darkness.

This two-episode OAV picks up right after the original series concluded. The characters attempt to resolve their lingering conflicts. Aya confronts her sister Maya over their connection to Nagi, while Nagi receives a challenge from Mitsuomi to engage in a fight to the death. Meanwhile, Bob undergoes rigorous training to prepare for the tournament.