Top Shows with Multiple Perspectives and Interconnected Stories
Looking for anime similar to Durarara!!? If you loved Durarara!!’s unique style of storytelling with multiple characters and interweaving plotlines, you’re in the right place. This comprehensive guide covers the top shows that capture that same magic of interconnected narratives, urban fantasy, and complex character relationships that made Durarara!! so special.
Whether you’re searching for:
Anime with multiple protagonists like Durarara!!
Shows with non-linear storytelling
Urban fantasy anime similar to Durarara!!
Series with interconnected character stories
Anime by Ryohgo Narita (Durarara!!’s creator)
Shows with supernatural elements in modern cities
Here are the best anime that share Durarara!!’s unique storytelling style and themes, ranked and detailed for your viewing pleasure.
1. Baccano!

- Aired Date: July 2007 – November 2007
- Genre: Action, Supernatural, Historical, Mystery
- Creator: Ryohgo Narita (Light Novel), Brain’s Base (Studio)
- Seasons: 1 season (13 episodes + 3 OVAs)
- Category: Historical Fantasy, Non-linear Storytelling
- Subcategory: Multiple Protagonists, Supernatural Crime
Baccano Plot:
Set primarily in Prohibition-era America, Baccano! weaves together multiple storylines across different time periods, centering around an immortality elixir and the various factions seeking its power. The story primarily follows three major events: the immortality ritual aboard the Advena Avis in 1711, a transcontinental train hijacking in 1931, and family feuds between mafia organizations in 1930s New York.
Main Characters:
The series features an ensemble cast, with each character serving as a protagonist in their own right. This unique approach means there’s no single “main character,” as the story shifts perspectives to show how all their paths interconnect and influence each other across different time periods.
Notable Characters:
- Isaac and Miria: Eccentric immortal thieves who bring chaos and joy wherever they go
- Firo Prochainezo: Young Camorra member who becomes immortal
- Claire Stanfield: Legendary assassin who works as a train conductor
- Maiza Avaro: Immortal alchemist who holds ancient knowledge
- Ladd Russo: Psychopathic hitman with a twisted philosophy about death
- Chane Laforet: Silent warrior protecting her father’s secrets
Baccano Lore:
The world of Baccano! revolves around an elixir of immortality created through alchemy and demon summoning in 1711. The story spans multiple time periods, with immortal characters weaving through different eras and influencing events across decades. Various criminal organizations and factions fight for control of the immortality elixir, while following strict rules where immortals can only die by being “devoured” by another immortal.
What Makes Baccano Special:
- Non-linear storytelling that masterfully connects multiple plotlines
- Blend of historical fiction with supernatural elements
- Balanced mix of comedy, action, and drama
- Complex character relationships that develop across different time periods
- Same creator as Durarara!!, sharing similar storytelling style
- Rich historical setting with attention to period details
2. Kekkai Sensen (Blood Blockade Battlefront)

- Aired Date: April 2015 – October 2015 (S1), October 2017 – December 2017 (S2)
- Genre: Action, Supernatural, Urban Fantasy, Comedy
- Creator: Yasuhiro Nightow (Manga), Bones (Studio)
- Seasons: 2 seasons (24 episodes total)
- Category: Urban Fantasy, Supernatural Action
- Subcategory: Ensemble Cast, Power Battles
Kekkai Sensen Plot:
In a reimagined New York City, now called Hellsalem’s Lot, Leonardo Watch joins a secret organization called Libra after gaining the “All-Seeing Eyes of the Gods” through a tragic incident. As a member of Libra, he works alongside powerful fighters and eccentric characters to maintain peace between humans and supernatural creatures, while uncovering the city’s mysteries and dealing with various threats to its delicate balance.
Main Character:
Leonardo Watch, a seemingly ordinary photographer who gains extraordinary eyes, serves as our viewpoint character into the chaos of Hellsalem’s Lot. Despite being surrounded by more powerful individuals, his unique abilities and determination make him an essential part of Libra.
Notable Characters:
- Klaus Von Reinherz: Libra’s powerful and gentlemanly leader
- Zapp Renfro: A lazy but skilled blood-technique user
- Chain Sumeragi: A werewolf information agent
- Steven A. Starphase: Libra’s composed second-in-command
Kekkai Sensen Lore:
After the Great Collapse, New York City became Hellsalem’s Lot, a city where humans coexist with supernatural creatures from other dimensions. The secret society Libra maintains order using blood-based combat abilities, protecting both humans and otherworldly beings. The city exists in controlled chaos, sealed off from the outside world by a powerful barrier while ancient beings known as Elder Kings manipulate events from behind the scenes.
What Makes Kekkai Sensen Special:
- Vibrant and chaotic urban fantasy setting
- Unique power system based on blood manipulation
- Mix of action, comedy, and supernatural mystery
- Jazz-inspired soundtrack and dynamic animation
- Complex world-building with various supernatural races
- Multiple storylines that intersect and build upon each other
3. The Case Study of Vanitas

- Aired Date: July 2021 – March 2022
- Genre: Supernatural, Historical, Fantasy, Action
- Creator: Jun Mochizuki (Manga), Bones (Studio)
- Seasons: 2 cours (24 episodes)
- Category: Vampire Fantasy, Steampunk
- Subcategory: Mystery, Action-Romance
The Case Study of Vanitas Plot:
In an alternate steampunk Paris, vampires live amongst humans in a delicate balance. The story follows Noé, a vampire searching for the Book of Vanitas, and Vanitas, a human doctor who uses the book to cure vampires of a mysterious malady that drives them into a murderous frenzy. Together, they navigate vampire politics, uncover conspiracies, and deal with their own complicated relationships.
Main Character:
Vanitas, a self-proclaimed vampire doctor who wields the Book of Vanitas, and Noé Archiviste, a vampire searching for the book’s true nature. Their partnership forms the core of the story as they work together despite their different backgrounds and motivations.
Notable Characters:
- Jeanne: A powerful vampire hunter known as the Hellfire Witch
- Dominique de Sade: A noble vampire with connections to Noé
- Roland Fortis: A church agent investigating vampire incidents
- Astolfo Granatum: A vampire aristocrat with a mysterious agenda
The Case Study of Vanitas Lore:
In this alternate world, vampires were born under a blue moon, while a vampire of the red moon created the Book of Vanitas as revenge. The book has the power to interfere with a vampire’s true name, which is the source of their power and identity. Vampire society is highly structured with noble houses and politics, while the church maintains its own force of vampire hunters.
What Makes The Case Study of Vanitas Special:
- Unique steampunk setting in alternate Paris
- Complex vampire mythology and politics
- Beautiful animation and art style
- Blend of action, romance, and supernatural mystery
- Multiple factions with competing interests
- Dynamic character relationships and development
4. Boogiepop Phantom

- Aired Date: January 2000 – March 2000
- Genre: Psychological, Horror, Mystery, Supernatural
- Creator: Kouhei Kadono (Light Novel), Madhouse (Studio)
- Seasons: 1 season (12 episodes)
- Category: Urban Mystery, Psychological Horror
- Subcategory: Non-linear Storytelling, Supernatural Investigation
Boogiepop Phantom Plot:
In an unnamed city, a series of mysterious events and disappearances occur, connected to an urban legend known as Boogiepop. The story is told through multiple perspectives and timelines, gradually revealing how different characters and incidents are connected to a larger supernatural mystery involving evolved humans and mysterious organizations.
Main Character:
Like Durarara!!, there isn’t a single protagonist. Instead, the story follows various characters whose lives intersect with Boogiepop, a mysterious entity that appears when the world is in danger.
Notable Characters:
- Boogiepop: A mysterious being that appears in times of crisis
- Nagi Kirima: A high school student investigating the strange events
- Touka Miyashita: The host of Boogiepop
- Masami Saotome: A synthetic human with sinister goals
Boogiepop Phantom Lore:
The world of Boogiepop exists in a state where evolution has begun creating humans with supernatural abilities. An organization called the Towa Organization seeks to control these evolved humans while Boogiepop appears as a guardian figure. The story takes place in a city where the boundary between normal and supernatural has begun to blur, leading to various mysterious phenomena.
What Makes Boogiepop Phantom Special:
- Complex, non-linear storytelling
- Psychological approach to supernatural events
- Multiple perspectives on the same incidents
- Dark atmosphere and mysterious tone
- Interconnected character stories
- Unique blend of horror and mystery
5. Mekakucity Actors

- Aired Date: April 2014 – June 2014
- Genre: Supernatural, Science Fiction, Comedy
- Creator: Jin (Kagerou Project), Shaft (Studio)
- Seasons: 1 season (12 episodes)
- Category: Urban Fantasy
- Subcategory: Multiple Perspectives, Supernatural Powers
Mekakucity Actors Plot:
During a hot summer day, various young people with mysterious eye-related powers, known as the “Mekakushi Dan” (Blindfold Gang), find their stories intersecting. What seems like disconnected incidents gradually reveals itself to be part of a larger supernatural phenomenon involving time loops, tragic deaths, and a mysterious digital entity.
Main Character:
The story primarily follows Shintaro Kisaragi, a shut-in who becomes involved with the Mekakushi Dan, but like Durarara!!, the perspective shifts between multiple characters who each play crucial roles in the overall narrative.
Notable Characters:
- Ene: A cyber entity living in Shintaro’s computer
- Kido: The leader of the Mekakushi Dan
- Kano: A member with the power to deceive
- Mary: A mysterious girl with snake-like eyes
Mekakucity Actors Lore:
The power system revolves around supernatural abilities manifesting through red eyes, each granting unique powers tied to perception and deception. These powers are connected to a phenomenon called the “Kagerou Daze,” a never-ending summer day where tragic events repeat themselves. The entire story is interwoven with digital entities and alternate timelines.
What Makes Mekakucity Actors Special:
- Complex narrative with multiple timelines
- Unique power system based on perception
- Integration of digital and real-world elements
- Multiple character perspectives that gradually connect
- Mix of supernatural and science fiction elements
- Strong connection to popular Vocaloid songs
6. K Project

- Aired Date: October 2012 – December 2012
- Genre: Action, Supernatural, Drama
- Creator: GoRA (Original), GoHands (Studio)
- Seasons: 2 seasons + movies
- Category: Urban Fantasy, Supernatural Action
- Subcategory: Faction Warfare, Power Politics
K Project Plot:
In a modern-day city, seven Kings each lead their own clans with distinct supernatural powers. The story begins when Yashiro Isana, a carefree student, is accused of murdering a prominent Red Clan member. As he tries to prove his innocence, he becomes entangled in the complex power struggles between different clans, uncovering secrets about his own identity and the power system that governs their world.
Main Character:
Yashiro Isana serves as the initial protagonist, but the story expands to follow multiple clan members and their leaders, each with their own motivations and struggles in the larger conflict.
Notable Characters:
- Mikoto Suoh: The charismatic Red King
- Reisi Munakata: The calculated Blue King
- Kuroh Yatogami: A skilled swordsman seeking the truth
- Neko: A mysterious girl with reality-altering powers
K Project Lore:
The world operates under a power system governed by seven Kings, each controlling a different colored aura that grants unique abilities. Each King can bestow powers upon their clan members, creating a hierarchical society of supernatural factions. The balance between these powers is maintained by a mysterious entity called the Dresden Slate.
What Makes K Project Special:
- Distinct visual style with vibrant color themes
- Complex faction-based power system
- Multiple storylines intersecting across different clans
- Mix of action and political intrigue
- Strong character dynamics within and between clans
- Urban setting with supernatural elements
7. Odd Taxi

- Aired Date: April 2021 – June 2021
- Genre: Mystery, Psychological, Drama
- Creator: Kazuya Konomoto (Original), OLM/P.I.C.S.
- Seasons: 1 season (13 episodes)
- Category: Urban Mystery
- Subcategory: Character Drama, Crime Thriller
Odd Taxi Plot:
Set in Tokyo, the story follows Odokawa, a walrus taxi driver whose late-night passengers become entangled in a complex mystery involving a missing girl, corrupt police, gangsters, and social media celebrities. As he drives various characters around the city, their seemingly unrelated stories gradually reveal connections to a larger conspiracy.
Main Character:
Odokawa, a socially awkward taxi driver who serves as the central point connecting various storylines while dealing with his own mysterious past and unique perception of the world.
Notable Characters:
- Goriki: A doctor concerned about Odokawa’s mental state
- Shirakawa: A mysterious nurse with dangerous connections
- Dobu: A corrupt police officer involved in criminal activities
- Kakihana: A unsuccessful worker trying to find love online
Odd Taxi Lore:
The story takes place in a world where all characters appear as anthropomorphic animals, though this might be tied to the protagonist’s unique perception of reality. The city serves as a complex web of relationships and conspiracies, with social media, online fame, and traditional criminal elements all playing crucial roles in the overarching narrative.
What Makes Odd Taxi Special:
- Unique visual style with anthropomorphic characters
- Complex mystery that connects multiple storylines
- Commentary on modern social issues and technology
- Strong character development and interactions
- Noir-style storytelling in contemporary setting
- Multiple storylines that cleverly intersect
8. Princess Principal

- Aired Date: July 2017 – September 2017
- Genre: Action, Spy Fiction, Steampunk
- Creator: Ichiro Okouchi (Original), Actas/3Hz (Studio)
- Seasons: 1 season (12 episodes) + 6 sequel movies
- Category: Historical Spy Fiction
- Subcategory: Political Intrigue, Character Drama
Princess Principal Plot:
In an alternate history steampunk version of Victorian London, the city is divided by a giant wall. The story follows a group of spies working for the Commonwealth, who infiltrate a prestigious school while carrying out various missions. Each episode reveals different aspects of the characters’ backgrounds and motivations while advancing multiple interconnected plotlines.
Main Character:
Like Durarara!!, the series features an ensemble cast, primarily focusing on five main spies, each with their own specialties and hidden agendas.
Notable Characters:
- Ange le Carré: A master of deception who claims to be a liar
- Princess Charlotte: The real princess involved in a complex plot
- Dorothy: The team’s older driver and fighter
- Chise: A Japanese spy with samurai training
- Beatrice: A girl with a special voice-changing device
Princess Principal Lore:
The world is split between the Kingdom and the Commonwealth, with advanced steampunk technology playing a crucial role in both society and espionage. The cavorite technology, which enables gravity manipulation, has revolutionized both warfare and daily life, while also serving as a major plot device in the political struggle between nations.
What Makes Princess Principal Special:
- Non-linear storytelling with episode-specific timelines
- Complex spy narratives and political intrigue
- Unique steampunk alternate history setting
- Strong character dynamics and development
- Multiple perspective storytelling
- Blend of action, drama, and political thriller
9. 91 Days

- Aired Date: July 2016 – October 2016
- Genre: Crime Drama, Historical, Revenge
- Creator: Taku Kishimoto (Original), Shuka (Studio)
- Seasons: 1 season (12 episodes)
- Category: Mafia Drama
- Subcategory: Revenge Story, Crime Thriller
91 Days Plot:
Set during the Prohibition era, the story follows Angelo Lagusa, who witnessed his family’s murder by the Vanetti mafia family. Years later, under the alias Avilio Bruno, he infiltrates the Vanetti Family to exact his revenge. As he navigates the complex world of rival mafia families, multiple storylines intersect, revealing deeper conspiracies.
Main Character:
Angelo Lagusa/Avilio Bruno serves as the primary protagonist, but the story expands to follow various mafia members, each with their own goals and struggles within the larger conflict.
Notable Characters:
- Nero Vanetti: The son of the Vanetti family boss
- Corteo: Angelo’s childhood friend caught in the conflict
- Fango: A sadistic gangster with his own agenda
- Vincent Vanetti: The head of the Vanetti family
91 Days Lore:
Set in the fictional city of Lawless during Prohibition, the series explores the complex relationships between different mafia families, corrupt officials, and bootleggers. The city’s power structure is built on illegal alcohol trade, with various factions fighting for control while dealing with both external threats and internal betrayals.
What Makes 91 Days Special:
- Dark, mature storytelling
- Complex web of character relationships
- Multiple intersecting revenge plots
- Historical setting with noir elements
- Intricate mafia politics and power struggles
- Strong character motivations and development
10. Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens

- Aired Date: January 2018 – March 2018
- Genre: Action, Crime, Mystery
- Creator: Chiaki Kisaki (Light Novel), Satelight (Studio)
- Seasons: 1 season (12 episodes)
- Category: Urban Crime
- Subcategory: Assassin Drama, Mystery
Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens Plot:
In Fukuoka’s Hakata district, professional killers, detectives, and information brokers form a complex underground network. The story follows various characters whose paths cross as they navigate the criminal underworld, with seemingly unrelated cases revealing connections to larger conspiracies.
Main Character:
Multiple protagonists share the spotlight, primarily following Zenji Banba, a private detective, and Lin Xianming, a crossdressing hitman, as they work together while dealing with various other assassins and criminals.
Notable Characters:
- Zenji Banba: A detective who knows the city’s underground
- Lin Xianming: A skilled hitman who crossdresses
- Reiko Asakura: An office lady who moonlights as a killer
- Saitoh: A new hitman trying to establish himself
Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens Lore:
Hakata has become a city of killers, with approximately 3% of its population involved in assassination-related activities. The city operates under an intricate system of unwritten rules and professional courtesies between various criminal elements, creating a unique ecosystem of killers, informants, and fixers.
What Makes Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens Special:
- Unique urban crime setting
- Complex criminal underground ecosystem
- Multiple storylines that cleverly interconnect
- Mix of action, comedy, and noir elements
- Strong character dynamics and relationships
- Blend of different criminal professions and perspectives
BONUS:
Link Click

- Aired Date: April 2021 – June 2021
- Genre: Supernatural, Mystery, Drama
- Creator: LAN Studio
- Seasons: 1 season (11 episodes)
- Category: Time Travel Mystery
- Subcategory: Character Drama, Supernatural Investigation
Link Click Plot:
Two time-traveling agents run a photography studio where they can enter photos to solve clients’ problems. By jumping into pictures, they can experience the events from the photographer’s perspective and try to change the past within strict limitations. As they handle various cases, they discover that their missions are more interconnected than they initially appear.
Main Character: Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang work as partners, with Cheng able to enter photos and experience events firsthand, while Lu Guang retains the ability to analyze the timeline and predict future events.
Notable Characters:
- Cheng Xiaoshi: Can enter photos and take over the photographer’s body
- Lu Guang: Can see the future of people in photos
- Qiao Ling: Their manager who assigns them cases
- Emma: A mysterious client with recurring significance
Link Click Lore:
The time travel system operates under specific rules where agents can only experience events through photographs and must complete their missions within the time the photo was taken. The ripple effects of their changes can have far-reaching consequences, and multiple cases often connect to larger, more complex situations.
What Makes Link Click Special:
- Unique approach to time travel mechanics
- Interconnected cases that build larger narrative
- Strong emotional impact in storylines
- Complex moral dilemmas
- Multiple narrative threads that connect
- Beautiful animation and dynamic storytelling
Conclusion: Finding Your Next Anime Like Durarara!!
These shows represent the best anime similar to Durarara!!, each offering its own unique take on interconnected storytelling and complex character relationships. From Baccano!’s historical setting to Kekkai Sensen’s supernatural New York, there’s something here for every fan of Durarara!!’s distinctive style.
If you’re specifically looking for:
Multiple perspectives: Start with Baccano! or Mekakucity Actors
Urban fantasy: Try Kekkai Sensen or K Project
Crime and mystery: Check out Odd Taxi or Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens
Complex plot webs: Begin with The Case Study of Vanitas or Boogiepop Phantom
Historical settings: Watch 91 Days or Princess Principal
Remember, what makes these anime similar to Durarara!! isn’t just their supernatural elements or urban settings, but their masterful handling of multiple storylines and character perspectives that gradually weave together into a larger narrative.
Looking for more recommendations? Consider checking out other works by Ryohgo Narita, or explore more recent anime that follow similar storytelling patterns. The world of anime like Durarara!! is vast and always expanding with new titles that push the boundaries of interconnected storytelling.