What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedBerserk
Series · 1997
If you loved Berserk, start with Ninja Scroll (Yoshiaki Kawajiri, 1993) — a film on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 films and 2 podcasts, each matched to Berserk across media.
You crave the visceral collision of moral ambiguity and the relentless, blood-soaked struggle against forces far beyond your individual control.
Books on the same thread
A Song of Ice and Fire
George R. R. Martin · Book · 1996
Shares a thread with Berserk: Moral Ambiguity.
Like Berserk, this series thrives on the crushing weight of political betrayal and dynastic ambition, where your favorite characters are never safe from the brutal consequences of power.
The Hobbit
J. R. R. Tolkien · Book · 1937
Explores: Good vs. Evil, Courage, The Hero's Journey.
While lighter in tone, the journey through a perilous, monster-filled landscape mirrors the wandering mercenary path of Guts, testing the limits of courage against inevitable, overwhelming danger.
A Game of Thrones / A Clash of Kings / A Storm of Swords / A Feast of Crows / A Dance with Dragons
George R. R. Martin · Book · 2014
Shares 3 threads with Berserk: Betrayal, Moral Ambiguity, Dark Fantasy.
This collection captures the same grim atmosphere of war and conflict found in Berserk, focusing on how personal betrayal and shifting loyalties define the fate of kingdoms.
The Last Wish
Andrzej Sapkowski · Book
Shares 2 threads with Berserk: Moral Ambiguity, Sword and Sorcery.
Geralt of Rivia embodies the same weary, monster-slaying mercenary spirit as Guts, navigating a world defined by fated destiny and the constant, biting sting of profound moral ambiguity.
Films on the same thread
Ninja Scroll
Yoshiaki Kawajiri · Film · 1993
Shares a thread with Berserk: Betrayal.
The dark, uncompromising atmosphere of this film mirrors the violent, gritty world of Berserk, centered on a lone warrior forced into a conspiracy that threatens his existence.
Ghost in the Shell
Mamoru Oshii · Film · 1995
Shares a thread with Berserk: Existentialism.
Just as Berserk explores the cost of ambition and human identity, this film dives into the existential dread of a world where technology threatens the essence of humanity.
Akira
Katsuhiro Otomo · Film · 1988
Explores: Psychic Powers, Government Conspiracy, Youth Rebellion.
The chaotic urban decay and the terrifying transformation of a human into a destructive force reflect the same visceral, body-horror intensity that defines the legacy of Berserk.
Princess Mononoke
Film · 1997
Shares a thread with Berserk: Moral Ambiguity.
The struggle between man and nature, coupled with the weight of a supernatural curse, echoes the epic, tragic scope of the conflicts that drive the narrative of Berserk.
Podcasts on the same thread
Anime Grind
Podcast
Explores: Personal Growth, Goal Setting, Positive Mindset.
If the relentless struggle of Guts in Berserk motivates your own drive, this podcast channels that same spirit of personal growth and goal setting into daily life.
Sword and Scale
Sword and Scale · Podcast · 2026
Explores: human depravity, systemic failure, macabre.
This podcast explores the same dark, macabre fascination with human depravity and systemic failure that lurks beneath the surface of the brutal, unforgiving world of Berserk.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What is the primary plot of Berserk?
Berserk follows Guts, a wandering mercenary who joins a group called the Band of the Hawk. Led by Griffith, the group achieves great success in battle, but they are unaware of the menacing presence lurking in the shadows that threatens their future together.
Who leads the Band of the Hawk in Berserk?
The Band of the Hawk is founded and led by Griffith. He gains the loyalty of Guts after defeating him in a duel, which leads Guts to join the mercenary group as they dominate battles across the land.
How does Guts join the group in Berserk?
Guts joins the Band of the Hawk after he is defeated in a duel by Griffith. Following this loss, the wandering mercenary aligns himself with Griffith and the rest of the group to fight in various battles.
Is there a dark element to the story in Berserk?
Yes, while the Band of the Hawk succeeds in their military campaigns, there is a menacing force lurking in the shadows. This mysterious threat serves as a central tension throughout the narrative of Berserk as the group continues their journey.