Kakegurui is widely regarded as the quintessential "gambling show" on Netflix, featuring over-the-top bets and situations that are hard to ignore. As someone who doesn't typically enjoy this type of show, I was surprised by how much fun it was to watch the students throw their money around. But if you're looking for more than just a thrill ride, there are many other great anime shows that explore the world of gambling in different ways.
6. No Game, No Life
Have you ever felt like an outsider, struggling to find your place in this weird and wonderful world? Then No Game, No Life is the show for you! This isekai series offers a unique premise: what if our world didn't have war or bloodshed, and everything could be decided with a simple coin flip? The concept of Sora and Shiro, two siblings who are considered the greatest gamers in the world, is perfect for them. With their skills and cunning, they can navigate this new world and make it their own.
5. Legendary Gambler Tetsuya
If you thought mahjong was just a game for the elderly, think again! Legendary Gambler Tetsuya is one of the oldest anime in this genre, first airing in 2000, but still holds up today. This show masterfully explores the realistic side of gambling, including cheating and strategy. It's fascinating to watch, even if you're not a fan of the game itself.
4. Death Parade
What happens after we die? Where do our souls go? In Death Parade, the answer is simple: to a bar where an attendant will challenge us to a game to determine our true nature. People are dark creatures, and it's up to Decim to lure them out of their darkness and make a choice between reincarnation or complete oblivion.
3. Akagi
More mahjong? Yes, please! Akagi is an absolute beast in showing us the darker side of society. From crippling debt to betting everything you have just to live another day, the stakes feel real every episode. But why isn't Akagi at the top of this list? Because its creator has even greater treats waiting for us…
2. One Outs!
This is a simple sports anime… or is it? The game is straightforward: with every "out" our protagonist pitches, he'll earn five million yen, but with every "run" he gives up, he'll lose fifty million yen. It's a reckless gamble, but the protagonist loves this exact type of game, so he takes the offer! Let us follow his journey as he revives a losing baseball team with millions at stake.
1. Kaiji
And finally, we have the best of the best: Kaiji. This show is an absolute masterpiece that reveals all the darkness and despair that can come from falling into debt. It makes us feel that the protagonist can lose, which gives us a true feeling of anticipation and "what's next?" And I think it does this better than almost anything out there.
So if you're looking for more opinions on these shows or want to check out MAL ratings, go ahead! You won't be disappointed.