Mononoke

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Alternative Titles

Japanese: モノノ怪
English: Mononoke
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Information

Type: TV
Episodes: 12
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Jul 13, 2007 to Sep 28, 2007
Premiered: Summer 2007
Broadcast: Fridays at 00:45 (JST)
Licensors: Discotek Media
Studios: Toei Animation
Source: Original
Genres: HorrorHorror, MysteryMystery, SupernaturalSupernatural, SuspenseSuspense
Themes: Adult CastAdult Cast, HistoricalHistorical, MythologyMythology, PsychologicalPsychological
Duration: 22 min. per ep.
Rating: R - 17+ (violence & profanity)

Statistics

Score: 8.421 (scored by 9393693,936 users)
1 indicates a weighted score.
Ranked: #1752
2 based on the top anime page. Please note that 'Not yet aired' and 'R18+' titles are excluded.
Popularity: #732
Members: 328,246
Favorites: 8,376

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Recommendations

The story lines are pretty similar. They both feature a male lead that travels in search of supernatural events and spirits, etc. And both are episodic type animes.  
report Recommended by June
Series of short story arcs centred upon supernatural entities (Aberrations in Bakemonogatari and Mononoke in Mononoke) taking form and haunting characters. While Mononoke focuses more on the stories and Bakemonogatari on the characters, they structure their short arcs very similarly, both narrative-wise and progression. Both series share this style of storytelling presented with a unique style of animation: Bakemonogatari is more Shaft than the average Shaft, and Mononoke takes upon itself a very "Japanese" style to fit their respective settings. 
report Recommended by qtip
Mononoke and Xxxholic are kindred souls. Thematically both focus on nefarious spirits and their interaction with inherently human flaws and in terms of style the two anime have a very edgy usage of colour that combined with highly original sets help give a truly surreal ambience. In both cases typically Japanese traditions are recreated artistically and the Asian imagery that permeates them is flawlessly is used as medium of communication to tell the story, as much as the dialogue. Mononoke is stranger and genuinely eerie while Xxxholic is perhaps more conventional but both push the envelope in terms of supernatural horror in anime.  
report Recommended by Nocturnal
Both animes deal with supernatural beings and have cases that are based on myths and hearsays (they even used a similar tale as a basis for one of their stories). The two animes also plays on human flaws as well as the need to seek for truth. However, Hundred Stories is definitely more violent than Mononoke. Though they do not use the same style, the cinematography of these two animes are also quite unique.  
report Recommended by xo_cl2
As obvious as this recommendation may be, the fact that only the last three episodes of Ayakashi relate to it and the first eight are entirely unrelated make it worth making, if only for the sake of clarity. Ayakashi is a collection of three totally different samurai period horror stories. Only the third and final arc links into Mononoke, which is an episodic 'supernatural case of the week' series where a traveling medicine man exorcises vengeful spirits after playing out 'whodunnit?' murder scenarios. Ayakashi's Goblin Cat arc is best described as being equivalent to a US TV pilot--it obviously proved popular enough for a full  read more 
report Recommended by AironicallyHuman
Kuchu Buranko is the newest series made by the same staff of Mononoke. Despite having considerable different themes and settings, both have unique art style and animation techniques, with mysterious and intriguing plots led by mysterious and intriguing main characters. If you're enjoying Kuchu Buranko, check Mononoke. If you enjoyed Mononoke, check Kuchu Buranko. 
report Recommended by Mah_Marina
they have the same style of animation...i can't help but noticed from the first scene.. the mysterious male lead with mind-boggling events/things happening... i think i can say gankutsuou is also a little of the horror genre 
report Recommended by sabgian
If you enjoy the intriguing art style of Katanagatari, the feeling of being suspended in a Japanese painting, then you may be interested in checking out Mononoke for a similar, yet completely unique style. 
report Recommended by november-night
Almost the same exact crazy art style and horror type. Although I think Mononoke has a better story line 
report Recommended by cupcakegoddess
Similar to Kuuchuu Buranko, pretty trippy and you have to infer the story. Once you understand the story it's mindblowing. These are shows that force you to think and really understand what is going on in the show. 
report Recommended by elevenpyres
Shows about yokai/mononoke/spirits. Mononoke is more serious and more experimental in art and execution with a drier sense of humour; whereas Fukigen na Mononokean is a simpler series set in high school with a more standard/accessible sense of humour. Mononoke is more or less entirely 'episodic' (comprising of 3 almost completely unrelated arcs), focusing more on the yokai's story, leaving the MC shrouded in mystery; whereas Fukigen na Mononokean definitely has a clear overarching connection between each yokai encounter in the form of the main character's story. Not quite the standard recommendation considering the stylistic gap ( though the colours in the Underworld of Mononokean does resemble the  read more 
report Recommended by Lemon
A mysterious stranger appears and through various trials the characters we focus on reveal more and more about their pasts. As a result of that, they either move closer to their doom or their salvation. There is that general feel that there's always more than what appears on the surface and the unusual surroundings they are in might not be any worse than what is going on in their minds. 
report Recommended by fiore777
Similar eccentric art style with equally mind blowing plot twists which keep you seating on the edge the whole time. Both has episode element, though Kaiba has a main plot between the sub plots. Both are not your every day style anime and definitely worth your time!  
report Recommended by xxbluebirdxx
Both contain philosophical themes and stories with spirits tied into both. They each have deeper meanings. Natsume Yuuijinchou deals with a teenage kid who has an abnormal ability to see these spirits with a rambunctious fat cat supporting him along his excursions. It is also a more calm tempo style that lets you take everything in within an easy pace and less emphasis on horror. 
report Recommended by makezh22
In both series the main character gets involved with hatred in different forms and how deceiving humans can be. Both series include a lot of illusions and/or other paranormal things. Also these deceiving humans usually get punished and with that the case is solved. And for another thing, both Soundtracks for the series were composed by Takanashi Yasuharu 
report Recommended by Toost_Inc
Both have mystery and deal with Japanese fantastic creatures. Also the protagonist of Mononoke is similar to a character in Mouryou no Hako. 
report Recommended by Faylicia
both have the same episodic/arc storytelling. in both we can see some confusing mystery getting revealed with the use of supernatural powers. both are based on japanese classics. main characters have the same aloof image, and use sort of supernatural creature to get to the bottom of the mystery. while mononoke is more serious and enigmatic, un-go is lighter and more about fun. 
report Recommended by iwanbakari
I find both of them have similar vibes and are at least somewhat thought provoking. Both animation styles are different from the usual ones you find in anime and are unique (Though not similar to each other). Both are series containing multiple stories (Mononoke contains 5, Aoi Bungaku Series contains 6). Lastly, both of them are (somewhat) hidden gems.  
report Recommended by Akan3
While differing in both a visual and content approach, on a fundamental level both series are the same. Both Bartender and Mononoke deal with conflict/issue resolution. The respective main characters in each series serve to absolve the side characters from their problems. While the approach is different, the idea and end result is the same. Bartender is a much lighter, heartwarming series to watch while Mononoke is a much more serious, darker series.  
report Recommended by Rqt
Both are about Ayakashi (supernatural monsters) Both have link to traditional Japanese culture (gods, tales etc.) Both have underlying metaphors/themes for real life problems/situations Mononoke has unique/rare art style Noragami focussed more on combat/comedy Mononoke focussed more on mystery/horror If you liked the dark & mysterious Ayakashi in Noragami, and you like horror stories, Mononoke will be a fun ride. (For some art style may need some getting used to) If you liked the dark & creepy Ayakashi in Mononoke, and you like action/comedy stories, Noragami will be an enjoyable ride. (Animation & audio are high quality with great music used throughout) 
report Recommended by tomzz4
I would consider both of these to be masters in what they are trying to do with the horror genre. They are both excellent at building tension and conveying meaningful ideas through the tragedy of others. Mononoke is divided into a few separate arcs, while Shiki is a single story. The music in both is absolutely stellar, I would argue the two best horror soundtracks in anime (both done by Yasuharu Takanashi). If you want something to creep out to, these two are among the best. 
report Recommended by Xaeveax
Even though Mononoke takes place in a classical, japanese setting, the two stories have a lot in common. First of all, they are both horror tales, but neither relies on actually scaring the viewer. You are afraid because of the atmosphere, the haunting music, the weird art style, the unknown, shady parts of the world. In both cases, we know little of the protagonist, beside the fact that he has a unique style, strong connection to the hunted creatures (vampires, demons - it is said that D is a half-vampire, and it is hinted that Medicine Seller might be a half-kitsune.), and a strange, hard-to-follow character  read more 
report Recommended by ValentineWiggin
Solving mysteries. Ghost Hunt tries to find the what and why's and so does the Medicine Seller.  
report Recommended by ghostdoctoraki
eye-catching and original style of animation.. kind of artsy with awesome use of color and a sort of comic book style of shading.. both series will give you the willies, but it's nothing too scary.. just creepy and interesting.. they set a very similar tone/mood.. for me, it was mostly the animation that sucked me in. 
report Recommended by inoneoutheother
- Unique fantasy worlds (HnK has several humanoid fantasy races while Mononoke is more so based on mythology/folklore) - Beautiful art styles and detailed animation - Mysterious and intriguing stories - The world is more dark and unnerving than you may think at first glance 
report Recommended by OmaLee
Both series take an unconventional approach to horror/mystery, forcing you to question the characters' perception (as well as your own) by blurring the line between reality and illusion via complex visual metaphor and cryptic dialogue. This more nuanced method of storytelling allows a lasting sense of dread and unease to be built organically, rather than relying on cheap jump-scares and excessive gore to momentarily shock the viewer. 
report Recommended by Synoptic93
Supernatural with horror elements. Not too scary but with enough perks as horror shows. Plus interesting stories (episodic in nature). 
report Recommended by firerez
They have a similar atmosphere with both main characters to be quite mysterious. 
report Recommended by dvlsweet666
In both shows the mc stops "witches/mononoke" to keep those creatures from killing anyone. Also they get close to the creatures, finds their vulnerabilities, and sets them free. 
report Recommended by Akukunshu
If you see the sypnosis of both animes, they may not look too similar: Mononoke is about a medicine seller in which job is to try to protect people from Mononoke/demons, while Madoka is basically an Evangelion-like turn on magical girls. If you watch both animes, then you'll be surprised that they would look somewhat similar: plot twists, weird imagery, unsettling moods, fighting against monsters, and places taken something from an overly surreal world. Mononoke is more episodic as it tells a different story through it's arc-driven plot, but if you're looking for dark, psychedelic anime, then those shouldn't be missed. 
report Recommended by parallelle_slip
Similarities: -Both shows contain Japanese folklore -Both contain an eerie sort of horror and atmosphere Differences: -Yami Shibai is a short while Mononoke is not. -Yami Shibai is episodic while Mononoke contains arks of usually three episodes. I would recommend either show to anyone who enjoys the haunting, eerie sort of Japanese horror as well as something unique. 
report Recommended by Ausrine
Both Baccano! and Mononoke have an unconventional structure of story telling. In both series you'll be captivated by the mystery of the story and by engaging and strange characters. Both series rely heavily in color choices to relay mood and tone (Mononoke does this with the use of colors and textures while Baccano! uses a more somber palate) I feel confident that if you liked one you'll like the other. 
report Recommended by chipi1016
Episodic series around the same length that follow cool, levelheaded and badass protagonists who impact the lives of those they encounter through their graceful actions. In "Sakamoto" this person is a reliable classmate who is perfect in every sense of the word, while the main character of Mononoke is an eccentric medicine seller who moonlights as an exorcist. 
report Recommended by Kyotso
Despite their disparate art styles, Spirited Away and Mononoke have very similar atmospheres. This in part stems from more traditional Japanese influences (themes centering around Shinto, social structure, and other worlds, etc.) mixing with more contemporary aesthetic and narrative features of anime. Also, while I am sure there are more natural comparisons, the fact that these are both so strong makes the watching experience hard to equal in both cases. 
report Recommended by -j--
I'm surprised no one has made this recommendation yet. The animes are kindred in that both use the medium first and foremost as artistic, exploratory tools. Thus, both Mononoke and Ping Pong the Animation are characterized by singular, readily identifiable animation styles: for Mononoke, each animation cell is treated as its own painting: the color palettes, the composition, etc, suggest meticulous attention to detail—not to mention the clear allusions to actual plastic arts—the Ukiyo-print references in both composition and backgrounds, the kimono references in the layering of patterns, and the Gustav Klimt, the kiss, reference in the second series. Additionally, sound is also uniquely utilized:  read more 
report Recommended by Flowering
Both protagonists are mysterious, wandering men in search of something. They carry foreign weapons and in their journey stop to help people along the way. Even if the plots and themes of each anime are different, Kusuriuri and Killy are oddly similar to the point where they remind me of each other, and I think fans of one would easily become fans of the other.  
report Recommended by Jommerson
While being a very different style of show, they both follow a male protagonist, helping people by defeating Mononoke/Youkai. Both are interesting to watch and keep the watcher engaged. The side characters are interesting and well written. 
report Recommended by AntonBS
both have lots of folklore and cool monsters- the mystery aspect carries TGCF is less horror but more Romance Mononoke is more horror/psych both got good aesthetics and sound 
report Recommended by Louvioun
Both are dark fantasy themed Both have demons in them as the basis for its stories Both are actually set in olden days Both brings in the moral compass of humanity into question (discreetly) while using the demons as its premise While Mononoke is a collection of 3 separate stories with no overarching plot, Dororo starts of with an episodic story-telling featuring a different demon each episode, then develops into a shounen drama. If you are interested in the demons and folklores, then give the other a try.  
report Recommended by mushi_Jyou
Both involves the MC solving an issue caused by supernatural beings Both the MC works in a way that tries to bring about more understanding to "why and what" is causing the issue Mayonaka is largely episodic with an over-arching plot building up, while Mononoke is a collection of 3 stories Both anime have their very own distinct art style, and both are very pleasing to the eyes (at least to mine, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder after all) Both have comedic and lighthearted moments intertwined with the heavier, darker storylines, yet does not discount the climaxes. Mayonaka is set in modern time, while Mononoke stories are  read more 
report Recommended by mushi_Jyou
While Raven of the Inner Palace leans towards romance and Mononoke horror, the subject matter is quite similar. Both have to do with helping spirits move on and releasing bad energy created from unfortunate circumstances that happened to people in life. The main characters in both anime have a mysterious aura and supernatural abilities that allow them to relieve spiritual baggage. 
report Recommended by JessicaKari
The protagonists are supernatural humanoid beings which appear whenever a menace to the world (in the case of Boogiepop) or a Mononoke appears. Both protagonists are stoic and might use unconventional methods defeat whoever is causing havoc. Both anime are also highly surreal and depict horror in an unconventional way. Both are divided in several short arcs, and lastly, both give a hopeful message in the conclusion of each arc. 
report Recommended by eblf2013
on the surface it may not seem like it, because Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei is as comedy as it can be and Mononoke as dead serious as a mafia thread! but if you love japanese culture, esp. kimononos and their language, you will both enjoy them equally and they are both anime unlike any other. 
report Recommended by zetsubou-kami
A series of mysterious non-connected supernatural stories connected by the main character. Mixes the supernatural with human motivations and desires to understand why a tragedy unfolded the way it did. Some level of abstraction in the stories. 
report Recommended by Stevoisiak
As you can tell by the title, both involve the existence of creatures called mononoke. However, the plots are very different. The TV show Mononoke involves a medicine seller who goes around (each "arc" is 2-3 episdoes) and show how he exorcises or deals with the mononoke in other ways. The animation and art style is incredible, and the intro really slaps. 
report Recommended by maruune
The shows utilize a similarly alternative/avant-garde art style (although not the same) and works this into original artistic compositions. The shows are thematically different, but the storytelling and characters take front stage in both shows, which adds to the oddity and complexity which both shows possess.  
report Recommended by Utzie
Both are animes that require high level of attention in order to understand them and are related to psychological things. 
report Recommended by Bankgzz
Both anime are heavily inspired by ukiyo-e art and are set in the Edo period (though one of Mononoke's miniarcs are set in the Meiji Era). They are highly atmospheric works and deviate greatly from what is normally considered as anime.  
report Recommended by Krankastel
These two anime are art house anime that have a artsy feel to them and have a really mysterious and unique character in the main role. These two anime focuses on supernatural beings and their affects on human beings.  
report Recommended by Genocyberfanboy
Both of them are about an unlikely protagonist going against supernatural beings, with a creepy/surreal art style. 
report Recommended by romagia
Gore, supernatural, demons, horror, psychedelic, mystery and mindblowing art and sountrack. Both have a mysteric, intriguing and badass main characters with some strange powers.  
report Recommended by HooHiraiBunny
Both the art of Hairy Tale and Mononoke are inspired of traditionnal Ukiyo-e and they're both great tale of samurai, trust and betrayal, love and hatred.... well, not quite Hairy Tale is about shampoo, but whatever, if you forget about the two last seconds it looks great and all.  
report Recommended by HooHiraiBunny
Historical, abstract, done like a painting, and done with sounds of old japanese theater. Although mononoke is much more abstract, the animation style and sounds of Otogizoushi reminded me instantly of mononoke.  
report Recommended by mangos
Supernatural creatures & protagonist who helps with supernatural creatures. 
report Recommended by CrazyDD
Gore, horror, supernatural and demons, both have also a mysteric yet charismatic main character. Though Hellsing Ultimate is more action oriented while Mononoke is more mystery-oriented. But Mononoke have some awesome action sequence and there's a little touch of mystery in Hellsing Ultimate.  
report Recommended by HooHiraiBunny
Kurozuka moves from the distant past to the near future in the first couple of episodes while Mononoke doesn't shift into a more recognizable setting until the last storyline, but they both tell a historically-based supernatural story with a Noh/Kabuki-derived aesthetic and storytelling methodology with sound effects to match. 
report Recommended by lithiumflower
If you don't mind scary mood and exorcism. Astonishing art, intrinsic characters, light humour, tense development. 
report Recommended by bartiek
Colourful and at times nonsensical anime about the relationship between demons and the human world, chock full of references to Japanese mythology and starring a mysterious protagonist who is not what they appear. The animation is very high quality, especially in action scenes, and there's always something to look at due to the rich art styles. While Mononoke is a historical series with a set of goals for each arc, and Kyousogiga is set in the modern era and depicts random events, the elements of mystery and madness tie them together and make them, if nothing else, a joy to experience.  
report Recommended by m0g
Besides having both unusual artsyle, the whole "ultimate sword" stuff is similar, even in the sword design itself. 
report Recommended by tsuD
Although the art styles are very different they're both very unusual and interesting and have a big effect on the overall tone of the shows. Both shows also feature themes of daemon hunting and transformation as well as a good dollop of mystery and intrigue. That said the pace, tone and central plot of the shows are very different but if you like one it's definitely worth giving the other a try. 
report Recommended by ml07spn
Exept the funny moments in Higurashi, they both gives the same "bad" feeling. In Mononoke, just as in Higurashi, is some blood, you'll feel the creepiness and your head will be full of mystery. Yeah, mystery is the top of this recommendation - both, Higurashi and Mononoke, stands on this. It is very... psychotic. If you liked Higurashi, you'll like Mononoke too. If you liked Mononoke, you'll like Higurashi as well. 
report Recommended by Minata
They both involve disturbing imagery and deal with the exorcism of spirits.  
report Recommended by Inushinde
In Onikirimaru, the MC goes around slaying oni while in Mononoke, the MC deals with all types of ayakashi/demons. Onikimaru looks like your typical 90's gorefest horror but with an episodic format, and Mononoke handles its horror with a unique, experimental art style. Besides the few short arcs in Mononoke, both are episodic and can be watched in any order without prior knowledge of the show. On top of that both MCs are not human and don't seem to age as they go on to the next incident so by the transition to the end of each episode it creates a similar bittersweet feeling knowing  read more 
report Recommended by Genocyber
Both are colorful anime are about Japanese monsters. 
report Recommended by okamikotori
There's some bit similarities in this two anime, although there's pretty siginificant difference but I think for you guys who like Mononoke should try Kara no Kyoukai, since I haven't saw any recommendations for this one. Both deals with person that drive away the disturbing supernatural events that causes victims and explore about the cause of this events in a pretty detailed way. The story arcs of Mononoke is unrelated each other while in Kara no Kyoukai, the 5th movie connected and explained the whole series. 
report Recommended by You
They both look like a nightmare. The artistic style of both is similar, the tone is tetric, melancholic and of dark characteristics. Both are surprisingly pure and makes you think with the small details of the various symbols of the story. Both have a nostalgic atmosphere and full of emotional fragility. It should also be noted that they are relatively similar in their style when telling the story, they do not take you by the hand or pretend to help you understand the different ideas they have. After all, that is your task as an observer of the art that these works have. Do not  read more 
report Recommended by Akzhu7
Both are episodic anime about a traveling protagonist who helps people deal with their supernatural encounters. Mononoke is much darker and more horrific than Mushishi. Mononoke runs in multiple episode story arcs unlike Mushishi.  
report Recommended by ZachM
While not similar in content, both are close to episodic mystery like anime following a nameless protagonist who help people out. They both use unique art styles and are incredibly interesting and satisfying to watch.  
report Recommended by ZachM
Both are about Japanese folklore, essentially, although Inu is much more comedic and romantic; there is one episode in particular (7) which is almost a direct parallel to any Mononoke episode, where the spirits need to be driven away and the animation style changing (reversing) due to that. 
report Recommended by Seyfert
Both are related to traditional japanese folklore and have a similar moving pace. If you enjoy the art style of Hoozuki no Reitetsu, then you'll love the art in Mononoke as well! Both also have a cool and collected supernatural leading man! 
report Recommended by ghoulsnaps
Conveying words through art is a skill that is exceptionally fundamental and important to a films subtle qualities and is thus a very hard aspect of story-telling to fully grasp. Mononoke and Midori: Shoujo Tsubaki are two such shows that use art to its utmost potential, both films tell horrifying stories made all the more potent through the visual phantasmagoria that is Mononoke's hybrid of Japanese traditional paintings and watercolor pallettes, and Midori's relentlessly surreal and grotesquely callous environments. Both shows are must watches for anyone looking for something bursting at the brims with experimental, artistic flare. 
report Recommended by Jodyqt
Similarities: • Both anime are stories that mainly focus on the characters and events surrounding their main characters, rather than the main characters themselves. • Both shows put great emphasis on atmosphere. • Both are short series with stories of varying lengths. • Both anime explore a range of different themes through the characters encountered in them. • Both have self conclusive stories that won't majorly (or at all) overlap with the other stories. Differences: • The art style of Kino no Tabi is simplistic while Mononoke's art style is quite experimental and out of the general norm. • The main character of Kino no Tabi's reason for travelling is explored while  read more 
report Recommended by ItIsIDio