‘Like a dragon: Yakuza’ is a Japanese action drama series centered on the story of Kazuma Kiryu, told in a dual timeline almost a decade apart. As an older teenager in 1995, Kazuma accidentally leads his friends into the mouth of danger while trying to fulfill his dream of becoming the Dragon of Dojima. Consequently, Kazuma, Nishiki, Yumi and Miho find themselves trading their quaint orphanage for the nightlife of Kamurochō as the boys join the Dojima Yakuza family. Nonetheless, their lives quickly spiral out of control, leaving Kazuma imprisoned. Ten years later, Kazuma, now an adult, returns to an entirely new Kamurochō, where Nishiki now rules the Dojima family. So as he navigates a new era for the Yakuza as conflict rages between the clans, his past continues to viciously haunt his present.

Created by Sean Crouch and Yugo Nakamura, the series adapts the “Yakuza” video game series and offers an action-packed tale of the life of a Yakuza. gangsterexamining two different eras of criminal organization. If Kazuma’s exploits across this engaging and entertaining world have caught your attention, here are some other stories similar to “Like a Dragon: Yakuza” that you might like!

10. House of Ninjas (2024-)

Created by Dave Boyle, ‘House of The Ninjas presents a modern dive into part of Japanese a story that might appeal to viewers who enjoyed the cultural insight of “Like a Dragon: Yakuza.” The show revolves around the Tawara family, an intriguing group from a long line of shinobi warriors. However, an incident forces the patriarch Souichi to impose a regular life on his family, hidden far from their roots. This threatens to change once the Tawara family’s long-time rivals, the Fumas, reappear, bringing with them new problems. The show features a dynamic, action-packed storyline that deals with themes of familyloss and ambitions, all of which will resonate with fans who enjoy Kazuma and Nishiki’s storyline in “Like a Dragon: Yakuza.”

9. The Gentlemen (2024-2026)

“Guy Ritchie”The Gentlemen‘ is a spin-off series from the creator’s 2019 gangster film of the same name. The series finds Edward “Eddie” Horniman on the heels of a peculiar legacy. As the ex-military man comes into possession of his father’s vast fifteen-thousand-acre estate, he quickly discovers its connection to the infamous family weed empire, run by the Glass family. Naturally, this leads to Eddie’s introduction to the precarious British underworld and the many dangers it brings. Throughout the series, the protagonist discovers the questionable partnership of his older brother and known coke addict, Freddie, as well as crime syndicate leader Susie Glass.

The trio’s adventure to consolidate their presence in the criminal world presents a fascinating story with gangs and crime in its center. For the same reason, the series becomes a source of curiosity for all those who became fans of the genre after “Like a Dragon: Yakuza”.

8. Smoking (2018-)

“Smoking” is a Japanese detective series that offers a unique story about the dispensation of justice, even if the path of revenge escapes the law. The narrative centers on Uncle Sabe, who leads an operation in which a group of homeless men become vigilantes. Through contract killings, this group of misfits, including Hifumin, Haccho, and Goro, track down their targets and deliver pieces of their tattooed skin as proof of their deaths. The series features diverse storylines in each episode, bringing a new take on the themes of justice, revengeand honor. Although the story never directly and brazenly deals with the Yakuza, its exploration of crime in Japan, coupled with the camaraderie between the central characters, is sure to attract the intrigue of fans of “Like a Dragon: Yakuza.”

7. Up and Down: The Story of SWORD (2015-)

“High & Low: The Story of SWORD” is the first installment of the Japanese action franchise “High&Low,” presenting an in-depth introduction to a crime-driven fictional world. The show follows the story of a town that becomes vulnerable following the disbandment of its central gang. As a result, five new gangs – Sannoh Rengokai, White Rascals, Oya Koukou, Rude Boys and Daruma Ikka – emerge, undertaking different areas of their protection. Nonetheless, as the Kuryu Group sets its sights on the city, the five gangs find their stories inevitably intertwined in their shared battle against their enemy associated with the Yakuza.

Offering a treasure trove of in-universe stories, this series will appeal to fans of “Like a Dragon: Yakuza” who were invested in the 1995 timeline of Kazuma’s story as teenager offender. Thus, in the diversity of characters in the series, viewers will find many parallels with Kazuma and his friends.

6. King of Tulsa (2022-)

Starring Sylvester Stallone in the lead role, “Tulsa King’ traces the story of a mob boss’ rise to fame in the most unlikely of places. The protagonist, Dwight “General” Manfredibegins his story just released from prison after serving a 25-year sentence. However, upon his release, the New York mob boss realizes that his former days of rule are long gone as he goes into exile in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Nevertheless, despite the adversities he faces in the new city, the General manages to build a new empire from scratch and fights to keep it.

Although Taylor Sheridan’s “Tulsa King” presents a notable departure from the cultural context of “Like a Dragon: Yakuza,” both series take an inside look at the inner workings of different criminal organizations. So the two shows end up having a lot of overlap in terms of theme and tone.

5. Information (2023-)

The Japanese show “Informa” is a great choice for viewers interested in exploring the niche detective genre of stories revolving around the Yakuza. Mishima Kanji, a tabloid reporter, plays the role of the protagonist as he enters a phase in his career where articles about the latest celebrity scandals become unappealing to the writer. So, he finds a whole new – and potentially deadly – ​​career path after making contact with Keijirou Kihara, a former Yakuza and valuable informant. As the duo’s intrigues unfold, Kanji finds himself accompanying Kihara on various missions in search of the next big scoop. “Informa” exists in a similar genre of action, comedy and drama that builds the world of “Like a Dragon: Yakuza.” Therefore, if you are looking for a similar narrative in the same genre with compelling inter-character dynamics, this series will give you what you are looking for.

4. Vice-Tokyo (2022-2024)

Created by JT Rogers, ‘Tokyo Vice‘ is an invigorating true-life detective series that delves into the underbelly of crime in Japan. The show revolves around the misguided adventures of Jake Adelsteinan American journalist who wants to make a name for himself in a newspaper in Tokyo. However, once the man begins investigating the local crime, he crosses paths with the detective. Hiroto Katagiriwhich opens up a world of welcome problems for him. Consequently, as Jake makes new allies – and enemies – his life spirals into one mishap after another.

As Jake navigates various dealings with crime bosses and authorities, he gains unique insight into the reality of the Yakuza. Therefore, “Tokyo Vice” is the perfect series for anyone who discovered a fascination with the Japanese mafia after watching “Like a Dragon: Yakuza”.

3. The Worst of Evil (2023-)

‘The worst of evil‘ is a K-Drama that revolves around a growing criminal organization in Gangnam in the 1990s. It follows an undercover cop, Park Joon-mo, as he infiltrates the young drug boss’ crime syndicate Jung Ki-cheol to gather evidence against his connections. Therefore, things get complicated when Joon-mo’s wife, Detective Yoo Eui-jun, inadvertently joins the operation after revealing that Ki-cheol is an old friend from her past. Inevitably, as Joon-mo grows closer to Ki-cheol, gaining the other man’s trust, he struggles not to get drawn into his own complex web of lies.

The portrayal of gangsters in this series remains similar but distinct from the lifestyle of the Dojima clan present in “Like a Dragon: Yakuza”. Additionally, the push-and-pull relationship between the narrative’s central trio is reminiscent of Kazuma, Nishiki, and Yumi from the latter series. As such, if you’re looking for something with a similar vibe in a radically different setting, this is the show for you.

2. Peaky Blinders (2013-2022)

Steven Knight’s critically acclaimed crime drama.Peaky Blinders‘ is a must-read for anyone interested in the realm of organized crime and gangsters. The narrative, loosely inspired by reality, unfolds around the titular street gang led by the excellent Thomas “Tommy” Shelby. As the man returns from his service in World War I, he takes up his Irish, Catholic, and Romani crime family, establishing his presence on the streets of Birmingham. Naturally, this leads him and his gang down dangerous paths as they fight for survival and control.

“Peaky Blinders” is the perfect next watch for anyone who has been fascinated by the family crime genre. Therefore, if “Like a Dragon: Yakuza” sparked new interest in themes of loyalty, revenge, shifting power dynamics, and emotional arcs depicted in a highly stylized context, then this series is for you.

1. Giri/Haji (2019)

Joe Barton’s transcontinental crime show, “Giri/Haji‘ presents the story of a broken family deeply entrenched in the world of crime. The story begins with Kenzo Mori, a man based in Tokyo. Detective which deals with crime syndicates of all kinds. However, the real problems begin when rumors arise regarding the involvement of his brother, Yuto, in the murder of a man with ties to the Yakuza. So, to avoid a war, Kenzo finds himself looking for his brother, which brings him to London. As a result, he teams up with Detective Sarah Weitzmann and Rodney Yamaguchi.

This Japanese-English show offers a rich tapestry of complex dynamics and criminal intrigue that maintains a connection to the Yakuza. As a story that primarily deals with the complex relationship between two brothers, “Giri/Haji” will also appeal to fans of Kazuma and Nishiki’s storyline in “Like a Dragon: Yakuza.”

Learn more: Like a Dragon Yakuza: is the series based on a true story?