Recommendations for Anime Similar to THE MANIPULATED, Full of Manipulation and Smart Strategies

Kapanlagi.com - Hi, fans of Korean dramas and anime! If you really love dramas that make you think hard and are full of intrigue like The Manipulated, then you've come to the right place. This time, we will discuss recommendations for anime that have a similar vibe, guaranteed to keep you hooked with its plot twists and clever strategies!

"The Manipulated" (조작된 시) is a South Korean action crime thriller television series currently airing. This drama tells the story of an ordinary man named Park Tae-jung (played by Ji Chang-wook) whose life falls apart after being unjustly accused of a major crime. He is then imprisoned and discovers that it was all a setup orchestrated by a psychopath named An Yo-han (played by Doh Kyung-soo). After realizing he has been manipulated, Tae-jung is determined to take revenge. The series premiered on November 5, 2025, on Disney+ and is adapted from the 2017 film Fabricated City.

This "The Manipulated" is not your typical romantic or melodrama drama, you know.

This is a dark, heavy, and very tense watch that will keep your brain working even after the episode is over. If you enjoy stories full of tension, courtroom drama, murder mysteries, and mind games, you will definitely love The Manipulated.

Now, if you are looking for anime with a similar theme, which is about manipulation, revenge, mind games, and clever strategies, let's check out the following recommendations!

1. DEATH NOTE

The clever duel between L and Kira in DEATH NOTE

"Death Note" is one of the most iconic psychological thriller anime ever. The story centers around Light Yagami, a genius high school student who discovers a mysterious notebook called Death Note. This book has the power to kill anyone whose name is written in it.

Light then uses the Death Note to create a utopian world without crime, with himself as the new "god." However, his actions attract the attention of a brilliant and eccentric detective known only as L. The battle of wits between Light and L becomes the core of the story, where both manipulate each other and try to outsmart one another without revealing their true identities.

This anime is filled with cunning strategies, meticulous planning, and mind games that keep the audience on edge.

2. CODE GEASS

"Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion" is another masterpiece of psychological thriller that is very popular. Set in an alternate world where the Britannian Empire has conquered Japan, the story follows Lelouch Lamperouge, an exiled prince.

Lelouch gains a mysterious power called "Geass" that allows him to control anyone with a single command. With this new power, Lelouch leads a rebellion against Britannia, using his intelligence and manipulation skills to devise intricate plans.

This anime not only presents thrilling mecha battles but also delves into the psychological aspects of the characters, political intrigue, and deep moral dilemmas. Lelouch is a highly complex character, similar to Light Yagami in terms of his distorted sense of justice and becoming a leader of the underground movement.

3. CLASSROOM OF THE ELITE

If you like a calm but super smart main character who is great at manipulation, "Classroom of the Elite" is a must-watch on your list. This anime is set in Koudo Ikusei High School, an elite school that promises a bright future for its graduates.

However, behind its luxury, this school has a unique system where students are evaluated based on points and classes are divided by ability. Kiyotaka Ayanokouji, the protagonist, is a student in class D who is considered "trash" by the school. Although he appears ordinary and unremarkable, Ayanokouji is actually a brilliant strategist and a master manipulator. He uses his intelligence to manipulate those around him to achieve his goals, often without anyone knowing.

This anime explores themes of trust, betrayal, and power dynamics among the students.

4. TOMODACHI GAME

"Tomodachi Game" is an anime that is very suitable if you enjoy mind games and psychological manipulation with high stakes. The story follows Yuuichi Katagiri, a high school student who values his friendship with four close friends. However, their peaceful lives are disrupted when their school trip funds are stolen, and they are all drawn into the mysterious "Tomodachi Game" (Friendship Game).

In this deadly game, they must face cruel and manipulative challenges that test their bonds of friendship, loyalty, and moral compass. The game forces the participants to suspect each other and reveal their dark secrets. This anime is filled with shocking plot twists and intense psychological warfare, where each character must fight to survive and uncover the mastermind behind the game.

5. KAKEGURUI

If you are interested in the world of gambling and extreme mind games, "Kakegurui" is the right choice. This anime is set in Hyakkaou Private Academy, an elite institution where students' social status is determined by their gambling skills. In this school, money is everything, and those who lose at gambling can end up as "pets" treated like slaves.

Yumeko Jabami, a mysterious transfer student, comes to this academy not to win, but to experience the thrill and excitement of gambling. With her ability to see through the cheating tactics of other gamblers, Yumeko disrupts the existing order and challenges the school hierarchy. This anime features intense battles of wits, exaggerated facial expressions, and extremely high stakes, making it an exhilarating watch for fans of psychological thrillers.

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