Death Note - Asian drama recommendation
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Death Note(デスノート)

2015Japan
Adapted From A MangaCold Male LeadDeathFantasyGrim Reaper Supporting CharacterHidden IdentityInvestigationMorally Ambiguous Male LeadMurderMysteryPsychologicalPsychopath Male LeadSerial Killer Male LeadThriller

Light Yagami, a typical college student, has his life turned upside down when he comes into possession of a Death Note. This mysterious notebook sparks his twisted sense of righteousness and intelligence, leading him to adopt the persona of Kira, a vigilante who metes out punishment to criminals. L, a renowned private investigator, is tasked with tracking down Kira and ultimately crosses paths with Light Yagami.

Asian dramas like
Death Note

Recommendation: Tobosha (2004) similar to Death Note
38%Match
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Tobosha (2004)(逃亡者)

2004Japan
DeathInvestigationMurderMysteryPsychologicalThrillerCrimeSuspense

Like Death Note, this drama also features Death, Investigation, Murder, Mystery, Psychological, and Thriller themes with a 38% similarity match.

Tetsuo Nagai works as a probation officer, helping to reform young offenders and guide them towards a better path. He leads a content life with his wife and son until tragedy strikes. His wife is murdered and his son is severely injured in an attack, leaving Nagai to grapple with the assailant who ultimately escapes. Nagai rushes his son to his father-in-law's hospital, only for his son to be targeted again and left in a coma. As police detectives investigate, Nagai becomes a prime suspect due to mounting evidence against him. Feeling cornered, he decides to go on the run in a desperate attempt to clear his name and uncover the true culprit, all while his son fights for his life in the hospital.

Recommendation: Aku no Hado similar to Death Note
35%Match
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Aku no Hado(悪の波動 殺人分析班スピンオフ)

2019Japan
DeathHidden IdentityInvestigationMurderMysteryPsychologicalThrillerNovel AdaptationDifficult AdulthoodMiniseriesOrphan Male LeadSuspenseViolence Against Animals

Like Death Note, this drama also features Death, Hidden Identity, Investigation, Murder, Mystery, Psychological, and Thriller themes with a 35% similarity match.

In Kawasaki City in 2014, a series of murders targeting women occurs where the victims are found killed in a manner resembling hanging. These incidents are referred to as the "Hanging Murders" by the public. The police face challenges in their investigation as they lack any clues about the perpetrator. Detective Iguchi of the First Investigation Division suspects a man named Nogi Naoya of committing these crimes out of pleasure. Nogi goes to great lengths to conceal his true identity, covering his tracks in public and living in a secretive manner. Unbeknownst to many, Nogi is actually Yaginuma Masato, who was previously a victim in the well-known Akishima mother and son kidnapping case. His interactions with his neighbor Yoshika raise questions about his true intentions.

Recommendation: Soumatou Kabushikigaisha similar to Death Note
33%Match
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Soumatou Kabushikigaisha(走馬灯株式会社)

2012Japan
Adapted From A MangaDeathFantasyInvestigationMysteryPsychologicalThrillerEpisodic FormatKidnappingLife LessonMiniseriesPlastic SurgerySurgical ProcedureSuspense

Like Death Note, this drama also features Adapted From A Manga, Death, Fantasy, Investigation, Mystery, Psychological, and Thriller themes with a 33% similarity match.

Soumato Corporation is a fascinating establishment where individuals can watch recorded images of their life on DVDs. Upon entering Soumato Corporation, visitors will receive DVDs corresponding to their age from Kaminuma, the enigmatic guide of the company. They will be instructed to return and watch their life experiences as much as they desire. These DVDs will showcase their own life from the perspectives of others, revealing surprising truths that may be best kept unspoken. How will they feel after witnessing it all?

Recommendation: The Attorney Is the Devil similar to Death Note
33%Match
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The Attorney Is the Devil(悪魔の弁護人〜贖罪の素濟他奏鳴曲 (ソナタ)〜)

2019Japan
Cold Male LeadDeathHidden IdentityInvestigationMurderMysteryThrillerNovel AdaptationAttorney Male LeadDivorced ParentsDramaFlashback To PastLawMiniseries

Like Death Note, this drama also features Cold Male Lead, Death, Hidden Identity, Investigation, Murder, Mystery, and Thriller themes with a 33% similarity match.

Mikoshiba Reiji is a lawyer known for his ruthless tactics to secure victories. Kusakabe Yoko joins his office as a clerk and accidentally uncovers Mikoshiba's dark past involving a serious crime he committed as a child. This raises questions about the true nature of justice and the concept of atonement. (

Recommendation: Vigilante similar to Death Note
33%Match
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Vigilante(비질란테)

2023South Korea
DeathHidden IdentityInvestigationMorally Ambiguous Male LeadMurderPsychologicalThrillerActionCrimeDark FictionDouble IdentityPolice Officer Male LeadReporter Female LeadVigilante Male Lead

Like Death Note, this drama also features Death, Hidden Identity, Investigation, Morally Ambiguous Male Lead, Murder, Psychological, and Thriller themes with a 33% similarity match.

After witnessing his mother's murder by a man who received a light sentence, Kim Ji Yong decides to take matters into his own hands. As an adult, he becomes known as Vigilante, punishing criminals who escape justice through the legal system. Despite appearing as a model student at the police university, he secretly carries out his own form of justice. With the assistance of Cho Gang Ok, Vigilante continues his mission while being pursued by Detective Cho Heon. This story is adapted from the webtoon "Vigilante" by CRG and Kim Gyu Sam. The release dates are October 5, 2023 (Festival) and November 8, 2023 (Online).

Recommendation: Mirai Nikki similar to Death Note
32%Match
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Mirai Nikki(未来日記)

2012Japan
Adapted From A MangaDeathInvestigationMurderMysteryPsychologicalDeath GameGameRomanceSci-FiSurvival

Like Death Note, this drama also features Adapted From A Manga, Death, Investigation, Murder, Mystery, and Psychological themes with a 32% similarity match.

The series will feature an original plot that deviates from the manga, focusing on a group of 12 individuals who possess a special diary that enables them to accurately predict future events. However, they are all participants in a deadly competition where they must utilize their diaries to eliminate each other and emerge as the sole survivor, earning the coveted "God's seat." Hoshino Arata, a lethargic university student with a disdain for hard work and future planning, unexpectedly acquires a future diary on his cellphone, thrusting him into the dangerous game of survival.

Recommendation: The Appearance of the Murderer similar to Death Note
31%Match
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The Appearance of the Murderer(凶手的样子)

2024China
DeathInvestigationMurderMysteryThrillerSuspenseWeb Series

Like Death Note, this drama also features Death, Investigation, Murder, Mystery, and Thriller themes with a 31% similarity match.

Haunted by the mysterious death of a fellow student, Lin Chuan dedicates a decade to uncovering the truth. In parallel, Shen Xia and her sibling Shen Dong find themselves entangled in the criminal underbelly following a personal loss. Their fates collide, leading to a gripping narrative of justice versus crime, intertwined with themes of love, hatred, and vengeance. (Credit: TMDb)

Recommendation: Brutally Young similar to Death Note
31%Match
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Brutally Young(十八年後的終極告白)

2020Hong Kong
DeathInvestigationMurderMysteryThrillerCrimeSuspense

Like Death Note, this drama also features Death, Investigation, Murder, Mystery, and Thriller themes with a 31% similarity match.

Nearly two decades ago, a group of seven teenagers from the same neighborhood got into a heated argument with a villager named Kai Sze, resulting in a tragic death. In a panic, they decided to bury the body and keep the incident a secret. As time passed, they all moved on with their lives, only for the truth to resurface when Kai Sze's body was found. Inspector Yuen Lai Ken took on the case and began unraveling the mystery, revealing shocking connections along the way. With pressure mounting, the teenagers faced a difficult choice: confess to their crime or continue living with the burden of their secret. As relationships became entangled and the true culprit lurked in the shadows, the group found themselves at a crossroads, unsure of which path to take.

Recommendation: Shikeidai no 72-Jikan similar to Death Note
31%Match
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Shikeidai no 72-Jikan(死刑台の72時間)

2013Japan
Adapted From A MangaDeathInvestigationMurderMysteryDramaMiniseries

Like Death Note, this drama also features Adapted From A Manga, Death, Investigation, Murder, and Mystery themes with a 31% similarity match.

The storyline revolves around a group of five individuals - four females and one male - who are confined within a grand mansion situated in the mountains. The estate is owned by Kaoru, the mother of Usui Toru, a man who tragically took his own life three years prior. Upon their arrival, Kaoru reveals to the group that her son was actually murdered, and the perpetrator is among them. They are given a deadline of 72 hours to uncover the true culprit, or else face dire consequences. This series was broadcasted on NHK BS Premium and is an adaptation of a manga created by Chie Shinohara.

Recommendation: Hakubo no Chronicle similar to Death Note
30%Match
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Hakubo no Chronicle(白暮のクロニクル)

2024Japan
DeathFantasyInvestigationMurderMysteryThrillerAttempted MurderDetective FictionDetective Male LeadInchoate CrimeSuspenseVampire Male Lead

Like Death Note, this drama also features Death, Fantasy, Investigation, Murder, Mystery, and Thriller themes with a 30% similarity match.

Yukimura Kai is an ageless vampire who appears to be 18 years old but is actually 88 years old

Recommendation: Majo Saiban similar to Death Note
30%Match
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Majo Saiban(魔女裁判)

2009Japan
DeathHidden IdentityInvestigationMurderMysteryThrillerBlackmailCourtroom SettingJuror Male LeadLawMiniseriesSuspense

Like Death Note, this drama also features Death, Hidden Identity, Investigation, Murder, Mystery, and Thriller themes with a 30% similarity match.

Toru, a young part-time worker uninterested in social issues, is unexpectedly chosen as a juror in the trial of a woman accused of murder in a case involving a large inheritance. Despite overwhelming evidence pointing to her guilt, the jurors begin to vote "not guilty" one by one. A mysterious organization lurks in the background, manipulating the jury’s decisions. Meanwhile, strange occurrences start to unfold around Toru. When a fellow juror is threatened, Toru takes it upon himself to protect her. However, his girlfriend, a journalist, starts to question their relationship. Toru embarks on a solitary quest to uncover the truth.

Recommendation: Melody of Secrets similar to Death Note
30%Match
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Melody of Secrets(ความลับในบทเพลงที่บรรเลงไม่รู้จบ)

2025Thailand
DeathInvestigationMurderMysteryPsychologicalThrillerCriminal Profiler Male LeadGay RomanceJournalist Male LeadLGBTQ+RomanceSuspense

Like Death Note, this drama also features Death, Investigation, Murder, Mystery, Psychological, and Thriller themes with a 30% similarity match.

An unseen force compels crime reporter Botphleng to seek out his partner, Tankoon, yet his recollections are strangely muddled, leaving him unable to recall what the man looks like. Is Tankoon, the criminologist who insists he is Botphleng's lover, truly who he says he is?

Recommendation: Yaneura no Koibito similar to Death Note
30%Match
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Yaneura no Koibito(屋根裏の恋人)

2017Japan
DeathInvestigationMurderMysteryPsychologicalThrillerDramaFamilyMiniseriesRomanceSecretSuspense

Like Death Note, this drama also features Death, Investigation, Murder, Mystery, Psychological, and Thriller themes with a 30% similarity match.

Saijo Kinuka, a homemaker, resides in a Western-style house in Kamakura with her husband and two teenage children after inheriting it from her late father-in-law. She fulfills her dream of opening a flower arrangement school in the salon of her new home. However, her past resurfaces when her ex-boyfriend, Seno Itsuki, unexpectedly shows up at her housewarming party. Strange occurrences begin to unfold in the household, such as missing food and clothing, as it is revealed that Seno has been secretly living in the attic. This leads to the unraveling of hidden secrets among those close to Kinuka, ultimately impacting her mental state. The situation escalates when a murder occurs, drastically altering her fate.

Recommendation: Ghost similar to Death Note
30%Match
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Ghost(유령)

2012South Korea
DeathHidden IdentityInvestigationMurderMysteryThrillerCorruptionDetective FictionDetective Male LeadPolice Department SettingSmart Male LeadSuspense

Like Death Note, this drama also features Death, Hidden Identity, Investigation, Murder, Mystery, and Thriller themes with a 30% similarity match.

Kim Woo Hyun is the sole child of a senior police official. He enrolled in the police academy, achieving the top rank, and graduated with the highest honors as well. Following this, he became a detective in the cyber investigation unit. Woo Hyun dedicates his efforts to uncovering the hidden truths of individuals lurking in the digital realm.

Recommendation: Unforgiven (2016) similar to Death Note
29%Match
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Unforgiven (2016)(灭罪师)

2016China
DeathInvestigationMurderMysteryThrillerSerial KillingsSet In A Foreign CountrySuspense

Like Death Note, this drama also features Death, Investigation, Murder, Mystery, and Thriller themes with a 29% similarity match.

Recommendation: Target Person similar to Death Note
29%Match
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Target Person(目标人物)

2020China
DeathInvestigationMurderMysteryThrillerComedySuspenseWeb Series

Like Death Note, this drama also features Death, Investigation, Murder, Mystery, and Thriller themes with a 29% similarity match.

A mysterious escape room game brings together a group of individuals who soon discover a hidden conspiracy among them

Recommendation: Last One Standing (2008) similar to Death Note
29%Match
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Last One Standing (2008)(與敵同行)

2008Hong Kong
DeathInvestigationMurderMysteryThrillerDramaSuspenseWrongfully Accused

Like Death Note, this drama also features Death, Investigation, Murder, Mystery, and Thriller themes with a 29% similarity match.

Cheung Sing Hei served time in prison after being convicted of killing his stepfather. Surprisingly, his cousin Tong Lap Yeen was the main witness in the case. After a decade behind bars, Sing Hei is released, only to find that Lap Yeen has become a prominent figure in the city, while his own reputation is tarnished. Feeling frustrated and suspicious about the events of ten years ago, Sing Hei is determined to uncover the truth behind his stepfather's murder. Through his own investigation, he identifies the true culprit, but struggles to find a motive or concrete evidence. This is a story of Sing Hei's quest to reveal the truth and clear his name.

Recommendation: Black Postman similar to Death Note
29%Match
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Black Postman(ブラックポストマン)

2023Japan
DeathInvestigationMurderMysteryThrillerMiniseriesSerial KillingsSuspense

Like Death Note, this drama also features Death, Investigation, Murder, Mystery, and Thriller themes with a 29% similarity match.

Once, there existed a special mailbox where children could seek justice against abusive adults. The Neverland Devil would punish these wrongdoers upon receiving a letter from a child. However, after a certain incident, the Neverland Devil vanished without a trace. A decade later, a man named Soejima Rikiya, who used to be a mail carrier but now works at a hospice, receives a cryptic message hinting at the Neverland Devil's return. In response, Soejima decides to return to his former job at the post office. Meanwhile, a murder victim is discovered by the river, with a note in their mouth suggesting the Neverland Devil's resurgence. Soejima Rikiya finds himself entangled in the investigation of this serial killer known as the Neverland Devil.

Recommendation: Pursue similar to Death Note
29%Match
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Pursue()

2007China
DeathInvestigationMurderMysteryThrillerPolice Department SettingPolice Officer Male LeadSuspense

Like Death Note, this drama also features Death, Investigation, Murder, Mystery, and Thriller themes with a 29% similarity match.

A murder investigation unfolded in Xincang City involving the death of Xiao Hai Yun, the owner of a real estate company. Xiao had recently teamed up with Zhou Guo Qin, a police captain, to uncover corruption within the development zone led by Xu Zhong Lu. Tragically, Zhou died while pursuing the killer. This led to suspicions falling on Jiang Dong Zhi, a taxi driver involved in the case, who decided to go on the run. As young officer Lu Yang searched for Jiang, he unraveled the complexities surrounding the case. Jiang, evading capture, used clues left by Zhou and his own methods to seek the truth.

Recommendation: The Frog similar to Death Note
29%Match
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The Frog(아무도 없는 숲속에서)

2024South Korea
DeathMurderMysteryPsychologicalThrillerDramaNoirSuspense

Like Death Note, this drama also features Death, Murder, Mystery, Psychological, and Thriller themes with a 29% similarity match.

Currently, Jeon Yeong Ha's peaceful existence overseeing a holiday cabin in the forest is thrown into disarray by the sudden appearance of a enigmatic lady named Yoo Seong A. Twenty years ago, Koo Sang Jun, who was also in charge of the cabin, endured a devastating summer that led to his downfall. Yun Bo Min, who was a local police officer at the time, is now the chief of police at the same precinct and begins looking into Jeon Yeong Ha with great curiosity.

Recommendation: Evil Nights similar to Death Note
29%Match
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Evil Nights(罪夜无间)

2019China
DeathHidden IdentityInvestigationMurderMysteryThrillerChinese Republican EraDetective FictionHistoricalHistorical FictionInvestigator Male LeadSerial KillingsSuspense

Like Death Note, this drama also features Death, Hidden Identity, Investigation, Murder, Mystery, and Thriller themes with a 29% similarity match.

The residents of historic Shanghai are reeling from a string of murders committed by a serial killer, prompting three investigators to team up in an effort to unravel the mystery. Private detective Chen Yi Ming finds himself drawn into the case, where he crosses paths with Zhang Tian Xiao, the son of the police director, and Yao Fei, a striking woman recently returned from overseas. Together, they form a trio determined to solve the puzzle. However, as they delve deeper into the investigation, Chen Yi Ming uncovers a web of conspiracies and hidden truths that are closely tied to his own true identity.

Recommendation: Mouse similar to Death Note
29%Match
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Mouse(마우스)

2021South Korea
DeathInvestigationMurderMysteryPsychologicalThrillerCharacter DevelopmentDark FictionFlashback To PastGrandma-Granddaughter RelationshipSchool BullyingSexual AssaultSuspense

Like Death Note, this drama also features Death, Investigation, Murder, Mystery, Psychological, and Thriller themes with a 29% similarity match.

An intriguing tale that poses the important query: What if it were possible to detect psychopaths ahead of time? The nation is in a state of panic as a violent serial killer's brutal crimes sow terror and disorder

Recommendation: The Quiz Show Season 2 similar to Death Note
29%Match
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The Quiz Show Season 2(ザ・クイズショウ 2)

2009Japan
DeathInvestigationMurderMysteryPsychologicalThrillerAmnesiaDifficult AdulthoodGameLifeMiniseriesRevengeSuspense

Like Death Note, this drama also features Death, Investigation, Murder, Mystery, Psychological, and Thriller themes with a 29% similarity match.

Kamiyama Satoru is the presenter of a live television quiz program where participants can win 10 million yen by answering 7 questions correctly. If they manage to answer 8 questions correctly, the TV network will grant one of their wishes. However, the questions become increasingly personal and delve into the contestants' past misdeeds as the game progresses. This puts the contestants in a difficult position of needing to confess their guilt to win. Satoru himself has a mysterious background - a previous accident left him in a vegetative state for six years, causing him to lose most of his memories before he became the show's host. (Tokyograph)

Recommendation: Treasure at Dawn similar to Death Note
29%Match
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Treasure at Dawn(天书黎明)

2025China
DeathFantasyInvestigationMurderMysteryThrillerHistoricalSlight ComedySmart Male LeadTeamworkTraditional MedicineTraditional Medicine Doctor Male LeadWrongfully Accused

Like Death Note, this drama also features Death, Fantasy, Investigation, Murder, Mystery, and Thriller themes with a 29% similarity match.

The young Hua Fu Sheng is naive about the world, yet he has an intense passion for medicine. His unorthodox approach to healing earns him both admiration and trepidation from the townspeople. Accused of being a murderer due to the untimely deaths of a hundred doctors, the clues left by his mentor hint at a cryptic "Book from Heaven." Coincidentally, Wen Jue, the daughter of the City Lord of Liangzhou, and Gu Tian, the heir to a hundred operatic traditions, become involved in the situation, and the three of them set out to investigate in Liangzhou. Wen Jue utilizes her father's influence to shield Hua Fu Sheng from the repercussions of opening a medical practice in the city, while Gu Tian aids in collecting information with his persuasive skills. As Hua Fu Sheng seeks the truth and tends to the needy in Liangzhou, bizarre occurrences unfold, complicating the mystery further. Unbeknownst to him, his presence has quietly stirred tensions within Liangzhou City...

Recommendation: Massage Tantei Joe similar to Death Note
29%Match
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Massage Tantei Joe(マッサージ探偵ジョー)

2017Japan
DeathHidden IdentityInvestigationMurderMysteryThrillerAmateur Detective Male LeadComedyDetective FictionMassage Therapist Male LeadShy Male LeadSuspenseTeamwork

Like Death Note, this drama also features Death, Hidden Identity, Investigation, Murder, Mystery, and Thriller themes with a 29% similarity match.

Yabukihara Joe enters the world of massage therapy at the urging of Eko-baba, the owner of a massage establishment he met a year ago. Despite his discomfort around strangers and general dislike of people, Joe is encouraged by Eko-baba's recognition of his talent. When a murder occurs involving one of Joe's clients' wealthy husbands, Joe finds himself under suspicion by the police. With the help of fellow masseur Aguri, Joe utilizes his massage skills and keen observation to unravel the mystery and prove his innocence. This experience becomes a pivotal moment in Joe's life, leading him to uncover his unexpected knack for solving murder cases that occur at his clients' homes.

Recommendation: Unnatural similar to Death Note
29%Match
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Unnatural(アンナチュラル)

2018Japan
Cold Male LeadDeathInvestigationMurderMysteryThrillerForensic Medical Examiner Female LeadHardworking Female LeadMedicalPolice ProceduralSlice Of LifeSmart Female LeadTeamwork

Like Death Note, this drama also features Cold Male Lead, Death, Investigation, Murder, Mystery, and Thriller themes with a 29% similarity match.

At the Institute for Unexplained Deaths (IUD), Dr

Recommendation: Gap Dong similar to Death Note
29%Match
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Gap Dong(갑동이)

2014South Korea
DeathInvestigationMurderMysteryPsychopath Male LeadThrillerCriminal Male LeadDetective FictionDetective Male LeadDramaHwaseong Serial MurdersInspired By A True StorySuspense

Like Death Note, this drama also features Death, Investigation, Murder, Mystery, Psychopath Male Lead, and Thriller themes with a 29% similarity match.

Moo Yeom works as a detective. Two decades prior, he was a Buddhist monk, but he found himself in a difficult situation involving a man named Gap Dong. In an effort to sever his connection with him and eliminate any negative karma that might stem from their association, Moo Yeom chose to become a detective. Once the statute of limitations had lapsed, Gap Dong resurfaced. Determined to apprehend him for good, Moo Yeom embarks on a mission inspired by the "Hwaseong serial murder case."

Recommendation: 100-manen no Onna-tachi similar to Death Note
29%Match
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100-manen no Onna-tachi(100万円の女たち)

2017Japan
Adapted From A MangaDeathInvestigationMurderMysteryThrillerAge GapDramaHaremHousemates' RelationshipNuditySexual ContentSuspense

Like Death Note, this drama also features Adapted From A Manga, Death, Investigation, Murder, Mystery, and Thriller themes with a 29% similarity match.

Michima Shin, a 30-year-old solitary and unappreciated writer, resides in a large residence by himself. Shin's father, a convicted murderer facing the death penalty, committed the crime of killing three individuals, including Shin's mother. Unexpectedly, five enigmatic women arrived at Shin's doorstep claiming to have been invited to dwell with him in return for a monthly rent of 1 million yen. They established guidelines for Shin, such as refraining from asking questions and entering the women's quarters. Over time, Shin grew accustomed to the presence of these women, until one day, an unforeseen event occurred, altering everything.

Recommendation: Orphan Black: Nanatsu no Idenshi similar to Death Note
29%Match
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Orphan Black: Nanatsu no Idenshi(オーファン・ブラック~七つの遺伝子~)

2017Japan
DeathHidden IdentityInvestigationMurderMysteryThrillerDramaImposterLGBTQ+Sci-FiSingle MotherSuicideSuspense

Like Death Note, this drama also features Death, Hidden Identity, Investigation, Murder, Mystery, and Thriller themes with a 29% similarity match.

Aoyama Sara is a struggling single mother who is desperate to live peacefully with her daughter Moe. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she witnesses a woman who resembles her committing suicide. In a bid to escape her troubles, Sara decides to assume the woman's identity, only to uncover a web of secrets and challenges. She soon realizes that she is not just a look-alike, but actually a genetic clone of the woman, and she is not the only one. As Sara connects with other clones, she begins to view them as a newfound family. However, she must protect herself and her newfound relatives as they are targeted for assassination by an unknown assailant. This series is a remake of the Canadian TV show "Orphan Black" from 2013.

Recommendation: Shotenin Michiru no Minoue Banashi similar to Death Note
29%Match
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Shotenin Michiru no Minoue Banashi(書店員ミチルの身の上話)

2013Japan
DeathInvestigationMurderMysteryPsychologicalThrillerNovel AdaptationChildhood Friends RelationshipInfidelityJealousyLottery Winner Female LeadMiniseriesSuspense

Like Death Note, this drama also features Death, Investigation, Murder, Mystery, Psychological, and Thriller themes with a 29% similarity match.

The plot centers on Michiru, a bookstore employee who wins the 200,000,000 Yen (equivalent to 2.5 million USD) lottery by chance. As a result, she becomes entangled in unforeseen acts of betrayal and murder.

Recommendation: Gui An similar to Death Note
28%Match
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Gui An(诡案)

2015China
DeathInvestigationMurderMysteryThrillerMiniseriesPolice Officer Male LeadSuspenseWriter Male Lead

Like Death Note, this drama also features Death, Investigation, Murder, Mystery, and Thriller themes with a 28% similarity match.

Former police officer turned mystery author, Han Bing, discovered a disturbing pattern as his high school classmates began to die in the same manner as the characters in his novels. With suspicions mounting, Han Bing delved deeper into uncovering the dark secrets lurking behind the scenes.

Recommendation: The Doll Master (2017) similar to Death Note
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The Doll Master (2017)(人偶师)

2017China
DeathInvestigationMurderMysteryThrillerDetective FictionDetective Male LeadDramaSuspense

Like Death Note, this drama also features Death, Investigation, Murder, Mystery, and Thriller themes with a 28% similarity match.

In reality, every individual on this planet is like a marionette, with invisible strings controlling their actions. Two decades ago, the renowned psychologist Ouyang Qiu, along with his friend and colleague Ruan Haotian, traveled to Dawn City for a confidential research project. Tragically, Ouyang met his demise by falling from a building, while Dr. Ruan vanished under mysterious circumstances. Subsequently, the project was abruptly terminated. Fast forward twenty years, Ouyang Qiu's son, Ouyang Yiming, has grown up and joined a specialized SCI Team as an agent. When a gruesome mutilation case arises in Dawn City, Ouyang Yiming takes it upon himself to investigate. However, just as he nears a breakthrough, the perpetrator takes their own life, prompting Ouyang to delve deeper into the mystery. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes apparent that Pandora's Box is on the verge of being opened... (Q1Q2)

Recommendation: The Lie Detective similar to Death Note
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The Lie Detective(谎言真探)

2021China
DeathInvestigationMurderMysteryThrillerBased On A True StoryPolice Department SettingSuspenseWeb Series

Like Death Note, this drama also features Death, Investigation, Murder, Mystery, and Thriller themes with a 28% similarity match.

Twelve years ago, a series of murders shocked the city as the victims, all belonging to the lower class, were discovered in isolated locations. It is suspected that the same individual is behind these crimes, but due to their cunning nature, the case remains unsolved. After relentless investigations and gathering of evidence, the authorities gradually identified the prime suspect. Tragically, while on his way to meet his daughter Ling Ran, the detective Ling Bin was killed in the line of duty while pursuing the suspect. Fast forward twelve years, Ling Bin's daughter Ling Ran (portrayed by Yu Nan) works at the Polygraph Center within the Technical Division of the Criminal Police Detachment. Utilizing polygraph technology, she successfully cracked several major cases and gained recognition. Working alongside Chen Hu, the head of the Interpol Detachment Crime Unit (played by Xing Jiadong), the two partners, despite differing approaches to solving criminal investigations, share a deep understanding but are faced with a series of enigmas. Based on a true story, this series was produced by Xiaoran Pictures and Kujing Pictures, starring Yu Nan and Xing Jiadong in their second collaboration after many years.

Recommendation: Proof of Silence similar to Death Note
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Proof of Silence(沉默的证明)

2021China
DeathInvestigationMurderMysteryThrillerPolice Officer Male LeadRich Female LeadSuspenseTV Presenter Female Lead

Like Death Note, this drama also features Death, Investigation, Murder, Mystery, and Thriller themes with a 28% similarity match.

In order to solve a perplexing case, rookie police officer Chen Mo launched a thorough investigation. Assisted by the honorable successor Wang Zi and the courageous and resolute presenter Su Wen, they were able to successfully apprehend the perpetrators.

Recommendation: Serial Homicide similar to Death Note
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Serial Homicide(乱码迷局)

2025China
DeathInvestigationMurderMysteryThrillerActionSerial KillingsSuspenseWeb Series

Like Death Note, this drama also features Death, Investigation, Murder, Mystery, and Thriller themes with a 28% similarity match.

The tranquil city of Luzhou is disturbed by a string of murders purportedly motivated by a quest for justice. In response, officials establish the 909 Special Task Force, dedicated to diligently peeling back the complexities of this harrowing cycle of revenge killings.

Recommendation: Phoenix Rising similar to Death Note
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Phoenix Rising(蘭花劫)

2008Hong Kong
DeathInvestigationMurderMysteryThrillerCrimeDramaPrison SettingSuspense

Like Death Note, this drama also features Death, Investigation, Murder, Mystery, and Thriller themes with a 28% similarity match.

Crystal, Louisa, and Leila grew up as siblings after being orphaned at a young age. Each of them was adopted into different families with diverse backgrounds. When Louisa was imprisoned for a crime she committed, Crystal took the blame to protect her sister. Leila, known for her kindness, attempted to help by falsifying evidence but ended up being incarcerated as well. Tensions between the three sisters and the prison owner escalate, leading to a desire for revenge. This series delves into the underworld of women in prison, exploring their struggles and conflicts.

Recommendation: Master of Play similar to Death Note
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Master of Play(心戰)

2012Hong Kong
DeathInvestigationMurderMysteryThrillerMultiple MainsSerial KillingsStage Actor Male LeadSuspense

Like Death Note, this drama also features Death, Investigation, Murder, Mystery, and Thriller themes with a 28% similarity match.

After his daughter disappeared and he divorced his wife, stage actor Kan Siu Nam went through a significant transformation in his personality. Focusing solely on his acting career, he became entangled in a bizarre serial killer case while playing the role of a murderer in a play. In the course of the investigation, he crossed paths with his colleague Lee Chor Kiu's partner, Jeung Sai Yin, and her sister, Jeung Sai Ting. Siu Nam couldn't shake the feeling that Yin resembled the suspected serial killer and had an unsettling interest in Ting. The dynamics between the four individuals became increasingly complicated. As Siu Nam attempted to uncover the truth behind the case, he found himself drifting further from it, causing his sense of reality to become even more unsettling and disheartening.

Recommendation: Gonzo similar to Death Note
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Gonzo(ゴンゾウ)

2008Japan
DeathInvestigationMurderMysteryPsychologicalDetective FictionDetective Male LeadMiniseriesTrauma

Like Death Note, this drama also features Death, Investigation, Murder, Mystery, and Psychological themes with a 28% similarity match.

Formerly a top detective, Kuroki's career was derailed by a traumatic case, leading to his reassignment to a different department where he now spends his days in idleness. However, a new case emerges that offers him the opportunity to reclaim his detective status. (Tokyograph)

Recommendation: Meitantei Conan similar to Death Note
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Meitantei Conan(工藤新一への挑戦状)

2011Japan
Adapted From A MangaDeathInvestigationMurderMysteryDetective FictionDetective Male LeadDetective Supporting CharacterInvestigator Male Lead

Like Death Note, this drama also features Adapted From A Manga, Death, Investigation, Murder, and Mystery themes with a 28% similarity match.

Before transforming into Edogawa Conan after being forced to ingest poison by an enigmatic group, high school detective Kudo Shinichi is sent a series of written challenges alerting him to upcoming murders. With his exceptional deductive skills, he unravels mysteries and enjoys unraveling the puzzle of seemingly impossible killings.

Recommendation: Ai Naki Mori de Sakebe similar to Death Note
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Ai Naki Mori de Sakebe(愛なき森で叫べ)

2020Japan
DeathInvestigationMurderMysteryPsychologicalBased On A True StoryLGBTQ+MiniseriesSerial Killings

Like Death Note, this drama also features Death, Investigation, Murder, Mystery, and Psychological themes with a 28% similarity match.

Murata Jo is known for his cunning and manipulative ways. Despite his outwardly cheerful demeanor, he exerts emotional influence over others to exploit them for financial gain and coerce them into carrying out violent acts. This behavior mirrors the actions of Futoshi Matsunaga, the mastermind behind the real-life criminal case known as the Kitakyushu Serial Murder Incident, which occurred from 1996 to 1998.

Recommendation: Kasouken no Onna Season 20 similar to Death Note
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Kasouken no Onna Season 20(科捜研の女 Season 20)

2020Japan
DeathInvestigationMurderMysteryThrillerForensic ScienceMedicalMiniseriesSuspense

Like Death Note, this drama also features Death, Investigation, Murder, Mystery, and Thriller themes with a 28% similarity match.

Recommendation: Renzoku Satsujinki Kaeru Otoko similar to Death Note
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Renzoku Satsujinki Kaeru Otoko(連続殺人鬼カエル男)

2020Japan
DeathInvestigationMurderMysteryThrillerIllnessMiniseriesSerial KillingsSuspense

Like Death Note, this drama also features Death, Investigation, Murder, Mystery, and Thriller themes with a 28% similarity match.

The lifeless body of a woman is discovered wrapped in a beige sheet and suspended from the roof of a dilapidated apartment building. A note claiming responsibility for the act is attached to the sheet, stating, "Today, I caught a frog and experimented with a bagworm." This peculiar incident captures the attention of the media. Kotegawa Kazuya, a rookie detective, and the experienced Watase from the Saitama Prefectural Police's First Investigation Division are assigned to the case. Criminal psychiatry expert Omaezaki Munetaka notes the immaturity of the crime and suggests it may lead to more murders. As Kotegawa and Watase search for the perpetrator, another killing occurs, with a mutilated body found in a car trunk at a scrapyard. A similar message is left behind, instilling fear and confusion among the public. Can Kotegawa and Watase uncover the identity of the elusive "Frog Man" and bring him to justice?

Recommendation: Shotai similar to Death Note
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Shotai(正体)

2022Japan
DeathInvestigationMurderMysteryThrillerNovel AdaptationMiniseriesPrisoner Male LeadSuspense

Like Death Note, this drama also features Death, Investigation, Murder, Mystery, and Thriller themes with a 28% similarity match.

Kaburagi Keiichi was taken into custody on suspicion of murder and given the death penalty. He managed to escape from prison during transport, but instead of fleeing, he helped the individuals he encountered in his hiding spot. As these individuals discovered Kaburagi's identity as a death row escapee, they questioned whether he was truly a killer.

Recommendation: Bluetick similar to Death Note
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Bluetick(已讀不回)

2018Hong Kong
DeathInvestigationMurderMysteryThrillerNovel AdaptationCo-producedFuneralSuspense

Like Death Note, this drama also features Death, Investigation, Murder, Mystery, and Thriller themes with a 28% similarity match.

Join the suspenseful journey of ten strangers at a funeral who are entangled in a web of mystery and danger

Recommendation: Mottomo Tooi Ginga SP similar to Death Note
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Mottomo Tooi Ginga SP(最も遠い銀河)

2013Japan
DeathInvestigationMurderMysteryThrillerNovel AdaptationDramaMiniseriesSuspense

Like Death Note, this drama also features Death, Investigation, Murder, Mystery, and Thriller themes with a 28% similarity match.

Detective Seiichiro Watari from the Otaru Police Precinct in Hokkaido is retiring soon with unresolved business from seven years ago. The unidentified skeleton of a woman was discovered in the sea of Otaru, halting the investigation. Watari is determined to identify her before leaving the precinct. Three years after retirement, he stumbles upon a clue that could solve the case, despite his limited life expectancy. With the help of detective Kaoru Saotome, he begins reinvestigating, much to the dismay of his wife Suzuko. They travel to Tokyo to meet a jewelry designer who provided a clue, but she has mysteriously disappeared. Watari's obsession with the case stems from the tragic drowning of his daughter Kozue 20 years ago. As he delves deeper, he encounters architect Haruyuki Kiryu, whose connection to the case remains unclear. Kiryu is determined to succeed in his company, even as he becomes involved with Akane Seike, the president's daughter who bears a striking resemblance to his deceased girlfriend. Their entangled fates lead to a dangerous pursuit of ambition and truth.

Recommendation: Rakuen similar to Death Note
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Rakuen(楽園)

2017Japan
DeathInvestigationMurderMysteryPsychologicalNovel AdaptationKidnappingMiniseriesSupernatural

Like Death Note, this drama also features Death, Investigation, Murder, Mystery, and Psychological themes with a 28% similarity match.

A widely discussed event has taken place in Japan involving the Doizaki couple who murdered their 15-year-old daughter and concealed her body beneath their home for 16 years. One day, Toshiko Hagitani, a homemaker, visits Shigeko Maehata, an employee at a small publishing company, to share her suspicion that her 12-year-old son Hitoshi may possess a unique ability to see the memories of others. Toshiko shows Shigeko a drawing created by Hitoshi depicting a girl with a pale face lying in a house topped with a bat-shaped weather vane, resembling the Doizaki couple case. Intrigued, Shigeko decides to investigate further, but tragically, Hitoshi passes away in a car accident. Meanwhile, the Doizaki couple's lawyer informs their daughter Seiko that they have severed all ties with her. Concurrently, a female high school student is reported missing.

Recommendation: Onna no Naka ni Iru Tanin similar to Death Note
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Onna no Naka ni Iru Tanin(女の中にいる他人)

2017Japan
DeathInvestigationMurderMysteryThrillerNovel AdaptationFamilyMiniseriesSuspense

Like Death Note, this drama also features Death, Investigation, Murder, Mystery, and Thriller themes with a 28% similarity match.

Tanuma Yuriko is a homemaker residing with her spouse Kazuo, their two kids, and mother-in-law Hatsue. When Saori, the spouse of Kazuo's friend Kusumoto Masafumi, is found murdered, Kazuo admits to having an affair with her. Yuriko suspects him of being responsible for Saori's death. Despite Kazuo's attempt to turn himself in to the authorities, Yuriko stops him, choosing to conceal his crime to maintain their family's tranquility. As Yuriko grapples with the situation, a newfound determination to protect her family emerges within her.

Recommendation: Otto yo, Shinde Kurenai ka similar to Death Note
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Otto yo, Shinde Kurenai ka(夫よ、死んでくれないか)

2025Japan
DeathInvestigationMurderMysteryThrillerNovel AdaptationDramaRevengeSuspense

Like Death Note, this drama also features Death, Investigation, Murder, Mystery, and Thriller themes with a 28% similarity match.

As they entered their late thirties, Komoto Maya, Kagami Riko, and Sakaki Yurika realized they regretted marrying for the sake of happiness. They started to feel the limitations of their careers and questioned the direction of their lives. These three college classmates often went out for drinks together, sharing complaints about their husbands and releasing their pent-up frustrations. One fateful evening, Maya and Riko were summoned to Yurika's home, where she shockingly confessed, "I have killed my husband!" Subsequently, Maya's husband mysteriously disappeared, setting off a chain of events that would alter the destinies of these three women. Thus begins the tale of their vengeance as they strive to reclaim the happiness stolen from them by their marriages.

Recommendation: Evil Minds similar to Death Note
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Evil Minds(心理罪)

2015China
DeathInvestigationMurderMysteryPsychologicalThrillerBromanceCriminal Profiler Male LeadDramaFlashback To PastPost-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)Slight HorrorSuspenseWeb Series

Like Death Note, this drama also features Death, Investigation, Murder, Mystery, Psychological, and Thriller themes with a 27% similarity match.

Fang Mu is renowned for his expertise in criminal psychology within the city. After teaming up with police officer Tai Wei Lian to solve a string of unusual murders on campus, Fang Mu was deeply affected by the cases, leading him to spiral into a state of decay. Despite his attempts to bury the memories and deceive both himself and others, the devil's taunts persisted with a new wave of mysterious killings that ultimately landed Fang Mu behind bars. Forced to confront his past traumas, guilt, and sins while facing off against the enigmatic devil.

Recommendation: The Game: Towards Zero similar to Death Note
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The Game: Towards Zero(더 게임: 0시를 향하여)

2020South Korea
DeathInvestigationMurderMysteryPsychologicalThrillerChild AbandonmentOrphan Female LeadRich Male LeadSmart Male LeadSupernaturalSupernatural PowerSuspenseTeamwork

Like Death Note, this drama also features Death, Investigation, Murder, Mystery, Psychological, and Thriller themes with a 27% similarity match.

When Kim Tae Pyung gazes into someone's eyes, he witnesses the moments leading up to their demise