Jujutsu Kaisen vs Dorohedoro: Legendary vs Underrated

In the ever-expanding universe of anime, few series have captivated audiences like Jujutsu Kaisen, a thrilling action-packed supernatural saga. But lurking in the shadows is another masterpiece—Dorohedoro, an underrated gem that offers just as much chaos, brutality, and intrigue. While both shows share the same studio—MAPPA—and a taste for the bizarre, they couldn’t be more different in how they unfold. This is a breakdown of Jujutsu Kaisen vs Dorohedoro—a battle of sorcery, world-building, and unmatched energy.

Jujutsu Kaisen vs Dorohedoro

Jujutsu Kaisen drops viewers into a Tokyo infested with curses—malevolent spirits born from human negativity. The narrative follows Yuji Itadori, a seemingly ordinary teen who becomes host to the king of curses, Sukuna. From high-stakes battles to eerie exorcisms, the anime is drenched in tension, supernatural suspense, and escalating power dynamics.

Dorohedoro, on the other hand, introduces Caiman, a lizard-headed man with no memory, searching for the sorcerer who cursed him. Set in the dystopian urban hellscape known as “The Hole,” this anime blends gore, dark comedy, and mystery in a way that’s as absurd as it is fascinating.

While Jujutsu Kaisen’s universe is methodically structured around jujutsu sorcery, Dorohedoro thrives in chaotic lawlessness. Yet, both settings are more than just backdrops—they are living, breathing characters in their own right.

Character Dynamics: Traditional vs Unhinged

Yuji, Megumi, and Nobara form a well-balanced, emotionally resonant trio whose struggles with morality and power form the emotional core of Jujutsu Kaisen. The chemistry between them—especially under Gojo Satoru’s mentorship—gives the anime its emotional punch.

Dorohedoro’s characters are pure madness. Caiman is a brute with a heart. His partner Nikaido is a noodle-shop owner with her own secrets. The antagonists—En, Shin, and Noi—are just as likable as the protagonists, blurring the line between hero and villain. Unlike Jujutsu Kaisen, Dorohedoro doesn’t guide you on how to feel. It throws its eccentric cast at you and lets you decide who’s right in a world where right and wrong don’t really exist.

Action and Animation: MAPPA’s Dual Masterclass

Both anime series are animated by MAPPA, which brings its signature kinetic energy and visual flair to the screen. In Jujutsu Kaisen, fights are fluid, intense, and strategically choreographed. It’s a spectacle—every domain expansion and cursed technique lands with precision and flair.

Dorohedoro’s action is rawer and more unpredictable. It mixes 2D and 3D animation to create gritty, stylized fight scenes that feel like underground cage matches. They’re not always pretty, but they are brutally effective.

If Jujutsu Kaisen is a polished blade, Dorohedoro is a rusty hammer—messy, dangerous, and strangely satisfying.

Tone and Atmosphere: Horror Meets Humor

Where Jujutsu Kaisen leans heavily into horror, tension, and shōnen tropes, it also injects occasional comic relief. The emotional stakes are real—especially in arcs like the Shibuya Incident—but it’s always clear that this is a battle of good vs evil.

Dorohedoro, however, thrives on absurdity. It’s gory and grotesque, but also hilariously weird. One minute you’re watching a sorcerer explode someone’s head, and the next, you’re watching a mushroom-themed dinner party. It’s genre-defying in the best way possible.

This tonal unpredictability makes Dorohedoro a wildcard—a surreal fever dream that still manages to pull at your emotions when it counts.

Underrated vs Mainstream

Jujutsu Kaisen is a global hit, winning awards, topping streaming charts, and selling out theaters with its prequel film. Its popularity is undeniable—and deserved.

But Dorohedoro? That’s the sleeper hit. It didn’t get blockbuster marketing or fanfare. What it did get was a loyal cult following, praising it as one of the most original, fearless anime of the last decade. It’s the kind of show that quietly sticks in your brain and grows in your heart.

Final Verdict: Why You Should Watch Both

Comparing Jujutsu Kaisen vs Dorohedoro isn’t about picking a winner—it’s about appreciating the brilliance of two sides of the same coin. Jujutsu Kaisen is accessible, exhilarating, and expertly paced. Dorohedoro is chaotic, philosophical, and refreshingly weird.

If you love Jujutsu Kaisen for its fights and world-building, you’ll find Dorohedoro offers a wilder, darker, and far less predictable ride. It’s the kind of show that rewards viewers who want something off the beaten path.

So if you haven’t yet, dive into Dorohedoro—and prepare to question everything you thought an anime could be.