Monster

Dr. Kenzou Tenma, an elite neurosurgeon recently engaged to his hospital director's daughter, is well on his way to ascending the hospital hierarchy. That is until one night, a seemingly small event changes Dr. Tenma's life forever. While preparing to perform surgery on someone, he gets a call from the hospital director telling him to switch patients and instead perform life-saving brain surgery on a famous performer. His fellow doctors, fiancée, and the hospital director applaud his accomplishment; but because of the switch, a poor immigrant worker is dead, causing Dr. Tenma to have a crisis of conscience.

So when a similar situation arises, Dr. Tenma stands his ground and chooses to perform surgery on the young boy Johan Liebert instead of the town's mayor. Unfortunately, this choice leads to serious ramifications for Dr. Tenma—losing his social standing being one of them. However, with the mysterious death of the director and two other doctors, Dr. Tenma's position is restored. With no evidence to convict him, he is released and goes on to attain the position of hospital director.

Nine years later when Dr. Tenma saves the life of a criminal, his past comes back to haunt him—once again, he comes face to face with the monster he operated on. He must now embark on a quest of pursuit to make amends for the havoc spread by the one he saved.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

Liebert, Johan Main

Sasaki, Nozomu Japanese

Tenma, Kenzou Main

Kiuchi, Hidenobu Japanese

Liebert, Anna Main

Noto, Mamiko Japanese

Grimmer, Wolfgang Supporting

Tanaka, Hideyuki Japanese

Lunge, Heinrich Supporting

Isobe, Tsutomu Japanese

Heinemann, Eva Supporting

Koyama, Mami Japanese

Dieter Supporting

Takeuchi, Junko Japanese

Reest, Martin Supporting

Ikeda, Shuuichi Japanese

Reichwein, Julius Supporting

Nagai, Ichiro Japanese

Roberto Supporting

Katsube, Nobuyuki Japanese

Maruyama, Masao Producer

Tamura, Manabu Producer

Nakamoto, Kenji Producer

Yoshimoto, Satoshi Producer

Reviews

Jan 30, 2026

man_rredd

Recommended

Monster is an absolute masterpiece in storytelling. Naoki Urasawa’s genius shines through every layer of this series, showcasing the depth and complexity he brings to his narratives. I first discovered his work through Pluto, and that eventually led me to Monster—a decision I’m truly grateful for.

Monster dives deep into what it really means to be human, exploring the idea that a “monster” is not some fantasy creature, but something hidden within us. Our values, beliefs, and morals are what keep that darkness in check, and when they’re abandoned, humans themselves can become monsters. The series also powerfully portrays how past sins and choices can give ... birth to a horror the world is never prepared for.

At its core, the show is a reminder that we, as humans, can choose to be better and do better. It’s a gripping psychological thriller that keeps you hooked right up to the final episode—tense, emotional, and brilliantly constructed. For anyone who loves deep, character-driven stories and masterful plotting, Monster is a must-watch.

Reviewer’s Rating: 10

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Aug 5, 2025

YamiCC

Mixed Feelings

One of the best mysteries anime i've watched, i loved how Tenma still stand for his own idealism till the end, also the fact that Nina didn't become another monster while she's capable to replaces Johan. almost every characters has depth, but i don't like the way they got introduced, it feels too rushed and somehow we were forced to understand that "this character is connected to another character."
The last thing i hate about is the cliffhanger, idk but probably that is the author's way to make us dying of curiousity.
If you enjoy Banana Fish, then you'll enjoy this one too.

Reviewer’s Rating: 9

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Nov 11, 2025

Kirvan

Not Recommended

Funny

Monster is incredibly overhyped. There is some charm to be had here and there but the characters are not believable, plot points get repeated constantly til your ears bleed, and the writing is overall very simplistic and cliché.

The only reason I managed to finish it is because I was watching an episode or two while eating or while too sick to watch something good which requires focus, and I kept hoping that the ending would be good and redeem the show, but unfortunately I was finally let down months after I started it.

There is some charm in that the characters eat almost every episode(watching characters ... eat is cool, ok?), the setting and era is nice. But none of that can carry the show.
The plot had much potential, and if it had a better ending or more believable writing throughout the show it could have been great.

If you don't like it after 20 episodes you won't like it after 74.

Reviewer’s Rating: 5

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