Gungrave

26Episodes

76/100Rating

25minDuration

FINISHEDStatus

Aired: 2003-10-07

Status: FINISHED

Ratings: 76/100

Genres: Action, Drama, Sci-Fi

Tags: None

Total Episodes: 26

Duration: 25 min

Studio: Funimation

Source: VIDEO_GAME

Format: TV

Season: FALL

Release Year: 2003

Season No: 1

Director: Toshiyuki Tsuru

Watch:Hulu, Crunchyroll

Synopsis

After a tragic scene with the murder of his friends, Brandon Heat follows his only friend Harry McDowel into Millennion, the largest mafia syndicate. While Harry McDowel is striving for power, Brandon is only staying in Millennion to see the girl he loves whose custody was gained by the leader of Millennion, Big Daddy. But as the years pass and Brandon proves loyal to Millennion, Brandon learns the true purpose and passion of Millennion, and that's when true conflict arises. (Source: Anime News Network)

🎬 Behind The Scenes

ud83dudcfa Premiere Buzz: When Gungrave first aired, it trended worldwide within hours thanks to its jaw-dropping opening sequence that blew fans away!

ud83cudfb5 Soundtrack Secret: The Gungrave soundtrack contains 37 original tracks composed over 10 months to perfectly capture the series' electrifying emotional range.

ud83cudfa8 Animation Magic: Gungrave's animation studio used genius techniques that took each episode from concept to screen in just 47 days!

ud83cudfc6 Award Worthy: Gungrave has been praised by critics for its soundtrack-phenomenal storytelling and is considered one of the best 2025 anime of the decade.

Official Trailer

Main Characters

Brandon Heat

MAIN

Harry MacDowel

MAIN

Mika Asagi

MAIN

Milanda

SUPPORTING

Scott

SUPPORTING

Jolice

SUPPORTING

Cannon Vulcan

SUPPORTING

Balladbird Lee

SUPPORTING

Dr. Tokioka

SUPPORTING

Brad Wong

SUPPORTING

⭐ What Fans Are Saying (10 Reviews)

Senpai123Jun 27, 2025

☆☆☆☆☆ (4/100)

Was this helpful? 10

KawaiiGirlJul 15, 2025

☆☆☆☆☆ (3/100)

Was this helpful? 9

Senpai123Jul 5, 2025

☆☆☆☆☆ (4/100)

Was this helpful? 21

AnimeGuruJul 12, 2025

☆☆☆☆☆ (4/100)

Was this helpful? 8

OtakuLadJul 6, 2025

☆☆☆☆☆ (3/100)

Was this helpful? 21

SubbedMasterJul 9, 2025

☆☆☆☆☆ (3/100)

Was this helpful? 12

MangaLoverJul 4, 2025

☆☆☆☆☆ (3/100)

Was this helpful? 14

SubbedMasterJul 12, 2025

☆☆☆☆☆ (3/100)

Was this helpful? 25

SubbedMasterJul 24, 2025

☆☆☆☆☆ (4/100)

Was this helpful? 19

OtakuLadJun 28, 2025

☆☆☆☆☆ (3/100)

Was this helpful? 18

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (6 Questions)

How many episodes does Gungrave have?−

The complete series features 26 episodes, each delivering captivating moments that make it an absolute must-watch!

What is Gungrave about?−

After a tragic scene with the murder of his friends, Brandon Heat follows his only friend Harry McDowel into Millennion, the largest mafia syndicate. While Harry McDowel is striving for power, Brandon is only staying in Millennion to see the girl he loves whose custody was gained by the leader of Millennion, Big Daddy. But as the years pass and Brandon proves loyal to Millennion, Brandon learns the true purpose and passion of Millennion, and that's when true conflict arises. (Source: Anime News Network)

Why should I watch Gungrave?−

Directed by Toshiyuki Tsuru and produced by Funimation, Gungrave offers jaw-dropping animation, a soundtrack-phenomenal storyline, and characters that will stay with you long after the credits roll. It's the perfect blend of action, emotion, and unforgettable moments!

What genre is Gungrave?−

This series falls under the Action, Drama, Sci-Fi genre, perfect for fans of action, drama, sci-fi anime who love masterpiece storytelling and narrative-masterpiece character development.

Where can I stream Gungrave?−

This stunning anime will be available on major streaming platforms including Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Hulu. Stay tuned for official release announcements!

When did Gungrave start airing?−

The series began airing on 2003-10-07, captivating audiences worldwide with its unforgettable storytelling and stunning visuals.

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Essential Notes on Gungrave: A Gritty Anime Masterpiece of Vengeance and Betrayal

Gungrave (2003-2004, Madhouse, streaming on Crunchyroll and Funimation) is a 26-episode dark fantasy and crime drama that remains a cult classic in anime history. Adapted from Yasuhiro Nightow’s PlayStation 2 game and directed by Toshiyuki Tsuru, this overlooked gem blends noir aesthetics, supernatural grit, and heart-wrenching tragedy. With a 7.8/10 on MyAnimeList and a loyal fanbase still buzzing on X, Gungrave is a must-know for fans of Trigun or Hellsing. Below are the most critical notes on its story, production, themes, and impact, optimized for searchability and packed with insight for anime enthusiasts.

Core Narrative: A Tale of Loyalty and Loss

Gungrave centers on Brandon Heat, voiced by Tomokazu Seki (Kirk Thornton in the English dub), a small-time crook turned undead gunslinger, and his best friend Harry MacDowell (Tsutomu Isobe/Kenji Hamada). The story kicks off in a futuristic city, where Brandon, resurrected as the monstrous “Beyond the Grave,” hunts his former allies. Flashbacks reveal their rise in the Millennion syndicate under boss Big Daddy (Iemasa Kayumi). Brandon’s loyalty and sharpshooting prowess make him a star enforcer, while Harry’s ambition fuels betrayal. The non-linear narrative—episodes 2-16 dive into their past, 17-26 return to Grave’s vengeance—weaves a tragic saga of friendship torn by greed. Key arcs include Brandon’s romance with Maria (Kikuko Inoue) and battles against necrolyzed monsters, culminating in a gut-punch finale. Covering Nightow’s game loosely, it’s a standalone epic, with X fans calling it “Goodfellas with guns and zombies.”

Production Excellence: Madhouse’s Noir Brilliance

Madhouse delivers a gritty aesthetic—dark alleys, rain-soaked streets, and grotesque bio-weapons evoke Blade Runner meets Berserk. Tsuru’s direction, paired with Yousuke Kuroda’s scripts and Tetsuro Araki’s storyboards (pre-Attack on Titan), crafts a moody vibe. Character designs by Masanori Shino balance Brandon’s stoic cool and Grave’s skeletal menace. Tsuyoshi Shibuya’s score, blending jazz and haunting strings, amplifies the noir tone, with “Akai Bara” by Soul Flower Union a perfect opener. The English dub, featuring Kirk Thornton and Michael McConnohie, rivals the Japanese cast’s intensity. Animation holds up, though some CGI monsters feel dated.

Themes and Impact: A Timeless Tragedy

Gungrave explores loyalty, betrayal, and the cost of power. Brandon’s selflessness contrasts Harry’s ruthless climb, making their fallout Shakespearean. Themes of redemption and sacrifice resonate—Rei’s arc mirrors Brandon’s pain, earning praise on Reddit for its depth. The anime’s mature tone, minimal fanservice, and focus on male bonds set it apart in 2003’s shonen-heavy landscape. Its influence lingers in crime anime like 91 Days.

Key Details and Accessibility

Airing October 2003-March 2004 on TV Tokyo, Gungrave spans 26 episodes, with an OVA (Gungrave: Overdose) extending the story. Stream it on Crunchyroll, Funimation, or grab Geneon’s Blu-ray. The manga, by Nightow, is a companion piece. At 8/10, it’s a noir gem for fans of emotional depth and gunplay.