The Best Death Note Fanfiction, Ranked
Though not as active as it was when the series first came out, the Death Note fandom is home to some of the most creative works of fanfiction on the Internet. This curated list will help guide you toward some of the best that the fandom has to offer. If you still can't shake the series, check out more shows like Death Note.
Good Death Note fic can be about anything. Some of these stories explore the psyches of side characters like Mikami, Soichiro, and even Linda. Others posit questions about the Death Note itself or see what happens if Light and L get into a romantic relationship. Whatever you're looking for, there's something on this list you'll enjoy.
Which of these stories deserves to be called the best Death Note fanfiction? That's up to you. Vote up your favorites to let the world know what you think.
- 1
This Is How I Disappear
by TzviaAriella
After an international tribunal condemns nineteen-year-old Light Yagami to death, the Kira Task Force must come to terms with the fallout of the case–-and with Light’s surprising last request.
- 2
Genius is a Curse
by Bloodshot Eyes
If Light had never touched the Death Note, would he ever have found an escape from the depression and boredom that plagued him? Would he have had a future at all?
- 3
Noel
by TzviaAriella
Almost two years after the arrest of Kira, Near has finally succeeded L, but his reign hasn't gone unchallenged. Faced with an unsolvable string of murders threatening both his position and his life, the third L must seek help from an unlikely (and unlikable) source: his imprisoned predecessor, Light Yagami.
- 4
Pictures on Skin
by Shadow_of_Quill
In a world where life experiences mark people rather more literally, Light has some unfortunate truths drawn on his skin - not that anyone notices.
- 5
Law Has Gone Away
by chase glasslace
Set during and after ch108. 'Maybe, just maybe, he wishes he had shot Near instead of Light that day.' Matsuda doesn't know what he wants anymore. He doesn't know what he believes anymore.
- 6
Apples Equals Cyanide Equals Light
by Silver Pard
Ryuk’s favourite equation. It means the death of boredom, the only death that actually matters.
- 7
Twenty-Three Percent
by GeniusofFun
Sayu Yagami is such a pretty name, meant for a very pretty little girl - not a dead twenty-three year old who'd somehow managed to hijack her body (but one must learn to adapt). Not your typical reincarnation story, or maybe it is.
- 8
The Art of Drowning
by Quiet
Drowning properly was an art, one that Light had long perfected after the murder of his friend and finding the Death Note, but a chance moment leaves Light struggling to breath as he stumbles his way through a decade long conspiracy. And then there's L.
- 9
The Way it Could Have Been
by MoonSword1994
What if L had saved Light from the power and influence of the Death Note? How differently might have things turned out? This is a series of prompt-based one-shots exploring those very questions, starting from shortly after the Yotsuba arc and well beyond.
- 10
Somebody's Children
by SunMoonAndSpoon
After his own death, it becomes increasingly difficult for Soichiro to deny the fact that his son is Kira.
- 11
Dust and Mirrors
by Another Winter
Mello and B were kindred spirits separated by time and circumstance, never destined to meet. Mello reflects on B's indirect influence upon his life.
- 12
Liar Liar
by cherryvvoid
She would shape the future in her favor because if there was one thing she wouldn't do as Misa Amane, it was die over a man.
- 13
Dear L
by VG Jekyll
Dear L, you totally suck. Sincerely, Kira.
- 14
Wammy University
by SlightlyPsycho
Light learns to hate his professor L while slowly falling in love with his roommate Ryuzaki. Little does he know, L and Ryuzaki are one and the same.
- 15
The Secret Rule
by Marcus Absent
Taro Kagami has spent his whole life trying to undo the destruction caused by the notebook. Now, he may finally get his chance. But the powers of evil are stronger than he thinks. Who will win? Who will survive?
- 16
Infection
by DXM Junkie
A virus rampaged Europe and two top detectives find themselves stuck amongst the aftermath. Suspicions are raised and concluded, emotions are tested. Whoever said death was supposed to be easy?
- 17
Sketches
by Diluted Thoughts
Full Title: Sketches - In Which Mikami Teru Finds Himself A God Who Falls Asleep On The Job // Ten drabbles focusing on Mikami Teru and his eccentricities in devotion, psychosis, and neurosis. Set at various points in the series.
18I think I might have a heart attack
by emily5964
"Call me crazy if you want, but I'm telling the truth. I'm not sure myself how it all happened, but I'm actually from another realm. I came here over a year ago.....you see, to you everything that is happening with the Kira-case is reality, right?" Matsuda nodded. "Well, before I came here, it wasn't....in fact, all this that is happening to you now, was just an anime, a TV show that I loved watching. The TV shows names was Deathnote and I had watched it many times. I knew it word for word....."
- 19
Halloween Special II
by Sashocirrione
Ryuk absolutely loves not telling Light about all the side effects of the Death Note.
- 20
Numbers
by Carbucketty
Linda, a fixation, and the boys she'll always call by number.
- 21
Story Of The Century
by WhiteLadyDragon
An amateur journalist's search for a story to finally legitimize her leads her tumbling into the heart of a monstrous war of minds upon seeing things she shouldn't have, starting with a strange photo and an even stranger young man.
