Lists
What are the best dark anime?
Anime is one of the best forms of entertainment that's loved by millions of fans across the world today. It has so many shows across a wide variety of genres from the usual shounen and shoujo anime. Then, there are more unique and niched shows, targeted at more mature audiences. Shows like seinen and dark anime that have a very specific type of fan base. These shows usually tackle more serious themes and topics. They're thought-provoking and encourage the viewer to ponder more about what they're watching.
You might be thinking to yourself that you're limited to the type of dark anime show that you can watch. You'd be wrong about that as even dark anime show has plenty of sub-genres to choose from. You have dark psychological and action anime, which is to be expected, but you have others as well. You have dark fantasy anime shows, and even more unusual, dark romance anime that you can watch and enjoy. You wouldn't think that last one would work but much to your surprise, it does and it does so well.
If you've never watched any kind of dark anime before, you're in for a nice surprise. It's going to be a very different viewing experience from what you're used to. Some of it will be disturbing to watch at first. As you progress along though, you'll realize, there is meaning and method to the chaos and madness. You might not ever become a fan of this particular genre. You'll have a new-found appreciation for this kind of storytelling in the end though. So with our further ado, join us as we take a look at what are the best dark anime that is worth your time in our list below. Pick one that best suits you and let us know what you thought in the comments.
Steins;Gate
The concept of time travel is nothing new in the world of science fiction. In the case of the anime Steins;Gate though, it somehow gets applied in such a weird way that you can't help but think if it's actually possible. If the idea of a mad scientist using a microwave to send a banana back in time isn't weird, we don't know what is. Get past that though, and you'll realize the show is trying to tell a much deeper story. At its core, it's truly about a group of flawed by likable characters and how they are affected by the often-difficult decisions they make in their lives. It's funny, intense, and an occasionally dark anime show and it's everything you'd hope this kind of show would be.
Terror in Resonance
Terror in Resonance (Zankyou no Terror) tells the story of Nine and Twelve, the two boys behind the masked figures of Sphinx. They should not exist, yet they stand strong in a world of deception and secrets while they make the city fall around them, all in the hopes of burying their own tragic truth.Tokyo Ghoul
Enter a post-apocalyptic Tokyo where ghouls populate the land to terrorize human beings. This is the premise you need to be prepared for if you're planning to binge-watch Tokyo Ghoul. This 2015 dark fantasy anime series is based on the hit manga of the same name by Sui Ishida. Explore the ghoul-eat-man world through the eyes of Ken Kaneki, a college student who barely survives an encounter with a ghoul disguised as a pretty lady.
Related Topics
Popular Now
What's New
Latest Collections
13 comments
- #1October 21, 2019"It's really something how a film released decades ago could get things in our modern society so right. Things like the issue of privacy, the proliferation of social media in our lives, and the development of on-set mental illnesses in ordinary and unsuspecting individuals. This is a dark anime that is a must-see even if you are not a fan of this type of medium."
Refering to:
Perfect Blue - #2February 25, 2019"The mind is a wonderful place filled with unexplored mysteries and untapped potential. It is also a dark place to dwell in with thoughts so dark and so wicked, one will wonder how anyone is capable of having such thoughts. Both sides of the human psyche are explored in this dark and thought-provoking show. A must-watch for any dark psychological thrillers."
Refering to:
Psycho-Pass - #3May 29, 2019"Well, I consider Tokyo Ghoul a top dark anime because of the bloody scenes.BUT In terms of the story adaptation, I think the anime itself didn't fully grasp the book version plot and character wise. I think the character development is quite short-changed. I have read the manga where it was based from AND I STILL RECOMMEND IT."
Refering to:
Tokyo Ghoul - #4May 29, 2019"A lot of my friends are certified otakus but they haven't actually seen this good dark anime right here just because they think Alucard is more twisted than ever. Well, they were able to know something about the anti-heroic vampire because I have been recommending this to them. You can also try it out :)"
Refering to:
Hellsing Ultimate - #5October 21, 2019"The show and the characters seemed normal enough at the start but then, things quickly spiral from then on into something really dark and sinister. The story and art are great, the character development is riveting, and this is probably one of the best dark anime that you could ever watch."
Refering to:
Future Diary - #6February 25, 2019"What would you do to bring back the one you love? What would you give up to have them back? What lengths are you willing to take in order to achieve your ends? Such existential questions are the ones being posed in this show. A must-watch for fans of redemption stories."
Refering to:
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood - #7February 25, 2019"One of the darkest anime series ever created. Each character in the show basically lives in despair from something in their lives. Whether it's being haunted by the past or struggling to find a future, this is one gory and painful story of redemption."
Refering to:
Berserk - #8February 25, 2019"A dark sci-fi anime using time travel as its main premise. This goes to show there isn't anything that one won't do for the people that they love and care about. A psychological, roller-coaster ride of emotions that's worth watching."
Refering to:
Steins;Gate - #9February 25, 2019"The premise of the show is a little convoluted in the show's first season but this show is filled with a lot of gore and darkness. It's violent, it's gritty, and a good choice for people looking for these kinds of shows."
Refering to:
Drifters - #10February 25, 2019"This has a military theme going for it filled with mercenaries and weapons dealers but it goes deeper and delves into the dark side of morality and walking along the thin line between good and evil, wrong from right."
Refering to:
Jormungand - #11October 21, 2019"This is a good anime series that touches on some real modern-day concerns such as the negative repercussions of technology in our lives and how it has allowed us to be capable of some truly awful acts."
Refering to:
Terror in Resonance - #12February 25, 2019"It has gangster and military themes in it and is filled with a lot of gunplay action but the center of the show is really its main heroine and her dark and desperate origin story."
Refering to:
Black Lagoon - #13October 21, 2019"It seemed unsuspecting enough at first but this anime show has some dark and thought-provoking elements about life and death going on. Give it a shot. You might like it."
Refering to:
Death Parade
| Rank | Answers | Type | Votes | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Berserk | TV Shows | 23 | Paid |
| 2 | Hellsing Ultimate | TV Shows | 11 | Paid |
| 3 | Steins;Gate | TV Shows | 9 | Paid |
| 4 | Psycho-Pass | TV Shows | 5 | Paid |
| 5 | Drifters | TV Shows | 4 | Paid |
| 6 | Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood | TV Shows | 3 | Paid |
| 7 | Terror in Resonance | TV Shows | 3 | Paid |
| 8 | Black Lagoon | TV Shows | 2 | Paid |
| 9 | Future Diary | TV Shows | 2 | Paid |
| 10 | Tokyo Ghoul | TV Shows | 1 | Paid |