Anime is n’t all undimmed eyes and cheerful friendships ; some of the most compelling stories dive headfirst into darkness . Whether it ’s dealing with expiration , identity or the wraithlike corners of the human psyche , coloured animeexplores themes that are often acute , unsettling and unforgettable .
From psychological thrillers , demon animeandhorror animeto gritty dark phantasy manga adaptations , these serial do n’t shy away from showing life ’s more dark side . With black themes galore , there ’s something here to haunt every kind of anime buff .
1. ‘Death Note’
Where to stream : Prime Video , Netflix , Hulu
In this dispatch Zanzibar copal adaptation of a democratic manga series , a Tokyo college student stumbles upon a notebook that lets him toss off anyone by writing their name in it . The dark story of " Death Note " explores morality , power and compulsion .
Many fan find that the psychological tenseness is so thick you could cut it with a scythe . It pave the way of life for many anime fans to explore darker genre , and itsurban legendvibe still resonate today .
2. ‘Serial Experiments Lain’
Where to stream : Apple telecasting
This surreal gum anime from the late 90s surveil a withdraw girl call Lain who becomes snarl in an interconnected practical realm called The Wired . What embark on with a off-the-wall internet video shared among schoolmate transform into an intense philosophic exploration of personal identity and world .
It ’s a dark gum anime series that blurs the lines between sci - fi and psychological repugnance , and is take down by fans and critics for its originative , sometimes avant - garde imagination , which boost the mood of creeping end of the world .
3. ‘Tokyo Ghoul’
Where to stream : Hulu , Crunchyroll
A new man becomes a half - ghoul after a calamitous coming upon and is suddenly forced to eat human flesh to survive . " Tokyo Ghoul " is dripping with in writing vehemence and features a tortured soulfulness view between two world .
It masterfully limn what it think to range humanity and monstrosity . The main character ’s journey through a dark universe filled with demise and moral radioactive decay tear at the very ribbon of what it stand for to have a soul .
4. ‘Elfen Lied’
Where to pullulate : Prime Video
This serial is ill-famed for its extreme violence , psychological hurt and intense action at law . It centers on a youthful lady friend who escapes a occult prison house , unleashing a wave of repugnance . The show dives into themes of vilification , retaliation and worked up isolation , making it one of the darkest entering in anime chronicle .
5. ‘Berserk’ (1997 & 2016)
Where to stream : Crunchyroll
A mediaeval illusion earth where sinister lurks in every fantasm , " Berserk " follow a wandering mercenary named Guts through gruesome battles and twisted fate .
Adapted from the " Golden Age Arc " of the original manga , this obscure gum anime delves into betrayal , tortured friendships and the moody side of ambition .
With composition straddle from fast war to the cursed burden of destiny , " Berserk " is a classic that stay on to win Modern lover today ( many prefer the earlier version , from 1997 ) .
6. ‘Dark Gathering’
Where to swarm : Hulu , HiDive
This glowering anime series features graphic symbol who naturally attract ghost and chronicles their pursuit to overcome these spirits , as well as conquer their fears of the supernatural . Keitarou and Yayoi , with their spectral curse , are the meat of the story , although other paranormal - pitch characters also play a role .
With creepy-crawly and compelling invigoration — and inspire by Japanese spook stories — " Dark Gathering " depicts an alternating realm where the villain ghosts grow in durability , drawing the quality into an existential battle with powerful occult military group .
7. ‘Deadman Wonderland’
After a terrorist blast decimates his entire class , a unseasoned son is put and air to a sinister amusement - ballpark - work - prison . Inside , he get wind he has a unique office and becomes mire in a conflict for survival of the fittest .
" Deadman Wonderland " is equal parts psychological thriller and rakehell - soak action , with a main musical style that mix sci - fi horror and revenge phantasy .
8. ‘The Promised Neverland’
Where to stream : Hulu , HiDive
This apparently innocent tale of kid supporter living in an orphans' asylum takes a turn of events into nightmare territory when they come across the truth behind their " adoptions . " What follows is a battle of wits and volition , as these cagey children attempt to get away a dark fate .
The intermixture of dark illusion and suspense creates a chilling atmosphere that leaves viewer question everything .
9. ‘Rainbow’
Where to rain buckets : Crunchyroll , HiDive
The full title of this obscure anime is " Rainbow : The Seven From Block 2 , jail cell 6 , " which have you a mite of the variety of show this is .
" Rainbow " follows the visitation of seven teenagers locked in prison in fifties Japan . add up from the underclass , these unfortunate youthful men must learn to survive in the harsh , desperate world of the prison .
The show will also appeal to those with historical interest , as it deals with the event face up Japanese society after the Second World War .
10. ‘Terror in Resonance’
Where to well out : Crunchyroll , Apple TV
Set in an alternative reality , " Terror in Resonance " is a chilling dystopian saga . When two orphic fry form Sphinx , a terrorist entity , they jeopardise Tokyo with nuclear obliteration . As the story get on , the character ' descent is revealed .
" Terror in Resonance " tells a dreary story about corporate injury and the two-fold - sided brand of forward-looking technology .
11. ‘Aoi Bungaku’
Where to stream : Not currently available to stream . Check your local program library !
" Blue Literature Series , " as its championship render to in English , is a dark anime series with a literary pedigree . The 12 episode run is short by anime standards , but it get up for its briefness with quality stories and creative execution .
Adapted from six classic history of Japanese lit , " Aoi Bungaku " has thrills and chills aplenty — but also serious thematic ponderousness . A captivating view into Japanese culture , the episodes range in subject matter but are united by their serious intentions .
12. ‘Devilman Crybaby’
Where to stream : Netflix
This dark anime is an update of a 1970s classic manga about a tender demon male child who just might save humanity from a descent into hell . In a desperate move , Akira is persuaded by his cryptic friend Ryo to merge with a demon , and after he does so , adopt hellish powers while retain his human soul .
" Devilman Crybaby " get progressively darker and more nihilistic as the serial progresses , exploring themes of dogmatism and human sexuality as well as the classic conundrums of suffering and evil .
We created this article in conjunction with AI technology , then made sure it was fact - check and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor .
