These are the best anime about human experiments that highlight some characters who have been through body modification, brainwashing, or power boosting, while some of them have been the target of harsh experiences. Yet, despite these horrific experiences, many of these characters show us that the only truly bad experiences are those that affect our humanity, which can lead to unexpected issues in the future. Therefore, in this compiled anime list, you may just find your next must-watch anime series that features characters with dark and horrible experiences.
10. Coppelion
First on the list of the best anime about human experiments is Coppelion This is a thirteen-episode anime series produced by GoHands, with a story set in Tokyo twenty years after a nuclear power plant meltdown, the city has become uninhabitable due to radiation. However, a distress signal is received from the area, prompting the Self-Defense Forces to send a special unit, Coppelion, consisting of three genetically engineered girls to search for survivors. The series follows their journey as they face various challenges and mysteries, and questions arise as to why they are not wearing any protection against radiation.
9. Saishuu heiki kanojo
Saishuu Heiki Kanojo is an underrated anime about a shy girl named Chise who confesses her feelings to Shuuji. As they exchange awkward diary entries, they are suddenly attacked by enemy aircraft. While escaping, Shuuji witnesses Chise wielding a massive weapon as if it were a part of her own body, taking down the enemy fighters with ease. It turns out that Chise is the ultimate weapon, with devastating destructive power that makes her a valuable asset in war. Produced by Gonzo, with 13 episodes in total, this is a good anime about human experiments and is a blend of military, sci-fi, drama, romance, and school genres.
8. kiznaiver
The anime Kiznaiver falls under the genres of sci-fi, drama, and romance, and was produced by Studio Trigger. It consists of 12 episodes. The story follows third-year high school students, Shuuji and Chise, who reside in Hokkaido. Chise, a shy individual, confesses her feelings to Shuuji, and they start exchanging diary entries awkwardly. However, their peaceful lives are disrupted when an unexpected enemy air raid occurs in Sapporo, and Shuuji witnesses Chise wielding a massive weapon, effortlessly taking down the enemy fighters. It is revealed that Chise is the ultimate weapon, possessing destructive power crucial for the ongoing war. This unforgettable sight changes Shuuji’s life forever.
7. Pupa
If you’re looking for a dark anime with human experiments and characters that have had bad experiences, then Pupa may be your best choice. Produced by Studio Deen, the anime falls under the genres of Fantasy, Horror, and Psychological, and comprises 12 episodes.
The story follows siblings Utsutsu and Yume Hasegawa, who were abandoned by their abusive parents and have only each other to rely on. They are lured by beautiful red butterflies, unaware that these insects signify the emergence of a deadly virus known as Pupa.
Yume succumbs to the virus, transforming into a flesh-craving monster. Meanwhile, Utsutsu acquires regenerative abilities from the virus, and vows to always be there for his sister, no matter what. Pupa tells the tale of a brother’s relentless fight to save his beloved sister and protect the world from her insatiable hunger.
6. Zankyou No Terror
Zankyou No Terror is one of the best anime about human experiments with a main character who has a tragic and dark past. Produced by MAPPA, the anime falls under the genres of mystery, psychological, and thriller, and consists of 11 episodes.
The story revolves around a terrorist attack on a nuclear facility in Japan, leaving only the word “VON” painted in red. The government and police are helpless, and the public is clueless until a mysterious video surfaces on the internet, featuring two teenage boys who call themselves “Sphinx” and challenge the police to stop them from wreaking havoc across Tokyo.
With the city in a state of panic, Detective Kenjirou Shibazaki finds himself caught in the middle of the investigation, struggling to put an end to the Sphinx’s mayhem. The anime follows the story of Nine and Twelve, the boys behind Sphinx, as they reveal their tragic past and attempt to bury their secrets while making the city fall around them.
5. Gokukoku No Brynhildr
Gokukoku no Brynhildr is one of the top anime about human experiments. Ryouta Murakami lost his best friend Kuroneko in a tragic accident ten years ago while searching for proof of alien life. Since then, he’s been trying to find evidence of extraterrestrial existence to honor her memory.
When Kuroha Neko transfers to his school, Ryouta is shocked by her resemblance to Kuroneko. But Kuroha denies knowing him and displays inhuman strength and strange abilities.
After Kuroha saves Ryouta’s life and shows him her power to predict death, he’s drawn into a world of magic and artificial witches. As Ryouta learns more about Kuroha’s past and the hidden forces at play, he realizes that her power is highly coveted and that some will stop at nothing to get it. Hence, Gokukoku no Brynhildr is a dramatic and mysterious sci-fi anime that explores the themes of loss, friendship, and power that you will really enjoy.
4. Hamatora
Hamatora is a supernatural anime that spans genres of mystery, comedy, superpower, and drama, while also featuring many characters who have a dark past or have gone through some harsh human experiments. The story revolves around a limited number of human beings who possess small miracles, known as “Minimum,” making them special and powerful, and are called “Minimum Holders.” The Yokohama Troubleshooting detective agency, Hamatora, is composed of two detectives, Nice and Murasaki, who are also Minimum Holders. They operate from a lone table at Cafe Nowhere and await new clients to solve cases.
However, their jobs seem to have strange connections to a serial killer that a police officer is searching for. The murder victims share a single similarity: they are all Minimum Holders. As a result, Nice and Murasaki are drawn to the case and begin to investigate. Meanwhile, they discover that the mastermind behind all of this is linked to Nice in some way.
3. Charlotte
Charlotte is a drama anime that revolves around Yuu Otosaka, a charming, overpowered, and intelligent teenager who has the ability to control other people’s bodies for five seconds. He has been using this power to cheat his way through school until the enigmatic Nao Tomori catches him in the act and forces him and his sister Ayumi to transfer to Hoshinoumi Academy. There, Yuu is recruited into the student council, which is tasked with secretly tracking down adolescents who abuse their powers. Together, they face formidable challenges that bring them closer to the shocking truth about Yuu’s own abilities. Created by Jun Maeda, the creator of Angel Beats and Clannad, Charlotte is a school-themed drama with a supernatural twist, which is produced by P.A. Works and consists of 13 episodes.
2. Ajin
Ajin” are mysterious immortal humans that appeared 17 years ago and are considered a threat to mankind due to their powers and potential for evil. When an Ajin is discovered, they are immediately taken into custody. Kei Nagai, a high schooler with little knowledge of Ajin, becomes one himself after an accident. Now on the run from the world, Kei discovers that there may be more Ajin like him out there. Ajin is an action horror anime that explores the mysteries surrounding these immortal beings, and human experiments; and features characters with dark pasts. The series spans two seasons, each consisting of 13 episodes, and is produced by Polygon Pictures.
1. Ansatsu Kyoushitsu
Assassination Classroom is an action school anime where a mysterious creature chops the moon down to a permanent crescent, and the students of class 3-E of Kunugigaoka Middle School are tasked with assassinating the creature responsible for the disaster before Earth suffers a similar fate. The monster, Koro-sensei (the indestructible teacher), is able to fly at speeds of up to Mach 20, leaving any attempt to subdue him in his extraterrestrial dust. However, the misfits of 3-E soon find that the strange, tentacled beast is more than just indomitable, he is the best teacher they have ever had! Adapted from the humorous manga by Yuusei Matsui, Assassination Classroom follows the story of these junior high pupils as they polish their assassination skills and grow to stand strong against the oppressive school system, their own life problems, and one day, Koro-sensei.
