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36 Best Dark Anime Series Of All Time – A Must-See List

dark anime

Dark Anime Series: The list of the 36 darkest anime tv shows to watch right now!

Do you think you know all of the dark anime series out there? well, this article will prove you wrong! Because today we have compiled a good list of the best 36 darkest anime series that Japan has created so far, and that are worth watching right now. So, be it classics or the newest ones! we have only covered the best out of everything in order to give fans something great to stream.

So make sure to be ready to uncover some darkest and most thrilling anime tales of life and death, mind-boggling, deep stories, and bloody and $exual scenes. Just sit tight, and don’t turn off the lights because it will get darker as you are about to watch mature dark stories with plenty of exhilarating speeches, in every single anime in this recommended list.

Here we go!

36. Ergo Proxy

dark anime

  • Episodes:  23
  • Dubbed: Yes
  • Studios: Manglobe
  • Genres:  Sci-Fi, Mystery, Psychological

A good psychological dark anime is Ergo Proxy, which is one of the darkest tv shows of all time, but! it is so sad to see such a masterpiece Underrated and unknown to anime fans nowadays.

The story of this good mystery dark anime starts After the explosion of the methane hydrate layer, the remaining mankind is forced to live in isolated domed cities. They live in a controlled society and are assisted in daily life by autonomous robots called AutoReivs.

In one of these cities, Romdo, Inspector Re-l Mayer, leads an investigation concerning AutoReivs that have gone mad after being infected by the Cogito virus. In the process, she comes in contact with a monster called Proxy. Elsewhere in the city, immigrant Vincent Law is on the run after being framed for involvement in several Cogito cases. Together, they set out on a journey to the dome city of Moscow in order to unravel the mystery of the Proxies.

35. Kino’s Journey (Kino no Tabi)

kino's journey

  • Episodes: 25 / Two Seasons
  • Dubbed: Yes
  • Studios: Lerche
  • Genres: Action, Adventure, Slice of Life

Kino’s Journey is the quintessential adventure series and a good dark anime for you, the premise centers around a 15-year-old girl who travels from one country to the next on her trusty sentient motorcycle.

Well, in Kino’s Journey the protagonist is not driven by heroism or righteousness. Spending around three days in each country, Kino avoids interfering in the society’s political or cultural climate, opting to take the position of an observer. While far from a pushover and, if need be, able to defend herself from any threat, Kino’s adventure is marked by self-reflection and discovery.

Tackling various political and social themes, Kino’s Journey comments on many different ideologies but avoids coming across as preachy.

34. Ajin: Demi-Human (Ajin)

dark anime series

  • Episodes: 26 / Two Seasons
  • Dubbed: Yes
  • Studios: Polygon Pictures
  • Genres: Action, Mystery, Horror, Supernatural, Seinen

Here is a supernatural dark anime full of complex ideas about life and death and the darkest side of human nature. This series tries to answer the question of What does it mean to truly be human? Seventeen years ago, the existence of a special species called Ajin was discovered in Africa. They are said to be immortal beings, with several supernatural abilities, that look just like any other human being.

Are these Ajin beings just random phenomena of nature or were they purposely sent to Earth to destroy it? Since their first discovery, several other Ajin appearances have been reported worldwide. For the majority of citizens though, these creatures are less reality and more of something you see every once in a while in a textbook or on the news. This is how it was for the young protagonist of the series, Kei. That was until a sudden turn of events changed his life forever…

33. Terra Formars

terra formars

  • Episodes: 26 / Two Seasons
  • Dubbed: Yes
  • Studio: LIDENFILMS
  • Anime Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Space, Horror, Drama, Seinen

Well in Terra Formars’ anime series, the animation is dark, and the series depicts one of the darkest human stories. Overall the darkness is well-built in this bloody horror anime that takes place On the planet of Mars;  where six crew members are ready for their mission.

But what they find are giant mutant humanoid cockroaches with incredible physical strength. Hence, The crew members are easily wiped out, but not before sending a transmission back to Earth. As a result, now, humanity will send elite warriors to exterminate the mutated bugs and claim back Mars.

32. Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan (Nurarihyon no Mago)

anime about demons

  • Episodes: 50 / Two Seasons
  • Dubbed: Yes
  • Studios: Studio Deen
  • Genres:  Action, Demons, Shounen, Supernatural

Here is another great underrated, action, and dark anime to watch, Nurarihyon no Mago which focuses on Rikuo Nura, who appears to be an average middle school student. But in secret, he comes back home every day to a house full of youkai, and no one knows that he transforms into the all-overpowered leader of these spirits at night. However, much to the disappointment of many, Rikuo is determined to live as normal a life as possible.

31. Steins; Gate

darkest anime

  • Episodes:  47 / Two Seasons
  • Dubbed: Yes
  • Studios: White Fox
  • Genres: Thriller, Sci-Fi

A list of dark anime series without a shout-out to Steins;Gate would be like a list of avengers movies with no mention of Iron Man. This is by far among the darkest anime tv shows that follow Rintaro Okabe, a neophyte scientist who accidentally develops time travel via a microwave – he and his team now possess the ability to send messages backward in time, altering the timeline. This discovery leads to some serious problems – one that will take every ounce of Rintaro’s intelligence to overcome.

30. Hell Girl

dark anime girls

  • Episodes: 84 / Four Seasons
  • Dubbed: Yes
  • Studios: Studio Deen
  • Anime Genres: Mystery, Horror, Psychological, Supernatural

Have you heard of Hell Correspondence?

Hell Girl is a unique horror dark anime, in each episode the story revolves around a character going through a tough time before they turn into the legendary girl everyone is whispering about. Only persons with a powerful grudge can access the mysterious website, that allows them to enter anyone’s name and have that person be ferried straight to hell.

Hence, Ai Enma, the Hell Girl, will not judge whether or not the chosen target deserves punishment; she will merely exact revenge on them for you. Not much is known about this young girl other than that she swiftly carries out her tasks with the help of three straw dolls. There is just one catch, however—as payment for carrying out such a request, the user must condemn themselves to an afterlife in hell.

29. Death Parade

death parade

  • Episodes: 12
  • Dubbed: Yes
  • Studios: Madhouse
  • Genres: Game, Mystery, Psychological, Drama, Thriller

Death Parade is one of my favorite dark game anime of all time! yeah, this is a really good Japanese anime series that will teach you the darkest truths and the hidden natures of human beings. The plot is set After death, and, at the instant of their death, they arrive at the Quindecim, a bar attended by the mysterious white-haired Decim.

After death, humans go to either heaven or hell, but for some people, they face a bar-tender who challenges them in random games, that will decide their fate later! During these games, the true nature of humans appears, be good or bad, you are welcome to Quindecim, where Decim, will decide your afterlife! In the death parade people receive judgment, however, a strange, black-haired girl causes Decim to begin questioning his own rulings.

28. Angels of Death (Satsuriku no Tenshi)

horror dark anime

  • Episodes: 12
  • Dubbed: Yes
  • Studios: J.C.Staff
  • Genres: Adventure, Horror, Psychological, Thriller

A dark turnout will occur to Rachel, as she wakes up to figure out that she is trapped in the basement of an abandoned building, With no memories, or even an idea of who she is and where she is! she just starts wandering the building, lost and dizzy.

In her search, she comes across a man covered in bandages. He introduces himself as Zack, and he wields a grim-reaper-like sickle. A strange bond is struck between them, strengthened by strange, crazy promises… These two, while trapped, don’t know why fate has placed them there. But they will join forces and do their best to find a way out… Satsuriku no Tenshi is among the darkest anime you will ever watch. The series deals with a deep story of survival, and yeah this show got unusual main characters: Zack who is a sociopath, and Rachel: a real psychopath.

27. Terror in Resonance (Zankyou No Terror)

terror in resonance

  • Episodes: 11
  • Dubbed: Yes
  • Studios: MAPPA
  • Genres: Mystery, Psychological, Thriller

Here is a good thriller anime series where villains are the main characters, this dark anime tv show will really hit right in the feels. Zankyou no Terror plot is set  In an alternate version of the present, where a shocking terrorist attack struck Tokyo. The only hint to the identity of the culprit is a bizarre video uploaded to the internet. The police, baffled by this cryptic clue, are powerless to stop the paranoia from spreading across the population.

While the world searches for a criminal mastermind to blame for this tragedy, two mysterious children—children who shouldn’t even exist—masterfully carry out their heinous plan. Cursed to walk through this world with the names Nine and Twelve, the two combine to form “Sphinx,” a clandestine entity determined to wake the people from their slumber—and pull the trigger on this world.

26. Witch Hunter Robin

anime girls

  • Episodes: 26
  • Dubbed: Yes
  • Studios: Sunrise
  • Genres: Action, Magic, Police, Supernatural, Drama, Mystery

Welcome to a dark fantasy anime tale that highlights Witches with special powers like ESP, telekinesis, mind control, and so on. Robin, is one of them, and she is a craft user, she comes from Italy to japan as a replacement for one of STN-J’s witch hunters who was recently killed.

Unlike other divisions of STN, STN-J tries to capture the witches alive in order to learn why and how they became witches in the first place.

25. Deadman Wonderland

deadman wonderland

  • Episodes: 12
  • Dubbed: Yes
  • Studio: Manglobe
  • Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Horror, Shounen

Next up among the best dark anime to watch is Deadman Wonderland. A story that will keep you on the edge of your seat! Imagine if your classmates were slaughtered, and you have been accused for that, and now sentenced to die, locked away in one of the most twisted ruthless ever built! This is the dark fate that lurked in Ganta’s life, who is the only survivor after a mysterious man in red slaughters a classroom full of teenagers.

He’s framed for that, waiting to be executed, and spending his actual harsh days in the most deviant jails ever built: Deadman Wonderland. Not only that, but it will get worse! Because, At Deadman Wonderland, criminals are forced into brutal death matches for the amusement of the masses.

24. From the New World (Shinsekai Yori)

dark anime tv show

  • Episodes: 25
  • Dubbed: Yes
  • Studios: A-1 Pictures
  • Genres: Sci-Fi, Mystery, Horror, Psychological, Supernatural, Drama

This masterpiece psychological dark anime series will mess with your head! Shinsekai Yuri highlights the theme of a massive ability that can manipulate matter remotely turning many power wielders to violence, which resulted in a long period of trouble. Finally, after a chaotic era shaped by the rise and fall of oppressive regimes, psychic humans could achieve a fragile peace by isolating their society and creating a new world bound by complex rules.

There, Saki Watanabe has just awakened to her powers and is relieved to rejoin her friends at Sage Academy, a special school for psychics. However, unease looms as Saki starts to question the fate of those unable to awaken to their abilities, and the children start to get dragged with mysterious matters such as the rumored Tainted Cats said to abduct children.

Shinsekai Yori is a good anime series that depicts tells the story of Saki and her friends as they adventure to grow into their roles in the supposed utopia – Well, Accepting these roles, might not come easy when faced with the dark and shocking truths of society, and the impending havoc born from the new world.

23. Another

darkest animes

  • Episodes: 12
  • Dubbed: Yes
  • Studios: P.A. Works
  • Anime Genres: Mystery, Horror, Supernatural, Thriller, School

Misaki is a popular student who dies during the school year, oh darkness seems to start lurking in this anime! yeah and Since then, the town of Yomiyama has been surrounded by a fearful atmosphere, from the dark mysteries hidden deep within.

Later, Kouichi Sakakibara transfers into classes 3-3 of Yomiyama North, and soon after knowing that a strange, gloomy mood seems to hang over all the students. He soon will get closer to the eyepatch-wearing student Mei Misaki; however, the rest of the class and the teachers seem to treat her like she doesn’t exist.

Paying no heed to warnings from everyone including Mei herself, Kouichi begins to search for the truth behind the gruesome phenomenon plaguing his class. Another is a horror dark anime that depicts the daily life of Kouichi, Mei, and their classmates as they are pulled into the enigma surrounding a series of inevitable, tragic events—but uncovering the horror of Yomiyama may just cost them the ultimate price.

22. Elfen Lied

darkest anime tv shows

  • Episodes: 13
  • Dubbed: Yes
  • Studio: Arms
  • Genres: Action, Horror, Psychological, Supernatural, Drama, Romance, Seinen

If you wanna a good dark romance anime then this is a valid series that features horror themes, epic fights, and a powerful female lead. Elfen Lied depicts the dark story of Two students, who will meet with a likely harmless girl “Lucy”, Lucy is a special breed of human a.k.a “Diclonius,”.

She is a victim of scientific experimentation by the government. As a result, she is born with a short pair of horns and invisible telekinetic hands. However, once circumstances give her an opportunity to escape, Lucy unleashes a torrent of bloodshed as she escapes her captors. She was injured during her breakout, and She is unaware that she’s actually a mutant serial killer with a split personality.

21. Higurashi When They Cry (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni)

good dark anime

  • Episodes: 50 / Two Seasons
  • Dubbed: Yes
  • Studio: Deen
  • Genres: Mystery, Psychological, Supernatural, Thriller

Hey, horror anime fan! this is the best anime recommendation you will ever get, yeah this one will scare the shit out of you! so sit tight and get your adrenaline ready to get moved by this dark bloody tale.

The story of this dark anime tv show follows Keiichi Maebara, who has just moved to the quiet little village of Hinamizawa in the summer of 1983. He quickly befriends Rena Ryuuguu, Mion Sonozaki, Satoko Houjou, and Rika Furude. However, darkness lurks underneath the seemingly idyllic life they lead.

As He learns that there have been several murders and disappearances over the past few years. The incidents appear to be connected to the festival, and when he asks his friends he gets no response on the subject. As a result, this, and more incidents, cause madness and paranoia to begin taking root in Keiichi’s heart, and he will encounter many dark mysteries.

20. Corpse Demon (Shiki)

darkest anime series

  • Episodes: 22
  • Dubbed: Yes
  • Studios: Daume
  • Anime Genres: Mystery, Horror, Supernatural, Thriller, Vampire

Shiki is not only a great horror dark anime series but also a psychological mystery story that will mess with your head about who are the bad ones, humans or vampires? The story revolves around many sudden deaths start occurring in the quiet village of Sotoba. So, Doctor Toshio Ozaki initially suspects an epidemic, but soon becomes convinced that something strange is happening.

He will uncover that Shikis are responsible for that, and from there a war between humans and Shikis will start! While, the Shikis, believe their-selves to be innocents, they now have only their will to live as they clash with the fear of the paranoid/unbelieving villagers. Shiki explores the boundary that separates man from a monster.

19. Akami Ga Kill

akame ga kill

  • Episodes: 24
  • Dubbed: Yes
  • Studio: White Fox
  • Anime Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Drama, Shounen

Since the first time Akami Ga Kill aired in 2014, I fell extremely in love with the show, but since then we still waiting for the 2nd season of this amazing fantasy dark anime series to come out.

Overall, the show highlights the Night Raid story; a covert assassination branch of the Revolutionary Army. Though the Night Raid members are all experienced killers. They understand that taking lives is far from commendable and that they will likely face retribution as they mercilessly eliminate anyone who stands in the revolution’s way.

This merry band of assassins’ newest member is Tatsumi, a naive boy from a remote village who had embarked on a journey to help his impoverished hometown. And was won over by not only Night Raid’s ideals, but also their resolve.

Akame ga Kill! follows Tatsumi as he fights the Empire and comes face-to-face with powerful weapons, enemy assassins, and many challenges to his own morals and values, and ultimately, what it truly means to be an assassin with a cause.

18. Hellsing

dark anime

  • Episodes: 23 / Two Seasons
  • Dubbed: Yes
  • Studios: Madhouse, Satelight, Graphinica
  • Anime Genres: Action, Military, Horror, Supernatural, Vampire, Seinen

First of all, Hellsing is a vampire action anime that consists of a dark deep story, horror, and bloody scenes. The story follows creatures of darkness and evils that plague the night, devouring any human unfortunate enough to be caught in their grasp. Hellsing is an organization dedicated to destroying these supernatural forces that threaten humanity. Yet, the vampire Alucard is working against his own kind as an exterminator for Hellsing.

So, With Seras Victoria, at his side, Alucard must battle not only monsters but all those who stand to oppose Hellsing, be they in the guise of good or evil. Therefore, Hellsing Ultimate proves that appearances are not all they may seem, and sometimes the greatest weapon can come in the form of one’s worst nightmare!

17. The Promised Neverland (Yakusoku no Neverland)

darkest anime

  • Episodes: 12
  • Dubbed: Yes
  • Studios: CloverWorks
  • Genres: Sci-Fi, Mystery, Horror, Psychological, Thriller, Shounen

The Promised Neverland is a horror, psychological, and dark thriller anime series that may be you next best anime you have ever seenThe story takes place In a forest with a big gate entrance where orphans happily live as a family, with “Mama”.

These Orphans seem happy with their life inside this shelter, they are free to play as they want. as long as they do not venture too far from the orphanage. However, things will get darker as all good times must end, when a child is adopted by a new family. but Never to be heard from again.

Therefore, the three oldest siblings will starts investigating as they have their suspicions about what is actually happening at the orphanage. Hence, they will be shocked while discovering the cruel fate that awaits the children living at Grace Field, including the twisted nature of their Mama.

16. Monster

monster anime

  • Episodes: 74
  • Dubbed: Yes
  • Studios: Madhouse
  • Genres: Drama, Horror, Mystery, Police, Psychological, Seinen, Thriller

This is an old classic masterpiece from madhouse studio and one of the greatest darkest anime I have seen so far!

Everything will start off During preparing a surgery, where something will change Dr. Kenzou Tenma’s life forever, as the hospital director orders him to switch patients and instead perform life-saving brain surgery on a famous performer. His fellow doctors, fiancée, and the hospital director applaud his accomplishment; but because of what he did, a poor immigrant worker is dead, causing Dr. Tenma to have a crisis of conscience.

Later a similar situation arises, and Dr. Tenma chooses to save the life of a young boy Johan Liebert instead of the town’s mayor. Furthermore, Nine years later Dr. Tenma saves the life of a criminal, however, his past comes back to haunt him. Because, once again, he encounters the monster he operated on. and now He must embark on a quest to pursue and make amends for the havoc spread by the one he saved.

15. Berserk (Kenpuu Denki Berserk)

 romance dark anime

  • Episodes: 25
  • Dubbed: Yes
  • Studios: OLM
  • Genres: Action, Demons, Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Military, Romance, Seinen, Supernatural

The story of this darkest masterpiece anime series focuses on Guts, his dark past, that led to him being branded for death and destined to be hunted by demons until the day he dies. as a result, he decided to embark on a journey to defy such a gruesome fate.

Upon his ultimate resolve, he wields the monstrous blade Dragonslayer and swears to exact vengeance on the one responsible for his misery. Hence, during hunting down the very evil man he once looked up to and considered a friend, he will meet some unlikely allies, such as a small elf named Puck, and Isidro, a young thief. So, as the ragtag group slowly comes together after having decided to join Guts in his quest, they will face incredible danger.

14. Phantom Requiem for the Phantom

dark anime

  • Episodes: 26 
  • Dubbed: Yes
  • Studios: Bee Train
  • Anime Genres: Action, Drama, Seinen, Thriller

The story of this thriller drama dark anime series focuses on A Japanese tourist who accidentally witnesses a ruthless girl “assassin’s” latest murder. He tried to escape, but he was captured and brainwashed by the assassin, it turns out she is a young woman named Ein, and the leader of Inferno “Scythe Master”…

Later, the innocent tourist will be named “Zwei” and become a member of Inferno with no memories. Drawn into a world of lies, deceit, and violence, Zwei must fight to survive, hopefully to one day regain his memories and escape from this world. This is the story of two assassins, Ein and Zwei, who struggle to regain their memories as they work for the Inferno mafia.

13. Darker than Black

darker than black

  • Episodes: 37 / Two Seasons
  • Dubbed: Yes
  • Studios: Bones
  • Genres:  Action, Sci-Fi, Mystery, Super Power

Oh my god, not only underrated but also an unknown tv show! it’s a shame that so many fans don’t even know that such a masterpiece anime even exists, darker than black can even compete with the most popular anime of all time. This is among the darkest anime series you will ever see! It got a unique dark theme, epic fights, heartwarming relationships, and a badass op mc.

The story starts off when Misaki Kirihara finds herself at odds with an infamous Contractor surnamed Hei. Called “Black Reaper” in the underground world, Hei, like his other contractors takes missions for the mysterious and ruthless Syndicate while slowly peeling back the dark layers covering a nefarious plot that threatens the very existence of Contractors.

Darker than Black is an anime and manga written by Tensai Okamura, who showcases one of the best sci-fi dark thrillers taking the form of a subtle exposé on a war in which politics and justice have no sway—a war waged exclusively in the shadows.

12. Rainbow (Rainbow: Nisha Rokubou no Shichinin)

dark anime

  • Episodes: 26
  • Dubbed: No
  • Studios: Madhouse
  • Genres: Drama, Historical, Seinen, Thriller

Okay, have you ever watched the Prison Break tv shows? if u did, you will probably assume that Rainbow’s story is much like it. This is one of the best dark anime series that you will really get amazed by.

The story follows Mario and five other teenagers who have just arrived at Shounan Special Reform School. All of them were assigned to the same cell, where they will encounter a former boxer—with whom they establish a close bond, and started calling him their senpai.

The seven cellmates are struggling together against the brutal suffering and humiliation inflicted upon them by Ishihara, a $adistic guard. So, under the instruction of their senpai, and with the promise that they will meet again on the outside after serving their sentences, the delinquents begin to view their hopeless situation in a better light.

11. Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World (Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu)

Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World

  • Episodes: 25
  • Dubbed: Yes
  • Studios: White Fox
  • Genres: Drama, Fantasy, Psychological, Thriller

Let’s add to our dark anime list this psychological isekai anime series named “Re: Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu” which depicts the life of Subaru Natsuki, which will turn upside down as soon as he finds himself in a fantasy world after leaving a convenience store.

At first, It didn’t seem too bad until he is attacked by a group of thugs in an alley. His only weapons being a single bag of groceries and a cell phone, he did not last long against the group. Satella happened to come across the fight as she was chasing down a thief, and helps Subaru (heals him).

So, Subaru is thankful and decides to help Satella search for her stolen insignia. Later on in the day, he manages to find the location of the insignia, but things did not go as planned. Therefore, Out from the shadows came a darker force, and Subaru and Satella were murdered right on the spot. However, Subaru wakes up in the alley where he was attacked by thugs, where they are currently standing trying to get his valuables.

10. Parasyte – The Maxim (Kiseijuu: Sei no Kakuritsu)

parasyte the maxim

  • Episodes: 24
  • Dubbed: Yes
  • Studios: Madhouse
  • Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Horror, Psychological, Drama, Seinen

Oh Yeah, Parasyte is one of the darkest horror anime tv shows I have ever seen so far! you really must watch it, because it is so awesome, and unique. This review will not describe it perfectly, but overall, this is the best recommendation you can get from this list.

The story follows a high school boy called Shinichi, who desperately fought a parasite that attacked and bit him, hopefully, he succeeds in preventing it from breaking into his brain. Hence, now both beings retain their separate intellect and personality.

As the two encounter other Parasytes, they capitalize on their strange situation and gradually form a strong bond, working together to survive. This gives them an advantage in battling other Parasytes, who frequently attack the pair when they realize that Shinichi’s human brain is still intact. Hence, Shinichi feels that he is now compelled to fight other Parasytes, who devour humans.

9. Tokyo Ghoul

tokyo-ghoul

  • Episodes: 48 / Four Seasons
  • Dubbed: Yes
  • Studio: Pierrot, Pierrot Plus
  • Anime Genres: Action, Mystery, Horror, Psychological, Supernatural, Drama, Seinen

Frankly speaking, I’m ranking Tokyo ghoul higher in this list only based on the good impact of its first seasons, because of the other parts I can’t even describe how sorry I’m for this masterpiece to get such childish treatment. It’s so sad to see such a masterpiece being ruined by the studio. So as a warning I advise you to read the manga instead.

Okay, now back to the synopsis: we know that Tokyo Ghoul is just another Great mystery dark Anime Series, where you will behold monstrous ghouls devouring humans alive! Set in Tokyo, Where People are fearing these deadly ghouls whose identities are still a mystery. The main character named Kaneki will encounter a beautiful girl named Rize, who happens to be a Ghoul, little does he realize that his fate will change overnight, as she bites him, and became a ghoul too!

8. The Future Diary (Mirai Nikki)

dark anime

  • Episodes: 26
  • Dubbed: Yes
  • Studios: Asread
  • Genres: Action, Mystery, Psychological, Shounen, Supernatural, Thriller

So many heartwarming moments and romance mingled with dark themes and gory scenes, this is what the Future Diary anime tv shows have to offer!

The story follows the reserved boy Yukitero Amano, who spends his day writing a diary on his cell phone, and occasionally talking to his imaginary friend, Deus Ex Machina, and Mur Mur. Well, the joke is on Yukitero as Deus turns out to be the Lord of time and space, and Mur Mur is his servant.

Deus grants Yukitero a Random Diary, which gives him detailed entries of what happens during the day. He, along with eleven others, are pinned against each other, having different diaries. The last person standing becomes the new god of time and space. Yukitero teams up with Yuno Gasai, a Yandere insane stalker who would do anything to guarantee his survival.

7. Made in Abyss

Made in Abyss

  • Episodes: 13
  • Dubbed: Yes
  • Studios: Kinema Citrus
  • Genres: Sci-Fi, Adventure, Mystery, Drama, Fantasy

Oh My God! I’m still waiting impatiently for the second season of Made in Abyss!

you know that feeling when you think that you have watched all the best anime series out there, and there will no new one to quench the thirst of wanting more unique series!!! Well, that is what happened to me when I first watched made in abyss, I never thought it will be this great, oh my god, it has everything that makes a legendary anime series, be it animation, dark deep story that cuts in deep, amazing soundtracks and much more awesome themes that will really wow you…

Overall this is a good dark anime to watch that depicts the story of a girl named Riko and a mysterious robot-boy, who are looking for Riko’s mother, who’s lost within a vast chasm In Belchero, in the town of Orth, which is surrounded by a strange giant opening deeper into the earth, which is called the abyss, and which is considered a popular hunting place for the cave invaders, who make a difficult and dangerous landing in the foggy hole to recover any traces that can be found.

The girl and her friends decided to enter the abyss, but they do not know the harsh truth which is the true existence of the abyss.

6. Juni Taisen: Zodiac War (Juuni Taisen)

dark anime

  • Episodes: 12 
  • Dubbed: Yes
  • Studios: Graphinica
  • Genres: Action

I know why this action dark anime is underrated, yet it is one of the best anime I have ever watched! it has everything, a unique dark story, a game of survival, and what I liked the most is that there is no main character in the series. All characters are protagonists, each one has an amazing backstory, motifs, and superpowers. Well, this is among the top dark anime series that you have to watch, and don’t let me spoil it for you!

The main story depicts that every 12 years, overpowered mercenaries gather to participate in the Zodiac Tournament. where every single warrior bears the name and sign of one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. Hence, With their pride and lives on the line, they will engage in vicious deadly fights until only one victor remains.

5. Death Note

death note

  • Episodes: 37
  • Dubbed: Yes
  • Studios: Madhouse
  • Genres:  Mystery, Police, Psychological, Supernatural, Thriller, Shounen

Death note is not only a dark anime series that will mess with your head! but also among the darkest thriller series that you will never come across something like twice in your life.

The show depicts one of the darkest stories ever told! which is to kill any person by only seeing their faces and writing down their names in a notebook called a Death Note. Bored by the shinigami lifestyle and interested in seeing how a human would use a Death Note, Ryuk will drop one into the human realm. that will fall into the hands of Light Yagami —since he deplores the state of the world—he instantly tests the deadly notebook by writing a criminal’s name in it.

Hence, When the criminal dies, Light will quickly realize and recognizes how devastating the power that has fallen into his hands could be. With this divine capability, Light decides to extinguish all criminals in order to build a new world where crime does not exist.

4. Psycho-Pass

darkest anime

  • Episodes: 33 / Two Seasons
  • Dubbed: Yes
  • Studios: Production I.G
  • Genres: Action, Police, Psychological, Sci-Fi

Oh Yeah,  this dark anime final episode has the best martial art anime fight I have seen so far! Sorry that I started with the ending and spoiled it for you, but I couldn’t hold myself in doing so! Anyway, if you love the badass villains and dark anime characters, you just gotta watch Psycho Pass.

The Series is set In an advanced world where a System examines a person’s mental state to look for signs of criminal intent, called their Psycho-Pass. and where Inspectors are the ones who enforce the law, along with former criminals,  who use their freedom to hunt down other criminals.

the story starts off when Akane Tsunemori who has a strong sense of justice will join the Inspectors. However, After working with Shinya Kougami for a little bit, she learns the Sibyl System is so corrupted and not as perfect as it seems. Hence, as she starts uncovering more information, she will end up debating the true meaning of justice, and if their current system can back up the true meaning.

3. No.6

no.6 anime

  • Episodes: 11
  • Dubbed: Yes
  • Studios: Bones
  • Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Mystery, Drama

Due to a previous bloody world war, people are now taking shelter in six cities that were peaceful and out of any harm… at least on the surface. The series showcases the story of Shion, an elite resident in city No.6, who will along with his family loses their elite status and will get relocated elsewhere.

All that happens is due to taking in and helping a mysterious boy, Nezumi. who happens to live in the desolate wasteland beyond the walls of the supposed utopia. So welcome to City NO.6 where its darker side starts to make itself known.

2. Gokukoku no Brynhildr (Brynhildr in the Darkness)

dark anime

  • Episodes: 13
  • Dubbed: Yes
  • Studio: Arms
  • Anime Genres: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Seinen

Well, this anime has so many similarities with Elfen Lied, as they are both from the same Author, but this one got a dark deep story that is not associated with the harem theme that we have seen in Elfen Lied.

The series depicts the story of Murakami, who during his childhood was admiring a girl he called Kuroneko. Kuroneko insists on knowing about aliens and meeting them, but no one believes her, even young Murakami is skeptical.

One day, she decides to show him the aliens, but an accident occurs and Kuroneko dies. After a year, Murakami is obsessed with finding proof of the existence of aliens because of a promise he had made to Kuroneko. Then, one day, a new transfer student comes to his class, who not only looks a lot like Kuroneko.

1. Inuyashiki: Last Hero (Iuyashiki)

top dark anime

  • Episodes: 11
  • Studio: MAPPA
  • Genres: Action, Drama, Psychological, Sci-Fi, Seinen

A middle-aged person, with so many family issues, suffering, ill, and worst of all he is counting your next few days to end up dead!  encounters aliens and is gifted with alien technology and limitless powers. However, one night, a UFO crashed into him and is gifted with alien technology and limitless powers that rebuild his body into a powerful robot.

Meanwhile, a teenage boy happens to be in the same accident, his name is Hiro Shishigami seemingly a Psychopath who will start using his new powers to enable his darkest impulses. Hence, the story begins from there, showcasing two sides of man’s true nature good and evil, and how the story of these two men will end up!

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Written by Mohsin Lag

I'm Mohsin the founder of Bakabuzz.com and Bakabuzz channel on Youtube. We, the BakaBuzz Editorial Team, are true fans of anime, gaming, and manga. We enjoy watching, discussing, and diving into the world of Japanese entertainment. As fellow fans, we share recommendations on what to watch, play, or read. Our goal is to bring our expertise and knowledge to fans like you, creating a space where we can all explore the exciting realms of Japanese anime, manga, and gaming together.
All our topics are carefully reviewed by Mohsin, the owner and author behind Bakabuzz's articles on anime, manga, and gaming, boasting 20 years of experience.

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