The Best Anime to Explore Dark Themes

The world of anime is as diverse as its watchers. While the general audience considers anime to have action, bright colors, and cute art, some are the exact opposite: horror, fantasy, psychological, dystopian, and sci-fi-centric thrillers topping the rating battle every week.

For those who savor these kinds of genres that keep them on the edge of their seat, here are some of the best anime to explore dark themes:

6 Psycho-Pass (2012-2013)

Directed by Naoyoshi Shiotani and Katsuyuki Motohiro, this near-future thriller is eerily reflective of present-day societal morality. With stunningly choreographed fight scenes, a gloomy color palette and suspense, this crime thriller presents a complex philosophical dilemma from various standpoints. Featuring an ensemble of diverse characters with vastly different moral compasses and motivations, the anime makes it a point to keep the audience on their toes. Unlike most crime-fighting anime, Psycho-Pass brings in a fresh concept of murder, detective work, and a powerful female lead that follows her guts.

In the year 2113, every person is subjected to special brain scans called Sibyl System to identify, whether they are likely to commit a crime. If someone fails the scan, they are apprehended by the police or worse, killed on sight. The protagonist, Akane Tsunemori, is a newly appointed detective under the veteran, Shinya Kogami, who has his own share of secrets. These secrets may lead to discovering the true purpose of the Sibyl System.

5 Madoka Magica (2011)

Don't fall for the seemingly magical girl posters. In a masterstroke of direction by Akiyuki Shinbo and Yukihiro Miyamoto, Puella Magi Madoka Magica or Madoka Magica has gained a reputation as one of the best works of dark fantasy. It brings a subversive approach to the psychological thriller genre and the depiction of creepy characters and violence. The animation also brings forth a fresh perspective on how witches are imagined. Each of the witches comes with their own unique theme and design, which is nothing less than eye candy. The musical scores are pinpoint accurate and match gracefully with the theme of the show.

14-year-old Madoka Kaname's life takes a drastic, magical turn when she comes across an odd creature named Kyubey. In exchange for a wish, he gives her magical powers. She must fight strange monsters known as Witches, whose souls are tainted with darkness. However, she then discovers a life of suffering and despair.

4 Hell Girl (2005-2006)

Directed by Hiroshi Watanabe, Hell Girl is not your average supernatural anime, featuring a lead female character that is not to be messed with under any circumstances. This series has gathered great attention for its portrayal of the atypical heroine, along with the exploration of dark themes like revenge, injustice, hatred, and the turbulent nature of human emotions. The character designs are on-point; there are hints of despair and justice in every episode, and subtle music that draws the attention of viewers. At the end of every episode, there is a moment of relief, when the antagonists get what they deserve.

When setting out to get revenge, always dig two graves. For those who want to exert revenge on someone they hate, there is a website called Hell Correspondence, which can only be accessed during midnight. The process of revenge begins, when the name is entered of the person against whom the accuser has a grudge. Then, a hell girl called Ai Enma comes to exact revenge upon her clients' request, but there is one grim condition: everyone who seeks revenge will also end up in hell along with their targets.

3 The Promised Neverland (2019-2021)

Adapted from the hit manga by Shuhei Miyazaki, this two-season anime brings something to the sci-fi genre that is often complained to be missing; a heart. Directed by Mamoru Kanbe, the story of The Promised Neverland highlights bonds that run thicker than blood, in a world that is devoid of all emotion and run by strange creatures. While it starts with an innocent theme, it quickly jumps to depicting torture, suspense, and gore. Each child is designed with unique personality traits and beliefs. The music is alluring, and the plot brings intriguing cliffhangers that put the audience at the edge of their seat.

Emma, Ray, and Norman are three orphans leading idyllic lives at Grace Field House. They live with their foster mother and other children in a happy and heartfelt environment. This is until they discover the dark truth behind their existence and the purpose of the orphanage. They vow to save themselves and the other children with an escape plan. The Promised Neverland has two seasons and a live-action film adaptation.

2 Tokyo Ghoul (2014)

This manga by Sui Ishida is not for the faint of heart. Directed by Shuhei Morita, Tokyo Ghoul achieved a cult following for its intricate fight sequences, depictions of gore, and haunting soundtrack that is instantly recognizable. The incredible voice acting, horror-filled torture tactics, and the protagonist's descent into chaos are all elements that make the anime a great watch.

A college student, Ken Kaneki's life takes a supernatural turn after an accident that damaged his organs. Unknown to him, they are replaced with another victim, who turns out to be a powerful ghoul. This turns him into a half-human, half-man-eating monster, called a Ghoul.

1 Shadows House (2021)

Based on a manga by the duo called So-ma-to, Shadows House is a seemingly innocent story, masterfully crafted into a supernatural mystery. Whether it’s the faceless dolls or the eerie mansion, the audience is left with questions at every twist and turn of the story, prompting one to stare in awe at the slow, yet tasteful unraveling of all the secrets.

Shadows House offers an incredible plotline that sets up moods and atmospheres. The animation, sound design, and most importantly, the opening and ending soundtracks all contribute to making this majestic and chilling mystery what it is.

Emilico is a cheerful living doll partner, who assists her mistress, Kate, with her stay in the Shadows House. Everything is peaceful until the day of debut comes. Kate and Emilico, along with their friends, find themselves uncovering dark secrets hidden by the adults of the Shadow House.