Top 50 Best Dark Anime Of All Time [2023 Updated]

 

We all seek thrills and chills at times, and what can be a better fix for this desire than dark anime? It is the perfect source for hauntingly dark stories. Whether it is the horrors of the dystopian universe that we wish to see or the chills of supernatural entities- dark anime has it all.

 

Below are fifty dark anime that grip their viewers with spine-chilling stories and hair-raising twists and turns.

 

 

50. Taboo Tattoo

 

 

Taboo Tattoo is a 12 episodes long seinen dark anime spread across 12 episodes. The series aired between July 5, 2016, and September 20, 2016. The anime follows the story of a martial arts master called Seigi who is in middle school.

 

Seigi is a boy with a high sense of morality. He enjoys using his skills as a martial artist to protect and help the needy. One day, Seigi saves a homeless man from some thugs. This completely changes his life as he is given a strange tattoo by the man.

 

A lot follows when Seigi realizes the special powers the tattoo grants him.

 

 

49. School Days

 

 

School Days is a 12-episode-long dark anime that aired between July 4, 2007, and September 27, 2007. It follows the story of Makoto Itou- a high school boy whose life turns upside down due to a simple crush. Makoto is a simple high school boy who lives with his divorced mother in the fictional town of Haramihama.

 

The anime begins with our introduction to Makoto and his feelings for a classmate, Kotonoha Katsura. The class seating plan brings Makoto close to a cheery female classmate called Sekai Saionji. Sekai initially plans to unite Makoto and his crush into the bliss of love.

 

However, things take a dark turn when Sekai realizes that she developed feelings for Makoto in the process.

 

 

 

48. Magical Girl Spec-Ops Asuka

 

 

 

Magical Girl Spec-Ops Asuka is a seinen dark anime that spans 12 episodes. The series aired between January 12, 2019, and March 30, 2019. The anime is set in a universe where the earth is attacked by blood-thirsty inter-dimensional beings called Dias.

 

The Dias is undefeatable by ordinary human weapons. This causes a few girls to form a pact with the Spiritual Realm so that they can secure magical powers for defeating the Dias. Three years after the magical girls had their victory, the group disbanded.

 

Four of the members provide individual military services. However, their leader Asuka Ootorii has chosen to become a high school student. Things take a turn for the worse when the magical girls realize that some members of the enemy side have managed to survive.

 

 

 

47. Redo of Healer

 

 

 

Redo of Healer is an ecchi dark anime that began airing on January 13, 2021. The anime has covered five episodes so far and is currently being aired. Redo of Healer is a gruesome story of revenge and seizing power.

 

Keyaru is a young man with a painful past life. In his past life, he was a healing magician who was constantly abused and tortured by Princess Flare of the Jioral Kingdom. However, the abuse only made him stronger and eventually, he managed to reverse his time back by four years.

 

The anime begins with Keyaru realizing his past because of the Halcon Eye granted to him by a Star Spirit. Following this, we see his schemes and ruthlessness as he plots revenge.

 

 

 

46. Midori: Shoujo Tsubaki

 

 

Midori: Shoujo Tsubaki is a dark anime movie that was released on May 2, 1992. The anime is known for its historical as well as horrific elements. The movie follows the story of an innocent girl called Midori. Young Midori lives her elementary school life to the fullest.

 

However, disaster strikes when her mother falls ill. Soon Midori has to drop out of school. Once her mother meets a tragic end, Midori is left broken. This is when she meets a mysterious man who leads her to a life in the circus.

 

The circus might be a place of great fun for the audience, but Midori's life as a circus person reveals its dark side.

 

 

 

45. Happy Sugar Life

 

 

 

Happy Sugar Life is a shounen dark anime consisting of 12 episodes. The series aired between July 14, 2018, and September 29, 2018. The anime follows the story of Satou Matsuzaka and her unhealthy love for a little girl that results in a disaster.

 

Satou Matsuzaka is a sweet high school girl. A chance encounter with a young girl called Shio makes Satou realize that she has never loved anyone the way she loves the little girl. When she finds out that Shio was abandoned by her mother, she brings the little girl to live with her.

 

The anime takes a dark turn when Satou's love becomes too obsessive. She becomes ready to do anything, even kill, just to protect her 'happy sugar life'.

 

 

 

44. Le Portrait de Petit Cossette

 

 

 

Le Portrait de Petit Cossette is a dark anime that was released in the form of three Original Video Animations (OVAs). The anime aired between April 11, 2004, and December 22, 2004. It follows the strange love-hate bond that develops between a human and a spirit.

 

Eiri Kurahashi is a college art student who enjoys his work at an antique shop. Life is as normal for him as it can be. That is until one day he spots the image within an antique glass moving. The glass traps the spirit of an aristocratic young girl from the 18th century- Cossette.

 

As the bond between Eiri and Cossette develops, the anime explores many themes of romance, horror, and drama.

 

 

 

43. Higurashi When They Cry

 

 

Higurashi When They Cry is a dark anime that aired between April 5, 2006, and September 27, 2006. The series consists of 26 episodes and is based on a video game of the same name. The overall plot of Higurashi's When They Cry is quite similar to the video game it is based on.

 

However, the anime has many more arcs inserted into it which are not a part of the original video game. The anime follows the story of Keiichi Maebara who has just moved into the quiet village of Hinamizawa. As Keiichi settles into his village life, he discovers many horrifying secrets about the village that turn his world upside down.

 

 

 

42. Black Bullet

 

 

 

Black Bullet is a seinen dark anime consisting of 13 episodes. The series aired between April 8, 2014, and July 1, 2014. It is set in the year 2021- a distant future back when the anime was released. The series follows the lives of people in 2021 after a deadly virus called 'Gastrea' started infecting the human population.

 

Rings a bell, doesn't it? The story of Black Bullet might resound a lot with people considering the present circumstances of the pandemic. Thankfully, our actual circumstances are not as bad as the anime. Through the series, we watch the lives of survivors as they try to outrun the monsters that are spawned from the virus.

 

The eerily similar circumstances yet action-packed plot is the perfect escape for dark anime lovers.

 

 

 

41. Red Garden

 

 

 

Red Garden is a 22-episode-long dark anime that aired between October 4, 2006, and March 14, 2007. The anime is set in New York City the USA and is set against the backdrop of a strange series of suicides. Red Garden opens with four school girls- Kate, Rachel, Rose, and Claire- waking up early morning and feeling dizzy.

 

As they make their way to school, they are informed that one of their classmates has committed suicide. The girls are disheartened and have a disturbing day. The actual twist occurs when they encounter butterflies in a field- butterflies that only they can see.

 

That is when a strange man and woman appear and tell the girls that they are dead!

 

 

 

40. Selector Infected WIXOSS

 

 

 

Selector Infected WIXOSS is a 12-episode long dark anime that aired between April 4, 2014, and June 20, 2014. The anime is based on a card game called WIXOSS where players battle against each other. They are aided by fighters called LRIGs.

 

The series follows the story of Ruuko Kominato. Ruuko's life changes when she receives a deck of WIXOSS. It is revealed that she has become a special type of player called a Selector. She must battle it out for a chance to have her deepest desires come true.

 

The catch? If she loses three times, her entire life is destroyed.

 

 

 

39. God Eater

 

 

 

God Eater is a 13-episode-long dark anime that aired between July 12, 2015, and March 26, 2016. The anime is perfect for all those who love a series jam-packed with action, science fiction, and a military setting. God Eater is set far in the future- in the year 2071.

 

Humanity is seeing a desperate situation with most of it having perished already. The reason behind this close extinction is man-eating monsters called 'Aragami'. The Aragami are killing humans and ravaging the earth. That is when an organization called the Fenrir was formed to hopefully combat the monsters.

 

Superhumans who were infused with oracle cells come into existence. These are the God Eaters. The anime is a gripping story of the fight between the Aragami and the God Eaters aligned with the Fenrir.

 

 

38. Talentless Nana

 

 

 

Talentless Nana is a 13-episode long dark anime that aired between October 4, 2020, and December 27, 2020. The anime provides us with the setting of a dystopian universe ravaged by horrifying creatures. Terrifying creatures called 'enemies of humanity' appeared on earth half a century ago.

 

Since then, they have left no stone unturned to harm humans. To combat these creatures, teenagers gifted with supernatural powers unite. They are called the Talents and are trained in a secluded academy. However, our protagonist Nanao Nakajima is different.

 

He seems to have no talent! His supposed talentlessness makes him the target of bullying and ridicule. But when two mysterious students join the institution and strange disappearances start occurring, it is up to Nanao to solve the mystery.

 

 

37. Le Chevalier D’Eon

 

 

 

Le Chevalier D'Eon is a seinen dark anime consisting of 24 episodes. The anime aired between July 2, 2006, and February 23, 2007. It is set against the historical backdrop of 18th-century France. Parisians are shocked one day when a coffin floats down the river Seine.

 

The coffin contains the corpse of a noblewoman Lia de Beaumont. Lia was the sister of Charles d'Eon, a spy of King Louis XV who had been knighted recently. Appalled at her sister's death and linking it up to other disappearances occurring in the city, Charles decides to investigate.

 

Le Chevalier D'Eon is a gripping historical anime series filled with action, darkness, and depth.

 

 

36. Gunslinger Girl

 

 

 

Gunslinger Girl is a 13-episode long dark anime that aired between October 9, 2003, and February 19, 2004. The anime is set in a world that has made amazing progress in the field of cybernetics. The story of Gunslinger Girl takes place in the heart of Italy.

 

The organization Social Welfare Agency specializes in helping ailing girls using the advancements in cybernetics. They would cure these girls and give them a second chance at life. However, what no one knows is that the girls are not just cured.

 

They are brainwashed and trained to be assassins who aid the Italian government. Gunslinger Girl is an action-packed dark anime with science fiction elements that would blow anyone's mind.

 

 

35. Goblin Slayer

 

 

 

Goblin Slayer is a 12-episode-long dark anime that aired between October 7, 2018, and December 30, 2018. The anime follows the story of a dark and mysterious knight called the Goblin Slayer and his group of adventurers. Goblin Slayer is set in a fantasy universe plagued by supernatural beings like goblins and dragons.

 

Heroic people called adventurers would undertake to slay these creatures. While most adventurers considered goblins to be too weak, our protagonist is different. He is one of the best-ranked adventurers. Yet, he focuses only on slaying goblins. Goblin Slayer is a dark tale of adventure and violence bound to leave viewers with a sense of satisfaction.

 

 

34. Akame ga Kill!

 

 

 

Akame ga Kill! is a shounen dark anime consisting of 24 episodes. The series aired between July 7, 2014, and December 15, 2014. It follows the story of a fighter called Tatsumi who is willing to go to any lengths to help his poverty-stricken village.

 

Akame ga Kill! revolves around the overthrowing of Prime Minister Honest. As noble as his name is, Prime Minister Honest does no justice to it. His regime drowned the nation in poverty and violence. Considering the harsh condition of the nation, a group called the Night Raid is formed.

 

It only has one aim- to put an end to this torture regime. Impressed by their ideals and goals, Tatsumi decides to join them.

 

 

33. Mirai Nikki

 

 

 

Mirai Nikki, known as Future Diary in English, is a shounen dark anime. The series consists of 26 episodes that aired between October 9, 2011, and April 15, 2012. It also has a sequel called Mirai Nikki: Redial. The series revolves around the story of Yukiteru Amano- a lonely high school student.

 

Yukiteru spends his days writing in his diary on his cellphone. Through these entries, he converses with two of his supposed imaginary friends- Deus Ex Machina and Murmur. However, they are real! Deus Ex Machina is the God of Time and Space, while Murmur is God's servant.

 

One day the two divine entities finally disclose this to Yukiteru. This is followed by granting him a diary that has detailed accounts of the future. The story takes a twist when this pushes Yukiteru into a bloody battle with others who possess the same kind of diary.

 

 

32. Another

 

 

 

Another is a 12-episode-long dark anime that aired between January 10, 2012, and March 27, 2012. The anime provides terrifying elements of horror and the supernatural, making it a favorite for paranormal lovers. The anime is based on a 1972 murder that left the town of Yomiyama with an aura of suspicion.

 

It was the murder of a young girl called Misaki in class 3 of the town's middle school. Fifteen years later, our protagonist, Kouichi Sakakibara, transfers into the same class at the same school. Strange events start to unfold very soon that lead Kouichi to many dark secrets of the town and its school.

 

 

31. Elfen Lied

 

 

 

Elfen Lied is a seinen dark anime that spans 13 episodes. The series aired between July 25, 2004, and October 17, 2004. It follows the story of a very different human called Lucy and the bloodshed that she causes. Lucy is a very special type of human called Diclonius.

 

She is born with small horns and invisible telekinetic hands. Unfortunately for her, her difference from the ordinary human population lands her in great trouble. She becomes the victim of inhuman experimentation and scientists try to explore her powers and abilities.

 

When Lucy finally gets a chance to escape, she enters a world that has only hurt and abused her. With such an outlook towards ordinary humans, how can she help not unleash destruction on them?

 

 

30. Metropolis

 

 

 

Metropolis is a shounen dark anime film that was released on May 26, 2001. The movie is based on a manga of the same name and shows a futuristic world where humans and robots co-exist. One thing that sets Metropolis apart is the mature sense of discrimination and the concept of justice which are depicted in the movie.

 

The anime shows how despite co-existing, robots are pushed to the lowest rungs of society. This causes frequent violence and turmoil. Against the backdrop of such a volatile world, we have our protagonist, the Japanese detective Shunsaku Ban. He is trying to track down Dr. Laughton- a doctor who might be guilty of human rights violations. During his search, Shunsaku comes across a mysterious girl. The events that follow lead him down a road of dark adventure, drama, and romance.

 

 

29. School-Live!

 

 

 

School-Live! is a 12-episode-long dark anime that aired between July 9, 2015, and September 24, 2015. The series presents a post-apocalyptic life and the struggles of four high school girls to adjust to it while being cut off from the rest of the world.

 

Yuki Takeya enjoys her school life more than anything and never wants to leave her high school. As a member of the School Living Club, she has a lot of fun with her classmates and teachers. However, what she and her friends do not know is that they are in the middle of a zombie apocalypse.

 

Their only hope for survival is their School Living Club which has shielded them from the outside world. What happens when they step out?

 

 

28. Casshern Sins

 

 

 

Casshern Sins is a 24-episode-long dark anime that aired between October 2, 2008, and March 16, 2009. The series is dramatically different from most anime series and movies in the sense that it does not even consist of the stories of humans!

 

Instead, we see a universe where only robots exist. The world of Casshern Sins has seen a fall in humanity. Robots are the only thing to dominate the world. They were meant to live forever, but things change when one of the first among their ranks died.

 

This causes panic as the robots contemplate their mortality. A solution arises to avoid their inevitable extinction- the rumor that eating someone called Casshern will save them. Meanwhile, we are introduced to Casshern. However, he has no idea about his identity!

 

 

27. Full Metal Panic!

 

 

 

Full Metal Panic! is a mecha dark anime consisting of 24 episodes. The series aired between January 8, 2002, and June 18, 2002. The series is the perfect example of darkness, with its action scenes and enigmatic storyline, blended with sweetness because of its slice-of-life element.

 

The private military organization named Mithril fights terrorism. For this purpose, it takes the help of Whisperers- humans, with special abilities to create powerful machinery. Sousuke Sagara is a 17-year-old sergeant of Mithril and is assigned to protect the Whisperer Kaname Chidori while being undercover.

 

Problems arise because of Sousuke's lack of experience. His military lifestyle never allowed him to live the typical teenage life. Will he manage to blend in?

 

 

26. No. 6

 

 

 

No. 6 is an 11-episode-long dark anime that aired between July 8, 2011, and September 16, 2011. The series portrays a world emerging from the ravages of a bloody war. Humanity had finally taken shelter in a six-city state called No.6 after the war that almost destroyed it finally got over.

 

However, things take a drastic turn when Shion gains a new perspective on human civilization due to a chance encounter with a mysterious young boy called Nezumi. Nezumi turns out to be a fugitive belonging to the wilderness that lies beyond the walls of No. 6.

 

When Shion is ostracized for helping Nezumi, the two are brought together in a compelling tale of action, mystery, and drama.

 

 

25. Shiki

 

 

 

Shiki is a 22-episode-long dark anime that aired between July 9, 2010, and December 31, 2010. The anime depicts the story of a village in the clutches of a supposedly deadly disease slowly taking people's lives. The spree of deaths begins with the unexpected passing away of teenager Megumi Shimizu.

 

The hot summer in the village acquires a chilling air as more people start succumbing to the disease. The anime's protagonist is a young doctor called Toshio Ozaki. As he realizes the horrific nature of the growing epidemic, he must put a lot on the line to save everyone.

 

He is aided by Natsuno Yuuki, a youth haunted by the death of Megumi.

 

 

24. Texhnolyze

 

 

 

Texhnolyze is a 22-episode long dark anime that aired between April 17, 2003, and September 25, 2003. The series is stylized as TEXHNOLYZE ​​and is unique because of being an experimental anime series. The series is set in the man-made underground city called Lux which is crumbling apart.

 

Three major groups battle to gain control over the City, as Lux is referred to by its citizens. Ichise is one of the fighters from the city who was once renowned for his skills. Losing his limbs in a fight, he is found by the scientist Eriko Kamata who makes him the test subject of a technology called Texhonlyze.

 

With his amazingly powerful limbs, Ichise goes on to play a major role in the struggle for the control of Lux.

 

 

23. Hell Girl

 

 

 

Hell Girl is a 26-episode-long dark anime that aired between October 5, 2005, and April 5, 2006. It follows the story of the Hell Girl who helps those who seek vengeance on their enemies. 'Hell Correspondence' is a dark website that can only be accessed at night.

 

Visitors of the website can seek revenge on any of their enemies. Ai Enma, who is the Hell Girl, will deliver the revenge being sought without questioning whether the act is just or not. The catch? Those who seek revenge from their enemies must condemn themselves to an eternal afterlife in hell.

 

 

22. Devilman: Crybaby

 

 

 

Devilman: Crybaby is a 10 episodes long dark anime mini-series. The mini-series was released on January 5, 2018. It is set in a world plagued by devils. A devil needs a human host to take form. However, at times, the human host may be powerful enough to be able to control the devil living in its body.

 

This leads to the making of a devilman- a human with the powers of a devil. Akira Fudou is a crybaby. However, he is convinced by his best friend to attend a sabbath. All hell breaks loose when the devils are summoned to the sabbath.

 

Akira is forced to join forces with the devil to save his best friend from death. Devilman: Crybaby is the story of a weak boy who gains the mighty powers that accompany being a devilman. If one wants a good scare and a crazy mind bend plot, this is the anime to go.

 

 

21. Jormungand

 

 

 

Jormungand is a seinen dark anime consisting of 12 episodes. The series aired between April 11, 2012, and June 27, 2012. It follows the story of a child soldier who hates violence but is forced to take up weapons. Jonathan "Jonah" Mar hates weapons because of the volatile environment he was brought up.

 

However, he is forced to pick up weapons because of the international arms dealer Koko Hekmatyar who wants him to be his bodyguard. From that point on, the anime shows the action-packed adventures of Jonah and his team as they protect Koko while he makes arms deals around the world.

 

This is anime is for people who like dark mind-blowing plots but also love action and animated fight scenes.

 

 

20. Classroom of the Elite

 

 

 

Classroom of the Elite is a 12-episode-long dark anime that aired between July 12, 2017, and September 27, 2017. The series shows a picture-perfect high school which might not be as amazing as it appears. Koudo Ikusei Senior High School is a respectable institution because of the facilities it provides to its students.

 

However, its doors hide dark secrets- not all students are entitled to its facilities. The students are divided into four sections A to D, with the best students in section A and the worst in D. While the best students get every facility, the worst are left to rot.

 

The only solution is to compete and get to the top. The problem is that the competition can get very cut-throat, sometimes quite literally.

 

 

19. Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust

 

 

 

Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust is a dark anime movie that premiered on August 25, 2000. The film shows hauntingly dark elements of the paranormal and is set in a fantastical universe. Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust follows the story of D, a famous 'dhampir', or an offspring of a vampire and a human.

 

He is an outcast among the vampires but celebrated among humans because of his vampire-hunting skills. One day, D is called to track down a missing girl called Charlotte Elbourne. Charlotte is from an affluent family and her family would do anything to find her.

 

The question that arises is if D will be willing to do the same too.

 

 

18. Blue Literature: No Longer Human

 

 

 

Blue Literature: No Longer Human is a seinen dark anime consisting of 12 episodes. The series aired between October 11, 2009, and December 27, 2009. Unlike most anime series which show a consistent plot, the series shows an anime adaptation of six dark pieces of Japanese Literature.

 

The six stories are 'Ningen Shikkaku', 'Sakura no Mori no Mankai no Shita', 'Kokoro', 'Hashire, Melos!', 'Kumo no Ito', and 'Jigokuhen'. They provide viewers with enigmatic tales of people led down the darkest paths of their lives. This series is for all those who want the satisfaction of seeing multiple stories unfold in a few short episodes.

 

From elements of a psychological thriller to drama, this series has it all.

 

 

17. Ghost Hunt

 

 

 

Ghost Hunt is a shoujo dark anime consisting of 25 episodes. The series aired between October 4, 2006, and March 28, 2007. It follows the story of a high school student who finds herself involved in the field of paranormal investigations.

 

Taniyama Mai is an ordinary high school student with a hobby of narrating ghost stories to her friends. They come up with many theories about the allegedly haunted, abandoned building behind their school. At times, they also spend time in the building to enjoy the thrills of scary stories in a desolate place.

 

This is where Mei meets Shibuya Kazuya, a paranormal investigator. As the series unfolds, Mei finds herself caught up in the world of ghost hunting.

 

 

16. Ergo Proxy

 

 

 

Ergo Proxy is a 23-episode long dark anime that aired between February 25, 2006, and August 12, 2006. It is set in a dystopian world that was ravaged by an ecological crisis. The desolate city of Romdo houses the last fragments of human civilization.

 

To pull humanity from the clutches of extinction, robots called AutoReivs were invited to help the earth recover. However, a strange virus is providing them with the ability of self-awareness. As the AutoReivs become more conscious about their existence, we find them examining the various facets of humanity.

 

Ergo Proxy is a drastically different anime in the sense that it provides us with the views of humans from the eyes of a different race.

 

 

15. Tokyo Ghoul

 

 

 

Tokyo Ghoul is a seinen dark anime consisting of July 4, 2014, and September 19, 2014. It is based on the bestseller supernatural horror manga of the same name and is set in a fantastical universe. The modern city of Tokyo has turned upside down ever since it started getting plagued by ghouls.

 

The humans live in constant fear of meeting death at the hands of these ghouls. The worst part is that these ghouls can even take up human form and blend in the crowds! The protagonist Ken Kaneki is quite the same as all other humans.

 

However, his fascination with a fellow avid reader results in a transformation and a series of adventures.

 

 

14. Perfect Blue

 

 

 

Perfect Blue is a dark anime that aired on February 28, 1998. It shows the story of the J-pop idol group 'JAM!', particularly one of its members- Mima Kirigoe. Mima Kirigoe has had a successful career as a J-pop idol with JAM!

 

However, she wants more for life. Much to the sadness of her fellow group members and her fans, Mima decides to quit J-pop and pursue her passion for acting. However, life seems to get worse for Mima as she decides to follow her passion.

 

An obsessive fan who cannot accept that Mima has quit J-pop, a website that invades her privacy, and her ex-J-pop group which seems to be doing better than ever without her slowly make her lose her grip on reality.

 

 

13. Kino no Tabi: The Beautiful World

 

 

 

Kino no Tabi: The Beautiful World is a 13-episode-long dark anime that aired between April 8, 2003, and July 8, 2003. It follows the story of a 15-year-old boy called Kino as he travels through the world. Kino is no ordinary boy- he is a seasoned traveler who loves to observe different cultures and customs.

 

He is accompanied by his talking motorcycle Hermes. Together the duo explores many places, some cheery and warm, others dark and scary. However, traveling across different places is also an easy way of landing in trouble. After all, some countries might not be as welcoming as others.

 

Kino no Tabi: The Beautiful World depicts all these adventures that Kino and Hermes get into during their travels.

 

 

12. Fate/Zero

 

 

 

Fate/Zero is a 13-episode long dark anime that aired between October 2, 2011, and December 25, 2011. It is set in a fantastical universe and portrays a story filled with action and thrill. Fate/Zero is a prequel to the anime Fate/Stay Night.

 

The three Holy Grail wars left humanity in a state of bloodshed and violence. Finally, the fourth war is approaching and the affluent Einzbern family is feeling confident about it. The family managed to get a vessel of the Holy Grail in their possession.

 

The question that arises is how far will it help them.

 

 

11. Berserk

 

 

 

Berserk is a seinen dark anime consisting of 12 episodes. The series aired between July 1, 2016, and September 16, 2016. The series fuses several genres in its storyline, such as romance, the supernatural, action, the military, etc. Berserk is the story of a man named Guts who is the victim of a cruel fate- he will be chased all his life by demons.

 

As a former mercenary, Guts has a lot of experience in the art of fighting which comes in handy considering his life. While being on the run from the demons that are after him, he ends up meeting many people and having lots of adventures.

 

 

10. Madoka Magica

 

 

 

Madoka Magica is a 12-episode-long dark anime that aired between January 7, 2011, and April 22, 2011. The series follows the adventures of two girls whose lives change once they meet a strange creature. Madoka Kaname and Sayaka Miki are ordinary middle school girls.

 

However, a chance encounter with a cat-like creature called Kyuubey brings many transformations. Kyuubey offers them the fulfillment of any one of their wishes. The price? They will each have to become magic girls. The girls think it is an amazing deal.

 

Who wouldn't wish for the fulfillment of their wishes and magical abilities? However, their classmate Homura Akemi insists that everything is not as wonderful as it seems.

 

 

9. Death Parade

 

 

 

Death Parade is a 12-episode-long dark anime that aired between January 10, 2015, and March 28, 2015. The series shows its viewers a dark story filled with action, drama, and enigma. Death Parade shows us what happens after death- and no, it isn't a simple division between heaven and hell.

 

Instead, there is a single competition that decides the fate of the dead. They can either end up falling into the void of darkness or if they are lucky, they get the chance to be reincarnated. The competition takes place in pairs and can take any form- from hockey to bowling to darts.

 

Death Parade is the story of Quindecim- the afterlife where these competitions take place. Decim, the arbiter of this system, takes great enjoyment in maintaining this system. All this continues until a strange black-haired youth makes the arbiter question everything.

 

 

8. Banana Fish

 

 

 

Banana Fish, stylized as BANANA FISH, is a shoujo dark anime. The series consists of 24​  episodes and aired between July 6, 2018, and December 21, 2018. Aslan Jade Callenreese, known as Ash Lynx, was an ordinary runaway. However, his life changed completely when he was picked up by the lord of the mafia world- Dino Golzine.

 

At 17, he became the leader of his very own gang of mafias. During one of his exploits, he came across a strange phrase- banana fish. The same phrase had been repeated by his brother on returning from the Iraq War too.

 

Hell-bent on discovering the meaning behind the phrase, Ash tries investigating. Unfortunately, his friends get kidnapped from the bar they were sitting and talking in. Now it is left up to Ash to traverse the dark world of mafias to rescue his friends and solve the mystery of 'banana fish'.

 

 

7. Attack on Titan

 

 

 

Attack on Titans is a shounen dark anime that spans 25 episodes. The series aired between April 7, 2013, and September 29, 2013. The series presents a dark dystopian universe ravaged by monsters who eat humans for pleasure. The Titans are giant monsters that enjoy feasting on humans to the point that humanity is on the fringes of extinction.

 

This caused humans to live in fear, hidden behind humongous walls of concretes. In such a violent environment, we have one teenager who rises as a beacon of hope- Eren Yeager. After experiencing the shattering loss of his loved ones at the hands of Titans, Eren decided to make it his life's mission to eliminate them.

 

For this purpose, he even enlisted in the Survey Corps to fight these monsters. Attack on Titans is a moving story of action and thrill as it shows us the gripping adventures of Eren.

 

 

6. Samurai Champloo

 

 

 

Samurai Champloo is a shounen dark anime consisting of 26 episodes. The series aired between May 20, 2004, and March 19, 2005. It is a unique dark anime on this list because of depicting a historical story with samurais. Life is going normally for Fuu Kasumi.

 

She is a simple, slightly clumsy, waitress at a teahouse. However, her life takes a drastic turn when she spills the tea on a customer due to her clumsiness. Even worse, the customer is a samurai! He is furious with her and starts harassing her.

 

Thankfully for her, another samurai Mugen is around and he saves her. The fight that follows leaves the teahouse in a wreck and Fuu without a job. As the two samurais are put to death, Fuu rescues them and makes them her bodyguards.

 

From then on, the three go on many adventures.

 

 

5. From the New World

 

 

 

From the New World is a 25-episode-long dark anime that aired between September 29, 2012, and March 23, 2013. Based on the Japanese novel of the same name, shows a world where people possess psychic abilities. 12-year-old Saki Watanabe is overjoyed when she finally gains control over her psychic abilities.

 

She is immediately sent to the prestigious Sage Academy to harness her powers. At the academy, she begins a wonderful life of learning in the company of her friends. The children seem to be getting the best out of the utopian world.

 

But everything is not as perfect as it seems. They soon start wondering what happens to the children who do not possess psychic abilities. This curiosity leads the friends down the road of dark discovery.

 

 

4. Hellsing Ultimate

 

 

 

Hellsing Ultimate is a seinen dark anime consisting of 10 episodes. The anime is an Original Video Animation (OVA) rather than a series and aired between February 10, 2006, and December 26, 2012. The world within Hellsing Ultimate is plagued by dark supernatural creatures that prey on humans.

 

To eliminate them there exists the Hellsing. It is an organization out to destroy the vile creatures that threaten the existence of humanity. The organization has a powerful army, though it pales in comparison to its most powerful weapon- a vampire.

 

Alucard is a vampire united with those who are against his kind. With the help of his special abilities, he must fight against his kind so that humanity finally finds a chance to breathe and flourish.

 

 

3. The Promised Neverland

 

 

 

The Promised Neverland is a shounen dark anime consisting of 12 episodes. The first season of the series aired between January 10, 2019, and March 29, 2019. The second season started airing on January 8, 2021. The children of Grace Field House lead a happy life.

 

Despite being orphans, they never feel the need for parents. After all, the caretaker of the orphanage, whom the children called 'Mamma', is so kind and loving. Of the children, Emma, Norman, and Ray are the smartest. All the children are well-fed and thoroughly loved.

 

Then why would they disobey the one rule they are asked to follow? To never leave the house on their own at any cost. One day, one of the young girls among them gets adopted. Having forgotten her stuffed toy behind, Emma and Norman run after her to give it to her back.

 

In doing so, they break the only rule they were meant to follow and discover a horrifying secret.

 

 

2. Vinland Saga

 

 

 

Vinland Saga is a seinen dark anime consisting of 24 episodes. The series aired between July 8, 2019, and December 30, 2019. It provides its viewers with a historical setup and a story full of action and adventure. Young Thorfinn looks up to the sailors whose stories he grew up listening to.

 

These brave men traversed the rough oceans to reach lands filled with warmth and beauty. It sounds like a different world to Thorfinn who is used to the frost and dullness of Iceland. Growing up, his life in an army man-made Thorfinn crave that life even more.

 

As the Vikings rage wars against England, Thorfinn's life is an endless array of bloodshed and violence. However, things reach their limit when his father is killed. Outraged at the loss of his beloved father, Thorfinn decides to set out and take revenge.

 

This anime is an experience. It is known for taking its viewers on a journey to the older times when life was not as easy as it is now.

 

 

1. Made in Abyss

 

 

 

Made in Abyss is a 13-episode long dark anime that aired between July 7, 2017, and September 29, 2017. It is set in a fantastical universe with a plethora of enigmatic elements. The series also has a sequel film that premiered in the year 2020.

 

The abyss stretches far, wide, and deep. No human knows what lies within it. No one even knows how it came into existence, or what was the reason behind its formation. However, what is quite sure is that dark creatures haunt it, and it holds innumerable mysteries.

 

Hundreds of brave individuals called Divers risk their lives to explore the abyss. Of these, the White Whistlers are the most popular. Riko is the daughter of the missing White Whistle Lyza the Annihilator. She is desperate to follow in the footsteps of her mother and wants to delve deep into the mysterious chasm that baffles all.

 

Unfortunately, she is still a novice only allowed to explore at the shallow level. Riko feels her life to be boring and wishes to explore what lies in the abyss and why everyone gets lost in it. However, everything changes when she encounters a strange being during one of her dives.

 

These dark animes have the power to captivate their audience in the depths of terror, curiosity, and uncertainty. They are certainly the best anime out there for all those who seek thrills and chills!