Top 50 Best Dark Anime Of All Time

"Vinland Saga" is a gripping seinen dark anime spanning 24 episodes, originally airing from July 8, 2019, to December 30, 2019. The series immerses viewers in a historical world, blending intense action with thrilling adventure. At its core is young Thorfinn, who grows up idolizing the legendary sailors whose epic tales shaped his childhood dreams.

Those courageous men braved treacherous seas in search of distant shores brimming with promise and beauty. For Thorfinn, raised amid Iceland's bleak cold, such places seem almost otherworldly. Shaped by an upbringing among hardened warriors, his longing for adventure only intensifies over time.

As the Vikings wage relentless war against England, Thorfinn finds his life consumed by violence and constant bloodshed. Everything changes when tragedy strikes and he loses his beloved father to the chaos of battle. Driven by sorrow and anger, Thorfinn embarks on a journey of revenge.

This anime delivers a deeply immersive experience, transporting audiences back to an era where survival was a daily struggle and comforts were scarce. "Vinland Saga" is renowned for its raw storytelling and authentic depiction of a harsh, unforgiving world.

"Made in Abyss" is a 13-episode dark anime that originally aired from July 7, 2017 to September 29, 2017. Set in a mesmerizing yet mysterious world, the series immerses viewers in countless enigmatic elements and later expands its story with a sequel film released in 2020.

The Abyss itself is vast, deep, and shrouded in secrecy. No human truly knows what waits within its depths or the origin behind its existence. What remains certain, however, is that terrifying creatures lurk there, guarding the countless mysteries hidden in its darkness.

Despite the dangers, hundreds of courageous adventurers known as Divers risk everything to explore the Abyss. Among them, the White Whistles stand as legends. Riko, daughter of the missing White Whistle Lyza the Annihilator, yearns to follow her mother’s daring path into the heart of the abyss that has confounded all who brave it.

Yet Riko is still a novice, restricted to the shallower levels of the abyss. Feeling trapped in her ordinary life, her curiosity about the wonders and dangers below grows. Everything changes when, during one of her expeditions, she encounters a mysterious, non-human being that sets her on a transformative journey.

Released on February 28, 1998, Perfect Blue is a psychologically intense anime that delves into the shadowy depths of fame and identity. The story follows Mima Kirigoe, a member of the popular J-pop idol group 'JAM!', who has enjoyed a successful career in the spotlight.

Despite her success, Mima yearns for something more from life. To the dismay of her fans and groupmates, she decides to leave the world of J-pop behind and pursue her dream of becoming an actress. However, her transition into acting is far from smooth, plunging her into unsettling territory.

Mima becomes the target of an obsessive fan unable to accept her departure from idol life. As a website dedicated to tracking her every move invades her privacy, she discovers her former group thriving without her. These events lead Mima to question her own reality, spiraling her into a world of paranoia and psychological turmoil.

Berserk is a seinen dark anime featuring 12 gripping episodes that originally aired from July 1, 2016, to September 16, 2016. This intense series masterfully blends various genres, including romance, supernatural elements, action, and military themes, creating a rich and immersive narrative.

The story centers on Guts, a man marked by a tragic destiny who is relentlessly pursued by demons throughout his life. As a former mercenary, Guts’ formidable combat skills are essential for his survival. On his perilous journey, he encounters a diverse cast of characters and embarks on countless harrowing adventures.

"Attack on Titan" is a dark shounen anime series consisting of 25 intense episodes. It originally aired from April 7, 2013, to September 29, 2013, setting a grim stage in a dystopian world overrun by monstrous creatures known as Titans. These towering beings consume humans for their own pleasure, nearly driving humanity to extinction.

With civilization cornered, humans are forced to live in constant fear, sheltered behind massive concrete walls for safety. Amid this turbulent world, a teenager named Eren Yeager emerges as a symbol of hope. Driven by the traumatic loss of his loved ones to the Titans, Eren vows to eradicate these monsters from existence.

To fulfill his mission, Eren joins the elite Survey Corps, risking his life to confront the Titans head-on. "Attack on Titan" offers a gripping tale filled with relentless action and emotional depth, following Eren on his perilous journey for vengeance and survival.

Samurai Champloo is a 26-episode shounen dark anime that aired from May 20, 2004, to March 19, 2005. This series stands out on the list by blending historical narrative with the world of samurais, offering a distinctive dark undertone in its storytelling.

Fuu Kasumi, a simple and slightly clumsy waitress at a teahouse, lives an ordinary life until a mishap changes everything. Her accidental spill on a customer—who turns out to be a samurai—provokes his anger and puts her in immediate danger.

Fortunately, another samurai named Mugen intervenes to save her, resulting in a chaotic brawl that leaves the teahouse in ruins and costs Fuu her job. When both samurais face execution, Fuu bravely rescues them and enlists their protection as her bodyguards.

From that moment, the trio embarks on a series of unpredictable adventures, forging a bond amid the darkness and turmoil that surrounds them.

Denji's adolescence is anything but typical. Burdened by the crushing debt left by his father, he spends his days battling demons for the yakuza, accompanied by his loyal chainsaw devil companion, Pochita, all in a desperate attempt to survive.

Despite the violence and hardship, Denji dreams of a normal, peaceful existence—longing for delicious food and the warmth of genuine companionship.

When the yakuza betray him in a devastating twist, Denji is brutally killed, dashing his hopes for a better tomorrow.

But fate intervenes, and Denji fuses with Pochita, inheriting devil powers that allow him to transform his limbs into deadly chainsaws.

Driven by his simple wishes, Denji pledges himself to Makima, a renowned devil hunter, embarking on a dangerous new chapter to pursue happiness and love.

"The Promised Neverland" is a gripping shounen dark anime, comprised of 12 episodes. The first season aired from January 10, 2019, to March 29, 2019, followed by a second season that premiered on January 8, 2021. At Grace Field House, a group of orphaned children enjoy a seemingly idyllic life.

Despite being orphans, the children never feel lonely, thanks to their caring caretaker, affectionately known as 'Mamma.' Among the group, Emma, Norman, and Ray stand out as the brightest. Every child in the orphanage is well-nourished and genuinely loved.

But why are they strictly forbidden from leaving the house on their own, no matter what? One day, when a young girl is adopted but forgets her stuffed toy, Emma and Norman decide to return it to her.

By doing so, they break the orphanage's only rule—and stumble upon a terrifying secret that will change their lives forever.

Banana Fish, stylized as BANANA FISH, stands out as a gripping dark shoujo anime. The 24-episode series originally aired from July 6, 2018, to December 21, 2018. Ash Lynx, whose real name is Aslan Jade Callenreese, was once just a runaway boy. But his world was upended when he came under the control of notorious mafia boss Dino Golzine.

By age 17, Ash rose to lead his own gang within the underworld. While navigating this dangerous life, he encounters a cryptic phrase—banana fish—the same words hauntingly uttered by his brother upon returning from the Iraq War.

Determined to uncover the truth behind "banana fish," Ash plunges into a perilous investigation. When his friends are kidnapped in the middle of an ordinary evening at a bar, Ash is thrust even deeper into the criminal world. Now, he must brave the shadows of the mafia to rescue his friends and solve the chilling mystery that could cost him everything.

Madoka Magica is a 12-episode dark anime series that aired from January 7, 2011, to April 22, 2011. The story centers on the lives of Madoka Kaname and Sayaka Miki, two seemingly ordinary middle school girls whose destinies are forever altered by a mysterious encounter.

Their lives take a dramatic turn when they cross paths with Kyuubey, a strange, cat-like creature. Kyuubey promises to grant any one of their wishes, but in exchange, they must become magical girls. Initially, Madoka and Sayaka view this as an incredible opportunity.

After all, who wouldn't want to have their wish fulfilled and gain magical powers? But as their classmate Homura Akemi warns them, the offer may not be as perfect as it first appears, hinting at even darker consequences beneath the surface.

Set in post-war Japan, six troubled teenagers are sent to the harsh Shōnan Special Reform School, where they are subjected to relentless cruelty by sadistic guards and an oppressive system designed to break their spirits.

Despite this brutality, a profound brotherhood quietly forms among the inmates. United by shared suffering and guided by the compassionate giant, Sakuragi, they find solace in each other's company.

As they navigate the reformatory's unforgiving environment, these boys wrestle with humiliation, violence, and despair, striving to hold on to their dreams of freedom and humanity.

"Rainbow" is a powerful tale of resilience and hope, reminding us that even in the bleakest conditions, camaraderie and strength of spirit can prevail amidst adversity.

Hellsing Ultimate is a renowned seinen dark anime comprising 10 intense episodes. This anime, presented as an Original Video Animation (OVA), aired from February 10, 2006, to December 26, 2012. Its world is overrun by sinister supernatural entities that prey relentlessly on humans.

To combat these threats, the Hellsing Organization emerges as humanity's shield. Tasked with exterminating monstrous beings, Hellsing commands a formidable armed force, yet its greatest asset is not the army itself, but a powerful vampire under their control.

Alucard, the formidable vampire, fights alongside those who would normally be his enemies. Using his extraordinary abilities, he battles his own kind to ensure humanity's survival and the possibility of a peaceful existence.

Fate/Zero is a dark anime consisting of 13 episodes, which aired from October 2, 2011, to December 25, 2011. Set in a mystical universe, the series captivates viewers with its intense action and suspense. Serving as a prequel, Fate/Zero provides crucial backstory to the popular Fate/Stay Night anime.

After three brutal Holy Grail wars left the world soaked in chaos and bloodshed, the stage is set for a fourth, even more harrowing conflict. The influential Einzbern family, buoyed by their newfound possession of a Holy Grail vessel, enters this war with renewed confidence.

But as the shadows deepen, one question looms: how far will this advantage truly take them?

Kino no Tabi: The Beautiful World is a dark anime series consisting of 13 episodes that originally aired from April 8 to July 8, 2003. The story centers on Kino, a 15-year-old traveler who journeys across diverse lands, observing various cultures and unique customs along the way.

Accompanied by his talking motorcycle, Hermes, Kino encounters a wide array of places—some filled with warmth and hospitality, while others hide a much darker side. Their travels continuously expose them to new experiences, but also lead them into challenging and sometimes perilous situations, as not every country is as inviting as it seems.

Kino no Tabi: The Beautiful World beautifully chronicles the journey of Kino and Hermes, showcasing the adventures and moral dilemmas they face while exploring the complexities of humanity.

"From the New World" is a gripping 25-episode dark anime that aired from September 29, 2012, to March 23, 2013. Adapted from the acclaimed Japanese novel, it unfolds in a world where humans possess extraordinary psychic powers. The story centers on 12-year-old Saki Watanabe, who is elated when she finally awakens her own abilities.

Soon after, Saki is sent to the esteemed Sage Academy to further develop her powers. There, she enjoys a seemingly idyllic life alongside her close friends, thriving in what appears to be a flawless society. The children wholeheartedly embrace the opportunities their utopian world provides.

However, beneath the surface, darkness looms. The friends begin to question the fate of those who fail to manifest psychic abilities. Driven by curiosity, they embark on a journey that leads them to unsettling—and dangerous—truths lurking within their perfect world.

"Death Parade" is a captivating 12-episode dark anime that aired from January 10, 2015, to March 28, 2015. The series immerses viewers in a mysterious and intense world filled with drama, action, and thought-provoking themes. Instead of a straightforward division between heaven and hell, "Death Parade" explores a unique afterlife concept.

In this realm, the fate of the deceased is determined by a high-stakes competition. The participants, paired together, could be judged through any game—ranging from hockey and bowling to darts. The outcome decides whether they will be cast into the void or granted the chance for reincarnation.

The story centers on Quindecim, the enigmatic bar where these judgments unfold. Decim, the impartial arbiter, finds satisfaction in upholding the system. However, everything changes when a mysterious black-haired woman arrives, causing Decim to question the foundations of his judgment and the very nature of life and death.

Lain Iwakura is a reserved teenager who becomes captivated by the mysterious realm known as the Wired after encountering the unsettling digital presence of Chisa, a classmate who inexplicably took her own life.

Lain's deepest fears are awakened by this event, pulling her further into the labyrinthine world of the Wired. Memories become distorted, the line between virtual and real fades, and an ominous conspiracy begins to surface.

As Lain delves deeper, guided by enigmatic figures and beset by strange malfunctions, she uncovers hidden powers within herself. Faced with a crucial choice, she must decide whether to embrace the Wired or break free—risking the collapse of both realities.

Serial Experiments Lain offers a profound cyberpunk experience, delving into themes of identity, perception, and existence itself.

"Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust" is a captivating dark anime movie that debuted on August 25, 2000. Set within an eerie, fantastical universe, the film masterfully weaves together elements of the paranormal and gothic horror.

The story centers around D, a renowned "dhampir"—the half-human, half-vampire offspring who is feared by vampires and revered by humans for his remarkable monster-hunting abilities.

When D is hired to locate Charlotte Elbourne, the missing daughter of a wealthy family desperate for her safe return, the true test lies in whether D will go to the same lengths as her family to save her.

"Classroom of the Elite" is a gripping 12-episode dark anime that aired from July 12, 2017, to September 27, 2017. Set in Koudo Ikusei Senior High School, the series explores a prestigious institution famed for its impressive facilities and seemingly flawless reputation.

Beneath the surface, however, the school conceals unsettling secrets—only a select group of students truly reap the benefits of its resources. Students are sorted into four classes, from A to D, with privileges strictly reserved for those in the top ranks, while those in the lower echelons receive the bare minimum.

To improve their circumstances, students are forced to compete relentlessly, as only the strongest can rise to the top. This fierce rivalry drives classmates into brutal conflicts, making the quest for success a matter of survival in more ways than one.

"Ergo Proxy" is a 23-episode dark anime series that aired from February 25, 2006, to August 12, 2006. Set in a dystopian wasteland devastated by ecological disaster, the story unfolds in the city of Romdo, where the remnants of humanity struggle to survive.

In an effort to save mankind from extinction, androids known as AutoReivs are introduced to aid in Earth's recovery. However, things take a turn when a mysterious virus grants these robots self-awareness. As the AutoReivs awaken to consciousness, they begin to reflect on their existence and what it means to be human.

What sets "Ergo Proxy" apart is its unique perspective, offering a thought-provoking exploration of humanity through the eyes of an entirely different species.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

Once upon a time, there existed two deities—a benevolent god of light and a malevolent god of darkness.

The followers of the light god enjoyed lives filled with happiness and prosperity, while the dark god revelled in playing tricks on people and stealing their joy.

In response to his misdeeds, the light god decided to punish the dark god by transforming him into a monstrous being.

Consumed by anger, the dark god retaliated by turning his punishment into a curse, causing suffering for others.

As a consequence, he and his monstrous progeny were banished to the Outside, forever separated from those residing on the Inside.

Contact between Insiders and Outsiders was strictly forbidden, as it would result in a dreadful curse, disfiguring the affected individuals.

The story revolves around a young girl named Shiva, an Insider, who encounters an Outsider known as Sensei. 

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.

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!

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.