Top 50 Best Dark Anime Of All Time

"Vinland Saga" stands out as a compelling seinen dark anime consisting of 24 gripping episodes, which originally aired from July 8, 2019, to December 30, 2019. The series transports viewers into a vividly realized historical setting, masterfully blending high-stakes action with sweeping adventure.

At the story's heart is young Thorfinn, whose childhood is shaped by stories of legendary sailors exploring dangerous seas in search of unknown lands filled with hope and beauty. Raised amid Iceland's stark wilderness, he dreams of reaching such far-off places, finding escape from his cold and arduous existence.

Thorfinn’s upbringing among fierce warriors only fuels his desire for adventure. However, as Viking invaders wage a brutal war against England, his world spirals into unending violence and tragedy. The loss of his beloved father sparks a deep quest for vengeance that changes him forever.

"Vinland Saga" offers an intensely immersive experience, plunging audiences into a time when survival was hard-won and comforts were few. The anime is acclaimed for its gritty, realistic storytelling and its unflinching portrayal of a harsh, unforgiving world, making it a standout in the dark anime genre.

"Made in Abyss" is a 13-episode dark anime series that premiered from July 7 to September 29, 2017. Set in a breathtaking yet perilous world, the anime captivates viewers with its enigmatic atmosphere and unforgettable mysteries. The story continues to evolve with a sequel film released in 2020.

The Abyss is an enormous, unfathomable chasm surrounded by intrigue and peril. Its origin and the full extent of its secrets are unknown, while deadly creatures roam its depths, guarding the dark truths concealed below the surface.

Despite the ever-present dangers, intrepid explorers known as Divers regularly brave the Abyss. Among these adventurers, the legendary White Whistles are revered. Riko, the determined daughter of the famed but missing White Whistle, Lyza the Annihilator, dreams of journeying deep into the chasm to uncover its secrets and follow in her mother’s footsteps.

Though Riko is just a beginner, limited to the safer upper levels, her fascination with the Abyss grows stronger each day. Everything changes when she stumbles upon a mysterious, non-human companion during an expedition, setting her on a perilous and transformative adventure into the unknown.

Perfect Blue, released on February 28, 1998, stands out as a landmark psychological thriller in anime. It plunges viewers into the haunting world of fame and fractured identity, all through the experiences of Mima Kirigoe, once a cherished member of the hit J-pop idol group 'JAM!'.

Longing for more than her life in the limelight, Mima bravely chooses to leave her idol career behind to pursue acting. Her difficult transition not only alienates some fans and friends, but also draws her into a disturbing new chapter marked by danger and uncertainty.

Mima soon attracts the attention of an obsessed fan who cannot let go of her idol persona, while an intrusive website meticulously documents her every step. As she witnesses her former group flourish without her and reality blurs with illusion, Mima is pulled deeper into a nightmarish spiral of paranoia, doubt, and psychological distress.

Berserk stands as a landmark in the seinen dark anime genre, delivering a gripping story over 12 unforgettable episodes that aired between July 1 and September 16, 2016. This acclaimed series weaves together elements of romance, supernatural intrigue, high-stakes action, and military drama, resulting in a truly immersive viewing experience.

The narrative follows Guts, a lone warrior marked by a haunting destiny and relentlessly hunted by demonic forces. Relying on his experience as a mercenary and his unmatched combat prowess, Guts fights to survive against overwhelming odds. Along the way, he forges complex relationships and confronts countless daunting challenges on his relentless quest for vengeance and meaning.

"Attack on Titan" stands out as a gripping and dark shounen anime with 25 electrifying episodes. The series originally aired between April 7 and September 29, 2013, plunging viewers into a bleak dystopian world devastated by terrifying creatures known as Titans. These giant monsters feast on humans, pushing civilization to the edge of annihilation.

Humanity, cornered by constant threat, clings to survival behind massive, towering walls. Amid this harsh reality, we follow Eren Yeager, a determined teenager whose life is shattered by personal loss at the hands of the Titans. Consumed by a desire for revenge, Eren becomes a beacon of hope, vowing to eliminate every Titan.

To pursue this resolve, Eren joins the elite Survey Corps, bravely venturing outside the safety of the walls to battle the Titans directly. "Attack on Titan" captivates audiences with its relentless action, emotional intensity, and complex characters, as Eren's relentless quest for vengeance and survival unfolds.

"Samurai Champloo" is a 26-episode shounen anime that aired from May 20, 2004, to March 19, 2005. Renowned for its unique blend of historical samurai themes and a dark, atmospheric narrative, the series offers a fresh and engaging twist on classic anime storytelling.

The story follows Fuu Kasumi, a gentle but somewhat clumsy waitress whose simple life is turned upside down by a single misstep. When she accidentally spills tea on a short-tempered samurai patron, she suddenly finds herself in grave danger as tensions erupt.

Her salvation comes in the form of Mugen, a brash and unpredictable swordsman. Mugen's intervention leads to a chaotic fight, ultimately destroying the teahouse and causing Fuu to lose her job. Facing execution after the brawl, both Mugen and another skilled samurai, Jin, are rescued by Fuu, who then enlists their help as her protectors.

Together, this unlikely trio journeys through a turbulent world, facing dark challenges and forming deep bonds as they navigate the dangers and intrigue that shadow their every step.

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 spellbinding dark shounen anime consisting of 12 intense episodes. Season one originally aired from January 10 to March 29, 2019, with the highly anticipated second season following in January 2021. Set in the seemingly perfect Grace Field House, a group of orphans live what appears to be a joyful, carefree life.

The children are doted on by their affectionate caretaker, lovingly called 'Mamma.' Emma, Norman, and Ray shine among the group as the brightest, most curious minds. The orphans lack nothing—they are well-fed, cared for, and surrounded by warmth and love.

Yet, one burning mystery hangs over them: why are they absolutely forbidden to leave the grounds on their own? When a young girl is adopted and accidentally leaves her cherished stuffed animal behind, Emma and Norman seize the chance to return it.

This decision defies the orphanage's sole rule, and the children soon uncover a horrifying truth lurking behind their peaceful existence, forever shattering the world they once knew.

"Banana Fish," also known as BANANA FISH, delivers a powerful and emotionally charged dark shoujo experience. This 24-episode anime originally captivated audiences from July 6, 2018, to December 21, 2018. It follows the tumultuous life of Ash Lynx, whose birth name is Aslan Jade Callenreese—once a runaway, now entangled in the grip of mafia boss Dino Golzine.

By seventeen, Ash commands his own gang and maneuvers through the treacherous underworld. His journey takes a sinister turn when he encounters the mysterious phrase "banana fish," the same words his brother eerily repeated after returning from the Iraq War.

Driven by a need for answers, Ash unravels the dark secrets behind "banana fish." When an ordinary night at a bar leads to his friends’ abduction, Ash is forced deeper into peril. To save those he cares about, he must confront the mafia’s dangers and face the chilling conspiracy that threatens everything he holds dear.

"Madoka Magica" is a 12-episode dark anime series that originally aired from January 7, 2011, to April 22, 2011. It follows the lives of Madoka Kaname and Sayaka Miki, two ordinary middle school students whose futures change forever after a fateful encounter.

Their world shifts dramatically when they meet Kyuubey, a mysterious, cat-like being who offers to grant any wish they desire. In return, however, the girls are asked to become magical girls. The promise of having their deepest wishes fulfilled makes the proposal seem irresistible at first.

Yet, as they explore the world of magical girls, they are confronted with grim truths. Warnings from their enigmatic classmate, Homura Akemi, suggest that accepting Kyuubey's deal comes with hidden dangers, revealing a much darker reality lurking beneath the surface.

Set in post-war Japan, "Rainbow: Nisha Rokubō no Shichinin" follows six troubled teenagers who are sent to the unforgiving Shōnan Special Reform School. There, they endure constant cruelty from sadistic guards and an oppressive system intent on crushing their spirits.

Amidst the brutality, the boys forge an unbreakable bond of brotherhood, drawn together by their shared suffering. With the compassionate Sakuragi as their guiding force, they find moments of solace and support in one another.

As they confront humiliation, violence, and despair within the reformatory walls, these young men cling to hope and dreams of freedom. Their fight becomes a testament to their determination to retain their humanity in the face of relentless adversity.

"Rainbow" stands out as a gripping narrative of resilience, illustrating how camaraderie and an indomitable spirit can endure even in the darkest circumstances.

Hellsing Ultimate stands as one of the most acclaimed seinen dark anime series, consisting of 10 gripping episodes that plunge viewers into a world consumed by darkness. Released as an Original Video Animation (OVA), it aired from February 10, 2006, to December 26, 2012, making a lasting impression with its chilling atmosphere and high-octane action.

The anime depicts a society under siege by sinister supernatural forces that mercilessly prey on humanity. To defend against these unrelenting threats, the Hellsing Organization acts as mankind's last line of defense, deploying highly trained soldiers and unmatched weaponry.

At the heart of this battle is Alucard, a legendary vampire fighting against his own kind. Leveraging his immense powers and immortality, he fiercely protects humanity, blurring the lines between monster and hero in the ultimate fight for survival.

"Fate/Zero" is a gripping dark anime series comprising 13 episodes that originally aired from October 2, 2011, to December 25, 2011. Set in a mystical world brimming with peril and magic, the show draws viewers in with high-stakes action and suspenseful storytelling. As a prequel to the acclaimed "Fate/Stay Night," "Fate/Zero" delivers essential background that enriches the larger Fate universe.

The story unfolds after three devastating Holy Grail wars have already drenched the world in violence and turmoil. Now, the fourth Holy Grail War promises an even more ferocious battle, with the powerful Einzbern family feeling emboldened by their recent acquisition of a Holy Grail vessel. Their determination to claim victory is stronger than ever.

Yet, as the darkness grows and powerful factions collide, a haunting question remains: Will their advantage lead them to triumph, or plunge them further into the shadows?

"Kino no Tabi: The Beautiful World" is a thought-provoking dark anime that spans 13 episodes, first airing from April 8 to July 8, 2003. The series follows Kino, a 15-year-old traveler, as they journey through a wide range of lands, immersing themselves in diverse cultures and unfamiliar customs.

With their trusted talking motorcycle, Hermes, Kino explores countries that often seem inviting on the surface but conceal hidden darkness and unsettling truths. Each destination presents unique experiences, revealing both the kindness and cruelty present in humanity.

Through their travels, Kino and Hermes face challenging moral dilemmas and dangerous encounters, making each stop a new test of character and resolve. The anime masterfully explores the complex nature of society, prompting viewers to reflect on ethics and human behavior.

"From the New World" is a captivating 25-episode dark anime series that aired between September 29, 2012, and March 23, 2013. Based on the renowned Japanese novel, this story is set in a distant future where humans have evolved extraordinary psychic abilities.

The story follows 12-year-old Saki Watanabe, who is overjoyed when she finally awakens her latent powers. Soon after, she is enrolled into the prestigious Sage Academy, where she joins her friends in what seems like an ideal society, thriving amid a seemingly perfect existence.

But lurking beneath this idyllic facade is a chilling reality. As Saki and her friends grow curious about the fate of those unable to manifest psychic abilities, they uncover disturbing secrets and face dangerous truths that threaten to unravel their entire world.

"Death Parade" is a gripping 12-episode dark anime that originally aired from January 10 to March 28, 2015. The series draws viewers into a suspenseful world where drama and profound philosophical questions come together, moving beyond traditional ideas of heaven and hell to present an unconventional vision of the afterlife.

In this distinctive realm, the destinies of the deceased are decided through high-stakes games. Participants are paired at random, forced to play anything from bowling to darts, with the outcome determining whether they will be cast into the void or given the chance at reincarnation.

The heart of the story is the enigmatic bar Quindecim, where all judgments take place. Decim, the emotionless arbiter, dutifully oversees the process. However, his unshakable beliefs are put to the test when a mysterious black-haired woman arrives, forcing Decim to confront deeply personal questions about justice, life, and the human soul.

Lain Iwakura is a quiet and introspective teenager whose world is upended after her classmate Chisa, who recently died by suicide, reaches out to her from the enigmatic digital network known as the Wired.

Haunted and intrigued, Lain is drawn ever deeper into the Wired, blurring the lines between reality and cyberspace. She becomes tangled in a complex web of distorted memories and gradually uncovers a disturbing conspiracy at the heart of this virtual world.

Guided by obscure figures and plagued by surreal glitches, Lain soon realizes she possesses mysterious abilities connected to the Wired. With reality itself unraveling, she is forced to confront a pivotal choice: merge completely with the digital realm, or break free—threatening the very fabric of both worlds.

Serial Experiments Lain immerses viewers in an atmospheric cyberpunk narrative, exploring deep questions of identity, consciousness, and human existence.

"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 compelling 23-episode dark anime series that aired between February 25 and August 12, 2006. Set in a dystopian world ravaged by ecological catastrophe, the story centers on the city of Romdo, a haven where the last remnants of humanity fight for survival against a harsh and unforgiving environment.

To prevent mankind's extinction, Romdo deploys androids called AutoReivs to assist in the planet's recovery. However, their carefully controlled existence unravels when a mysterious virus infects the AutoReivs, unlocking self-awareness and prompting profound questions about life, consciousness, and identity.

What distinguishes "Ergo Proxy" is its philosophical approach, delving deep into the concept of what it means to be human by examining the inner turmoil of both humans and artificial beings. The series invites viewers to ponder existential themes through a unique, thought-provoking lens.

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 critically acclaimed seinen dark anime that first aired between July 4, 2014, and September 19, 2014. Adapted from the bestselling supernatural horror manga of the same name, it transports viewers into a world where the city of Tokyo is haunted by sinister ghouls.

In this unsettling reality, humans constantly fear for their lives as these ghouls, capable of mimicking human appearance, blend seamlessly into society. The threat of a sudden, brutal encounter is always looming.

The story centers on Ken Kaneki, an ordinary young man whose life profoundly changes after a fateful meeting with a mysterious fellow book lover. This encounter sets him on a thrilling and harrowing journey filled with startling transformations and fierce struggles for survival.

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 gripping shoujo dark anime spanning 25 episodes, originally airing from October 4, 2006, to March 28, 2007. The story centers on a high school student who becomes entangled in mysterious and chilling paranormal investigations.

Mai Taniyama, an ordinary student with a passion for telling ghost stories, spends her free time sharing supernatural tales with her friends. Intrigued by rumors of a haunted, abandoned building near their school, they often sneak in after hours for a taste of spooky excitement.

During one of these eerie adventures, Mai encounters Shibuya Kazuya, a skilled paranormal investigator. Drawn deeper into the world of supernatural phenomena, Mai soon discovers that ghost hunting is far more perilous—and captivating—than she ever imagined.

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 gripping seinen dark anime comprised of 12 episodes that originally aired from October 11, 2009, to December 27, 2009. Rather than following a single narrative, the series adapts six iconic works of Japanese literature into animated form, each exploring different facets of darkness and the human psyche.

The stories—'Ningen Shikkaku,' 'Sakura no Mori no Mankai no Shita,' 'Kokoro,' 'Hashire, Melos!,' 'Kumo no Ito,' and 'Jigokuhen'—transport viewers through haunting tales of individuals facing the bleakest moments of their lives. This unique anthology appeals to those who crave a collection of riveting, self-contained narratives within a concise series.

With elements spanning psychological thriller and drama, Blue Literature delivers a profound and multifaceted viewing experience for fans of dark anime.

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.