Prepare to delve into the shadowy depths of the anime world. This list explores the darkest anime series of all time that have ever graced our screens. From mind-bending psychological thrillers to heart-wrenching tragedies, these anime push the boundaries of storytelling and leave an indelible mark on the viewer’s psyche.
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1. Nier: Automata Ver 1.1a
Nier: Automata Ver 1.1a is an outstanding anime adaptation of the Nier: Automata video game, much like Neon Genesis Evangelion, delving into themes of identity, purpose, and fate—three concepts rarely explored in lighter anime series. The events of Nier: Automata are devastating, with few characters surviving and some endings leaving no survivors at all. The main characters, 2B, 9S, and A2, are mere pawns in a grand game, only realizing their true roles far too late.
2B is tragically assigned the task of killing 9S whenever he gets close to uncovering the truth, forcing her to take her lover’s life over 40 times. This repeated trauma causes 9S to suffer mental breakdowns repeatedly. While the series’ final ending does revive the main cast, it comes at an enormous cost: they have no friends left, humanity has long vanished, and they bear the responsibility of potentially rebuilding Earth.
2. Chainsaw Man
Chainsaw Man stands out as one of the darkest anime series of all time that masterfully blends dark themes with humor. The dynamic between Power and Denji is among the most entertaining in anime; however, the grim reality of their environment is starkly contrasting. The inaugural season of Chainsaw Man is marked by an alarming number of character fatalities, creating a sense that the narrative is toying with its audience. Few series of its magnitude are as audacious in eliminating significant characters within such a brief period.
In addition to the numerous character deaths, the universe of Chainsaw Man is inherently bleak. It is dominated by Devils and individuals who exploit their powers for malevolent purposes. For the limited number of characters striving to combat this malevolence, their survival is precarious. They are consistently outmatched, outgunned, and face betrayal more often than they can bear.
3. Neon Genesis Evangelion
Neon Genesis Evangelion isn’t just one of the darkest anime series of all time—it’s a cornerstone of modern anime. This thought-provoking and often disturbing series delves deep into questions of identity, purpose, and the meaning of life itself. It portrays some of the most tragic mass destruction events in anime, decimating nearly the entire Earth’s population on multiple occasions. Saying it’s tough to live in the world of Neon Genesis would be a massive understatement.
The main character, Shinji Ikari, has endured a difficult life. His mother passed away when he was young, and after her death, his father, Gendo Ikari, completely abandoned him. Gendo only called Shinji back when he needed to use him for his own ends. If that wasn’t bad enough, Gendo’s ultimate plan involved using Shinji to end all life on Earth in a cataclysmic event, just to reunite with his deceased wife. As the series progresses, it only delves deeper into darkness, offering little to no hope throughout.
4. Overlord
Overlord presents a captivating narrative within the dark anime genre, particularly as it pertains to its main character, Ainz Ooal Gown. Although he finds himself ensnared within the confines of the video game Yggdrasil, his status is more akin to that of a deity than an ordinary character. Ainz stands out as one of the most formidable protagonists in the isekai genre, and he takes great pleasure in demonstrating his immense power. In this new realm, Ainz experiences a profound sense of isolation, as he has yet to encounter any other beings who are not non-playable characters (NPCs). To his knowledge, he remains the sole real individual trapped within the game. Despite the solitude that characterizes his existence, he is determined to pursue further adventures.
5. The Saga of Tanya the Evil
The Saga of Tanya the Evil is one of the darkest anime series of all time. It follows a salaryman who a disgruntled coworker murders. As he heads to the afterlife, he denounces Being X, the supposed metaphysical God of his universe. Frustrated and intrigued by the salaryman’s defiance, Being X reincarnates him into the body of a small girl named Tanya von Degurechaff. Despite her new form, Tanya retains her ruthless mindset from her previous life and is determined to continue defying her ‘creator’.
Tanya is a fierce warrior, a one-person army eager to annihilate her enemies. Being X continually opposes her, empowering her adversaries to catch her off guard. The Saga of Tanya the Evil unfolds in a world where gods not only exist but actively work against the protagonist.
6. Dororo
Dororo stands as one of the darkest anime series of all time, crafted by the renowned ‘God of Manga,’ Osamu Tezuka. The series is characterized by its profoundly dark themes. The central character, Dororo, is a thief who encounters the other main protagonist, Hyakkimaru. Hyakkimaru was born devoid of eyes, ears, limbs, and even internal organs, compelling him to endure a life filled with immense suffering. His numerous afflictions stem from a pact made by his father, the governor of the region, with various demons, who demanded the sacrifice of his son in exchange for significant power.
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