Most people associate anime with popular battle shonen series targeted at teen audiences. But what about older anime fans who want to engage in something more mature and thought-provoking? We’ve compiled a list of some of the best dark fantasy anime aimed at adults!
Most of the series listed below are seinen anime. This means they may contain violent and disturbing themes, including gore, nudity, and other explicit content.
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The Severing Crime Edge
The Severing Crime Edge has a dark and unusual premise. It follows Kiri Haimura, a young boy with a bizarre obsession: he is fascinated by cutting hair, especially hair that has never been cut before.
He inherits a mysterious pair of scissors known as "Dansai Bunri no Crime Edge," which are rumored to be cursed and possess supernatural cutting abilities.
The anime explores themes of obsession, identity, and the consequences of wielding supernatural powers.
It combines elements of supernatural, romance, and action, offering a distinctive and somewhat macabre narrative where hair-cutting takes center stage in a world of curses and deadly battles.
ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Dept.
ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Dept. is an anime and manga series set in a fictional kingdom known as Dowa, which is divided into 13 autonomous regions.
The story follows Jean Otus, an inspector working for ACCA, a government organization that oversees and maintains peace and order in the kingdom.
The story revolves around the 99th anniversary of Dowa's unification and the growing suspicion of a coup d'état within the kingdom.
Credit: Madhouse
Jean, who is responsible for inspecting the various districts and their ACCA branches, finds himself in a web of political intrigue and conspiracy as he uncovers hidden agendas, corruption, and power struggles among the elite.
ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Dept. is known for its slow-burn narrative, intricate worldbuilding, and character-driven storytelling.
It combines elements of political drama, mystery, and slice-of-life, creating a compelling and thought-provoking narrative that keeps viewers engaged as they delve into the mysteries of the ACCA organization and the kingdom it serves.
Rage of Bahamut: Genesis
Rage of Bahamut: Genesis is set in a fantasy world filled with gods, demons, and humans. The story revolves around two unlikely heroes: Favaro Leone, a rogue bounty hunter, and Amira, a mysterious girl with a demonic tail.
The story starts when Amira unwittingly unleashes Bahamut, a fearsome and ancient dragon, from its seal.
This catastrophic event sets the stage for an epic adventure where Favaro, Amira, and other characters go on a quest to stop the impending apocalypse caused by Bahamut's release.
Rage of Bahamut: Genesis is known for its action-packed battles, colorful characters, and a plot that combines elements of fantasy, adventure, and mythology.
It offers a captivating narrative that explores the clash between the mortal and divine realms while unraveling the mysteries surrounding Bahamut's resurrection and the true nature of Amira's origins.
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Shadows House
Shadows House follows the story of Emilico, a Living Doll, as she serves her shadow master, Kate.
They live in a mansion whose shadow inhabitants resemble humans but are devoid of facial features and emotions. They also produce soot, which the Living Dolls must clean.
As the story unfolds, Emilico and Kate become entangled in a web of secrets and conspiracies in the mansion, leading to revelations about the origins and purpose of the Shadows House and its mysterious residents.
Shadows House combines elements of mystery, horror, and fantasy to create a unique and atmospheric narrative that delves into the intriguing world of living shadows and the dolls that serve them.
Drifters
Drifters follows the adventures of historical and legendary figures who are transported to a parallel world.
The story begins with Shimazu Toyohisa, a samurai from the Battle of Sekigahara, who is mortally wounded and finds himself in a strange, otherworldly corridor.
He is then transported to a world where various historical and mythical figures, known as "Drifters," are summoned to fight against a group called the "Ends."
Credit: Hoods EntertainmentDrifters explores themes of warfare, leadership, and the clash of different historical eras and ideologies.
It is a fun watch for adults who enjoy action-packed battles, witty dialogue, and the convergence of historical and fictional elements in a fantasy world as they come together to shape the course of history once again.
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Record of Ragnarok
Record of Ragnarok features an intriguing twist on the concept of Ragnarok, the apocalyptic event in Norse mythology where the world ends and is reborn.
In the anime, the gods decide to end humanity because of their corruption and sins, but a council of higher gods gives humanity a fighting chance.
They propose a tournament called "Ragnarok" where 13 mortal champions, representing humanity, face off against 13 powerful gods in one-on-one battles to determine the fate of mankind.
The series explores themes of human resilience, determination, and the value of life while delving into the backstories and motivations of both gods and humans.
The battles are intense, often involving over-the-top displays of power and strategy.
Record of Ragnarok is known for its epic battles, character development, and the clash of mythology and history, offering a thrilling and thought-provoking narrative where the fate of humanity hangs in the balance.
Tokyo Ghoul
It might be known for its iconic opening song, but Tokyo Ghoul is a must-watch for any fan, especially young adults! It is perfect for those who crave the thrill of battle shonen but with a darker and more mature tone.
Tokyo Ghoul is set in a world where flesh-eating ghouls secretly coexist with humans.
The story centers on Kaneki Ken, an ordinary college student who, after a chance encounter with a beautiful girl named Rize Kamishiro, is transformed into a half-ghoul after a ghoul attack leaves him critically injured.
As a half-ghoul, Kaneki struggles to come to terms with his new identity and insatiable hunger for human flesh.
Tokyo Ghoul delves into themes of identity, morality, and the blurred lines between humans and monsters.
It explores the personal struggles of its characters as they grapple with their nature and the conflicts between the two worlds they inhabit.
The series is known for its graphic violence, complex characters, and intense action sequences.
Dorohedoro
Dorohedoro is a dark series set in a gritty, post-apocalyptic world.
The story revolves around the main character, Caiman, a man with a lizard head and no memory of his past. He strives to discover his identity and the sorcerer who transformed him into a bizarre creature.
The story also follows parallel narratives, delving into the lives and backgrounds of various sorcerers and their interactions with the denizens of the Hole, a chaotic place where Caiman and Nikaido, his female companion, live.
Credit: MAPPAAdults will enjoy Dorohedoro for its dark humor, unique art style, and complex characters. It explores themes of identity, morality, and the consequences of wielding power.
The series is a blend of horror, action, and mystery, making it a distinctive and engaging experience for viewers, especially adults.
Claymore
Technically, Claymore is a shonen series, so its target audience is teenage viewers. But its story is so deep and compelling that even adults are sure to appreciate it.
Claymore is regarded as one of the most intelligent anime for a reason.
It follows the story of a group of warrior women known as Claymores who are half-human, half-demon hybrids. These Claymores hunt down and exterminate powerful monsters called Yoma, which threaten humanity.
The main protagonist, Clare, is a young Claymore with a tragic past who seeks revenge against the Yoma responsible for her traumatic experiences.
The series explores themes of identity, revenge, and the moral complexities of fighting against one's own kind.
It is known for its dark and violent tone, complex characters, and intricate world-building.
Clare's quest for answers and her struggle to retain her humanity in the face of her supernatural nature is at the heart of the story.
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Berserk
At the top of this list is none other than Berserk! If you ask anime fans what their favorite seinen work is, chances are that they’ll mention this series.
Berserk is a dark fantasy series that follows the tumultuous life of Guts, a mercenary with a tragic past.
The story is set in a brutal and medieval-inspired world filled with demons, corrupt knights, and supernatural forces.
Berserk is known for its intense and graphic themes, including violence, trauma, and the human psyche. It explores complex characters, moral dilemmas, and the consequences of ambition and power.
The series also delves into Guts' personal journey of self-discovery and healing as he battles against powerful enemies in a world full of darkness and despair.
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