Bleakest Animes
Anime
This collection approaches anime through bleak settings and difficult emotional terrain. Those qualities can come from atmosphere, conflict or a character's outlook, so they should not be treated as interchangeable. Start by identifying which kind of darkness an entry explores before deciding what you want to watch.
TV, 2013
44380968.5820130407Shingeki no Kyojin
TV, 2009
37448589.1120090405Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
TV, 1995
20703768.3719951004Shinseiki Evangelion
TV, 2017
15806508.6220170707Made in Abyss
TV, 2011
14377738.3920110107Mahou Shoujo Madoka☆Magica
TV, 2014
13029438.0820140711Zankyou no Terror
ONA, 2018
12990077.7420180105Devilman: Crybaby
TV, 2018
9805178.4520180706Banana Fish
TV, 1998
9259438.1119980706Serial Experiments Lain
TV, 2016
8984897.2920160408Koutetsujou no Kabaneri
TV, 2006
8569148.3220060710NHK ni Youkoso!
Movie, 1998
8433588.5619980228Perfect Blue
TV, 2006
8031288.5820060405Nana
TV, 1997
7855758.6119971008Kenpuu Denki Berserk
Movie, 1988
7838788.5519880416Hotaru no Haka
TV, 2006
7298697.9020060225Ergo Proxy
TV, 2025
5579248.2020250706Gachiakuta
TV, 2017
4151168.2520171006Shoujo Shuumatsu Ryokou
ONA, 2025
3588698.7420250628Takopii no Genzai
TV, 2003
2981537.7620030417Texhnolyze
TV, 2007
2052317.5920070409Bokura no
TV, 1999
1634137.5819991014Ima, Soko ni Iru Boku
TV, 2005
1290327.3020050408Speed Grapher
ONA, 2024
724917.9220240531Dead Dead Demons Dededede Destruction (ONA)
Movie, 1983
624517.7719830721Hadashi no Gen
OVA, 1994
464635.8419940524Genocyber
Discussion prompts
Illustrative comments · no registered users or live replies
Find a small routine that the larger conflict interrupts. What does it tell you about the life the character wants?
Start with a specific scene, then separate what happens from how you interpret it.
Compare the character's goal at that point with the choice they actually make.