In the world of anime, there exists a realm that is not for the faint-hearted but for the mature, the discerning, the aficionados who crave depth and complexity.
Welcome to the realm of adult anime – a genre that pushes boundaries, challenges norms, and presents narratives so powerful they’ll leave you wincing — and at the same time, utterly awestruck.
It can be uncomfortable for some, but like fine wine, adult anime is an acquired taste, savored only by those who appreciate layers of flavor.
In this article, we’ve curated the best anime for adults, stories that feature profound philosophies, psychological intricacies, and societal critiques, all wrapped up in visually stunning animation.
From the gritty streets of dystopian futures to the twisted corridors of the human mind, the variety of settings and stories in this list is vast and intense.
The 10 best anime for adults
- Chainsaw Man
- Monster
- Parasyte: The Maxim
- Psycho-Pass
- Tokyo Ghoul
- Serial Experiments Lain
- Ghost in the Shell
- Castlevania
- Ergo Proxy
- Deadman Wonderland
10. Chainsaw Man
Chainsaw Man stands as a testament to the genre’s ability to blend the macabre with the profound. Set in a world where devils run rampant and Devil Hunters like our protagonist, Denji, are tasked to keep the chaos at bay, the series offers an unflinchingly grim yet captivating narrative.
The story revolves around Denji, a young man grappling with poverty, who fuses with a canine-like devil named Pochita to become the titular Chainsaw Man. As he hunts devils for the yakuza in an effort to repay his late father’s debt, Denji is thrown into a whirlwind of betrayal, rebirth, and power struggles.
Chainsaw Man puts forward complex characters and explores their development. Protagonist Denji, robbed of a normal life, grows from a desperate devil hunter to a figure of power and resistance.
Thematically, Chainsaw Man explores the darker side of humanity, the concept of morality in a world plagued by devils, and the struggle for power and survival. It’s not an anime for the faint-hearted but one that rewards viewers with depth and complexity.
9. Monster
Monster is a psychological thriller anime series adapted from the critically acclaimed manga of the same name by Naoki Urasawa. Set against the backdrop of post-Cold War Germany, the narrative revolves around Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a highly skilled Japanese neurosurgeon, who is faced with a moral dilemma that alters his life dramatically.
The plot unfolds when Dr. Tenma chooses to save the life of a young boy over the town’s mayor. This decision triggers a chain of events where the boy, Johan, grows up to become a ruthless serial killer. The story then follows Dr. Tenma’s pursuit to stop the monster he unwittingly saved.
“Monster” is a masterclass in storytelling, offering a complex narrative that subtly explores themes such as morality, identity, and the nature of evil.
It delves into profound philosophical and psychological concepts, challenging viewers’ perspectives on morality and the human capacity for evil. It offers a haunting exploration of the consequences of one’s actions and the intricate ways in which fate intertwines lives.
8. Parasyte: The Maxim
Parasyte: The Maxim, an anime adaptation produced by Madhouse Studios, is a compelling blend of science fiction and horror that challenges the boundaries of conventional storytelling.
Set in a quiet neighborhood in Tokyo, the series follows 17-year-old Izumi Shinichi, whose life takes a dramatic turn when Earth is invaded by parasitic aliens known as Parasytes.
The plot thickens as one of these Parasytes attempts to take over Shinichi’s brain but ends up burrowed in his right arm instead. Named Migi by Shinichi, the Parasyte becomes an unlikely ally in Shinichi’s fight against other hostile Parasytes who have successfully infiltrated human hosts.
The series explores profound concepts such as the nature of humanity, co-existence, and survival. It serves as a critique of mankind’s often destructive relationship with nature, presenting the Parasytes as a metaphor for natural predators.
7. Psycho-Pass
Psycho-Pass, a Japanese cyberpunk psychological thriller anime series, is a remarkable exploration of dystopian themes and the human psyche.
The series, produced by Production I.G, takes place in a future where it’s possible to instantaneously measure and quantify a person’s mental state, personality, and the probability that they will commit crimes by scanning them, then attributing a crime coefficient. Psycho-Pass is the term used to describe this assessment.
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The plot centers around Akane Tsunemori, a new inspector at the Public Safety Bureau, who, along with her team of Enforcers, is tasked with apprehending criminals based on their Psycho-Pass readings. However, as she delves deeper, Akane begins to question the justice of the Sybil System, the supercomputer network that governs the readings of the Psycho-Pass.
Psycho-Pass captivates with its thought-provoking narrative and well-rendered characters. It tackles heavy concepts like morality, freedom, and the nature of justice. It questions the idea of peace at the cost of individuality and freedom, posing existential dilemmas that resonate with the viewer long after the series ends.
6. Tokyo Ghoul
Tokyo Ghoul is a dark fantasy anime series based on the manga written and illustrated by Sui Ishida. The series takes place in an alternate reality Tokyo, where human-eating creatures known as “ghouls” live among humans and are indistinguishable from them.
The narrative revolves around Ken Kaneki, a college student who survives a deadly encounter with Rize Kamishiro, his date who turns out to be a ghoul. Following a surgery that saves his life, Kaneki becomes a half-ghoul himself and must navigate his new life in the ghoul society, all while keeping his condition a secret from his human friends.
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The anime offers a rich tapestry of characters, each with their unique motivations and struggles. Kaneki’s transformation from a timid bookworm to a reluctant predator is both horrifying and captivating.
In terms of themes, Tokyo Ghoul explores complex issues such as identity, humanity, and the moral ambiguity of survival at any cost. It delves into the existential crises faced by characters forced to live in a world that rejects their very existence.
5. Serial Experiments Lain
Serial Experiments Lain, an avant-garde anime series directed by Ryutaro Nakamura and produced by Yasuyuki Ueda, is a poignant exploration of identity, reality, and the boundaries of human consciousness. The narrative unfolds in a seemingly normal suburban setting but is quickly revealed to be anything but ordinary.
The story centers on Lain Iwakura, a quiet and introverted middle school girl, who receives an email from her classmate Chisa Yomoda, who had recently committed suicide. The email leads Lain into the mysterious cyberspace world known as “The Wired,” where the line between the real and virtual world begins to blur.
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Thematically, the anime delves into topics like technology’s influence on identity, the nature of reality, and the human desire for connection. It offers a profound and often disquieting commentary on the potential consequences of our increasingly digital lives.
4. Ghost in the Shell
Ghost in the Shell’s narrative is set in the year 2029, in a world where cybernetic technology has become commonplace. The series follows Major Motoko Kusanagi, a cyborg public-security agent, who along with her team at Public Security Section 9, tackles various cybercrime cases and uncovers far-reaching conspiracies.
The anime stands out for its complex and multifaceted characters. Major Kusanagi, with her calm demeanor and formidable combat skills, is a compelling protagonist whose existential struggles add depth to her character.
The animation style, with its detailed cityscapes and fluid action sequences, captures the bleak yet mesmerizing aesthetic of a cyberpunk future.
The series explores the intersection of humanity and technology, probing questions about identity, consciousness, and what it means to be human in a world where the line between man and machine is increasingly blurred.
3. Castlevania
Castlevania, an American adult animated series on Netflix, is a dark, medieval fantasy anime inspired by the iconic video game series of the same name. Created and written by Warren Ellis, the show is a bold reimagining of the game’s universe and narrative.
The plot follows Trevor Belmont, the last surviving member of the disgraced Belmont clan, who fights to save a besieged city from an army of otherworldly beasts controlled by Dracula himself. The series primarily takes place in the year 1476, echoing the timeline of the “Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse” video game.
Castlevania explores the realms of morality, sacrifice, and the human condition, set against the backdrop of a grim, supernatural world. The series skillfully balances its bloody action with moments of introspection, examining the motivations and humanity of both its heroes and villains.
2. Ergo Proxy
Ergo Proxy is a Japanese cyberpunk anime television series , brought to life by the collaboration between Manglobe, director Shuko Murase, and writer Dai Sato. The series, which ran for 23 episodes, is set in the domed city of Romdo, one of the last human civilizations on Earth following a global ecological catastrophe.
The plot revolves around Re-L Mayer, an investigator who begins to probe into the mysterious cases of androids known as AutoReivs, exhibiting signs of free will and committing crimes.
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Her investigation takes her on a journey that unravels the city’s dark secrets and brings her face-to-face with the enigmatic entity known as Ergo Proxy.
The anime delves into existentialism, questioning the nature of humanity and reality in a world dominated by technology and artificial intelligence. It’s a series that requires quite a bit of brain power to understand and appreciate its empirical nature, making it stand out among other anime.
1. Deadman Wonderland
Deadman Wonderland is an anime series adapted from the manga created by Jinsei Kataoka and Kazuma Kondou. Set in a post-apocalyptic Tokyo, the story unfolds in Japan’s only privately operated prison, Deadman Wonderland, which was built on ground zero of the Great Tokyo Earthquake.
The plot follows Ganta Igarashi, a teenager who is falsely convicted for the brutal murder of his entire class. Sent to Deadman Wonderland, Ganta must navigate this ruthless place where prisoners are forced to participate in gladiatorial battles for the amusement of tourists.
His quest for survival also leads him to seek the mysterious “Red Man”, the true perpetrator of the crime he was accused of.
The anime shines in its exploration of the survival genre, presenting an innocent character thrust into a brutal environment. Ganta, with his resilience and determination, makes for a compelling protagonist.
The series delves into themes of injustice, survival, and the human will to live in the face of adversity. However, it’s worth noting that the intensity of its content might not appeal to everyone.
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