The second film was an adaptation from another novel in his series and released in 2000. This anime comes in only two versions, a film based on the first novel of Hideyuki Kikuchi's series, was created in 1986. What would this list be without vampires? Specifically, Vampire Hunter D. Vampire Hunter D 2000 MAL Rated 7.95 Ranked #596 | Aired Aug| Produced by Madhouse Add in a drizzle of supernatural elements with the incorporation of shinigami, and it's an enjoyable show that leaves the watcher in suspense. It is a high-stakes battle of cunning and intelligence with all of humanity as the prize. Following the murderous rampage of self-proclaimed God, Kira, a manhunt begins led by the detective L. Like Monster, Death Note has become iconic in the anime world, and is another must-list for dark anime. If that's not dark, I don't know what is!ĭeath Note MAL Rated 8.75 Ranked #32 | Aired Oct. It's tragic, with themes of alcohol abuse and mental illness, and unnerving with the life it breathes into the little humanoid monsters which personify the main character's fears and self-image. Ningen Shikkaku tells his tale in a most despairing manner, and leaves a crawling, off-kilter feeling at the end. He thinks he is a failure at being human, hence the title, 'No Longer Human'. He is an individual ridden with depression and a bit of narcissism and finds it difficult, if not impossible, to relate to other humans at all. This brief animation follows the crumbling life of an alienated high school student through adulthood, and eventually his death. 27, 2009 | Produced by MadhouseĪnimated after the classic literature novel by Osamu Dazai, Ningen Shikkaku is one of several stories in the Aoi Bungaku Series. The plot line is deep, unfolds in a well-paced, and for the first-time watcher, has a shocking turn of events.Īoi Bungaku: Ningen Shikkaku (Blue Literature: No Longer Human) MAL Rated 7.96 Ranked #566 | Aired Oct. With the suspenseful edge of the best type of suspense thriller, Monster is a must-list when discussing dark anime. This anime follows a stark, true characterization of an intelligent psychopath in Post WWII Germany. Monster follows the perspective of up-and-coming surgeon Kenzo Tenma as he hunts down the "ghost" responsible for inexplicable murders. Monster MAL Rated 8.75 Ranked #33 | Aired Apr. From psychological thrillers to dystopian societies with subtle, twisted elements that give these shows a morbid, bleak or downright twisted atmosphere. We're regularly updating this list to make sure it includes the latest masterpieces alongside the all-time classics.Dark Anime is more than just blood, guts and monsters, so let's take a look at some of the best dark anime out there. When they're so good that you simply need to know about them, they will appear right here. Updated on July 23: New anime films get released all the time. Whether you're a newbie looking for your perfect entry into anime, or an aficionado on a mission to see every unmissable anime film ever made, we've got you covered. The anime industry is bigger than ever nowadays, and, with the rise of streaming services, fans have never been more stuck for choice. The medium grew steadily in the decades that followed (experiencing a boom during World War II, when the Japanese government used anime for propaganda purposes) and would come to be recognized as part of the country's cultural identity, both at home and in the West. The history of Japan's lucrative animation industry can be traced back to the early 20th century, when a five-minute, chalk-drawn film was created by Shimokawa Oten. With so much to choose from across a myriad of different genres, the wonderful world of anime can sometimes seem a little inaccessible to newcomers.