Anime and Manga have a large variety of genres available. These include comedy, action, shounen, and tragedies. In the case of tragedies, the majority of them are dark and graphic. Dark anime can mean many different things.
For some, it’s just gore, blood, guts, and overly explicit scenes. For others, it can be psychologically traumatizing, a show which makes them think deeply. So from a show about the afterlife to a series where the protagonist’s main goal is to touch some ‘boobs,’ here are 10 dark and tragic Anime and Manga that you need to check out in 2021.
10 Most Dark Anime Series Not In Particular Order
Death Parade
Image: Netflix
Death Parade is one of the few anime which isn’t based on a particular manga. This unique anime-only show takes a unique approach to the afterlife. If you ever imagined what happens to two people who died at the same time, then this is the show to watch. In Queen Decim, you will play a game, a game of death. A method to decide who will go to heaven or hell. This psychological thriller, which is only 12 episodes, is a must-watch.
Genre – Game Show, Thriller, Thought-provoking.
Also Read: 10 Best Anime Like Hunter x Hunter, Top 10 Episodes Of The Series
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Image: Netflix
Although this anime is around 20 years old, it is still considered a Japanese classic. The story takes place in a dystopian society in the year 2015. The world’s fate rests in the hands of a particular agency, “Nerv,” whose mission is to battle the extraterrestrial beings called “Angels.” As this thriller unfolds, the viewers understand the secrets behind the big picture. If you are watching this show, I recommend not watching it in a go… for your mental sanity.
Genre – Mecha, Psychological, Sci-Fi, Dementia
Tokyo Ghoul
Ken Kaneki
The world is inhibited by both man and ghoul, a creature similar to a human but can only eat human flesh and meat. Although an anime exists for this series, I would personally recommend the Manga. The series by Sui Ishida explores racism, prejudice, and questionable actions and morals. The protagonist’s actions and self-reflections make the readers question the reality of life and their presence in this damned world. Both the series Tokyo Ghoul and Tokyo Ghoul: re are a must-read for all otakus.
Genre – Supernatural, Mystery, Dementia, Psychological
Chainsaw Man
Denji’s life was what can be described as living hell. His father committed suicide when Denji was very young. Denji was left with his father’s debt and became a devil slayer to pay off the debt to the yakuza. Denji sold his eye, his testicles and lived off only flour and water for a good time in his life. His death and fusion with his devil pet Pochita allowed Denji to live a better life. However, this life wasn’t a better one, and Denji was not in control of it. This Shounen Jump manga, whose anime will soon be released, is a New Gen banger. If you want to read a comedic yet dark manga, then Chainsaw Man is for you.
Genre – Shounen, Supernatural, Adventure
Killing Stalking
A young, broken, and abused human being whose mental instability and loneliness and have led him to an unhealthy manner of releasing his emotions. Yoon Bum finds solace and peace when he falls in love with his handsome classmate Sangwoo. His unreciprocated love turns into an obsession, causing him to start stalking this boy. However, is Sangwoo an innocent handsome boy, or are there things that no one knows about? A plot revolving around the main character who is stuck in a world of physical mutilations, toxic dependence, and mentally traumatizing issues is one of the darkest and tragic series one would ever come across.
Genre – Horror, Drama, Psychological
Hellsing Ultimate
Image: Netflix
In a world where vampires exist, Hellsing is a secret British agency whose mission is to fight this race of demons and protect the unaware populace. Hellsing Ultimate is a show filled with blood, guts, and gore. This graphic series is entwined with a psychologically traumatizing plot. This bloody war between vampires and humans is the essence of the show. This is a must-watch show if you love gore and supernatural beings.
Genre – Horror, Supernatural, Action, Seinen
Beserk
Here is another series where the Manga is ten times better than any anime adaptation. A story of vengeance, trauma, and blood, lots and lots of blood has beautifully been presented through the art and the storyline. The story follows the protagonist named Guts, who is out for revenge. He faces betrayal, people break his trust, and they quite literally backstab him. The Beserk series is widely recognized as the best manga series ever to exist, and it has never failed to disappoint its fans. The Manga is still ongoing, and with over 300+ chapters already released, it is the perfect opportunity for many to catch up with this mentally traumatizing plot.
Genre – Action, Adventure, Supernatural, Seinen, Horror
Death Note
Image: Netflix
Light aims to create a utopia free of criminals and villains; however, he needs to become the very thing he could eliminate. Using a book to kill anyone and every one, this thought-provoking and mind-boggling anime is a thriller. The intense rivalry between two brilliant characters makes Death Note one of the best animes ever to exist.
Genre – Supernatural, Police, Thriller, Mystery
Psycho-Pass
In the distant future, it is possible to quantify people’s thoughts, feelings, and emotions. The very same method is used to quantify people’s likelihood and tendency to become a criminal. The story follows a pair of policemen and their mission to maintain peace and order.
Genre – Sci-Fi, Action, Police
Elfen Lied
In a world where species exist that are more evolved than human beings. These beings have the power of telekinesis, and hence they are locked up by humanity. However, one of them escapes, and she enters the human world without her memories. This anime follows the story of this Diclonii and her life in an unfamiliar world.
Genre – Horror, Supernatural, Romance, Drama
End Of The Story
None of these series have been ranked based on any criteria. This is just a list of highly dark anime which should be watched. Most of them have highly messed up endings and would leave you thinking for days in the end. Try not to watch or read multiple of them back to back. I hope the article has given you Otakus a list of fantastic anime and Manga to watch and read in 2021.