adminThe world of anime is deeply fascinating, featuring a whole library of series and films that will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions. However, sometimes this entertainment art form tends to deviate from the traditional works and evoke much darker and unsettling emotions.
Some series, like Attack on Titan, Tokyo Ghoul, and The Promised Neverland, among others, strive to create a perfect balance of different themes. However, there are some shows that push the boundaries of storytelling, incorporating a disturbing undertone to keep things interesting.
If you are tired of streaming the same old shows every weekend, here’s a list of six dark genre anime series that you can binge-watch.
6. Berserk
Guts | Credit: GEMBA
A harrowing, dark, and gritty world filled with monsters, Kentaro Miura’s Berserk is the leading name when it comes to dark fantasy shows. Interestingly enough, the paranormal creatures are pale in comparison to what awaits in the series. At the core of the show lies Guts, our protagonist, a mercenary traveling the haunted lands in search of revenge and finding purpose in his life.
The pivotal moment in Berserk comes when Guts is betrayed by Griffith, his closest companion, leaving him and the viewers devastated. The show is epic in its own right, featuring several arcs that sometimes could be too much to take in, even for the most ardent fans of the title.
Berserk (2016) can currently be streamed on Crunchyroll.
5. Dandadan
Okarun and Jiji | Credit: Science SARU
When Dandadan came out in 2021, it took the Otaku community by storm, simply by deviating from what popular Shonen shows have been doing. Yukinobu Tatsu’s genius was evident as he featured Momo Ayase and Okarun in an unlikely friendship, featuring them in bizarre situations that will leave you laughing on the floor.
While some may ask, how did this show make it to the list? The answer is simple: Tatsu-Sensei has pushed the narrative of the show, featuring aliens, ghosts, monsters, occults, and more. Surprisingly, each of them doesn’t overpower the other, all while featuring raunchy scenes that sometimes make it equally disturbing to watch.
However, fans have been enjoying the show, making the series more popular than ever, surpassing a mainstream show like WWE. Thus, it establishes itself as a show that dares to be different from other dark fantasy shows.
Dandadan can currently be streamed on Crunchyroll.
4. Mirai Nikki
Yuno Gasai | Credit: Asread
Mirai Nikki, or Future Diary, is one of the most disturbing battle royale series, featuring 12 different individuals who try to kill each other to become the new God of Time. The show starts off slow, but once it picks up the pace, it gets you hooked, featuring a game of cat and mouse, where Yuki, our protagonist, tries his best to survive.
The show goes all out with the action and the gore that tags along with it, making it perfect to binge-watch. But more importantly, it features the deconstructing nature of power and how far each individual will go to achieve it.
Mirai Nikki can currently be streamed on Crunchyroll.
3. Chainsaw Man
Denji and Power | Credit: Studio MAPPA
Tatsuki Fujimoto’s Chainsaw Man set the internet ablaze with its loud storytelling and how it can be unapologetically hilarious to watch. The idea of mixing action and comedy without either theme overpowering the other was an outstanding idea, creating some lighthearted moments.
This does not deny the fact that the series can get incredibly dark to watch. The mangaka would leave us traumatized, killing our favorite characters and showing how the weight of their decisions affects the people around them. The title will be featuring similar themes in its movie, Chainsaw Man: The Reze Arc, and fans are already enjoying it.
Chainsaw Man can currently be streamed on Crunchyroll. Meanwhile, Chainsaw Man: The Reze Arc will premiere in theaters on October 24, 2025, in the US.
2. Goblin Slayer
A still from Goblin Slayer | Credit: White Fox
Goblin Slayer is based on the Light Novel Series of the same name by Kumo Kagyu and Noboru Kannatsuki. It is one of those extraordinary shows that has scarred viewers right from the very first episode. The first episode has an IMDb rating of 7.9/10, and did not shy away from showcasing its true self and how harrowing its world can be.
Unlike other entries on the list, Goblin Slayer redefines action and a dark storyline that puts a mental toll on its viewers, who are brave enough to complete the show.
Goblin Slayer can currently be streamed on Crunchyroll.
1. Jujutsu Kaisen
Itadori Yuji | Credit: Studio MAPPA
Studio MAPPA’s magnum opus, Jujutsu Kaisen, is the most disturbing anime series brought to life by its author, Gege Akutami. When watching the premiere season of the show, one would not anticipate that they are in for a lifetime of trauma. However, they will be left emotionally numb in the Shibuya Arc, witnessing some of their favorite characters being killed.
As if that was not enough, in the manga, Akutami-sensei has continued his trend of killing characters like Gojo Satoru, Tsumiki Fushiguro, Yuki Tsukumo, and more. The show is returning with Season 3, and more action is set to take place as the Culling Games arc is going to commence.
Jujutsu Kaisen can currently be streamed on Crunchyroll.
Anime NameAnimation StudioIMDb RatingJujutsu KaisenMAPPA8.5/10Goblin SlayerWhite Fox7.3/10Chainsaw ManMAPPA8.3/10Mirai NikkiAsread7.4/10DandadanScience SARU8.3/10BerserkOriental Light and Magic (OLM) (1997-1998)Liden Studios (2016)8.7/10 (1997-1998)6.7/10 (2016)
The limited entries in the list prevent us from adding more titles like Monster, Paranoia Agent, Made in Abyss, Serial Experiments Lain, and many more. Hence, if you have managed to watch our six recommendations from the list, then you can watch these, which are equally harrowing to watch.
With so many interesting titles featured in the list, which one are you going to stream first? Let us know in the comments below!
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire