Shounen anime is typically aimed at teenage audiences who are a little older. As they are targeted towards a younger audience, it is expected that these shows are family-friendly. However, some shounen anime can be too dark for young adults. These shows feature violent scenes, gory content, and heavy themes. Furthermore, these dark shounen anime are quite different from the standard shounen anime, which is known for its comedic elements. Below are the top 5 dark shounen anime that you need to watch right now.
1. Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan, created by Hajime Isayama, is notorious for its gruesome and sadistic storytelling. The show begins with the protagonist, Eren Jaeger, witnessing the destruction of his village by Titans. Furthermore, Eren’s mother is killed and eaten by these humanoid creatures in front of him.
As the story progresses, the content becomes darker and more morose with each episode. The show also reveals the origin of the Titans that attack the humans. In addition, the series sheds light on the political conflicts and racial discrimination that cause turmoil in the anime’s universe.
2. The Promised Neverland
The Promised Neverland, available on Crunchyroll, takes place in Gracefield Orphanage. The story follows Emma and her friends, who learn that the orphanage is not what it seems. The children are ultimately being raised as food for demonic creatures that eat humans.
Furthermore, Emma and her friends try to escape, only to find out that the outside world is even more terrifying. This show personifies how a seemingly happy and benevolent environment can turn out to be the complete opposite.
3. Chainsaw Man
Chainsaw Man is a surprising addition to this list, as it is a shounen anime that is very dark. From the very beginning, the show presents scenes of humans being cut in half, brutal murders, and objects that are discarded like trash.
Despite its heavy themes and gruesome content, Chainsaw Man has a vast following. The story follows high school student, Denji, and his contract with Pochita, a Chainsaw Devil. The anime is a horror-action anime that is worth watching for those who are looking for something different.
4. Death Note
Death Note, available on Crunchyroll, follows the story of Light Yagami, who is given a supernatural notebook that can kill anyone whose name is written inside it. Light’s ambition is to rid the world of criminals and become a god-like figure.
However, Death Note also presents the consequences of power and how individuals can become corrupt. It also explores the theme of justice, questioning if an act of “good” justifies the taking of a human life, and if humans have the right or responsibility to determine who lives or dies.
5. Deadman Wonderland
Deadman Wonderland, available on IMDb, is a dark shounen anime that follows the story of Ganta Igarashi. Ganta is falsely accused of a crime and is sentenced to a prison that doubles as a theme park. While there, he discovers a supernatural power that allows him to fight his way out of deadly games while trying to clear his name.
In conclusion, these top 5 dark shounen anime offer a dark and disturbing storyline that delves deeply into issues related to life, death, morality, and justice. These shows do have elements of violence, gore, and disturbing themes. Nonetheless, they offer a unique and powerful viewing experience that you should not miss.
