Discover the Darkest Seinen Anime Series of All Time
Seinen anime targets a young adult audience, but that doesn’t mean their stories lack shadows and dark themes. Anime fans have the opportunity to watch several thought-provoking and bizarre seinen anime series that introduce them to some of the most despicable and terrifying characters in the anime world. While some anime stands between shounen and seinen, pure seinen anime possess a different level of violence and darkness than shounen. The best seinen anime series offer great characters, unique storylines, and impressive art styles. However, only a few of them have bleak and tragic tales like some of the iconic anime that are widely known. While anime lovers can explore blood-soaked and gory seinen anime, they can also watch psycho-thrillers that unravel the darkest aspects of human nature and the horrifying viewpoints of serial killers and cruel psychopaths. Here are the darkest seinen anime series of all time, based on recommendations from Game Rant.
1. Made in Abyss
While Made in Abyss features an engaging art style and adorable characters, it is one of the saddest and darkest seinen anime series. This complex anime successfully immerses viewers into a terrifying world, introducing them to the horrifying layers within the Abyss. Fans can follow the scary adventures of a little girl named Riko, who journey with her robot friend, Reg, to find her mother. As they descend deeper into the Abyss, they encounter new, frightening, and heart-wrenching events. Made in Abyss can be streamed on Bstation and Netflix.
2. Hellsing Ultimate
Hellsing Ultimate is one of the bloodiest vampire anime series, featuring plenty of dark and gory scenes. The anime is filled with graphic gore and violence in each episode. The series follows the story of vampires Alucard and Seras, who defend the British Kingdom against dangerous supernatural creatures. Throughout their journey, they face numerous terrifying foes, including an evil vampire army led by the SS Major, who plans to start an eternal war. Fans looking for a dark seinen anime with thrilling, brutal, and gory action scenes can try Hellsing Ultimate, available on Netflix.
3. Erased
Erased is one of the most iconic psychological time-travel anime series, featuring shocking twists and heart-wrenching dark stories. The series also smartly crafts the characters and has a unique structure that keeps viewers surprised with new developments, making it enjoyable from beginning to end. The story follows Satoru, a manga artist trying to use his time-traveling abilities to go back in time and stop a horrifying tragedy filled with twists. However, as he comes close to solving the mystery of his friend’s disappearance, he accidentally discovers a disturbing, dark secret. Erased can be watched on Netflix.
4. Tokyo Ghoul
Tokyo Ghoul is one of the darkest anime series, balancing action and gore perfectly. Fans can explore the exhilarating story while following the adventures of Ken Kaneki, a college student who transforms into a half-ghoul after an accident. Ken must flee after the accident and delve deeper into the brutal, captivating world of ghouls in Tokyo while doing his best to protect others. Although it lies under the dark fantasy seinen anime category, the series features the most gruesome and gory deaths with horrifying human-eating ghouls. Tokyo Ghoul can be streamed on Bstation and Netflix.
5. Psycho-Pass
Psycho-Pass, with its dark and thought-provoking story, is an ideal choice for anime sci-fi fans who take pleasure in psychological narratives with horrifying deaths. This gritty seinen anime introduces viewers to a futuristic world, following the adventures of inspector Akane Tsunemori. The story takes place in a futuristic Japan where Akane follows the rules and commands of the Sibyl System. Things go smoothly until she realizes that criminals can escape this theoretically perfect system. Thanks to the Sibyl System, anime fans can enjoy a unique adventure and explore stories about serial killers and the police trying to catch them from different perspectives. Psycho-Pass can be watched on Netflix and Bstation.
6. Berserk
Berserk is an intense and dark anime that contains graphic violence and unbearable brutality. The series takes place in a Medieval-inspired world, where a lone mercenary named Guts must fight his way through countless horrors and unimaginable evil. The complex story, excellent characterization, and immense attention to detail make this anime a masterpiece in the seinen genre. The series explores the darkest aspects of war, betrayal, and the human psyche, while remaining unflinching in its portrayal of cruelty and bloodshed. Berserk can be watched on various streaming platforms like Crunchyroll and Funimation.
7. Parasyte: The Maxim
Parasyte: The Maxim is a gripping and disturbing anime that blends horror, science fiction, and psychological thriller elements. The show tells the story of Shinichi Izumi, a high school student who becomes infected with a parasite that has taken over his hand, giving him incredible powers. As he deals with the struggles of maintaining his humanity and fighting off other parasitic creatures, the show delves into existential questions and the nature of human aggression. With its dark themes, intense action sequences, and unpredictable story, Parasyte: The Maxim is a perfect seinen anime for fans searching for a unique and captivating experience. The series is available to watch on Netflix and Hulu.
In conclusion, these are some of the best seinen anime series that explore the darkest realms of storytelling. Captivating and thought-provoking, these shows will undoubtedly pique the interest of fans who appreciate a more mature and deep narrative in their anime.
