12 Dark Anime Series to Feed Your Morbid Curiosity

Where to stream: Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu

In this hit anime adaptation of a popular manga series, a Tokyo college student stumbles upon a notebook that lets him kill anyone by writing their name in it. The dark story of "Death Note" explores morality, power and obsession.

Many fans find that the psychological tension is so thick you could cut it with a scythe. It paved the way for many anime fans to explore darker genres, and its urban legend vibe still resonates today.

Where to stream: Apple TV

This surreal anime from the late 90s follows a withdrawn girl named Lain who becomes entangled in an interconnected virtual realm called The Wired. What starts with a bizarre internet video shared among classmates transforms into an intense philosophical exploration of identity and existence.

It's a dark anime series that blurs the lines between sci-fi and psychological horror, and is noted by fans and critics for its creative, sometimes avant-garde imagery, which furthers the mood of creeping doom.

Where to stream: Hulu, Crunchyroll

A young man becomes a half-ghoul after a fateful encounter and is suddenly forced to eat human flesh to survive. "Tokyo Ghoul" is dripping with graphic violence and features a tortured soul caught between two worlds.

It masterfully portrays what it means to straddle humanity and monstrosity. The main character's journey through a dark world filled with death and moral decay pulls at the very threads of what it means to have a soul.

Where to stream: Prime Video

This series is infamous for its extreme violence, psychological trauma and intense action. It centers on a young girl who escapes a mysterious prison, unleashing a wave of horror. The show dives into themes of abuse, revenge and emotional isolation, making it one of the darkest entries in anime history.

Where to stream: Crunchyroll

A medieval fantasy world where menacing lurks in every shadow, "Berserk" follows a wandering mercenary named Guts through gruesome battles and twisted destinies.

Adapted from the "Golden Age Arc" of the original manga, this dark anime delves into betrayal, tortured friendships and the dark side of ambition.

With themes ranging from degenerate war to the cursed burden of destiny, "Berserk" is a classic that continues to win new fans today (many prefer the earlier version, from 1997).

Where to stream: Hulu, HiDive

This dark anime series features characters who naturally attract ghosts and chronicles their quest to overcome these spirits, as well as conquer their fears of the supernatural. Keitarou and Yayoi, with their ghostly curse, are the core of the story, although other paranormal-inclined characters also play a role.

With creepy and compelling animation — and inspired by Japanese ghost stories — "Dark Gathering" depicts an alternate realm where the villain ghosts grow in strength, drawing the characters into an existential battle with powerful occult forces.

Where to stream: Crunchyroll

After a terrorist attack decimates his entire class, a young boy is framed and sent to a sinister amusement-park-turned-prison. Inside, he discovers he has a unique power and becomes entangled in a battle for survival.

"Deadman Wonderland" is equal parts psychological thriller and blood-soaked action, with a main genre that blends sci-fi horror and revenge fantasy.

Where to stream: Hulu, HiDive

This seemingly innocent tale of kid protagonists living in an orphanage takes a turn into nightmare territory when they discover the truth behind their "adoptions." What follows is a battle of wits and wills, as these clever children try to escape a dark fate.

The mix of dark fantasy and suspense creates a chilling atmosphere that leaves viewers questioning everything.

Where to stream: Crunchyroll, HiDive

The full title of this dark anime is "Rainbow: The Seven From Block 2, Cell 6," which gives you a hint of the kind of show this is.

"Rainbow" follows the tribulations of seven teenagers locked in prison in 1950s Japan. Coming from the underclass, these unfortunate young men must learn to survive in the harsh, desperate world of the prison.

The show will also appeal to those with historical interest, as it deals with the issues facing Japanese society after the Second World War.

Where to stream: Crunchyroll, Apple TV

Set in an alternative reality, "Terror in Resonance" is a chilling dystopian saga. When two mysterious children form Sphinx, a terrorist entity, they threaten Tokyo with nuclear annihilation. As the story progresses, the characters' origin is revealed.

"Terror in Resonance" tells a dark story about collective trauma and the double-sided blade of modern technology.

Where to stream: Not currently available to stream. Check your local library!

"Blue Literature Series," as its title translates to in English, is a dark anime series with a literary pedigree. The 12 episode run is short by anime standards, but it makes up for its brevity with quality stories and creative execution.

Adapted from six classic stories of Japanese literature, "Aoi Bungaku" has thrills and chills aplenty — but also serious thematic heft. A fascinating view into Japanese culture, the episodes range in subject matter but are united by their serious intentions.

Where to stream: Netflix

This dark anime is an update of a 1970s classic manga about a sensitive demon boy who just might save humanity from a descent into hell. In a desperate move, Akira is persuaded by his mysterious friend Ryo to merge with a demon, and after he does so, acquires demonic powers while retaining his human soul.

"Devilman Crybaby" gets progressively darker and more nihilistic as the series progresses, exploring themes of bigotry and human sexuality as well as the classic conundrums of suffering and evil.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.