The Best Anime Featuring Dark Fantasy Themes

Dark Fantasy anime is one of the best genres in the medium, having amassed a huge fan following over time. Shows like Vinland Saga, Attack on Titan, and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood are some of the more notable examples. However, there are so many hidden gems in this genre.

Dark Fantasy anime often explores extremely dark and mature themes, typically aimed at older audiences. These shows present twisted worlds and cultivate an eerie atmosphere that can either send shivers down your spine or hook you from start to finish.

8

Vinland Saga

Release: 2019

There aren’t many shows that deserve this much love, but Vinland Saga is definitely one of them. Set in the Viking Age, the show follows the life of Thorfinn, a young man driven by revenge and an intense hatred for Askeladd, the man who killed his father.

The series delves into the profound psychological toll Thorfinn endures, which is especially evident in season two. Vinland Saga is not just strong story-wise; it also boasts an extremely mature tone, featuring frequently grotesque scenes. Overall, the animation is intense, with some of the best action sequences, alongside a surprisingly beautiful and complex relationship between Askeladd and Thorfinn.

7

Parasyte

Release: 2014

Parasyte leans more toward the horror anime genre at times, but the show’s witty nature and gripping blend of body horror and psychological tension make it a must-watch. The story primarily follows Shinichi, a teenager who becomes infected by Migi, an extraterrestrial parasite. However, the relationship between Shinichi and the parasite develops quite well over time.

Throughout the anime, Shinichi grapples with his own identity and what it truly means to be human. As new threats arise, he is forced to wrestle with his moral compass and the nature of his newfound existence.

6

Made In Abyss

Release: 2017

If you plan to watch Made in Abyss, be advised. Although the anime may appear cute with its chibi characters, it is undoubtedly one of the darkest in the dark fantasy genre. The themes are as mature as they come, and the show features some of the most horrific and grotesque scenes you can imagine in anime.

Made in Abyss creates a surreal atmosphere, following Rico, a young girl who ventures deep into the Abyss to find her mother, accompanied by a robot named Reg. The show boasts hauntingly beautiful visuals, with breathtaking animation and a palpable sense of horror that will linger long after the credits roll.

Many of the more violent scenes involve children, which may not be comfortable for all viewers.

5

The Promised Neverland

Release: 2019

The Promised Neverland is one of the best anime to have ever aired (at least, as long as you consider Season one only). Set in an orphanage, the story follows Emma, Norman, and Ray as they uncover a chilling truth: the orphanage is actually a livestock farm for demonic entities. The children must now struggle to find a way to escape their captors, all while navigating the dark secrets surrounding them.

The tension in The Promised Neverland is relentless, with its atmosphere, music, and overall tone evoking a feeling reminiscent of a Death Note world. From the start, the show hooks viewers with its sense of dread and the high stakes of the children’s survival.

4

Tokyo Ghoul

Release: 2014

Tokyo Ghoul follows the life of Ken Kaneki, a college student trying to make the best of his lonely life, until an accident forces him into surgery, turning him into a half-ghoul. Kaneki’s new identity becomes a nightmare as he struggles with an overwhelming need to consume human flesh.

The show doesn’t shy away from showing bloodshed and dark, brutal themes that can easily turn a stomach. Beyond Kaneki’s internal struggle, the series also explores the complexities of a society where ghouls try to live normal lives amidst constant conflict. Kaneki must navigate not only his transformation but also the social divide between humans and ghouls.

3

Attack On Titan

Release: 2013

Attack on Titan has become a modern classic, featuring some of the best action scenes ever aired in anime, alongside a plot with such deep twists and mysteries that it’s hard not to discuss them. The story follows Eren Yeager, who mysteriously gains the ability to transform into a titan.

With this newfound power, Eren focuses on helping humanity expand beyond the walls while battling the ever-present threat of the Titans. As the series progresses, it delves into much more complex themes, including politics, deep-rooted secrets within the Walls, and Eren’s evolving sense of justice. If you haven’t already watched Attack on Titan, we strongly suggest giving this a watch.

2

Berserk

Release: 1997

Berserk is one of those anime that, unfortunately, was never completed but has long remained a gem in the eyes of most anime fans who love the dark fantasy genre. It follows the tragic tale of Guts, a mercenary who battles against overwhelming odds, including deception, corruption, and dark magic.

At its core, Berserk is a raw and emotional show that delves into themes of scars, betrayal, and sacrifice, offering one of the most thought-provoking philosophies in anime. Its age only adds to its cult classic status, making it even more enticing for fans.

Release: 2009

It’s nearly impossible to talk about dark fantasy without acknowledging what is arguably the greatest dark fantasy show in the history of not just anime but entertainment as a whole. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood follows the deeply emotional and harrowing journey of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who set out to defy the natural order in their desperate attempt to bring their mother back from the dead, an act forbidden by alchemy’s very laws and considered taboo by even the most powerful alchemists.

What makes Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood truly unforgettable is its ability to weave together a breathtakingly intricate story that touches on themes of loss, sacrifice, redemption, and the pursuit of power.