Best Drama Anime

Summary

• Delve into the world of drama anime, filled with stories of suspense, heartbreak, mystery, and nail-biting moral dilemmas.
• From thrillers like Death Note to romances like Your Lie in April, there’s a dramatic show or film to suit your tastes.

Everyone loves a nice, lighthearted comedy or an adrenaline-pumping action show, but sometimes it’s better to have something more grounded, serious, and story-driven. Sure, anime is known for its hilariously quirky heroes and multi-episode fight scenes, but it’s also a great way to get some engaging, character-focused drama. In fact, Japan has produced some of the best dramatic animated films and series ever made.

Whether you’re craving a down-to-earth mystery, a heart-wrenching romance, or a psychological thriller, there’s an anime to suit your tastes. The following shows and movies put the drama at the forefront, delivering powerful narratives perfect for binge-watching.

8

Nana

A Slice-Of-Life About The Music Industry

Among the most grounded slice-of-life anime, Nana follows two 20-year-old roommates: one an aspiring musician and the other a hopeless romantic. Their friendship is constantly tested as they try to navigate a harsh world filled with heartbreak, career drama, cheating partners, and much more.

At its core, Nana is about how even the most unlikely friendships can help you through the often unfair trials and tribulations of adulthood. It’s a relatable story that will undoubtedly hit home for many people. Since it’s only one season long, it’s a good choice to binge-watch in under a week.

7

Psycho-Pass

A Thrilling Crime Drama

What would you do if you could predict when a crime will happen? That’s the question asked by the sci-fi thriller Psycho-Pass. The story is set in a futuristic Japan, where the police can analyze a person’s psyche and arrest them based on how likely they are to commit crimes.

Inspector Akane Tsunemori leads a team of convicted criminals called Enforcers, who hunt down potential threats as part of their sentence. The show explores the moral ambiguity of the situation while delivering fast-paced action. Give it a watch if you like cyberpunk series.

6

A Silent Voice

Get Immersed In A Moving Redemption Arc

Looking for a film instead of a series? A Silent Voice is a stunning slice-of-life story nominated for Best Movie at the 2018 Crunchyroll Anime Awards. Infamous high school bully Shoya Ishida torments a deaf transfer student named Shoko only to become a victim of bullying himself. Humbled and alone, he vows to make amends to Shoko even if it’s the last thing he does.

The film is a grounded and accurate depiction of bullying and depression. But above all else, it explores whether some people can ever be redeemed for past wrongdoings. It’s a morally complex story that tugs at the heartstrings. Make sure you’re in a good headspace before watching.

5

I Want To Eat Your Pancreas

A Heart-Wrenching Romance

Another heartwarming film, I Want to Eat Your Pancreas is more touching and beautiful than its rather odd title suggests. Based on the light novel of the same name, the plot follows an unnamed high schooler who learns his classmate, Sakura Yamauchi, is dying from a pancreatic illness. The two develop a wholesome friendship as they grapple with mortality and what it means to truly feel alive.

The story is nothing short of stunning, perfectly balancing romance, coming-of-age drama, and a bittersweet ending that will leave you in tears. It’s a bit hard to find these days, but it’s worth it if you can track down a copy.

4

Attack On Titan

Fast-Paced, Action-Packed Drama

If you’re looking for heart-pounding action, Attack on Titan is an excellent choice. The world has been conquered by colossal humanoid beasts called Titans, forcing the last remnants of humanity to construct a wall around the only remaining civilization. When the Titans finally break through, the hot-blooded Eren Yeager and his sister Mikasa must join the military’s Survey Corps to take back their home.

While there are plenty of thrilling fight scenes, the show’s biggest strengths are its character-driven story, fascinating mystery, and powerful suspense. With 94 episodes across four seasons, this show will keep you glued to the screen for a while.

3

Your Lie In April

An Iconic Love Story

Known for being a real tear-jerker, Your Lie in April is a beautiful yet bittersweet love story. 14-year-old pianist Kosei Arima loses all passion for music after his mother dies. When he meets a fellow teenage musician named Kaori, she teaches him how to use piano playing as a means of coping with grief.

What follows is an emotional journey as they rely on music and each other while struggling with mental and physical health. The down-to-earth characters and stunning animation are just some of the many elements that make it a must-watch, even if it’s difficult to walk away dry-eyed.

2

Monster

Medical Drama Meets Murder Mystery

Monster is an exhilarating tale about Dr. Kenzo Temna, who unknowingly performs life-saving surgery on a ruthless serial killer. Afterward, people around the doctor start getting murdered, and he winds up as the prime suspect. Tormented by guilt, Temna vows to catch the killer he allowed to live.

This anime has everything you’d want from a drama: a suspenseful story, complex moral dilemmas, and a phenomenal cast of three-dimensional characters. If you can stomach the show’s dark themes, it’s an easy recommendation.

1

Death Note

A Legendary Psychological Thriller

Widely considered one of the best anime ever, Death Note is a nail-biting psychological thriller everyone should watch at least once. The plot follows genius high schooler Light Yagami, who finds a notebook that will kill anyone whose name is written in it. With his new power, he strives to purge the world of evil while becoming increasingly corrupted himself.

The show is an exhilarating battle of wits between Light and the mysterious detective known as L. The story is fast-paced, the twists are shocking, and the cliffhangers will keep you saying, “Just one more episode.” Be warned that it’s hard to stop watching once you get started.

I’ve watched Death Note several times, and each rewatch is just as suspenseful and exciting as the first. I’d highly recommend giving it a try if you haven’t already.