Anime isn't just flashy fights and vibrant characters. There's a wide range of shows out there that really make viewers think. These anime dive into what makes humans tick, challenge the age-old good vs. Evil story, and even take fans on some pretty dark journeys.
Some of these anime pull back the curtain on what's going on in villains' minds, showing viewers their dreams, fears, and why they do the things they do. While most of these characters are twisted, they're also fascinating and multi-layered, which makes the whole experience unforgettable. So, for anyone looking to get more than just entertainment from anime, these are the gems worth diving into.
7 Code Geass
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Japanese Title |
Kōdo Giasu: Hangyaku no Rurūshu |
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Studio |
Sunrise |
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Where to Stream |
Netflix, Funimation |
Code Geass transports anime fans into a world dominated by the Holy Britannian Empire, Japan (now known as Area 11), and introduces them to one of the anime world's most celebrated anti-heroes Lelouch Lamperouge. He is an exiled prince who stumbled upon the Geass and decided to use its mysterious powers to achieve his goals and lead the rebellion to victory.
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However, Code Geass isn't just a tale of conquest and rebellion; it's a deep dive into the intricacies of Lelouch's character. Armed with the Geass, some of Lelouch's best decisions come to the forefront, forcing viewers to grapple with the moral implications behind them. As the series unfolds, viewers witness the delicate balance between Lelouch's strategic genius and the ethical dilemmas accompanying his choices. It's an exploration of how even the best decisions can be questioned when power and ambition take the lead.
6 Berserk
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Japanese Title |
Beruseruku |
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Studio |
OLM, Inc. |
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Where to Stream |
Crunchyroll, Funimation |
As fans step into the world of Berserk, they're immersed in a war-torn realm where supernatural dangers lurk around every corner. Viewers' guide through this bleak landscape is Guts, a mercenary with a heart heavy with past burdens. He's famously one of anime's most morally ambiguous anime protagonists, with a fascinating journey that is both external and internal.
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Guts isn't just another warrior with a massive sword; he's a symbol of the ever-blurring line between right and wrong. The beauty of Berserk lies in its layers. With every challenge Guts faces, viewers are compelled to confront their own perceptions of morality. In this tumultuous world, one thing becomes clear. The path of a morally ambiguous hero is never straightforward, and watching Guts navigate it is nothing short of captivating.
5 ID: INVADED
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Japanese Title |
Aidoru: Inveideddo |
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Studio |
NAZ |
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Where to Stream |
Funimation, Hulu |
ID: INVADED is not just another entry in the realm of great police anime, but also a groundbreaking fusion of sci-fi and detective mystery. It's set in a universe where investigators can immerse themselves in "id wells," virtual realities shaped by the desires of serial killers. It's not only a highly entertaining show, but a thought-provoking one since it successfully challenges conventional crime-solving methods.
At the heart of the story is Akihito Narihisago, a detective who is haunted by his past. As he embarks on a journey within these twisted minds, it becomes clear to viewers that it's not just about catching culprits but about Akihito's personal quest to understand and reconcile with his own shadows. Thanks to its unique premise, ID: INVADED offers a refreshing take on the police genre, presenting both a thrilling chase for justice and a profound exploration of the human psyche.
4 Paranoia Agent
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Japanese Title |
Mōsō Dairinin |
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Studio |
Madhouse |
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Where to Stream |
Funimation |
Paranoia Agent is a celebrated psychological anime with a story that explores both villains and their victims, painting a picture that's as thought-provoking as it is chilling. The storyline goes beyond mere fear, mirroring the societal anxieties that arise in the face of terror and constant threat. In the center of the story is Shonen Bat, who doesn't just attack his victims with his golden bat, he exposes the psychological fractures within them.
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This series explores how urban legends, media hysteria, and societal pressures converge, affecting the psyche of individuals. In a blend of the surreal and the all-too-real, Paranoia Agent serves as both a thrilling mystery and a commentary on the human condition, making it a must-watch for those intrigued by the deeper facets of the mind.
3 Psycho-Pass
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Japanese Title |
Saiko Pasu |
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Studio |
Production I.G |
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Where to Stream |
Netflix, Funimation, Amazon Prime |
Psycho-Pass is a dark anime series set in a dystopian future where citizens are assessed by their "Psycho-Pass," a measure of their potential to commit crimes. The anime's story explores the thin line between safety and oppression in a unique and entertaining way. The story follows the adventures of Akane Tsunemori, a rookie Inspector, who grapples with the ethical implications of the system she's part of.
This series doesn't shy away from deep philosophical questions either. Its themes explore ideas about free will, societal control, and the nature of justice while asking unsettling questions about governance and morality. It's a haunting exploration of a world where one's very thoughts can determine their fate.
2 Monster
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Japanese Title |
Monsutā |
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Studio |
Madhouse |
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Where to Stream |
Viz Media, Hulu |
In the suspenseful world of Monster, Dr. Kenzo Tenma stands at a critical juncture of morality and choice. As a renowned neurosurgeon, his skills are unparalleled, but it's a single decision that defines his fate. Faced with the dilemma of saving either a young boy named Johan or the town's influential mayor, Tenma chooses the boy. But as time unfolds, the ripples of this choice spread far and wide. After he hears the news about mysterious deaths in the town, he starts grappling with his decision.
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Monster isn't just a thriller about a serial killer, but a profound exploration into the depths of the human mind. Its story reveals both the brilliance and the darkness of human minds, while also questioning the essence of malevolence and how past experiences can shape the core of an individual.
1 Death Note
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Japanese Title |
Desu Nōto |
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Studio |
Madhouse |
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Where to Stream |
Netflix, Viz Media, Crunchyroll |
Death Note transports anime fans to modern-day Tokyo and introduces them to Light Yagami, whose mundane life is upended by a notebook called the Death Note. This mysterious notebook grants a chilling power to its owner. They can write any person's name on its pages while envisioning their face, and these victims meet their end.
Holding this lethal instrument, Light, an exemplary high school student, decides to purge the world of its wickedness. Yet, Light's journey isn't straightforward. Adopting the pseudonym "Kira," he becomes a self-appointed deliverer of justice. The story delves into the intoxicating pull of unchecked authority and the complex morality surrounding it. Death Note isn't merely a tale of justice and power, but a profound reflection on the human condition. It reveals how noble intentions, when paired with omnipotence, can lead a person on the wrong path.