Over the past decade, the popularity of Soulslike games has skyrocketed. FromSoftware's 2009 title Demon's Souls is often cited as the game that started it all, with the Dark Souls trilogy keeping the momentum going and 2015's Bloodborne reaching legendary status in the community. These action titles are known to be frustratingly difficult, with players often required to die dozens, hundreds, or thousands of times throughout their run to learn the ins and outs and to find eventual victory. Save points are scarce, and stress is high, but regardless, the genre is still going strong, with no signs of stopping.
8 Most Gripping Dark Fantasy Anime You Need To Watch
Here is a list of gripping Dark Fantasy Anime you cannot miss if you are a fan of obscure tropes and twisted villains who commit unspeakable acts.
Many Soulslike titles feature a dark fantasy setting, and while this isn't strictly necessary, it has become somewhat expected. Those hoping to set the controller down for a bit but still get their fix of the genre have plenty of anime series to choose from, with many on this list being somewhat lesser-known or oft forgotten. Some feature vicious battles, high stakes, and ample bloodshed, while others are packed with what could simply be described as 'Soulslike vibes.'
Grimgar, Ashes and Illusions
One day, a group of people wakes up in a strange land with no memories. Immediately thrown into danger, the group is forced to fight monstrous beasts and cope with frequent deaths, and while it may seem like a game world, those who die are gone for good. Unlike many other dark fantasy isekai series, there are no traditionally OP anime characters here, only unprepared youths desperately trying to grow stronger both physically and emotionally as they seek answers.
An adaptation of Ao Jumonji's light novel series Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash, this 2016 anime series is often applauded for its animation quality and dark themes, such as grief and the psychological impact of violence. During a time in which isekai anime series are a dime a dozen, Grimgar, Ashes and Illusions differentiates itself by being more down-to-earth and gritty than many of its cohorts. For Soulslike fans, its world and lore are a perfect fit.
Claymore
Nothing encapsulates the vibe of a Soulslike game more than Claymore. The series is set in a fictional medieval world filled with terrifying man-eating humanoid shape-shifters called Yoma. A strange group, only known as The Organization, seeks to combat these monsters by creating human-Yoma hybrids, with these female warriors taking on these dangers for a fee. As the title suggests, they fight with claymore swords, and each warrior has her own unique fighting style or supernatural ability. After saving a young boy named Raki from a Yoma, a hybrid named Claire agrees to take him with her as a companion.
The 26-episode series, released in 2007, was inspired by Norihiko Yagi's manga series of the same name, which was serialized in Monthly Shonen Jump. Its action-packed fight scenes and unique worldbuilding have made it a cult classic, and curiously, a live-action TV series is currently in development at CBS studios, with Shueisha stepping in to produce the show. It's unclear if this will be as bloody and violent as the anime release.
Tokyo Ghoul
In an alternate version of Tokyo, humans coexist with beings called ghouls, who look human but must consume the flesh of humans to survive. College student Ken Kaneki is transformed into a half-ghoul after coming into contact with one of these creatures, putting him in a difficult and deeply upsetting situation. While making every effort to maintain his humanity, he must find a way to bridge the gap between humans and ghouls while hiding what he is from those closest to him. Packed with drama, body horror, and dark themes, Tokyo Ghoul is a shoo-in for Soulslike lovers.
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Running for three seasons, Tokyo Ghoul provided a brilliant adaptation of its manga counterpart. Those with an interest in dark fantasy and who want to dive deeper into Ken's story should also consider picking up Tokyo Ghoul manga, as it takes more time to dive into the main character's psyche and doesn't bother censoring its gratuitous violence. Additionally, a live-action film was released in 2017, which boasts excellent reviews.
Berserk
For many readers, Berserk is likely what popped up when putting 'Soulslike' and 'anime' in the same title. Inspired by Kentaro Miura's legendary dark fantasy manga series, the 1997 anime adaptation follows Guts, a swordsman, who embarks on a difficult journey to get revenge on Griffith, the leader of a mercenary group dubbed the Band of the Hawk. The series' themes, ranging from the true meaning of free will to the more gruesome aspects of human nature, have made it one of the most highly lauded anime series of all time, and it has become known as one of the most influential works in the dark fantasy realm.
While the Berserk manga series, which began serialization in 1989, is still going, Miura's untimely death in 2021 saw his friend and fellow artist Kouji Mori take the reins. While the 1997 anime series is a must-watch for Soulslike fans, the more recent 2016 adaptation continues to be the butt of countless jokes for its poor production quality, use of subpar CGI, and bizarre music choices.
Wolf's Rain
Those who tuned in to watch Cartoon Network's Adult Swim lineup in 2004 may fondly recall Wolf's Rain. The post-apocalyptic dark fantasy series focuses on an ancient legend, claiming that when the end of the world comes, a place simply known as Paradise will appear—but only wolves will know how to find it. While most people believe that wolves went extinct hundreds of years ago, this isn't the case, with the creatures casting illusions over themselves to appear human. Kiba, a lone wolf, is led to Freeze City after picking up an intoxicating scent. Here, he finds three more of his kind, and the three begin to seek a way to find the promised land.
Fit the 9 games into the grid.
Wolf's Rain has long been praised for the dynamics between its characters, its heavy themes, and its particularly beautiful soundtrack, which was produced and arranged by Yoko Kanno of Cowboy Bebop and Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex fame. The desperation felt by Kiba, Tsume, Hige, and Toboe is palpable in nearly every scene, and it's that torment and willingness to run headfirst into danger that makes the series feel like a good fit for Soulslike fans.
Rage of Bahamut
The dark fantasy anime series Rage of Bahamut is set in a world in which gods, demons, and humans live together. Long ago, the dragon Bahamut sought to destroy the land, but all of these races came together to seal it away. The key used to open this seal was split in half, with one side being given to the gods and the other to demons, ensuring that Bahamut would never threaten the world again. Two millennia later, a woman named Amira arrives during peaceful days with the gods' half of the key in hand. Searching for her lost mother and assisted by two bounty hunters, Amira travels the land, encountering those who wish to keep the dragon sealed away and those who want to revive it for their own nefarious purposes.
Packed with dense lore and praised for its characters, the first season of Rage of Bahamut is particularly beloved by dark fantasy fans. The series was produced by MAPPA and maintains the same animation quality as many of its other releases, such as Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man. Those who enjoy the show may also be interested in picking up the digital card battle game that inspired it, but unfortunately, the English-language version is now defunct.
Goblin Slayer
At first glance, Goblin Slayer is like any other dark fantasy adventure series. In a mythical world, adventurers flock to join the Guild, eager to become more powerful and complete contracts to earn both gold and admiration. A young priestess is happy to finally have the chance to join her first party, but things quickly go wrong when goblins attack ad nauseam. The girl watches in horror as her friends are killed or assaulted, but she is soon saved by the titular Goblin Slayer, a man who loathes the creatures with all his heart and seeks to eradicate them all from existence.
In many anime circles, Goblin Slayer is a source of controversy and disdain. Its dark themes and graphic violence blindsided many first-time watchers, as at first glance, it doesn't look particularly offensive. This brutality, however, is one reason why Soulslike fans may want to give it a chance, despite the negative feedback it has received in the years following its release.
Made in Abyss
An adaptation of Akihito Tsukushi's manga series, Made in Abyss follows Riko, an orphaned girl who lives close to a giant hole descending deep into the earth. Known as the Abyss, this massive crater is filled with remnants of long-lost civilizations and attracts all kinds of people hoping to dig up unknown treasures. However, a curse afflicts those who dare step into the Abyss, and the deeper a person goes, the more serious the effects. Riko's mother disappeared in the hole years ago, and now, the young girl aims to follow in her footsteps and make her descent. Here, she meets a half-human, half-robot boy, and her adventure truly begins.
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Dubbed by many in the community as one of the best anime series of the 2010s, Made in Abyss continues to impress, with fans and critics alike applauding its sense of adventure, emotional drama, and soundtrack. Its more dark and disturbing aspects will appeal to those who don't shy away from difficult situations or stressful exploration, and its world-building is second to none. More is on the way in the West, as a live-action Made in Abyss film was greenlit in 2021.
Akame ga Kill!
Inspired by the popular shonen manga series, Akame ga Kill tells the tale of Night Raid, a covert assassination branch of the Revolutionary Army. The group hopes to overthrow Prime Minister Honest, who is known only for his lust for power and his greed, as his people starve and struggle. Tatsumi is the assassins' newest member, having left his remote village to help his people, and over time, he learns what it means to kill while growing ever stronger in a world that's out for blood.
The series focuses heavily on the impact of corruption and how, even when seemingly justified, murder chips away at a person's soul. Each side fights for what they believe is right, and it's up to each character to make peace with their decisions. Soulslike fans may appreciate the focus on the reality of death, and the feeling of running into enemy territory where, if one wrong step is taken, all that awaits is nothingness. There is a bit of random comedy thrown in, but at the end of the day, Akame ga Kill is a dark fantasy series with bite.