5 Darkest Anime Series of All Time, Ranked

Anime can be light-hearted, adventurous, or, in some cases, deeply unsettling. Certain series dive into grim worlds, portraying raw struggles, violence, and haunting mysteries that have made a lasting impact on fans. Here are five of the darkest anime ever made, ranked by popularity.  

Each show brings something unique to the genre, featuring stories of betrayal, psychological torment, and morally challenging decisions that don’t pull any punches. If you're in the mood for something intense and unforgettable, these anime series are worth the watch.

5. Devilman Crybaby


In Devilman Crybaby, Akira Fudo’s life shifts drastically when his childhood friend Ryo Asuka reveals the presence of ancient demons returning to the world. Ryo persuades Akira to merge with a demon, turning him into Devilman, a hybrid with a human heart and a demon’s powers. 

The show tracks Akira’s battle against horrific demonic entities while his humanity is pushed to the edge. Known for its intense visuals and brutal story, Devilman Crybaby shows humanity’s most twisted faces in an apocalyptic world.

4. Another


Set in the eerie town of Yomiyama, Another tells the story of Kouichi Sakakibara, a transfer student drawn to the enigmatic Mei Misaki, a girl whom everyone else pretends doesn’t exist. As Kouichi gets closer to Mei, a chilling curse awakens, and students in Class 3-3 begin dying in bizarre, gruesome accidents. 

The anime blends horror and mystery, with each death adding to the town's dark past. Another maintains an unsettling atmosphere throughout, keeping viewers gripped until the bloody truth is revealed.

3. Future Diary (Mirai Nikki)


Yukiteru Amano, a lonely teen, becomes an unwilling participant in a deadly survival game where each player holds a diary that predicts the future in a unique way. He meets Yuno Gasai, a seemingly devoted girl with a twisted obsession for him and the "Yandere" personality type. 

Together, they battle other diary holders, each vying to become the new god of time and space. Future Diary dives into paranoia, love, and survival, making it a tense journey through betrayal and obsession.

2. Higurashi: When They Cry


Higurashi: When They Cry follows Keiichi Maebara after he moves to a quiet rural village, only to uncover dark secrets and horrifying events that plague the town of Hinamizawa each year. Friends like Rena Ryuugu and Mion Sonozaki harbor hidden personalities, and their mysterious transformations lead to brutal, shocking violence. 

The cyclical horror, where seemingly friendly people turn violent, creates a suffocating sense of dread. Higurashi explores the fragility of trust and the lurking fears of a seemingly peaceful community.

1. Berserk


Known as one of the darkest anime ever, Berserk follows Guts, a lone mercenary with a brutal past, who joins the Band of the Hawk under charismatic leader Griffith. Guts faces endless battles and treacherous foes as he forms a brotherly bond with Griffith and love with Casca, the group’s only female warrior. 

However, Griffith's ambitions push him to a horrific decision that results in a cascade of violence and supernatural horrors. Berserk delves into loyalty, betrayal, and survival in a merciless, medieval-inspired world.

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