Animecovers dozens of genres, with each genre having its own subgenres. Among all the anime out there, you may find one that fits any mood. Feeling like laughing nonstop? Anime has got you covered. Looking to cry your eyes out? Tons of anime fit the bill. If you are looking to get a bit more serious, there are options for you.
In this list, we’ll take a look at some of the best serious anime out there. For the most part, these anime involve serious situations and topics without giving in too much to tropes or absurd humor. While the tone can be light at times, they definitely lean more into the drama aspect.
These are presented in no particular order.
9Attack On Titan
Attack on Titan is one of the most popular anime out there, with the show airing over the course of a decade. Make no mistake; this show is serious, intense, and at times, incredibly stressful to watch. It only makes sense, as the show is initially about a walled city that must defend itself against creepy giant humans.
Overall,the anime is incredibly dark as well, with moments that will leave your jaw on the floor. As you continue to watch the show and follow along with the cast of characters as they grow older, things will only become more intense.
8Vinland Saga
Are you a fan of historical dramas? If so, then Vinland Saga is the perfect show for you. The overall tone of the show is serious and, honestly, quite bleak at times. Vinland Saga does a great job of depicting violence; rather than being some epic feat, violence feels impactful and consequential.
If Vikings, drama, and the Middle Ages interest you, then Vinland Saga is definitely worth watching. You may even forget that you are watching an anime while binging it!
7Terror In Resonance
Terror In Resonance is an anime original that deals with some pretty serious topics, including terrorism. The first episode should be enough to hook you in, and while many people note that it decreases in quality near the end, we think Terror In Resonance is a bit underrated.
Although the show is about teenage terrorists, Terror In Resonance manages to stay grounded and realistic without being presented as too over-the-top. On top of this, the animation and music are phenomenal.
6Monster
Monster is an absolutely fascinating story about Doctor Tenma, who is presented with a serious choice within the first episode of the show. His choice comes with consequences, which ultimately ends up affecting him for the rest of the show.
Overall, Monster is definitely a bit of a slow burn, but after watching a few episodes, you’ll quickly realize that this show is made for mature audiences. The story is complex, filled with unique characters and real-world issues that add a sense of realism.
5Psycho-Pass
Psycho-Pass is another anime original, though you can find manga based on the show. If you’re a fan of the movie Minority Report, then Psycho-Pass is right up your alley. In this show, even thinking about a crime makes you guilty.
This is where the Enforcers and Inspectors come in, as it’s their job to deal with these ‘criminals’. While Psycho-Pass leans into the sci-fi, the show still manages to be tense, serious, and leaving you yearning for more after each episode.
4Paranoia Agent
Paranoia Agent is a classic showcreated by Satoshi Kon, who has also created iconic anime movies such as Perfect Blue, Tokyo Godfathers, and Paprika. This show takes place in Toyko, where rumors of a skating boy with a golden bat are circling.
Not all Satoshi Kon films are serious, such as Tokyo Godfathers. Still, they are all definitely worth watching.
As with other Satoshi Kon works, Paranoia Agent doesn’t rely on anime tropes or over-the-top character designs. Paranoia Agent maintains a serious tone while dealing with something as bizarre as a boy with a golden bat.
3The Promised Neverland
The Promised Neverland made waves when the anime first came out in 2019. People across the internet were talking about the veryend of the first episode, which sets the tone for the rest of the series. The show looks like a fun anime about kids in an orphanage, but it’s so much more than that.
The first season of The Promised Neverland is absolutely phenomenal, with complex and intriguing characters and a tense plot.The second season definitely missed the markand condensed… a lot of chapters into 11 episodes. Still, the first season holds up as amazing. To get the full story, we highly suggest reading the manga.
2Serial Experiments Lain
Serial Experiments Lain is a weird anime. If you have prior interest in this show, we suggest just diving in without knowing much. If you need a bit more convincing, just know that Serial Experiments Lain is about Lain, who essentially plugs herself into a computer network.
This anime has themes similar to Neon Genesis Evangelion and The Matrix, but it’s presented in such a surreal manner that it will leave you a bit confused but still craving the next episode.
1Ergo Proxy
Last but not least, we have Ergo Proxy. This is a cyberpunk anime that has a grunge, moody, and dystopian vibe. In this world, androids (AutoReivs) have essentially gained self-awareness through a virus, with one of them going on to murder.
This is where our main character comes in, as she works as an inspector. Though Ergo Proxy first aired in 2006, it covers themes that are still relevant today, especially as humanity continues to advance into the future.
