There are fantasy anime. Those are the shows with mystical lore, perhaps a medieval setting or aesthetic, and elements that help the world transcend our known reality and elevate into something more. Then there’s dark fantasy anime. Dark fantasy anime takes all those aforementioned elements and places them in a more grim, violent, and gritty environment for an extra layer of thrill or horror.
If you’re in the mood for some dark fantasy anime, here are some of our best recommendations to get you started. These selections range from exciting action shows to slow-burn thrillers, so you can be sure there will be something in here to suit your tastes.
“Berserk” (1997)
The first anime adaptation of Kentaro Miura’s classic manga series is widely regarded as one of the greatest anime of all time, but it is certainly not for the faint of heart.
The 25-episode anime adapts the Golden Age arc and follows Guts, a mercenary with a dark past. He soon meets the charismatic Griffith, who leads a mercenary group known as the Band of the Hawk and wishes to rule his own kingdom. Guts quickly earns Griffith’s favor and becomes close with the rest of the Band. But as Griffith’s ambitions grow, the Band soon becomes entangled with dark and terrifying forces.
“Fullmetal Alchemist”
In a world where alchemy reigns as a popular and powerful science, Edward Elric and his younger brother Alphonse seek to use it to restore their deceased mother to life. When their attempt fails, Ed loses his left leg while Alphonse loses his entire body. In a desperate attempt to save his brother, Ed uses one more technique and sacrifices his right arm to attach Al’s soul to a suit of armor. Now equipped with metal limbs, the brothers travel the world in search of the fabled Philosopher’s Stone, the only thing that can restore their bodies.
There are two anime adaptations of “Fullmetal Alchemist,” both of which have received widespread acclaim and popularity. The first series branches into a unique story in its later arcs while “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” is a more direct adaptation of Hiromu Arakawa’s original manga. Both series are well worth the watch.
“The Ancient Magus’ Bride”
Having lived a harsh and difficult life as an orphan, Japanese high school student Chise Hatori ultimately decides to sell herself at an auction in London in search of a home. She is eventually bought by a mysterious skeletal mage named Elias Ainsworth, who not only seeks to save Chise from her despair, but eventually plans to marry her. Thus begins Chise’s journey into the supernatural as she encounters all sorts of mystical creatures and tries to reaffirm her self-worth.
“xxxHolic”
For as long as he could remember, Kimihiro Watanuki had been long plagued by horrifying spirits that are only visible to him. Just as he reaches his wits’ end, he ends up at a shop run by a mysterious witch named Yūko Ichihara. She offers him the chance to be rid of the spirits that haunt him, but only if he can offer something of equal value. According to Yūko, that just so happens to be his servitude. He quickly becomes Yūko’s housekeeper and shop employee. Not only must he cook and clean around the witch’s domain, but he must also accompany her on her many supernatural errands and jobs.
“Madoka Magica”
Madoka Kaname leads a simple and happy life, going to middle school with her friends and spending time with her beloved family. One day, she encounters a small creature named Kyubey, who offers her a contract to become a magical girl in exchange for one wish. All she would have to do is exterminate witches that attack humans. But as Madoka tries to come to a decision, she and her friends soon learn that being a magical girl is more deadly and heartbreaking than they could have ever predicted.
