6 Hardest Anime To Watch - Investment Policy

In the expansive realm of anime production, certain series leave an indelible mark not because they were massively successful, but due to the stark contrast between their potential greatness and the reality viewers encountered. These are the productions brimming with exceptional ideas, intriguing characters, and captivating narratives, yet encased in obstacles that make them challenging to fully enjoy.

The real sorrow is found in understanding the outcome of these hurdles. Exceptional narrative overshadowed by unsettling graphics. Deep feelings concealed behind the overwhelming presence of countless episodes. Wisdom veiled by a speed that challenges the endurance of the most tolerant spectators.

These anime aren’t just poor quality, they’re tragically excellent but unfortunately, many people’s “To-Watch Lists” will never see them completed.

Or:
These anime aren’t simply bad, they’re heartbreakingly good, yet they remain unfinished on an endless number of “Watch Later” lists.

Or:
These anime aren’t just poor, they’re painfully good, yet they’ll likely linger indefinitely on people’s “To-Be-Watched” lists.

All three options convey the same idea but with slight variations in phrasing and word choice to keep it interesting.

6. Ajin: Demi-Human

A Story You Might Like, Told in a Way You Probably Won’t

Ajin: Demi-Human offers much to appreciate with its intriguing concept. In this series, individuals known as “Ajin,” who are immortal humans, face discrimination, persecution, and experimentation from a society that views them as subhuman due to their immortality. The story follows the protagonist, Kei Nagai, who uncovers his own status as an Ajin after a deadly accident. As he struggles to survive amidst the darkness, Nagai grapples with moral dilemmas and questions of rebellion in this gripping tale.

Despite the manga receiving much acclaim, its anime version hasn’t been as successful in capturing the same audience appreciation. The main issue seems to be with the quality of the animation.

Polygon Pictures opted for a completely 3D Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) approach, but unfortunately, the execution seems rough around the edges. The characters’ movements appear rigid, mechanical, and devoid of genuine fluidity. Additionally, facial expressions are lacking in nuance, which makes emotional scenes feel flat and insipid. In action sequences, where one might expect an exciting experience, the visual style instead creates a barrier that distances viewers from the suspense and importance of the situation.

5. One Piece

A Thousand Dreams and a Thousand Episodes

Fundamentally, One Piece is a tale centered around pursuing ambitions. The voyage of Monkey D. Luffy, as he strives to become the Pirate King, transcends mere quests for treasure; it encompasses themes like liberty, camaraderie, and challenging destiny. Few anime series can rival the rich emotional content and expansive world-building found in One Piece, from the Enies Lobby saga to the events at Marineford.

Experiencing One Piece for the first time can be likened to approaching Mount Everest in flip-flops – it’s overwhelmingly challenging due to its extensive collection of over 1100 episodes so far.

For many beginners, the sheer extent of One Piece can be daunting. Unlike other long-running shonen series, One Piece has consistently been airing without a significant hiatus, leading to pacing concerns, frequent repetitions, and elongated episodes – particularly after the timeskip. Some story arcs, such as Dressrosa, are stretched across numerous episodes, even though they’re more compact in the manga version.

For individuals who persevere, the rewards are substantial. Characters develop, storylines resolve, and worlds expand in a manner that few other series can achieve. One Piece requires dedication, but many who stick with it discover that each episode was well worth the investment.

4. To Your Eternity

Death Comes Softly, but Often

Experiencing To Your Eternity is akin to gradually peeling an onion using just your fingers; it exposes layers upon layers of emotional turmoil that leaves one feeling exposed and sensitive.

Originating from Yoshitoki Oima, the creator behind A Silent Voice, this animation begins with an alien orb dispatched to Earth for observation. Named Fushi, this shape-shifting entity progressively takes on more human traits as it encounters and partakes in the lives and hardships of those around it.

Each arc presents fresh characters who eventually depart, leaving a deep impression on Fushi and a void in the viewers’ emotions. Characters like March, Gugu, Tonari each etch a lasting memory, yet leave a hollow space within the heart of the viewer. The deaths depicted aren’t flamboyant or excessive; instead, they are quiet, agonizing, and occasionally senseless, which gives them an uncanny realism.

The series doesn’t become less challenging as it progresses. As we follow Fushi’s development, we frequently witness him shatter, which can be painful yet aesthetically pleasing to watch. This anime is truly captivating, but each episode seems to deliver a subtle yet poignant stab to the heart.

3. Seven Deadly Sins

When Greatness Gets Lost in the Frames

At one point, Seven Deadly Sins was considered one of the most promising shonen anime series during its time. The first season offered exhilarating battles, endearing characters, and a captivating mythology filled with knights, demons, and age-old prophecies.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but express my disappointment when recalling the shift that occurred during Season 3. The animation transitioned from A-1 Pictures to Studio Deen, and the outcome was an unfortunately hasty and subpar season that gained notoriety on the web. Side-by-side comparisons between Season 2 and Season 3 reveal a striking drop in quality. The graceful choreography of battles was replaced by static images, and iconic fights like Meliodas vs. Escanor were whittled down to humorous stills that have since become internet sensations.

Not only did the visuals struggle, but the storyline became disorganized, repeating plot points excessively and neglecting previously significant character development. Important emotional scenes were weakened due to poor editing and uninspiring sound effects.

As the last season approached, quite a few spectators chose to depart from the series. For devotees of the manga, it was painful to witness a narrative brimming with potential become entombed by production problems and hasty plot devices.

2. Monster

Not Everyone Can Stomach the Truth

Naoki Urasawa’s Monster isn’t challenging due to graphic violence or sudden shocks. Instead, it’s challenging as it requires your undivided focus, along with engaging your ethical judgment.

In post-Cold War Germany, the narrative unfolds around Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a talented neurologist who faces a crucial crossroad when he chooses to save a young boy instead of a high-ranking official. This boy, Johan Liebert, matures into one of anime’s most chilling villains, a character whose malevolence is understated, meticulously planned, and eerily silent, instilling a sense of quiet terror.

Monster doesn’t boast any dazzling features; there are no extraordinary abilities or magical realms. Instead, it delves into psychological terror, gradual suspense building up, and increasingly unsettling philosophical quandaries as you delve deeper into its depths.

As a dedicated fan, I must confess that “Monster” isn’t your typical binge-watch series. Each episode leaves a heavy burden on your shoulders, layering you with dread and uncertainty. You can’t help but grapple with the repercussions of each character’s actions, and at times, it feels like an uphill battle to continue watching. However, for those who persevere, Monster promises one of the most impactful, mature stories ever spun in anime.

1. Grave of the Fireflies

A War Story That Hurts More Than Any Bullet

scarcely any animations have left an impact as profound as Grave of the Fireflies. Crafted by Isao Takahata at Studio Ghibli, this movie is not merely challenging to view, it’s heartrendingly poignant.

During the time of World War II, the story revolves around two siblings, Seita and Setsuko, who are struggling to live after their home and family were devastated by allied bombings. The narrative is not just about war, but also encompasses themes of adult negligence, self-importance, and the tragic loss of childhood innocence due to such indifference.

This film isn’t one that you’d typically want to watch again. Few people can. The slow deterioration of Setsuko due to malnutrition, her haunting hallucinations, and her innocent inquiries about death will linger in your memory following the end. There are no grand battles or happy endings; instead, it offers only stillness, pain, and the subtle extinction of lives that never truly had a chance to flourish.

Watching “Grave of the Fireflies” is essential for those who believe animation is merely entertainment or escapism. However, it’s a film that leaves an indelible mark on many viewers, not because it’s poorly made, but because its impact is deeply poignant and hauntingly unforgettable.

2025-04-09 14:09