Best Anime That Are Difficult To Recommend

Summary

Some anime have disturbing fanservice, making it hard to recommend to non-fans.

Fate/Zero’s first episode is off-putting, making it challenging to suggest despite being a series standout.
Elfen Lied’s violent gore in the first episode may deter viewers, despite its compelling storytelling.

In the world of anime, there’s an abundance of top-notch entertainment that leaves fans eager for more. The captivating narratives and thrilling action sequences are among the numerous factors that keep audiences hooked and struggling to break away from these extraordinary series.

It can be tough for avid anime enthusiasts to suggest series they adore to those not familiar with the genre, as some anime content may be difficult or uncomfortable for newcomers due to explicit fanservice or intense gore scenes. There is no lack of such challenging anime productions for even dedicated fans to endorse.

Devilman Crybaby

A Surreal Explosion Of Gore And Sex

Devilman Crybaby delivers a grisly and adult-oriented content, blended with an intense realism to create a watching experience akin to having a feverish dream. The bond between Akira and Ryo is pushed to its extreme when the former transforms into a devilman. This series contains numerous sexually explicit scenes, but what really unsettles viewers is the graphic violence. To add to the discomfort, the storyline is as grim as it gets, making it challenging for some to endure the on-screen events.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica

Recommending This Magical Girl Anime With A Straight Face Is Hard

In an uncommon instance of a magical girl anime that’s tricky for people of all genders to put into words, the genre-defying “Puella Magi Madoka Magica” stands out as one of the best anime ever made. Yet, suggesting this show to others is undeniably difficult.

Advising the show to those not fond of magical girl genres can be quite challenging. On the other hand, die-hard fans of this genre might not appreciate the show’s darker tone, particularly in “Puella Magi Madoka Magica”. Yet, if viewers approach the series with an open perspective, they’ll discover a captivating anime that truly merits the admiration it receives.

Elfen Lied

The Violent Gore In The First Episode Is Hard To Stomach

Although the narrative of Elfen Lied can be deeply emotional and intense, such aspects are not introduced in its initial episode. Instead, what you’ll encounter is an episode that’s gruesomely graphic, filled with scenes of beheadings, dismemberments, and amputations happening at a rapid pace, which makes for a challenging viewing experience.

The show, Elfen Lied, deals with intense and romantic themes which might not appeal immediately to fans of action-packed anime. However, it’s worth noting that despite deviating from the original story towards the end, it remains an engaging and unique recommendation.

Made In Abyss

Dark Themes That Can Be Tough To Fathom

Some audiences may find it difficult to grasp the essence of “Made in Abyss” as initial opinions vary significantly. Initially, viewers might assume it’s just a story about a child embarking on an adventurous quest to locate her mother. However, quite unexpectedly, the series takes a dramatic turn and rapidly transforms into something much darker and melancholic.

As the orphan girl and her robot journey through the depths of the Abyss, viewers may find themselves genuinely frightened. Those suggesting this series might not fully understand the intense horror that awaits them in one of the most unsettling anime productions ever created.

Monogatari

One Of The Weirdest Anime That’s Very Tough To Get Into

Monogatari stands out as one of the most eccentric anime productions ever made, considering its unique place within an already unconventional medium. Watching any part of the Monogatari adaptations can prove challenging, even though the artwork is stunningly beautiful. At first glance, the narrative seems straightforward, focusing on a protagonist overcoming a vampire attack and assisting various girls dealing with supernatural occurrences. However, as the show delves deeper into its harem-like elements and disjointed storyline, it becomes increasingly challenging to follow.

The questionable fanservice and troubling content can sometimes make it challenging to fully engage with one of the most peculiar series ever produced. However, those who found JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure strange will likely find themselves changing their tune upon encountering Monogatari.

Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation

The Protagonist Is Despicable

Watching a hikikomori receive a fresh start in “Mushoku Tensei” makes for an unexpectedly captivating experience. It’s among the top-tier isekai anime, but I must add a significant caveat to my recommendation – this series is not for the faint of heart due to its mature themes and content.

Rudeus Greyrat is a character who can be challenging to like, given his tendency to look at underage girls in an inappropriate manner. It’s a tough reality to accept, but the one positive aspect is that as the story progresses, Rudeus evolves and discards some of the problematic characteristics that once made him a failed individual in a previous existence.

No Game, No Life

The Ecchi Elements Can Get Downright Ridiculous

In simpler terms, some anime enthusiasts find “Fanservice” unpleasant, and it becomes more of a problem in the series “No Game, No Life“. This show initially seems intriguing with its plot about two recluses venturing into the world of Disboard to establish their reputation. However, what makes this series challenging to enjoy is that a character named Shiro, who is underage, is often portrayed in a way that caters to fanservice. This is entirely inappropriate and may cause viewers to hesitate before suggesting this show to others due to its questionable content.

2025-08-23 06:04