Dark Fantasy Anime You NEED To Watch

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Summary

  • Dark Fantasy Anime features obsucre twists, compelling villains, and morally grey heroes.
  • Berserk is a legendary Dark Fantasy anime based on a manga, offering a mature and dark story.
  • Drifters, created by the author of Hellsing, presents a unique fantasy realm with great twists.

In a Dark Fantasy Anime, you’ll often encounter enigmatic themes and villains who are fully committed to their roles, transforming into terrifying monsters in human form. The protagonists in these tales don’t shy away from danger, teetering on the edge between being dark crusaders and saviors. Occasionally, they defy expectations and emerge as anti-heroes instead.

For enthusiasts captivated by the allure of a mesmerizing Dark Fantasy landscape, brimming with intricate turns of events, detestable antagonists, and a captivating lore that will hold their attention, here’s a compilation of the most engrossing Dark Fantasy Anime series they simply cannot miss.

1. Berserk

The Epitome Of Dark Fantasy

Kentaro Miura’s epic manga, “Berserk,” has been adapted into one of the greatest Dark Fantasy anime productions ever made. At present, there are two different versions of this anime available. The original 1997 version is generally considered superior to the 2016 adaptation because it remains truer to the source material and delves deeper into the origins of Guts’ quest for vengeance against the notorious character known as Femto, who was previously called Griffith.

The 2016 adaptation, while appreciated by some, is seen as not fully living up to the original series and manga. However, it does significantly enrich the Berserk universe, presenting a more mature version of Guts, who is already known as the Black Swordsman, a formidable dark avenger. Both versions have their merits, but it’s recommended for fans to begin with the 1997 series because it includes some of the Golden Age Arc (essentially Guts’ origin story) and part of the Black Swordsman Arc. The 2016 anime continues where the Black Swordsman story leaves off, delving into the Conviction Arc, followed by the Hawk of the Millennium Empire Arc.

2. Drifters

A Dark Twist On The Isekai Trope, By The Author Of Hellsing

Regardless of its singular season, Drifters stands as an outstanding demonstration of the impact a powerful Dark Fantasy setting can make, even when the narrative revolves around the Isekai trope of people being transported to another world. This anime originates from the manga by Kouta Hirano, the same author who brought us Hellsing, and takes viewers on an intriguing journey into a mysterious fantasy land where inhabitants are locked in an eternal conflict against the Ends – malevolent beings summoned from another dimension by a Dark God to wreak havoc across the land.

In response to a threat, another deity calls upon the Drifters, individuals from various eras such as Hannibal Barca, Oda Nobunaga, or Butch Cassidy, who band together with the local rebellion group, the Octobrists, to battle the Ends and their horde of monstrous troops. The opposition is commanded by The Black King, a mystery figure whose identity remains undisclosed. The blend of Hirano’s distinctive character creations and numerous intriguing plot surprises makes this anime an excellent choice for fans of dark fantasy.

3. Übel Blatt

A Powerful Mix Of British Folklore And A Thrilling Revenge Plot

The anime “Übel Blatt” is a Dark Fantasy series, derived from the manga by Etorōji Shiono. It narrates the tale of Köinzell, an enigmatic half-elf, who embarks on a quest for vengeance against those who abandoned him. As he pursues the supposed ‘heroes’ who left him for dead, Köinzell encounters various peculiar characters along the way, such as Pipi and Vlad, who become part of his journey to take revenge in the corrupted land of Szaalenden.

The narrative weaves in elements from Welsh, German, and English folk tales, while crafting a chilling universe where the price of sorcery is incredibly severe, and treachery seems to hide in every nook.

4. Elfen Lied

An Anime That Dared To Address Lots Of Controversial Topics

An unusual creature, once confined within a clandestine government lab as a lethal biological weapon, manages to break free. This strange entity crosses paths with two young individuals who, despite her peculiar appearance and evident flight from danger, decide to offer her shelter. However, this being has never experienced the concept of humanity or kindness before, and is astonished by their warm treatment, as it has only known a life filled with misery up until now.

The anime titled “Elfen Lied” is a pioneering series that blends dark fantasy, science fiction, and psychological terror to offer an indelible impression. It explores themes such as human experimentation, the roots of the soul, political deceit, and societal racism. When it was initially released, it sparked controversy worldwide due to its graphic content, earning criticism from parents globally and necessitating extensive censorship. Conversely, the author’s portrayal of systemic racism within society earned praise for tactfully addressing a pressing issue in Japanese society at that time.

5. Claymore

Gripping And Viciously Crude Dark Fantasy

Claymore stands out as one of the most iconic anime within its genre, captivating a vast global fanbase. It’s a well-executed adaptation from the manga bearing the same title, albeit with minor variations and certain aspects of its world-building being trimmed down or simplified.

Without a doubt, the tale of these warrior women, cursed to transform into what they vowed to annihilate, is one of the most captivating dark fantasy anime ever made. Unflinching and brimming with action, violence, and grotesque body horror, Claymore holds a unique appeal for fans who crave grimdark narratives.

6. Goblin Slayer

The Dream Of Adventure, Mercilessly Shattered

The animated series “Goblin Slayer,” which is graphic and unrepentant, is adapted from the Light Novel of the same name. Over time, it’s been influenced by a long-running homebrew campaign for “Dungeons & Dragons” (or a similar tabletop role-playing game), as the rules of the world in which this story takes place bear resemblance to those of the popular TTRPG.

If you’re eagerly waiting for a flawless hero battling a demon lord and basking in grandeur, then let me direct your attention. The anime titled “Goblin Slayer” is a grim fantasy narrative that revolves around a young man who was gravely affected by an attack on his village, leading him to vow the eradication of all goblins worldwide. True to his word, he systematically eliminates them, one episode after another, with his loyal comrades offering assistance and often finding themselves in perilous situations.

7. Blood+

An Anime Where Urban Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, And Gothic Horror Meet

In Blood+, we find a chilling tale unfolding across the dark nights, where a lone girl wields a traditional Japanese weapon to vanquish monstrous creatures. A peculiar butler-like character serves as her guardian in this blend of intense Dark Fantasy and gritty Urban settings, with hints of spine-tingling Gothic Horror throughout.

In this tale, Saya disguises herself among humans, but she’s not your average girl – she’s on a mission to eliminate creatures like her (Chiropterans), which are under the control of her twin sister (Diva). This sister is always scheming to seize power and plunge the world into chaos and bloodshed. Some viewers might argue that this anime is a timeless classic worth seeing.

8. Re: Zero

Not Your Average Isekai, But A Dark, Twisted Tale About Death And Rebirth

Re: Zero is often hailed as one of the greatest Dark Fantasy anime ever made, and it’s easy to see why. On the surface, the narrative seems like just another Isekai anime, following Subaru Natsuki as he is transported to the Kingdom of Lugunica. However, upon closer inspection, a complex tale unfolds, revealing a man doomed to an immortal existence and the profound implications that come with it.

In the story Re:Zero, Subaru at first appears to have a valuable ability, but the burden of reliving traumatic events repeatedly begins to wear heavily on him, eroding his mental state almost to the point of collapse. The narrative grows increasingly grim as Subaru continues to die and repeat his mistakes, until he eventually comes to understand that this is not the correct path. This anime series gains its widespread appeal from its continuous suspenseful (and often gruesome) action sequences, as well as the intricate and disturbing world-building surrounding the Witches’ Cult and their aim to cause disorder throughout Lugunica.

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2025-05-20 05:44