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Top 5 Dark Fantasy Anime Series

Top 5 Dark Fantasy Anime Series

'Dark Fantasy' is defined as a fantasy sub-genre that is typified by a deliberately ominous tone, reinforcing what is commonly perceived as a gloomy dark atmosphere. These genre often contain elements of Horror, Graphic Sex, or Explicit Violence.

These anime are known for their focus on deeper subject matters. Characters walk the line between good and evil, addressing the concept of morality. People living in a decadent world are caught up in desperate situations, and in some cases, the protagonist and his friends die murderously. 

This genre is not to be taken lightly; it has grittier more mature scenes that might be too much for the light hearted.

So, this time, I would like to introduce some of my favorite dark fantasy anime.

Here are the top 5 dark fantasy anime:

1. Attack on Titan
2. Berserk
3. Made In Abyss
4. Overlord
5. Drifters

1. Attack on Titan



Rating: 8.9/10 (IMDb)
Episodes: 66+ ongoing
Premiered: Spring 2013
Studio: Wit Studio, MAPPA

Attack on Titan is a dark fantasy depicting people confronting a mysterious monster, "the giant" that preys on humanity. It is not just a battle anime, but the mystery elements of this work are also strong. The truth that becomes clear as the story progresses is shocking, and once you start watching it is a work that will not stop.

Over a century ago, mankind was devoured by giant beings of unknown intelligence and origin known as Titans, creatures that eat humans alive indiscriminately and for no apparent reason. The remaining population has managed to survive the last hundred years only by building a multi-walled city capable of keeping the Titans at bay, training military recruits to patrol the perimeter and gather intelligence about their mysterious foe. Eren and Mikasa have lived a relatively peaceful life behind the city's walls, but when a massive Titan appears, smashing the outer barrier and unleashing a wave of terror, their lives are brutally changed forever. 

There are multiple reasons why Attack on Titan is one of the best anime to be produced ever. This series is a must see show for anyone whether they enjoy anime or not. The writing in this show is incredible. The story is dark and beautiful, and the animation is the best anime has to offer. The show has an amazingly good pace, with heartfelt character moments and tense action scenes. The soundtracks are also awesome. The show's twists and turns are on another level. This show is truly a masterpiece. It is basically a mature content show. I highly recommend you to watch if you've neither watched nor read Attack on Titan.

2. Berserk



Rating: 8.7/10 (IMDb)
Episodes: 25
Premiered: Fall 1997
Studio: OLM

Berserk is almost difficult to top on a dark fantasy rundown. This series is widely celebrated as one of the greatest manga series ever made. While the most recent 2016 anime series is a bit of a mess, the original 90's anime is a beautiful adaptation of the "Golden Age" arc of Kentaro Miura's manga. The three Berserk: Golden Age films are also excellent.

Guts, a man who calls himself 'The Black Swordsman' looks upon his days serving as a member of a group of mercenaries, the Band of the Hawk, nicknamed 'The Grim Reaper of The battlefield'. Led by an ambitious, ruthless, and intelligent man named Griffith, together they battle their way into the royal court, and are forced into a fate that may change their entire lives.

It is a story about a world full of evil and brutality, of dreams and despair, where people struggle to find themselves in the midst of it all and define the meaning of their existence. Friendship and love are slow to come, but when it's there it'll bring tears to your eyes, for the relationships forged in Berserk are more meaningful than almost any you'll find in anime. It is not for the faint of heart, brimming with violent battles and head-to-head confrontations resulting in dismemberment, bodies sliced entirely in two, entrails by the bloodpath, and some very intense sexuality including rape and molestation.

3. Made In Abyss



Rating: 8.4/10 (IMDb)
Episodes: 13
Premiered: Summer 2017
Studio: Kinema Citrus

Made In Abyss is an anime series depicting the adventure of a young Diver girl named Riko, who desires to be able to explore the great depths of the Abyss, much the same as her mom before her. Determined to find her mother, Riko aspires to climb up the ranks of White Whistle and dive into the Abyss herself. During her first mission, she met a strange robot boy suffering from amnesia, Riko names him Reg, and the two of them venture deep into the Abyss. But neither of them are set up for what the Abyss has saved for them.

This anime series is one of the best Anime series of 2017. The story has shaken the hearts of many people. It's manga is equally popular and famous. But you won't understand the reason behind the huge fame of this anime in the beginning. As you delve deeper, and you continue to get lost in the intricate storyline you understand why it got it's fame and popularity.

This is another tale about sacrifice, and the darkness that humanity can fall into when emotions overcome respect for other living beings. Despite it's colorful and adorable design, Made In Abyss hides a pretty dark story with the promise of a thrilling and fascinating adventure.

4. Overlord



Rating: 7.8/10 (IMDb)
Episodes: 39 + OVA
Premiered: Summer 2015
Studio: Madhouse

Overlord is the story of a wizard named Momonga who tries to stay in his favorite VR game "Yggdrasil" as the servers go off, only to find the game world continues even after the servers are closed. Momonga is then transformed into the image of a skeleton as "the most powerful wizard." Momonga, an anti-hero who won't hesitate to use incredible powers to obliterate hundreds of lives if it furthers his goal. The world continues to change, with non-player characters (NPCs) beginning to feel emotion. Having no parents, friends, or place in society, this ordinary young man Momonga then strives to take over the new world the game has become.

What makes Overlord stand out is that it's done from a different perspective that I've always wanted to see: What happens if a villain is stuck in the game? This series answers this question and goes deeper into the realms of personal morality taking a back seat to keeping up appearances... plus a cast of amusing demons keeps you wanting more.
 
The characters in Overlord are vast and many. The story, the soundtracks and adding art animation together were creating such a masterpiece. This series has a lot of comedic elements, bloody fight scenes but it's balanced by a ton of dark moments.

5. Drifters



Rating: 7.7/10 (IMDb)
Episodes: 12
Premiered: Fall 2016
Studio: Hoods Drifters Studio

Drifters is essentially a dark fantasy war that brings together history's most infamous figures into one big oddball package. From the first few episodes, the show will test a viewer's patience. This is because even though the show has a dark and grim atmosphere, it also tries to sell its comedy and humor.

It tells the story of a real-life samurai, Shimazu Toyohisa who fought in the pivotal Battle of Sekigahara. In his dying moments, Shimazu is transported to a world of magic with other famous warriors throughout history. These warriors are forced to fight each other in an endless battle. 

This is a good show to pick up if you're a fan of Hellsing. I'd recommend it for the people who like violent, dark and edgy style fantasy shows, like Game of Thrones. The art and storytelling is more masterful.



Click here to read: Top 5 Comedy Anime of All Time

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