Summary

• Stories about revenge allow audiences to immerse themselves in a perfect world where evildoers are punished.
• Some anime have morally gray characters that will do anything, including sacrificing their loved ones, to achieve their goals.
• Many series will show the disastrous consequences of revenge and how it affects those who pursue it.

Tales of revenge will often serve as an emotional outlet for their audience. They give people feelings of control and allow them to fantasize about a perfect world where justice always prevails. Anime, in particular, has introduced some memorable stories about getting revenge. The medium is known for incorporating these themes across various genres.

Throughout history, revenge has been a recurring motif in fiction. It generally follows a character who seeks vengeance against the individual or group responsible for their suffering. While stories differ in context, many come with the message that revenge has dire consequences. Despite this, the audience will often sympathize with the characters' motivations and wish for them to succeed.

10 Moriarty the Patriot Gives Sherlock Holmes' Nemesis a Backstory

Produced by Production I.G., based on the manga by Ryosuke Takeuchi & Hikaru Miyoshi

Based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes series, Moriarty the Patriot tells the story of Professor James Moriarty. Fed up with his family's elitism, Albert James Moriarty convinces his family to adopt a pair of orphans. The three brothers eventually burn down the family estate and work towards abolishing the class system. Throughout their schemes, they are pursued by Sherlock Holmes, who engages in a battle of wits against William James Moriarty.

Moriarty the Patriot offers a unique interpretation of its source material. Using their family name of James Moriarty, the three brothers collectively serve as the "Lord of Crime." While seeking revenge against the class system, the siblings punish wicked aristocrats who promote elitist ideas. William, in particular, also works as a consultant to help others settle grudges. Overall, fans of Sherlock Holmes will appreciate the clever ways in which the series interprets the characters and their motivations.

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9 Dororo (2019) Adds More Depth To the Original Series

Produced by MAPPA & Tezuka Productions, based on the manga by Osamu Tezuka

Following the 1969 series, Dororo is the second adaptation of Osamu Tezuka's classic manga. The story begins during the Sengoku period and follows a feudal lord who trades his newborn son's body parts for the prosperity of his land. The abandoned baby is later raised by a man who gives him prosthetics and names him Hyakkimaru. After the boy becomes a teenager, he sets out to recover his lost body parts. Along the way, he meets a child named Dororo who s him on his journey.

While the 2019 series follows the manga's basic premise, it frequently deviates from the source material. Apart from changing the art style, the newer adaptation adds more depth to the characters and story. At its core, Dororo focuses on Hyakkimaru's revenge against his father and, by extension, his brother. Despite his willingness to destroy lives for the sake of his body, viewers will sympathize with Hyakkimaru's situation.

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8 Black Butler Blends Its Vengeful Narrative With Mystery

Produced by A-1 Pictures, based on the manga by Yana Toboso

An iconic anime from the 2000s, Black Butler is set to be revived with a new season. After Ciel Phantomhive's parents are killed, he is sold into slavery and abused by his captors. During a summoning ceremony, he makes a contract that allows him to take revenge on his torturers. As Ciel becomes Lord of his estate, the demon, called Sebastian Michaelis, poses as his butler.

Black Butler is known for its compelling mysteries and unexpected twists. Despite its overall theme, the series does an excellent job of alternating between dark and comedic moments. Its Victorian setting combines fictional elements with real-life events, and its cast is diverse and entertaining. While Ciel's revenge is often pushed aside in favor of other subplots, it remains an important part of the story.

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7 Hunter x Hunter (2011) Shows How Revenge Can Destroy People

Produced by Madhouse, based on the manga by Yoshihiro Togashi

Like Dororo, Hunter x Hunter is the second adaptation of an iconic series. The story follows Gon Freecss, who embarks on a journey to find his father and become a licensed professional called a Hunter. Throughout his adventure, he forms a strong bond with three others named Killua, Kurapika, and Leorio. As Gon and his friends work towards their goals, they encounter several unique individuals and forces of darkness.

While revenge isn't the main focus of Hunter x Hunter, it plays a key role in the story's development. The theme is most commonly seen with Kurapika, who seeks to avenge his clan by killing the Phantom Troupe. Revenge also plays a major part in the Chimera Ant arc, when Gon ruthlessly slaughters Neferpitou for their role in Kite's death. Through Gon and Kurapika, the series shows how revenge can take a physical and psychological toll on those who pursue it.

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6 91 Days Draws Inspiration From Classic Mafia Films

Original Series Produced by Shuka

91 Days is a classic revenge story set during the United States Prohibition Era. As the sole survivor of his family's brutal massacre, Angelo Lagusa goes into hiding. Years later, he returns to the city of Lawless and infiltrates the Vanetti Family using the name "Avilio Bruno." The young man begins destroying the mafia clan from within, but his plans are complicated by his newfound friendship with the don's son.

91 Days follows a fairly straightforward revenge plot. It's set during an era when crime ran rampant across the streets, and it follows a protagonist who seeks to avenge their loved ones. The series frequently addresses the protagonist's inner turmoil and his willingness to sacrifice others for his goal. Despite carrying out his plans, Angelo feels empty and unfulfilled. His situation presents the message that revenge, no matter how tempting, isn't always the answer.

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5 Attack on Titan Proves That Violence Only Breeds More Violence

Produced by Wit Studio & MAPPA, based on the manga by Hajime Isayama

When Attack on Titan was released in 2013, it took the world by storm. The story follows Eren Jaeger in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by Titans. After a Titan kills his mother, he swears revenge and enlists in the Scout Regiment division of the military. Eren soon discovers his Titan powers and becomes a key figure in humanity's fight for freedom.

Attack on Titan is anything but a straightforward revenge story. While Eren's vindictiveness serves as his initial driving force, his motivations change throughout the story. After uncovering the world's secrets, he learns that Titans are not his main enemy. Eren's warped sense of justice leads him to commit numerous atrocities, including genocide, in the name of freedom. While the series deviates from the traditional revenge plot, it shows how a simple quest for vengeance can evolve into something more dangerous.

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4 Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo Recounts the Novel From a Different Perspective

Original Series Produced by Gonzo, based on the novel by Alexandre Dumas

Gankutsuou is an unusual adaptation of the 1844 novel. It's set in the year 5053 and uses an avant-garde art style that combines Western Impressionism with Japanese Ukiyo-e. Like the original work, the series centers around the titular Count and his quest for revenge. It makes some notable changes, such as telling the story from Albert's perspective and focusing on the younger generation of nobles. Nonetheless, the series stays faithful to the novel's original themes.

Gankutsuou is one of the most creative interpretations of Dumas' work. Using surrealist storytelling, it cleverly combines 19th-century elements with a science-fiction landscape. The series illustrates how revenge destroys lives and leads to tragedy for everyone involved. Through Albert's eyes, it explores the future consequences of the Count's actions. Despite the anime's controversial ending, Gankutsuou is a memorable adaptation of a beloved revenge story.

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3 Banana Fish Shows That Revenge Is Sometimes Necessary For the Greater Good

Produced by MAPPA, based on the manga by Akimi Yoshida

Despite its heavy themes and violence, Banana Fish managed to capture hearts from around the world. The series is often praised for avoiding stereotypes in its depiction of LGBTQ+ relationships. While the original story takes place in 1980s New York, the anime adaptation updates the setting to the present day. It follows a teenage gang leader named Ash Lynx, who sets out to avenge his brother. As he traverses through the criminal underworld, he forms a bond with a Japanese college student named Eiji.

Banana Fish is commonly regarded as one of the most heartbreaking stories in anime. It tackles heavy topics and openly addresses trauma. While the series shows the dangers of revenge, it also acknowledges that disaster can strike from anywhere. Many of Ash's crimes are a result of self-defense and his desire to protect Eiji. His story demonstrates that while revenge can have devastating consequences, it may be the only way out of a difficult situation. By demolishing Golzine's criminal empire, Ash hopes to gain freedom from his abs.

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2 Vinland Saga Offers a Philosophical Take On Revenge

Produced by WIt Studio & MAPPA, based on the manga by Makoto Yukimura

Much of Vinland Saga's appeal comes from its unique setting and use of historical figures. The series takes place in the 11th century and follows Thorfinn, who seeks revenge on Askeladd for killing his father. Despite his hatred for the man, the boy s his Viking band to challenge him to a duel. As the Danish invade England, Askeladd's company s them as mercenaries. This leads to a sequence of events that change Thorfinn's life.

Vinland Saga is a unique gem that prioritizes character development instead of action. The series shows the complexity of human nature and the dark side of revenge. Despite their messy relationship, Thorfinn starts to see Askeladd as a father figure during his formative years. While the older Viking's actions are despicable, his teachings have a profound effect on the young warrior. Thorfinn eventually realizes that, for the sake of his goal, he committed countless atrocities and ruined many lives.

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1 Berserk Explores The Dark Side Of Human Nature

Produced by OLM Team Iguchi (1997 series), based on the manga by Kentaro Miura

Berserk is widely regarded as one of the best revenge stories – and for good reason. An early pioneer of dark fantasy manga, the iconic series has influenced several later works. The story follows Guts, whose tragic circumstances lead him to a band of mercenaries headed by Griffith. The two develop a strong bond, and the stoic protagonist feels valued for the first time. After Griffith sacrifices his comrades in a demonic ceremony, Guts embarks on a quest for revenge.

Kentaro Miura's magnum opus is highly acclaimed for its nuanced characters and expressive artwork. The story explores universal themes like destiny and free will and views the world through a morally gray lens. While Guts' revenge becomes his reason for living, it also serves as a cruel reminder of how he can lose himself and the people he loves. Berserk rejects the binary by showing that nobody is good or evil and that heroes can easily become villains. It's for this reason that the dark fantasy series is the best anime about revenge.

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