Dark Fantasy is a popular anime micro-genre, encoming some of the biggest hits of the past few years. It's characterized by a supernatural or fantastical setting, ranging from full medieval fantasy to magical realism, with mature themes like horror elements or intense violence. For those looking for fantasy settings with high stakes plots, bloody action scenes, and plenty of emotional moments, Dark Fantasy is the perfect genre.
However, being such a broad category, there's an overwhelming amount of anime to choose from. These anime are what IMDb s consider the best of the Dark Fantasy realm.
Angel's Egg - 7.7
1985's Angel's Egg was a collaboration between two incredibly talented and acclaimed figures: director Mamoru Oshii (Ghost in the Shell, Patlabor) and artist Yoshitako Amano (Vampire Hunter D, Final Fantasy). Ethereal, existential, and mostly voiceless, Angel's Egg is an incredible piece of art--an aching, hand-drawn masterpiece of visual storytelling that remains one of the most beautiful pieces of animation ever made.
Even without any dialogue, Amano and Oshii are able to unwind a haunting, emotional story of a lonely girl doing all she can to protect a mysterious egg. Heavily relying on symbolism and allusion, it's not a film that appeals to everyone, and has historically been the most contentious of Oshii's oeuvre. The OVA is worth it for the visual treat alone, but fans who enjoy surreal, subtle work will appreciate the melancholy grace of Angel's Egg.
Ninja Scroll - 7.9
1993's Ninja Scroll is one of the most influential anime films of all time and an icon of 'samurai cinema'. Ninja Scroll was written and directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri, one of the co-founders of the acclaimed animation studio Madhouse--responsible for creating greats like Perfect Blue, Trigun, and Death Note. Revolving around a mercenary's quest to defeat eight evil supernatural ninjas in order to protect the Shogunate, Ninja Scroll's action sequences are where the film really shines. The animation remains visceral and captivating, with the relatively simple storyline making plenty of room for the visuals to stand out.
There have been plenty of newer samurai anime to be released since the original Ninja Scroll, including a 2003 'sequel' series, but the film more than holds up. Fans looking for a 90's take on Dark Fantasy would do well to check out this samurai staple.
Puella Magi Madoka Magica - 8.3
Puella Magi Madoka Magica is infamous for completely turning the Magical Girl genre on its head, departing sharply from its cutesy, bubblegum beginning to deliver one of the most horrifying twists in Anime--and Madoka is just getting started. With the snap of a Witch's jaw, the series takes a turn into psychological horror, exploring guilt, morality, and responsibility in a 12-episode emotional whirlwind.
The world of Madoka is hardly what most would think of when imagining a 'dark fantasy', but that's what has made it such an influential series. Madoka presents the iconic mahou shoujo through a unique lens, interrogating the reality of putting the weight of saving lives on the shoulders of young girls. The series doesn't pull its punches, landing several famous tearjerker moments as well as a few more incredibly memorable twists, but its depth of emotion and character has made it a show worth suffering for.
The Promised Neverland - 8.4
The Promised Neverland doesn't at first seem like it should belong in the 'dark' fantasy category, but it's the success of its many twists and turns that captured fans' attention when it was first released. Underneath its pleasant, English countryside facade, Neverland is a great fantasy thriller with plenty of horror elements--a genre well suited for director Mamoru Kanbe, known for supernatural horror Elfen Lied.
Running for two seasons, Neverland is short but impactful, following the story of three children as they come to learn the dark truth behind the orphanage they've grown up in. Protagonist Emma and her two friends, Norman and Ray, undergo plenty of difficult and dangerous circumstances to escape to safety, keeping audiences on their toes until the end.
Princess Mononoke - 8.4
San and Lady Eboshi are both sympathetic and well-written characters, with the film showing both the harm technology can have on the environment and the benefits it can provide to disadvantaged people.
But what has helped make Mononoke so enduring is the overwhelming emotion of it, the deeply felt sense of heart that resonates through the whole film. Even in moments of gruesome horror, like the corruption of the boar god, the film is grounded by the genuine care and authenticity of feeling that is put into every moment of it.
Fullmetal Alchemist - 8.5
The often overshadowed predecessor to 2009's beloved Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, there is plenty to enjoy about 2003's take on Hiromu Arakawa's legendary series. Without the benefit of a completed manga storyline to follow, Fullmetal Alchemist had to construct its own version of Edward and Alphone Elric's journey--making it deviate massively from what would become Brotherhood's storyline. However, instead of this being a detriment, it just means fans have more Fullmetal Alchemist to enjoy.
The 2003 series is often considered darker than Brotherhood, taking on a more grim and gory atmosphere overall. It also tends to move slower and draw out its arcs longer than FMAB--extending the infamous Nina Tucker storyline, for example. For those wanting a darker take on the Fullmetal world, the 2003 series is perfect.
Berserk - 8.7
The ever acclaimed Berserk is best known for its long-running and legendary manga, but the 1997 anime adaption is far from overshadowed-- remaining an unforgettable and iconic fantasy series. Berserk certainly provides plenty of blood-soaked violence and unflinching, visceral brutality, yet it isn't content with simply throwing swordfights and gore at the viewer.
Berserk has a depth of theme and complexity of writing rarely attributed to medieval fantasy series about 'big-men-with-swords'. The appeal of Berserk is certainly its well-choreographed action, but also its absolute and insistent commitment to giving a realistic, ruthless portrait of how humans would behave when put in the circumstances of the series. Berserk is possibly the series closest to literally being a 'dark fantasy', and it does it better than anything ever has.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - 8.7
Currently airing its second season, Demon Slayer immediately won audiences over upon its original release and quickly rose in popularity. It's not difficult to see why: from its distinctive animation and eye-catching character designs to its deeply emotional and heart-wrenching storylines, there's a lot to love about the series. Starting as just a single moment of tragedy leaving Tanjiro Kamado and his newly-turned demon sister the sole survivors of their family, the story has grown to encapsulate a large cast of engaging characters in a well-developed world--all trying their best to fight against the demons threatening their lives.
Its second season has upped the ante on Tanjiro's journey, providing plenty more scenes of its trademark beautiful breathing techniques as well as some of the most tragic moments of the series. As the plot builds, Demon Slayer only grows more intense, making now a great time to jump in on the series.
Jujutsu Kaisen - 8.7
Another incredibly popular ongoing series, Jujutsu Kaisen is a very different take on the 'demon slaying' genre. Set in the modern day, Jujutsu Kaisen is an inventive, effortlessly engaging shonen boasting some of the most fluid and complex fight scenes in modern anime and a level of genre literacy that allows it to both flaunt its influences and subvert common shonen anime tropes. It doesn't shy away from leaning into horror with its disturbing demon designs and violence, but the camaraderie of its main trio gives the show enough light and levity to keep it from feeling too grim.
Jujutsu Kaisen stands out due to its action and visuals, but its main characters are what made such an impact on audiences. Kaisen's leading trio is incredibly endearing, with Nobara Kugisaki standing out as probably the best 'female friend' character in the currently airing shonens, and certainly one of the best of all time. With the next season coming soon, fans would do well to take advantage and catch up with the series now.
Shingeki No Kyojin (Attack on Titan) - 9.0
Since its first season aired in 2013, Shingeki no Kyojin has been something of a phenomenon. The most popular anime of the last decade, the show has been responsible for introducing a whole new audience to the genre. Despite its occasional controversies, AoT's iconic action sequences, large cast, mature themes, and the grim and gripping world have kept fans invested through all the twists and turns of Eren Jaeger's journey.
With the anime's final episodes airing in January, the long-awaited end to this huge story is quickly approaching. Newcomers have the chance to watch everything unfold without the interruption of seasonal breaks, with just enough time to catch up before its final episode hits and the tale of the titans finally comes to a close.