Viewer discretion advised: 7 of the most disturbing anime shows ranked

Here are 7 of the most disturbing anime shows

Anime isn’t always about super-powered teenagers, magical creatures, or enchanting love stories. Some series dare go into the darker side of storytelling, presenting narratives that can truly unsettle and disturb. These tales, steeped in horror, gore, and psychological thrillers, offer a unique viewing experience that keeps you on the edge of your seat, staring at the screen with a mix of fear, fascination, and morbid curiosity.

Here are seven such anime series that stand out as memorably disturbing, and are a few personal favorites:

Viewer discretion advised: The shows and videos featured on this list are NOT recommended for children.

7. Elfen Lied

I remember my friend describing Elfen Lied as “Mean Girls meets Carrie with a side of extra-terrestrial allure”, and the accuracy of that statement would make Legolas jealous.

Set in a world where “mean girls” are no longer just your regular high school tormentors, the anime introduces us to the Diclonius – a species far superior to us mere humans. These beings are predominantly female, rock an edgy look with petite horns, and pack a punch with their telekinetic abilities. One could say they’re the final boss level in the game of evolution.

Now, Elfen Lied isn’t a jolly ride through the park. Its beauty lies within its exploration of themes so raw and real, it’s sometimes uncomfortable. The narrative delves deep into the abyss of social estrangement, the quest for personal identity, the bitter-sweet taste of revenge, and the philosophical debate about what it means to be human.

Sure, it’s packed with violent scenes that could make even the most seasoned horror fan squirm, but the way it challenges conventions and perceptions makes it a thrilling, albeit chilling, watch. Elfen Lied is a wild rollercoaster of emotions that dares to venture where few anime series have gone before.

6. Higurashi When They Cry

Nestled in the idyllic, untouched expanse of the Japanese countryside, the quaint village of Hinamizawa paints a picture of simplicity and peace. Cradled by rolling mountains and lush green fields, it’s a place where everyone knows each other, and life hums along to the slow, comforting rhythm of tradition. But beneath this tranquil facade, Hinamizawa hides a chilling secret, a dark underbelly that threatens to consume its innocent facade. This is the world of Higurashi, where beauty collides with horror, and serenity is a mask for unspeakable terror.

Now, picture being a child, bright-eyed and naive, amidst this eeriness. You’re drawn into a chilling game where trust and fear intertwine, and where your friends, the very people you play and laugh with, could be hiding a sinister secret. In Higurashi, children aren’t just the bearers of the narrative, they are the narrative.

They are the pawns and players in a terrifying dance of death and deception, living a nightmare that both engulfs and is caused by them. This chilling plot, told from the innocent yet not-so-innocent perspectives of children, turns the familiar tropes of friendship and childhood on its head, sending a spine-tingling shiver down your back with every unfolding mystery.