Anime has transcended its roots as a niche interest and captured the hearts of millions around the world. It offers a diverse range of genres, from heartwarming slice-of-life tales to epic fantasy adventures. However, in this blog, we will delve into the realm of serious anime, the kind that leaves a profound impact on viewers and raises thought-provoking questions about life, society, and the human condition. Here are the 10 best most serious anime series that you must watch at least once in your lifetime, along with the year of their release and the number of seasons and episodes.
- 1: “Thoughtful Beginnings” – Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995-1996, 1 season, 26 episodes)
- 2: “An Emotional Odyssey” – Clannad: After Story (2008-2009, 1 season, 24 episodes)
- 3: “A Journey of Redemption” – Monster (2004-2005, 1 season, 74 episodes)
- 4: “A Tale of Bonds and Bravery” – Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009-2010, 1 season, 64 episodes)
- 5: “Unraveling the Mystery” – Steins;Gate (2011, 1 season, 24 episodes)
- 6: “A Melody of Despair” – Serial Experiments Lain (1998, 1 season, 13 episodes)
- 7: “Dark Secrets Unveiled” – Death Note (2006-2007, 1 season, 37 episodes)
- 8: “Journey to the Afterlife” – Death Parade (2015, 1 season, 12 episodes)
- 9: “Confronting Humanity’s Dark Side” – Attack on Titan (2013-2022, 4 seasons, 75 episodes)
- 10: “An Ode to Humanity” – Grave of the Fireflies (1988, Movie)
1: “Thoughtful Beginnings” – Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995-1996, 1 season, 26 episodes)
Moving on to another impactful anime in 10 best serious anime series that beautifully blends romance and sci-fi elements. Our journey commences with a timeless classic that laid the groundwork for serious anime – “Neon Genesis Evangelion.” This mecha masterpiece is renowned for its intricate plot, enigmatic characters, and profound exploration of human emotions. Evangelion delves into existential questions, blending intense action sequences with psychological drama. Moreover, its ambiguous ending continues to spark debates among fans, making it a must-watch for any serious anime enthusiast
Where to watch: Neon Genesis Evangelion is available on streaming platforms like Netflix.
watch on netflix2: “An Emotional Odyssey” – Clannad: After Story (2008-2009, 1 season, 24 episodes)
Likewise, the next anime on our list of 10 best serious anime series presents a compelling story of self-discovery and redemption. Clannad: After Story” touches the deepest corners of the heart with its poignant storytelling. This anime is a sequel to “Clannad” and continues the story of Tomoya Okazaki and Nagisa Furukawa. It explores themes of love, loss, and the challenges of adulthood, leaving viewers with tears and a profound appreciation for the value of family and relationships.
Where to watch: Clannad: After Story can be found on platforms like Crunchyroll.
watch on crunchyroll3: “A Journey of Redemption” – Monster (2004-2005, 1 season, 74 episodes)
Moreover, another anime stands tall as an epitome of storytelling and character development. “Monster” is a gripping psychological thriller that revolves around Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a brilliant neurosurgeon who must confront his past and the consequences of his actions. As he embarks on a quest to stop a malevolent serial killer, the anime delves into the darkness of the human psyche, blurring the lines between good and evil. It challenges viewers to ponder the complexities of moral dilemmas and the search for true justice.
Where to watch: Monster is available for streaming on Hulu.
watch on netflix4: “A Tale of Bonds and Bravery” – Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009-2010, 1 season, 64 episodes)
Furthermore, the next anime on our list of 10 best serious anime series transcends the boundaries of time and space.”Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” has earned its place as a timeless classic in the world of anime. It follows the Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse, on their journey to regain their bodies after a failed alchemical experiment. The series explores themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the consequences of seeking power. Its brilliantly constructed world and well-developed characters make it a must-watch for anime enthusiasts of all kinds.
Where to watch: Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is available on Netflix and Crunchyroll.
watch on netflix5: “Unraveling the Mystery” – Steins;Gate (2011, 1 season, 24 episodes)
Shifting gears in 10 best serious anime series , we come across an anime that defies genre conventions.”Steins;Gate” is an intellectually stimulating sci-fi thriller that explores time travel and its repercussions. It follows Rintarou Okabe and his friends as they stumble upon a way to send messages to the past, drastically altering the present. With intricate plot twists and intricate character development, “Steins;Gate” keeps viewers on the edge of their seats while grappling with the ethical implications of tampering with time.
Where to watch: Steins;Gate is available for streaming on Funimation and Hulu.
watch on hulu6: “A Melody of Despair” – Serial Experiments Lain (1998, 1 season, 13 episodes)
Moreover, the following anime offers a unique and chilling take on the supernatural. “Serial Experiments Lain” is an enigmatic and surreal journey that explores the intertwining of the virtual and real worlds. As Lain navigates through the complexities of existence and identity in the digital age, the anime provokes thought on the nature of reality and consciousness. This dark and psychological anime is a masterpiece of avant-garde storytelling.
Where to watch: Serial Experiments Lain is available on Funimation and Hulu.
watch on prime7: “Dark Secrets Unveiled” – Death Note (2006-2007, 1 season, 37 episodes)
On a different note, the next anime on our list of 10 best serious anime series takes us on a thought-provoking exploration of the afterlife. “Death Note” is a gripping psychological thriller that revolves around Light Yagami. A high school student who discovers a mysterious notebook that allows him to kill anyone whose name he writes in it. As Light becomes drunk with power, an intense battle of wits ensues with the enigmatic detective known as “L.” This thrilling cat-and-mouse game challenges viewers to ponder the thin line between justice and villainy,
Where to watch: Death Note is available on Netflix and Hulu.
watch on netflix8: “Journey to the Afterlife” – Death Parade (2015, 1 season, 12 episodes)
With only two anime left in 10 best serious anime series . Let’s continue our journey through the world of serious storytelling.”Death Parade” is a unique anime that presents an intriguing concept of the afterlife. Souls are judged through various games, and Decim, the arbiter of the afterlife, unravels their true nature. The series delves into existential questions, moral dilemmas, and the importance of human connections, culminating in an emotional rollercoaster.
Where to watch: Death Parade can be found on Funimation.
telegram link watch death parade9: “Confronting Humanity’s Dark Side” – Attack on Titan (2013-2022, 4 seasons, 75 episodes)
Lastly, we arrive at our final anime, a masterpiece that embodies the essence of serious storytelling. “Attack on Titan” portrays a world besieged by monstrous humanoid creatures known as Titans. This anime weaves a narrative of survival, sacrifice, and the complexities of human nature during desperate times. As the characters confront the harsh reality of their existence, the series explores themes of freedom, morality, and the dark side of humanity.
Where to watch: Attack on Titan is available on Crunchyroll and Hulu.
watch AOT10: “An Ode to Humanity” – Grave of the Fireflies (1988, Movie)
“Grave of the Fireflies” is a heart-wrenching film that depicts the struggles of two siblings during World War II. As they endure the horrors of war, the film offers a poignant commentary on the devastating impact of conflict on innocent lives. Its realistic portrayal of human suffering and resilience makes it an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Where to watch: Grave of the Fireflies can be found on platforms like Amazon Prime Video
watch grave of the firefliesFinal Thoughts on 10 best serious anime series
Serious anime has the power to provoke introspection, touch our hearts, and inspire deep contemplation. From mecha epics to psychological thrillers, each entry on this list showcases the brilliance of storytelling in the anime medium. By exploring these 10 best most serious anime of all time. You will embark on a journey through the profound emotions and reflections of the human experience. So, take the time to immerse yourself in these masterpieces and let their impact stay with you forever. Happy watching!
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