Anime stands out as a richly diverse art form within the realm of entertainment, encompassing a wide range of emotional highs and devastating lows. Many series juxtapose light-hearted elements with sudden, brutal narratives, compelling viewers to confront unexpected darkness. These twisted moments in anime often catch audiences off guard, leaving them stunned by shocking events that disrupt the established tone of the story.
Dark moments can emerge in any genre of anime, even those that typically carry a more cheerful or whimsical vibe. Such contrasts serve as reminders of the harsh realities of life, particularly in worlds that initially appear idyllic. Irrespective of the series type, these grim instances undeniably enhance the memorability of the narratives. The grim inclusion of darker themes often leads viewers to reflect on the unexpected turns life can take.
15 Emma and Norman Find Conny’s Body
The Promised Neverland
The Promised Neverland opens with one of the most captivating episodes in anime. Starting as a charming slice-of-life narrative, it quickly spirals into a dark and harrowing tale. Set in a seemingly innocent orphanage, the story revolves around a group of lovable children.
A change occurs when Conny, one of the orphans, is adopted and leaves her toy behind. As Emma and Norman attempt to return it, they stumble upon her lifeless body. This shocking revelation transforms the series, firmly establishing its grim foundation in just one episode.
14 Ainz Kills 100,000+ Soldiers
Overlord
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In contrast to many isekai anime where heroes embody moral values, Overlord presents a protagonist who dismisses any pretense of righteousness. Ainz Ooal Gown, the titular overlord, governs through sheer power and dominance over his subjects and enemies alike. During an encounter on Katze Plains, what seems like a typical conflict turns lethal as Ainz casually annihilates over 100,000 enemy soldiers in mere minutes, showcasing his unparalleled strength.
13 Naomi Misora’s Death
Death Note
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A hallmark of anime excellence, Death Note delves into profound themes of morality while delivering unexpectedly dark plot twists. Here, protagonist Light Yagami is presented not as a typical hero but as a complex character who often indulges in morally ambiguous actions. The series masterfully embodies the struggle between good and evil, demonstrating the depths to which one might sink.
12 Euphemia Invokes a Genocide
Code Geass
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Throughout its runtime, Code Geass maintains a relatively straightforward narrative, primarily centered on Lelouch’s invocations of mind control through Geass. Yet, in a remarkably dark twist at the end of its first season, his powers backfire dramatically. After joking with Euphemia about committing genocide against the Japanese, his Geass activates, leading to a catastrophic outcome that spirals out of control.
11 Goku Black Kills Chi-Chi and Goten
Dragon Ball Super
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The Dragon Ball franchise, renowned for its epic battles and heroic transformations, is not typically associated with dark narratives. However, Dragon Ball Super features a moment that drastically shifts this perception when Goku Black, the villainous counterpart of Goku, brutally murders Goku’s wife Chi-Chi and son Goten. This stunning revelation leaves a deep emotional scar, marking one of the darkest moments in the franchise’s storied history.
10 Several Re:Zero Moments
Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World
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Unlike the aforementioned series, Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World is well known for its persistent darkness. Featuring a protagonist, Subaru, who experiences repeated, horrific deaths, the series explores themes of despair and hopelessness. Among the numerous traumatic deaths he encounters, one particularly stands out: while strolling through a snowy field, he attempts to pet a cute rabbit, only to have it bite his hand off. The subsequent onslaught of rabbits consuming him alive is one of the most chilling sequences in the series.
9 Chainsaw Man Kills Everybody
Chainsaw Man
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Chainsaw Man emerges as one of the most talked-about anime series of the last decade, brilliantly merging humor with dark themes. The series is known for its unexpected twists, exemplified by the sudden massacre of the Public Safety division, where key characters are gunned down without warning. This shocking moment solidifies Chainsaw Man’s reputation for its willingness to diverge from traditional narrative norms, further distancing it from typical shōnen tropes.
8 Ponza and Pokkle’s Deaths
Hunter x Hunter
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The Chimera Ant Arc in Hunter x Hunter starkly shifts the tone of the series, introducing a level of darkness previously unseen. Here, lighthearted adventures give way to vicious and cruel antagonists, represented by the Chimera Ants. The deaths of Ponzu and Pokkle epitomize this shift, where two friends investigating the dangerous lands of NGL are brutally executed. Ponzu faces a quick gunshot death, while Pokkle is subjected to a horrifying lobotomy and subsequently consumed—a tragic illustration of the series’ transformative darkness.
7 Most of Made in Abyss
Made in Abyss
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Identifying a single dark moment in Made in Abyss proves challenging, as the series as a whole merits recognition for its profound darkness. While it appears deceptively cute on the surface, the narrative quickly unravels into horror, particularly through the character of White Whistle Bondrewd the Novel. Driven by a relentless pursuit of scientific progress, he displays a callous disregard for human life, sacrificially destining those around him to tragic ends in the name of experimentation.
6 Unit-01 Eats Zereul
Neon Genesis: Evangelion
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Neon Genesis Evangelion is widely regarded as one of the most thought-provoking anime series, often leaving viewers grappling with profound questions. Among its many unsettling scenes, Unit-01’s primal act of consuming the Tenth Angel, Zereul, stands out. Rather than merely defeating its foe, Unit-01 descends into a monstrous state, savagely devouring the fallen Angel—a dark transformation that challenges the nature of humanity itself.
5 Goblin Slayer’s First Episode
Goblin Slayer
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The inaugural episode of Goblin Slayer stands as one of the most impactful openings in anime. Initially portraying a light-hearted adventure featuring novice adventurers, the tone swiftly becomes nightmarish when they encounter a band of merciless goblins. The ensuing chaos results in horrifying assaults and gruesome deaths, leaving the few survivors—particularly the Priestess—traumatized but ultimately saved by the eponymous hero.
4 The Villains Win in Devilman Crybaby
Devilman Crybaby
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Devilman Crybaby breaks the mold by presenting a scenario where the villains achieve victory. The series embraces a jarring ending that sees Satan triumph over humanity, leaving a stark void where life once thrived. This cold twist delivers an unsettling message, as viewers witness the utter destruction of Earth, leaving Satan as the lonely victor—a conclusion that’s both shocking and haunting.
3 The Rumbling
Attack on Titans
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Another anime renowned for its dark themes is Attack on Titan, where brutality is a recurring motif. From Eren’s traumatic experience witnessing his mother devoured by a Titan to the climactic moment of The Rumbling, the series escalates to utter carnage as Eren releases the Colossal Titans—obliterating around 80% of humanity instantly. This decision encapsulates the existential horrors central to the series’ narrative.
2 Shou Tucker
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
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Shou Tucker, a minor yet infamous character in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, epitomizes the essence of betrayal and moral depravity. Initially perceived as a sympathetic figure, he shocks viewers with the revelation that he has created a talking chimera by fusing his daughter with their family dog. This grotesque act stands as one of the darkest moments in anime history, encapsulating the series’ exploration of sacrifice and the price of ambition.
1 The Eclipse
Berserk
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Berserk, crafted by Kentaro Miura, is revered for its extreme darkness. While the story of Guts begins painfully, nothing compares to the brutal event known as The Eclipse, wherein Griffith, in a desperate bid for power, sacrifices his entire Band of the Hawk. In a horrifying transformation into Femto, he not only annihilates his comrades but also subjects Casca to unspeakable violence, establishing Berserk as a titan of dark storytelling in anime.
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