Produced by Studio OLM, known for creating the beloved children’s series Pokemon, they have also crafted one of the darkest anime ever made – Berserk. This grim and despair-inducing series leaves mature audiences in a state of emotional turmoil, yet still craving more. Filled with unyielding disturbance, grittiness, violence, hopelessness, bleakness, and moral ambiguity, Berserk perfectly embodies the grimdark subgenre. Despite being gut-wrenchingly intense, the show and its characters possess a profound depth that delves into themes of free will, resilience, human relationships, and corruption.
If you’ve binge-watched the entire Berserk series, even the latest version with its debatable quality, it’s understandable that a void has been left in your heart, a void once occupied by such a dark and turbulent tale. So, what next? Don’t worry (though, there might still be plenty to fear), for there are numerous anime out there that may not match the greatness of Berserk, but they can certainly strive to be as despairing and harrowing in their narratives.
Claymore
In a small village tormented by a vicious shape-shifting creature called a youma, a solitary warrior with swordsmanship skills arrives to eliminate it. However, this is no ordinary knight; she’s a Claymore – a being that’s half-human and half-youma, whose role in life is to eradicate these monsters. When Raki miraculously escapes the demonic fate that claimed his family, his village banishes him out of fear he might transform into a youma himself. Choosing to join forces with the Claymore warrior named Clare, they embark on a journey together to vanquish more youma, solve the enigma surrounding the Claymores, and as Clare’s past secrets unfold.
Any aficionado of the series “Berserk” would likely enjoy a solitary knight character who carries only a sword and takes on mercenary work, vanquishing demons. Although they share similar themes, you’ll soon discover that “Claymore” offers a unique storytelling experience distinct from Berserk.
Claymore can be streamed on Crunchyroll.
Devilman: Crybaby
In a surprising turn of events, shy, vulnerable, and compassionate Akira Fudou agrees on the spot to help his old friend Ryou Asuka in investigating devils. The duo then ventures towards a location known as Sabbath, which is secretly a wild, decadent gathering spot where demons can take root and transform the revelry into a gory scene of violence. As Akira strives to rescue Ryou, he unintentionally bonds with a demon himself, metamorphosing into a Devilman. Despite gaining immense power, his kind heart remains, and he teams up with Ryou to eliminate other demons and protect their cherished ones.
In a world shrouded in moral darkness and additional demons to conquer, Devilman: Crybaby delivers a fitting remedy for Berserk fans grappling with clinical depression.
Devilman: Crybaby can be streamed on Netflix.
Goblin Slayer
Despite causing significant harm and trouble, Goblins are often viewed as a minor threat. They raid towns for the purpose of kidnapping women from various species for breeding, yet this issue is frequently disregarded as adventurers seek out larger rewards instead. A group of 15-year-old Priestess and her rookie team set out to confront some Goblins, but they quickly find themselves overwhelmed by these seemingly insignificant creatures. However, when the skilled Goblin Slayer of Silver rank intervenes to save the Priestess and annihilate the entire gang of Goblins, she decides to join him in his mission to eliminate the often-neglected, repugnant Goblins. Alongside the Priestess, a High Elf, Dwarf, and Lizardman, the relentless Goblin Slayer will not cease until he eradicates these overlooked creatures once and for all.
While shows such as “Berserk” often concentrate on dangers that are generally perceived as more pressing or frightening, the series “Goblin Slayer” underscores the potential chaos that may ensue when seemingly minor threats are disregarded.
Goblin Slayer can be streamed on Crunchyroll.
Monster
In this scenario, Dr. Kenzou Tenma, a well-known neurosurgeon, encounters an ethical predicament where he must decide between saving a child or adhering to instructions for operating on the town’s mayor. Against orders, he chooses to save Johan Liebert, but his benevolent actions lead to unforeseen repercussions. Over time, Tenma loses his position and fiancée, and mysterious deaths occur, raising suspicion that falls upon him. Consequently, he is forced to confront the ramifications of his decisions and the potentially dangerous creature he inadvertently allowed to survive.
In the story “Monster”, while Johan’s violence might not be as graphic and he may not have as many scenes as Griffith, his manipulation is equally cunning, leading to chaos and leaving a trail of ambiguous regret in his path.
Monster can be streamed on Netflix.
Hellsing Ultimate
The group known as Hellsing, led by Sir Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing, is a specialized organization dedicated to combating supernatural beings that pose a threat to humanity. Despite having an impressive military equipped with powerful weapons, there’s one weapon that stands out significantly – the vampire Alucard, whom Integra values highly for his power. Although Alucard is typically an enemy of such organizations due to his own vampiric nature, he provides Hellsing with a unique advantage in any conflict. Accompanied by Seras Victoria, the only vampire companion he created himself, Alucard and the organization confront escalating dangers, some of which originate from unexpectedly human sources.
As a passionate fan, I can’t help but rave about the gripping, supernatural terror and gore-filled adventure that is “Hellsing Ultimate”. It undeniably lives up to the expectations of “Berserk” fans who yearn for a protagonist who revels in dominating even the bloodiest of battles.
Hellsing Ultimate can be streamed on Crunchyroll.
Chainsaw Man
Denji, along with his demonic chainsaw companion Pochita, fights evil creatures for a living. However, most of their earnings are taken by the yakuza to pay off Denji’s irresponsible father’s debts, leaving him little chance at a normal life. This dream is shattered when the yakuza betrays him, leading to his apparent death. However, Pochita combines with Denji, reviving him and granting him demonic chainsaw abilities. Now considered dangerous by society, the Public Safety Bureau allows him to live on the condition that he follows the instructions of top devil hunter Makima. With renewed aspirations for a life he’s always desired, Denji is ready to give his best in every battle.
Despite his dreams of life being different from those of Guts or Griffith, Denji battles relentlessly to make his long-held aspirations a reality, sparing no bloodshed along the way.
Chainsaw Man can be streamed on Crunchyroll and Hulu.
Vinland Saga
Originating in Iceland, Thorfinn was once given wise counsel by his father: “There are no enemies; no one is worthy of harm.” However, when Askeladd brutally slays his dad, Thorfinn joins the ranks of mercenaries, vengefully embracing conflict and violence as the harsh truth of his existence. Amidst the perpetual warfare between England and the Danes, these Vikings find profit in the plunder and notoriety they acquire. Memories of seafarers’ tales about a land teeming with fertility and devoid of strife, a place called Vinland, stir within him a longing for peace.
Just as the Band of the Hawk in Berserk and the Vikings in Vinland Saga have a strong propensity for battle, so too does their lives revolve around it. Similarly to Guts, Thorfinn engages in combat, seeking something meaningful that will give his life purpose. However, unlike these characters, Thorfinn’s perspective on violence undergoes a significant transformation throughout the narrative.
Vinland Saga can be streamed on Netflix, Prime Video, and Crunchyroll.
Grimgar: Ashes and Illusions
In a bizarre land known as Grimgar, six individuals – Haruhiro, Manato, Yume, Shihoru, Moguzo, and Ranta – find themselves, with only their names as recollections, compelled to take up positions in the Reserve Army as soldiers due to a well-compensated job opportunity. Despite its resemblance to a video game environment, this world presents very genuine perils devoid of any respawn chances. In unison, they grapple with the harsh realities and hostility of this unfamiliar yet all too real realm they’ve been thrust into.
In Grimgar, instead of the characters enjoying perks such as multiple chances or trivial deaths, it offers a more authentic portrayal of what it might feel like to be suddenly plunged into an unfamiliar, dangerous world – much like how Guts experiences his own harsh truths and questionable morals.
Grimgar: Ashes and Illusions can be streamed on Crunchyroll.
Elfen Lied
In a nutshell, a character named Lucy, who is unique with horns and invisible telekinetic hands (known as Diclonius), seizes an opportunity to break free from her captors and tormentors involved in secretive scientific research. This liberation results in a trail of violence. After enduring the brutal effects of experimentation and suffering a head injury, Lucy displays signs of a split personality. When she encounters college students Kouta and his cousin Yuka, they are unaware of the innocent yet mentally immature Lucy, who happens to be in the midst of a perilous government secret.
Similar to Griffith’s character, Lucy’s peril is concealed beneath an appearance of innocence, suggesting a deeper plot ready to ambush its unsuspecting targets. Although it may stir controversy within the anime community, Elfen Lied undeniably leaves a profound impact on its audience.
Elfen Lied can be streamed on Prime Video.
Dororo
In a state of distress, the ruthless feudal lord Daigo Kagemitsu strikes a bargain with twelve malevolent spirits for dominion and wealth, yet at the expense of his newborn son. Miraculously surviving but born without limbs, eyes, nose, ears, or skin, the child was cast away into a river to perish. However, he was rescued by a skilled herbalist, Hyakkimaru, who equipped him with mechanical prosthetics that allowed him to survive and defend himself against the demons seeking him as a sacrificial offering. Not only does Hyakkimaru live without sight, sound, or touch, but he fights off these demons pursuing him for their sinister rituals. One fateful day, an abandoned child named Dororo chooses to join forces with Hyakkimaru on his quest to eliminate each demon and reclaim the parts of himself that were denied at birth.
As I observe, Hyakkimaru and Dororo traverse their path much like the relentless Guts in his mercenary wanderings. Yet, their challenges extend beyond mere demonic threats. Instead, they grapple with the sinister demons lurking within the hearts of the people they encounter during their journey.
Dororo can be streamed on Prime Video, Hulu, and HIDIVE.
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2025-04-11 23:43