10 Darkest Anime for Fans Who Loved Takopi’s Original Sin

On a day when an alien resembling an octopus named Takopi from the planet Happy arrives on Earth, he has just one aim: to spread joy wherever he goes. This simple objective sets the stage for the story of Takopi’s Original Sin. Upon encountering Shizuka Kuze, a young girl burdened by sorrow, Takopi vows to bring happiness into her life. However, despite being innocent and unaware of human struggles, Takopi is oblivious to the fact that Shizuka’s existence has been marked by despair. Bullied at school, abandoned by her father, and seemingly neglected by her mother, Shizuka’s life appears to be shrouded in misery, save for one ray of hope: her beloved dog, Chappy. The sight of their bond only strengthens Takopi’s resolve to fulfill his mission. Regrettably, Takopi’s attempts to bring joy to Shizuka frequently lead to unintended complications instead.

There’s nothing that can be done about it.” This phrase is often used to express acceptance of a difficult, unchangeable situation, usually when the circumstances are beyond one’s control. In the context of anime, using this phrase suggests that the story tackles darker, more philosophical themes and subject matter, as opposed to uplifting or hopeful ones commonly found in many anime series. For instance, “Takopi’s Original Sin,” which is an anime on this list, addresses grim topics like those found in real life that some viewers may find relatable, despite its bleaker tone compared to other anime with more fantastical obstacles or focus on friendship and superpowers.

1) Erased

29-year-old illustrator Satoru Fujinuma possesses an unusual talent called “Revival,” where he gets transported back moments before a disaster happens. He uses this ability to prevent accidents and save lives. However, when he’s falsely accused of murdering someone close to him, he is hurled 18 years into the past, landing in 1988 during his childhood. Suspecting that the current murder might be related to a past incident – the abduction and murder of his classmate Kayo Hinazuki – Satoru sees this as an opportunity to set things right, uncover the truth, and prevent future calamities.

Similar to Shizuka, Satoru tirelessly strives to overcome numerous hurdles that seem intent on thwarting his efforts, much like how grown-ups often overlook the small problems faced by children, only realizing their significance when it’s already too late.

Erased can be streamed on Hulu or Crunchyroll where available.

2) Fullmetal Alchemist

In their quest to resurrect their mother, the Elric brothers disregarded the prohibition on human transmutation, leading to severe consequences. Edward lost both his arm and leg as a result, while Alphonse forfeited his entire physical body. With their neighbor and friend Winry creating advanced prosthetic limbs for Edward, Alphonse’s soul was instead bound to a full suit of armor in an attempt to save him. Driven by the desire to restore their bodies, they embarked on a journey to find the Philosopher’s Stone, a legendary artifact rumored to enable alchemists to circumvent the fundamental rules of Equivalent Exchange, only to become ensnared in a complex web of intrigue in the process.

Embarking on a captivating journey through the realm of Fullmetal Alchemist, I find myself delving into profound philosophical questions surrounding the worth of the human spirit. In this enthralling narrative, the Elric siblings navigate the harsh realities of death, covert plots, and alchemical and ethical complexities and conundrums. Yet, it’s not just the repercussions of transgressing the Equivalent Exchange’s principles that they grapple with, but also the enigmatic, unassailable nature of our very souls.

Although the original series “Fullmetal Alchemist” may not be easily found on popular streaming platforms, its sequel titled “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” is available for streaming on both Netflix and Crunchyroll.

3) Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day

In a secluded life devoid of school and engrossed in video games, Jinta Yadomi encounters an unusual event one scorching summer day – his old friend, Menma Honma, seemingly resurrected. Initially dismissing it as a heat-induced hallucination, Menma persists in her presence, having perished years earlier. Claiming she’s there to fulfill an unremembered pledge, Jinta eventually accepts that she is indeed a ghost. With the group of friends drifting apart after Menma’s demise, they reunite with the intention of granting Menma’s wish. However, they soon realize that fulfilling this wish isn’t straightforward; instead, it pushes them to confront their past pain and guilt, making it a struggle not just for Menma’s peace but also their own.

If you’re in search of a poignant supernatural drama, “Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day,” often just called “Anohana,” is an excellent choice. Unlike “Takopi’s Original Sin” that delves into some harsh aspects of life, “Anohana” explores the challenging realities surrounding untimely death and the emotional turmoil and guilt experienced by those left behind.

Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day can be streamed on Crunchyroll.

4) Lonely Castle in the Mirror

Kokoro Anzai used to attend Yukishina Junior High School, but she stopped going. Now, she’s enrolled in a child development support class and mostly stays at home. However, when a mirror in her room transforms into a portal, she finds herself in a magical castle, where she encounters the self-styled Wolf Queen, a small girl wearing a mask, and six other children. They are referred to as Little Red Riding Hoods by the Wolf Queen, who assigns them a mission: find a key hidden within the castle that will grant one of them a single wish, subject to certain conditions. Initially, they use the castle as a safe haven and build friendships among themselves, but they gradually realize that each of them has a specific reason for not attending the same school.

Lonely Castle in the Mirror” explores characters finding solace from their individual hardships, which they eventually confront. In this magical castle, they forge friendships with individuals who embrace them despite their own distressing circumstances beyond the castle walls. Gradually, they discover the strength to face their problems and express their concerns.

5) A Silent Voice

In his elementary school days, Shouya Ishida exhibited a mischievous nature, but he found enjoyment in hurtful acts. Upon Shouko Nishimiya joining Shouya’s class, he mercilessly tormented the deaf girl with the rest of his peers. However, when her mother informs the school that she believes Shouko has been bullied, Shouya is singled out and Shouko transfers away, leaving Shouya subject to the bullying of his classmates. Even in high school, Shouya’s past cruelty continues to torment him. Overwhelmed by guilt and remorse, Shouya seeks redemption through good intentions, but the path to atonement proves far more challenging than expected, for both himself and Shouko.

Similar to the story in “Takopi’s Original Sin” and “A Silent Voice”, these narratives illustrate the heart-wrenching outcomes that stem from bullying. Just as unyielding harassment pushes Shizuka towards the depths of despair, so too does Shouya and Shouko experience the torment of bullying, guilt, and the long, arduous journey towards redemption from such profound sorrow.

6) Wonder Egg Priority

As a person deeply moved by the anime “Wonder Egg Priority,” I’ve found myself resonating profoundly with Ai Ooto, a young woman struggling with her unique eye colors that made her a target for bullies and the tragic loss of her only friend Koito Nagas to suicide. Life seemed empty and devoid of purpose until I stumbled upon this dreamlike garden hub world.

In this surreal realm, I encountered two enigmatic mannequin entities – Acca and Ura Acca. They introduced me to these peculiar eggs known as Wonder Eggs, where the cracking of each egg unleashes the nightmarish manifestations of others’ suppressed traumas. Ai Ooto, Neiru Aonuma, Rika Kawai, and Momoe Sawaki have taken it upon themselves to aid these individuals in facing their demons head-on and finding solace in overcoming them.

Throughout this journey, the four girls form an unbreakable bond as they each grapple with their personal traumas and the reasons that drive them to help others heal. Together, they learn to confront their own pain and grow stronger, offering hope to those who need it most.

The animated series Wonder Egg Priority tackled heavy subjects with vibrant, eye-catching visuals. Despite an unsatisfying and disappointing ending to the show, the bulk of it revolved around a poignant and visually striking narrative that raised intriguing questions.

Wonder Egg Priority can be streamed on Crunchyroll.

7) Colorful

Upon reaching a spiritual realm, a figure named Purapura welcomes the newly arrived spirit, explaining that due to past misdeeds, they’ve been granted a rare opportunity for redemption – a second chance at life through reincarnation into the body of 14-year-old Makoto Kobayashi, who had taken his own life. The spirit is assigned with discovering Makoto’s most significant wrongdoing within a six-month timeframe. Initially reluctant to embrace this new existence, the spirit soon discovers that there’s a richness and complexity to life as they encounter the complex emotions and lives of those around them.

In a passionate take on mine, I’d say: “I found myself captivated by this vibrant movie that dives deep into the intricate world of fractured families and the haunting topic of suicide. It masterfully unravels the complexities of human relationships, emotions, and the exhausting daily battles we face. Yet, it’s through this journey that Makoto learns to grapple with his connections, understand them, and find a way to progress in his own life.

8) Violet Evergarden

After four years of relentless warfare, the Great War concluded, leaving Violet Evergarden, once solely a military weapon, injured, bereaved, and uncertain of the final words spoken by her dearest person. In a hospital, fitted with artificial limbs and without a clear purpose in life, she struggled to adapt to her new guardian family. Rejected by them, Violet sought employment at CH Postal Services as a means to discover a new direction. Observing an Auto Memory Doll, who translates feelings and emotions into letters for clients, ignited a spark within Violet. Yearning to comprehend the intricate sentiments of her clients and her own, as well as those of her late loved one, she determined to become an Auto Memory Doll herself.

In various situations, whether it’s enduring daily hardships or facing life-changing events, both Shizuka and Violet ultimately need to confront their emotions and find ways to articulate them using language. As Takopi wisely put it, “True happiness often arises from the act of sharing feelings, much like the Talking-pi does.

Violet Evergarden can be streamed on Netflix.

9) Link Click

In disguise as a Time Photo Studio, Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang, under the management of their landlady and friend Qiao Ling, engage in an unusual business. Instead of taking photos, they use the ones given by clients to travel back in time. Lu Guang helps navigate the future events depicted in the photo, while Cheng Xiaoshi jumps to the exact moment the picture was taken, adopting the role of the photographer and inheriting their memories and feelings. The duo collaborates to fulfill each client’s request and alleviate their past regrets. However, as they witness more and more heartbreaking incidents, it starts affecting Cheng Xiaoshi deeply, and ultimately, draws unwanted attention.

In the context of “Link Click“, photographs aren’t merely decorative elements; they serve as a profound metaphor that deeply penetrates the storyline, offering vivid portraits of the human condition and providing glimpses into the characters’ intense feelings and evocative recollections.

Link Click can be streamed on Crunchyroll.

10) Steins;Gate

Together with his childhood friend Mayuri Shiina and roommate Itaru Hashida, who’s also an otaku hacker, the eccentric scientist Rintarou Okabe from the Future Gadget Lab works on creating new scientific and technological breakthroughs. Though he is brimming with excitement, their achievements so far have been somewhat underwhelming – such as a microwave that mysteriously turns bananas into green slime. However, when Okabe uncovers the microwave’s ability to transport people through time, it initially appears to be a monumental scientific discovery. Regrettably, as events escalate and this revelation draws unwanted attention, Okabe comes to understand that time travel is not merely a plaything but brings about devastating, traumatic consequences for both his loved ones and mental well-being. Recognizing the havoc wreaked, Okabe becomes resolved to manipulate time itself to put things right.

Experiencing time travel might initially spark a sense of exhilaration, yet, much like I’ve observed in the cases of Takopi and Okabe, it quickly reveals itself as a complex tapestry of mental and emotional turmoil. It becomes evident that not all problems can be resolved so simply with such advanced technology.

Steins;Gate can be streamed on Crunchyroll.

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2025-08-05 06:11