10 Controversial Anime Fans Either Love or Hate

Anime, like all forms of entertainment, has a huge range of shows, and people will always have different opinions about what’s good or bad. There’s no way to please everyone, and even similar shows can be received very differently by different viewers. It’s common to see even popular and influential shows get criticized online – sometimes just for being too well-known or predictable.

It’s impossible to deny that taste in art is personal, and anime is always going to be judged by viewers. However, some shows are particularly divisive, sparking strong reactions – both positive and negative – within the anime community. This list highlights ten anime series that have, at one time or another, been controversial because of their themes, characters, or artistic approach.

10) Neon Genesis Evangelion

It might surprise some to see Neon Genesis Evangelion on this list, but its impact on anime is undeniable. This show is a landmark achievement in mecha and science fiction, largely setting the standard for the genre. What really set it apart was how it flipped common tropes and explored the inner lives of its characters with a depth and intimacy rarely seen before.

Although Neon Genesis Evangelion was generally well-received, the final episodes sparked some criticism when the show first aired. Many viewers felt the ending was too sudden and didn’t provide enough resolution after the series had carefully developed its plot. Others were troubled by the intense psychological struggles of the main characters and how those struggles shaped their ultimate destinies.

9) Elfen Lied

Elfen Lied is a prime example of an anime that walks a fine line between shocking violence and meaningful storytelling. Whether it succeeds in that balance often comes down to personal taste, and fans have debated this since the series first came out. What’s undeniable is the anime’s beautiful animation and incredibly atmospheric music, which powerfully support its disturbing story about discrimination and injustice.

Lucy, the central character in Elfen Lied, is meant to highlight how humans react to things they don’t understand, often with cruelty, and how this can create a never-ending spiral of revenge. However, the show’s message isn’t always clear. Many viewers feel the anime relies too heavily on violence and shock value for the sake of being provocative, rather than serving a deeper artistic purpose.

8) Darling in the Franxx

Darling in the Franxx is a science fiction anime that has gained a loyal following, even though opinions on the show itself are mixed. It began impressively, focusing on the protagonist’s journey to becoming the pilot he always dreamed of being. The series is set in a dystopian world where young people are used as protectors against alien threats, and it stands out in the mecha genre for its strong emotional impact and well-developed characters.

Despite a very strong and popular beginning, Darling in the Franxx often divides viewers due to its ending. While the series started as a unique and complex story, avoiding common anime clichés and building relationships organically, the finale was widely considered disappointing. The ending’s themes, particularly regarding what it means to be human, and the fates of certain characters, caused many fans to lose interest in the final episodes.

7) Beastars

I’ve noticed that Beastars still divides anime fans. People either really love it or really dislike it, often because of its unusual mix of animal characters and mature themes. But those who are fans insist there’s a lot more to it than just those intense scenes – they point to the well-developed characters and the interesting relationships between them. And it’s hard to deny that the animation and art style are consistently impressive, which definitely adds to the experience.

I’ve noticed that any show featuring animals in a romantic way seems to face a lot of immediate criticism. The anime Beastars is a prime example – it’s often quickly labeled as just a “furry” anime, and people stop there, without really looking at what the show is actually about or if it’s any good. This negative reaction started even before the show came out and continues today, creating a strong split between viewers who are willing to give it a chance and those who aren’t.

6) Devilman Crybaby

Devilman Crybaby is famous for its divisive ending – viewers either strongly disliked it or immediately grasped its meaning. It’s rare to see an anime where the villain triumphs, and this show concludes with a dark and pessimistic tone that makes all the characters’ struggles feel ultimately futile. Despite being a short series, Devilman Crybaby effectively delivers its central theme, leaving a lasting impression on its audience.

The anime Devilman Crybaby features a shocking twist: Satan disguises himself as a human with the goal of destroying humankind, and ultimately succeeds by the end of the series. He even eliminates Akira, the one person he wanted to save. This bleak and sudden ending has deeply divided viewers – some feel the show failed to effectively convey its serious themes, while others loved its bold and unhappy conclusion, making it a polarizing but impactful series.

5) Future Diary

Many anime fans consider Future Diary to have a particularly unhealthy romantic relationship at its core. The series centers around a battle royale where characters fight to become the new God of Time and Space. It’s known for its violence, quick action, and characters who are unstable or willing to do anything to win. Overall, Future Diary is an enjoyable addition to the battle royale genre and is frequently recommended by those who enjoy darker anime.

While Future Diary has a dedicated fanbase, it also receives a lot of criticism within the anime community. Some viewers consider it a purely entertaining, but ultimately shallow, action series. A major point of contention is the character of Yuno, frequently described as a classic ‘yandere.’ Critics argue that her intense and violent obsession with Yukiteru is used to justify her cruel behavior, and even fans often acknowledge their relationship is deeply unhealthy.

4) Fairy Tail

Few anime series receive as much criticism as love from fans, and Fairy Tail is likely one of them. While it has a devoted following, many critics consider it a typical example of a flawed action anime aimed at young men (shonen). The series centers on the adventures of a wizarding guild as they complete various missions and quests. The premise sounds promising for a fantasy action anime, and Fairy Tail certainly has potential.

The show features a wide range of compelling characters with moving personal histories, and it has the potential for a richly developed world. Many viewers appreciate how Fairy Tail highlights the value of friendship and connection, creating a feel-good story. However, this same focus on friendship is a drawback for some, who find the plot predictable and overly reliant on the idea that friendship solves everything. Additionally, later episodes include a lot of fan service, which has caused some viewers to stop watching.

3) Sword Art Online

Sword Art Online is a recent take on the popular ‘Isekai’ genre and quickly gained popularity when it first came out in 2012. The show’s central idea involves players getting trapped inside a virtual reality game where they must fight for survival, with no escape possible except by winning. Blending action, science fiction, fantasy, and the Isekai elements, Sword Art Online is an engaging series. The first part of the show particularly focuses on what it would be like to live inside a video game and how that might change a person’s thoughts and behavior.

This show definitely had the potential to be something special, offering a unique and engaging take on being transported to another world where simply surviving is the main goal. Sword Art Online was incredibly popular and still has a dedicated fanbase who appreciate its take on the ‘Isekai’ genre. It’s natural that any successful show will attract criticism, as some people simply enjoy disliking popular trends. However, Sword Art Online also faces valid criticisms, including a lack of character development and a weak adaptation of the original source material.

2) Mushoko Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation

I have to say, when you talk about anime that really get people talking, Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation immediately springs to mind! It’s a newer series, debuting in 2021, and it’s already been renewed for a third season – that’s coming in 2026, if you can believe it! Honestly, it’s totally shaken up the Isekai genre. A lot of fans consider it one of the best modern Isekai anime out there, and it’s easy to see why – the animation is gorgeous, the characters are a blast, and the world they’ve built is incredibly detailed.

Despite its popularity, Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation isn’t without controversy. While many viewers appreciate the show’s complex story and mature themes, a significant number of people are troubled by the behavior of the main character, Rudeus Greyrat. He’s often depicted as morally questionable, perverted, and even creepy, and the show features instances of sexual harassment and interactions with underage characters. This has led some viewers to find the show unwatchable, as they struggle to support a protagonist who doesn’t face consequences for his actions.

1) JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is a famously divisive anime – people either absolutely love it or dislike it intensely. It’s hugely popular, and a new adaptation of the “Steel Ball Run” story is currently being made. The show’s impact on other anime, anime culture in general, and even global style is undeniable. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is as close to a modern anime cult classic as you can get.

What fans adore about JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is often what others dislike most—it’s a bit of a paradox. The artwork is a prime example: its unique style is instantly recognizable and a signature of the series, but it’s not for everyone. Similarly, the show’s pop culture references, comedic relief during serious fights, and use of slapstick humor either really appeal to viewers or turn them off completely.

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2025-11-09 00:14