10 Best Dystopian Anime to Binge for Fans of Dark Storytelling

Yearning for a respite from the monotonous routine of everyday existence? Seeking something beyond what contemporary society’s inequalities can provide? Dive into the worlds of these dystopian anime settings, where you’ll find everything from desolate, lawless landscapes to an unusual feeling of freedom from conventional civilization. These societies, though decaying, are irresistibly intriguing. The main plots often revolve around man versus nature, but the diversity within the dystopian genre ensures a generous serving of man against man and man against nature as well.

Despite hailing from realities marked by turmoil such as war, environmental devastation, and social collapse, there’s an unexpected sense of solace in observing things from these distinct viewpoints. In the grand scheme, even when our world appears on the brink of disintegration, a glimmer of hope somehow persists and flourishes amidst the turmoil. And what more soothing escape could one seek from our troubled times than immersing oneself in alternate anime universes that might be facing even greater adversity?

Attack on Titan

In a world where mankind is on the brink of annihilation by colossal creatures known as Titans, survivors huddle within a fortified city for safety. However, after one hundred years, these monstrous beings breach the walls, triggering a new wave of fear and chaos. Humanity once again faces imminent extinction. Witnessing his own mother’s gruesome demise at the hands of Titans, Eren Yeager vows to wipe out these beasts forever. Accompanied by his adoptive sister Mikasa Akerman and childhood friend Armin Arlert, Eren joins the Survey Corps – a military division dedicated to battling Titans outside the city limits. Unaware of the dramatic events that lie ahead, Eren is on the verge of discovering the truth behind the Titans’ origins.

The awe-inspiring storyline of titanic monsters posing a catastrophic threat to mankind, portrayed in the captivating anime series Attack on Titan, has swiftly earned it the status of an enduring classic. Boasting a substantial collection of episodes, this nail-biting show is undeniably perfect for binge-watching sessions.

Heavenly Delusion

In a two-tiered dystopian narrative, people either survive in a world overrun by man-eating monsters or reside within a peaceful sanctuary called “Heaven”. Maru, a boy endowed with the ability to eliminate Man-Eaters, and his protector Kiruko traverse this nightmarish terrain, seeking resolution for their troubled pasts and uncertain futures in this supposed “Heaven” location. Simultaneously, the facility’s youth start doubting the purpose of the sanctuary and what secrets may be hidden beyond its protective walls.

In a desolate land filled with the whispers of redemption amidst a world riddled with relentless obstacles, the protagonists of “Heavenly Delusion” bear heavier struggles than the mere beasts lurking atop its soil.

Girls’ Last Tour

In a barren, war-ravaged landscape, Chito and Yuuri appear to rely solely on one another. As they traverse these damaged terrains, the duo spends their days scavenging and theorizing, occasionally pausing for friendly chats or aimlessly knocking over tin cans. Despite the scarcity of people or resources, they demonstrate that what truly matters is their companionship.

Girls’ Last Tour presents a laid-back and tranquil portrayal of an anime world post-apocalyptic setting, with its characters offering glimpses of everyday life amidst a gloomy landscape. Despite whether it’s about intense battles or just a snowball fight, this series provides a unique perspective on surviving in the aftermath of destruction.

Akira

2019 rolls around, decades past when a catastrophe ignited World War III in the ’80s, and Neo-Tokyo remains in a perpetual state of uproar. The streets are a chaotic blend of crime and resistance against an oppressive regime. As a passionate advocate for change, I, Shoutarou Kaneda, find myself unwittingly entangled in a government plot when my comrade, Tetsuo Shima, uncovers his own psychic talents upon crossing paths with an escaped government-created psyker.

For fans of dystopian narratives brimming with enigma, suspense, and science fiction, “Akira” is an ideal choice. This film excels in exploring themes like government conspiracies and potent psychic abilities, all while showcasing its iconic animation style and captivating soundtrack that still resonates today.

Berserk

Traveling alone as a formidable warrior, Guts effortlessly vanquishes whatever opponents he faces, armed with his massive sword. However, when he crosses paths with the mercenary group known as the Band of the Hawk, led by the charismatic and powerful Griffith, he realizes they are his equal in combat. A duel between them results in Guts choosing to join their ranks. Over time, he forms strong bonds within this newfound family, particularly with fellow commanders Casca and Griffith himself. But as Griffith demonstrates his willingness to do whatever it takes to ascend in power, Guts comes to recognize that the relationships he has cultivated could be jeopardized, even those he holds in high esteem, including the man he now respects deeply.

In the world of Berserk, the underlying corruption and decay in Midland hinted at a crumbling society long before the cataclysmic event known as the Great Wave of the Astral World. This dark anime series portrays a grim dystopia that spirals ever deeper into chaos, with its inhabitants often proving just as monstrous as the creatures that roam this world. The indomitable spirit required to endure the endless torment and atrocities in this universe is already an immense challenge for Guts, but when those closest to him are threatened by treachery within their own group, it could potentially break even the mighty swordsman.

Psycho-Pass

The aim of the future judicial system is to remain impartial, using methods that are not influenced by rule exceptions or tainted by human judgment’s imperfections. The law enforcement agency in this futuristic Japan, known as the Sibyl System, consists of Inspectors who assess citizens’ criminal tendencies, called “Psycho-Pass,” and Enforcers, individuals with latent criminality who administer justice based on their status, in return for not facing the same consequences. When Akane Tsunemori is teamed up with Enforcer Shinya Kougami and is presented with an opportunity to make a difference as a promising new Inspector, she begins to question her faith in the fairness of the Sibyl justice system.

A subordinate under an authority questioning and working to reform a flawed system, as seen in the series “Psycho-Pass”. Unlike many dystopian narratives that focus on either the perspective of a resistant citizen during a revolution or the outcome post-upheaval, this series delves into the corrupt inner workings of a dystopian government from within.

Terror in Resonance

While on a class field trip to the Tokyo Metropolitan office, Lisa Mishima gets caught up in the chaos when a terrorist accidentally marks her an accomplice while saving her from his and his fellow abettor’s bomb attack. Escaping with them, she learns that they’re the ones who had been wreaking havoc on Tokyo planting bombs, sending cryptic riddle videos en masse, and causing city-wide panic. They introduce themselves as Nine and Twelve, the two masked figures in the videos known as “Sphinx”. In challenging the police and government, the terrorist attacks and riddles are really created to send a message, one to expose the government’s shady secret: Nine and Twelve’s tragic origins.

Not all dystopias are about overtly blatant suffering and injustices nor do all of them depict overly futuristic or decrepit societies. Some dystopias hit a little closer to home when it comes to looking like an average, modern-day society with secretive seedy underbellies. While Terror in Resonance may be questioned at first as to why it would be considered within the dystopian genre, the answer quickly becomes clear when the veneer of a trustworthy government and society is stripped away.

Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead

After finishing university and jumping through all the necessary hurdles, Akira Tendo finally landed his coveted dream job. However, he soon discovered that the grueling, exploitative work was not worth it after all. Luckily for him, in this post-apocalyptic world overrun by the undead, there’s no need for worker drones like him. With a new lease on life amidst the chaos, Akira now sets his sights on a fresh ambition: completing his bucket list of 100 things to do before he becomes a zombie himself.

This series offers a vibrant interpretation of an apocalyptic, zombie-ridden wasteland – quite literally. Similar to how Akira infuses a vibrant, colorful resilience and optimism amidst the otherwise grim and gruesome setting, this show creatively replaces blood with splashes of cheerfully colored paint.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind

Following the devastating nuclear conflict known as “The Seven Days of Inferno,” a lethal phenomenon called the Toxic Forest started expanding, releasing harmful spores and intimidating insects that ravaged the land. Surrounding this toxic area is the Valley of the Zephyr, a coastal kingdom that remains unscathed due to the protective winds. Despite the valley’s safety, Princess Nausicaä frequently ventures into the Toxic Forest to study its creatures and workings. However, when an airship from a neighboring realm crashes into the valley, Nausicaä embarks on a mission to preserve the fragile balance between humanity and the forest, and prevent another catastrophe similar to the Seven Days of Inferno.

Initially, it might appear that this movie follows the traditional man-vs-nature narrative. However, the story soon takes an unexpected turn, revealing a man-vs-man conflict as Nausicaä champions not only her people’s survival but also the misinterpreted jungle. With Studio Ghibli known for creating timeless cult classics, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is undoubtedly a dystopian masterpiece that should not be overlooked.

Wolf’s Rain

In a post-apocalyptic world where it was believed that wolves had become extinct, there remained a hidden hope for finding paradise. This hope is rekindled when a wolf named Kiba emerges from hiding in search of this elusive place. It turns out that wolves had been living among humans all along, disguising themselves to coexist secretly. Guided by the scent of lunar flowers, Kiba encounters other wolves – Hige, Tsume, and Toboe – who were similarly drawn towards the city. A flower maiden named Cheza is said to hold the key to paradise, and so these wolves embark on a journey in search of their sanctuary in this dying world. However, they are not alone in this quest; others are hot on their heels, and not all of them have noble intentions.

In a more mystical, legendary way, Wolf’s Rain portrays what the end of the world might look like. Although it presents a bleak scenario, there remains a glimmer of hope for salvation that hasn’t entirely vanished. This series conveys the message that even in desperate times, there’s always a chance for a brighter tomorrow, a hope that one may pursue to the farthest corners of the earth.

2025-03-01 18:11