Animeis considered to be one of the most expressive mediums in entertainment today. The fanbase gets populated by new viewers every day, with those who enjoy both lighthearted adventures and psychological thrillers looking for diverse shows and captivating storytelling with every seasonal release.
Within anime’s enormous landscape lies an enchanting subgenre – darkfantasy. It features ominous worlds shrouded in peril and dystopias populated by twisted creatures; the tales of heroes battling threats both internal and external, promising a great spectacle. Now, while isekai as a broader genre has crafted some genuinely brilliant narratives, some dark fantasy anime haveremained criminally underrated.
Buried amongst popular battle shōnen andmelodramatic romancesare lesser-known gems that deserve much more appreciation than they’re getting. For those seeking the same thrill provided by shows likeThe Promised Neverland,Made in Abyss, andRe:Zero, this list presents 20 underrated dark fantasy anime that will satisfy your appetite for haunting and imaginative worlds. So without much ado, let’s get into it.
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20Now and Then, Here and There (1999)
Directed by Akitaro Daichi,Now and Then, Here and Therefollows a young boy named Shuzou “Shu” Matsutani, who finds himself enchanted by a mysterious girl named Lala-Ru. When a woman with two serpent machines appears out of nowhere with intentions of capturing her, Shu jumps to her defense and is transported to a desert world. He is thrust into war and beaten up by soldiers, but all Shu wants is to protect Lala-Ru, who reveals that she possesses the powers to manipulate water.
Haunting and Beautiful
An underrated war-themed anime that is stark and beautiful at the same time,Now and Then, Here and Theredeals with hard philosophical questions through a fantastic lens. Shu’s fish-out-of-water perspective offers a glimpse into unlikely friendships, while Lala-Ru is a personification of Earth itself. The animation itself has a unique quality to match the arid and dystopian landscape, being directed by Akitaro Daichi ofFruits BasketandOjarumarufame. Though dark in subject, it finds gripping moments of light to carry you through the ending.
19The Heroic Legend of Arslan (2015 – 2016)
The Heroic Legend of Arslantakes place in the year 320, where the kingdom of Pars and the empire of Lusitania are at war with each other. After witnessing the betrayal and death of his father, Arslan — the young prince of Pars — is forced to go on the run. He assembles an army to take back his kingdom and fight Silvermask, a mysterious challenger fighting for Lusitania. However, things become perilous for Arslan when Silvermask reveals a shocking truth about his origins.
An Epic Tale of Legends
Young Arslan’s quest to unite a fractured kingdom and fight various invading forces makes for an epic dark fantasy story. There are elements of political intrigue and large-scale battles. Rich character relationships and unexpected plot twists drive the plot forward across two seasons, making for an excellent series for those in need of a grandiose fantasy tale. Almost cinematic in scope and storytelling,The Heroic Legend of Arslanbrings ancient history to life with flair and a unique setting based on ancient Persian mythology.Buy on Apple TV
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18Yuki Yuna Is a Hero (2014 – 2021)
Yuna Yuki, the titular character, is an essential member of her middle school’s Hero Club. The girls work to defend each other and bring a smile to everyone’s faces. It’s noble and heroic enough, isn’t it? However, Yuna is soon forced to prove her worth when mysterious destructive forces called ‘Vertexes’ attack her home. Using their magical powers and colorful auras, Yuna and the Hero Club uncover the sinister secret behind these forces and fight back.
Deconstructs the Dark Fantasy Genre
Yuki Yuna Is a Herois a very well-realized show that focuses on its greater plot, which is about saving the world. But, in the process, it never steers away from Yuna and their girls’ individual stories, their unwavering friendships, and profoundly moving strengths. A deconstruction of the dark fantasy genre, the anime packs as much cryptic foreshadowing as it does an emotional punch, and it offers asingularly haunting viewing experience.Stream on HIDIVE
17Rokka: Braves of the Six Flowers (2015)
Filled with cool fantasy elements and various engaging plot points,Rokka: Braves of the Six Flowerstells the story of Adlet Mayer, the self-proclaimed “Strongest Man in the World,” who desires to be chosen by the Goddess of Fame as one of the Braves of the Six Flowers. These six warriors fight alongside each other in order to defeat the Demon God, a revived force of evil that aims to take over the world. Thankfully, Adlet’s wish is fulfilled, and he is called to an assembly of the Braves. But when seven people arrive at the assembly instead of six, they’ll have to determine who the potential impostor is.
When Heroes Become Suspects
Despite only having 12 episodes, the anime combines a “fake spy” subplot along with astonishing fantasy action. As the Braves are introduced one by one, you find yourself mesmerized by the cast of characters. Moreover, the mysteries and fights are entertaining and inventive as well. Fans of clever thrillers and subversive fantasies likeMade in Abysswill truly enjoy watching this unique world build and break as the multi-layered plot advances.Stream on Crunchyroll
16Kurozuka (2008)
Set in 12th-century Japan,Kurozukafollows a swordsman named Minamoto no Yoshitsune, who flees to the forest on the threat of death with his servant Benkei. From there, he stumbles upon the humble abode of Kuromitsu. Mysteriously beautiful and seemingly ageless, Kuromitsu lets the man in on her secret and changes his life by making him immortal, with one glaring drawback. Having now lived for a thousand years as a vampire, Kurou struggles to survive in an apocalyptic modern-day Japan.
Filled With Shadowy Secrets
Misinterpreted by many as confounding and undercooked,Kurozukahas received polarizing reviews from fans for as long as we can remember. However, for a story set across a sweeping timeframe, it is only natural for the narrative to become twisted and gritty. It features stylized and epic animation from Madhouse, genuinely immersive fight sequences, and a visuallystriking accuracy to historyto go with its thought-provoking themes of mortality, revenge, betrayal, and love.
15The Witch and the Beast (2024)
Based on a manga series written and illustrated by Kousuke Satake,The Witch and the Beasthas nothing to do with Disney’sBeauty and the Beast. Instead, its plot centers around Guideau, a young woman who carries a witch’s curse. Looking for a way to free herself, she joins the Order of Magical Resonance and, in exchange, she helps them solve magic-related cases around the world with a mage called Ashaf accompanying her.
Features an Unlikely Duo
A recent addition to the genre, the series weaves an enthralling tale of magic and mystique through its unlikely duo. Fluid animation brings to life a fantastical world where reason is overpowered by the existence of witches, mages, and other elements. The intricate themes around control and sacrifice surprise viewers at every turn. The character dynamic between Ashaf and Guidea, which is a contrast of wild-and-tame, brain-and-brawn, is the true heart of the anime.Stream on Crunchyroll
14Blood+ (2005 – 2006)
Despite beingan anime about vampires, there is something distinct and original aboutBlood+that makes it so cool and underrated. The story is about a high school student named Saya Otonashi, who suffers from anemia and amnesia but lives a mostly normal life. When a bloodthirsty creature attacks her school, she is saved by a mysterious man named Haji, who is there to feed Saya his blood and awaken her true abilities.
Gothic Vampire Story
Blood+is an intricately-plotted series that consists of 50 episodes in total. Each of these episodes balances truly amazing action and a deep, melancholic exploration of memory, guilt, and what it means to be a human in a world tainted by evil. Saya’s journey of empowerment is the core of the anime, and it’s certain to resonate deeply with the audience. The gritty animation and brilliant soundtrack adds a classic noir touch to the overall narrative.
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13The Saga of Tanya the Evil (2017)
When an atheistic Japanese man challenged a self-proclaimed God in a battle of wits, he was abruptly reborn as a Tanya Degurechaff, a young soldier with blonde hair and blue eyes, known for predatory ruthlessness in a war that incorporates magic. Stuck in a world where mages roam free and political alliances shift, this devout capitalist uses their former acumen to rise through the ranks and eventually defeat Being X.
Ruled by an Unflinching Protagonist
With slick world-building and use of philosophical musings befitting the era,The Saga of Tanya the Evilexamines a not-so-generic storyline through the eyes of its protagonist, Tanya. An interesting and fascinating character who sees immense growth in her unflinching quest for survival, Tanya is an easy one to follow. Her controversial rise and unscrupulous strategies make for some complex and compelling arcs.Dark fantasy fanswon’t want to miss this gem, especially with its setting heavily borrowing from World War I.Stream on Crunchyroll
12Rage of Bahamut: Genesis (2014)
Rage of Bahamut: Genesisis a medieval fantasy that takes you thousands of years back in time, wherein dragons wreaked havoc on a land populated by gods and demons. Favaro Leone, a bounty hunter, lived a laid-back life, but turned into a devoted man when it came to business and fending off fellow bounty hunter Kaisar Lidfard, who sought revenge on Favaro. But, his life is thrown into chaos when he meets Amira, a woman who holds the key to world peace.
Dragons, Demons and Gods Existing Together
An adventurous fantasy anime produced by Studio MAPPA, directed by Keiichi Sato and written by Keiichi Hasegawa,Rage of Bahamut: Genesiswould have remained forgotten if it weren’t for its devoted fanbase. Its rich animation paired with the brilliant execution and ever-escalating set pieces transports you to fantasy realms never seen before. Even in the grand scheme of things, the series focuses on its eccentric and lovable characters, who drive the story forward at a deliberate pace.
11Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation (2021)
A 34-year-old man who was disgraced and oppressed all his life lives in isolation because of the trauma it induced. After a tragic accident,he is reborn as a babynamed Rudeus Greyrat to two loving parents. Still retaining memories of his past life, he uses his knowledge and abilities to hone his magic, learn swordsmanship, and form new bonds. The land of mystique welcomes him as Rudeus tries to conquer his fear and find love again.
Isekai Tale About Second Chances
Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnationis adapted from the acclaimed light novel series by Rifujin na Magonote. Much like the source material, it takes its sweet time to build the medieval setting and introduce us to the complex characters instead of jumping headfirst into growth and profundity. While there are moments of wholesome humor, the anime is grounded in themes of rebirth, trauma, and coming to terms with the past. The animation is textured and unfamiliar, but pretty enough to engage you.Stream on Hulu
