One thing I like to do is browse X/Twitter and see what topics are trending. The other day I saw that the hashtag #鬱アニメ (utsu anime) was trending, with Japanese users sharing their favorite “depressing anime” examples. So let’s explore this topic in today’s blog post!
Why is Depressing Anime a Thing??
Why would fans want to watch dark anime, anyway? There are a few reasons, including:
- Telling more dramatic stories in which characters face emotional challenges as well as physical ones is something anime excels at.
- Anime explores topical stories that are interesting to us. For example, the complex emotions inside the mind of a hikikomori who can’t leave his room. We can enter the world the characters live in through the story.
- Sometimes we just get into one of those moods where we want to touch sadness through the lives of fictional characters for a few hours. Otherwise, why would anyone ever re-watch Clannad After Story?
- Sometimes we could all use a good cry. Anyone want to re-watch episode 10 of Violet Evergarden with me?
What Are the Top Depressing Anime According to Japanese Twitter?
The first and last anime that devested me was Elfin Lied. The story is dark and grotesque from beginning to end, not only in appearance but also in spirit, although it leaves a lasting impression on a person.
Tokyo Magnitude 8.0. It was an anime I could not get through without tears, but it was excellent and made us think about many important things.
Depressing anime? I think Perfect Blue is a great one.
When I think of the trend of “depressing anime”, this is the one that comes to mind. It’s Saishu Heiki Kanojo (She, the Ultimate Weapon). Such an amazing story, so painful it’s beautiful.
My three picks are Gakkou Gurashi, Magical Girl Raising Project, and Madoka Magica.
Depressing anime is trending! I guess my favorite depressive anime is Happy Sugar Life. It’s the god anime!
Definitely the most depressing anime.
If you want to get depressed, watch a ‘young love drama’ anime like Toradora and compare it to the real life we all live.
The most depressing anime for me is definitely Kimi ga Nozomu Eien (Rumbling Hearts). The world changes from a cute love triangle to a dark story after episode 2. There’s no magic, no reincarnation, no harem, but I think this is the best anime based on an eroge. It reminds us that we should always cherish our friends!
Depressing anime is trending on Twitter! Gakkou Gurashi left a deep impression on me, fooling me with a cute title and bouncy theme song, but the story…
When I heard the term “depressing anime,” the one that came to mind was Bokura no. To be honest, I don’t think there are many depressing anime that surpass this one. It is a masterpiece, but if you haven’t seen it, you might want to skip it. I couldn’t eat for 3 days after watching it.
Depressing anime? Why not just re-watch Zeta Gundam?
What’s Peter’s Top Recommendation for a Sad Anime?
I’ve always been a fan of excellently written stories that aren’t afraid to send their characters to dark places, which is why I’m a card-carrying Made in Abyss fan. It’s got the most interesting premise — a girl seeking her mother in the deep and mysterious abyss, with the help of her robot boyfriend — and an incredibly compelling story.
This is one of the saddest, and yet most beautiful, moments of season 1. Obviously huge spoilers for anyone who hasn’t watched the show yet, but plans to!
Thanks for reading this blog post exploring the popularity of dark, depressing anime! What are your favorite dark anime series or movies? Tell us in the comments below!
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