“The human mind is both the greatest weapon and the deadliest trap.” – Robert Greene

Ahh, Dark Psychological anime! What can I even say about it.

In the vast realm of animated storytelling, psychological is somewhat of a niche genre. It’s a genre that weaves intricate tales, explores the deepest recesses of the human mind, and confronts the shadows that linger in the corners of our consciousness.

It’s a genre where reality intertwines with the surreal and the line between sanity and madness blurs.

These anime are not content with mere darkness, they paint a picture of profound philosophical questions, moral dilemmas, and the fragile nature of our own psyche. They challenge traditional conventions, tantalize the intellect, and leave you with a sense of wonder and bafflement even amongst the most twisted of themes.

Best dark psychological anime series:

Join us as we embark on our selection of some of the most prized Dark Psychological anime series, where the boundaries of reality and fantasy blur, and we fall, victim, to the darkest recesses of our own human minds.

20. Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom

Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom is an adaptation of the visual novel Phantom of Inferno, the story delivered by Gen Urobuchi, the mastermind behind Fate: Zero and Psycho-Pass.

The anime thrusts viewers forward into a hell-raised world, one full of senseless violence, madness, and deceit. We follow the story of a young man, who is kidnapped and brainwashed into working as an assassin by Ein, who goes by the codename Phantom in the organization ‘Inferno’. Thus he loses his identity and morality, as he gradually becomes a cold-hearted killer.

This dark psychological anime delves into themes of identity, manipulation, and the moral consequences of one’s actions, painting a psychologically dark and intense narrative.

While the execution of the narrative isn’t without flaws and some very obvious plot holes, the character development more or less makes up for the missing quality of the writing.

19. Hell Girl

It is said that he who seeks revenge should dig two graves. Hell Girl takes this saying to heart, as not only will she drag out the soul of the targetted person down to hell, but also claim the soul of the revenge seeker when they die.

In this series, Ai Enma, often referred to as the “Hell Girl”, operates a website accessible only at midnight, where people can input the name of someone they hold a grudge against. If they do so, Ai Enma will appear and offer to send that person to hell. However, the requester must agree to the condition that they, too, will go to hell after they die.

Each episode typically features a different individual who decides to the Hell Girl’s services to seek vengeance. While the story often questions redemption and the nature of revenge, it suffers from having a repetitive narrative structure.

The individuals who contact Ai for revenge would get cold feet after hearing about her condition, but they are eventually driven to a point of desperation by their tormentors and give in. And as their revenge is exacted, a brand appears on their chest as a reminder of what’ll happen to them when they die.

18. Texhnolyze

Texhnolyze is set in a bleak cyberpunk dystopia and explores the themes of cybernetics, transhumanism, violence, and societal decay. The show originates from the creators of Serial Experiments Lain so it features a very similar style.

The show is set in the underground city of Lux, where people have resorted to augmenting their bodies with Cybernetics, aka, Texhnolyzation. There’s a three-way ongoing power struggle between Organo, the Salvation Union, and the Racan that adds a layer of political conflict to the series.

The city is plunged into chaos when Kazuho Yoshii begins committing a series of crimes that puts the gangs at each other’s throats. A key feature of Texhnolyze is it’s musical variety which ranges from atmospheric beats to aromatic, spicy blend of Jazz.

A prominent feature of Texhnolyze is how minimal the dialogue is in the show. It is known for its bleak atmospheric storytelling and integrates Nietzsche’s philosophy of Übermensch. Overall, Texhnolyze is an exceeding slow-paced show that is still worth a watch for the themes of existentialism that it invokes.

17. Aku No Hana

Aku No Hana is a psychological drama that explores the complex and dark emotions of its characters, particularly its protagonist, Takao Kasuga. Takao is a relatively normal high schooler who’s fascinated by poetry. One day, he forgets his copy of The Flowers of Evil in the classroom.

The story begins when Takao returns to retrieve his book and impulsively steals the clothes of another girl in the class, whom he considers his muse. As often is the situation after committing a disgusting act, Takao is tormented by guilt, but before he has any time to repent for his sins, he is blackmailed by Sawa Nakamura, a classmate of his who’s also a social outcast.

Thus begins Takao’s rapid descent into insanity, a madness in search pleasure of libertinism.

The series swims through the clogged minds of both Takao and Sawa, as they become entangled in each other’s lives and the horrors they carry with them. Aku no Hana is a deconstruction of our own self-imposed morality and as the narrative progresses, it talks about redemption, guilt, and the nature of sin.

It’s a thought-provoking series that provides a fresh new take on the coming-of-age genre.

Aku No Hana uses a unique art style and is considered to be the first anime that uses extensive rotoscoping. The anime adapts the first twenty chapters of the manga and I highly recommend everyone to read the manga as there is no news of a second season, yet.

16. Monster

Next up on the list is, Naoki Urasawa’s magnum opus, Monster. Monster is a psychological thriller that attempts to explore the morality of characters, and shows how humans are corrupted by power and the far-reaching consequences that their actions can have.

The story of “Monster” revolves around Dr. Kenzou Tenma, a highly skilled neurosurgeon on the path to a successful career in medicine. His life takes a dramatic turn when he faces a moral dilemma. He receives orders to prioritize the life of a famous patient over that of an immigrant worker, leading to the worker’s death.

This event haunts Dr. Tenma, and he decides to make a different choice in a similar situation, opting to save a young boy instead of the town’s mayor.

As a result, Dr. Tenma loses his social standing but after the mysterious death of the director and two other doctors, his position is restored and he eventually ascends to become the Director of the hospital. Nine years later, Dr. Tenma’s past catches up with him when he saves the life of a criminal.

Realizing the monster he may have inadvertently saved, Dr. Tenma embarks on a quest for redemption, determined to make amends for the chaos and destruction caused by the person he rescued.

Monster is one of those shows that are best enjoyed when going blind. The show excels in creating characters that are morally grey and a villain, one of the best antagonists in any form of media, that makes you question the nature of humanity itself.

I am not going to say anything else about Monster, go in blind, and enjoy the masterpiece of this moral dilemma.

15. Land of the Lustrous

Speaking about masterpieces, next up we have Land of the Lustrous, or Housei No Kuni, one of the most unique and interesting shows to come out of anime in recent years. Land of the Lustrous is set in a world inhabited by gemstone-based beings who are constantly under threat from mysterious creatures called the Lunarians.

Land of the Lustrous follows the story of Phos, a young and fragile gem who wants to be helpful in the war effort. However, because of their delicate condition, they are instead tasked with compiling an encyclopedia.

After embarking on this seemingly mundane task, Phos encounters another Cinnabar, another gem who is unhappy with their assigned work because of their condition. Following this, Phos decides to find a role that both gems can partake in with enthusiasm.

This dark psychological anime explores themes of identity, existentialism, and the struggle for survival in a desolate world. Its unique take on characters made of gemstones and their existential crises adds a touch of quirkiness to its otherwise intriguing and dark narrative.

Sadly, this is another one of those series that never got announced for a second season. So I must urge all my readers to check out the manga after they have completed the anime. In my opinion, it is a very underrated series that deserves all the attention it can get.

14. Ergo Proxy

Ergo Proxy is an anime set in a dystopian, post-apocalyptic world, one where humans and robots have to co-exist inside domed cities as life outside is almost impossible.

This anime is a difficult word to put into words as it is a mind-bending rollercoaster and slap it together with the unbearably bleak color palette and existentialism, it’s hard to even absorb any information it provides, and it doesn’t give out a lot.

The anime follows the story of Re-l Mayer, a government investigator who is tasked with investigating a virus that imbues the AutoReivs, the robots with consciousness. Along the way, Re-l forms a rag-tag faction as they struggle to uncover a web of conspiracies as well as the true purpose of the mythical beings called ‘Proxies’.

Ergo Proxy is a dark psychological anime and it plunges us headfirst into the themes of identity, self-discovery, and the consequences of technological advancement, all while maintaining a dark and philosophical atmosphere that keeps viewers engaged.

One character in particular, Pino, a childlike AutoReiv is the show’s take on The Talos Principle – what is the fundamental difference between a robot and a human? If we replace all biological parts that a human being comprises with mechanical parts, would they still remain a human?

13. Higurashi When They Cry (2006)

Up next in our list of best dark psychological anime is Higurashi When They Cry. If Ergo Proxy was hard to put into words, Higurashi is nigh impossible to describe without succumbing to madness.

Higurashi When They Cry is a dark psychological horror that relies on shock value to elicit terror, an intricate storyline that takes place across multiple arcs, and a mystery puzzle where the pieces never quite fit in properly to always keep viewers on their toes.

The story of Higurashi takes place in the quiet little village of Hinamizawa. The story follows Keiichi Maebara, who recently moved into the village, and his group of inseparable friends. Under the seemingly idyllic life, they lead hides a darkness that threatens to purge the village into destruction.

Higurashi revolves around a small village plagued by a series of gruesome murders and mysteries that repeat in different timelines.

Higurashi explores paranoia, the fragility of sanity, and the vicious cycle of violence and madness. The mystery and horror pull you deeper into the hole, the more you keep watching out of sheer morbid curiosity and the mind games manage to always keep you on your toes.

12. Made In Abyss

Do I really need to say anything on Made in Abyss? The series is a masterpiece in every sense of the word. Made in Abyss, at first glance, appears to be fantasy fantasy-themed good, light-hearted, and full of fun and adventure shows but it very cleverly deceives the audience with those tropes.

Underneath the bubbly and charming nature of the show, lies an adventure that is equal parts grim and equal parts gruesome.

Made in Abyss follows the story of a young girl named Riko, accompanied by a robot boy named Reg, as she descends down into the Abyss, a mysterious and perilous chasm filled with hidden secrets and dangers, in search of her mother.

It explores themes of curiosity, the cost of knowledge, and the harrowing journey of self-discovery. The glaring sharp contrast between its adorable character designs and the dark, often gruesome realities of the Abyss they are subjected to creates a unique blend of whimsy and darkness that is both captivating and thought-provoking.

I am sure Anakin would have really liked this show if he were still alive.

The reason Made in Abyss is so captivating is because the Abyss itself is structured like a video game. The beginning layers are inviting and easy but the deeper you go, the more difficult survival gets and the curse of the abyss gets exponentially stronger.

If that hasn’t convinced you to give the show a watch, then surely the music by the Man, the Myth, The Legend, Kevin Penkin will? Made in Abyss contains some of Penkin’s best works in the industry yet, and it only gets even better with season 2. Overall, Made in Abyss is a very unique anime that you should definitely experience.

11. Elfen Lied

Elfen Lied is a graphic and dark anime based on Diclonii, a mutant species with telekinetic powers. This series talks about the inherent evil within humans, the cruel nature of humanity, and the severe effects of prorogued isolation.

Elfen Lied series is known for its graphic violence and psychological intensity, which combine to create a deeply unsettling and thought-provoking narrative.

Elfen Lied focuses on the story of Lucy, a Diclonii, who’s a victim of inhuman scientific experimentation. When the opportunity of a breakout presents itself, Lucy seizes it and unleashes a torrent of bloodshed as she escapes her captors.

However, in the process, she suffers a head injury which leaves her with a split personality disorder, one of which is a harmless child with limited speech capacity, and the other with homicidal tendencies.

Elfen Lied is not all without problems though. While it has some very intriguing concepts to build on, it succumbs to squeezing every situation possible into fanservice and the overly extreme gore aspect of the show only appeals to edgy teenage kids.

On the bright side, Elfen Lied’s score is composed of a haunting melody with discordant notes that echo in your mind, adding a chilling and eerie personality to its storytelling. It is essentially a story about what being devoid of love can do to humans.

And did I mention the opening of Elfen Lied – Lilium yet? Lilium is a brilliant art piece, the angelic aria, followed by the capella and the gorgeous Gregorian chant – you get it, it’s a brilliant art piece! In the end, Elfen Lied IS one of the best dark psychological anime out there for you to check out!

10. Now and Then, Here and There

Now and Then, Here and There is one of the earliest Isekai anime, far before the genre was popularized by SAO and subsequently bastardized by whatever garbage the industry is pumping out every season now.

For its time, this show was far and beyond what a normal isekai consists of today. This anime addresses war, child exploitation, and the consequences of violence with a stark and unflinching approach.

Now and Then, Here and There follows a boy named Shu who is transported to a harrowing dystopian world, where he becomes entangled in a brutal war and the suffering of child soldiers. The child soldiers are forced into committing atrocities, just for an empty promise that they’ll eventually be sent home.

The story and setting allow for a lot of character growth to feel impactful.

The show is dark with heavy psychological themes, and yet the events are portrayed in a way that feels very much grounded in realism. I think that this stark realism and unapologetic approach to the horrors of war is what adds another layer of depth and emotional resonance to its already dark narrative.

To me, it very much feels like a sobering journey into a world full of despair, with a touch of haunting melancholy.

9. Rainbow

Rainbow is a dark psychological anime set in Japan in 1955. It follows the story of Mario Minakami and five other teenagers who find themselves incarcerated at the Shounan Special Reform School due to serious criminal charges.

These delinquents are placed in the same cell and encounter Rokurouta Sakuragi, an older inmate and former boxer. Rokurouta becomes their mentor and guide, offering them hope that they will reunite outside the prison once they’ve served their sentences.

Together, these seven cellmates form a close-knit bond, providing each other with support and resilience in the face of the brutal suffering and humiliation inflicted upon them.

As they endure the harsh conditions of the reform school, the seven inmates rely on their collective strength and determination to survive until their sentences are completed. However, even if they manage to escape this living hell, they must confront the daunting question of what kind of lives await them on the other side.

This may sound a bit cliche but a core concept of Rainbow is friendship, and no, not in the way Shounen anime uses the power of friendship to beat bosses. It is gritty and realistic, it’s not about ride or die, it is ride AND die – Either we all survive this hell or none of us walks out of this.

Rainbow is a message about the remarkable resilience human beings possess and the human capacity to endure even the most extreme of adversities. It’s very much an emotionally charged delivery that explores the harsh realities of life while developing the bond among its characters.

8. Psycho-Pass

It’s time to talk about another Gen Urobuchi phenomenon now – Psycho-Pass! This is an anime set in 22nd-century Japan and presents a dystopian vision of justice and law enforcement using a vector-based measuring system called the Sibyl System.

This system objectively assesses the threat level of each citizen by analyzing their mental state for signs of criminal intent, referred to as their Psycho-Pass.

The story is centered around Akane Tsunemori, a young and idealistic woman, who enters this world with a genuine desire to administer justice. However, her perspective radically changes when she starts to uncover the flaws in the supposedly impeccable judgments of the Sibyl System.

Akane’s journey raises profound questions about the nature of justice and whether it can be achieved through a system that may already be tainted by corruption.

If that synopsis sounded familiar, it’s because the idea of apprehending thought-based crimes was originally explored in George Orwell’s 1984. Honestly, I think that the way Enforcers, the law enforcement force in this series works is similar to how the Thought Police in 1984 work in apprehending potential criminals.

But at the same time, Psycho-Pass is a sharp contrast to 1984’s Totalitarian government. If you are someone who enjoys reading George Orwell, you might take a huge liking to Psycho-Pass and enjoy drawing comparisons between both works.

Overall, Psycho-Pass discusses the ethicality of surveillance, free will, and the moral implications of pre-emptive justice. It talks about the consequences of relying on technology and a dystopian setting coupled with a surveillance-driven society adds a quality of eerieness to the anime.

And oh god the music! First of all Bach, a lot of Bach, and an abundance of Synth that fits in perfectly with the futuristic setting. It’s like a dance between the mind and technology, with a dash of cyberpunk quirkiness that keeps you on edge. You’d be a Psycho to Pass up on this series. (Sorry I had to)

7. The Future Diary

The Future Diary, or Mirai Nikki as it is otherwise known, is eccentric, to say the least. The show revolves around Yukiteru Amano, a socially isolated kid who records his daily life in extensive detail on his phone and talks with his imaginary friends, one of them being Deus Ex Machina, the god of space and time.

Before you roll your eyes, we aren’t even at the silly part yet.

One fateful day, Yukiteru wakes up to find that his phone’s diary predicts future events with uncanny accuracy. He also discovers that Yuno Gasai, a fellow classmate, also possesses a similar diary.

Later that day, it turns out the Deux Ex Machina is real, and he invites 12 contestants in total, including Yukiteru and Yuno, and he forces them into a battle royale-esque tournament where the last one standing will inherit the title of Deux Ex Machina. (So anime PUBG?)

The series explores obsession, survival, and the consequences of absolute power, within a dark and psychologically twisted narrative. Honestly, The Future Diary is a complete trainwreck of a series, but it is a lot of fun at the same time with its completely nonsensical plot.

For any and all the future the phone diaries could predict, they still couldn’t foresee the sheer unpredictability of the characters and their obsessive tendencies. It’s like a deadly game of chess with a cast full of eccentric players, making it a really fun watch.

6. Welcome To NHK!

In Welcome to the NHK, the story centers around Tatsuhiro Satou, a 22-year-old college dropout who has been living as a recluse, for nearly four years. As a result of his self-imposed isolation, he has started engaging in various conspiracy theories.

However, one theory stands out among the rest: his conviction that the Nihon Hikikomori Kyokai (NHK) is the sole organization responsible for promoting and perpetuating hikikomori culture.

Welcome to the NHK is a psychological dramedy that follows Tatsuhiro’s quest to break free from the clutches of the NHK and overcome the self-imposed isolation that has consumed his life.

The story itself talks about some serious subject matters but presents itself in a mostly humorous manner but also with painfully relatable and bittersweet moments.

As you might have already guessed, NHK’s prime focus is the severe consequences social withdrawal can have on the mental health of a person. And lastly, NHK focuses on the challenges of reintegrating into society. Having experienced the pandemic lockdown, I think we all might be able to relate to Tatsuhiro’s condition on some level.

We perceive Tatsuhiro’s inner turmoil as he battles with the darkest recesses of his sanity, we see him struggle through his hallucination and understand how scary paranoia can be and at last, we watch him navigate the complexities that lie in the world beyond the walls of his apartment.

Its blend of dark humor and paranoia creates a unique narrative. It’s like a bizarre rollercoaster ride through the mind of a recluse, with a hint of dark comedy that makes you question the boundaries of reality and delusion.

5. Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica

Madoka Magica is perhaps, one of the greatest magical girl shows in the history of anime, it’s the show that revolutionized the magical girl genre and simultaneously doomed it. It’s because the show raised the standards of this genre so high that anything new that came out tried to emulate this series but could never quite catch the magic.

Madoka Magica revolves around the lives of two ordinary middle school girls, Madoka Kaname and Sayaka Miki. Their mundane existence takes a dramatic turn when they encounter Kyuubey, a cat-like magical familiar, and Homura Akemi, a mysterious new transfer student.

The cat offers them a proposition that will grant a single wish to them, but in exchange, they must become magical girls. Homura, who is already a magical girl strongly advises against it, as there is much more than what meets the eye.

The show is jam-packed full of psychedelic visuals which add a unique identity to the otherwise tense and sterile backgrounds. If a person’s emotions were made into a fiddle, I will tell you that Madoka Magica plays you like a damn fiddle. This show is a deconstruction of the magical girls genre.

Madoka Magica is essentially an intense and emotionally charged narrative, so much so that it blurs the lines between the dreamscape, the nightmare, and the reality. At this point, I am just in awe of Gen Urobuchi’s ability to write consistently amazing stories!

And lastly, do I need to tell you about SHAFT? From the unique art style to the iconic score and everything around and in between, studio Shaft are simply the masters of it all. As a huge Shaft fanboi, I can keep going but I shall restrict my enthusiasm for the sake of the article.

Madoka Magica’s juxtaposition of cute magical girls with a profoundly dark and twisted plot adds an element of surprise that catches you off-guard. To me, it feels like a fairy tale that has gone horribly wrong and it keeps you hooked till the end.

4. Mononoke

Mononoke is a dark psychological anime which is very much on the artsy side of the spectrum. The plot follows a mysterious figure known as the “Medicine Seller” roams feudal Japan. His sole purpose is to hunt down malevolent spirits called Mononoke and vanquish them. However, his method is far from straightforward.

Before he can defeat a mononoke, he must unravel its secrets: Form(Katachi), Truth(Makoto), and Reason(Kotowari). Thus, his journey involves intense psychological analysis and meticulous investigation, a perilous process that forces him to confront and understand the mononoke before he can defeat it.

Mononoke is broken down into different stories lasting over 2-3 episodes, it feels like an anthology of short stories. But each of these short stories is widely varied from each other, making each story feel unique. And each tale focuses on a different theme.

A lot of these stories about Japanese folklore spirits are deep-rooted in human behavior and likewise have a disturbing nature to them. And this is why Mononoke’s so good. Its ability to convey the supernatural by exploring human nature is not just beautiful, but the empathy it can arise in our minds for these stories is also powerful.

The visually unique art style makes Mononoke feel surreal and adds a touch of quirkiness and mystery to the paranormal themes. Another unique thing is Mononoke’s usage of silence to emphasize the gravity of situations. Despite being so colorful and captivating, it can genuinely frighten you at some points.

It’s a rare combination of artistic and dreamlike that you usually do not see in this genre. The best way I can describe this show is that it feels like a mysterious tapestry of the supernatural, and it has a certain charm that lingers in your mind long after the show is over.

3. Serial Experiments Lain

Serial Experiments Lain is a series written by Chiaki J. Konaka, who is also the writer of Texhnolyze. Just like Texhnolyze, Lain has a serious focus on delivering a dark and twisted psychological narrative but this time it takes a more experimental approach.

The story revolves around Lain Iwakura, a socially awkward and introverted fourteen-year-old girl. Despite her limited tech knowledge and disinterest in technology, Lain can navigate the Wired—a virtual realm akin to the internet.

As Lain goes deeper into this mysterious digital world, her life becomes entangled in a web of cryptic mysteries. Mysterious figures start appearing wherever she goes, posing intrusive questions and demonstrating an unsettling knowledge of her personal life. (should have used a VPN smh)

Anyway, the boundaries between reality and cyberspace blur rapidly, leading to surreal and bizarre events. Concepts like identity, consciousness, and perception take on new, abstract meanings. In her journey of closing one world and opening another, Lain begins to realize the profound significance of her existence.

If I had to say anything about Serial Experiments Lain, it would be that it was way ahead of its time. I find it a fun activity to read or watch media of the past few decades and how they have an enduring relevance to today’s society. If you are someone who engages in a similar activity, you will find Serial Experiments Lain to be a really beautiful show.

2. Neon Genesis Evangelion

When it comes to listing Dark Psychological anime, there is not a single list on this Earth that can be complete without mentioning Neon Genesis Evangelion.

Evangelion starts out as a mecha anime set in a dystopian world. Humanity faces an existential threat from enigmatic beings known as Angels. The only way to combat these Angels is by using these colossal humanoid robots called Evangelions.

The Evangelions are developed by a mysterious organization called NERV led by the cold Gendou Ikari.

The story is centered on Ikari Shinji, Gedou’s 14-year-old son. He is reluctantly summoned to Tokyo-3 after years of abandonment.

Shinji is deeply scarred by the traumatic loss of his mother and emotional neglect from his father. After a devastating Angel attack, Gendou reveals his true motive for bringing Shinji back: he is the only child capable of piloting Evangelion Unit-01, a newly developed robot that synchronizes perfectly with his biometrics.

Evangelion is a deeply complex series that merges a lot of things – psychoanalysis, heavy religious symbolism, and genre deconstruction. It puts a lot of focus on exploring your own identity and consciousness, existentialism – essentially, what makes you, YOU and exploring your past traumas so that you can once again be whole.

Evangelion is a journey on a philosophical rollercoaster that leaves you perplexed and in awe.

Despite all the popularity Evangelion has in the anime industry, fans have had a divisive stance on the series – it’s either a masterpiece or hugely overrated with nothing in between. But what makes Evangelion so good is that it is not just a story about its characters, it’s a story about the creator of the series, Hideaki Anno himself, and his battle with depression.

1. Paranoia Agent

Paranoia Agent is set in the city of Musashino, where a notorious assailant known as Shounen Bat is wreaking havoc. He terrorizes the residents by cruising around on rollerblades and assaulting them with a golden baseball bat. Shounen Bat’s actions are baffling and seemingly impossible to predict or apprehend.

Two detectives, Keiichi Ikari and Mitsuhiro Maniwa, take up the task of uncovering the assailant’s identity. However, with each passing day, the panic and paranoia in the town escalate.

Paranoia Agent, like all works of Satoshi Kon, is extremely bizarre and perplexing. It starts off pretty normal and quickly escalates into a surreal and serious experience with little to no room to breathe. Satoshi Kon’s mastery of unconventional storytelling and enigmatic characters add a layer of quirkiness that is unique to his art.

The story is told in the format of an anthology of episodes that are self-contained but essentially link together in the subtlest ways to form a chain connecting to the big picture.

If we could fill an Olympic-size pool full of the collective psyche and repressed emotions of society, then Paranoia Agent is the swimmer who dives into this pool but instead of racing across it, it focuses on exploring the darkest depths of this murky water, and it handles this phenomenally.

The narrative of the series can be described as surreal, psychologically intense, dark, and thought-provoking. To me, it feels like a descent into a surreal dreamscape, with an unsettling mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end.

Conclusion

So that’s our list of some of the best psychological anime with dark and twisted narratives. Psychological is just such a great genre in itself with some very unique approaches to how the themes are portrayed in some of the shows. I really wish it was more popular with young people and this is exactly what this list exists for!

These are some of our personal favorite picks from a wide range. Let us know if you agree with it in the comments below and if you have a hidden gem for us that we overlooked, absolutely tell us about it.