Random Bleakest, Most Depressing Anime (23 items)

(#12) No. 6
- TV Program
In a dystopian city divided by an enormous wall, the privileged live in luxury on the inside while those on the outside live in destitution and fear. No. 6 doesn't pull any punches in its portrayal of the harsh living conditions and sickening experiences the poverty-stricken citizens are subjected to, making the pessimistic outlook adopted by deuteragonist Nezumi perfectly understandable.
While main character Shion attempts to maintain a more optimistic perspective, the constant violence and degradation of those around him slowly break down this attitude. Their journey and relationship is full of twists and turns, and despite the bleak nature of the show there's no doubt you'll be rooting for the friends every step of the way.
(#15) Death Parade
- TV Program
Don't let the high kicks and dance numbers in Death Parade's opening fool you, this show examines some dark and upsetting concepts. It's set in the afterlife, where two souls compete in games in order to determine whether they are reincarnated or descend into the void.
In each episode you watch two souls get pushed to their limits, forced to confront not only how they died but the circumstances of their lives: their regrets, their losses, their dreams. If you're not into series with episodic structures, the overarching plot between the main characters is one of the most enjoyable and moving parts of the show.
(#1) Grave of the Fireflies
- Film
Grave of the Fireflies follows two siblings struggling for survival in Japan during World War II. It is utterly depressing in its brutally honest portrayal of starvation, the selfish nature of humans, and the stubbornness of pride. The producer pulls no punches when it comes to showing the suffering of societal individuals in war.
(#14) Banana Fish
- Company
Ash Lynx has had a rough life. After ending his little league coach's life for abusing him, he finds himself caught up in gang life. He's forced a nonconsensual relationship with a mafia boss named Dino and groomed as his successor. He eventually breaks free and starts his own gang, but he's constantly hounded by Dino. No matter how hard he tries, he can't seem to get away from a life of crime - and what's more, he doesn't think he deserves to.

When Ash meets Eiji, an ex pole vaulter from Japan, he starts to feel like life is worth living. Eiji makes him feel things like love, connection, and hope for the future. But with his current enemies and the secrets of his past constantly threatening him, their bond risks Eiji's safety. It looks like he might be doomed to suffer alone.
(#16) Elfen Lied
- TV Program
Lucy is a Diclonius, a human-adjacent species that has invisible telekinetic arms called vectors. After being subjected to cruel experimentation in a government laboratory, she finally gets the chance to escape - but she has to end everyone she encounters to do so. While escaping, she sustains a head injury that gives her a new personality - that of a sweet, innocent girl.

When she's rescued by some kind, well-meaning humans, things seem like they're looking up for Lucy - but eventually, her past is going to catch up with her.
(#17) From the New World
- TV Program
From the New World is not something you can just watch casually. You might even have to take breaks in order to take it all in. The character dynamics are defined by angst, hardship, and longing, and the lives of the cast are at the mercy of their mysterious society.
They discover gruesome truths as they learn more about themselves and their personal histories. Frankly, it's likely to leave a bitter taste in the mouths of many viewers. All that said, the originality and the innovative story structure makes From the New World a series you'll definitely want to be a part of.