The Most Terrifying Anime Worlds That Will Haunt Your Nightmares
From battling powerful demons to surviving post-apocalyptic nightmares, these anime worlds are riddled with constant danger and chaos Prepare yourself for the worst as we rank the 7 most treacherous anime worlds to live in
Highlights
Some anime worlds may seem appealing on the surface, but they often hide dark and terrifying realities that make them terrible places to live.
The world of Dragon Ball, for instance, faces frequent extinction-level dangers and depends on the Dragon Balls' power to ensure its survival, despite its advanced technology.
From the terrifying demonic forces in Demon Slayer to the chillingly dangerous game-filled universe of Alice in Borderland, these anime realms are brimming with peril and hopelessness, rendering them nightmarish realms to dwell in.
In contrast to television shows and movies that have limitations on special effects and physics, manga and anime creators have the freedom to unleash their imaginations. As a result, numerous imaginative and remarkable anime settings have been brought to life over the years, although not all of them are ideal places for the average anime fan to reside.
Certain anime worlds are plagued with famine and extreme poverty, while others are inhabited by horrifying creatures that delight in devouring innocent humans. In some scenarios, the threat posed by these creatures makes leading a normal life nearly impossible, transforming what could have been a relatively accommodating location into one of the most unfavorable anime worlds to inhabit.
7 Dragon Ball
The world of Dragon Ball may initially appear to be a desirable place to live, with its advanced technology and thrilling martial arts tournaments. However, there exists a darker aspect to this world.
The inhabitants of Earth often find themselves confronted with grave dangers that could result in their extinction. These threats come in various forms, including a menacing pink creature with a taste for transforming people into candy, as well as an irritable God of Destruction capable of obliterating them effortlessly. The planet and its inhabitants have faced complete annihilation multiple times, and their survival can only be attributed to the power of the iconic Dragon Balls.
6 Demon Slayer
The world of Demon Slayer is just as terrifying as series like Castlevania, where humanity's greatest threat has taken over the planet. Those unfortunate enough to be in the wrong place at the wrong time are never truly safe from Muzan's demonic forces. Their immense power is too much for any regular human to overcome.
Out of all the anime series that depict a demonic threat devouring humanity, Demon Slayer has left the biggest impact on viewers. Its captivating storylines and stylish visuals have made it one of the best-selling manga series ever and one of the most beloved anime series of the twentieth century.
5 Hunter X Hunter
Living in the Neo-Green Life of Hunter X Hunter has always been a grim experience, marred by archaic technology and oppressive rules. However, the situation worsened with the arrival of the Chimera Ants, who viewed the autonomous region as their personal hunting ground. Consequently, this has transformed it into one of the most inhospitable anime realms to inhabit.
Hunter X Hunter is renowned for its dark undertones and storytelling. Innocent lives are routinely extinguished, leaving survivors in constant peril. Characters like Meruem and Neferpitou have played a pivotal role in creating a bleak and nightmarish existence, elevating themselves to become some of the most formidable adversaries in the Hunter X world.
4 The Promised Neverland
The Promised Neverland, written by Kaiu Shirai, tells the story of two contrasting worlds. Following a bloody conflict between demons and humanity, the two groups made a pact called The Promise. This agreement ensured that both sides could live independently and peacefully in their own realms. While this was favorable for those residing in the human world, not everyone was so fortunate.
In the demon world, humans are raised in specialized orphanages with the goal of maximizing their intellect. They are then "adopted" by powerful demons who consume them, taking on their abilities to prevent becoming mindless creatures. This dreadful fate is one that the main character, Emma, and her friends desperately strive to avoid.
3 Alice in Borderland
There are numerous dreadful places to be transported to in an isekai scenario, but some are undeniably worse than others. One of the most prominent examples is Sword Art Online, set in a virtual gaming universe where the only means of escape is by completing the game or facing death. However, the world portrayed in Alice in Borderland surpasses Aincrad in terms of sheer twistedness, particularly due to the merciless nature of its games.
Both realms allow players to form alliances and team up, yet Alice in Borderland adds a cruel twist to this concept. If players happen to be engaged in a game of Hearts, there is a high probability that they will be forced to witness their friends and comrades perish, sometimes even by their own hands. Games featuring other card suits are equally perilous, while the King of Spades ensures that nowhere in the central world is truly safe.
2 Neon Genesis Evangelion
Neon Genesis Evangelion is arguably the most prominent post-apocalyptic anime in existence. The storyline unfolds in an alternate reality, where nuclear war and the enigmatic beings called Angels have ravaged civilization. The inhabitants of Tokyo-3 are trapped in a perpetual state of fear and uncertainty.
While the series does not extensively explore the lives of ordinary citizens, opting to focus on the inner and outer conflicts of the main characters, it is evident that the continual Angel assaults make Tokyo-3 an extremely inhospitable place to live. Though not quite reaching the level of a dystopia, the magnitude of the threat undoubtedly extinguishes any hope of reclaiming a semblance of normalcy.
1 Attack on Titan
Life in Attack on Titan is bleak, even for those fortunate enough to live within its walls. The living conditions are cramped, resources are scarce, and the walls offer little protection against the relentless titans. When the walls are breached, the destruction is unimaginable. In other anime worlds, there may be fleeting respites or moments of peace for the residents. However, in Attack on Titan, every waking moment is like a living nightmare. The constant presence of the titans requires constant vigilance to avoid a gruesome and violent demise.
