Top 10 Grittiest and Most Graphic Anime Ever Made

Are you a fan of brutal and violent anime content? If so, then this post is for you. Here, we've compiled a list of the top ten series that are packed with blood, guts, and gore.

The anime industry is notorious for its portrayal of violence and brutality. The animated medium provides creators with the opportunity to explore dark elements in a more creative and unrestricted manner on screen.

For those unfamiliar with anime, there is a misconception that these shows are only for kids and teenagers. In reality, many of the most popular anime series delve into mature themes that are better suited for adults. However, it can be challenging to sift through the abundance of violent content to find quality shows. Here's a guide to help you navigate the world of anime.

1. Vinland Saga

Vinland Saga is set in the world of Vikings and explores the aftermath of war. This series is not for the faint of heart, as it depicts graphic violence and brutality. Viewers familiar with Vinland Saga are well-acquainted with its intense and graphic content, with some publications even labeling it as the most brutal anime. The show features disturbing scenes such as people being burned alive, having their eyes pierced by soldiers, and getting their heads chopped off. Animal cruelty is also depicted. The story follows a boy who is compelled to resort to violence after witnessing his father's brutal death. However, in Season 2, the same boy is seen as an adult, determined to create a new world free from violence.

Where to Watch: Netflix

2. Hellsing Ultimate

The release of Hellsing Ultimate's first episode in 2006 still feels current and captivating. With a vampire as the main character, the series naturally delivers intense and brutal scenes that can send shivers down your spine. Its horror elements are evident in characters being impaled by sharp objects and experiencing fatal head injuries. In one memorable scene, a river is depicted as flowing with blood instead of water.

You can watch the plotline of a vampire named Alucard as the main protagonist, who teams up with a vampire-slaying organization to fight against his own kind and save England from being consumed by darkness on Netflix.

3. Goblin Slayer

Crunchyroll

Introducing the most contentious anime of all time, Goblin Slayer. It made its debut with an unsettling episode that has gone down in anime history, featuring a scene where a girl is harassed by goblins. The series is filled with numerous scenes that leave little doubt about the level of violence it contains. The dark and violent themes make it clear that this anime is intended for a mature audience, as it may be traumatizing for younger viewers.

Goblin Slayer follows a group of adventurers who employ creative and innovative methods to eradicate every goblin in existence. Despite the controversies surrounding certain scenes in Season 1, the series has been renewed for a second season, which is currently airing.

Where to Watch: Crunchyroll

4. Attack on Titan

MAPPA

Even after ten years, Attack on Titan remains one of the most popular series of all time. Known for its brutal killings, AoT has gathered a massive fandom that is struggling to come to terms with the series' conclusion.

Watch AoT on Crunchyroll. The series is set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity resides within three walls to avoid being eaten by humanoid titans. The show includes graphic scenes of violence, such as humans being crushed or devoured by titans.

5. Deadman Wonderland

Mass murder has been depicted in various live-action films and series, but what if this concept was presented in an anime? That's exactly what Deadman Wonderland offers. The story revolves around a protagonist who survived an earthquake but has no memory of the tragic event.

His life takes a frightening turn when a masked figure kills all of his classmates except for him. As a result, he becomes a suspect in the eyes of the authorities. His only hope for escaping the prison is to find the Red Man and risk his life in the process.

Where to Watch: Crunchyroll

6. Chainsaw Man

Chainsaw Man is a relentlessly brutal anime featuring the most intense protagonist. Denji starts off as an ordinary boy who is betrayed and killed by the Yakuza boss and devils. However, he is resurrected when his pet Pochita merges with him, transforming him into the formidable chainsaw man. From that point on, the anime delivers spine-chilling scenes of Denji’s hybrid form wielding chainsaws to slice through devils.

You can witness the transformation of the main protagonist into a hybrid monster, not just the kills. The cuts on his entire body are visible every time the chainsaws pop out of his head and arms. Available to watch on Crunchyroll and Netflix.

7. Higurashi: Whey They Cry

Hulu

Higurashi: When They Cry is based on the video games of the When They Cry franchise and skillfully balances the brutal and violent elements with the storyline. The innocent faces of the characters may surprise you with the scary turn the narrative takes. Set in the village of Hinamizawa, the story unfolds as the residents prepare for an upcoming festival. However, when Keiichi Maebara arrives in the village, he learns about the mysterious deaths that occur every year during the festival. The victims do not die normally; instead, they begin behaving strangely just minutes before their demise, ultimately killing themselves in a brutal manner.

Where to Watch: Hulu

8. Made in Abyss

Recently, Made in Abyss has been facing criticism on social media. Just a few days ago, a K-pop star received a lot of backlash for recommending this anime to their fans. The reasons behind this may surprise you.

The series began as a typical fantasy anime following a girl named Riko as she travels to various places in search of her mother. However, as the story unfolds, we discover that the world of Made in Abyss is much deeper than initially thought. In one scene, the anime depicts 10-year-old Riko being tortured in the orphanage where she lived. This is just one example of the many intense scenes in the series, so if you're brave enough, it's worth giving it a watch.

Streaming on: Disney Plus

9. Another

Crunchyroll

Another is a chilling anime in the horror genre with a captivating narrative that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Each episode will have you in tears as the series is filled with unexpected twists and turns. If you're not afraid to witness brutality around every corner, Another will become your new favorite. The story follows Koichi and Mei, students at North Middle School, as they work to uncover the mysterious deaths of their classmates and stop the murders from continuing.

Where to Watch: Crunchyroll

10. Corpse Party: Tortured Souls

Crunchyroll

Corpse Party: Tortured Souls is a miniseries consisting of only four episodes, which may leave fans wanting more. Adapted from the popular video game Corpse Party, the series takes place in a haunted academy with a dark history of horrifying events.

New school construction on the same land results in the release of dark creatures buried underground. Corpse Party: Tortured Souls, with its graphic scenes, is the perfect anime series for those seeking such content.

Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll

How to watch Crunchyroll from outside your location in 2023

Looking for the ultimate destination to stream anime? Look no further than Crunchyroll, home to popular series like One Piece, Attack on Titan, and Jujutsu Kaisen. With ExpressVPN, you can unlock access to Crunchyroll's complete library from anywhere in the world, even if you're not in the US.

If you're traveling internationally, follow these steps to access Crunchyroll's complete library - and it's as easy as this:

1. Subscribe to ExpressVPN, known for its high-speed servers and secure, private network no matter where you are located.

Connect to any location in the US with Express VPN, which offers 24 different spots to choose from, ranging from New Jersey to Santa Monica.

Head to Crunchyroll's website to start streaming your favorite animes, and maybe even discover some new ones.

Accessing Crunchyroll’s US library offers a significant advantage. For instance, Hong Kong users have access to fewer than 100 titles, whereas the US boasts nearly 1,000 movies and TV shows. Additionally, you can stream anime on Crunchyroll for free with an ad-supported plan, or opt for a subscription. Plus, there's a 14-day free trial available if you're undecided.

You can check out our other anime coverage here.

Editor's P/S

1. In my opinion, the anime industry has a unique ability to explore mature themes and brutal content in a creative and unrestricted manner. Anime series such as Vinland Saga, Hellsing Ultimate, Goblin Slayer, Attack on Titan, and Deadman Wonderland push the boundaries of storytelling with their intense and graphic content. These shows are not for the faint of heart, but they offer a captivating and thought-provoking experience for adult audiences.

2. It is important to note that the level of violence and brutality in these anime series can be disturbing for some viewers. However, it is also important to recognize that these shows often use violence as a narrative tool to explore themes of revenge, justice, and the dark side of human nature. By delving into these complex themes, these anime series offer a unique and powerful commentary on the human condition. Overall, these anime series represent some of the most intense and thought-provoking content available in the medium, and they are sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers.