Top 10 Must-Watch Josei Anime With Dark Twists

Josei anime and manga delve into more mature and profound themes, including the intricacies of human relationships, the pursuit of career advancement, and societal challenges. Unlike Shonen and Shojo, which cater to younger audiences, Josei's target readership is comprised of seasoned female readers. Mental health, familial dynamics, and workplace intricacies are just a few of the topics that can be explored in Josei-themed anime and manga. These works are not limited to lighter subjects and may tackle weighty issues such as addiction, domestic violence, and mortality. Such profound and complex subjects are essential to the realism and authenticity that define the Josei literary genre.

8 Nana

Nana belongs to the Josei anime genre that delves into heavy themes such as heartbreak, addiction, and loss, which gives it a darker and more serious tone. The story revolves around two young women, Nana Osaki and Nana Komatsu, who face the challenges of adulthood and their love lives. Despite some lighthearted and funny moments, the prevailing mood of the series is somber and melancholic. The characters endure significant struggles, and the story doesn't always conclude on a happy note.

7 Junji Ito: Tomie

Tomie's story lends itself perfectly to a dark josei anime, with its horror elements and focus on the psychological impact of the eponymous character's manipulations. As an incredibly alluring young woman, Tomie has a dangerous power over the men in her life, and the show delves into the far-reaching consequences of her actions. The complex relationships between Tomie and her victims offer rich opportunities to explore themes of trauma, obsession, and the darker aspects of human nature, while the unsettling imagery is sure to resonate with adult female viewers.

6 Petshop Of Horrors

Count D, the enigmatic owner of a Chinatown pet shop, sells strange and rare animals in human form to unsuspecting clients. However, these pets come with severe restrictions that must be obeyed or else the consequences are horrific. The show's dark and enigmatic mood is heightened by the unusual setting of Chinatown and the exotic pets on offer, making it a must-watch for horror fans. Delving into complex psychological concepts and exploring the consequences of actions, the series touches on themes common in Josei anime.

5 Paradise Kiss

In this anime, Caroline is the main character who works for a group of college fashion designers. The theme of Paradise Kiss is quite dark, reflecting the complexities of Caroline's relationship with the group's leader and the heartbreaks that ensue. The somber backdrops and pale color schemes of the anime make it difficult for the characters to stand out. Although the black background adds to the animation's impact, the theme centered around fashion and color choices demands a stronger lighting tone.

4 xxxHolic

Watanuki, the protagonist of the anime and a high school student gifted with the ability to perceive spirits, perfectly captures the melancholic essence of the show. He is approached by a fortune-teller who recognizes his supernatural talent and offers him a job to assist her clients with their spiritual problems.

Although the xxxHOLiC series features malevolent forces, the somber atmosphere of the show is heightened by the characters' dreary clothing and surroundings. To ensure that the characters stand out when alone, the background lighting is kept minimalistic.

3 Perfect Blue

Mima's journey into the world of acting sees her creating a flawless disguise, a perfect illusion, to shed her pop idol image and become a serious actress. However, as she navigates the complexities of her new persona, themes of identity, dissociation, and trauma start to surface. Mima's Perfect Blue mask serves as a shield against the harsh realities of the entertainment industry, but as she grapples with the consequences of her choices, her mental health starts to suffer.

2 Sarazanmai

As three middle school boys morph into Kappa and set out on a mission to battle zombies and retrieve the shirikodama, they must first learn to work as a team. While the initial concept may seem lighthearted, the show delves into deeper themes such as the characters' internal struggles with their identities and past traumas. Kappa serves as a symbolic representation of these complex ideas, adding an unusual layer to the story.

1 Gokusen

Gokusen fearlessly tackles tough topics like gang violence, poverty, and the struggles faced by disadvantaged youth. It sheds light on the difficulties children labeled as delinquents face and the societal hurdles they must overcome to achieve success.

While the anime is known for its humor and heartwarming moments, it doesn't shy away from addressing serious issues. At its core, Gokusen is a story about the triumph of the human spirit and the importance of education in overcoming adversity.