Top 10 Must-Watch Revenge Anime Series

Revenge is a well-loved theme found in various genres, but in anime, it is often depicted in a deeply satisfying and cathartic way. Unlike typical revenge stories, revenge anime showcases powerful main characters seeking vengeance through intricate plots, intense training sequences, and gripping fight scenes.

Revenge anime comes in different styles, including horror, tragedy, action, and adventure, and consistently delivers emotionally engaging storylines for the audience to explore. Here are 10 outstanding revenge anime series that offer a fresh perspective on the theme and are definitely worth watching.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the writer's opinion and is not ranked in any particular order.

Dororo, Vinland Saga, and 8 other must-watch revenge anime series

1) Afro Samurai

Afro Samurai (Image via Gonzo)

Afro Samurai tells the tale of a young boy named Afro who witnesses his father being murdered by a gunslinger named Justice. After years of intense training, Afro embarks on a mission to seek revenge on Justice and obtain the prestigious Number One headband, which symbolizes ultimate fighting prowess in the region. With its sleek animation and captivating choreography, Afro Samurai showcases exhilarating action scenes as Afro battles various fighters and assassins who try to obstruct his path.

2) 91 Days

The exploration of vengeance in this anime delves into its futility, even as Afro single-mindedly pursues it, resulting in a complex character study. Samuel L. Jackson delivers a memorable voice performance as Afro in the English dub.

The image above features a scene from 91 Days, a series set in the Prohibition era in the United States. The plot revolves around Angelo Lagusa's quest for vengeance against the Vanetti crime family, who were responsible for the murder of his parents and brother.

Angelo secretly enters the Vanetti family as Avilio Bruno and gradually integrates himself into their inner circle, becoming friends with the don's son Nero while secretly planning to dismantle the entire Vanetti syndicate. 91 Days is an exemplary revenge anime with a compelling storyline.

With a 1920s style and a soundtrack reminiscent of mafia films such as The Godfather, 91 Days creates tension around whether Angelo will exact his long-awaited revenge, or if he will be hindered by the connections he forms with those responsible for his family's demise.

3) Dororo

Dororo (Image via Tezuka Productions)

Dororo is a significant entry in the revenge anime category, offering a more mature and darker interpretation of Osamu Tezuka's renowned manga. The 2019 version centers on Hyakkimaru, a character whose body was severed by demons at birth as part of a deal made by his father.

As Hyakkimaru kills the 48 demons that took his body parts, he gradually regains them. Joined by a young thief named Dororo, he embarks on a journey across feudal Japan to track down and defeat each demon.

Dororo showcases the intense and brutal battles between Hyakkimaru and a variety of horrifying demons with graphic precision. This gripping series takes viewers on a tumultuous journey as Hyakkimaru grapples with profound existential questions about the essence of humanity.

4) Vinland Saga

Vinland Saga (Image via Wit Studio)

Among historical revenge anime, Vinland Saga is exceptional. It centers on the Danish invasion of England in the 11th century, following the protagonist Thorfinn as he seeks vengeance for his father Thors’ death at the hands of Askeladd, the sly leader of a group of Viking mercenaries.

Having been enslaved by Askeladd for years, Thorfinn becomes a member of his crew in the hopes of challenging him to a deadly duel. Animated by Wit Studio, the Viking era is vividly brought to life with intense action sequences that depict the brutality of combat with swords, spears, and axes.

Thorfinn, deeply affected by his father's death, is consumed by a relentless desire for vengeance, which leads to significant character growth. While initially focused on violence, the series eventually delves into the theme of pacifism.

5) Goblin Slayer

Goblin Slayer (Image via White Fox)

In a world of dark fantasy, where goblins have taken over, only one man is dedicated to hunting down every last one of these vicious creatures - the Goblin Slayer. Having witnessed the destruction of his village by a goblin horde as a child, he harbors a deep-seated hatred for them that drives his relentless pursuit of vengeance.

Each quest to eliminate goblins results in brutal but satisfying retribution against these cruel beings, who embody the darkest aspects of human nature. Studio White Fox delivers unflinching depictions of graphic violence in Goblin Slayer, using it to explore themes of trauma and the pursuit of revenge.

6) Hellsing Ultimate

The tragic origins of the Goblin Slayer's obsession are illuminated by glimpses into his past, while his relentless focus results in unintended consequences. This widely acclaimed anime culminates in a finale that underscores the never-ending cycle of revenge.

Hellsing Ultimate (Image via Madhouse)

This OVA, adapted from Kouta Hirano's manga, delves into the world of dark fantasy, following the formidable vampire Alucard and his human master Integra Hellsing. Together, they oversee the Hellsing organization, dedicated to ruthlessly combating undead dangers in Britain.

The anime depicts their intensifying battle against a Nazi vampire group bent on conquering England. Voiced by Crispin Freeman in the English dub, Alucard in Hellsing Ultimate showcases incredibly exaggerated action scenes as the immensely powerful vampire uses his lethal abilities against numerous adversaries.

His desire for vengeance against the Nazis, who nearly killed him 60 years ago, propels the storyline and delves into intriguing concepts about the blurred boundary between human and monster.

7) Inuyashiki

Inuyashiki (Image via MAPPA)

Inuyashiki is a unique blend of superhero and revenge tale, centering on the elderly Inuyashiki Ichiro who is terminally ill with cancer. His fate takes a dramatic turn when aliens transform him into a cyborg with extraordinary powers after obliterating his human body.

As Inuyashiki grapples with his new abilities and sets out to use them for good, he finds himself pitted against Shishigami Hiro, a disturbed teenager who has also been modified by the same aliens. Hiro's choice to use his powers for malevolent purposes leads to a series of brutal and senseless killings, including the tragic loss of Ichiro's own family.

8) Attack on Titan

MAPPA's revenge anime explores the themes of good, evil, and morality as Ichiro tracks down Shishigami to prevent further killings. Inuyashiki captivates with its impressive CGI and fight animation, while challenging the rationale behind seeking vengeance against deeply flawed individuals.

The image above shows a scene from Attack on Titan, produced by MAPPA.

Set in a world where the last of humanity resides within cities protected by colossal walls from flesh-eating Titans, the series revolves around themes of vengeance.

Eren Yeager, the main character, is determined to eradicate the Titans after they murder his mother. As the series unfolds over four seasons, the hidden past of his father, Grisha, and the nation of Marley, who engineered the Titans, is gradually unveiled amidst a backdrop of mystery and treachery.

The visually stunning animation, crafted by Wit Studio and MAPPA, combines elements of dark fantasy, military conflict, and apocalyptic terror to delve into the consequences of seeking revenge, illustrating how it can fuel unending cycles of violence both on a personal and societal scale.

9) Code Geass

Code Geass (Image via Sunrise)

In an alternate timeline, the Holy Britannian Empire has conquered much of the world, including Japan. The focus of Code Geass is on exiled Britannian prince Lelouch vi Britannia, who gains the power of absolute obedience known as Geass. He becomes determined to overthrow Britannia and seeks vengeance against his father, Emperor Charles Zi Britannia, for failing to protect his mother from her killers, which also resulted in his sister Nunnally losing her eyes due to shock.

As persona Zero, he leads a rebellion that continues to grow, all while seeking to uncover the truth behind his mother’s assassination. With expertly crafted writing by Ichirō Ōkouchi, Code Geass presents exhilarating mecha action combined with intricate political intrigue.

Lelouch is a captivating morally ambiguous antihero, showcasing his brilliance in manipulating soldiers like chess pieces, while also revealing the arrogance that may ultimately jeopardize his pursuit of justice.

10) Berserk

Berserk (Image via OLM, Inc.)

Berserk stands out as the ultimate revenge tragedy in the world of anime. The story revolves around the stoic warrior Guts, who joins the Band of the Hawk led by the charismatic mercenary leader Griffith after a fateful duel. Their unbreakable bond is shattered when Griffith betrays Guts during the Eclipse ceremony, leading Guts on a dark and solitary path to take down demonic Apostles. Directed by Naohito Takahashi, the original 1997 anime adaptation delves into Guts' tragic past and his relationship with Griffith during the Golden Age arc.

Conclusion

Guts' relentless pursuit for revenge remains at the core of the story, with its conclusion standing out as one of the most shocking and memorable in anime history. Although newer series like the 2012 Golden Age compilation trilogy and 2016’s Berserk cover events following the Eclipse ceremony, the essence of Guts' deeply personal quest is rooted in those early episodes.

In summary, while revenge may be a distasteful idea, it has been a mesmerizing element in storytelling throughout history. There is an innate and powerful appeal in witnessing individuals correct injustices by any means necessary, a theme that revenge anime expertly portrays.

The perspective on whether the avengers in the mentioned titles are ruthless murderers or righteous champions is subjective. However, the majority of these revenge anime illustrate the lasting emotional toll of seeking vengeance, perpetuating cycles of violence rather than alleviating suffering.

Watching these revenge anime makes the viewer question where the thirst for vengeance comes from and whether any justice gained from retaliation is worth the costs.

Editor's P/S

As a hard fan of revenge anime, I am thrilled to see the recognition given to this captivating genre. The article highlights some of the best revenge anime series, each offering unique and compelling narratives. From the iconic Afro Samurai to the more recent Dororo, these anime explore the theme of revenge in diverse and thought-provoking ways.

The exploration of vengeance in these anime goes beyond the typical "eye for an eye" concept. They delve into the psychological and emotional toll that seeking revenge can take on the characters, showcasing the complexities and consequences of their actions. The intense training sequences and gripping fight scenes add to the overall excitement and intensity of these series, making them a must-watch for fans of the genre.