Top 7 Must-Watch Noir Anime Series

Dark, gritty themes and visuals characterize noir anime, often depicting dystopian futures and moral ambiguity. This genre offers mature storytelling, covering a wide range of shadowy subjects from cyberpunk tales to supernatural mysteries.

For anime fans seeking more hard-boiled stories, noir anime serves as an engaging entry point. These series combine stylish animation with neo-noir sensibilities, delivering edge-of-your-seat entertainment. To kickstart your noir anime journey, here are seven of the best series to add to your watch list.

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

7 noir anime masterpieces you need to watch

1. Death Note

Death Note (Image via Madhouse)

The widely acclaimed series, Death Note, is a prime example of classic noir anime. It centers around the story of Light Yagami, a highly intelligent high school student who comes across a supernatural notebook that grants him the power to kill anyone by simply writing their name. Driven by his belief that he can create a world free of criminals, Light adopts the persona "Kira" and begins to pass judgment on criminals worldwide.

Death Note delves into the corrupting influence of power as it follows Light's spiral into megalomania. With its captivating cat-and-mouse dynamics between Light and the enigmatic detective L, as well as the presence of stylish Shinigami gods of death, Death Note is a must-see. The complex moral dilemmas presented in the series will have you contemplating long after the credits have rolled.

2. Psycho-Pass

Psycho-Pass (Image via Production I.G)

Set in a dystopian future, this cyberpunk psychological thriller revolves around the constant monitoring of citizens' likelihood to commit crimes. Police detective Akane Tsunemori and the field officers known as Enforcers track brutal criminals as they uncover the dark underside of a seemingly perfect society dominated by the ruthless "Sibyl System." With its gritty future setting, violent crime cases, and exploration of justice and societal flaws, Psycho-Pass incorporates classic noir elements and appeals to both sci-fi and mystery fans with its stylish animation and crime drama structure. This cerebral anime is sure to leave your pulse pounding.

3. Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom

Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom (Image via Bee Train)

This tragic story of two assassins illustrates the dark and mysterious world of noir anime. Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom follows Zwei, a young man who is trained to become an assassin for the Inferno crime organization. While carrying out high-profile killings, Zwei meets another assassin named Ein.

They form a passionate but ultimately doomed relationship as Inferno manipulates them as tools for murder. Dealing with mature themes of identity, psychological manipulation, and violence, Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom embodies the neo-noir genre. Its intense storyline and stunning action scenes make it a memorable, albeit emotionally devastating, show to watch.

4. Gangsta

Gangsta (Image via Manglobe)

If you're in the mood for a gritty story of gang violence, look no further than Gangsta. The story is set in a rundown town filled with rival mob groups and follows Nic, a deaf mercenary and gigolo, and his partner Worick, a modified mercenary. As they take on risky jobs, they must navigate the corrupt world they live in.

Things take a dangerous turn when they agree to work as bodyguards for a rising new mob leader, Alex, and become targets for assassination by various factions. Gangsta is filled with intense action, complex characters, and plenty of intrigue as the power struggle among the gangs escalates. With its dark and stylized violence, Gangsta perfectly captures the essence of noir.

5. Baccano!

Baccano! (Image via Brain's Base)

Baccano! offers a fresh take on the noir anime genre by incorporating elements of moral ambiguity and grit, without the usual grimness. The story cleverly intertwines various timelines and characters in Prohibition-era America, featuring a diverse mix of mobsters, thieves, mad scientists, and immortals on a quest for mystical immortality formulas. With its jazz-influenced style and a captivating rogues gallery of characters, Baccano! delivers an enjoyable noir experience filled with gangland action, comedy, suspense, and just the right amount of violence. Overall, Baccano! entertains with panache from beginning to end.

6. Darker Than Black

Darker Than Black (Image via Bones)

This sci-fi/action series encompasses all the elements of a captivating noir anime. Darker Than Black takes place in a world where certain humans known as contractors possess strange powers but lack emotions and ethics. The protagonist, Hei, is a contractor with the ability to control electricity, working as a spy and assassin surrounded by mystery.

With its intricate and shadowy plotlines, stylish action sequences, and morally ambiguous characters like Hei, Darker Than Black captures the essence of neo-noir. Whether unraveling conspiracies or witnessing Hei's internal struggle as a contractor, the series maintains a high level of suspense. For an unceasingly thrilling experience with a dark, sci-fi twist, Darker Than Black is a must-watch.

7. Gungrave

Gungrave (Image via Madhouse)

Gungrave offers a gripping mob drama filled with violence and betrayal, presenting a gritty noir narrative. The storyline centers around Brandon Heat and Harry MacDowel, once close friends who rose through the ranks of the mafia only to be torn apart by greed and tragedy. Through nonlinear storytelling that alternates between past and present, Gungrave illustrates the extent to which the duo succumbed to the allure of power.

In the present day, the undead gunslinger known as Beyond the Grave pursues Harry's criminal organization, using his twin handguns and supernatural abilities to take down their members. The series delves into themes of dishonored thieves and showcases stylish gun-fu action, capturing the essence of noir. The exploration of friendships and the inevitability of fate gives Gungrave a haunting quality that sets it apart as a mob tale.

Conclusion

In conclusion, noir anime's unique blend of gritty style, moral complexity, and suspenseful stories makes it perfect for mature anime fans.

Noir anime covers a wide range of dark and mysterious subjects, from global conspiracies to tragic assassins and cyberpunk futures to supernatural crime cases. Popular series like Death Note, Psycho-Pass, Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom, Gangsta, Baccano!, and Darker Than Black showcase the appeal of noir anime and why it should be included in any anime watch list.

Editor's P/S

As a hard fan of noir anime, I am thrilled to see this article highlighting some of the must-watch series in the genre. The selection of titles, including Death Note, Psycho-Pass, and Gangsta, truly represents the captivating and thought-provoking nature of noir anime. These series offer a unique blend of dark and gritty themes, complex characters, and visually stunning animation that sets them apart from mainstream anime.

The exploration of mature storytelling in noir anime is what draws me to the genre. The ability to delve into complex moral dilemmas, psychological thrillers, and dystopian futures provides a depth and richness that is often lacking in other anime genres. The way these series challenge conventional notions of good and evil, and explore the consequences of power and corruption, makes for a truly immersive viewing experience.