Random Bleakest, Most Depressing Anime (23 items)

(#1) Grave of the Fireflies
- Film
Grave of the Fireflies follows two siblings struggling for survival in Japan during World War II. It is utterly depressing in its brutally honest portrayal of starvation, the selfish nature of humans, and the stubbornness of pride. The producer pulls no punches when it comes to showing the suffering of societal individuals in war.
(#10) Berserk
- TV Program
Guts' life has been an unrelenting nightmare from start to finish. Born from the deceased body of his mother, abused by his stepfather, he finally finds solace in the Band of the Hawk, a group of mercenaries who will do anything for one another. That is, until he's betrayed by his best friend in the most brutal way imaginable.

But Guts can't give into his misery. Thanks to the Brand of Sacrifice burned into his flesh, he's constantly attacked by the souls of the damned. Can Guts possibly find meaning in a life that resembles Hell on Earth?
(#13) Serial Experiments Lain
- TV Program
Serial Experiments Lain is a meditation on the blurred lines between technology and reality. Because it first aired in 1998, it may feel a bit dated and inaccurate when it comes to technological specifics. But if you're looking for an anime with a bleak philosophical outlook, Lain is spot-on.

After 14-year-old Lain Iwakura receives an email from a classmate who took her own life, she's sucked into the world of the Wired, a virtual world that resembles the Internet. There, she encounters disturbing and mysterious phenomenon that she can't explain, and encounters people who know her better than she knows herself. As the real world and the virtual world begin to intertwine, Lain's grip on reality begins to slip.
(#17) From the New World
- TV Program
From the New World is not something you can just watch casually. You might even have to take breaks in order to take it all in. The character dynamics are defined by angst, hardship, and longing, and the lives of the cast are at the mercy of their mysterious society.
They discover gruesome truths as they learn more about themselves and their personal histories. Frankly, it's likely to leave a bitter taste in the mouths of many viewers. All that said, the originality and the innovative story structure makes From the New World a series you'll definitely want to be a part of.
(#15) Death Parade
- TV Program
Don't let the high kicks and dance numbers in Death Parade's opening fool you, this show examines some dark and upsetting concepts. It's set in the afterlife, where two souls compete in games in order to determine whether they are reincarnated or descend into the void.
In each episode you watch two souls get pushed to their limits, forced to confront not only how they died but the circumstances of their lives: their regrets, their losses, their dreams. If you're not into series with episodic structures, the overarching plot between the main characters is one of the most enjoyable and moving parts of the show.
(#4) Plastic Memories
- TV Program
In the world of Plastic Memories, mankind lives with human-like androids called Giftia. The most advanced models are similar in appearance to humans, with personalities, emotions, and opinions. However, Giftia have a lifespan of about nine years before they degrade and sometimes, even become extremely violent. Plastic Memories follows Tsukasa, a guy who works with Terminal Services and collects Giftia that are nearing the end of their lifespan.

The show is heartbreaking in that Giftia are very much portrayed in a human fashion. People form emotional attachments to them and struggle with parting ways. It's depressing to not only watch humans grapple with losing a loved one, but also to watch the Giftia resign to their fate.