Anime has always been a diverse medium, exploring various themes ranging from lighthearted slice-of-life stories to dark and complex narratives. However, some series push the boundaries, sparking intense debates due to their explicit content, disturbing themes, or controversial messages. Among the most debated genres is hentaiz, which has often raised discussions about its impact on viewers and society. In addition to this genre, there are several mainstream anime that have faced significant backlash for their themes, imagery, or storytelling approach.
1. Urotsukidōji: Legend of the Overfiend
Regarded as one of the pioneers of extreme adult anime, Urotsukidōji is infamous for its grotesque depictions and shocking content. Released in the late 1980s, this anime introduced Western audiences to a side of Japanese animation that was far removed from the family-friendly perception of the medium. The film and its sequels are filled with scenes of extreme violence, explicit sexual content, and supernatural horror, making it one of the most controversial anime of all time. Despite its notoriety, it played a significant role in shaping the perception of adult anime worldwide.
2. Elfen Lied
While Elfen Lied is not an adult anime in the explicit sense, it remains highly controversial due to its graphic violence, nudity, and psychological horror. The story revolves around a mutant girl named Lucy, who possesses deadly telekinetic abilities and a tragic past filled with abuse and isolation. The series portrays disturbing themes of child experimentation, human cruelty, and deep emotional trauma, making it difficult for many viewers to digest. Despite its disturbing nature, Elfen Lied is praised for its emotional depth and complex storytelling.
3. Bible Black
When discussing controversial adult anime, Bible Black is often brought up. This anime blends supernatural horror with erotic elements, creating a dark and intense narrative that is not suitable for the faint of heart. With its occult themes, explicit scenes, and shocking plot twists, Bible Black remains one of the most discussed and infamous hentaiz anime. The series has garnered a cult following, but its extreme content has also made it a subject of criticism and moral debate.
4. Berserk (1997 & 2016 Versions)
Berserk is a legendary anime that is both highly praised and criticized for its unrelenting depiction of violence, betrayal, and suffering. The story follows Guts, a mercenary with a tragic past, as he navigates a brutal medieval world filled with war, demonic creatures, and treachery. The anime contains highly graphic scenes, including disturbing sexual violence, which has led to backlash from audiences and censorship issues in various countries. Despite its brutal nature, Berserk is widely regarded as one of the greatest dark fantasy anime ever created.
5. Shimoneta: A Boring World Where the Concept of Dirty Jokes Doesn’t Exist
Unlike most controversial anime that revolve around violence or explicit sexual content, Shimoneta takes a satirical approach to censorship and morality. Set in a dystopian world where all forms of lewdness are banned, the anime explores themes of freedom of expression and the absurdity of extreme censorship. While it is primarily a comedy, the suggestive humor and risqué jokes have led to debates about its appropriateness, especially in countries with strict media regulations.
6. Perfect Blue
Directed by the late Satoshi Kon, Perfect Blue is a psychological thriller that blurs the lines between reality and illusion. The film follows Mima, a pop idol transitioning into an acting career, who begins to lose her grip on reality as she becomes the target of an obsessive stalker. The anime deals with themes of mental instability, exploitation, and identity crisis, making it one of the most unsettling and thought-provoking films in anime history. Its intense and disturbing scenes have sparked debates about the portrayal of trauma and the dark side of the entertainment industry.
7. Redo of Healer
Redo of Healer is one of the most recent anime to face widespread backlash due to its highly controversial storyline. The series follows a protagonist who, after suffering immense abuse, gains the power to heal and uses it to take revenge on those who wronged him. The anime features graphic scenes of sexual violence, revenge, and manipulation, leading to calls for its ban in several regions. While some argue that it is a story of justice and redemption, others see it as an exploitation of sensitive themes for shock value.
8. Devilman Crybaby
Devilman Crybaby is a modern reimagining of the classic Devilman series, bringing forth an unfiltered, grotesque, and emotionally intense experience. The anime showcases extreme violence, drug use, sexual content, and a nihilistic perspective on humanity. The brutal depictions of societal collapse and moral corruption make it one of the most hard-hitting anime ever produced. Its themes of love, loss, and the nature of evil resonate deeply, but its raw and unapologetic approach has made it a polarizing work among audiences.
9. School Days
At first glance, School Days appears to be a typical high school romance anime, but as the series progresses, it transforms into a psychological horror. The story takes a dark turn as it explores themes of obsession, infidelity, and emotional manipulation. The shocking and violent ending cemented its place as one of the most disturbing anime ever made. Many viewers were left traumatized by the series’ unexpected twist, leading to heated discussions about its storytelling choices.
Conclusion
The world of anime is vast and diverse, with series that cater to different audiences and explore a wide range of themes. While some anime push the boundaries for artistic and narrative purposes, others do so for sheer shock value. The controversy surrounding these anime often sparks important discussions about censorship, artistic freedom, and the impact of media on audiences. Whether you love them or hate them, these anime have undeniably left a lasting impression on the industry and its fans.
