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September 25, 2025
Anime | Top 20 Best Anime Series for Adults | Anime is Not Just For Kids
Anime
September 25, 2025
You may think anime is just for kids, but there are tons of excellent anime for mature viewers out there! Here are our top 20 recommendations!
>You may think anime is just for kids, but there are tons of excellent anime for mature viewers out there! Here are our top 20 recommendations!
Buy: Anime Merchandise & Gifts
Buy: Anime Merchandise & Gifts
Normies and other overly mature folks are used to trolling anime fans for “watching cartoons”, as if animation automatically equals kids’ stuff. But here’s the twist: anime isn’t just about colorful characters yelling attack names or high schoolers caught in love triangles. Some of the most gripping, disturbing, intellectually complex, and emotionally raw stories exist in anime made specifically for adults. Think psychological thrillers, gritty crime dramas, existential explorations, violent dystopias, and morally gray characters who make you question everything.
|
Rank |
Title |
|
20 |
Black Lagoon |
|
19 |
Tokyo Ghoul |
|
18 |
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex |
|
17 |
Akira |
|
16 |
Berserk |
|
15 |
Vinland Saga |
|
14 |
Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor |
|
13 |
Samurai Champloo |
|
12 |
Golden Kamuy |
|
11 |
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners |
|
10 |
Claymore |
|
9 |
Neon Genesis Evangelion |
|
8 |
Dorohedoro |
|
7 |
Serial Experiments Lain |
|
6 |
Youjo Senki - Saga of Tenya the Evil |
|
5 |
Highschool of the Dead |
|
4 |
Cowboy Bebop |
|
3 |
Steins;Gate |
|
2 |
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood |
|
1 |
The Future Diary |
20. Black Lagoon | 2006
|
MyAnimeList Score |
Genre |
Status |
# of Episodes |
|
8.03 |
Action | Organized Crime |
Anime - Completed | Manga - Ongoing |
24 + 5 OVAs |
Madhouse’s Black Lagoon has been said to be way more entertaining than Hollywood is ever going to be and that turned out to almost be an understatement. As a Seinen anime featuring the use of profanity, dark humor, and peak violence involving the Russian mob and other elements of the criminal underworld, the plot takes us on action-packed, arc-based adventures. It features an excellent score and an amazing English dub, which even makes the Japanese variant sound out of place. However, it contains a few gross scenes and is quite violent which may be a bit too much for those who don't have the stomach for it.
19. Tokyo Ghoul | 2014
|
MyAnimeList Score |
Genre |
Status |
# of Episodes |
|
7.79 |
Horror | Psychological |
Completed |
48 |
It’s commonly believed that humans and known animals aren’t the only creatures that walk the earth. This series adds another piece to the equation: ghouls. These are human-like flesh-eating creatures with strange powers and abilities. This series offers an incredible personality switch-up for its main character – from a timid and introverted high schooler with no social life or skills to being the most powerful and feared human-ghoul hybrid.
After Ken Kaneki was saved from certain death by receiving an organ from a ghoul who’d sought to eat him, his life took a turn. He began to fully understand what it truly means to live between both worlds – never fully human, never fully ghoul. With every fight, every loss, and every brutal transformation, Kaneki’s journey becomes a haunting reflection of identity, pain, and survival.
18. Ghost In The Shell: Stand Alone Complex | 2002
|
MyAnimeList Score |
Genre |
Status |
# of Episodes |
|
8.42 |
Sci-Fi | Cyberpunk |
Completed |
52 |
Anime fans regard the 1995 film Ghost in the Shell as a classic. When the Stand Alone Complex series debuted six years later, many were skeptical about its quality, but Production I.G. eased everyone's concerns. This series needs no introduction, as the original movie envisioned an ominously realistic future for humanity, reminiscent of William Gibson and Philip K. Dick's works. It then diverges from the movie's premise in several subtle ways, influenced by its unique structure.
In depicting dystopian futures with advanced technology, artificial intelligence, cyberspace, and megacorporations, Ghost in the Shell’s two-plot series might have laid the foundation for Hollywood productions like Terminator and others, but I guess no one would own up to that.
17. Akira | 1988
|
MyAnimeList Score |
Genre |
Status |
# of Episodes |
|
8.16 |
Sci-Fi | Cyberpunk |
Completed |
Movie |
Post-apocalyptic Tokyo is in social and economic ruin as a result of the devastation caused by a strange entity known only as 'Akira'. In a crumbling city, fiery Kaneda and his timid buddy Tetsuo live by racing about with a motorbike gang, hunting local rivals, and generally avoiding the cops. Everything changes, though, when Tetsuo collides with a strange-looking youngster during a bike pursuit and the military apprehends him.
When he ultimately returns to his pals, he is no longer the same frail young child they once knew; instead, a secret military experiment has transformed him into an entity beyond human comprehension. While the military is determined to retrieve its specimen at all costs, Tetsuo is tired of being bullied and is prepared to show everyone, even his pal Kaneda, who is boss.
16. Berserk | 1997/2016
|
MyAnimeList Score |
Genre |
Status |
# of Episodes |
|
8.60 |
Dark Fantasy |
Completed |
25 |
Berserk is so GOATed that two different anime series were still not able to do justice to its source material. This is because while the first twelve volumes and a portion of the thirteenth volume were adapted into the 1997 anime series named Kenpuu Denki Berserk, OLM, the production studio had to ask the creator to allow them to cut out some of its most graphic scenes. He gave his approval and they also cut out some other parts that couldn’t be addressed in the anime’s allotted time.
This makes Berserk a manga-preferred series, as watching the anime first would create a hunger for more, a hunger to go see the entire picture from the manga. Surely, there’s more to uncover than a cut-out storyline! Also, while looking to get the full experience, you could just skip the 2016 series entirely, as it diverges from the actual narrative.
15. Vinland Saga | 2019
|
MyAnimeList Score |
Genre |
Status |
# of Episodes |
|
8.77 |
Historical | Action |
Ongoing |
48 |
Viking stories like Ragnar Lothbrok’s Vikings and The Last Kingdom have succeeded in making everyone believe that Vikings are war lovers. Vinland Saga does the same. It tells the story of young Thorfinn, who used his entire youth to grow stronger while serving Askeladd, the man who killed his father, just so he could grow strong enough to enact revenge.
A quick synopsis might make the storyline seem a bit skippable, but the series is so great that at the 6th Trending Anime Awards in 2020, it won three awards, which include: Anime of the Year, Best in Sceneries and Visuals, and Best Action and Adventure Anime. Its second season also went on to win the IGN Best Anime Series Award in 2023 and received a good number of nominations.
14. Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor | 2007
|
MyAnimeList Score |
Genre |
Status |
# of Episodes |
|
8.26 |
Psychological |
Anime - Completed | Manga - Ongoing |
52 |
As the devil kid of the 2007 Autumn season roster, Kaiji is an outsider and the underdog, much like the character himself. When people see those long noses, they immediately flee and yell in fright. In addition, it is not just the season's finest anime but also one of the greatest anime ever made. When the gods perched atop Mount Olympus take a break from hurling lightning bolts, brandishing tridents, governing the underworld, or doing whatever else the gods sitting above Mount Olympus do, they just watch Kaiji anime. The uniqueness of the story and its delivery aside, the animation is pretty bad, but ironically, it also is one of the show’s greatest points.
13. Samurai Champloo | 2004
|
MyAnimeList Score |
Genre |
Status |
# of Episodes |
|
8.52 |
Comedy | Historical |
Completed |
26 |
Samurai Champloo embodies a unique flair, featuring DJ-style scratching for scene transitions, a hip-hop-inspired soundtrack, and a mixed approach to character design. Mugen's fighting style combines the rhythmic flair of capoeira with the brutal precision of limb-cutting, while Jin serves as the dramatic contrast, embodying the essence of steel and traditional samurai technique.
Their connection lies in the eagerness to challenge one another's skills, alongside a vow made to a girl called Fuu: to seek out the samurai who carries the scent of sunflowers, a figure crucial to her history. In this adventure-filled story, they journey through Edo-era Japan, encountering both battles and humor at every turn.
12. Golden Kamuy | 2018
|
MyAnimeList Score |
Genre |
Status |
# of Episodes |
|
8.12 |
Adventure |
Completed |
49 + 4 OADs |
Have you ever witnessed a faux Jack the Ripper engage in a confrontation with an army officer, both exchanging fire with their own cum? Certainly not, but this is your opportunity. If you have any doubts, you could first refer to Volume 24, Chapter 239 of the manga titled 'Discharge.'
The extraordinary performance showcased in this unusual fight, coupled with the series' remarkable development, continues to impress with each passing season. Although the fourth season featured a greater number of adventure episodes compared to story episodes, each was crafted in a highly engaging manner. It's important to note that each character receives screen time and is actively engaged.
11. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners | 2022
|
MyAnimeList Score |
Genre |
Status |
# of Episodes |
|
8.61 |
Cyberpunk |
Ongoing |
10 |
Based on and serving as a prequel to the story of CD Projekt Red’s video game Cyberpunk 2077, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners delivers a surprising dose of excellence and adrenaline. Edgerunners excels in aspects where the video game falls short and effectively incorporates numerous elements from the game that will resonate with gamers. Edgerunners presents exhilarating action sequences alongside a compelling dramatic narrative as we track the journey of a disturbed young teen boy who grapples with the challenge of leading a normal life with his mother. When tragedy strikes, he is thrust into adulthood and confronts the brutal realities of survival in Night City.
10. Claymore | 2007
|
MyAnimeList Score |
Genre |
Status |
# of Episodes |
|
7.73 |
Dark Fantasy |
Completed |
26 |
Claymore is one of those anime that’s surely made for mature audiences, seeing as China banned it due to its over-the-top violence. In a way, this seems like one of those anime that’s based on and promotes feminine energy. It tells the story of Clare and Raki in a world brimming with strong female soldiers. Claymore stands out as one of the most intellectually engaging Shonen anime released in recent years. The plot revolves around a classic theme of revenge and it is quite engaging.
9. Neon Genesis Evangelion | 1995
|
MyAnimeList Score |
Genre |
Status |
# of Episodes |
|
8.36 |
Mecha |
Completed |
26 |
Neon Genesis Evangelion stands as one of the most discussed anime in history. Some contend that the show contains a multitude of hidden messages, whereas others believe it merely caters to a certain childish ideology of the world. Regardless of the circumstances, Neon Genesis Evangelion has firmly positioned itself as a prominent subject in the anime community for more than ten years. While opinions differ on whether or not it’s a masterpiece, there is no disputing that it is one of the best original works that’s teenager-friendly, and has a fanbase that’s almost the size of Russia.
8. Dorohedoro | 2020
|
MyAnimeList Score |
Genre |
Status |
# of Episodes |
|
8.04 |
Horror |
Ongoing |
12 + 6 OVAs |
For those who want a gritty (and extremely violent) anime, Dorohedoro is one of the few shows you should see. Though it still has a completely original and captivating plot, Dorohedoro is a return to the earlier days of rare anime. It is impossible to overstate how exceptional this show is. It tells the story of Caiman, an amnesiac with a lizard head, navigating the gritty, magical world of Hole to uncover his past. With his friend Nikaido, he hunts the sorcerers responsible for his transformation, facing bizarre creatures and dark conspiracies. Fans eagerly await the arrival of a second season in 2025.
7. Serial Experiments Lain | 1998
|
MyAnimeList Score |
Genre |
Status |
# of Episodes |
|
8.09 |
Supernatural |
Completed |
13 |
Spawning a video game and four art books after its success, Serial Experiments Lain did live up to its reputation as one of the most important anime of the 90s. Serial Experiments Lain certainly achieves its goal of leaving you with a whirlwind of thoughts. This anime presents a philosophical landscape that can either engage or repel its audience. It resembles the experience of consuming a succession of shots that sear your throat, leaving you either in a state of euphoric intoxication or feeling quite ill. It is one of the best anime recommendations for adults. While it doesn’t quite count as horror, it is creepy, especially with that 90s animation (which still hits).
6. Youjo Senki – Saga of Tanya The Evil | 2017
|
MyAnimeList Score |
Genre |
Status |
# of Episodes |
|
7.96 |
Fantasy | Military |
Ongoing |
12 +1 Special |
Five years after the end of its first season, it was announced that Youjo Senki would finally be getting a second. It is an isekai anime that is made for mature audiences, despite having a child protagonist. The narrative follows Tanya Degurechaff, a young soldier known for her predatory ruthlessness and exceptional tactical skills, which have earned her the moniker "Devil of the Rhine." Beneath her seemingly harmless exterior, however, resides the spirit of a man who dared to confront Being X, the self-styled God, in a contest of intellect, which ultimately led to his reincarnation as a young girl in a realm of magical conflict.
This anime has received wide acclaim for its sharp mix of brutal warfare, military strategy, and a morally twisted main character. Despite some CGI hiccups and occasional pacing dips, its bold narrative and philosophical edge keep it wildly compelling and make it one of the best anime for adults.
5. Highschool Of The Dead | 2010
|
MyAnimeList Score |
Genre |
Status |
# of Episodes |
|
7.06 |
Ecchi | Horror |
Completed |
12 |
The Korean movie series, All of Us Are Dead, undoubtedly drew inspiration from (or outrightly copied) the Highschool of the Dead anime series, which aired between July to September 2010. While the former earned wider and better acclaim due to its global Netflix success, the cult status of the latter as a great zombie anime with ecchi-heavy content earned it something a little less than mainstream global viewership.
It features protagonist Takashi Komuro surrounded by multiple busty female characters: Saeko, Rei, Saya, and Shizuka, who show romantic or suggestive interest in him, creating a harem dynamic. The heavy fan-service and ecchi elements amplify this, though the zombie survival plot remains central, as they try to survive through everyday life in a zombified world.
4. Cowboy Bebop | 1998
|
MyAnimeList Score |
Genre |
Status |
# of Episodes |
|
8.75 |
Sci-Fi | Action |
Completed |
26 + OVA |
A good anime series often hides fascinating, lesser-known facts, and Cowboy Bebop is no exception. Director Shinichiro Watanabe drew inspiration from 1970s jazz and Westerns, improvising the iconic soundtracks with Yoko Kanno’s Seatbelts. Another interesting fact is that the character Spike Spiegel was modeled after Japanese actor Yusaku Matsuda. Despite being regarded as a great adult series, it initially flopped in Japan, gaining fame later globally, with its biggest influence in the U.S.
3. Steins; Gate | 2011
|
MyAnimeList Score |
Genre |
Status |
# of Episodes |
|
9.07 |
Sci-Fi |
Completed |
24 + OVA |
Time travel is a familiar theme in anime, making it quite challenging to create a story that truly defines itself in this genre. However, the effort invested in Steins; Gate truly yielded rewarding results. This is undoubtedly the most skillfully crafted time travel story encountered in anime experience, and if you haven't watched it yet, you're truly missing something special! As Okabe Rintarou once said, “No one knows what the future holds. That’s why its potential is infinite.” In a nutshell, Steins; Gate isn’t the anime you hear/read about and deliberate whether or not to watch, it’s the type you shelve all you’re doing and go binge right away!
2. FullMetal Alchemist: Brotherhood | 2009
|
MyAnimeList Score |
Genre |
Status |
# of Episodes |
|
9.10 |
Fantasy | Military |
Completed |
64 + 4 OVAs + 1 Film |
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is no doubt an upgrade to the original story, as it beats the latter in literally every aspect. The 2003 Fullmetal Alchemist diverged from the manga early, as the manga was incomplete during production. Both stories follow Edward and Alphonse Elric, alchemist brothers seeking the Philosopher’s Stone to restore their bodies after a failed resurrection. Brotherhood crafts an original story, emphasizing personal tragedy, offering a faster-paced, epic narrative.
It also expands on the world’s lore, including the nation of Xing and a greater conflict involving Father and the Homunculi. Unlike the first Fullmetal Alchemist anime series, Brotherhood’s tone balances action, humor, and emotion, with a more cohesive, satisfying conclusion tied to the manga’s vision.
1. The Future Diary | 2011
|
MyAnimeList Score |
Genre |
Status |
# of Episodes |
|
7.38 |
Action | Supernatural |
Completed |
26 + OVA |
Mirai Nikki (or The Future Diary) is a thrilling blend of psychological warfare, survival drama, and twisted romance. The story starts when a dying god named Deus selects twelve individuals, gives them unique “future diaries,” and pits them in a deadly battle royale to determine his successor. What sets Mirai Nikki apart from other similarly themed anime isn’t just the intense action or shocking twists; it’s the volatile relationship between Yukki and Yuno, a love story wrapped in chaos and bloodshed. The anime doesn’t pull its punches: characters die and stay dead, heightening the stakes at every turn. Unpredictable and emotionally charged, this series grabs you fast and keeps you on edge until the final reveal.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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