Top 15 scary & unforgettable dark anime characters
Discover the top dark anime characters and shows that will give you nightmares with their eerie themes. Our collection includes the best villains and creepy anime girls and boys from both popular and lesser-known series available online.
These characters are not only dark and twisted but also captivating with their charming and witty personalities. Some were once good but turned to the dark side, while others were simply born evil. However, despite their darkness, they often have compelling reasons for their actions, which may leave you rooting for them.
While these anime shows may be unsettling, they are not necessarily horror-based. Instead, they explore serious themes and feature complex characters, making them suitable for adult audiences. You'll find a variety of dark anime genres, including fantasy, psychological thrillers, action, and romance.
Most of the dark anime on our list are available for streaming on popular platforms like Netflix, so you can comfortably indulge in these captivating shows.
WHAT IS DARK ANIME?
Dark anime encompasses a variety of genres, including action, fantasy, horror, drama, crime, and psychological thrillers, among others. However, all of these genres share common threads of darker themes and characters that explore serious issues such as mental health, death, and the afterlife, whether these characters are human, monster, vampire, or alien. In a fictional world, dark anime characters often confront psychological issues similar to those we experience in real life but in a more heightened and exaggerated manner.
While some dark anime can be simple horror shows designed to give viewers goosebumps, featuring evil characters who excel at killing, they may not necessarily possess deeper existential layers. Nonetheless, these shows offer a thrilling and enjoyable viewing experience.
15| LELOUCH – CODE GEASS
Despite lacking physical strength, Lelouch possesses the mythical power of Geass, which allows him to control the minds of others. This power was granted to him by C.C.
Initially, Lelouch is portrayed as arrogant and selfish, concerned only with himself and his immediate family. However, as the show progresses and becomes more complex, so does his character. Lelouch is driven to the brink of madness, even going so far as to kill one of his closest relatives.
Although Lelouch does perform several good deeds, particularly in the early episodes of the series, he ultimately transforms into the greatest evil on Earth.
To watch this dark anime, you can access it on Netflix or purchase it on eBay.
14| SHIRO – DEADMAN WONDERLAND
Shiro is a character that evokes sympathy, despite the terrible actions she commits. Due to a series of experiments performed on her, she becomes the first "Deadman." Her body deteriorates rapidly, often resulting in the loss of limbs that must be sewn back onto her body.
The excruciating pain caused by these nanomachine experiments leads to the development of a second personality, known as the "Wretched Egg" or "Red Man," which serves as a coping mechanism for Shiro. However, while the Wretched Egg protects Shiro, it is also responsible for causing numerous deaths, including a natural disaster.
While it is easy to feel sorry for Shiro and her alter-ego, the Wretched Egg, she remains an unpredictable and highly dangerous dark anime character.
You can purchase the show on eBay.
13| SEISHIN – SHIKI
Seishin is another character in the series, but his village is one that I would not want to live in or even be near. Despite being trapped in a life that he hates, and his family's traumatic death, Seishin still makes unsettling decisions.
His character serves as a reminder of how we can justify and normalize even the darkest actions, leading us down a path of moral ambiguity.
If you're interested in watching the series, it is available for purchase on eBay.
12| INGA – UN-GO
Among the characters on this list, Inga is undoubtedly one of the most captivating. Initially introduced as a 14-year-old boy, she evolves into one of the most remarkable female anime villains over the course of the series.
Inga has the ability to transform into her adult female form, which she uses to uncover the truth. This adult version of Inga is incredibly manipulative, sadistic, and unafraid of using violence to achieve her goals, making her a true animated femme fatale.
If you're interested in watching the show, you can purchase it on eBay.
11| ALUCARD – HELLSING ULTIMATE
Despite possessing human emotions, Alucard remains one of the most sadistic and cruel vampires in anime, often going to extreme lengths to humiliate his opponents.
Although he often fights for the greater good, his methods are incredibly gruesome and worthy of his inclusion on this list of top dark anime characters. Alucard is a fan favorite among anime viewers and is definitely a character worth knowing about.
To watch this dark anime, you can stream it on Netflix or purchase it on eBay.
10| MADARA UCHIHA – NARUTO SHIPPŪDEN
Madara is a well-crafted antagonist who presents a formidable challenge to the hero. Although his ultimate aim of achieving peace may seem noble, his means of achieving it are malevolent, brutal, and involve the stripping of free will and basic human rights.
Naruto is a captivating dark action anime with an exceptional soundtrack that will undoubtedly pique your interest in the show. If you're interested in exploring other remarkable anime music, follow the link provided.
NARUTO DEALS WITH DEATH AND DEPRESSION AMONG MANY OTHER SERIOUS SUBJECTS AND ITS WRITERS OFTEN TURN THIS FUN ACTION ANIME INTO ONE OF THE DARKEST SHOWS EVER CREATED.
9| SŌSUKE AIZEN – BLEACH
The individual depicted in the photo above is one of the most striking and sinister villains, possessing a unique and captivating beauty. Moreover, he ranks as one of the most intelligent and composed villains on the list.
In his pursuit of his objectives, he has committed numerous atrocities and is willing to do anything to accomplish his goals. Sosuke is exceptionally egotistical, exhibiting the classic traits of a supervillain. He is ruthless in his quest to reform societal flaws, but like most villains, he employs unethical methods to do so.
8| GAKU YASHIRO – ERASED
Gaku is a character from a dark anime who is truly deranged and easily one of the most disturbing characters on the list. What makes him particularly creepy is that he's the type of character that could exist in our world.
Gaku's atrocities include not only being a former teacher turned politician but also a serial killer who preys on children. It goes without saying that his actions are abhorrent.
You can watch this dark anime featuring Gaku on Netflix.
7| SHOGO MAKISHIMA – PSYCHO – PASS / DARK PSYCHOLOGICAL ANIME
Shogo despises humanity and sees them as dispensable. He detests the fact that his society relies on the Sibyl System, leading him to impose his own version of "right thinking" on others.
Despite having a seemingly positive intention of encouraging people to live according to their own will, Shogo's methods are rather extreme and morally questionable.
If you're interested in watching this dark anime, you can find it on Netflix or purchase it on eBay.
6| RAGYO KIRYUIN – KILL LA KILL
One of my favorite female anime villains is Ragyo, a character who revels in dominating others and possesses a strong thirst for power. She takes pleasure in being cruel to others and is unafraid to engage in sexual assault. Ragyo's descent into evil began when she discovered the existence of life fibers, and from then on, she became obsessed with achieving her goals at any cost. She transforms into a ruthless and manipulative maniac who is willing to brutalize anyone who gets in her way. Undoubtedly, she is one of the most fascinating and dark anime characters to watch. You can watch this dark anime on Netflix or purchase it on eBay.
5| GRIFFITH — BERSERK
Griffith is a stunningly attractive character in anime who transforms from a good character to an evil one. He has a narcissistic personality that causes him to view himself as superior to those around him, treating them as expendable objects.
In his pursuit of becoming a god-like or demon-like figure, Griffith not only betrays his comrades but also abandons his own humanity.
You can purchase Griffith's story on eBay.
4| Frieza
Considered one of the most infamous and terrifying anime characters, Frieza rose to popularity with the widespread success of Dragon Ball. Even those who are not avid anime viewers have likely heard of him.
Frieza possesses an eloquent nature and a dark sense of humor, often taunting his opponents before ultimately killing them. He is willing to eliminate anyone who stands in his way and appears to take pleasure in doing so. As a result, Frieza has become one of the most entertaining, amusing, and cruel anime villains to ever grace the screen, adding a heightened level of excitement to watching Dragon Ball.
3| HISOKA HUNTER X HUNTER
In anime history, Hisoka is regarded as the most enjoyable villain, possessing an egocentric nature with little regard for anything beyond himself. He finds pleasure in seeking out strong opponents to challenge him, but he also has a sadistic side, taking great delight in causing pain and humiliation before ultimately killing his victims.
Hisoka is a manipulative and sociopathic killer who will undoubtedly leave you hooked on Hunter X Hunter, which is easily one of the darkest anime series available.
Hunter X Hunter is among the top dark anime shows on Netflix that will leave you wanting to keep the lights on.
If interested, you can purchase Hunter X Hunter on eBay.
2| SHOU TUCKER – FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: BROTHERHOOD
The list of adjectives to describe Shou, a character in FullMetal Alchemist, is endless: creepy, insane, and dark are just a few that come to mind. Despite having a brief appearance in the series, his character is one of the most memorable and despicable.
Shou is an alchemist who speaks softly, but his obsession drives him to commit unspeakable and extreme acts. He ultimately crosses a moral boundary by committing a disturbing and immoral act against his own daughter.
You can watch FullMetal Alchemist on Netflix or purchase it on eBay.
FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST IS ONE OF THE MOST FUN AND INTERESTING YET DARK ANIMES YOU’LL EVER WATCH.
1| LIGHT YAGAMI/FIRST KIRA – DEATH NOTE
Death Note is a highly acclaimed and popular anime series that is perfect for newcomers to the genre. However, the main reason why Light Yagami, the protagonist of the series, is on the top of the list of the best dark anime characters is not just because of the show's popularity.
Initially, Light Yagami is portrayed as a good character, but he quickly becomes a madman with a god complex after gaining the power of the Death Note. He becomes consumed with the desire to shape the world according to his ideals, leading him down a dark path that he can never turn back from.
What makes Light Yagami such a perfect villain is that his motivations are understandable and even relatable in some ways. He serves as a reflection of the darker side of humanity and demonstrates how easily the line between good and evil can be blurred.
If you're a beginner looking for some of the best anime shows to get started with, check out our recommended list through the link. However, we also have a selection of comforting and entertaining top anime series that may be helpful for those dealing with depression or anxiety.
You can watch Death Note on Netflix or purchase it on eBay.