20 Darkly Hilarious Black Comedy Anime You Can't Miss!

Black humor can be defined as a type of comedy that uses harshness, cynicism, and sometimes despair to highlight the absurdity of life. It may serve as a defense mechanism in the face of the world’s harsh realities. This form of humor often employs dark irony and sarcasm, but it must be used skillfully to avoid coming across as mere rudeness or unnecessary cruelty, as it can tap into complex linguistic nuances that are not easily understood by the general public.

While it’s less frequent, black humor can indeed show up in anime too! In this write-up, we’ll present you with a collection of 20 outstanding black comedy anime series and films that you can savor. The titles are not arranged in any particular ranking, but instead, they’re simply presented to provide you an array of delightful viewing options. So relax and immerse yourself in these fantastic shows without worrying about their relative quality!

1. Angel Beats!

Original Run: April 3, 2010 – June 26, 2010
Number of Episodes: 13

The characters are adolescents who’ve passed away, often under unfortunate circumstances, and who never had an easy ride through life, nor managed to realize their aspirations. They find themselves in a realm beyond physical existence, where they strive to resume a normal life again, so as to fulfill their unmet dreams or acknowledge the joy they shared together, before eventually moving on.

However, a young girl named Yuri harbors a desire for retribution against a deity, whom she blames for the wickedness inflicted upon her and their companions in reality. Upon Otonashi’s arrival in this alternate world, he is compelled to assimilate. Yet, who is this girl with snow-white tresses? An angel, perhaps a servant of that renowned deity that they seek? Throughout the 13 episodes, Yuri and her companions will endeavor to solve these enigmas together.

2. Welcome to the N.H.K.

Original Run: July 9, 2006 – December 17, 2006
Number of Episodes: 24

As a passionate cinephile, I’d rephrase it like this: For over half a decade, I, Tatsuhiro Satō, had secluded myself from the world, trapped by my own choices – a hikikomori. But one day, the world unexpectedly knocked at my door, in the form of a charming young girl named Misaki Nakahara. To my astonishment, she didn’t scorn me for my isolation, instead showing genuine interest in me. Intriguingly, she extended an invitation to join her project, which she had been developing all this time.

However, Tatsuhiro perceives the N.H.K.’s deceptive strategy, masked as the Nihon Hikikomori Kyōkai (Japanese recluse organization), a secretive arm of the well-known N.H.K. He remains cautious. Furthermore, he learns that his neighbor, an avid otaku, is actually an old classmate, and he plans to collaborate with him on creating a dating sim game, referred to as a galge. This triggers a chaotic journey into the realm of moé, the world of erotic content or tragic events, with Misaki being the only lifeline in this tumultuous situation.

3. Oruchuban Ebichu

Original Run: August 1, 1999 – October 1, 1999
Number of Episodes: 12

In this story, the primary character is a small female hamster named Ebichu. She was purchased for a low price, including taxes, totaling approximately 1030 yen. Her owner is often called “Goshujin-chama” by Ebichu, though her real name remains undisclosed throughout the series. The man in their household, whom Ebichu refers to as “Will,” also goes unnamed. As the story progresses, the couple moves in together, shaping the core of the plot. Additional characters and a witty, sometimes bold sense of humor contribute to the overall charm of the series.

4. Joshiraku

Original Run: July 5, 2012 – September 28, 2012
Number of Episodes: 13 + OVA

In simpler terms, Rakugo is a traditional Japanese storytelling art form that uses humor and wordplay. Backstage at the yose (a type of Japanese variety show), five young girls gather daily for casual chats rich with cultural nuances and clever puns, which often lead to hilariously unpredictable outcomes.

5. Sayonara, Zetsubou-Sensei

Original Run: April 3, 2010 – June 26, 2010
Number of Episodes: 13

As a passionate cinephile, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming desire to depart from this world, a longing that has been my constant companion since the first light of dawn until the arrival of twilight. Every fiber of my being as a young professor is devoted to this singular goal, yet it appears as if fate takes delight in thwarting my attempts, be it a frayed rope, an immovable chair, a jammed revolver, or a blunt knife. Despite these setbacks, I remain ensnared within this realm, seemingly serving as a source of amusement for the cosmic forces at play.

Despite the unusual circumstances, life carries on, and this unique student finds himself starting at a new high school – a setting that might seem ordinary, were it not for the fact that many of his classmates are dealing with severe mental health issues. Ranging from a reclusive hikikomori, an undocumented immigrant, a persistent stalker, a boy who sells everything he owns, another who is ignored by everyone, an obsessive-compulsive, to a girl who communicates solely through her cell phone.

Driven by his circumstances, Itoshiki is determined to expend all his efforts to reach his ultimate objective: to meet his end as swiftly as possible. The episodes in this series are quite diverse, but they often lack a consistent narrative, which is quite unusual for a series. What makes this show particularly peculiar is its ability to alter the plot at any moment, creating confusion for viewers.

6. Excel Saga

Original Run: October 7, 1999 – March 30, 2000
Number of Episodes: 26

Fresh from college, Hanako Dosukoi, affectionately known as Excel, lands a job at the clandestine group, Across. Led by Il Palazzo, a caricature of a dictator, this organization aims to dominate the world. Enthusiastic and dynamic, Excel is deeply infatuated with her superior, striving tirelessly (yet in vain) to aid him in his global conquest. Starting with F City, Across’ secret headquarters lie hidden within its underground sewers.

An unfortunate incident leads to the accidental demise of Colombian worker Pedro, whose story will unfold across multiple episodes. Shortly after, Excel enlists Hayatt, a frail princess hailing from Mars, and Menchi, a miniature dog intended as an emergency food source, in her quest. Hayatt arrives with Puchu, friendly yet potentially hazardous extraterrestrials.

The attempt to conquer Earth proves unsuccessful, yet numerous Puchus continue to covertly infiltrate human communities and sewers. It’s also worth mentioning the enigmatic figure of Nabeshin, a man with an Afro hairstyle, who consistently appears at the most unexpected times without any discernible reason.

7. No Matter How I Look at It, It’s You Guys’ Fault I’m Not Popular!

Original Run: July 8, 2013 – September 23, 2013
Number of Episodes: 12 + OVA

In the realm of dating simulation games for young women (Otome Games), Kuroki Tomoko excels with her extensive 100 virtual romantic encounters. However, in real life, this 15-year-old high school student is shy and not particularly attractive physically. One fateful day, she acknowledges this fact and resolves to change her lifestyle drastically, aiming to brighten up, make new friends, and eventually find herself in a relationship with a boy. Regrettably, the chasm between her aspirations and actual circumstances is vast… extremely so.

8. You’re Being Summoned, Azazel

Original Run: April 8, 2011 – June 30, 2013
Number of Episodes: 26 + 4 OVA

Rinko Sakuma holds a part-time position at the detective office of Akutabe, a private investigator capable of conjuring spirits to aid him in resolving various mysteries.

9. BLACK LAGOON

Original Run: April 9, 2006 – December 19, 2006
Number of Episodes: 24

Rokuro Okajima, a young Japanese worker at a big corporation, has been assigned to voyage across Southeast Asia’s seas, carrying a disk with confidential and critical data for his company. Regrettably, his ship encounters a group of independent pirates who aim to seize the disk and capture him aboard their vessel, the Black Lagoon – an old torpedo boat. Despite believing that his company will go all out to aid him, he remains relatively calm.

It turns out that his superiors secretly employed armed professionals to eliminate him and erase any trace of the document’s existence – a fact he is unaware of. In an exciting twist at the end of the first episode, he chooses to abandon his life in Japan and embark on the thrilling journey with these contemporary pirates instead.

10. Dorohedoro

Original Run: January 12, 2020 – March 29, 2020
Number of Episodes: 12 + 6 OVA

The narrative unfolds in a post-apocalyptic setting where the world has been segmented into two sealed realms: Hole, the human wasteland, and the magical realm of the mages. These mages can traverse the human domain through enchanted portals. The plot revolves around Caiman, an individual who’s lost his past, a peculiarity marked by a reptilian head and extraordinary power bestowed upon him by a mage. He is joined in his quest by Nikaido, a young woman, as they pursue the mages to uncover Caiman’s true identity.

11. Hozuki’s Coolheadedness

Original Run: January 10, 2014 – July 1, 2018
Number of Episodes: 39 + 7 OVAs

The storyline focuses on Hōzuki, the first secretary to Enma, ruler of Japanese hell. Unlike his laid-back, somewhat bumbling boss, Hōzuki is meticulous and competent. Over the course of millennia, he advanced from a simple demon with expertise in tormenting souls to the highest bureaucrat, managing the various levels of Japanese hell and its demon inhabitants. Among these demons are the young workers Karauri and Nasubi, whom Hōzuki often interacts with.

As a devoted fan, I often find myself immersed in tales featuring Shiro the dog, Kakisuke the monkey, and Rurio the pheasant – an intriguing trio who have become regular fixtures in Hell’s events, now that they’ve parted ways with Momotarō’s spirit. These stories offer a fascinating glimpse into the life of Hozuki, the overseer of Hell, as he navigates his daily challenges with a blend of ruthless demonic cunning and undeniable coolness. His methods, though often cruel, are met with respect and admiration by many, making him a compelling figure in these tales.

12. +Tic Elder Sister

Original Run: May 16, 2011 – July 31, 2012
Number of Episodes: 12 (ONA)

In the narrative of “Tic Elder Sister,” we follow the lives of three characters: Iroe Genma, Makina Sakamaki, and Okamoto Hazuki. Each episode starts with a seemingly ordinary setup, but events unfold in such a way that the scene gradually becomes bizarre or fantastical. The individual episodes within this anime often lack a direct connection to one another.

13. Sankarea: Undying Love

Original Run: April 5, 2012 – June 28, 2012
Number of Episodes: 12 + 3 OVAs

Born to a priest, high school student Chihiro Furuya harbors a fascination with zombies. His passion extends across various forms, including video games, films, and comic books. He fantasizes about the day when zombies would express affection for him. Stricken by the loss of his beloved cat Babu, he embarks on a quest to resurrect him using an ancient manuscript detailing the recipe for a “resurrection” potion. Coincidentally, during this period, he encounters a runaway girl named Rea Sanka.

Following the unfortunate event, she tries a dose of a concoction called the “renewal” elixir, made from the toxic plant known as Hydrangea macrophylla, yet it doesn’t cause her demise. In a heated dispute with her father, she plunges off a precipice, but due to the potion, she comes back as a zombie. Despite her transformation into the undead, she decides against succumbing to her new traits and manages to sustain herself by regularly consuming hydrangea leaves.

14. Gin Tama

Original Run: April 4, 2006 – March 25, 2010
Number of Episodes: 201

The anime “Gintama” is set during the Edo period, following Japan’s invasion by extraterrestrial beings known as Amanto. These aliens, with diverse forms but generally humanoid, managed to overpower the samurai in prolonged battles. Afterward, a unique blend of futuristic elements and traditional Japanese aesthetics emerged, where carrying swords in public was forbidden by the Amanto. Nevertheless, there are those who persistently uphold their bushido code, choosing to conceal their swords. In this seemingly contradictory Japan, one can still find individuals unwilling to part with their swords.

One character is Gintoki Sakata, an unconventional ex-samurai, who teams up with a teenager named Shinpachi Shimura to rescue Shinpachi’s sister Tae from alien captors planning to force her into a brothel. Fascinated by Gintoki’s abilities, Shinpachi decides to learn from him and assists Gintoki in his odd jobs as a handy man, aiming to repay Gintoki for the rent.

15. Prison School

Original Run: July 11, 2015 – September 26, 2015
Number of Episodes: 12 + OVA

Hachimitsu Academy, a prestigious girls’ school located in Tokyo, is known for its stringent code of conduct, including a prohibition on dating boys. Initially, this school admitted only female students. However, at the start of the storyline, they began admitting boys as well, maintaining the same rules. Surprisingly, the first five male students enrolled were Kiyoshi Fujino, Takehito “Gakuto” Morokuzu, Shingo Wakamoto, Jōji “Joe” Nezu, and Reiji “André” Andō.

The boys soon formed a friendship, but trouble ensued when their clandestine surveillance of the women’s restrooms was exposed: a harsh punishment of a month’s imprisonment and rigorous labor was decreed by the stern secret student council of the school, which is headed by President Mari, daughter of the principal, Vice President Meiko, and Secretary Hana.

16. Life Lessons with Uramichi Oniisan

Original Run: July 6, 2021 – September 28, 2021
Number of Episodes: 13

At the tender age of thirty-something, Uramichi Omota graciously oversees a children’s TV program, engaging in gymnastics alongside youngsters while imparting valuable lessons about health and life. Beneath his cheerful demeanor, however, lies a complex individual grappling with cynicism and melancholy that occasionally surfaces on camera.

Once a celebrated athlete, he has since chosen a different path. Off-screen, he is far from the idol one might assume: a smoker, drinker, and sometimes a source of frustration for his fellow co-stars who share the screen with him during the show.

Tobikichi Usahara and Mitsuo Kumatan portray the show’s mascots in costumes resembling rabbits and bears. You may remember Uramichi from college, but he was known for bullying. Singers Iketeru Daga and Utano Tadano, frequent co-stars of Uramichi on the program, have already achieved significant success in their careers and now work on a children’s show. For all the adult cast members, the groups of children they interact with are indistinguishable and feel generic, much like the sets they work on.

17. Bludgeoning Angel Dokuro-chan

Original Run: March 12, 2005 – November 10, 2007
Number of Episodes: 6 (OVA)

The character Dokuro Mitsukai, who appears as an angel and is female, travels from the future to contemporary Japan with a mission to eliminate Sakura Kusakabe, a high school student. The reason for this is that in the future, Sakura will uncover the secret of eternal life, which causes women to cease aging at age twelve. If this secret spreads, it could lead to a society where pedophilia thrives, and to prevent that, Mitsukai has been sent back in time.

Yet, Dokuro decides against killing him; instead, she constantly engages him in activities to keep him occupied, thus preventing him from creating any new technologies. She’s often seen popping up unexpectedly and causing mischief through her clumsiness or carelessness. Sakura repeatedly argues that he wouldn’t invent such technology under these circumstances.

At school, Sakura often feels humiliated by Dokuro’s antics. Despite tormenting him and causing him distress, Dokuro harbors genuine affection for him. Yet, when she’s angry with him, she brutally defeats him using her enchanted club, Excalibolg – a large Japanese kanabō adorned with iron spikes. Afterward, she regretfully resurrects him by casting a spell.

In this version, I tried to maintain the original meaning while making it more accessible and easy to read. The focus is on clarifying the relationship between Sakura and Dokuro, and the actions of Dokuro towards Sakura, while also describing the unique aspects of Excalibolg.

In a unique turn of events, Sakura harbors feelings for his classmate Shizuki Minakami. She’s the one who consistently stands by him, even when peculiar occurrences take place. Over the course of time, Dokuro learns to navigate this world better. Occasionally, other angels interfere, attempting to either harm Sakura or protect him. Later on, Dokuro’s younger sister, Zakuro Mitsukai, makes an appearance to take her away as retribution for unfinished business. Not long after, a surprising twist unfolds as Dokuro returns from the future to rejoin Sakura.

18. Humanity Has Declined

Original Run: July 2, 2012 – September 17, 2012
Number of Episodes: 12

In my humble opinion as a movie critic, Jinrui wa Suitai Shimashita is an intriguing post-apocalyptic tale that presents a world where humans have ceded their dominance on Earth, having forfeited technology and drastically reduced our numbers. In this new order, towering 10 cm fairies have taken over, appearing delicate and tender, but harboring a chilling psyche that mirrors the errors of human civilization. This thought-provoking work serves as a poignant critique of contemporary life, our wasteful treatment of natural resources, and the potential scarcity of essentials for survival in the future. It’s a must-watch for those seeking profound reflections on humanity’s impact on our world.

19. Mr. Osomatsu

Original Run: October 6, 2015 – March 30, 2021
Number of Episodes: 75 (+ 1 Special)

Originally, the six siblings from the Matsuno household, known as sextuplets who grew up causing trouble, have now reached young adulthood and are considered NEETs (Not in Education, Employment, or Training). Among them, Osomatsu is the eldest, with his brothers Karamatsu, Choromatsu, Ichimatsu, Jūshimatsu, and Todomatsu following closely. Due to their dependency on their parents, they’re commonly referred to as “parasites.” As they’ve matured, one may wonder if they’ll show signs of wisdom. The anime offers a humorous glimpse into daily life, not just focusing on the Matsuno family but also characters like Iyami and Hatabō.

20. Detroit Metal City

Original Run: August 8, 2008
Number of Episodes: 12

Soichi Negishi harbors aspirations to become a Swedish pop musician, but due to unforeseen circumstances, his dreams didn’t pan out as planned. Instead, he found himself as the frontman and guitarist of a Death Metal band known as “Detroit Metal City.” On stage, he transforms into Johannes Krauser II.

Negishi strongly dislikes DMC and what it symbolizes, yet finds himself unable to distance himself from it, as he feels a sense of glory associated with it, unlike when he showcases his skills in pop music.

2025-05-31 15:47

20 Darkly Hilarious Black Comedy Anime You Can’t Miss!