Top 20 Anime That Caused Major Outrage

Certain anime series become major cultural events, generating news, influencing official rules, and sparking intense discussions among fans, parents, TV networks, and government bodies. These shows often debut with controversial episodes or end with cliffhangers that flood television stations with calls, and as a result, they frequently face censorship, alterations, or unexpected removal from broadcast schedules.

This report details the actual events that unfolded during the controversy. It focuses on the specific incidents that sparked the outrage, how media outlets and online platforms responded, and any subsequent actions taken by rating organizations or schools – like warnings, content removal, or changes to the material. It’s a straightforward account of what happened, without exaggeration.

‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ (1995–1996)

Many viewers were upset by strong religious themes and a sudden turn towards psychological horror. They also found the ending rushed and confusing. The TV stations were flooded with complaints, and the people who made the show received threatening messages, especially as the final episode concluded.

The negative reaction led the show’s creators to completely remake an episode in an attempt to resolve the issues. Stores and publications received a lot of letters and opinion pieces about the series, and when the show was re-aired, broadcasters added warnings beforehand.

‘Pokémon’ (1997–2002)

A scene with quickly flashing lights caused many viewers to experience seizures when the show first aired. This led to medical experts examining the issue and the show’s creators developing new rules about how future episodes could use visual effects.

The show received additional criticism for a character design that many found racially insensitive. As a result, international broadcasters changed some scenes and temporarily stopped showing certain episodes while the show’s creators updated the character’s appearance for future versions.

‘Goblin Slayer’ (2018)

The first episode featured a scene of sexual assault that surprised many viewers who hadn’t read the original story. After receiving complaints, television networks added clear warnings before showing the episode again.

Streaming services have added more prominent age restrictions and clearer warnings for mature content. While sales remained strong, retailers saw a rise in returns, suggesting the recent discussions brought attention to products but also highlighted the need for better labeling.

‘Redo of Healer’ (2021)

This anime sparked significant controversy due to its graphic depictions of revenge and sexual violence. As a result, many major companies refused to distribute it widely, choosing instead to offer heavily censored versions or limit its availability to certain regions.

The game came in three different versions, from one suitable for all audiences to a fully uncensored edition. Many stores limited sales to adults, and platforms strengthened parental controls to meet legal requirements regarding mature content in different countries.

‘The Rising of the Shield Hero’ (2019)

I have to say, the movie’s central plot – a character wrongly accused of assault – immediately became a talking point. Some critics, and I understand their concern, worried it could downplay the seriousness of actual assaults. But others, and I lean this way, felt the story was aiming for something bigger, exploring wider themes that justified the potentially sensitive premise. It’s definitely a film that will get you thinking, and possibly debating, long after the credits roll.

Television channels added warnings before airing the show, and talk shows analyzed how the story was presented. Several college groups and libraries limited access to the series, making viewers ask a staff member before they could borrow it.

‘School Days’ (2007)

The season ended with a surprisingly violent scene, and shortly after, a similar crime happened in real life, mirroring parts of the show’s storyline. Because of this, many TV channels decided to remove the episode from their schedules or swap it with something else at the very last moment.

When the episode was cancelled, a peaceful travel video unexpectedly took its place, leading to the creation of the “Nice boat” meme. Although the episode was eventually made available again on DVD and streaming services, television networks were hesitant to re-air it during regular broadcast schedules.

‘Elfen Lied’ (2004)

I was honestly shocked by how intensely graphic and disturbing this show was – it opened with scenes of brutal violence and nudity that felt like something out of a horrific experiment. It quickly drew complaints, and rightfully so. Because of all the backlash, the network ended up burying it in late-night programming and constantly flashing warnings before each episode. It was a really intense experience, to say the least.

Stores moved copies of the game to sections with age restrictions and started checking IDs at the counter. On television, some areas received an edited version, but the original cut remained available on home video with clear warning labels.

‘Interspecies Reviewers’ (2020)

Multiple companies initially agreed to show the series, but later cancelled it after viewing subsequent episodes. One major platform specifically said the show didn’t meet their quality guidelines and completely took it off their service.

TV networks changed their show schedules mid-season, leading to confusion for viewers who noticed different versions of programs appearing on various channels. At the same time, stores that import shows from other countries saw a big increase in orders, likely because local broadcasts were often cut short before the episodes finished.

‘Darling in the Franxx’ (2018)

Changes to relationships and how characters were developed midway through the series caused a strong negative reaction from fans. They expressed their disapproval on social media, leading the show’s creators to explain the reasoning behind their decisions.

As conversations about the show intensified, companies selling related products changed their advertising strategies. Event organizers also prepared for potentially heated question-and-answer sessions at conventions by implementing stricter rules for panels, expecting fans to have strong opinions about where the show was headed.

‘Kill la Kill’ (2013–2014)

The way characters changed appearance and what they wore sparked discussions about whether it was empowering or overly sexual. As a result, the show was moved to later time slots and included warnings for younger audiences.

Different countries received slightly different versions of the show, sometimes with extra artwork or notes explaining the creators’ vision. When school clubs showed the series, they usually needed students to register and get permission from club leaders, rather than just letting anyone watch.

‘Assassination Classroom’ (2015–2016)

Parents and school officials were worried when they learned students were practicing how to harm their teacher. This led to difficulties for school libraries trying to remove books and other materials that might encourage such behavior or send the wrong message.

Publishers offered advice to teachers on how to discuss the book appropriately. Some school districts limited access to the material, requiring adult supervision, and stores clearly labeled shelves to keep younger readers from finding it on their own.

‘Tokyo Ghoul’ (2014)

TV shows often darkened the screen during violent moments, which led to complaints. Some viewers felt there was too much graphic content, while others believed the broadcasts were overly censored. These edits remained in place for late-night showings, but uncut versions were often available on home video.

Some countries limited or advised against young people watching the show. Streaming services often changed what was available and how it was rated as rules changed, leading to different access depending on where you were located.

‘Oreimo’ (2010–2013)

A romantic storyline involving siblings quickly sparked controversy, attracting criticism from the media and parent organizations. As a result, stores moved the product to areas for adult customers, and some streaming services added extra age verification steps to access the show.

Convention organizers asked for content warnings before fan-organized screenings. Many local groups chose to hold general discussions instead, explaining that some people felt uneasy about the show’s content.

‘Yosuga no Sora’ (2010)

Because of mature content and sensitive themes, television broadcasts heavily censored the film with blurring and cuts. The version released for home viewing included the original visuals, but retailers prominently labeled it with warnings and limited who could buy it.

Many community centers and college anime clubs didn’t want to show the series, choosing instead to screen less controversial options. However, demand for imported copies increased in areas where streaming services didn’t offer it.

‘No Game No Life’ (2014)

Images that hinted at inappropriate themes involving characters who appeared young caused concern from groups that rate and regulate content, as well as from stores in some countries. As a result, some stores stopped selling certain books or required employees to be present when customers bought them.

Streaming services around the world updated age ratings and included warnings before some content. Libraries that still offer the series have created rules about who can access it, such as requiring permission from parents for younger teens.

‘Prison School’ (2015)

The show’s blend of embarrassing humor and revealing content led to numerous complaints to television networks. When aired, episodes were edited with blurring and graphics to meet broadcast standards, while still maintaining the pacing of the comedy.

Fans favored versions that kept the original art. Stores labeled it for mature audiences in many regions, and organizers needed to check screenings by fan clubs beforehand.

‘Berserk’ (1997–1998)

The show’s intense violence, especially a particularly shocking massacre at the end, led to requests for more careful scheduling and advance warnings. As a result, television channels began airing the series later at night and added advisories before episodes containing disturbing content.

When the series was released for home viewing, it included all original content but came with clear warnings about violent and sexually explicit scenes. Bookstores responded by placing related manga in sealed plastic wrap, and some stores trained their staff to help new fans navigate the potentially sensitive material.

‘Terror in Resonance’ (2014)

A show featuring bombings at home required television networks to be very sensitive about when episodes aired. Because of real-life events similar to the storyline, episodes were sometimes moved up or delayed, and always included special warnings for viewers.

News organizations around the world discussed whether to broadcast potentially upsetting episodes at the same time as other countries. Some chose to delay the broadcasts slightly, while others added warnings before the programs and explained their decision to show the content in statements to the media.

‘The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya’ (2006–2009)

Viewers were frustrated by a string of very similar summer episodes, feeling the story wasn’t moving quickly enough. This led to complaints to stores and TV networks, and sales noticeably dropped during that part of the show.

The show’s creators addressed the negative feedback while explaining their unusual approach. Online communities and fan groups started offering tips to help viewers understand the storyline and enjoy it more, especially when watching with others.

‘Highschool of the Dead’ (2010)

Concerns from parents about violent imagery and excessive fan service led to difficulties with broadcast approvals. To meet standards, television stations carefully edited the content using camera angles and visual effects. As a result, the show was often only broadcast during late-night hours in many areas.

Several platforms began using detailed tags to allow users to hide shows from family accounts. Conventions hosting large viewing events also provided extra information about shows, including content warnings and when they would be shown.

Let us know in the comments which headlines you believe sparked the most controversy, so we can discuss them and create a new list based on what we learn.

2025-10-14 08:48