You Should Not Let Your Kids Watch These Anime

As a huge anime fan, I’ve noticed a lot of people assume it’s all for kids, but that’s definitely not true! Many of the most popular series tackle really mature and intense stuff – think graphic violence, adult themes, or stories that can be genuinely disturbing. I’ve put together a quick guide to some well-known titles that aren’t suitable for children, outlining exactly what kind of content you can expect. It’s all about making sure you – or your kids – are prepared before diving in, and knowing what you’re getting into before adding something to your watchlist.

‘Attack on Titan’ (2013–2023)

This show focuses on a brutal war between humans and giant, man-eating creatures called Titans. It’s known for its intense violence, including graphic depictions of injuries and death. The story tackles very dark themes like torture, genocide, and the horrors of war, and characters often experience devastating losses. Because of its graphic content and mature themes, it generally receives a strong warning for viewers.

‘Tokyo Ghoul’ (2014–2015)

The story centers on a college student who transforms into a half-human, half-ghoul creature, forcing them to eat human flesh to stay alive. The series contains intense and disturbing content, including cannibalism, torture, and prolonged scenes of both physical and emotional suffering. It’s set in a dangerous world of crime and violence, and frequently features graphic gore and unsettling images. Viewer discretion is advised.

‘Elfen Lied’ (2004)

From the very beginning, the series is extremely violent, showing graphic injuries and a lot of bloodshed, which establishes its dark and intense tone. It deals with difficult subjects like abuse, trauma, and cruelty, and includes some nudity. The show often puts children in dangerous situations with disturbing consequences, and is generally intended for mature audiences due to its intense violence and mature themes.

‘Higurashi: When They Cry’ (2006)

This creepy horror series features a repeating cycle of timelines, each ending in violent deaths. The show is filled with intense scenes of paranoia, torture, and characters losing their minds, all heightened by disturbing sounds and graphic imagery. While set in a seemingly charming village, the show quickly becomes extremely disturbing and includes frequent warnings for its strong horror content and unsettling scenes.

‘Another’ (2012)

A mysterious curse causes a series of strange and brutal accidents at a middle school. The deaths are depicted graphically and happen quickly, sometimes involving impalement or falls. The story creates a frightening and disturbing mood, emphasizing gruesome injuries and a consistently threatening atmosphere. Warnings usually highlight the detailed and intense violence.

‘Parasyte -the maxim-‘ (2014–2015)

This story features gruesome alien creatures that invade people’s bodies, horribly transforming them. Expect intense and graphic violence, including dismemberment, decapitations, and a lot of blood. It also deals with difficult questions about what people will do to survive and whether killing is justified. Because of the strong violence and frightening scenes, it’s generally recommended for mature audiences.

‘Devilman Crybaby’ (2018)

This show features intense and disturbing content, including graphic violence, demonic possession, and scenes of widespread destruction. It also includes mature themes like sexual content, nudity, and drug use, all set against a backdrop of societal breakdown and apocalyptic events. Due to its graphic nature, it is intended for adult viewers only and carries appropriate warnings.

‘Psycho-Pass’ (2012–2019)

As a real movie buff, I’d describe this thriller as seriously dark and unsettling. It’s a dystopian world where the crimes they investigate aren’t just murders, but really graphic and messed up – think brutal aftermaths, even dismemberment and torture. It really digs into some heavy stuff like exploitation and how people are coerced, and honestly, the ratings warnings about strong violence and mature themes are totally justified. It’s not for the faint of heart!

‘Death Note’ (2006–2007)

This show centers around a mysterious notebook that grants the power to kill anyone whose name is written within its pages. It follows a dangerous game of cat and mouse, filled with planned murders and complex moral questions. Expect intense interrogations and threats, often involving imagery of suicide and heart attacks. Though not overly graphic, the show deals with mature and potentially disturbing themes.

‘Goblin Slayer’ (2018– )

The first episode contains a scene of sexual assault, and it’s often accompanied by strong warnings. Later episodes show intense and bloody battles with monsters, including scenes of characters being disemboweled. The show is generally centered around danger, emotional distress, and characters seeking revenge. Because of its strong violence and sexual content, it consistently receives guidance for viewers.

‘Made in Abyss’ (2017– )

Although the game looks cute, it contains disturbing content like serious harm to children and graphic depictions of medical injuries. You’ll see detailed and upsetting scenes of broken bones and invasive medical procedures. The story deals with difficult topics like exploitation, trauma, and loss, and includes strong warnings because it’s not appropriate for children due to its intense and frightening content.

‘Chainsaw Man’ (2022– )

This series features intense and graphic violence, including dismemberment, decapitations, and severe injuries. It also contains strong language, sexual content, and depictions of drug and alcohol use. Characters experience significant emotional distress and often die in disturbing ways. Viewers should be aware that the content includes mature themes and graphic depictions of violence, which are usually flagged with content warnings.

‘Dorohedoro’ (2020)

This dark fantasy series is extremely violent, with frequent scenes of characters being torn apart, beheaded, and undergoing gruesome physical changes. It’s set in a gritty world filled with illegal magic, crime, and torture, but with a darkly comedic tone. Expect disturbing content, including cannibalism and scenes involving corpses. It contains strong gore, unsettling imagery, and is intended for mature audiences only.

‘Akira’ (1988)

This influential film features disturbing body horror, intense psychological breakdowns, and widespread destruction of a city. It contains graphic violence, including detailed depictions of shootings, explosions, and monstrous transformations. The story explores themes of government corruption, unethical medical experiments, and the breakdown of society. It’s rated R and intended for adult audiences.

‘Perfect Blue’ (1997)

This psychological thriller follows a former idol who is stalked and controlled, leading to a confusing mix of what’s real and what isn’t. It contains mature content including depictions of sexual violence, strong language, and unsettling hallucinations. The film features intense scenes of assault and exploitation and is intended for adult audiences only.

‘Ninja Scroll’ (1993)

This movie features intense and graphic violence, including scenes of beheadings and brutal sword fighting. It also contains depictions of sexual assault and nudity. The villains are particularly gruesome, inflicting severe injuries on both heroes and innocent bystanders. As a result, the film carries strong warnings for its violent and sexual content, similar to those found on R-rated movies.

‘Hellsing Ultimate’ (2006–2012)

This animated series contains intense and graphic violence, including frequent gun battles, bloodshed, and dismemberment as vampires clash in war. It depicts large-scale death and savage fighting, often set in cities, and features cruel villains committing horrific acts. Viewers should be aware of its extremely violent content and disturbing themes.

‘High School D×D’ (2012–2018)

Okay, so as a film buff, let me tell you, this series is definitely not for everyone. It relies heavily on fanservice – lots of nudity and pretty direct sexual jokes. A lot of the episodes revolve around really suggestive situations, and the way things are filmed is often pretty… pointed. There’s action with supernatural fights, but it’s constantly mixed with adult humor and innuendo. Honestly, it consistently gets marked as mature content, and you’ll find warnings about it on any platform it’s on – and for good reason!

‘Prison School’ (2015)

This show centers around male students at a private academy who are punished in ways that are both comedic and sexually suggestive. It features playful, but often explicit, sexual content, including partial nudity and embarrassing scenarios. Though presented with slapstick humor, the series contains strong sexual themes and is intended for mature audiences.

‘Black Lagoon’ (2006)

The show follows hired guns working in a dangerous city filled with crime and constant violence. It features stories about criminal activity, including disturbing references to human trafficking, and uses strong language. The violence is very realistic, often resulting in many deaths and graphic consequences. Viewer warnings highlight intense and prolonged gun battles, as well as mature subject matter.

‘Berserk’ (1997)

I’ve been following this dark fantasy series, and it’s incredibly intense. It’s set in a brutal, feudal world where mercenaries struggle against demons, and honestly, the battles are shockingly realistic – really graphic and violent. It doesn’t shy away from difficult subjects; you see characters suffer terribly, experiencing everything from physical mutilation to heartbreaking betrayal and the lasting damage it causes. There’s also unfortunately sexual violence depicted, which is very disturbing. Every release comes with strong warnings for mature audiences because it deals with extremely intense violence and very adult themes, and it’s consistently bleak and emotionally draining to watch.

‘Gantz’ (2004)

I’ve been watching this show, and honestly, it’s really intense. A lot of the characters who die end up in these brutal hunts where people are shot and… well, body parts are often shown. There’s also nudity and situations that feel really exploitative. It’s not just the violence either; they mix it with cruelty, and it’s disturbing. Every episode throws you into tough moral situations, but the characters’ safety doesn’t seem to matter at all. They always give a warning about strong violence and sexual content, and it’s definitely warranted.

‘Blood-C’ (2011)

This show follows a schoolgirl fighting terrifying monsters, often with incredibly graphic violence. It’s known for scenes of dismemberment, beheadings, and attacks on ordinary people. The story includes shocking twists that reveal widespread cruelty and manipulation, and it contains intense violence and disturbing images that may not be suitable for all viewers.

‘Corpse Party: Tortured Souls’ (2013)

This horror story follows students trapped in a haunted school, where they endure intense and disturbing experiences. It features graphic and violent scenes of physical injury and focuses heavily on the characters’ suffering, creating a consistently frightening and bleak atmosphere. Because of its extreme violence and terrifying content, it is intended only for adult audiences.

‘The Future Diary’ (2011–2012)

This show features a dangerous game where players use fortune-telling tools, leading to numerous deaths and suicide attempts. A main character displays increasingly disturbing and violent tendencies, including kidnapping and making threats. It also depicts situations involving the harm of children and scenes of domestic abuse. Viewers should be prepared for strong language, graphic violence, and a consistently unsettling atmosphere.

‘School Days’ (2007)

The show features a complicated romantic relationship that quickly turns dangerous, involving controlling behavior, stalking, and abuse. It later shows graphic violence affecting teenagers, with deeply upsetting consequences. Key themes explored include cheating, forcing someone to do something against their will, and emotional mistreatment. Viewers should be aware that the series contains mature sexual content and disturbing imagery.

‘Akame ga Kill!’ (2014)

The show features intense clashes between assassins and powerful enemies, often resulting in graphic on-screen deaths. It depicts brutal violence, including beheadings, dismemberment, and torture, and frequently puts ordinary people in dangerous situations. Reviews consistently point to its strong violence and disturbing subject matter.

‘Happy Sugar Life’ (2018)

This suspenseful thriller explores dark themes like kidnapping, obsession, and murder, but presents them with a surprisingly innocent exterior. The main character stalks, manipulates, and covers up crimes, and the show contains depictions of self-harm and abuse. Because of its disturbing content, streaming platforms prominently warn viewers before each episode.

‘Danganronpa: The Animation’ (2013)

This show features students forced to play a dangerous game where losing means death. Each episode culminates in a shocking and elaborate execution. The series blends colorful imagery with investigations into these murders, and explores the characters’ resulting emotional and mental struggles. It deals with difficult topics like blackmail, hopelessness, and harsh consequences, and contains frequent depictions of death and intense, life-threatening situations.

‘Blue Gender’ (1999–2000)

The story takes place on an Earth invaded by insect-like aliens, and contains intense violence including graphic injuries and death. It also depicts the harsh realities of war, with scenes of suffering, and includes mature themes. Expect strong language, nudity, and disturbing content as characters prioritize survival above all else.

‘Texhnolyze’ (2003)

Beneath the surface lies a decaying city overrun by gangs, where violence is commonplace and often gruesome. Characters resort to extreme body modification, and the story doesn’t shy away from depicting suffering and the breakdown of society. It’s a dark and disturbing exploration of hopelessness and exploitation, intended for mature audiences due to its intense and graphic content.

‘Serial Experiments Lain’ (1998)

This dark, futuristic series explores difficult themes like suicide, losing yourself, and mental breakdown. It features disturbing visuals and touches on sensitive topics such as self-harm and online exploitation. The show builds tension through a slow pace and unsettling sound effects, focusing on creating a sense of dread rather than fast-paced action. Viewer discretion is advised due to its mature content and potentially upsetting ideas.

‘Monster’ (2004–2005)

This thrilling series follows a surgeon who is also tracking a dangerous serial killer throughout Europe. While not overly graphic, the story deals with disturbing themes like child abuse, human trafficking, and psychological manipulation, creating a consistently tense and frightening atmosphere. The show explores difficult ethical questions and is intended for mature audiences due to its intense subject matter and sustained suspense.

‘Basilisk’ (2005)

Two ninja families are locked in a brutal conflict filled with deadly attacks, often resulting in gruesome injuries and deaths. Love and deception play out alongside acts of poisoning and torture. As the fighting intensifies, innocent people suffer. This story contains intense violence and heartbreaking events, so viewer discretion is advised.

‘Fist of the North Star’ (1984–1987)

Action in these martial arts stories usually takes place after a major disaster, and fights are incredibly violent, often showing gruesome injuries and deaths. The stories don’t shy away from depicting terrible acts, like slavery and mistreatment of innocent people, and often feature widespread suffering. Expect to see disturbing scenes of torture and many characters getting seriously hurt or killed. Because of the intense violence, these stories are generally intended for mature audiences.

‘Overlord’ (2015–2022)

I’m really invested in this series, but it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. It follows a powerful undead leader who isn’t afraid to use any means necessary to win – and that includes incredibly brutal acts. We’re talking graphic violence, torture, and even scenes of people being executed. It also tackles really difficult themes like slavery and psychological abuse. Honestly, it’s a dark fantasy world with a lot of intense stuff, so be warned – it’s very strong and can be disturbing.

‘Wicked City’ (1987)

This movie is a disturbing mix of horror and crime drama, featuring strong sexual content and brutal violence involving demons. It contains graphic scenes of assault, body horror, shootings, and unsettling physical changes. The story also involves kidnapping and exploitation, and is intended for mature audiences only.

‘Kite’ (1998)

This animated story features an assassin and includes very disturbing content, such as explicit sexual violence, graphic murder, and the exploitation of minors. The unedited versions are especially intense and the series carries strong warnings for mature audiences only.

‘Yosuga no Sora’ (2010)

Okay, let me tell you, this show isn’t for everyone. It’s a steamy rural romance, but it dives deep into some really difficult territory. We’re talking explicit sexual content and, frankly, incestuous relationships. What really bothered me was seeing teenagers portrayed in these situations – it felt irresponsible and potentially harmful for younger viewers. The entire show revolves around forbidden love and a lot of emotional manipulation, so be warned – the ratings are absolutely accurate about the strong sexual content and the seriously controversial themes. It’s a tough watch, and definitely not for the faint of heart.

‘Redo of Healer’ (2021)

This story centers around a revenge plan that includes repeated instances of sexual assault, forced acts, and cruel violence. It contains many disturbing scenes with graphic depictions of injuries and humiliation. The narrative also features slavery, the use of drugs to control others, and severe emotional abuse. Due to its intense sexual content and violence, it typically receives the highest maturity ratings on any platform where it is shared.

Let us know in the comments which titles you think parents should be aware of, so we can all help each other make sure watchlists are appropriate for kids.

2025-11-05 15:20