The fusion ofanimationandfantasycan be a vibrant and exhilarating gateway to a whole new world. But when animated fantasy narratives take a darker and edgier turn, the experience becomes even more gripping. These dark and bold narratives onNetflixhave a knack for taking viewers through a whirlwind of emotions, from horror and dread to hope and triumph. Not to forget their morally ambiguous characters, their subversion of tropes, rich world-building created through artistic and visual flair and presence of darker themes that make them seem surreal and grim.
The dark fantasy animated series on this list often delve into darker and less explored mythology such as legends of monsters, vampires and sorcerers, their gothic, eerie-like atmosphere adding to their overall appeal. For example,Castlevania Nocturneis one of the recent additions to this subgenre, which draws inspiration from vampire myths. Set against the backdrop ofthe French Revolution, the first season made its debut on Netflix in September and immerses viewers in a dark and mesmerizing world. Already, anticipation is building for a second season,scheduled for release in 2024. In the meantime, here are some of the best dark fantasy animated series to explore on Netflix.
10Claymore (2007)
Based on a Manga of the same name by Norihiro Yagi,Claymoreunfolds within a dark and medieval fantasy world where humans are under constant threat from shape-shifting creatures known as Yoma. The series primarily follows Clare, a young Claymore who seeks revenge on a powerful Yoma who murdered her family and destroyed her life. As she embarks on her journey and meets other Claymores, each with unique powers, motivations, and backstories, the series delves into the themes of identity, vengeance and the price of power.
A distinctive aspect ofClaymorelies in its focus on a complex and compelling protagonist. The show’s dark, cruel, and grim atmosphere, along with its morally ambiguous characters, each with their own flaws that render them profoundly human, draw many to their unfolding tales and keep them invested throughout.
9Arcane (2021)
For those who enjoy animated series with a focus on character-driven narrative and immersive world-building,Arcaneis just the perfect choice. This action-adventure series not only has a cool animation style that will blow many away from the first scene, but also features a compelling story that draws many into its steampunk adventure. It is one of thebest video game adaptationsthat will thrill both fans and non-fans ofLeague of Legends.
With high-octane action sequences, beautiful characters, stunning world, brilliant writing, and well-paced storyline, this series remains consistently engaging. There is also drama, action, and emotional depth to keep it overall engaging. WhileArcanemay have young characters at the center of the story, it delves into dark and intense themes unsuitable for younger audience. Given its exceptional qualities, its immense popularity and success come as no surprise.
8Devilman crybaby
Devilman Crybabypresents a thought-provoking and emotionally charged narrative that raises questions about the nature of good and evil and the blurred line between them. It is without doubts one of themost disturbing series on Netflix, not for the faint-hearted or easily offended. It caters to those who can stomach all of its gory scenes, shocking violence, and dark philosophical themes.
Often categorized as dark fantasy or supernatural horror,Devilman Crybabyis an adaptation of Go Nagai’s classic MangaDevilman. The story revolves around Akira Fudo, a kind-hearted and compassionate high-school boy who becomes a devilman to protect humanity from the impending doom of demon invasion. What makes this animated series even better is its visually striking and unique animation style along with its unflinching approach to mature subject. These factors have significantly contributed to its critical acclaim within the anime genre.
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7Children of the Whales (2017)
Set in a unique and imaginative world with a blend of fantasy, sci-fi and drama, this intense and beautiful story follows the story of a young activist Chakuro. He and his friends live a seemingly simple and peaceful life on their massive floating island. However, everything changes with the arrival of a strange and powerful girl, plunging them into a world of secrets, lies and dangers.
Children of the Whalesbegins with the innocence of light-hearted fantasy, but quickly evolves into a rather dark and harrowing journey, catching viewers off guard. Many applaud the series for its original story, blend of drama, mystery and fantasy, imaginative settings, endearing characters, and profound emotional depth. However, some find the pacing and storyline inconsistent. While there is hope for a second season, there is no official word regarding its arrival.
6Hellsing Ultimate (2006)
Hellsing Ultimateis set in an alternate reality where supernatural creatures like vampires, ghouls, and other monsters exist, and it centers on the Hellsing organization, a secret British government faction dedicated to eradicating supernatural threats. The story primarily follows Sir Integra Hellsing and her enigmatic and powerful servant, Alucard. While the series draws inspiration from Kouta Hirano’sHellsingManga, the storyline diverges from the original in some aspects.
What remains consistent, however, is the show’s embrace of darkness and violence, unapologetically spotlights its obsession with bloodlust, abundance of firearms, piles of lifeless bodies, and unabashed overkill. From compelling characters, epic storylines, action-packed scenes, and a distinctive and immersive world,Hellsing Ultimatehas it all. It is just the show for aficionados of supernatural horror or hard-core fans of vampire lore. However, some viewers feel the actions and blood-soaked displays are pointless and excessive.
5Blood of Zeus (2020)
Blood of Zeusis one of the best anime-inspired shows on Netflix, offering a gripping and gruesomely vividinterpretation of Greek mythology. With its striking visuals, art, action sequences, and mature themes, it generally has an authentic anime vibe despite being an American series created by Charley and Vlas Parlapanides. It follows Heron, as he transforms from an ordinary mortal to a formidable figure thrust into the battle between gods and the giants.
While the series may not be the most accurate take on Greek mythology, it unquestionably delivers an entertaining narrative. For those who enjoy action-packed fantasy series with a mythology-inspired twist, this is a compelling choice, boasting great character design, a mixture of action and fantasy. Also, the fantastic soundtrack certainly elevates the show to a whole new level, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
4Castlevania (2017)
Castlevania
Comprising four seasons,Castlevaniadraws inspiration from the popular Konami game of the same name. It is known for its dark and gothic atmosphere, which is a hallmark of the video game series. With a thematic focus on revenge, power, and the unending battle between good and evil, this highly acclaimed animated series chronicles the adventures of Trevor Belmont, a vampire hunter. He battles powerful vampire figures like Dracula and others, alongside his allies Alucard and Sypha Belnades, to save humanity from Dracula and the chaos of the night.
Fans of the video game series appreciate its faithfulness to the source material in terms of characters, settings, and lore. The voice actors are often praised for their exceptional works. In all,Castlevaniafeatures a plethora of twists and turns, stylized action sequences, and ever-improving episodes.
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3Trese (2021)
Adapted from a Philippine graphic novel of the same name,Tresestands as one of the first Filipino anime series. Set in Manila, it revolves around Alexandra Trese, a detective who specializes in supernatural and paranormal cases. For viewers accustomed to Filipino series that primarily focus on romance or light-hearted themes,Tereseisn’t of any of those, but offers instead a surprising twist and intriguing departure. It unveils a narrative that is dark, unsettling, and gory, and never feels cringe-worthy or dull like similar endeavors.
Of course, opinions about the series vary: while some find the dialogue to be somewhat wooden and perceive some characters as lacking depth, others, on the other hand, appreciate it for its well-executed storyline, robust world-building, and its unique approach of blending Filipino mythology with a modern detective noir narrative. It may not be the best out there, but it is very entertaining.
2Dorohedoro (2020)
Based on a Manga of the same name by Q Hayashida,Dorohedorounfolds in a chaotic city known as the Hole, where humans coexist with sorcerers. The sorcerers often subject the city’s inhabitants to unsettling experiments, transforming them into grotesque creatures. It is truly an off-beat and bizarre animated series, celebrated for its unique fusion of dark fantasy, bizarre characters, and surreal, post-apocalyptic atmosphere.
Beyond its surreal, grimy and chaotic world, which manages to be both horrifying and fascinating, what sets it apart is its incorporation of humor and absurdity.Dorohedorois unapologetically graphic in its depiction of violence and gore, so it’s best suited for those with a taste for such elements. The show is a bizarre one, accompanied by an exceptional soundtrack that whisks viewers away to an alternate universe reminiscent ofearly 2000s animeseries.
1Castlevania: Nocturne (2023)
Castlevania: Nocturne
Castlevania: Nocturneis the standalone sequel to the beloved animated seriesCastlevania. Written by Clive Bradley and directed by Sam Deats and Adam Deats, it is loosely adapted from Konami’s video game seriesCastlevania: Rondo of BloodandCastlevania: Symphony of the Night. Set during the French Revolution, the series follows Richter Belmont, a young vampire and descendant of Trevor Belmont, along with his adoptive sister and other misfits as they fight to prevent the rise of vampire Messiah. This installment is set 300 years after the original show and reintroduces the iconic character Alucard.
While it is not without shortcomings,Castlevania: Nocturneoffers a captivating and aesthetically pleasing animated experience. For those who still miss the original show, it is an excellent substitute, complete with engaging music, writing and themes. Just a week after its release, Netflix has alreadyannounced a second season, adding to the excitement.
