20 Must-Watch Anime Series For Adult Fans (2024)

Adult anime fans may have a hard time finding series that fit their needs. The world of anime is incredibly vast, covering stories from a variety of genres. From romance to action, and even sci-fi, there's an anime series for every type of fan. However, for older fans of the expressive animation medium, it can sometimes be hard to find characters to relate to their own lives.

Many popular titles focus on young protagonists, often featuring high school students as the main characters. While there's nothing wrong with these titles, it's also nice to see someone more like yourself reflected on the screen. Still, there are plenty of options for the adult anime fan wanting a break from high school anime, looking for an emotional story, or simply wanting to laugh at the situations that every adult finds themselves in.

20 Welcome to the N.H.K. is an Anime That Takes Depression & Anxiety Seriously

Based on the Novel By Tatsuhiko Takimoto & Yoshitoshi Abe, Animated By Gonzo

TV-MA

Animation

Comedy

Drama

Welcome to the N.H.K. (2006) is an anime series centered around Tatsuhiro Satou, a reclusive 22-year-old suffering from severe social anxiety. The show delves into his struggles with isolation, conspiracy theories, and the various oddball characters he encounters, including Misaki Nakahara, who claims she can cure him. It provides a deep exploration of mental health issues and the pressures faced by young adults in modern society.

Cast

Michael C. Pizzuto , Monica Rial , Luci Christian , Greg Ayers , Chris Patton , Stephanie Wittels

Release Date

July 9, 2006

Seasons

1

Streaming Service(s)

Crunchyroll

Franchise(s)

Welcome to the N.H.K.

Writers

Satoru Nishizono

Directors

Yūsuke Yamamoto

Main Genre

Drama

Creator(s)

Tatsuhiko Takimoto , Yoshitoshi Abe

Welcome to the N.H.K. follows a young man named Sato who is a complete shut-in. Paranoid, delusional, and suffering from a severe case of anxiety, Sato lives alone in an apartment that his parents pay for. However, Sato's life changes when he meets a young woman named Misaki who agrees to try and help Sato overcome his various psychological ailments.

Though the anime hasn't aged well in some respects, what Welcome to the N.H.K. gets right is how it feels to suffer from mental illness. Sato's social isolation will hit close to home for anyone who has dealt with bouts of serious depression, and that alone warrants it a solid recommendation for any adult anime fan.

19 Honey and Clover is the Perfect Anime For Fans In College

Based On the Original Manga By Chica Umino & Animated By JC Staff

TV-14

Animation

Drama

Romance

Honey and Clover (2005) is a Japanese anime series based on the manga by Chica Umino. It follows the lives of five art university students as they navigate the complexities of friendship, love, and career aspirations. The series delves into their emotional struggles and personal growth, offering a poignant exploration of youthful idealism and the transition to adulthood.

Cast

Yuri Lowenthal , Sam Riegel , Cam Clarke , Julie Ann Taylor , Heather Halley , Christopher Corey Smith

Release Date

April 15, 2005

Seasons

2

Streaming Service(s)

Amazon Freevee , Crunchyroll

Franchise(s)

Honey and Clover

Writers

Yôsuke Kuroda

Directors

Ken'ichi Kasai

Main Genre

Drama

Creator(s)

Chica Umino

Honey and Clover takes place at an art college, following Yuuta Takemoto and his group of friends and roommates. Each of the characters is eccentric and unique with their own passions that set them apart from the group. As they try to get by as broke college students and keep up with their coursework, they must also look towards their unsure futures.

This anime features a college romance mixed with the very real experiences of burnout and insecurity about the future that students face as they get closer to graduation. As the characters grow older, they must face the reality that one day, they will graduate, and they must decide what they want to do with their lives. Honey and Clover is a realistic take on university life, perfect for any viewers who were or are studying in university.

Watch On Crunchyroll

18 Nana is the Quintessential Anime For Young Women Just Entering Adulthood

Based On the Original Manga By Ai Yazawa & Animated By Madhouse

TV-MA

Animation

Drama

Music

Romance

Nana is a Japanese anime television series based on the manga of the same name by Ai Yazawa. The show follows the lives of two women named Nana who meet on a train to Tokyo and end up living together. While they share the same name, their personalities, ambitions, and backgrounds are vastly different, unfolding a narrative of friendship, love, and the pursuit of their dreams in the bustling city.

Cast

Rebecca Shoichet , Kelly Sheridan , Matthew Erickson , David A. Kaye , Brian Drummond

Release Date

April 5, 2006

Seasons

1

Streaming Service(s)

Hulu

Franchise(s)

Nana

Writers

Tomoko Konparu

Directors

Morio Asaka

Main Genre

Drama

Creator(s)

Ai Yazawa

Nana is the essential coming-of-age shojo anime. This classic anime follows two girls of the same age and name as they navigate friendship, love, and heartbreak while trying to make lives and names for themselves in Tokyo. The story is as heartwarming as it is devastating, showing the growing pains that come with aging. The girls meet by chance on their way to Tokyo and vow to support each other and become friends after learning that they share a name.

While one Nana wants to become a famous singer, the other just wants to find love and happiness. Both of their dreams prove to be harder than they originally thought. The world isn't always kind to these girls, but the viewer can't help but root for them as they watch the two friends try to navigate the growing pains of adulthood and romance.

Watch On Hulu

17 Psycho-Pass Addresses the Price of Absolute Security

Original Anime Co-Directed by Naoyoshi Shiotani & Katsuyuki Motohiro

For Western audiences, Psycho-Pass may pique fans of Philip K. Dick's storytelling, namely of a dystopian society reminiscent of somewhere between Blade Runner and Minority Report, Psycho-Pass is a slam dunk. The series is excellently animated, spawning gorgeous cosplays and a dedicated fandom over the decade since its inception. The series addresses similar ethical dilemmas of apprehending people for crimes they've yet to commit and how a society focused so strongly on crime prevention can warp the mentality of its denizens.

Psycho-Pass uses the Sibyl System to address these questions and how it predicts crime. This results in the ability to conduct cymatic scans, eerily predicting criminal intent or tendencies on the spot for its human subjects. Unsurprisingly, Psycho-Pass is banned in certain territories for its commentary, as it's bound to strike a nerve in the security vs. freedom/privacy debate.

16 Barakamon Tackles Burnout in a Mature & Interesting Way

Based On the Original Manga By Satsuki Yoshino & Animated By Kinema Citrus

TV-PG

Animation

Comedy

Drama

Barakamon centers on Seishu Handa, a young calligrapher who relocates to a remote village after a public outburst. Seeking inspiration and personal growth, Seishu discovers solace and unexpected friendships among the quirky villagers. The series blends elements of self-discovery and artistic struggle within a tranquil, rural setting.

Cast

Robert McCollum , Alison Viktorin , Lynsey Hale , Apphia Yu , Clifford Chapin , Lara Woodhull , Leah , Morgan Berry , R. Bruce Elliott

Release Date

July 6, 2014

Seasons

1

Streaming Service(s)

Crunchyroll

Franchise(s)

Barakamon

See Also

All 9 Batman Animated Series Ranked Worst To Best"I'll have what she's having." The 35 Best Romantic Comedies of All Time, RankedThe 10 best anime for adults -- watch only if you're mature enoughThe Greatest R-Rated Anime Series of All Time

Writers

Pierre Sugiura

Directors

Masaki Tachibana

Main Genre

Drama

Creator(s)

Satsuki Yoshino

Barakamon follows a young man encountering a quarter-life crisis. Calligrapher Seishu moves out to the isolated Goto Islands after blowing up at a judge and effectively ruining his life. With no inspiration, he intends to lock himself away, only for his plans to be foiled by a group of friendly kids and the townspeople who welcome him like family.

Instead of being swallowed by his own insecurities, Seishu instead finds himself letting his new neighbors in and even becoming something like an uncle figure to the neighborhood kids. Barakamon is perfect for any adults who might feel burnt out from life and work, as the joy and healing that Seishu eventually finds in his new life is cathartic and rewarding to watch.

Watch On Crunchyroll

15 Shirobako is About the Difficult Reality of Achieving One's Dreams

Based On the Original Manga By Mizutama & Kenji Sugihara, Animated By P.A. Works

TV-PG

Animation

Comedy

Drama

Shirobako is an anime series that follows five friends as they pursue careers in the Japanese animation industry. It offers an inside look into the challenges and complexities of anime production, highlighting the dedication, teamwork, and perseverance required to succeed. With each character facing unique struggles, the series provides a realistic portrayal of the behind-the-scenes efforts involved in creating animated works.

Cast

Alyssa Marek , Savanna Menzel , Rachael Messner , Juliet Simmons , Taylor Fono

Release Date

October 9, 2014

Seasons

1

Franchise(s)

Shirobako

Writers

Michiko Yokote

Directors

Tsutomu Mizushima

Main Genre

Comedy

Creator(s)

Musashino Animation , Kenji Sugihara , Mizutama

Shirobako follows a group of friends who vowed to make anime together as adults after meeting in their high school animation club and making an amateur film together. Of course, adulthood and the industry are much different than they expected, and the girls find themselves facing difficulties while fighting to make their dreams a reality.

While some girls are in the industry, they haven't "made it", and still struggle to be appreciated by their colleagues. Others find that they are unsatisfied in their jobs despite it being what they thought they wanted to do. It's hard not to relate to Shirobako's girls, and so their success and refusal to give up on their childhood dreams is easy to root for, making this anime a satisfying must-watch for adult anime fans.

Watch On Crunchyroll

14 Paranoia Agent is a Brutal Critique of Escapism

Original Anime Created By Satoshi Kon & Animated By Madhouse

TV-MA

Animation

Mystery

Thriller

Paranoia Agent is a Japanese animated television series created by Satoshi Kon. The show follows several unconnected people in Tokyo who are terrorized by a mysterious juvenile assailant named Lil' Slugger. As the attacks increase, detectives Keiichi Ikari and Mitsuhiro Maniwa investigate the incidents, uncovering complex psychological issues and societal pressures among the victims. The series offers a critique of modern urban life and explores themes of paranoia and self-deception.

Cast

Liam O'Brien , Michelle Ruff , Michael McConnohie , William Frederick Knight , Doug Stone , Carrie Savage , Erica Shaffer , Sam Riegel

Release Date

April 14, 2011

Seasons

1

Streaming Service(s)

Crunchyroll

Franchise(s)

Paranoia Agent

Writers

Seishi Minakami

Directors

Satoshi Kon

Main Genre

Thriller

Creator(s)

Satoshi Kon

Taking place in Japan in the mid-2000s, Paranoia Agent follows a variety of characters dealing with an outbreak of brutal attacks by a mysterious figure known as Lil' Slugger. Though that might seem straightforward, what follows is a truly bizarre mystery that tests the limits of sanity and reality as the true nature of Lil' Slugger threatens the very fabric of society.

Series creator Satoshi Kon was a master of distorting reality to really dive in to a character's head, and nowhere is that clearer than his lone TV series. What makes Paranoia Agent such a great series is the psychological depths of its characters. Every character feels real in a way that few anime can replicate. The characters combined with the mystery is more than enough to make Paranoia Agent one of the best anime for adults.

13 Black Lagoon Is a Highly Different Pirate Anime

Based on the Manga by Rei Hiroe & Animated by Madhouse

TV-MA

Action

Animation

Crime

Thriller

Black Lagoon is a Japanese animated series that follows Rokuro "Rock" Okajima, a Japanese businessman taken hostage by the Lagoon Company, a group of mercenaries. Set in the crime-infested city of Roanapur, the series explores Rock's transformation as he navigates dangerous missions alongside his new comrades. Created by Madhouse, the show delves into themes of morality and survival in a lawless world.

Cast

Brad Swaile , Maryke Hendrikse , Brain DRummond , Dean Redman , Patricia Drake , Mark Acheson

Release Date

April 9, 2006

Seasons

2

Streaming Service(s)

Crunchyroll , Hulu

Franchise(s)

Black Lagoon

Writers

Sunao Katabuchi

Directors

Sunao Katabuchi

Main Genre

Action

Creator(s)

Rei Hiroe

With a track record like Madhouse's, it's unsurprising that Black Lagoon is a standout 2006 anime particularly suited for mature audiences. Its main characters are excellently juxtaposed in a dangerous, real-world-inspired yet exaggerated drama featuring modern pirates in the mid-1990s. The series boasts mature themes, philosophical angles, glorious ultraviolence, and a characteristically strong visual showcase from Madhouse.

Black Lagoon also has the specific draw of an excellent and strong female anime protagonist with Revy, a brash, impulsive cynic who stands as the poster child of the series. Opposite her is Rokuro Okajima, later known as Rock, a salaryman whose life is turned upside down when the crew of the eponymous Black Lagoon takes him hostage. The result for newcomers is a darkly funny, often pessimistic, yet endearing story as viewers will undoubtedly be charmed by many characters in the cast and their engaging backstories.

12 Samurai Champloo Boasts Ferocious Style for Anime Conoisseurs

Original Anime by Shinichirō Watanabe & Animated by Manglobe

TV-MA

Action

Animation

Adventure

Samurai Champloo is an anime series created by Shinichirō Watanabe. Set in an alternate Edo-era Japan, it follows the journey of Mugen, a brash and fiercely independent swordsman, and Jin, a calm and skilled ronin, as they accompany a young waitress named Fuu on her mission to find a mysterious samurai who smells of sunflowers. The series is noted for its unique blend of historical elements and modern hip-hop culture.

Cast

Steve Blum , Kirk Thornton , Kari Wahlgren

Release Date

May 20, 2004

Seasons

1

Streaming Service(s)

Crunchyroll

Franchise(s)

Samurai Champloo

Writers

Masaru Gotsubo

Directors

Shinichirô Watanabe

Main Genre

Action

Creator(s)

Shinichirô Watanabe

A perfect blend of Western popular music sensibilities and elegant swordplay, Samurai Champloo is just what the doctor ordered for seasoned anime fans craving something unique. It has exceptional action sequences and a trio of wildly likable and different characters, Mugen, Jin, and Fuu, whose personalities and styles vary wildly from each other. For those who recognize the names behind the series, Shinichirō Watanabe is an especially influential creator in the anime space, whose stylistic choices helped define the series' success.

Samurai Champloo appeals to viewers in the West for many reasons, including hip-hop music infused into a stylized Edo Period Japan. Fight sequences are crisp and devoid of filler or introspection, perfectly pulse-pounding and satisfying. This action allows viewers to enjoy Jin's keen senses while acting as a foil to Mugen's unorthodox breakdancing combat. The best part is that viewers don't have to look hard for other excellent anime, no less from Watanabe, seemingly perfect for adults to enjoy.

11 Cowboy Bebop is the Anime Crime Thriller At its Finest

Original Anime Shinichirō Watanabe & Animated By Sunrise

TV-14

Action

Animation

Sci-Fi

Western

Cowboy Bebop is a sci-fi/western action television series widely regarded as one of the best anime ever. The series follows a crew of four disconnected bounty hunters who all slowly come together aboard a ship known as the Bebop. The crew of the Bebop attempt to snag various bounties and embark on several misadventures to keep their pockets lined with coin and their stomachs full. The series also has a heavy musical motif, with each episode title named after various jazz "sessions."

Cast

Koichi Yamadera , Steve Blum , Megumi Hayashibara , Wendee Lee , Unshô Ishizuka , Beau Billingslea , Aoi Tada , Melissa Fahn

Release Date

April 3, 1998

Seasons

1

Network

Adult Swim

Streaming Service(s)

Crunchyroll

Franchise(s)

Cowboy Bebop

Writers

Keiko Nobumoto , Shinichirô Watanabe

Directors

Shinichirô Watanabe

Showrunner

Shinichirô Watanabe

Cowboy Bebop is an iconic classic anime series that debuted in 1998. Blending futuristic sci-fi with the themes of cowboys and the wild west, the series follows the bounty hunter and former hitman Spike and his crew on their misadventures in space. Over the series, more misfits join them on their journey, including Faye Valentine, one of the series most recognizable characters and a former bounty head herself.

While the action and fight scenes are unique, especially for the time, and make for an incredible watch, the show also has mature undertones. Featuring adult characters with complex backgrounds and motivations, Cowboy Bebop deals with loneliness, guilt, and existentialism, making for a story only adult viewers can truly understand and connect with.

Watch On Crunchyroll

10 Wave, Listen to Me! is a Relatable Story About Crawling Out of a Dead End

Based On the Original Manga By Hiroaki Samura & Animated By Sunrise

TV-14

Animation

Comedy

Drama

Wave, Listen to Me! is a Japanese animated television series based on the manga by Hiroaki Samura. The story follows Minare Koda, a sharp-tongued young woman who inadvertently becomes the host of a late-night talk show in Sapporo. As she navigates her new career in radio broadcasting, Minare shares her humorous and often candid perspectives on life, love, and the everyday struggles she faces.

Cast

Terri Doty , Christopher R. Sabat , Tia Ballard , Charlie Campbell , Monica Rial , Zach Bolton , Ian Sinclair , Katelyn Barr , Kent Williams

Release Date

April 3, 2020

Seasons

1

Streaming Service(s)

Crunchyroll

Writers

Shoji Yonemura

Directors

Tatsuma Minamikawa

Main Genre

Drama

Creator(s)

Hiroaki Samura

This anime is truly an underrated gem, especially for adult anime fans. Airing on Funimation in 2020, the story follows Minare Koda after she goes through a breakup and feels as if she's at a dead end. She accidentally spends a drunken night ranting to radio DJ Kanetsugu, then suddenly finds herself working as a show host after he recognizes her talent for thinking quick on her feet.

Wave, Listen to Me! balances comedy with the reality of trying to find a work-life balance and navigating friendships and relationships. Viewers will find a lot of themselves in Minare, making the story even more enjoyable as it feels as if it could happen to anyone.

Watch on Crunchyroll

9 Life Lessonswith Uramichi-Oniisan is About the Darkside of Being a Mascot

Based On the Original Manga By Gaku Kuze & Animated By Studio Blanc

TV-14

Animation

Comedy

Uramichi Omota, a 31-year-old children's TV show host, balances his cheerful on-screen persona with his off-screen cynicism and existential dread. As he interacts with his coworkers and young audience, his darkly humorous insights into adult life create a unique blend of comedy and pathos, exploring the struggles of maintaining a facade in a demanding world.

Cast

Adam Gibbs , Ray Chase , Howard Wang , Brandon McInnis , Jessica Calvello , Johnny Yong Bosch , Jacob Hopkins , Eric Vale

Release Date

July 6, 2021

Seasons

1

Streaming Service(s)

Crunchyroll , Prime Video

Writers

Touko Machida

Directors

Nobuyoshi Nagayama

Main Genre

Animation

Creator(s)

Gaku Kuze

This anime certainly isn't for kids. While at first glance, Life Lessons with Uramichi-Oniisan could look childish with its bright colors, the story is actually about a burnt out 31-year-old man who absolutely hates his job and has a pessimistic outlook on life. After ending his career as a professional gymnast, the main character Uramichi finds himself working on a morning children's show to make ends meet.

Of course, he isn't the only one who is exhausted by having to try and be upbeat and excited about mundane things. The true personalities of Life Lessons' mascots clash with the innocence of the kids in a way that is absolutely hilarious, and the dry humor and antidotes about life are relatable to any adult watching the show.

Watch On Funimation

8 Mushi-Shi is a Meditative Trip Through Feudal Japan

Animated By Artland

TV-14

Anime

Drama

Fantasy

Mushi-Shi is an anime series set in a world where ethereal creatures called Mushi exist, influencing the natural environment and human lives. The series follows Ginko, a Mushi Master, who travels from village to village investigating Mushi phenomena and helping those affected. Rich in atmosphere and philosophical depth, Mushi-Shi explores themes of nature, life, and the unseen forces that connect them.

Cast

Yûto Nakano , travis willingham , Kôjun Itô , Jennifer Seman , Mika Doi , Hiroshi Shimozaki , Ryō Naitō , Brina Palencia

Release Date

October 23, 2005

Seasons

2

Main Genre

Anime

For any anime fan looking for a meditative series to watch before bed, there are few better options than Mushi-Shi. The series follows a man named Ginko as he travels around feudal Japan and helps people deal with strange ethereal creatures called Mushi. Somewhere between spiritual and physical, the Mushi are creatures that can have a wide variety of effects on mankind.

Working almost like parables, at its heart Mushi-Shi is a reflection on humanity's relationship to nature. The various stories tackled in Mushi-shi carry a wide variety of tones and moods, but all of them bring up serious questions. The result is an anime that any adult interested in the environment will love to watch.

Watch on Crunchyroll

7 Skull-face Bookseller Honda-san is Drawn From Real-Life Experience

Based On the Original Manga By Honda & Animated By DLE

Animation

Comedy

Skull-face Bookseller Honda-san is an anime adaptation of the manga series by Honda. Released in 2018, the series follows Honda, a skeleton working at a Japanese bookstore, as he navigates the challenges of retail life. The show delves into the daily duties of booksellers, blending humor and insight into the world of bookselling and customer interactions, shedding light on the dynamics behind the scenes of a bookstore.

Cast

Soma Saito , Yûko Sanpei , Eri Kitamura , Kimiko Saito , Shizuka Ito , Aya Endo

Release Date

October 8, 2018

Seasons

1

Streaming Service(s)

Crunchyroll

Franchise(s)

Skull-face Bookseller Honda-san

Writers

Shin Okashima

Directors

Ouru Todoroki

Main Genre

Comedy

Creator(s)

Honda

The art of Skull Faced Bookseller Honda-san can be off-putting at first, but what hides behind the strange character models is a perfect depiction of what life is like working in retail. Any adult who has ever worked in customer service will find themselves laughing at the absolutely absurd yet unfortunately realistic customer interactions.

This story is based off the author's true life as a bookseller, with the identities of his coworkers disguised by silly masks and absurd nicknames. Because of this, Skull-face Bookseller feels very real, drawing the viewer in and making them feel as if they, too, are part of the bookstore crew. This story truly captures exactly how retail workers feel and is an absolute joy to watch for anyone who has ever worked in customer service.

​​​​​​​

Watch On Crunchyroll

6 Serial Experiments Lain Is Almost Too Prescient for Its Own Good

Original Anime by Yasuyuki Ueda & Animated by Triangle Staff

TV-14

Animation

Drama

Horror

Sci-Fi

Serial Experiments Lain is a Japanese anime series directed by Ryūtarō Nakamura, following teenager Lain Iwakura as she becomes increasingly entangled in the enigmatic virtual world called the Wired. Through confronting various psychological and philosophical dilemmas, the series delves into themes of identity, reality, and consciousness, challenging viewers with its layered narrative and complex visuals.

Cast

Kaori Shimizu , Bridget Hoffman , Dan Lorge , Ali Moriizumi , Ayako Kawasumi , Yôko Asada , Patricia Ja Lee , Randy McPherson

Character(s)

Lain Iwakura , Lain Iwakura (English) , Additional Voices , DJ , Mika Iwakura , Arisu Mizuki , Mika Iwakura (English)

Release Date

July 13, 1999

Seasons

1

Main Genre

Animation

Creator(s)

Yasuyuki Ueda

Imagine an anime that reflects the impact of humanity's presence in the physical and digital worlds, depicted in a cyberpunk dystopia. Like many other cyberpunk anime, Serial Experiments Lain was ahead of its time, leaning subtly into techno-horror with its themes, which verge more on the abstract than many contemporary sci-fi hits. Its exploration of technology's influence on human development is something that the more discerning audience will appreciate over grandiose spectacles.

But more than anything else, Serial Experiments Lain is just an exceptional seinen cyberpunk anime, much like other products of the 1990s. The series focuses on the experiences of Lain Iwakura, an awkward teen girl whose life grows exceedingly more complicated when a classmate commits suicide yet seemingly communicates with her beyond the grave through a digital realm. Serial Experiments Lain's brand of horror isn't jumpscares or excessive gore; rather, the implications of reliance on technology and its effects on human existentialism can create a foreboding sense of discomfort.

5 Berserk is the Perfect Anime For Any Adult Fan of Dark Fantasy

Based on the Manga By Kentaro Miura & Animated By OLM

TV-MA

Animation

Action

Fantasy

Based on the manga series created by Kentaro Miura, Berserk was an action-fantasy series initially released in North America in 1997. The series acts as an adaptation of the first portion of the manga, covering the origins of Guts the Black Swordsman, a powerful warrior who joins a mercenary group known as The Band of the Hawk.

Cast

Marc Diraison , Kevin T. Collins , Carrie Keranen , Michelle Newman , Christopher Kromer , Jeff Ward , Mark Sebastian , J , David Brimmer , Sean Schemmel

Release Date

October 7, 1997

Seasons

1

Franchise(s)

Berserk

Writers

Yasuhiro Imagawa

Directors

Naohito Takahashi

Berserk commonly ranks among the best dark fantasy anime for good reason. The series is about a man named Guts who joins up with the mercenary group known as the Band of the Hawk, led by the elegant but deadly Griffith. Alongside one of Griffith's generals, Casca, Guts learns to accept others into his life as the Band of the Hawk wins battle after battle. However, a looming tragedy centered around a demonic bargain threatens to take everything Guts worked hard for away from him.

In the wake of grounded fantasy series like Game of Thrones, the genre has seen a resurgence outside of its small base. Given its deep characters and political intrigue, Berserk is a must-watch for fans of fantasy. Though the series infamously ends on a massive cliffhanger, it's still well worth watching given how masterfully it's made.

Purchase on Crunchyroll

4 Wotakoi: LoveIs Hard for an Otaku is the Perfect Adult Romance

Based On the Original Manga By Fujita & Animated By A-1 Pictures

TV-14

Animation

Comedy

Romance

Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for an Otaku is a romantic comedy series that explores the romantic relationships of otaku, or passionate fans of anime and gaming, in the workplace. The show centers around childhood friends Narumi and Hirotaka, who navigate the complexities of love and friendship while embracing their geeky interests. The series delves into the challenges and delights of finding romance as an adult with otaku hobbies.

Cast

Arisa Date , Kento Ito , Miyuki Sawashiro , Tomokazu Sugita , Yûki Kaji , Aoi Yuki

Release Date

April 12, 2018

Seasons

1

Franchise(s)

Wotakoi: Love is Hard for an Otaku

Writers

Fujita

Directors

Yoshimasa Hiraike

Streaming Service(s)

Prime Video

Main Genre

Comedy

Creator(s)

Fujita

Wotakoi often finds itself at the top of lists when it comes to anime for adults for a reason. While there were a handful of anime that focused on work relationships before, Wotakoi is truly one of a kind when it comes to depicting specifically adult work romances and friendships.

Childhood friends Narumi and Hirotaka end up reuniting after Narumi joins the office, and they quickly find out that neither of them have lost their childhood hobbies. This main pairing is joined by a bickering couple who have been dating since high school and Hirotaka's innocent little brother. The characters are relatable, and watching them juggle playing video games, watching anime, and cosplay with their company work is always amusing to watch for any adult fan doing the exact same thing.

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Watch On Prime Video

3 Monster Is a Perfectly Gritty, Cerebral Crime Thriller

Based on the Manga by Naoki Urasawa & Animated by Madhouse

TV-14

Animation

Crime

Drama

Monster is an animated psychological thriller series directed by Masayuki Kojima, based on the manga by Naoki Urasawa. The story follows Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a Japanese brain surgeon working in Germany, who saves the life of a young boy destined to become a notorious serial killer. As Tenma seeks to rectify his actions and uncover the truth, he becomes entangled in a complex web of moral dilemmas and dark secrets.

Cast

Liam O'Brien , Keith Silverstein , Karen Strassman , Richard Epcar , Laura Bailey , Tara Platt

Release Date

April 7, 2004

Seasons

1

Streaming Service(s)

Netflix

Writers

Tatsuhiko Urahata , Naoki Urasawa

Directors

Masayuki Kojima , Morio Asaka

Main Genre

Crime

Creator(s)

Naoki Urasawa

In many ways, Monster is perfect for the adult anime fan, stripped of fantastical or shonen elements, instead being a realistic, gripping, cerebral crime thriller focused on brain surgeon Dr. Kenzo Tenma. Tenma's life is upended after he decides, against the hospital apparatjik's best wishes, to operate on the survivor of a massacre instead of a high-ranking member of society. This decision results in Tenma losing his position at work before things get strange.

Soon, doctors with whom Tenma worked start winding up dead, with Tenma being a prime suspect in an expansive, dark web of subterfuge as a serial killer emerges. What's incredible is how the series expands into a dark conspiracy involving old Cold War-era initiatives and a sinister mind let loose, to an extent, thanks to Tenma's own intervention. Monster is a brilliant, standout thriller totally worthy of binging, animated or otherwise.

2 Pluto is a Science-Fiction Mystery With a Lot on its Mind

& Based on the Manga By Naoki Urasawa

TV-14

Action

Animation

Drama

Sci-Fi

Pluto is an anime series set in a dystopian future where advanced robots coexist with humans. Based on the manga by Naoki Urasawa and inspired by Osamu Tezuka's Astro Boy, the story follows Gesicht, a robot detective investigating a series of robot and human murders. As Gesicht delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a conspiracy that challenges the very essence of humanity and robotics.

Cast

Laura Megan Stahl , Mike Pollock , Jason Vande Brake , Keythe Farley , Romi Park , Kirk Thornton , Erica Shroeder , Rachel Slotky

Release Date

October 26, 2023

Seasons

1

Streaming Service(s)

Netflix

Writers

Tatsuro Inamoto , Heisuke Yamashita

Directors

Toshio Kawaguchi

Main Genre

Sci-Fi

Creator(s)

Naoki Urasawa

In terms of Science Fiction anime, few are as well made as Pluto. Adapting Astro Boy's The Greatest Robot on Earth arc, Pluto sees a robot detective named Gesicht investigating the murder of the world's most powerful androids. What follows is a twisting journey filled with intrigue and dark revelations.

With an intriguing mystery and fascinating characters, Pluto is compelling from its very first scene. Difficult subjects like the mental toll of war and what it would mean for humanity and artificial intelligence to live together are all tackled with a deft hand. Pluto was easily one of 2023's best anime series, and any adult anime fan looking for something with some depth will definitely find it in the seminal science fiction series.

1 Aggretsuko is the Perfect Anime For Any Adult Stuck in a Rut

Created By Sanrio and Animated By Fanworks

TV-14

Animation

Comedy

Music

Aggretsuko is an animated series created by Sanrio, focusing on Retsuko, an anthropomorphic red panda navigating her stressful office job in Tokyo. The show explores themes of corporate burnout and societal expectations, with Retsuko expressing her frustrations through cathartic death metal karaoke sessions. Featuring a mix of humor and relatable scenarios, Aggretsuko provides a unique commentary on modern work culture.

Cast

Kaolip , Komegumi Koiwasaki , Maki Tsuruta

Release Date

April 2, 2018

Seasons

5

Streaming Service(s)

Netflix

Writers

Rarecho

Directors

Rarecho

Main Genre

Comedy

Creator(s)

Rarecho

This anime series has been a staple for adult anime fans since its release in 2018, and for good reason. The main character, Retsuko, is an overworked and underpaid employee working in an office setting where she doesn't feel appreciated. In order to cool off, she often spends her nights at karaoke screaming her frustration into a mic.

Joined by a cast of funny and all-too-real animal colleagues, Aggretsuko has a sweet romance and follows Retsuko as she tries to find a work-life balance and occasionally messes up at work. Because of how relatable this down-on-her-luck main character is, the viewer can't help but root for her as she tries to find her own happiness.

Watch On Netflix