Really? I mean there are a few light hearted moments here and there but other than that the show is pretty head on serious and mature without any type of comedy at all. In my opinion anyway
It's definitely not slapstick or corny or poorly done, but it isn't devoid of actual comedy.
Shimotsuki fills the role of comedic relief character off-and-on starting from near the end of S2 to present.
Some of her scenes are literally just there for us to have a bit of laugh at her.
Last Exile is a great show. I don’t think I've ever seen anyone mention it on this sub. Granted, the show is more than 20 years old, so that may be why. I actually remember watching it on G4 (I think G4 was still TechTV at the time). For anyone who is a fan of steampunk aesthetic, definitely check it out.
This was the anime to get me back into anime many years ago. Haven't found something quite like it since, and not currently in an anime phase, but would love to find something with a similar vibe.
> There's a tradition in the Bittenfeld family! When you praise someone you do it loudly; when you denounce someone you do it even louder! I'm only observing that tradition.
Absolute Giga Chad.
There are many. You can go with:
Shigurui
Ghost in the Shell (preferably the first two movies - GitS original and GitS: Innocence)
Death Note
Jin Roh the Wolf Brigade
Himitsu the Revelation
Paprika
Perfect Blue
Texhnolyze
Oh and "the portrait of petite Cossette"
I’m glad I got to see it in theaters recently! I had been meaning to watch more GitS, and when it had the limited run last month, I was super excited. I’m hoping that gets it on more people’s radars.
It was definitely more mindbending than I was anticipating, but I’m already planning to watch it again so I can better understand it.
Aha good for you! I watched it a while back. And while Ghost in the Shell Stand Alone Complex - meets the descriptions - but the two movies are masterpieces.
Someone else said it, NieR Automata. I recommend the game significantly more than the anime, but its mostly faithful to it, and the changes make sense for it being an anime and not a game, it would be oddly paced and confusing in anime form.
Seriously though, if you like video games, even if you aren’t big into RPGs, play the game. It is one of the most soulcrushing experiences I have had with media, and my favorite game; I’ll never play it again. There is humor, in the same way that you could say bananas are radioactive; technically true but so irrelevant to not matter. Honestly, you’ll crave comic relief after it.
https://youtu.be/I00atvR_rFs
This is literally the intro to the game. It doesn’t handhold at all, but on low difficulties you can brute force. I would again not recommend it, because when you pull off crazy 50+ combos that are smooth as hell, it’s pure dopamine. But if you just want the story and some great gameplay, visuals, music, characters, dynamic mechanics, questions that actually are answered and secrets that stay vague, please do yourself a favor and play it. You don’t wander randomly trying to grind, or find items, or anything you don’t wanna do. The boss battles are majestic and unique, there are no perfect characters, the main characters make you wanna jump into the game and cry/yell/punch/hug/laugh with them, and the only comic relief in the entire game has probably one of the most fucked up backstories in the genre.
Again, the anime is also great and has the music and characters down. It’s still got quite a bit of story to go as well. It is distinctly different for a reason I cannot explain without spoiling the game, though.
If you are ever bored or looking for a game to give you an actual existential crisis, no exaggeration, and make you cry like a child being born, you really should play it. I am that passionate about it, and not (just) because I am obsessed with video games, but because it is as close to a perfect game I have ever played.
Same person said Vivy: Flourite Eye’s Song. Ironically they have similar themes. It is also amazing and one of the characters is “comical” in a way, but the tone of the show is heart shattering. It really digs into you and does not fuck around.
Same with me. I usually watch anime before bed and this one made me so miserable every evening that I couldn't continue. It's still a beautiful show, I'd like to give it another chance.
Monster
Vinland Saga
86
Attack on titan (this has some comedy moments but its used purposefully for the characters as a way to deal with the gravity of their situation)
Binging Monster made me realize some parallels with myself and Tenma. The show itself was my Johan and the pursuit to finish it was like Tenma’s pursuit of Johan throughout the series.
Just kinda ran down my list and tried my best at remembering the ones with a more serious tone:
Ajin
Dororo
Death parade
ID: Invaded
Oddtaxi (I’m trying to remember if and how much of a lighter tone there was in the midst of the mystery and can’t recall. Still highly recommend)
Vivy
Violet evergarden
Here are a few serious anime shows I'd recommend:
1. **Neon Genesis Evangelion**: It's all about mechs and deep psychological themes, with characters dealing with some heavy issues.
2. **Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex**: Set in a future full of tech, this one gets into AI and big social problems in a serious way.
3. **Psycho-Pass**: In a messed-up future, it dives into justice and free will with a really intense story and deep characters.
4. **Paranoia Agent**: A thriller that gets into the human mind, dealing with stress and society's pressures in a serious and unsettling way.
5. **Serial Experiments Lain**: This one's all about questioning reality and who we are, in a mysterious and serious way.
Hopefully you will find something in this.
Monster.
Shin Sekai Yori (from the new world).
Berserk.
Claymore.
Neon Genesis Evangelion.
I want to say Code Geass, but it still has some minor comedic elements.
I don't remember there being any comedy in Rose of Versailles, but either way it should fit the serious tone you're looking for, especially as the story develops through the later half or so. It's one of my favorite anime overall. Historical drama, ironically ahead of its time in many ways.
I will try to give some I haven't seen mentioned yet:
Devil man cry baby
Casshern sins
Tomodachi game
Fate series
Jjba part 5 (honestly you can watch this part without ever seeing a single episode of jojo)
Blue lock (pretty serious sports anime)
Daganronpa (albeit anime is not the best)
Monster/Noir/Perfect Blue/Boogiepop Phantom/Pluto/Ghost in the shell/Vampire Hunter D/Sci fi Harry/Ergo Proxy/ Erased/Coil : a circle of childrend/Bokurano
#
"New" shows:
Heavenly delusion - has fun moments(well prob every show has it lol) but its done too well for dark show. For me its a gem ppl rarely talks (ty disney+ R rate or something). Especially when u put every piece in place.
Pros: suspense, adventure, lot of char grow, normal (oldschool) post-apocalyptic treatment with no "woah the end of the world is Rly fun" shit so its dark and even darker later on, gore and a lil bit of rape included. Production and camerawork on par with kyoAni. Absolutely stunning visuals better than any new show i've seen, background art is phenomenal.
Pluto - a lil slow burn show from the genius who did Monster, similar style and pacing, its 8ep ONA 1h each. A boomer detective is trying to find a murderer of veterans of the past with help of cutting-edge android. Giga underrated, even more than HD.
Pros: future with AI and their thinking about how to be more "alive", detective, suspense, cool chars, intetesting grow, plot , overall old-movie vibe 80-90th. Again stunning production, artwork and animations, idk what are these clowns in any jury/polls are cooking with other shows winning..
Summertime render may be hit or miss with fun moments for you but its quite dark premise with many killings, abnormality, suspense and lil bit of mindgames, quite cool plot, characters and their "human" ineractions (VA's are insane ngl). The boy is trying to solve a murder of his childhood friend. Incredable and dark at start, a lil bit more chill and bright to the end.
86 - 10/10 war crime show against humanity (they literally pulled hitler here lol), serious, sad, political at some point, lot of casualities and interesting premise. The kind-minded officer girl is now a handler on charge with a squad of prisoners(well not actually prisoners but its quite accurate lol) trying to do everything as best to save their lifes (and its rare coz almost no one else cared as much about other squads) Cant say more coz spoilers. Also maybe the best sound design of the decade (or at least in last years). (Also cool Groundless manga exists on war thematic)
Vivy -Fluorite Eye's Song - maybe hit or miss - literally terminator, quite sad and serious, great plot, great chars and their interactions, lot of loss for necessary point, self-awareness of self-thinking androids(hi pluto) etc. Fem Arnold Shwarz that always wanted to be a singer is trying to fix a bloody future with a help of fast-talking qube. On top Wit animations and sound design since boomer AoT.
Also vinland saga, violet evergarden, maybe solo leveling..
Old gems: monster, berserk, mushishi, experiments lain, texhnolyze(and blame manga), kara no kyokai, hellsing ultimate(?), youjo senki, perfect blue, paprika, nana, legend of galactic heroes, madoka magica + made in abyss(dont let this lil shit missguide you at start), Jin-rou, akira, ergo proxy, ghost in a shell, banana fish, aoi bungaku series and more
* Zankyou no Terror
* Rainbow
* Monster
* Ergo Proxy
* Serial Experiments Lain
* Paranoia Agent
* 91 Days
* Joker Game
* Perfect Blue
* Ghost in the Shell
Some recent shows you might find interesting -- REVENGER (NOT Tokyo Revengers) (set in a sort of alt-Nagasaki in the 1850s or thereabouts), Raven of the Inner Palace (historical fantasy -- like ancient China), Yatagarasu (historical fantasy -- like ancient Japan, sort of).
Hi BiteDaDust, it seems like you might be looking for new anime to watch!
The users of this subreddit came up with [a chart of anime recommendations for newcomers and veterans](https://i.redd.it/0w1v880jtq661.png) and [an awesome longer flowchart](https://i.redd.it/vdzlkodz19c71.png). Maybe you can find something there that you'll like \^.\^
[](#bot-chan "Urban s-s-s-senpai made me do it!")
You might also find our [Recommendation Wiki](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/wiki/recommendations) or [daily thread](/r/anime/search?q=flair%3Adaily&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=week) helpful.
The following may be of interest:
* [List of legal streams and downloads](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/wiki/legal_streams)
* [A useful website where you can enter an anime and see where it's legally streaming](https://www.livechart.me/search)
* [List of currently airing anime](https://www.livechart.me)
* [A useful wiki page with watch orders for many anime.](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/wiki/watch_order)
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The only anime with *literally zero* comedy I can think of are art house anime movies ie Angel’s Egg, Belladonna of Sadness, Cat Soup. Pure zaza no room for comedy
Netflix’s Castlevania has great action, dark themes, and an enjoyable slow burn in terms of dialogue. It’s very western, I think the art style is the only thing that could be accurately classified as “anime”
Berserk, Parasyte, HxH, JJK, Elfen Lied, Serial Experiments Lain, Black Lagoon, Outlaw Star, Cowboy Bebop, Tokyo Ghoul, The Promised Neverland all come to mind off the top of my head.
I was stumped at first when I saw this post because I really couldn’t think of something that’s just sad/depressing all around w/o comedy
but then I remembered I watched a tragic as hell show a few weeks back called **“Now and Then, Here and There”** it’s kinda old so I don’t think anyone mentioned it yet
something that I can guarantee is that I didn’t laugh much during the show
Ergo Proxy
This [clip](https://youtu.be/iJdo0r-zbFk?si=mZqufuX1m6tEkb0W) on YouTube shows the funniest scene in the entire show and out of context it looks so bleak. So that's the ceiling of how funny the show is. Also, it's a cyberpunk show that tackles deep philosophical questions of one's existence, if you're into that
In addition to a lot of the recommendations here, I'll add Pet and Sonny Boy.
Both have absurdist things that happen, but the tone is fairly serious throughout (Sonny Boy is perhaps some moments that could be considered comedy, but it's not really intended to make the audience laugh imo).
I also second recommendations for Monster, Ergo Proxy, Shinsekai Yori, ID: Invaded, Odd Taxi, Jin Roh, Perfect Blue, 86, Vinland, Dororo, Vivy.
I'd also add March Comes Like a Lion, but it does have some comedy/light/slice of life moments, but the overall story is serious.
ID: INVADED
Some detective shi anime. It really emphasizes the main character's intelligence and how his actions and intentions of finishing the job reflect his past. He has a good lore, very interesting anime.
Violet Evergarden has very little in the way of comedy. Maybe the tiniest bit between some more side characters but basically none. The tone is certainly serious 99% of the time and I would recommend it but didn't see it mentioned already. Plenty of great recommendations I agree with already so won't list them again.
Psycho-Pass
Seen Psycho-Pass already but thank u for taking the time to comment🙏
It isn't completely without comedy.
Really? I mean there are a few light hearted moments here and there but other than that the show is pretty head on serious and mature without any type of comedy at all. In my opinion anyway
It's definitely not slapstick or corny or poorly done, but it isn't devoid of actual comedy. Shimotsuki fills the role of comedic relief character off-and-on starting from near the end of S2 to present. Some of her scenes are literally just there for us to have a bit of laugh at her.
Ergo Proxy Last Exile Wolfs Rain
Always love seeing Wolf's Rain get a mention. Hidden gem.
Claymore! Death Note Berserk
Death Note had some hilarious scenes, whether or not they were on purpose...
Berserk's outtakes on the other hand...
I love claymore
Me too, it's so sad it's so underrated and nobody seems to know it.
Came to suggest Ergo Proxy, so seconding.
Also gonna suggest Ergo Proxy
I thought the game show was funny. And the theme park episode.
Except that middle filler episode hahaha. Which I thought was great
Last Exile is a great show. I don’t think I've ever seen anyone mention it on this sub. Granted, the show is more than 20 years old, so that may be why. I actually remember watching it on G4 (I think G4 was still TechTV at the time). For anyone who is a fan of steampunk aesthetic, definitely check it out.
Shout out to the wolf's rain love!!!
I've never seen it but it's always been something I've been meaning to. I think it's gonna be next on my list.
I would argue Ergo Proxy has about the same amount of funni as Cowboy Bebop did
Happy cake day!
They don't make anime like they used to and it's a shame
Shinseki Yori gets serious pretty quickly.
It has the most somber atmosphere in any anime for me.
Love this one, it’s a trip.
This was the anime to get me back into anime many years ago. Haven't found something quite like it since, and not currently in an anime phase, but would love to find something with a similar vibe.
Aaaaah aaah aaah aah aaaaaaah
Legend of the Galactic Heroes
Yang Wenli definitely brings some levity, but not in a slapstick way
Not only him. I remember someone on Lohengramm’s side making underwear joke, but those moments of comedy are rare.
"Forward! Forward! The goddess of victory is waving her underwear in your face!" -High Admiral Bittenfeld.
Gotta love Bittenfeld. “My family’s motto is to never speak badly of a person behind their back, but in front of them. And loudly.”
> There's a tradition in the Bittenfeld family! When you praise someone you do it loudly; when you denounce someone you do it even louder! I'm only observing that tradition. Absolute Giga Chad.
Second this. Very dry, but it's a great show.
This show is amazing! Themes and plot are all so good. And the remake animation is so nice too!
Lots of foppery and whim though.
Texhnolyze
Texhnolyze is definitely the most joyless show in existence.
Looks really interesting I’ll check it out, thank u🙏
Parasyte The Maxim
I don't remember, but did the anime not do the "my arm is a giant penis" joke miggy pulled on Shinichi? Lol
Nah that was just in the manga
It absolutely was in the anime, [about 1:50 in ](https://youtu.be/ZJHWUnIU-sU?si=TrDK0fDHt6Gfzguq)
There's also the jerking off and boob grab jokes in the first episode
I was gonna suggest this one, it is one of the greatest anime I have ever watched!
Hey twins! We both are ace pigeons
There are many. You can go with: Shigurui Ghost in the Shell (preferably the first two movies - GitS original and GitS: Innocence) Death Note Jin Roh the Wolf Brigade Himitsu the Revelation Paprika Perfect Blue Texhnolyze Oh and "the portrait of petite Cossette"
I second GitS and GitS: Innocence! Very serious and philosophical, really no funny moments. It’s meant to make you think.
Indeed. Innocence especially is a gem that is not so often mentioned - while I'd say it is beautiful.
I’m glad I got to see it in theaters recently! I had been meaning to watch more GitS, and when it had the limited run last month, I was super excited. I’m hoping that gets it on more people’s radars. It was definitely more mindbending than I was anticipating, but I’m already planning to watch it again so I can better understand it.
Aha good for you! I watched it a while back. And while Ghost in the Shell Stand Alone Complex - meets the descriptions - but the two movies are masterpieces.
„I take the potato chip, and EAT IT”
Your amazing, really big thank u (:
I know it seems out of place, but Madoka Magika. See you back in 8 episodes
Vinland Saga? There's some stuff that's sort of situationally funny IIRC, but the tone is mostly very serious.
Seen Vinland already, one of my favourite anime of all time
It's a great one
Someone else said it, NieR Automata. I recommend the game significantly more than the anime, but its mostly faithful to it, and the changes make sense for it being an anime and not a game, it would be oddly paced and confusing in anime form. Seriously though, if you like video games, even if you aren’t big into RPGs, play the game. It is one of the most soulcrushing experiences I have had with media, and my favorite game; I’ll never play it again. There is humor, in the same way that you could say bananas are radioactive; technically true but so irrelevant to not matter. Honestly, you’ll crave comic relief after it. https://youtu.be/I00atvR_rFs This is literally the intro to the game. It doesn’t handhold at all, but on low difficulties you can brute force. I would again not recommend it, because when you pull off crazy 50+ combos that are smooth as hell, it’s pure dopamine. But if you just want the story and some great gameplay, visuals, music, characters, dynamic mechanics, questions that actually are answered and secrets that stay vague, please do yourself a favor and play it. You don’t wander randomly trying to grind, or find items, or anything you don’t wanna do. The boss battles are majestic and unique, there are no perfect characters, the main characters make you wanna jump into the game and cry/yell/punch/hug/laugh with them, and the only comic relief in the entire game has probably one of the most fucked up backstories in the genre. Again, the anime is also great and has the music and characters down. It’s still got quite a bit of story to go as well. It is distinctly different for a reason I cannot explain without spoiling the game, though. If you are ever bored or looking for a game to give you an actual existential crisis, no exaggeration, and make you cry like a child being born, you really should play it. I am that passionate about it, and not (just) because I am obsessed with video games, but because it is as close to a perfect game I have ever played. Same person said Vivy: Flourite Eye’s Song. Ironically they have similar themes. It is also amazing and one of the characters is “comical” in a way, but the tone of the show is heart shattering. It really digs into you and does not fuck around.
Legend of the Galactic Heroes NieR Automata Odd Taxi Vivy: Fluorite Eye's Song Pluto
Wait, are you saying odd taxi has zero comedy???
Seriously, I'd list comedy as a secondary tag on that series.
mushishi
Binging that rn. It's so good.
Berserk.
Surprised it took so long to get mentioned. 1997 Berserk to start.
there is comedy in berserk though especially the manga
Surprised it took so long to get mentioned. 1997 Berserk to start.
To Your Eternity
I actually had to stop watching because it was oppressively sad. It's beautiful but damn it will ruin your week.
Same with me. I usually watch anime before bed and this one made me so miserable every evening that I couldn't continue. It's still a beautiful show, I'd like to give it another chance.
Keep going, especially with season 3 coming up.
It breaks you but then it heals you. Getting through the end of season 2 is kind of necessary for the healing part.
I love To Your Eternity, but it is absolutely not without comedy
Haibane Renmei, Booigiepop Phantom, Kaiba, RahXephon.
Terror in resonance
I actually bought the blu-ray of Terror in Resonance couple years ago but still haven’t watched it, thank u for reminding me and the recommendation (:
Just wished it had a couple more episodes. 11 is criminal. Felt rushed a bit but otherwise fantastic watch.
Such a great show.
Monster Vinland Saga 86 Attack on titan (this has some comedy moments but its used purposefully for the characters as a way to deal with the gravity of their situation)
Really loved the story with Monster. Worthy rewatch.
Binging Monster made me realize some parallels with myself and Tenma. The show itself was my Johan and the pursuit to finish it was like Tenma’s pursuit of Johan throughout the series.
Seen both but thank u🙏. I didn’t mind AoT’s comedy, it was a good balance.
86 is quite serious but it very much does still have a decent amount of comedy in it
Try Dororo
Yeaaah! Finally someone reminded me of this, that's a masterpiece of emotions tbh 💯.
Rainbow. Despite how its sounds. Its about people in prison and when they get out.
Bro why did I always think Rainbow was a SoL Jail Story of Happy Dudes💀
Just kinda ran down my list and tried my best at remembering the ones with a more serious tone: Ajin Dororo Death parade ID: Invaded Oddtaxi (I’m trying to remember if and how much of a lighter tone there was in the midst of the mystery and can’t recall. Still highly recommend) Vivy Violet evergarden
Witch and the Beast Ergo Proxy Serial Experiments Lain Paranoia Agent
Megalo Box
you could try erased or banana fish. i don’t remember there being a ton of comedy in either and both are pretty quick watches
Banana Fish has a lot of comedy, actually
I think Another counts?
For sure, first 3 episodes got pretty dark
Darker than Black is pretty tight
attack on titan has very little humor
Compared to the animes listed here, it has a lot, but they do get overshadowed by its serious moments
Yo should watch Monster if u havent I dont remember any comedy in it, its borderline creepy sometimes.
Death Parade 🗿
Mobile Suit Gundam: iron blooded orphans
Here are a few serious anime shows I'd recommend: 1. **Neon Genesis Evangelion**: It's all about mechs and deep psychological themes, with characters dealing with some heavy issues. 2. **Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex**: Set in a future full of tech, this one gets into AI and big social problems in a serious way. 3. **Psycho-Pass**: In a messed-up future, it dives into justice and free will with a really intense story and deep characters. 4. **Paranoia Agent**: A thriller that gets into the human mind, dealing with stress and society's pressures in a serious and unsettling way. 5. **Serial Experiments Lain**: This one's all about questioning reality and who we are, in a mysterious and serious way. Hopefully you will find something in this.
Uhh the space one with the two commanders? Legend of the Galactic Heroes? It has some comedy but nothing too cheesy.
Eighty six 86. Racism and robots in a perfect blend of dystopia
It has plenty of comedy though. There is a loli and a scene were men go to leer at women washing themselves in the river.
Death note
L can be comedically quirky sometimes. Plus Misa feels like comedic relief.
Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash
Would love to see if it was possible to make a zero comedy cut of DBZ.
Made in Abyss 🙂
Berserk, Bible Black, Attack on Titan.
Bible Black!!! 😂 Haven't seen that name in years
2001 lmao. I'm pretty sure it has no comedy, but I was like ten years old and wasn't really keeping up with the plot back then.
euphoria
Erased
Monster, no comedy to be found in this one and the mood couldn't get more serious
Ive been recommending this a lot recently but for good reason Hell's Paradise
Monster. Shin Sekai Yori (from the new world). Berserk. Claymore. Neon Genesis Evangelion. I want to say Code Geass, but it still has some minor comedic elements.
I don't remember there being any comedy in Rose of Versailles, but either way it should fit the serious tone you're looking for, especially as the story develops through the later half or so. It's one of my favorite anime overall. Historical drama, ironically ahead of its time in many ways.
I know it’s been seen by most everyone, but I don’t find anything funny in Attack on Titan…
Gundam Seed is quite always serious.
Mononoke (2007)
Trigun Stampede has a few goofy moments, but is overall pretty serious
black lagoon
Black Lagoon? That's a very funny series.
Very serious and grim too.
terror in resonance, the another
- serious anime with little-to-no comedy: Blue Gender Another Talentless Nana The Pilot's Love Song
Terror in Resonance
I will try to give some I haven't seen mentioned yet: Devil man cry baby Casshern sins Tomodachi game Fate series Jjba part 5 (honestly you can watch this part without ever seeing a single episode of jojo) Blue lock (pretty serious sports anime) Daganronpa (albeit anime is not the best)
Erased!
Watch Claymore!
Monster/Noir/Perfect Blue/Boogiepop Phantom/Pluto/Ghost in the shell/Vampire Hunter D/Sci fi Harry/Ergo Proxy/ Erased/Coil : a circle of childrend/Bokurano #
Give 86 a watch.
Classroom of the Elite has some humour but not much.
"New" shows: Heavenly delusion - has fun moments(well prob every show has it lol) but its done too well for dark show. For me its a gem ppl rarely talks (ty disney+ R rate or something). Especially when u put every piece in place. Pros: suspense, adventure, lot of char grow, normal (oldschool) post-apocalyptic treatment with no "woah the end of the world is Rly fun" shit so its dark and even darker later on, gore and a lil bit of rape included. Production and camerawork on par with kyoAni. Absolutely stunning visuals better than any new show i've seen, background art is phenomenal. Pluto - a lil slow burn show from the genius who did Monster, similar style and pacing, its 8ep ONA 1h each. A boomer detective is trying to find a murderer of veterans of the past with help of cutting-edge android. Giga underrated, even more than HD. Pros: future with AI and their thinking about how to be more "alive", detective, suspense, cool chars, intetesting grow, plot , overall old-movie vibe 80-90th. Again stunning production, artwork and animations, idk what are these clowns in any jury/polls are cooking with other shows winning.. Summertime render may be hit or miss with fun moments for you but its quite dark premise with many killings, abnormality, suspense and lil bit of mindgames, quite cool plot, characters and their "human" ineractions (VA's are insane ngl). The boy is trying to solve a murder of his childhood friend. Incredable and dark at start, a lil bit more chill and bright to the end. 86 - 10/10 war crime show against humanity (they literally pulled hitler here lol), serious, sad, political at some point, lot of casualities and interesting premise. The kind-minded officer girl is now a handler on charge with a squad of prisoners(well not actually prisoners but its quite accurate lol) trying to do everything as best to save their lifes (and its rare coz almost no one else cared as much about other squads) Cant say more coz spoilers. Also maybe the best sound design of the decade (or at least in last years). (Also cool Groundless manga exists on war thematic) Vivy -Fluorite Eye's Song - maybe hit or miss - literally terminator, quite sad and serious, great plot, great chars and their interactions, lot of loss for necessary point, self-awareness of self-thinking androids(hi pluto) etc. Fem Arnold Shwarz that always wanted to be a singer is trying to fix a bloody future with a help of fast-talking qube. On top Wit animations and sound design since boomer AoT. Also vinland saga, violet evergarden, maybe solo leveling.. Old gems: monster, berserk, mushishi, experiments lain, texhnolyze(and blame manga), kara no kyokai, hellsing ultimate(?), youjo senki, perfect blue, paprika, nana, legend of galactic heroes, madoka magica + made in abyss(dont let this lil shit missguide you at start), Jin-rou, akira, ergo proxy, ghost in a shell, banana fish, aoi bungaku series and more
Monster
Try to watch Serial experiments Lain
Texhnolyze Ergo Proxy Serial Experiments Lain Monster
Check out gunslinger girls
Charlotte
Death Note Gankutsuou: Count of Monte Cristo Kino’s Journey (2003) Mushishi Paranoia Agent Serial Experiments Lain Texhnolyze
* Zankyou no Terror * Rainbow * Monster * Ergo Proxy * Serial Experiments Lain * Paranoia Agent * 91 Days * Joker Game * Perfect Blue * Ghost in the Shell
Some recent shows you might find interesting -- REVENGER (NOT Tokyo Revengers) (set in a sort of alt-Nagasaki in the 1850s or thereabouts), Raven of the Inner Palace (historical fantasy -- like ancient China), Yatagarasu (historical fantasy -- like ancient Japan, sort of).
Dororo
Darker than black ,
Hi BiteDaDust, it seems like you might be looking for new anime to watch! The users of this subreddit came up with [a chart of anime recommendations for newcomers and veterans](https://i.redd.it/0w1v880jtq661.png) and [an awesome longer flowchart](https://i.redd.it/vdzlkodz19c71.png). Maybe you can find something there that you'll like \^.\^ [](#bot-chan "Urban s-s-s-senpai made me do it!") You might also find our [Recommendation Wiki](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/wiki/recommendations) or [daily thread](/r/anime/search?q=flair%3Adaily&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=week) helpful. The following may be of interest: * [List of legal streams and downloads](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/wiki/legal_streams) * [A useful website where you can enter an anime and see where it's legally streaming](https://www.livechart.me/search) * [List of currently airing anime](https://www.livechart.me) * [A useful wiki page with watch orders for many anime.](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/wiki/watch_order) * [A list of tracking sites so others can more easily recommend shows you haven't watched.](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/wiki/related_sites#wiki_tracking_sites) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/anime) if you have any questions or concerns.*
What genre?
comedy
trust and betrayal, eva, monster
Casshern Sins Now and Then Here and There Moribito
Future Diary.
Serial Experiments Lain
Any Gundam series.
Aot?
Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit
Mononoke (not to be confused by Princess Mononoke)
The only anime with *literally zero* comedy I can think of are art house anime movies ie Angel’s Egg, Belladonna of Sadness, Cat Soup. Pure zaza no room for comedy
AoT?
Psycho Pass must watch
Blade of the Immortal
Watch Monster!
Gankutsuou
Serial experiments lain
Anime movies
Netflix’s Castlevania has great action, dark themes, and an enjoyable slow burn in terms of dialogue. It’s very western, I think the art style is the only thing that could be accurately classified as “anime”
Berserk, Parasyte, HxH, JJK, Elfen Lied, Serial Experiments Lain, Black Lagoon, Outlaw Star, Cowboy Bebop, Tokyo Ghoul, The Promised Neverland all come to mind off the top of my head.
[Space Battleship Yamato](https://youtu.be/w6LFkMniuTk)
I was stumped at first when I saw this post because I really couldn’t think of something that’s just sad/depressing all around w/o comedy but then I remembered I watched a tragic as hell show a few weeks back called **“Now and Then, Here and There”** it’s kinda old so I don’t think anyone mentioned it yet something that I can guarantee is that I didn’t laugh much during the show
Phantom: requiem for a phantom
Monster
Violet Evergarden
Ergo Proxy This [clip](https://youtu.be/iJdo0r-zbFk?si=mZqufuX1m6tEkb0W) on YouTube shows the funniest scene in the entire show and out of context it looks so bleak. So that's the ceiling of how funny the show is. Also, it's a cyberpunk show that tackles deep philosophical questions of one's existence, if you're into that
Golgo 13
Rurounin Kenshin Trust and Betrayal
Monster
Rainbow
If you have something like MAL you should link it so people don't just recommend things you have already watched. Monster would be my suggestion
Monster
In addition to a lot of the recommendations here, I'll add Pet and Sonny Boy. Both have absurdist things that happen, but the tone is fairly serious throughout (Sonny Boy is perhaps some moments that could be considered comedy, but it's not really intended to make the audience laugh imo). I also second recommendations for Monster, Ergo Proxy, Shinsekai Yori, ID: Invaded, Odd Taxi, Jin Roh, Perfect Blue, 86, Vinland, Dororo, Vivy. I'd also add March Comes Like a Lion, but it does have some comedy/light/slice of life moments, but the overall story is serious.
theirs 3 movies by the same author that are very loosly concidered a trilogy, empire of corpses, harmony genocidal organ.
Boogipop that never laughs or something like that. Its philosophical anime.
Psycho pass
Saw monster recommended a lot so will also say Pluto from the same creator. Don't really remember any comedy and its quite a short watch.
Monster That one is pretty good and pretty serious
ID: INVADED Some detective shi anime. It really emphasizes the main character's intelligence and how his actions and intentions of finishing the job reflect his past. He has a good lore, very interesting anime.
"MONSTER"
I can suggest an anime movie : sword of the stranger
Serial Experiments Lain Pluto Texhnolyze Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjou Mushishi Monster
I think aot counts.
For something positively (?) joyless Promised Neverland
Violet Evergarden has very little in the way of comedy. Maybe the tiniest bit between some more side characters but basically none. The tone is certainly serious 99% of the time and I would recommend it but didn't see it mentioned already. Plenty of great recommendations I agree with already so won't list them again.
Dororo Infinite Rivyus Ergo Proxy Serial experiments lain
Pluto?
Castlevania
Serial Experiments Lain Perfect Blue Ghost in the Shell