Dark fantasy anime fans, rejoice! The year 2025 promises some of the most hauntingly beautiful and emotionally gripping anime series ever created. This list is a gem for fans of intense plots, gray characters, and constant danger.
In this article, we’ll dive into 10 mind-blowing dark fantasy anime worth your attention this year. These picks will keep you hooked till the very end, no matter if you’re a veteran otaku or new to the genre.
10. Berserk
Berserk: The Black Swordsman (2025) is a highly anticipated fan-made anime adaptation focusing on Kentaro Miura’s iconic dark fantasy manga. Produced by Studio Eclypse, this adaptation retells the “Black Swordsman” arc with rich 2D animation true to Miura’s style.
It moves away from the criticized 3D CGI used in earlier versions. The story follows Guts, a lone warrior on a brutal quest for vengeance in a demon-infested world. Themes of fate, revenge, and inner struggle are deeply explored. This makes it a powerful and mature tale for dark fantasy fans.
If you’re curious about the original source material that inspired this adaptation, don’t miss our in-depth feature on the manga: Berserk Manga: Unleashing the Beauty of Brutality!.
Although the anime is a fan passion project, it is currently in pre-production, and episode one is scheduled for summer 2025. However, controversy arose because Hakusensha declared the adaptation unauthorized, yet Studio Eclypse is still seeking possible approval from the rights holders.
Berserk stands out for its mature narrative, as it explores themes such as free will, despair, and the battle between light and darkness.
Moreover, its atmospheric storytelling, visceral swordplay, and haunting music combine to create an unsettling yet unforgettable viewing experience. Because of its gritty realism and emotional depth, Berserk (2025) offers a thoughtful departure from typical fantasy tropes. Therefore, this adaptation invites mature viewers on a gripping journey through the darkest sides of human nature. In conclusion, it firmly cements Berserk’s legacy as a defining work in the dark fantasy anime genre.
9. Übel Blatt
Übel Blatt is a highly anticipated dark fantasy anime set to premiere on January 11, 2025. The series tells a gripping revenge story centered on Köinzell, a half-elf warrior falsely branded a traitor. Set against a richly detailed gothic fantasy world, the anime pulls viewers into political intrigue, betrayal, and brutal, intense combat. With mature themes of vengeance, honor, and identity, Übel Blatt delivers deep characters and a dark, immersive atmosphere for fans.
Produced by Satelight and Staple Entertainment, this adaptation faithfully brings to life Etorouji Shiono’s acclaimed dark fantasy manga. Produced by Satelight and Staple Entertainment, this adaptation faithfully brings Etorouji Shiono’s acclaimed dark fantasy manga to life.
Streaming worldwide on Amazon Prime Video, Übel Blatt captivates with rich storytelling, layered characters, and a bold, striking visual style. Its compelling narrative and artistry firmly establish it as one of the most anticipated anime releases of 2025.
8. Gachiakuta
Gachiakuta stands out as a bold dark fantasy anime set in a dystopia where art becomes a powerful form of rebellion. Produced by Studio BONES, it premieres in Summer 2025 with a style inspired by graffiti and vibrant urban culture. The story follows Rudo, an outcast surviving in a vast floating city plagued by monsters and deep societal divisions.
This anime expertly merges gritty, street-level action with dark fantasy themes and elements of urban resistance. Scripted by acclaimed writer Hiroshi Seko, Gachiakuta delivers visceral combat and layered storytelling with strong themes of exclusion and rebellion. Its innovative visuals and edgy narrative push genre boundaries, making Gachiakuta a standout entry in the 2025 anime landscape.
Fans of dark fantasy and urban tales will love Gachiakuta for its intense fights, psychological depth, and distinct art style.
7. Tougen Anki
Tougen Anki is a classic dark fantasy story of demon clan conflict, war, and political intrigue. It follows Shiki Ichinose and others entangled in bloodline feuds, corruption, and power-driven battles across a dark, violent world. Brutal combat and a grim tone enrich the anime’s lore and world-building, perfect for fans of morally complex storytelling. Themes of loyalty, power, and survival shine through intense fight choreography and strong character arcs. Tougen Anki stands out in 2025 as a top pick for traditional dark fantasy fans seeking depth and intensity.
The series is produced by Studio Hibari and will air on Japanese TV starting July 11,2025 with 24 episodes. It will also stream internationally on major platforms including Netflix, Prime Video, and Crunchyroll. The ending theme “What is justice?” is performed by BAND-MAID.
6. Lord of the Mysteries
Lord of the Mysteries is a Summer 2025 anime adaptation of the acclaimed Chinese web novel by Cuttlefish That Loves Diving. Set in a richly crafted, Victorian-inspired world, the story follows Zhou Mingrui, who awakens as Klein Moretti in another reality. This alternate world is filled with steam-powered machines, hidden societies, and arcane mysteries lurking beneath the surface. Klein soon encounters mystical potions, tarot rituals, and occult forces that grant him supernatural powers called “Beyonders.”
The series masterfully blends dark fantasy, steampunk, horror, and psychological intrigue, featuring a complex magic system and slow-burn storytelling. Themes of mystery, power, and identity unfold in rich gothic-Victorian settings, attracting fans of layered characters and deep world-building.
Produced by B.Cmay Pictures, Lord of the Mysteries stands out for its moody narrative and blend of Western gothic and Eastern storytelling. It promises to be a standout in the 2025 anime lineup, streaming officially on platforms like Tencent Video.
5. The Summer Hikaru Died
The Summer Hikaru Died is an eagerly anticipated psychological horror and dark fantasy anime set to premiere in Summer 2025. Adapted from Mokumokuren’s acclaimed manga, this anime is set in a quiet village where a friendship unravels after tragedy. Yoshiki and Hikaru’s bond breaks when Hikaru returns changed, forcing Yoshiki to question if he’s still human—or something darker.
What sets The Summer Hikaru Died apart is its masterful blend of psychological tension, supernatural ambiguity, and emotional depth. The series draws viewers into an eerie mood by contrasting normal rural life with unsettling and deeply disturbing supernatural horror. It explores themes of grief, loss, identity, and the unknown, provoking reflection through its slow-building tension and emotional weight.
Its slow-burn storytelling and rich character development create a haunting, thought-provoking experience for fans of psychological thrillers and dark fantasy.
This anime stands out for viewers who enjoy layered emotional stories, supernatural mysteries, and rich, atmospheric horror elements.
It’s a must-watch in the Summer 2025 lineup, offering a compelling blend of emotion, suspense, and haunting storytelling.
4. VARDAAN
VARDAAN represents a groundbreaking milestone as India’s first original dark fantasy anime, officially announced for release in 2025. Rooted in Indian mythology and folklore, VARDAAN blends traditional themes with dark fantasy elements like moral ambiguity and supernatural battles. This groundbreaking project expands dark fantasy beyond Japan, offering fresh narratives and a unique visual style from India’s storytelling legacy.
Produced by Vardaan Studio with creators like Prithavi Gadhwal and directors Veer & Eklavya, this anime tells a tale of rage, revenge, and fate-defying powers. With animators like Anubhav Singha and artist Priyanshu Manral, VARDAAN offers striking visuals and culturally rich supernatural action and mythic drama.
As India’s dark fantasy anime scene expands, VARDAAN emerges as a bold entry rooted in rich Indian folklore and mythology. Presented in a high-quality anime format, it offers audiences a fresh, exciting perspective in the evolving global anime landscape.
3. Kaiju No. 8 Season 2
Kaiju No. 8 returns with its anticipated second season premiering on July 19, 2025, continuing Kafka Hibino’s kaiju battles. This season adapts key arcs like Kaiju Weapon and Compatible User, highlighting brutal combat, emotional weight, and dark fantasy themes.
Blending action, sci-fi, and fantasy, the series explores transformation, identity, and existential threats in a complex, monster-filled narrative. It remains a must-watch for fans who crave thrilling battles paired with deep, thought-provoking storytelling and evolving character arcs.
Produced by Production I.G and directed by Shigeyuki Miya and Tomomi Kamiya, Kaiju No. 8 delivers dynamic animation and rich characters.
The sequel streams worldwide on Crunchyroll, airing alongside its Japanese TV Tokyo broadcast every Saturday at 11 PM JST.
Before Season 2, a special spin-off episode titled “Hoshina’s Day Off” focusing on swordsman Soshiro Hoshina premieres July 5, 2025. The episode will be released on X (formerly Twitter), offering fans an early glimpse into Hoshina’s character and backstory.
2. Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3
Jujutsu Kaisen returns in 2025 with its much-anticipated third season, continuing to raise the bar for dark fantasy anime.
Known for intense supernatural battles and rich world-building, the series dives deeper into curses, sorcerers, and morally complex figures.
Season 3 explores deep themes of trauma, friendship, and morality through an emotionally driven story with layered psychological depth.
The anime blends modern fantasy and horror, with Studio MAPPA’s top-tier animation and fight choreography captivating viewers each episode. As Yuji Itadori and his allies confront new threats and inner turmoil, Jujutsu Kaisen continues to engage a wide audience. This season cements its place as a dark fantasy flagship, offering intense action, complex characters, and mature, thought-provoking themes.
1. Solo Leveling Season 2
Solo Leveling Season 2 is one of the most eagerly awaited dark fantasy and action anime premieres of 2025. Continuing Sung Jin-Woo’s journey as a hunter with immense powers, this season intensifies battles against monsters and explores darker themes. It explores power, corruption, and survival through stylized visuals, intense battles, and a story blending high and dark fantasy.
Fans of epic, dramatic stories will enjoy the show’s thrilling pace and visuals, offering both intense action and emotional depth. Sung Jin-Woo’s journey from the “weakest hunter” to a powerhouse provides strong development, making Solo Leveling a 2025 standout.
Produced by A-1 Pictures, Solo Leveling Season 2 aims to match the animation and storytelling quality of Season 1. It continues delivering the same high standards that captivated fans, with stunning visuals as well as engaging narrative momentum throughout.
There you have it: the definitive Dark Fantasy Anime 2025 watchlist. From abyssal horrors to vampire epics, each title brings something unique.
Do you agree with our ranking? Comment your #1 pick below! Share this post with fellow otaku—and get ready for a spine-chilling 2025 anime season.
