If you’re tired of the same old anime, these 14 shows with unique themes are sure to shake things up. From unexpected storylines to deep concepts, there’s plenty to discover.
1. Attack on Titan
When Attack on Titan (AoT) started airing in 2013, it took the anime world by storm.
While the style could be replicated, the substance that Attack on Titan offers is one of a kind, and fans were hooked by the mystery and depth from the very start.
The story follows Eren Yeager and his friends, who live in a world surrounded by gigantic humanoid creatures called Titans. These Titans threaten humanity’s existence, leading to a desperate fight for survival. As Eren uncovers dark secrets about the Titans and the world they live in, the plot takes unexpected turns that challenge everything the characters thought they knew.
2. Made in Abyss
Anyone who has seen Made in Abyss without reading manga or spoilers must have been shocked. The anime features cute, almost chibi characters, yet the themes it explores are dark and mature. Along with its mysterious vibes that keep viewers hooked, it features twists and turns that are hard to forget.
In this anime, Riko, a young girl who discovers a massive chasm known as the Abyss, ventures into its depth along with her robot friend, Reg, in search of her mother, who disappeared years earlier. As they descend, they encounter not only strange creatures but also enormous challenges within the Abyss.
3. Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Another anime with unique themes that stands out for its stark contrast between its bright art style and the heavy themes it explores is Puella Magi Madoka Magica. Despair, sacrifice, and the cost of dreams are nothing foreign to this anime. It cleverly subverts the magical girl trope, revealing the darker side of gaining power and the consequences that come with it.
The anime centers around Madoka Kaname, a seemingly ordinary girl who is offered the chance to become a magical girl by a mysterious creature named Kyubey. As she learns more about the reality of being a magical girl, including the dangers and sacrifices involved, Madoka faces difficult choices that could change her fate and that of her friends forever.
4. Psycho-Pass
Akane Tsunemori is a new inspector in a future where the police use the Sybil System to assess the mental states of citizens. She and her team must track down criminals before they commit acts of violence. But as they deal with the complexities of the system and the moral dilemmas it presents, Akane begins to question the very foundations of justice and whether the system truly serves the greater good.
Even if you don’t usually think about philosophical questions, Psycho-Pass will make you think about morality, free will, and justice with its engaging story.
5. Death Parade
Death Parade’s concept is pretty unique: it looks at the afterlife, where people are judged through different games. By showing that people are not just good or bad, but somewhere in between, Death Parade encourages viewers to think about their own beliefs about morality and what it means to be human.
The story revolves around a bar called Quindecim, where deceased souls arrive to be judged by a mysterious bartender named Decim. Through a series of games that test their true selves, the souls must face their past actions and emotions. As they play, they reveal their hidden truths, leading to surprising outcomes that determine their fate in the afterlife.
6. The Promised Neverland
The first season of The Promised Neverland was praised by both fans and critics alike. It delivered a high-stakes atmosphere, clever strategies, and a level of mystery and suspense that is rare in other anime. Moreover, it effectively utilized the contrast between the innocent appearance of its setting and the dark reality, making it even more unique and eerie.
The Promised Neverland follows a group of orphaned children living in a seemingly idyllic orphanage called Grace Field House. When they discover the shocking truth about their purpose as livestock for demons, they band together to plan their escape.
7. The Tatami Galaxy
The idea of parallel universes and the impact of choices on one’s life isn’t groundbreaking, but it’s rather rare in anime. The Tatami Galaxy takes a creative approach to storytelling, showing how different decisions can lead to completely different outcomes.
In this show, we follow a college student whose name we donāt know as he goes through different clubs and experiences at university. Each episode explores a different path he could take, highlighting the challenges and regrets that come with each choice. As he moves through these alternate realities, he learns valuable lessons about friendship, love, and self-discovery.
8. Paranoia Agent
Paranoia Agent revolves around a series of attacks by a boy on roller skates who hits people with a baseball bat. As detectives investigate these incidents, they uncover the deep-seated fears and traumas of the victims. Each episode reveals a different character’s perspective, shedding light on how their experiences are intertwined with the growing sense of paranoia in society.
A unique anime, it looks at how social problems and personal struggles can turn into collective fear, creating a spooky story that many viewers can relate to.
9. Beastars
Beastars uses animals to explore real-world issues like prejudice and the struggle for acceptance. While its setting is relatively lighthearted (school for animals), it isn’t afraid to tackle complex themes.
The protagonist, Legoshi, is a shy wolf, who attends Cherryton Academy. He grapples with his feelings for a rabbit named Haru while dealing with the tension between different animal groups. As he faces challenges related to his instincts and society’s expectations, he learns more about himself and the world around him.
10. Land of the Lustrous
Phos is a young gem who wants to find their place in a world where gems battle against moon creatures called the Lunarians. As Phos embarks on a journey to discover their purpose, they face challenges and learn about friendship, loss, and the value of life.
We all love regular fantasy anime, but Land of the Lustrous puts a spin on it by featuring gem-like characters who have unique traits and roles. Moreover, it explores themes of change and finding meaning in life, which will make you reflect on your own experiences.
11. Serial Experiments Lain
A cult favorite, Serial Experiments Lain tells the story of Lain Iwakura, a shy girl who becomes increasingly drawn into the mysterious world of the Wired, a virtual reality space. After the death of a classmate, she starts to explore the connections between the online world and her own life.
Since we live in a world where the internet plays a huge role in our daily lives, this anime couldn’t be more relevant today. All in all, Serial Experiments Lain raises important questions about how much of our lives are lived online and what that means for our sense of self and real-life relationships.
12. Devilman Crybaby
Devilman Crybaby takes a dark and gritty approach to the classic demon-slaying genre. Instead of a heroic protagonist fighting evil forces, the main character, Akira Fudo, becomes a demon himself in order to protect humanity.
The anime explores themes of violence, sexuality, and the nature of good and evil in a way that is both shocking and thought-provoking. Thanks to its departure from the typical superhero or shounen anime tropes, it offers a more mature and complex story for an adult audience.
13. Boogiepop Phantom
Boogiepop Phantom is a unique-themed anime that blurs the lines between reality and illusion. The story follows a mysterious figure known as Boogiepop, who appears to be connected to a series of strange events happening in a small town.
The story is told through a series of interconnected episodes that gradually reveal the truth behind the mysterious events. This nonlinear storytelling creates a sense of mystery and intrigue, as viewers piece together the puzzle of Boogiepop’s identity and purpose.
14. NausicaƤ of the Valley of the Wind
If there was ever a time when environmentalism was incredibly important, it’s today. We are finally realizing the need for a healthier environment for future generations. NausicaƤ of the Valley of the Wind deals with themes of ecology, pacifism, and the relationship between humanity and nature, delivering a powerful message about the importance of environmental conservation.
Set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by toxic giant insects, the story follows NausicaƤ, a young princess who seeks to understand and protect the environment.
