Best side anime characters… sometimes the main character isn’t always the fans’ first choice. Some of the side anime characters outdo the main character in certain or multiple categories and win the fans’ favor, be it that their character build is more complex or they are just more likable. Here are 15 of the best side anime characters that are more famous than the main character of their respective series.
15. Rengoku Kyojuro (Demon Slayer: Mugen Train)
Rengoku Kyojuro might’ve only been around for a short time in Demon Slayer: Mugen Train, but he made a huge impact. The Flame Hashira is all about passion, strength, and unshakable will, which makes him impossible not to love. He’s got that over-the-top, larger-than-life energy, but there’s also a deep, sincere side to him that shows in his dedication to protecting others.
His death was gut-wrenching, but it cemented his place as one of the most memorable characters in the series. Rengoku’s not just about power — he’s what gives Mugen Train its soul.
14. Gilgamesh (the Fate series)
The self-proclaimed “King of Heroes” has an ego as big as his legendary vault of treasures. In the Fate series, he’s not your typical villain; he’s got charisma, style, and a twisted sense of superiority that makes him both infuriating and mesmerizing.
With his god-like powers and endless pride, he’s the kind of character who just oozes confidence. Whether you love or hate him, you can’t help but respect how unforgettable Gilgamesh is.
13. Killua Zoldyck (HxH)
Killua Zoldyck may have started as a seemingly cold, assassin-turned-friend, but he quickly became one of the most beloved characters in Hunter x Hunter. He’s got all the skills — super fast, incredibly strong, and highly intelligent — making him far more popular than the series’s MC, Gon Freecss. This is reflected not only on MAL (#6) but also in nearly every popularity ranking poll.
His bond with Gon is a huge part of the story, but Killua’s struggles with his family, his own fears, and finding out who he really is make him more than just a sidekick. With his humor, smarts, and occasional vulnerable moments, Killua’s way more than just Gon’s buddy — he’s a main character in his own right.
12. Roy Mustang (FMA)
Roy Mustang is the definition of cool under pressure. A flame alchemist with sharp eyes, sharper wit, Roy always has a plan simmering beneath the surface. In Fullmetal Alchemist, Edward may be the main character, but Mustang commands the screen with every snap of his fingers.
His iconic fire-based attacks are rivaled only by his rich character development, which shines brightest in moments of loss, vengeance, and sacrifice.
11. Levi Ackerman (AoT)
“Humanity’s strongest soldier” basically became the face of the franchise for many. Levi is certainly the coolest human in the entire series. People watched just for his fights and his no-nonsense attitude. His fanbase? Huge! Ranked #3 on MAL, he surpassed not only the protagonist but also fan favorites like Killua Zoldyck, L Lawliet, and Roronoa Zoro.
Despite a limited backstory at first, his presence was magnetic—every scene with the shortie carried weight, precision, and quiet intensity. From his iconic spinning slash to his ruthless efficiency against Titans and humans alike, he became the benchmark for badassery in anime.
10. Esdeath (Akame ga Kill)
Though technically a villain and side character, Esdeath often felt like the true center of attention whenever she appeared.
Charisma? Off the charts.
Power? Broken.
Romantic obsession with the MC? Wildly unhinged but oddly captivating.
Presence? Every time she showed up, you knew things were about to get serious.
She’s not just memorable — Esdeath became one of the most iconic female antagonists in anime. A lot of fans admit they were more emotionally invested in her than even Tatsumi or Akame.
9. Gojou Satoru (JJK)
“The strongest sorcerer alive” — Gojo Satoru doesn’t just enter a scene, he owns it. From the second he appears in Jujutsu Kaisen, his blindfolded swagger, absurd power level, and chaotic energy make him impossible to ignore. Fans were instantly drawn to his mix of goofy teacher vibes and terrifying combat dominance.
His fights are cinematic, his attitude unbothered, and his presence is electrifying. He’s the kind of character who turns a great series into a phenomenon. Even with Yuji as the MC, Gojo often feels like the heartbeat of the show — cool, mysterious, and infinitely meme-worthy. A true fan-favorite.
8. Dazai Osamu (Bungou Stray Dogs)
Many times, I even forget that Atsushi is the main character — the supporting characters in this anime are just so much more interesting! My personal favorite is Dazai, so I went with him.
He loves cracking jokes, but his humor is actually hiding something much darker. He used to be in the Port Mafia, and his past is filled with things that still haunt him. He hides all that pain behind his carefree attitude, but you can tell it’s always there.
His intelligence and unpredictable nature make him exciting to watch, but it’s his emotional struggle that really makes him interesting. Dazai isn’t just comic relief — his character is deep, and once you see that, you can’t help but find him fascinating.
7. Accelerator (A Certain Magical Index)
The MC of A Certain Magical Index may be Touma, but Accelerator’s character arc is way more complex and fun to watch.
Accelerator is the kind of character you love to hate at first. He’s known as the strongest esper in Academy City, with crazy powers that let him manipulate vectors, meaning he can control everything from force to speed.
At the start, he’s a real jerk, acting all cold and ruthless. But as the series goes on, you start to see a more human side to him. He’s not just a villain, and you can tell he’s dealing with some serious inner struggles. In fact, his transformation is one of the best parts of the Toaru series.
6. Yuno Gasai (The Future Diary)
When someone mentions Future Diary, the average fan doesn’t immediately think of Yukiteru Amano, the main character, but rather the female lead of the story — Yuno Gasai.
Yuno was elected to be the series’ most famous character by the show’s loyal fanbase. At some point, even people who have never heard of The Future Diary knew of the yandere Yuno meme. I think we all can agree that Yuno is the best Yandere, respectively.
5. Shoto Todoroki (My Hero Academia)
Yes, Deku is cute and a good character, but fans have shown more support and love to one of the side anime characters, Todoroki.
Shoto originally had a cold, aloof personality stemming from his abusive upbringing and complicated family life. He reminds me of Zuko in Avatar: The Last Airbender so much. We need this precious cinnamon roll to keep gaining friends and learning to connect.
4. L Lawliet (Death Note)
The showdown between L and Kira, namely Light Yagami, was a masterpiece. An intellectual exchange between two young men left the fans completely dazzled. Fans were left glued to their screen and noses buried in the manga to see the battle of the minds between the two.
Despite being the second protagonist, his fame isn’t less than that of the main protagonist, Light Yagami. In fact, likely, L had already exceeded Light Yagami in the fans’ hearts. If you look at cosplays, L is certainly portrayed more. And fandom sites have more theories and headcanons for L than for other characters.
Fans seemed to love Karma and gush over him more than the other characters, including the main character, Nagisa. He appears lazy and a troublemaker at first, but soon you see that he’s actually kind and hardworking.
2. Sebastian Michaelis (Black Butler)
Black Butler follows Ciel Phantomhive, but the real star of the show is Sebastian, his butler. To be fair, they’re kind of co-stars, but Ciel is definitely the protagonist, while Sebastian mostly just does his bidding. But Sebastian is one hell of a butler—so of course, fans are going to love him!
1. Megumin (KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World!)
I would be surprised if you didn’t at least recognize this character, Megumin, from Konosuba. Otherwise known as God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World. She is an icon in her red outfit and a waifu of many. The actual main character isn’t mentioned or seems to be beloved by fans as much. But Megumin, despite her flaws, is.
What do you think? Do you like these side anime characters more than the main ones? Who else should be on this list? Let us know in the comments below!
If you like anime with drama, danger, and a bit of tension like Yakuza Fiancé, this list is for you. Each of these shows has similar elements—and sometimes even more—that make them fun to watch.
1. Love of Kill
If you like stories where tough women find themselves in the crosshairs of obsessive love, then both Yakuza Fiancé and Koroshi Ai are for you!
Full of suspense and dark humor, Love of Kill is about a twisted and thrilling romance between two skilled assassins, Chateau and Ryang-ha. Chateau is a quiet bounty hunter, while Ryang-ha is a dangerous hitman who becomes strangely obsessed with her. Instead of the usual cat-and-mouse chase, he’s more interested in wooing her!
2. A Girl & Her Guard Dog
Isaku Senagaki, raised by her yakuza boss grandfather after her parents’ death, just wants a normal high school experience. However, her overprotective caretaker, Keiya Utou, enrolls in her school to keep an eye on her, making it hard for her to find friends or love. Stuck in a one-sided crush on him, Isaku struggles to break free from his constant protection and find her own path.
Like Yakuza Fiancé, A Girl & Her Guard Dog has a female character tangled up in yakuza life. Additionally, each girl faces challenges while trying to build friendships and find love.
3. Gokusen
Gokusen is a fun anime about a young teacher named Kumiko Yamaguchi, who has a big secret: she comes from a yakuza family! Despite her tough background, she’s passionate about teaching and helps her students deal with their problems. As she bonds with her class, they learn valuable lessons about friendship, loyalty, and standing up for what’s right.
In a similar vein to Yakuza Fiancé, Gokusen has a romance at its core, showcasing strong female characters who are affiliated with a gang.
4. Black Lagoon
Black Lagoon is about a team of pirate mercenaries known as the Lagoon Company, working in the wild waters of Southeast Asia in the 1990s. Led by Dutch, the crew includes Revy, a skilled gunfighter, Benny, the tech whiz, and Rock, a former salaryman who now handles negotiations. They’re based in the crime-filled city of Roanapur and take on risky jobs with different criminal groups, leading to lots of action and excitement.
Both Black Lagoon and Yakuza Fiancé showcase powerful females linked to the underworld. To make it even more interesting, there are many unpredictable characters.
5. The Future Diary
Yukiteru Amano is a quiet kid whose diary can tell the future. As he gets pulled into a dangerous game with other diary owners, things get wild when he teams up with Yuno Gasai, a girl who’s super obsessed with him and will do anything to keep him safe.
Just like Mirai Nikki keeps fans hooked with its female yandere, Yakuza Fiancé grabs attention by showing a male yandere in a fun and chaotic relationship. Also, the anime is quite violent, which is something Yakuza Fiancé’s fans will be accustomed to.
6. Nisekoi
Raku Ichijou is just a regular high school student trying to avoid his yakuza family’s drama while searching for his childhood friend. But when he’s forced into a fake relationship with Chitoge Kirisaki, the daughter of a rival gang leader, things get messy fast. Now, he has to juggle romance and rivalry while dealing with unexpected twists in his love life.
In both stories, the main characters come from opposing groups destined to marry, creating tension in their relationships. But while Raku and Chitoge have a relationship full of funny misunderstandings, Yoshino and Kirishima’s situation is way more intense and serious.
7. Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits
Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits follows Aoi Tsubaki, a young woman who finds herself in a hidden realm where spirits and yokai live after her grandfather’s passing. To repay her family’s debt, she works at a traditional inn for supernatural beings, where she meets all sorts of magical creatures and uncovers secrets about her family’s past.
Aoi’s journey in Kakuriyo mirrors Yoshino’s in Yakuza Fiancé, as both face the pressure of arranged circumstances. That said, they both showcase their strength by standing up for themselves and refusing to be mere pawns in someone else’s game.
8. Inu x Boku SS
Inu x Boku SS centers around Ririchiyo, a cold, guarded girl who moves into a mansion for people with supernatural backgrounds. Her bodyguard, Soushi, is fiercely loyal and always looking out for her, even when she tries to keep her distance.
Their hesitant romance and personality clashes are a lot like Yoshino’s experience, learning to trust someone while dealing with their differences.
9. Spy x Family
Spy x Family follows elite spy Twilight, who takes on a top-secret mission that requires him to “create” a family. To maintain his cover, he adopts a young girl, Anya, who secretly has telepathic powers, and marries Yor, an assassin who’s hiding her true identity.
With a similar style, Spy x Family and Yakuza Fiancé bring together romance, humor, and suspense, with leads involved in risky professions. Each character is forced to play a game of cat-and-mouse, trying to keep their secrets while dealing with romance.
10. Hinamatsuri
Hinamatsuri follows the bizarre and comedic life of Nitta, a yakuza member who unexpectedly becomes the caretaker for Hina, a mysterious young girl with telekinetic powers.
Both anime shows feature the yakuza, but where Yakuza Fiancé adds drama with an arranged romance, Hinamatsurigoes for laughs, especially through the quirky bond between Nitta and young Hina.
When it comes to manga, some characters have a knack for bending others to their will. These manipulators are often charming, cunning, and ready to use their wits to achieve their goals. In this list, we’ll explore 12 of the most manipulative manga characters who keep us on our toes with their mind games and unpredictable moves.
1. Johan Liebert (Monster)
Starting with the master manipulator, Johan Liebert subtly influences people to act on their darkest impulses, sometimes just by understanding their fears and weaknesses. While this mature manga finished in 2001, people still discuss its ending and the complexity of his terrifying yet fascinating character to this day.
Honestly, he doesn’t even have to do much; he just talks to them in a way that brings out their worst traits. To illustrate, he convinces people to hurt others or themselves without directly telling them to do so—he just plants the seed in their minds and lets them act on it.
2. Lelouch Lamperouge (Code Geass)
An exiled prince, Lelouch Lamperouge uses his intelligence and strategic mind to manipulate not only individuals but entire armies to achieve his goals. With his Geass power, which lets him command anyone to obey him once, he can control others’ actions directly, but even without it, he’s skilled at convincing allies to follow his plans.
While Geass definitely boosts his manipulation skills, Lelouch often relies on clever strategies and emotional appeals to get what he wants. For example, he builds alliances by winning over key characters, and he cleverly sets up situations that make people think they’re choosing for themselves, all while he’s pulling the strings behind the scenes.
3. Kiyotaka Ayanokoji (Classroom of the Elite)
Another subtle manipulative manga and anime character is Kiyotaka Ayanokoji. He uses a calm and emotionless facade to stay unnoticed while tactfully influencing events and people around him.
Rather than using brute force or charisma, he skillfully reads others’ motivations and uses their weaknesses or desires to steer situations in his favor. As an illustration, he often gives his classmates just the right amount of “help” to make them believe they’ve solved problems on their own, all while hiding that he’s the mastermind behind their success.
4. Light Yagami (Death Note)
If there’s one iconic manga manipulator widely known by the public, it’s definitely Light Yagami. This guy skillfully uses his intelligence and charm to keep everyone in the dark about his identity as Kira.
Light manipulates people by exploiting their trust, even using close relationships to his advantage without remorse. For instance, he manipulates Misa Amane by pretending to reciprocate her love, all while using her devotion to further his own goals and stay ahead of his enemies. His ability to make others think he’s innocent—even fooling the sharp-minded detective L—shows just how far he’ll go to keep his control.
5. Osamu Dazai (Bungo Stray Dogs)
Among the manga manipulative characters on this list, Osamu Dazai is the most playful one. A complex and smart character, he has a dark past filled with violence and dangerous alliances. Beyond his strategic mind, Dazai’s humor and eccentricity—like his obsession with “double suicide” jokes—keep those around him guessing.
Dazai often uses his carefree attitude to mask his intelligence, leading others to underestimate him. For example, he manipulates his enemies and allies alike, subtly steering situations to his advantage without anyone suspecting his true intentions.
6. Orihara Izaya (Durarara!!)
Orihara Izaya is a master manipulator who thrives on chaos and unpredictability. He’s fascinated by human psychology and goes to great lengths to see how people react under pressure, often creating complicated schemes to push them to their limits. Unlike most manipulators, Izaya doesn’t manipulate for power or personal gain; instead, he genuinely enjoys observing human reactions, calling it his “love” for humanity.
One of his favorite tactics is pitting people against each other to see how far they’ll go, like stirring up gang conflicts in Ikebukuro. Izaya is calm, clever, and always a few steps ahead, making him both dangerous and entertaining to watch.
7. Donquixote Doflaming (One Piece)
One of the most notorious manipulators in One Piece, Donquixote Doflaming uses his charm and cunning to control others and orchestrate events to his advantage. As a former Warlord of the Sea and captain of the Donquixote Pirates, he possesses immense power and influence, but it’s his manipulative nature that truly sets him apart.
Doflamingo expertly plays people against each other, using fear and manipulation to maintain control over Dressrosa and its citizens. He operates a dark underground trade, including the sale of artificial Devil Fruits and even human trafficking, showing how far he’s willing to go to achieve his goals. A prime example of his manipulation is how he turns his subordinates and enemies into pawns in his grand schemes, often toying with their emotions and ambitions before discarding them when they no longer serve his purpose.
8. Shogo Makishima (Psycho-Pass)
More often than not, it’s handsome and charismatic guys who turn out to be great manipulators, and Makishima is no exception. In fact, he finds great joy in exploiting others’ weaknesses and challenging the rules of society. Unlike most characters in his world, he’s not affected by the Sibyl System, which judges people based on their mental states and criminal potential. Consequently, this freedom gives him a different perspective and lets him operate outside the law.
Makishima’s manipulation often revolves around his ability to inspire and incite others to act against the oppressive system. He carefully selects individuals who are disillusioned or troubled, drawing them into his plans and encouraging them to embrace their darker instincts.
9. Hisoka Morow (Hunter x Hunter)
Hisoka is a captivating and somewhat edgy character known for his manipulative nature. With his seductiveness and playful demeanor, he often draws others in while hiding his true intentions. He loves to play mind games, like when he leads Gon and Killua on a wild chase, testing their abilities and pushing them to grow stronger.
Hisoka sees battles as a form of entertainment, and he gets a thrill from outsmarting his opponents. Instead of just relying on brute strength, he manipulates situations, which makes him a dangerous and unpredictable foe.
10. Sōsuke Aizen (Bleach)
A literal threat to the universe, Aizen Sousuke is incredibly intelligent and always three steps ahead of everyone else. He carefully orchestrates events to achieve his goals, often using others as pawns in his elaborate plans. For example, he deceives not just his enemies but also his closest allies, making them believe they’re working towards a shared goal while he has his own secret agenda.
His calm demeanor and charm make it easy for him to manipulate those around him. Aizen’s ultimate goal is to gain power and transcend beyond his current form, and he’s willing to betray anyone to achieve it.
11. Kyubey (Madoka Magica)
A cute, cat-like creature, Kyubey seems like he couldn’t harm a fly. But don’t let his looks fool you! Just like the dark manga he comes from, this fluffy creature is equally dark. In fact, he manipulates girls into becoming magical girls by making them think they’re gaining power and fulfilling their dreams. However, he has a hidden agenda: he’s actually using their struggles and despair to fuel his own energy source.
Kyubey presents himself as a helpful ally, but he’s really more of a puppet master, tricking the girls into making choices that serve his purpose. His cutesy looks and demeanor contrast sharply with the dark consequences of his actions, making him a fascinating and manipulative character.
12. Yuno Gasai (The Future Diary)
Perhaps yandere girls are your thing. If that’s the case, Yuno Gasai might be right up your alley. But be careful—she’s very dangerous! Not only is she skilled in combat, but her manipulative personality and intelligence also give her an edge in the battle royale that the series revolves around.
Her obsessive love for the main character, Yukiteru, drives her to manipulate everyone around her, including her love interest himself. Yuno certainly isn’t above using deception or intimidation to protect him or achieve her goals.
In the vast and diverse world of anime, there is a genre that delves into the intricate workings of the human mind, offering captivating stories that leave viewers pondering long after the final episode. Psychological anime explores the depths of emotions, thoughts, and motivations through complex characters and mind-bending narratives. These thought-provoking shows challenge conventional storytelling norms by presenting intricate plots filled with psychological twists and turns.
Romance and action anime may seem fun, but nothing compares to the thrill you feel when watching a psychological anime. These series make you feel the suspense in your gut, making you return for more.
25. Kakegurui
Hyakkou Private Academy is secretly the hub of gambling, portrayed as a prestigious school. The ranks of each student are decided according to their gambling skills, and the academy has enough power to control your entire life. Students gamble at high stakes, risking their future.
A mysterious student, Yumeko Jabami, enters among them, an exceptional gambler who plays fearlessly only for fun. Challenging the top students and throwing them from top to rock bottom, Yumeko’s psychological games will make you feel the thrill of gambling.
Episodes
12
Genre
Drama, Mystery, Psychological, School, Strategy Game
24. Ergo Proxy
Ergo Proxy is set in a post-apocalyptic world where the last of humanity lives in a domed city, Romdo. Android, called AutoReivs, coexists with humans. Still, a virus called Cogito Virus spreads amongst AutoReivs, making them out of control from humans and going on a killing spree.
Protagonist Re-l Mayer begins investigating the cause of this virus to bring a stop to it. Still, she discovers secrets about the AutoReivs beyond her imagination on her journey. Ergo Proxy is a psychological thriller that will make you question individuality and the impact of A.I.
Episodes
23
Genre
Mystery, Psychological, Sci-Fi
23. Elfen Lied
Elfen Lied is a psychological anime with lots of gore and violence, which doesn’t make it easy to watch for everyone, but behind all that lies a thought-provoking lesson for viewers.
Lucy is born a Diclonius, a genetically modified human with telekinetic powers. Since Diclonius have dangerous powers, they’re locked up and tortured. But one day, Lucy escapes, killing many but then getting a headshot, causing her to lose her memories and develop a split personality, Nyu.
Nyu lives an average life with two high school students, but her tragic past chases her. As her memories return, Lucy must retake bloody measures to save herself.
Japan is threatened by terrorist attacks, and the police cannot find the perpetrators until two boys called “Sphinx” release a public video claiming to continue destruction until they are captured. The police are helpless against the genius Sphinx, and it’s now in Detective Kenjirou Shibazaki’s hands to find them.
However, catching the Sphinx will be challenging; the more time Shibazaki takes, the more lives are lost. But the Sphinx isn’t making these attacks for no cause; their dark reason is to shake the world of the corrupt organization in power. Terror in Resonance is a top psychological anime series that kept me up all night and made me question this corrupt society’s reality.
Title
Zankyou no Terror
Episodes
11
Genre
Mystery, Psychological, Suspense
21. Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Everyone thought the magical girl series was all glitz and glamour until they came across a series as dark as this one.
A cheerful high school girl, Madoka, lives an average life until she is approached by Kyubey, who offers to grant any of her wishes if she accepts to become a magical girl and fight witches. The plot seems all cute until the series turns dark as Madoka realizes the high cost of being a magical girl and the evil intentions behind the magical girl system and Kyubey. A series filled with complex characters and unexpected twists, it’s a unique addition to the magical girl genre.
Title
Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica
Episodes
12
Genre
Drama, Mahou Shoujo, Psychological, Suspense
20. Higurashi: When They Cry
Starting this anime thinking it’s a slice of life/ harem series will be the biggest mistake of your life.
Keiichi Maebara transfers to the small town of Hinamizawa and considers it peaceful. He befriends his classmates, and all is going well until the dark secrets behind the town begin to unravel. The series becomes filled with violence, murders, and mysteries, with each character losing their sanity and questioning the existence of everything. It’s a psychological horror series with supernatural elements, told from a different character’s perspective in each arc.
A parasitic alien enters Shinichi Izumi’s body to take control of his mind but gets stuck in his arm again, which forces Shinichi and the parasite, Migi, to coexist. Shinichi uses his new powers by working with Migi to save his loved ones and other humans from these dangerous parasites. He faces enormous physical and emotional challenges as he uncovers the truth behind Migi and questions his humanity.
Parasyte the Maxim is a psychological thriller series that doesn’t hold back on action but also impacts your mind.
Title
Kiseijuu: Sei no Kakuritsu
Episodes
24
Genre
Action, Horror, Psychological, Sci-Fi
18. Another
Another is like the final destination (movie) of anime, except that it’s creepier.
Kouichi Sakakibara transfers to the Yomiyama North Middle School and soon begins a mysterious, eerie atmosphere in his classroom, 3-3. Sakakibara is creeped out the most because his classmate, Mei Misaki, is completely ignored by everyone in their class, and they refuse even to acknowledge her existence. When nobody answers Sakakibara, he begins to investigate the truth himself, which causes a series of gruesome events. A curse haunts the classroom, and nobody knows how to escape it.
Episodes
12
Genre
Horror, Mystery, Supernatural
17. Paranoia Agent
One of the greatest psychology animes by mastermind Satoshi Kon is set in Musashino City, where a mysterious boy called Lil’ Slugger is attacking residents. Each victim has only three descriptions about him, a baseball bat, golden inline skates, and a baseball cap.
Two detectives, Keiichi Ikari, and Mitsuhiro Maniwa, begin the hunt for Lil’ Slugger, but the secrets and hauntings they’ll face will make their task much more difficult. Paranoia Agent explores the lives of various individuals as they deal with their fears and anxiety of Lil’ Slugger, putting their sanity at risk.
Considered one of the best psychological sci-fi anime of all time, Steins; Gate centers around a mad scientist Rintaro Okabe and his group of friends with whom he developed a time-traveling machine, a “Phone Microwave.” Okabe sends messages to the past, but soon, the consequences of his actions haunt him as altering the past turns everything upside down. Okabe goes through tremendous emotional turmoil and character development as he begins to lose all he has.
Steins; Gate is an anime that takes sharp turns, and you can guess what happens at the end.
Episodes
24
Genre
Drama, Psychological, Sci-Fi, Suspense
15. The Future Diary
Future Diary is such a crazy psychological thriller anime that it’ll leave you feeling like a psycho yourself.
Yukiteru Amano, a high school student, finds out he’s one of the eleven people with a diary that predicts the future, and they all are competing against each other in a survival game. The last one to survive becomes the god.
Yukiteru teams up with Yuno Gasai, a typical yandere obsessed with Yukiteru and often goes on a killing spree to protect him. Together, the two go through violent battles against other competitors and find out realities that will make their messed-up world even messier. The fast-paced series has plot twists to keep your jaws wide open.
Tatsuhiro Satou is a shut-in, a Hikimori who considers himself a failure and believes a secret organization called N.H.K. is responsible for him being a Hikimori. One day, he meets a mysterious girl who tells him she can cure him of this lifestyle. That begins Satou’s journey as he slowly heals from mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression and returns to a normal lifestyle.
Welcome to the N.H.K. is a series that conveys to the audience about society’s pressure on people and its impact on mental health. It’s an anime that uses slice-of-life and comedy to send a profound message to viewers.
When someone dies, their soul is sent to Quindecim, a bar where the bartender, Decim, and his assistant make the souls play a game that unveils their true nature and deepest secrets. Decim observes their actions throughout the contest and, in the end, decides whether they should be reincarnated or sent to void.
Death Parade is an anime series that questions morality and explores human nature. Each episode focuses on a different set of characters, from greedy, to selfish ones. Humans may feel regret or guilt by the end, but it’ll be too late.
Episodes
12
Genre
Drama, Psychological, Supernatural, Suspense
12. Paprika
Is dream a reality, or reality a dream? That’s the questions you’ll think of when watching Paprika. The plot is set in a futuristic world where a device called “DC Mini” has been developed, which allows you to delve into people’s dreams. Psychologist Dr. Atsuko Chiba begins to illegally use this device to cure her patients until the device gets stolen, which leads to heavy consequences.
Atsuko pairs up with Detective Toshimi Konakawa to find the culprit before more destruction is done, but the challenge comes when they struggle to differentiate between dreams and reality. Paprika is a rare masterpiece with stunning animation that inspired the creation of the movie Inception.
Tenma’s filled with guilt when he chooses to save a celebrity over a poor man. When faced with a similar choice again, Tenma decides to save a child over the town’s Mayor. However, years later, the horrible consequences of his decision began to show up as the child he saved, Johan Liebert, became a sociopath destroying the lives of many.
Tenma severely regrets his decision and embarks on a journey to catch Johan. But the truth he finds out about Johan’s past and the characters he meets throughout his journey will change his life forever. Monster is psychological thriller series with so much mystery that it’ll keep you hooked on every moment.
Episodes
74
Genre
Drama, Mystery, Psychological, Suspense
10. Classroom of the Elite
Classroom of the Elite has earned itself a spot as the best psychological anime to watch because of being so well-written and exciting. The story is set in a prestigious school by the Japanese government. Students are put in classrooms A to D according to their academic skills, with A having the brightest students and D having the leftovers.
Protagonist Kiyotaka Ayanokouji is an antisocial student in class D. Still, he’s smart enough to challenge the school’s hierarchy without being in the light. He teams up with other eccentric students in the class to climb up to the top of the school, using tactics no one could’ve imagined.
Title
Youkoso Jitsuryoku Shijou Shugi no Kyoushitsu e
Episodes
12
Genre
Drama, Psychological
9. Perfect Blue
Perfect Blue shows the dark side of show business, which isn’t as glamorous as portrayed in the media. Perfect Blue revolves around Mima Kirigo, a popular Japanese idol who leaves her idol group to pursue actress. However, Mima’s decision begins to shatter her life as a maniac fan stalks her, and her acting role further strains her mental health.
Everything seems to be falling out of hand as Mima starts to see images of her former self, and a series of murders begin of those around her. Soon, Mima falls into emotional turmoil as she loses grasp of reality.
Episodes
1
Genre
Drama, Horror, Psychological
8. Neon Genesis Evangelion
Neon Genesis Evangelion’s known as the best mecha anime, but that often leaves the brilliant psychological aspects it covers.
Giants monsters have invaded the earth, and the future of humans now lies in the hands of a few children. Protagonist Shinji Ikari already struggles with his inner demons, but to make it worse, he has to fight against these monsters by piloting mechas called “Angels.” Piloting the Angel directly affects Shinji’s brain, which leaves him and the other pilots emotionally exhausted.
Kaiji’s already living in poverty when he’s told he has to pay a massive debt to a former co-worker. Having no choice left, Kaiji takes his chances at gambling, where he has no choice but to win. With his life online, Kaiji’s survival instincts unlock as he plays mind-blowing psychological games one by one. Kaiji is an underrated series that is hugely unpredictable and captivating.
Title
Gyakkyou Burai Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor
Episodes
26
Genre
Psychological, Suspense
6. School-Live!
School-Live! At first, glance seems like a typical slice-of-life anime with cute school girls, but that’s when the series takes the darkest turn in anime history.
Zombies have infected the city, and a group of girls are its sole survivors. Yuki Takeya is completely losing touch with reality and is still delusional that she’s living an everyday school life. Worried about their food supplies, future, and constant fear of zombies, the girls struggle daily to maintain their sanity.
Title
Gakkougurashi!
Episodes
12
Genre
Horror, Mystery, Psychological, Slice of Life, Suspense, Survival
5. Psycho-Pass
Psycho-Pass is set in a world where crime has ended by establishing the “Sibyl System,” a supercomputer that can tell if a person intends to commit a crime, and their intent is shown on their Psycho-Pass. The law enforcers punish the person once the Psych-Pass shows any wrong intentions.
Akane Tsunemori has a strong sense of justice. Still, as she starts to work as an enforcer, she realizes the flaws in the justice carried out by the Sibyl System.
Satoru Fujinuma can go back in time and prevent an incident from happening. When his mother is taken away from him in his home, Satoru travels back to when he was a child and is given the chance to prevent his mother’s death and the lives of his childhood friends. But with so many lives hanging on his head, Satoru faces significant emotional pressure.
Erased is an unforgettable series that keeps improving with each episode.
Title
Boku dake ga Inai Machi
Episodes
12
Genre
Mystery, Psychological, Supernatural, Suspense
3. Mononoke
Mononoke centers on a man called “Medicine Seller” who travels across feudal Japan, finding and defeating evil spirits called “Mononoke” These spirits feed off negative human emotions. The Medicine Seller uses his knowledge to discover the truth behind their existence, which is the key to eradicating them.
The series has different arcs, each focusing on a different spirit. Mononoke uses the human psyche and Japanese folklore to express human emotions and their intensity.
A best psychological animes list can only be completed by including Serial Experiments Lain, an anime relatable to the modern era.
An introverted teenager, Lain receives an email from her deceased classmate telling her she’s alive. This email introduces Lain to Wired, an online world where Lain connects to many people. However, Lain encounters powerful begins aiming to control human consciousness through Wired. Soon, it becomes difficult for Lain to draw a boundary between the real and the online world.
Serial Experiments Lain will make you question the influence of the internet in our world and understands its impacts on our minds.
Years have passed, and Death Note remains the majority’s favorite Psychological Thriller anime. Genius high school student Light Yagami comes across a book called “Death Note,” which allows him to kill anyone by writing their name. He develops a god complex and takes justice into his hands by killing criminals. With his supernatural power, light is easier to find once prodigy detective L takes responsibility for outsmarting and finding him. Death Note is a series portraying the complexity of the human mind and the consequences of power in the wrong hands.
When it comes to romantic relationships, what do we look for in a partner? What core values do we seek when it comes to building a healthy and loving relationship? For this topic, we will be discussing some of our favourite couples in pop culture and what they have taught us about love and relationships, the good and the bad.
Hello everyone, it’s been a while. This is our topic for the OWLS this month of September titled “Lover”. We all have our thoughts of what we want and look for in a partner or i.e lover, but I think there are some fundamental things we all look for, so I wanted to try to identify some of those traits. I had so many ideas for this topic but I really thought Mirai Nikki also know as The Future Diary was what really fit for this topic.
The Future Diary is an iconic show and cultural phenomenon, that I felt really popularized the “yandere” female character in anime. It explores human nature, how we relate and what drives us. And most especially to me puts a spotlight on relationships and the ups and downs that come with it.
Even though everything is cranked up to 11. The Future Diary is really unique to me because of its large cast and its ability to show us views from the perspective of each character, showing us everyone has a story to tell, “even the devil was once an angel” is the best way to describe it I think.
Yukiteru Amano and Yuno Gasai from Mirai Nikki are definitely not your average anime couple. I think Yuno describes them well with a quote she uses to describe herself;
A half-moon. A bright half and a dark half. Just like me. – Yuno Gasai
I just had to use this cause I thought they looked cute in this…
Yukiteru the bright half and Yuno the dark half, both not completely whole without the other. The show examines normal issues we all have even though it’s in a much darker tone, its in a subtle way, it has lessons to teach us about how a healthy relationship should be. Like;
Seeing the cracks
No one is completely perfect, so learning to accept and love the person despite their faults is part of the whole process of love. And it’s something I think we all have to learn.
Just like Yukiteru learns to with Yuno personality of being overprotective and Yuno with Yukiteru indecisiveness. They can both be seen as polar opposite in the way they reason and think but they learn to love each other.
Trust
Yuno might have an “interesting” way of showing her love for Yukiteru but no one can doubt her unwavering complete love to him. She trusts him, and that’s an important pillar for the foundation of any relationship.
Trust is the number one thing I think we all search for and value most. Which can be formed from a deeper understanding of knowing each other like the back of your own hand, knowing what the other can or can’t do.
Teamwork
Adapted from the Roman god Jupiter, who hates direct confrontation and his wife Juno who is warlike, Yukiteru and Yuno also make up for each others shortcomings. Working together during the survival game and showing how teamwork in a relationship is important.
Never a piece of cake
After getting together once, breaking up, being kidnapped by Yuno, and all the hurled they go through. He goes through a lot to save his Princess.
Somehow they both come through the fire that is their life stronger and all relationships go through this not as twisted as the plot of The Future Diary but all relationship have their hurdles.
Once in a while, it’s worth holding onto someone, even if it makes your arms hurt.
If you are still here thank you for sticking around to the end of my ramblings. Leave me a comment on your views, I would love to hear them. Till next time keep showing that special someone you really care.
Also hope you have read Lyn post over at lynlynsays with her own take on Lover and tomorrow you should definitely not miss Takuto’s OWLS post over at Takuto’s Anime Cafe.
With Halloween coming up, you might be scrambling to find the best Halloween cosplay or costume that you can find. Luckily, these cosplays are easy to find and create. And you’ll be looking freaky good!
One of my favorite Studio Ghibli films, Spirited Away is, in my opinion, a classic. Whether you want to go as No Face, or Chin, or maybe even a soot sprite? You can find it here.
Angels of Death came out this past summer but was well received by fans. It was already an indie RPG horror game that became a manga first. When the anime came out, even more, fans came on board with this fandom. As you can see, these cosplays make Zack or Rachel one of the best Halloween cosplays already!
Sometimes you want something a bit darker. It is Halloween after all. I’m usually just staying in my onesie and stuffing my face with candy, but still. This cosplay is easy to do and makes for a cute but terrifying display. Kinda like babies…
Back to being less scary but still a fun and easy cosplay to do, we have Noragami. I absolutely loved this anime and it’s definitely recommended. Yato’s outfit is easy to recreate and fans will be loving this one!
![Yuno Gasai x Yukiteru Amano love story? [September 2019 OWLS Tour]](https://myanimego.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/future-diary-e1569063450484.jpg)
