The concept of "disturbing" is subjective and depends on individual preferences. What one person finds disturbing, another might find compelling. However, some anime are generally considered disturbing due to their content, themes, and execution.
Here are some examples:
Anime with Disturbing Content:
- Elfen Lied: This anime features graphic violence, gore, and disturbing imagery related to the protagonist's transformation into a "diclonius."
- Gantz: This anime explores themes of death, violence, and the dark side of human nature, often depicting graphic scenes of brutality and psychological torture.
- Tokyo Ghoul: This anime focuses on a world where humans and ghouls, creatures that feed on human flesh, coexist. The series features disturbing scenes of cannibalism, violence, and psychological trauma.
- Parasyte -the maxim-: This anime features parasitic aliens that invade and take control of human bodies. The series depicts disturbing body horror, violence, and existential themes.
- Mirai Nikki: This anime follows a group of individuals forced to participate in a deadly game where they must kill each other. The series features psychological manipulation, violence, and disturbing character motivations.
Anime with Disturbing Themes:
- Serial Experiments Lain: This anime delves into themes of identity, reality, and the internet, often exploring disturbing concepts of isolation, alienation, and the blurring of lines between the real and virtual worlds.
- Perfect Blue: This anime explores the psychological deterioration of a young pop idol struggling with her identity and the pressures of fame. It features disturbing themes of stalking, identity theft, and psychological manipulation.
- Neon Genesis Evangelion: This anime features themes of depression, existentialism, and the psychological trauma of war. It depicts disturbing scenes of violence, psychological breakdowns, and the breakdown of human relationships.
- Monster: This anime explores the psychological consequences of trauma and the nature of evil. It features disturbing scenes of violence, murder, and the corruption of innocence.
Anime with Disturbing Execution:
- Urotsukidoji: This anime is known for its explicit and disturbing depictions of violence, sexual content, and graphic imagery.
- Devilman Crybaby: This anime features a disturbing and graphic visual style, exploring themes of violence, sexuality, and the nature of good and evil.
It is important to note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there are many other anime that could be considered disturbing depending on individual preferences.