The best mature anime generally includes a lot of conflictive scenes either with regard to romance or violence.
Usually, it is dark while some are beautiful and lovely.
As you can see, the anime world has never abandoned horror, gore violence, nudity, and even graphic sex.
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Often, these shows fall in the Seinen anime, a demographic created for older fans.
While the anime on this list is aimed at an older audience, younger anime fans have a lot to look forward to once they get old.
These suggestions have a blend of popular, underappreciated, and hidden gems that are worth checking out.
35 Best Adult Series in Anime Community
Are you ready? Switch to dark mode on and prepare yourself for an extreme roller coaster ride of violence, nudity, and yes, even profanity.
A warning though! Most of the series are rated R - 17+. So, here are the shows that will make you question whether to hit the play or stop button.
Code Geass
This mature anime is tagged as such because of its violence and sprinkles of profanities, here and there.
It has won several awards from best anime to dark novels OVA.
Do you know Code Geass has video game titles, too?
Yes, that’s how popular this anime is. Also, it is rated R - 17+, so a younger audience than 17 needs parental guidance to watch the series.
Black Lagoon
The main character is a businessman who turned into a prisoner.
Abducted by a mercenary group called Black Lagoon, he expected someone to rescue him but was disappointed when no one cares.
There are 3 seasons of this anime and it is certainly something many anime fans will enjoy.
The Mafia, guns, the dark world, friendship, and many more topics are some things to expect.
Prison School
Five boys enrolled in the Hachimitsu Private Academy, expecting to enjoy the privilege of an all-girl school.
But, instead, they’re subjected to a Prison school because of peeping!
This series is a mature animation that can distract and upset viewers. You get beautiful ladies and lots of boobies.
Also, the double-edged meaning of the series is something to ponder upon.
Full Metal Panic
This series is one of the classic 'Mecha anime shows' in history. The anime starts slow, and so does the violence and cruelty.
Yep, it's there and it’s subtle at times. Sometimes, it's uncomfortable to watch.
FMP aired sometime in 2002 but has a long hiatus before its next season. The latest started to air in 2018 and has two seasons for FMP fans to enjoy.
Death Parade
Just the title alone denotes a mature anime. Death Parade is filled with violence and gore.
The main protagonist decides whether human souls reincarnate or are thrown into a void. When souls enter the void, they can never return.
Do you know what’s so cringy about it? These humans must fight their way out and it’s a dead-or-alive-kind-of game.
This game becomes interesting because these humans gain their memories back, whether good or bad.
Food Wars
Food Wars is the story of Yukihiro Soma. This young man is a talented chef but couldn’t win against his father who is the greatest chef before Soma was born.
Food, cooking skills, and yes, fan service are the main topics of this series. Eating food prepared in such elegance and by a skilled cook is akin to orgasmic pleasure.
Witchblade
Witchblade has more to it than the dangers of violence. It is forgotten since 2018, but I'd recommend it if you want something else.
Imagine being on an anime like Kill La Kill and Darling in the Franx? But, add more violence to it.
That’s what you will get in Witchblade. The interesting part is its ecchi themes that’ll make you cover your eyes.
Erased
In this series, Satoru Fujinuma is a 29-year-old man who has the ability to turn back time a few minutes before something bad happens.
Erased is a gripping story of mystery killing and the desire to help a person who’s in danger.
This is a masterpiece that gives anime fans a long-lasting feeling. Watch this to see how great the story development is.
Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress
Do you like zombie anime series? Well, here’s Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress. This series is a supernatural anime focusing on humans and monsters.
Like Owari No Seraph and AOT, this anime is brutal. What can I say? The two come from the same anime studio.
So, expect the spluttering of blood and dismembered bodies during a fight. Kabaneri is still medium-level compared to others.
Nana
Nana Komatsu meets Nana Osaki, a punk rock singer in Tokyo.
These two young women are polar opposites in personality but found something worth treasuring: friendship.
One woman struggles with heartbreak more than anyone could ever imagine while the other Nana has difficulty in reaching her dreams.
The anime has been voted one of the most acclaimed mature anime. Why? Matured scenes such as mild nudity.
Gantz
The anime dwells on sexual assault, death, brutality, and violence. It is a survival-of-the-fittest-kind-of anime.
Although these dark elements have been plaguing society for eternity, watching them in full blast on your TV screen is a bit upsetting.
To love it, endure the gory things overthrowing sanity and morality.
This series will make you question right versus wrong from someone’s perspective.
Chrono Crusade
Looking at the cute characters, you may say Chrono Crusade seems harmless.
Well, you’re not exactly wrong if you’re of legal age. But this series is not for the younger audience.
Chrno Crusade is filled with violence and mental provocation.
The fight scenes are merciless. Most importantly, the anime’s central theme has a deeper meaning hidden beneath the surface.
Blade Of Immortal
It's an anime set in feudal Japan. In the story, a nun has cursed Manji, a samurai who can’t die because of killing innocent men.
This samurai has promised to kill 1000 bad men so he can die as normal men do.
As you can already predict, this matured anime depicts bloodshed, atonement, and even revenge. Watch this to know what I’m talking about.
Rainbow
Are you familiar with Prison Break? If you are, here’s the Japanese version: Rainbow. The setting is Japan in 1955.
A certain Mario Minakami along with 5 teens arrived in a reform school. All of them are assigned in one cell.
During their stay at the correctional, they met a retired boxer. The movie is aimed toward mature audiences.
Monster
The story focuses on a famous doctor named Kenzou Tenma and his life as a neurosurgeon.
The main character must deal with past mistakes and deeply held feelings.
Most of the time, these shadows can conflict with his profession.
This show is composed of 74 episodes that take us on a saga that explores mysteries, horror, and drama.
Scum's Wish
Kuzu no Hokai is among the best anime for mature fans. It follows Hanabi Yasuraoka and Mugi who enter into a relationship despite no feelings for each other.
Together, the couple tried to forget how they feel for the person they love. But their decision lead to another blunder that ultimately creates friction between the two.
Zankyou no Terror
Zankyou no Terror is an anime with political discourse. Besides, it is full of psychological thrillers and deep emotions that leave you speechless.
This anime tells the story of two boys who are given the names Nine and Twelve after attacking an energy station.
Overall anime is one of the best ways to spend time with your family and friends.
Girls' Last Tour
The main characters are named Chito and Yuuri and they start an adventure full of mystery.
This anime contains mature themes in a backdrop of unpopulated terrain and uncrowded buildings.
The Girls’ Last Tour tells the uplifting story of two girls struggling to find hope in a dark world.
Throughout their journey, these two lovely girls found solace in each other.
Houseki no Kuni
This anime was released in October 2017 and is classified as the best mature anime-themed tv show.
The main characters move around the world inhabited by gems. These gems must act together to battle their enemies.
The anime has action, drama, and fantasy. It is definitely entertaining. Although it is PG-13, anime fans should be careful in watching mature anime.
Gangsta
Gangsta anime is brutal and full of expletives. It is about two mercenaries (Worick Arcangelo and Nicholas Brown) who have excellent skills and can handle any job.
One day, these two get a command to protect Alex Benedetto, a local prostitute targeted by a large number of forces. The job is easy or so they thought.
The pacing is normal but the scenes are so intense you keep your attention until the end.
The Testament of Sister New Devil
The series is an awesome ecchi anime in terms of story and animation. Basara Toujou lives a very difficult life thanks to his demonic sisters Mio and Maria.
When Mio learns of the demon targeting her for her power, the young man decides to avenge her no matter the outcome.
On top of the tension between political power and demons his job also becomes more difficult.
The Comic Artist and His Assistants
This series is a slice-of-life anime with mature content and a touch of harem comedy concept.
In the series, Yuuki Aito is a perverted manga artist who loves panties so much.
The dual behavior of Aito causes confusion between his assistants. The manner in which the characters interact and how they build their harem is enjoyable.
Yosuga no Sora
A twin brother and sister return to their hometown after the tragic death of their parents. When they are back, childhood friends begin to reconnect.
Not only that! A dark secret begins to resurface. It’s something that the twin keep it hidden for years.
This is one reason Yosuga no Sora garnered many negative reviews.
Nana to Kaoru
The story revolves around two students. The boy is in love with his childhood friend living next door while secretly fantasizing about her in an SM relationship.
On the other hand, the girl is a perfect student with good grades. Little did she know that her life is about to change because of accidentally locking herself with an SM gear.
So, yep, expect extreme ecchi for 24 minutes.
Kiss x Sis
The remarriage of Keita’s father gains the boy two sisters who dote him more than he can handle. The trio grows up close (uncomfortably so for many anime fans).
Kiss x Sis is pure ecchi series where the twin sisters fight for the attention of their step-brother.
Yes! It’s definitely a mature anime (and dream come true for fans with an incest fetish).
My Wife is the President of the Student Council
UI Wakana and Hayato Izumi are rivals in the position of Student Council President. UI wins by landslide and Hayato settles for VP.
Everything seems fine but one day, the two find out that they have to marry because of a drunken promise.
Now, these lovers need to balance their high school and married life.
The interesting part? They have to keep it a secret!
The Qwaser of Stigmata
Tomo’s father disappears without a trace and leaves behind a mysterious art. After the disappearance, weird events are happening.
Not only that! Qwasers are after Tomo and her sister for reasons unknown to them.
It’s ecchi-seinen anime where you can watch breastfeeding in a different light. Wait, what?! You heard me. I think you should watch the deed being done.
Danganronpa
Danganronpa is suitable for 18 or older because of bloodshed and profanity. It has also psychological elements making it too mature for young children.
It’s not surprising since the series focuses on a survival-of-the-fittest theme, physically and mentally.
The students become prisoners and they must find a way to get out by murdering without getting caught.
Shikabane Hime: Aka
Do you like the undead or at least a series about it? Here’s an anime for you where the main character is a Shikabane Hime.
Before becoming one of the undead people, Makina is a young student with dreams to fulfill.
But, she never gets the chance to fulfill them. Someone brutally killed her along with her parents.
Watch the series to know more about it.
Akame ga Kill
This series has too many graphic brutal scenes that aren’t fit for young audiences. It has characters that are worst than real-life killers.
What is the story about? One government oppresses the people and its people want a revolution.
So, a group of mercenaries come together and form Night Raid. Their goal is to eliminate anyone who stops the revolution.
Tokyo Ghoul
Tokyo Ghoul is about human beings who have been infected by a mutated strain of ghouls. This series is rated as mature anime for its violence.
It follows Ken Kaneki who becomes half-ghoul after he is attacked by a kosui ghoul. Now he seeks to live a normal life and belong somewhere while hiding what he really is.
Tatami Galaxy
The Tatami Galaxy is a 2011 eleven-episode anime. The story takes place in Kyoto, Japan, and focuses on a nameless college student who has a fear of growing up.
It dwells on a parallel universe context. Often, the protagonist would find himself restarting all over again.
His life is a dramatic comedy as it loses its meaning and direction after wasting years of opportunities.
Strike the Blood
Kojou Akatsuki faces an incident that makes him a powerful vampire. At a loss on how to handle his new powers, a certain Yukina Himeragi appears before him.
Her role is to kill the young man if he becomes a threat to the world. However, the two form an alliance, so they could protect the city.
Fate Apocrypha
Fate Apocrypha is the latest series on Fate, which is more of an alternate universe. Expect beheadings, tough-to-swallow episodes, and depth that is interesting to watch.
Like all Fate anime series, this series focuses on the Holy Grail where wizards and their servants fight against each other. It is the battle of the strongest and the wisest.
Violet Evergarden
The primary character in this story is Violet Evergarden. She goes through a quite rough life in which her primary purpose is to fight in a war.
After her body heals, she faces many struggles and tries to live in a world where war is all she knows.
It's truly an anime that is best for older audiences since it chronicles mature themes of war humanity and empathy they dive within.
The anime comes with stunning detailed animation and an epic soundtrack.
Trivia Questions on Best Mature Anime Series
What is the best adult anime series?
There are many adult anime in this list that I can consider the best.
But, I’ll go for Nana and Erased. Nana is the best for its realistic portrayal of a person’s struggles in real life.
I think anyone can relate to that. Erased, on the other hand, is great for its story premises.
Is there a Baseball anime with mature content?
I don’t think there is. Baseball anime is a sports genre. Often, this genre is more slice-of-life and comedy anime.
Are you looking for mainstream anime? Then, you can click on the related articles below for more recommendations.
Wrap up!
Mature anime is not limited to nudity. It could mean extreme violence and profanity.
So, if you're underage, please make sure you're watching with a guardian or someone older than you to guide you through watching these shows.
Are you looking for anime with no mature themes? Then, you can click on the related articles below for more recommendations.