10 Dystopian Anime That Will Make You Rethink Utopia

Dystopia is a term that describes a society that is undesirable, oppressive, or corrupted. It is often contrasted with utopia, which is an ideal or perfect society. Dystopia is a common theme in many anime, as it allows the creators to explore various issues and scenarios that are relevant to our own world, such as totalitarianism, environmental degradation, war, discrimination, and human nature.

Dystopian anime can be both entertaining and thought-provoking, as they show us the potential consequences of our actions and choices, as well as the possible alternatives and solutions. They can also make us appreciate what we have and inspire us to strive for a better future.

In this article, we will introduce you to 10 dystopian anime that will make you rethink utopia and challenge your perspective on reality.

10. Psycho-Pass

Psycho-Pass is a sci-fi anime that depicts a futuristic society where people are monitored and judged by a system called Sibyl, which determines their psychological state and criminal potential. Those who have a high crime coefficient are either arrested or eliminated by the police, who use special weapons called Dominators. The anime follows Akane Tsunemori, a rookie inspector who works with a team of enforcers, who are former criminals who assist the police in exchange for their freedom.

Psycho-Pass shows us the dark side of a perfect society, where people are controlled and manipulated by a system that claims to be infallible and benevolent. It raises questions about free will, morality, justice, and human nature, as well as the dangers of relying too much on technology and authority.

9. No. 6

No. 6 is a dystopian anime that revolves around Shion, a boy who lives in a city called No. 6, which is one of the six remaining human settlements after a global war. No. 6 is a utopia that provides its citizens with a high standard of living, education, and health care. However, Shion’s life changes when he meets Nezumi, a fugitive who reveals to him the dark secrets and corruption behind No. 6’s facade. Together, they embark on a journey to uncover the truth and escape from the city’s tyranny.

No. 6 shows us the price of freedom and equality, as it exposes the oppression and exploitation that No. 6 inflicts on its people and the outside world. It also explores the themes of friendship, love, identity, and rebellion, as Shion and Nezumi grow and change through their experiences and interactions.

8. Seraph of the End

Seraph of the End is a dystopian anime that takes place in a world where a mysterious virus has wiped out most of humanity, leaving only children under the age of 13 alive. The survivors are enslaved by vampires, who rule over the underground cities and feed on their blood.

The anime follows Yuichiro Hyakuya, a boy who escapes from the vampires and joins a human resistance group called the Moon Demon Company, which fights against the vampires using cursed weapons. However, he soon discovers that there is more to the conflict than he thought, and that he has a special connection to the seraphs, angelic beings that are said to bring about the end of the world.

Seraph of the End shows us the struggle for survival in a post-apocalyptic world, where humans and vampires are locked in a brutal war. It also deals with the themes of loyalty, betrayal, revenge, and family, as Yuichiro and his friends face various challenges and enemies.

7. Highschool of the Dead

Highschool of the Dead is a horror anime that depicts a zombie outbreak that spreads across Japan and the world. The anime follows a group of high school students and a nurse who try to survive and escape from the zombies, as well as other hostile humans and groups. Along the way, they encounter various dangers and difficulties, as well as some moments of humor and fanservice.

Highschool of the Dead shows us the horror of a zombie outbreak and the loss of humanity, as it portrays the chaos and violence that ensue from the collapse of society and order. It also examines the psychological and moral effects of the situation on the characters, as they have to make tough decisions and cope with their fears and emotions.

6. Wolf’s Rain

Wolf’s Rain is a fantasy anime that follows a pack of wolves who disguise themselves as humans in a world where wolves are believed to be extinct. The wolves are searching for Paradise, a legendary place where they can live in peace and harmony.

However, their quest is hindered by the Nobles, who rule over the decaying world and seek to open Paradise for themselves, and by the Hunters, who hunt down the wolves for sport or profit. The anime also features a girl named Cheza, who is the Flower Maiden, a key to opening Paradise.

Wolf’s Rain shows us the quest for paradise in a dying world, where wolves and humans are both suffering from the effects of environmental degradation and social injustice. It also explores the themes of destiny, hope, faith, and love, as the wolves and Cheza form a bond and face various obstacles and enemies.

5. Chainsaw Man

Chainsaw Man is a dark comedy anime that centers on Denji, a young man who works as a devil hunter to pay off his deceased father’s debt. He is accompanied by Pochita, his pet devil who can transform into a chainsaw. One day, he is betrayed and killed by the yakuza, who use him as a sacrifice to summon a powerful devil.

However, Pochita merges with his corpse and revives him as a hybrid of human and devil, with the ability to turn his body parts into chainsaws. He is then recruited by Makima, a mysterious woman who works for the Public Safety Devil Hunters, a government organization that deals with devils.

Chainsaw Man shows us the madness of a world ruled by devils, who are manifestations of human fears and desires. It also features a lot of action, gore, humor, and romance, as Denji and his friends fight against various devils and factions, while also trying to enjoy their lives and fulfill their dreams.

4. 86

86 is a sci-fi anime that depicts a war between the Republic of San Magnolia and the Empire of Giad. The Republic claims to have achieved a bloodless victory, as it uses unmanned drones called Juggernauts to fight against the Empire’s autonomous weapons called Legion.

However, this is a lie, as the Republic actually forces its minorities, who are branded as the Eighty-Six, to pilot the Juggernauts on the front lines. The anime follows Shin, the leader of an Eighty-Six squadron called Spearhead, and Lena, a Republic officer who communicates with him through a device called Para-RAID.

86 shows us the cruelty of war and discrimination, as it exposes the oppression and suffering that the Eighty-Six endure at the hands of the Republic and the Legion. It also touches on the themes of loyalty, sacrifice, courage, and redemption, as Shin and Lena try to protect their comrades and change their fate.

3. The Promised Neverland

The Promised Neverland is a thriller anime that follows a group of orphans who live in a secluded orphanage called Grace Field House. They are cared for by a woman they call Mom, and they are happy and well-educated. However, they are forbidden from leaving the orphanage or venturing beyond the gate. One day, they discover the horrifying truth: they are actually livestock for demons, who eat them when they reach a certain age. They then decide to escape from the orphanage and find out the truth about the world and themselves.

The Promised Neverland shows us the deception of a false utopia, as it reveals the horror and despair that lurk behind the seemingly perfect and peaceful orphanage. It also showcases the intelligence, courage, and teamwork of the children, as they use their wits and skills to outsmart their enemies and escape from their fate.

2. Violet Evergarden

Violet Evergarden is a drama anime that follows Violet, a former child soldier who lost her arms and her commander in a war. She is given prosthetic arms and a new job as an Auto Memory Doll, a person who writes letters for others. Through her work, she learns about the emotions and feelings of her clients, as well as her own. She also tries to understand the meaning of the words “I love you”, which were the last words her commander said to her.

Violet Evergarden shows us the aftermath of a devastating war and the healing power of words, as it depicts the trauma and grief that the characters face and the ways they cope and recover. It also highlights the beauty and value of human connection, as Violet and her clients touch each other’s lives and hearts.

1. Attack on Titan

Attack on Titan is a fantasy anime that takes place in a world where humanity lives within three concentric walls that protect them from the titans, giant humanoid creatures that devour humans. The anime follows Eren Yeager, a boy who vows to exterminate the titans after his mother is killed by one.

He joins the Survey Corps, a military branch that ventures outside the walls to fight the titans and explore the outside world. However, he soon discovers that there is more to the titans and the world than he thought, and that he has a special power that can change the course of history.

Attack on Titan shows us the mystery of a world besieged by titans, as it unravels the secrets and conspiracies that lie behind the walls and beyond. It also deals with the themes of freedom, justice, sacrifice, and identity, as Eren and his friends face various dilemmas and enemies.

Conclusion

These are some of the dystopian anime that will make you rethink utopia and challenge your perspective on reality. They are not only entertaining and thrilling, but also insightful and meaningful, as they reflect and critique our own society and world.

They can also inspire us to think critically and creatively, as well as to act responsibly and compassionately. Whether you are a fan of dystopian anime or not, we hope you will give these anime a try and enjoy them as much as we did.