Top 10 heavy psychological anime as of 2023 that you should not miss

1

Psycho-Pass

Psycho-Pass - The heavy psychological anime series as of 2023 that you should not miss

"Psycho-Pass" is a psychological and science fiction anime series created by Gen Urobuchi and produced by Studio Production I.G. The series aired from 2012 to 2013.

The story takes place in a near future, in a society controlled by an artificial intelligence system known as the "Sibyl System". This system is capable of psychological analysis and assesses the mood of each citizen based on the "Psycho-Pass" index. Thanks to this system, crimes can be predicted and prevented before they happen.

The main character is Akane Tsunemori, a police officer who has just joined the crime investigation team in this society. Along the way, she faces complex cases and encounters individuals with abnormal Psycho-Pass stats. This led her to question the fairness of the system and its limits.

"Psycho-Pass" explores themes such as individual freedom, crime, morality, and social control. The film creates a dark and haunting futuristic world where people have to deal with being shaped by technology and social systems. It raises questions about the value of freedom and personal will, as well as the dark aspects of being human.

"Psycho-Pass" is critically acclaimed for its engaging plot, remarkable character development, and sharp fantasy world. The film creates a unique and impressive space with its exploration of profound psychological and social issues. It is considered one of the psychological anime worth watching and pondering.

Author: Gen Urobuchi
Directed by: Naoyoshi Shiotani
Release date: October 12, 2012 to March 22, 2013 (part 1); October 9, 2014 to December 18, 2014 (part 2); October 14, 2019 to December 23, 2019 (part 3); March 25, 2021 to July 8, 2021 (part 3 - second half)
Genre: Science Fiction, Psychological, Thriller, Crime
Episodes: "Psycho-Pass" has a total of 3 main seasons and a number of special episodes and movies. Season 1 consists of 22 episodes, part 2 includes 11 episodes, season 3 is divided into 2 parts with a total of 23 episodes.
Status: Ongoing (season 3 - second half is being broadcast).

2

Perfect Blue

Perfect Blue - heavy psychological anime as of 2023 that you should not miss

"Perfect Blue" is a Japanese psychological horror anime film, based on the novel of the same name by Yoshikazu Takeuchi. The film is directed by Satoshi Kon and produced by Madhouse. It first debuted in 1997 and received widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike.

The story in "Perfect Blue" revolves around Mima Kirigoe, a famous female pop singer in the group "CHAM". She decided to give up her singing career to become an actress. However, when she begins to star in an underrated melodrama, her life slowly becomes strange and dangerous. Mima has to deal with terrifying events, confusing situations, and loss of identity that cause her to lose control of her mind.

"Perfect Blue" is noted for its sophisticated and tense storyline, with twists and turns and haunting visuals. The film explores aspects of truth and illusion, keeping the audience uncertain about what's really happening and what's just imaginary. It presents a dark psychological journey of the main character, while also reflecting on the pressures of the entertainment industry and virtual reality in modern life.

"Perfect Blue" has become a memorable cinematic and is considered one of the best psychological horror anime films of all time. It has significantly influenced many later works and is recognized as a unique work of art in the anime industry.

Author: Satoshi Kon
Directed by: Satoshi Kon
Release date: February 28, 1998 (aired on Japanese television)
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Psychological Thriller
Episodes: The "Perfect Blue" anime is an animated feature film, not an anime series, so there is only one episode.
Status: Completed.

3

Midori: Shoujo Tsubaki

Midori: Shoujo Tsubaki - The heavy psychological anime as of 2023 that you should not miss

This is probably my only exception when it comes to posting a banned anime series. But I think this article wouldn't be complete without Midori: Shoujo Tsubaki. "Midori: Shoujo Tsubaki" is a psychological horror anime series released in 1992, based on the manga of the same name by Suehiro Maruo. The series is famous for its original title "Shoujo Tsubaki" or "Mr. Arashi's Amazing Freak Show". However, please note that "Midori: Shoujo Tsubaki" contains extremely dark and cruel content, and it is not suitable for audiences under the age of 18 or sensitive to violent and sexual content.

The story revolves around Midori, a young orphan girl living in poverty. She is forced to join a traveling circus by a mysterious and cruel figure named Mr. Arashi. Midori's life in the circus turns into a dark nightmare, as she experiences suffering, violence and abuse. The film brings an evil image of the dark sides of society and people.

"Midori: Shoujo Tsubaki" is known as a very controversial work in the anime industry and is considered one of the darkest psychological horror films. It is appreciated for its boldness and originality in its exploration of such themes as violence, cruelty and crime. However, due to its brutal nature, this film was controversial and banned or restricted in many countries.

Author: Maruo Suehiro (also manga author)
Directed by: Hiroshi Harada
Release date: May 17, 1992 (at Cannes International Film Festival)
Genre: Horror, Weird, Drama, Psychological
Episodes: "Midori: Shoujo Tsubaki" is an animated feature film, not an anime series, so there is only one episode.
Status: Completed.

4

Paprika

"Paprika" is a Japanese psychological fantasy anime film, released in 2006. Directed by Satoshi Kon and based on the novel of the same name by Yasutaka Tsutsui, the film tells the story in an unknown future. far away, when technology allows people to penetrate other people's dreams.

In "Dream Thief", technology called "DC Mini" is used so that users can share and experience dreams. A team of researchers created a device called the "DC Mini" for use in psychological and medical work. However, when a series of strange incidents occur, Paprika, an employee of the Tokyo Mental Health Research Institute, must use her special abilities to investigate and prevent danger in the world. chaotic dream and reality.

"Dream Thief" is highly appreciated for its complex script, beautiful images and creative ideas. The film subtly presents the contradiction between the real world and the imaginary world, questioning the trade-off between truth and illusion. It also explores topics such as sexualization, power and loss of the individual in modern society. "Dream Thief" is considered one of the impressive psychological anime films and worth watching.

Author: Yasutaka Tsutsui (also novel author)
Directed by: Satoshi Kon
Release date: November 25, 2006 (in Japan)
Genre: Science Fiction, Psychological Thriller
Episodes: "Paprika" is an animated feature film, not an anime series, so there is only one episode.
Status: Completed.

5

Welcome to the NHK!

Welcome to the NHK! - Heavy psychological anime series as of 2023 that you should not miss

"Welcome to the NHK!" is a dark psychological anime series based on the novel of the same name by Tatsuhiko Takimoto. The film tells the life of a young autistic man named Satou Tatsuhiro, who has fallen into the image of NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) - who does not go to school, does not work and does not benefit from social system.

"Welcome to the NHK!" Set in the urban Japanese setting and explore loneliness, psychology and the battle with failure. Satou, the main character, believes that a powerful force called "NHK" (Japanese Hikikomori Kyokai) is plotting to control his life. The series focuses on Satou's efforts to escape the NEET life and find meaning in life through the help of those around him and a girl named Misaki.

"Welcome to the NHK!" offers an authentic and emotional look at social issues such as loneliness, sexualization, and technological obsession. It creates a form of psychological fiction in which the protagonist confronts mental barriers and tries to adapt to society. The film delivers a profound message about overcoming difficulties and finding hope in life.

"Welcome to the NHK!" critically acclaimed for its sharp plot, authentic character development, and exploration of the dark psyche of people. It creates a moving experience and at the same time authentically explores the psychological and social issues prevalent in modern society.

Author: Tatsuhiko Takimoto (also novel author)
Directed by: Yusuke Yamamoto
Release date: July 9, 2006 to September 17, 2006 (aired on Japanese television)
Genre: Drama, Slice of Life, Psychological
Episodes: "Welcome to the NHK!" is an anime series consisting of 24 episodes.
Status: Completed.