Psychological anime have always been rather fascinating. There are always different twists and turns that leaves the watcher wanting to find out more. To be able to fully enjoy psychological anime, you'll have to be willing to look at all the tiny details, symbolism, and the deeper meaning behind what is being said. Here is a top list of some of my personal favorites that I've have watched.
10. Tokyo Ghoul
I should start off by saying this anime isn't perfect, and it's rather rushed. It would be better if you haven't read the manga, because the anime is a poor adaptation. However, it's still highly entertaining to watch. We follow the main character, Ken Kaneki, who once had been living as a human, until he suddenly turned into a half-ghoul after some major events in the beginning. The most interesting part is digging into Kaneki's mind, and seeing his moral struggles throughout the show. It also relates to the book "The Metamorphosis" by Franz Kafka, and how disgusted humans are toward "monsters".
9. Higurashi no Naku Koro ni
Don't let the beginning fool you! This show may seem like your typical slice of life and comedy show, but that soon changes. The atmosphere grows dark when you learn about a dark murder, and the town's secrets. It's up to you to unravel the mystery of the town, while watching characters turn insane. It gets a bit repetitive, (For reasons which you'll understand after watching a few arcs in the show), but it doesn't cease with it's entertainment value.
8. Mirai Nikki
This anime has one of the most well-known "yandere" characters. In Japan, "yandere" is a person who is rather sweet and gentle, but their love for another person makes them become destructive and violent. That explains Yuno Gasai in this anime, who will do anything in her power to protect the main character.
7. Mawaru Penguindrum
People either love or hate this anime. As for me, I thought it was great, but I have to admit it's confusing at times. The show uses a lot of symbolism, and is very artistic. The story revolves around the main character being terminally ill. When she collapses at an aquarium, her death is temporarily reversed if her friends can find the "Penguin Drum". The anime is thought provoking, and has a lot of hidden messages.
6. Psycho-Pass
The story is set in the future where people have created something called the Sibyl System, a computer program that can detect if someone is or isn't psychologically stable. This is a dark and twisting show, that makes you question how the world should judge people.
5. Shinsekai Yori
This show gets dark and highly disturbing really fast. It's definitely a binge worthy and underrated anime. Set in the future, people obtain the power of psychokinesis, and teenagers go to school to learn how to control their powers. But beware: there are rumors that teenagers have been disappearing from the school, and monstrous black cats are lurking all around. It will get you thinking about human nature and the nature of ethics.
4. Code Geass
Morality plays a big role in this anime. How far would you go to achieve your goals, and how could you justify the actions you'd take? I'm sure a bunch of anime fans have heard of this show, since it's very popular. The best part is seeing the development of the main character, Lelouch, and how he turns into a rebellion leader.
3. Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso
Grab a tissue box for this anime! While this is geared more toward drama, tragedy, and romance, it can be also seen as psychological. Our main character used to be a piano prodigy, but stopped playing when his mother passed away. No longer being able to hear the sound of the piano, the world looks black-and-white to the main character. This show is outstandingly beautiful and heartbreaking.
2. Death Note
A rather addicting cat-and-mouse game that leaves you on the edge of your seat. Once again, anime fans should be familiar with this show, and those who aren't, well you'll be in for an enjoyable ride! This anime plays a lot of mind games and if you like crime shows, then this is for you!
1. Steins; Gate
One of the most mind blowing animes ever. I can write a whole article on why this anime is No. 1, but that would ruin the fun. The best part is diving into this anime without knowing anything about it. It's slow paced at first, but just wait for the twist. You'll want to binge watch it until late at night to finish it.
