Interest Stacks

Philosphical and/or psychological anime

Anime
byIBN5100_
Dec 03 2022, 1:24 AM | Updated Oct 23, 2023 9:08 PM
A stack for philosophical and/or psychological anime I would recommend.

These shows are good reflections on human psychology and may contain good philosophical themes and depth.

Ranked by personal preference.(Nowhere near accurate.)


DISCLAIMER: Some of these shows are not for everyone and not recommended to people who have a hard time understanding complex philosophical ideas.
Kenpuu Denki Berserk
TV, 1997, 25 eps Me:- Author:9
Reading the manga. Very nihilistic and deterministic. 100 chapters into it and it's already peak. Golden Age arc is one of the greatest writings I have ever consumed.
Monster
TV, 2004, 74 eps Me:- Author:10
The manga has to be one of the best pieces of fiction I have witnessed. Anime has a decent adaptation from what I have heard. So I will put this here.

The antagonist is on a whole other level.

Monster explores the themes of what makes us human. It also talks about the horror of not having an identity and never having experienced love.Are all lives truly equal? This is one of the questions Monster asks.
Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica
TV, 2011, 12 eps Me:- Author:10
Peak fiction and masterpiece.Themes of hope and despair and the final episode was marvellous.A chef's kiss.

Awesome twists and thrill and great storytelling. Definitely a masterpiece.
Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica Movie 3: Hangyaku no Monogatari
Movie, 2013, 1 ep Me:- Author:10
Sequel to Puella Magi Madoka Magica.Going to change how you view the original show.
Steins;Gate
TV, 2011, 24 eps Me:- Author:10
Great time travel thriller.The suspense gonna keep your nails biting and then when the twists are revealed you're like holy shi---

Free will vs determinism with a little take on fatalism.
Shinseiki Evangelion
TV, 1995, 26 eps Me:- Author:8
This one needs no introduction. The most complex anime I have ever seen.Gonna keep your head scratching through the series and the movie.This is often called a masterpiece.

Has nihilistic and anti-escapist themes.
Devilman: Crybaby
ONA, 2018, 10 eps Me:- Author:8
Peak show. Has one of the best endings in fiction. Realistic approach to philosophical themes.

Nihilistic and mythological themes
Perfect Blue
Movie, 1998, 1 ep Me:- Author:9
A great reflection on illusions,reality and fiction. Great anime movie without doubt.
Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch
TV, 2006, 25 eps Me:- Author:7
Battle strategy,philosophy,mind games and depth.

Enjoy the greatest ending in anime or manga.

Also greatest protagonist.
Kaguya-sama wa Kokurasetai: Tensai-tachi no Renai Zunousen
TV, 2019, 12 eps Me:- Author:7
You know it is not a typical romance anime when you see this in a psychological list.
JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken Part 3: Stardust Crusaders
TV, 2014, 24 eps Me:- Author:7
Almost every JoJo part got great psychological battles and mind games. Idk why it's not marked as psychological.
Kiseijuu: Sei no Kakuritsu
TV, 2014, 24 eps Me:- Author:8
There is depth,horror,action, emotional moments. A really good show. Has good development for the main character.
FLCL
OVA, 2000, 6 eps Me:- Author:7
A nice blend of genres you never expect to coexist in one anime.

The journey to adulthood is one hell of a ride.
Death Note
TV, 2006, 37 eps Me:- Author:6
This one needs no introduction(2). Super enjoyable psyhological thriller. Good mc, good antagonist,awesome mind games. Good show overall.

Nihilistic themes.The relation between evil and power.
Kimi no Na wa.
Movie, 2016, 1 ep Me:- Author:7
Handles the free will vs determinism concept well.
No Game No Life
TV, 2014, 12 eps Me:- Author:7
Good isekai with good mc. Don't expect realisticness in this. It is meant for mere enjoyment.
Chainsaw Man
TV, 2022, 12 eps Me:- Author:4
Hedonism - The belief that pursuit for pleasure is the only way of life.

Manga is fire. Didn't like the anime adaptation
Shingeki no Kyojin
TV, 2013, 25 eps Me:- Author:9
This one needs no introduction (3). This was highly philosophical at times until the writer decided to give us a horrible ending.

Just don't watch season 4.
Uzumaki
TV, 2024, 4 eps Me:- Author:-
Waiting for this to release. Finished the manga already.
Meitantei Conan
TV, 1996, ? eps Me:- Author:-
If you're into detectives and mysteries and stuff, this is for you. Highly inspired by Sherlock Holmes.
Kakegurui
TV, 2017, 12 eps Me:- Author:6
Psychological gambling show with likable female lead. S1 was enjoyable.S2 is messed up tho.
Youkoso Jitsuryoku Shijou Shugi no Kyoushitsu e
TV, 2017, 12 eps Me:- Author:3
I do not like this myself but many other people do,so I am going to put it in this stack.

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