The world of entertainment is changing rapidly, but anime has etched itself into our collective preference. Once a niche interest, the art form has experienced remarkable popularity in the past decade by fascinating viewers with its gorgeous art, clever storylines, and unmatched creativity. And now, with the rise of streaming giants like Netflix, anime is more accessible than ever.
Anime encompasses everything from slice-of-life tales to sweeping adventures, but there’s a particular subset that garners more attention – the R-rated offerings. Anime series that don’t shy away from mature themes and thought-provoking narratives, and feature graphic violence and bleak atmospheres, ultimately achieving greatness. Netflix has a library that boasts some genuinely sophisticated R-rated anime series. They are not only stunning to watch but also leave a lasting impact on the viewers. Here are 10 outstanding R-rated anime series on Netflix.
10
‘Terminator Zero’ (2024)
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Release Date
August 29, 2024
Seasons
1
Terminator Zero is a part of the same Terminator universe created by James Cameron and Gale Anne Hurd, but it’s set in 1997 in Tokyo, Japan. The main character is a scientist named Malcolm Lee, who is developing an AI to rival Skynet, but as Judgement Day approaches, he finds himself being pursued by a rogue assassin named Terminator. Eiko, a mysterious soldier, is sent from the year 2022 to protect Lee and his children.
Relentless Action and Thought-Provoking Themes
Like the original movies, Terminator Zero also thrusts the main character into the heart of the conflict and forces him to decide whether to embrace his role in humanity’s collective fight or forge his own path and protect his children. But this incarnation is a “sophisticated sci-fi saga of its own” as it challenges the viewers’ perception of consciousness and reality. The cyberpunk aesthetic and graphic violence only enhances its bleak narrative.
9
‘Blue Eye Samurai’ (2023)
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Release Date
November 3, 2023
Seasons
1
Written and created by wife-and-husband team Amber Noizumi and Michael Green for Netflix, Blue Eye Samurai takes place in feudal Japan, where honor and duty were the cornerstones and society. Born with striking blue eyes and growing up as a mixed-race Japanese child, Mizu faced enough discrimination to grow cold and bitter. Now disguised as a boy, she seeks revenge against four white men.
Combines History, Politics, and Samurai Action
An exquisite and mesmerizing anime that deserves more praise, Blue Eye Samurai thrives on its historical drama and rich storytelling. It captures the heart and mind with the beautiful animation and meticulously crafted fight scenes. The characters, especially Mizu, Ringo (a male cook that idolizes her), and Master Eiji (whom she refers to as Swordfather), are complex and well-developed, making it a must-watch for fans of R-rated anime seeking a wholly immersive experience.
8
‘Dorohedoro’ (2020)
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Release Date
January 13, 2020
Cast
Reina Kondō
, Wataru Takagi
, Yu Kobayashi
, Yoshimasa Hosoya
, Kenyu Horiuchi
, Kengo Takanashi
, Miyu Tomita
, Mitsuhiro Ichiki
, Hisao Egawa
, Soungdok
, Tetsu Inada
, Shin-ichiro Miki
, Anri Katsu
, Hozumi Gôda
, Mayu Udono
, Tôru Nara
, Takuma Terashima
, Ryōhei Kimura
, Yûki Kaji
, Takehito Koyasu
, Miyuri Shimabukuro
, Shigeru Chiba
, Hiro Shimono
Seasons
1
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Based on Q Hayashida’s manga of the same name, Dorohedoro is set in a near post-apocalyptic future divided into three realms – Hole, Sorcerers’ world, and Hell. The delicate, and often violent, balance between the first two is broken when Caiman, a young man, is transformed into a lizard-headed amnesiac by a sorcerer. Teaming up with his friend Nikaido, Caiman embarks on a quest to reclaim his original self and seek vengeance.
Dark Fantasy with Twisted Humor
Dorohedoro features a twisted urban landscape and uses a gritty lens of supernatural horror to explore the human condition. With its striking visual aesthetic and bold character designs, it underscores the violent and unapologetic nature of its world. The graphic scenes, use of profanity, and mature themes like identity and power, earn the anime its R-rating. On Rotten Tomatoes, Dorohedoro holds a 100% approval rating, with critics praising it for the “balance of mystery, absurd violence, and humor.”
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7
‘Baki’ (2018)
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Release Date
June 25, 2018
Cast
Kirk Thornton
, Troy Baker
, Cherami Leigh
, Grant George
, Greg Chun
, Mick Wingert
, Ogie Banks
, James Mathis III
Seasons
2
Baki introduces viewers to the brutal world of underground martial arts, where powerful fighters battle for supremacy. The protagonist, Baki Hanma, is a young fighter who trains rigorously to surpass his father, the legendary Yujiro Hanma, the strongest creature on Earth. But first, Baki has to face off against a series of formidable opponents, each more dangerous than the last, in a series of deadly tournaments.
Graphic and Violent Martial Arts Masterpiece
From the premise itself, it’s clear that Baki is an extremely violent anime. From intense training sessions and no-holds-barred tournaments, to deadly fights and the weight of a dark legacy, the main character is under the ever-present threat of meeting expectations and inching towards a goal. Baki is a raw celebration of hand-to-hand combat and the animation does an outstanding job at highlighting the physicality of the characters. For both longtime fans and newcomers, Baki is the ultimate R-rated anime to begin with.
6
‘Cyberpunk: Edgerunners’ (2022)
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Release Date
September 13, 2022
Rating
Cast
Aoi Yuki
, Kenichiro Ohashi
, Kenjiro Tsuda
, Kazuhiko Inoue
, Tomoyo Kurosawa
Seasons
1
Adapted from CD Projekt Red’s video game titled Cyberpunk 2077, this anime serves as a prequel to the main story and is set a year before the events of the game. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners follows David Martinez, a street kid trying to make ends meet in a technology-obsessed world. His life takes a sharp turn when a tragic incident turns him into an “Edgerunner,” a mercenary outlaw, by upgrading his body with cyberware.
Breathtaking Visuals and Immersive Storytelling
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners does a lot of things right. It is set in a neon-drenched, hyper-technological metropolis of Night City and in almost no time, it sends the protagonist into the underworld, where he’s forced to form alliances and face enemies. The narrative is just as high-octane as it is personal, which captivates viewers from the very first frame. The intense action and dark undertones serve to heighten the impact of its R-rating and reward the series with a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score.
5
‘Devilman Crybaby’ (2018)
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Devilman Crybaby
Release Date
January 5, 2018
Cast
Koki Uchiyama
, Ayumu Murase
, Griffin Burns
, Kyle McCarley
, Cristina Valenzuela
, Megumi Han
, Ami Koshimizu
, Cherami Leigh
Seasons
1
Devilman Crybaby centers around an unassuming and kind-hearted teenager named Akira Fudo who learns from his friend that the line between the demonic and human world has blurred. He merges with a demon to thwart an impending apocalypse and becomes Devilman. But the transformation, while giving him the savagery of a demon, also slowly steals his ability to empathize with humans. Akira must battle evil and retain his true self.
Bold and Emotionally Devastating
Adapted from Go Nagai’s manga series, titled Devilman, this anime is popular because of its daring approach towards storytelling and a narrative that dives deep into the nature of morality and human nature. It embraces its R-rated elements, like graphic violence and dark psychological themes, and establishes itself as a beautifully complex series. The characters, particularly Akira and his friend Ryo Asuka, are flawed to the point where they evoke empathy and add originality to the story.
4
‘Castlevania’ (2017)
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Release Date
July 7, 2017
Cast
Lance Reddick
, Jaime Murray
, Emily Swallow
, Adetokumboh M’Cormack
, Bill Nighy
, Graham McTavish
, Tony Amendola
, Jason Isaacs
, Jessica Brown Findlay
, Matt Frewer
, Toru Uchikado
, Richard Armitage
, Rila Fukushima
, Alejandra Reynoso
, Theo James
, Ivana Miličević
, Peter Stormare
, James Callis
Seasons
4
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In the nation of Wallachia, a centuries-old conflict between darkness and humanity is still ripe. The series begins with Vlad Dracula Tepes declaring war on the latter after his wife is burned at the stake. Trevor Belmont, the last surviving member of the disgraced Belmont clan, teams up with magician Sypha Belnades and Dracula’s own son, Alucard, to fight the vampire and his army and save Eastern Europe from destruction.
Epic Battles and a Haunting Story
Revenge and redemption, and the struggle between good and evil, are at the core of this dark and epic series, which is inspired by the Japanese video game series of the same name. Castlevania delivers a clever and gripping juxtaposition of horror and action, with a narrative that portrays the grim reality of a supernatural world. It carries a bleak and foreboding tone, the characters are well-developed, and the soundtrack, composed by Trevor Morris, is brilliant.
3
‘High-Rise Invasion’ (2021)
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High-Rise Invasion
Release Date
February 25, 2021
Cast
Haruka Shiraishi
, Shiki Aoki
, Yūichirō Umehara
, Jonah Scott
, Zeno Robinson
, Suzie Yeung
, Jennie Kwan
, Xanthe Huynh
Seasons
1
Somewhat underrated, especially within Netflix’s decorated library of R-rated anime series, High-Rise Invasion is a horror/survival drama that follows Yuri Honjo, a high school student who finds herself trapped in a bizarre world filled with masked killers and high-rise buildings with no way up or down. In the utter chaos and violence surrounding her, Yuri must not only fight for her own survival but also confront deadly traps while searching for her brother.
Survival Horror Set in the Sky
Despite some inconsistencies in the plot and lack of character depth, High-Rise Invasion is extremely enjoyable for its fast-paced narrative and high-stakes action. The animation is sharp and exciting, with the plot’s constant sense of danger and urgency adding to the appeal. Watching Yuri navigate the strange world feels both fascinating and terrifying, which is what sets the anime apart from the typical ones in the genre.
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2
‘Dandadan’ (2024)
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Dandadan
Release Date
September 13, 2024
Creator(s)
Yukinobu Tatsu
Cast
Natsuki Hanae
, Shion Wakayama
, Nana Mizuki
, Ayane Sakura
, Kaito Ishikawa
, Mayumi Tanaka
, Kazuya Nakai
, Kaori Maeda
, Miyu Tomita
, Ryûnosuke Watanuki
, Hikaru Tanaka
, Seitaro Taniguchi
, Satomi Kobashi
, Mayuko Kazama
, Ryuuzaburou Ootomo
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Supernatural mysteries meet teenage angst in Dandadan, the most popular and wildly entertaining anime series of 2024. It follows Momo Ayase and Okarun, a duo that could not be more different. Momo is a first believer in spirits but he’s sure that aliens don’t exist, and Okarun is a staunch UFO enthusiast with little care for spirits. When they pair up, they encounter everything from evil spirits to alien threats.
Thrilling Take on Paranormal and Sci-Fi Genre
Dandadan kicks off with a unique premise and weaves a narrative filled with comedy, action, and horror. The ultimate story is about Momo’s quest to find her grandmother’s lost memories and Okuran’s goal to find the truth about alien life forms. The animation, both vibrant and eerie, captures it all effortlessly. Its R-rated elements are not just for shock value; they are uncanny and socially relevant and intricately placed in the storyline.
1
‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ (2020)
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Release Date
October 3, 2020
Cast
Junya Enoki
, Yuma Uchida
, Yuichi Nakamura
, Adam McArthur
, Asami Seto
The dark world of Jujutsu Kaisen practically broke the internet with how much praise it garnered. Set in a realm where cursed spirits roam freely and sorcerers get into extraordinary battles with them, it follows Yuji Itadori, a high school student who consumes an artifact and becomes the host of a powerful and merciless curse known as Ryomen Sukuna. He then joins the Tokyo Metropolitan Magic Technical College, learns to harness his powers and fight curses.
Features Visceral Action and Depth
Jujutsu Kaisen is a masterclass in R-rated anime storytelling. It blends breathtaking action sequences, complex character development, and a deeply engaging plot with intensity and realism. With its gorgeous visuals and an expertly crafted soundtrack, the series also explores the treacherous landscape of the occult and allows each character to confront their inner demons. It’s violent, rich, fluid, yet infused with hopeful undertones.
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