Unofficially Psychological
Anime
Although none of these anime have a tag/theme that denotes them as psychological, they all use cinematographic tactics often seen in psychological media to explore different aspects of the human condition and tackle atypical and philosophical topics.
Feel free to DM or message me about any questions, suggestions, or opinions about this stack!
Feel free to DM or message me about any questions, suggestions, or opinions about this stack!
TV, 2021,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:10
Main thematic is based around the human condition and paints a surreal landscape based on the stagnancy of life.
Ihatov Gensou: Kenji no Haru
Spring and Chaos
Movie, 1996,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:10
Illustrates an individual's seeking for happiness in mundane life after dealing with the stress and trauma of war and loss.
TV, 2000,
25 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Dives into the corruption of mankind on not only a individual scale with the main character's lust for revenge, but also explores the corruption of society in an underlying militarian plot. Also parallels many of its thematic elements to the Bible and uses symbolism in such a manner.
Gankutsuou
Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo
TV, 2004,
24 eps
Me:-
Author:8
A slow burn of a tale which details the breakdown of a broken man being driven into madness over his ideas of revenge, and what his wishes entails and imposes on the lives of others.
Ima, Soko ni Iru Boku
Now and Then, Here and There
TV, 1999,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Normal people are not normally thrown into seeing the worst of humanity as jarring and surprising as this anime forces its viewer into experiencing. The worst of humanity is exposed, and illustrates how even the most normal of people can be influenced and become accepting of such a twisted mindset.
Movie, 1988,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:8
Under immense suffering and discomfort, psychic body-horror induced powers emerge, illustrating Tetsuo's torment and eventual corruption.
Kaijuu no Kodomo
Children of the Sea
Movie, 2019,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:5
This film makes you question the societal bounds that humans have created in comparison to the infinitely free force of nature.
Brigadoon: Marin to Melan
Brigadoon
TV, 2000,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:7
The alien elements in the film respond and create metaphorical and psychical psychological hardship towards the main protagonist. Although surreal and convoluted, this is quite the difficult show to pull many intricate meanings from, but is very worth the watch.
TV, 2009,
15 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Get ready to read paragraphs upon paragraphs of breakdowns about even the most minute actions. And panty shots. Unlike most anime, Bakemonogatari focuses on some of the most interesting phycological perspectives that I've ever seen, and can easily be applied to the own viewer's life, offering profound and interesting advice in rather grim ways.
Movie, 2013,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:-
Like Ghost in the Shell, questions what truly differentiates the human consciousness from an artificial one. A kind of interesting watch, especially covering such a short amount of screen time!
Chikyuugai Shounen Shoujo
The Orbital Children
ONA, 2022,
6 eps
Me:-
Author:6
Starts off as a regular sci-fi film with a futuristic setting, but after introducing an omnipresent AI who seemingly predicts the future of humanity, this show turns completely nihilistic when it confronts the immovable impending demise of all people and questions the character's very motivations and feelings upon their eventual demise, whether they will accept it or struggle uselessly against it.
Kyousou Giga (TV)
Kyousougiga
TV, 2013,
10 eps
Me:-
Author:6
Filled with random symbolism and imagery that corresponds to both the fantastical world and Japanese folklore, Kyousou Giga's direction follows its extremely character driven narrative through their relationships and motivations.
Kubikiri Cycle: Aoiro Savant to Zaregotozukai
The Kubikiri Cycle
OVA, 2016,
8 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Much like Bakemonogatari, Kubikiri Cycle breaks down interactions in a very roundabout manner that eventually reveals character's weaknesses in a high-stakes mystery murder situation.
Dennou Coil
Den-noh Coil
TV, 2007,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:8
As characters struggle to come to terms with their memories and their situations in reality, they also struggle to decipher the realness of the cyber world and overcome the barrier between the conscious and subconscious that these two opposing worlds rely on, which results in much ambiguity. Mental struggles of the characters end up materializing in the cyber world, and are then juxtaposed on the real world, which is also confusing.
Ginga Tetsudou no Yoru
Night on the Galactic Railroad
Movie, 1985,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:7
A surreal journey through time and space that deals with loss, happiness, and the meanings of life. Many instances of symbolism and references to old legends and fables can be found within the work that truly gives life to its thematic picture.
Houseki no Kuni
Land of the Lustrous
TV, 2017,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Land of the Lustrous' unique setting demonstrates both physical and metaphorical settings for the characters as they break down to find worth in themselves and discover their purpose in life. Deals with the traumas of immortality.
Movie, 2013,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:6
A clever music video with vibrant imagery that reflects on the meaning of human, love, and desire.
Movie, 2010,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:5
A strange story of a girl who builds an obscure, twisted façade for herself in order to avoid the circumstances of her reality.
TV, 2010,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:9
In one of the best examples of character development I have ever seen, Katanagatari highlights the harsh reality, tearing down the façade of a simply "carefree" journey through life. One must empty themselves to reach achievement.
TV, 2008,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:9
In a world that lives in an currently crumbling society, the story of Kaiba explores the meaning of "self" in comparison to the body, the mind, and to memory. It also deals with themes revolving around the many meanings of love and the human condition in surreal sequences told in a non-linear fashion.
Kenpuu Denki Berserk
Berserk
TV, 1997,
25 eps
Me:-
Author:9
As Berserk introduces two protagonists rising against the hardest of circumstances to achieve one man's goals, it illustrates the struggle of the means into achieving these goals, finding purpose within yourself to create a motivation for living, and reaching one's limits when finding what they are willing to sacrifice to claim what they set out to achieve.
TV, 2014,
11 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Demonstrates the struggle and mentality of achieving success through your talents and hobbies, as well as having fun with it.
TV, 2003,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Even with the futuristic advancements that has taken humanity into space, its characters still struggle beneath the repression of their own dreams. Midway through, the show takes quite an unexpected turn of pursuing these goals, resulting in a very dramatic tonal shift that reveals the more darker aspects of goals when you sacrifice everything into achieving them.
Oki ni Mesu mama
As You Like It
Music, 2017,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:10
A happy little music video that differentiates one from their persona through surreal imagery and groovy music. Said surreal imagery and groovy music is very interpretive!
Tenshi no Tamago
Angel's Egg
OVA, 1985,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:8
A rather contemplative film that does not necessarily tell a cohesive, full story, but offers a unique psychological breakdown in its environments, characters, and many symbols and metaphors present within it. What this baby is about is up to you, and the breakdown Reddits.
TV, 2008,
24 eps
Me:-
Author:9
After living a fulfilling dream, reality sets in, and is grimmer than you might except. Clannad: After Story is a very realistic journey through its main protagonists' life which ends up being a very relatable tale for most of its viewers.
Vampire Hunter D (2000)
Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust
Movie, 2000,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:8
Very subtle hints of characters and their struggles facing conflicting themes of humanity and mortality in this action packed baby!
Hunter x Hunter (2011)
Hunter x Hunter
TV, 2011,
148 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Many characters and their respective backgrounds, stories, and eventual problems are introduced. As all these lives momentarily interact with one another along their respective journeys, one large narrative folds out that covers how all of their different wills and motivations shape and influence each other and make them into the people that they are meant to be. A true master class of a story.
JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken Part 4: Diamond wa Kudakenai
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Diamond Is Unbreakable
TV, 2016,
39 eps
Me:-
Author:8
The first half of the show establishes relationships between characters, creating very comfortable and personal circle of friends, only for one savage antagonist throws it all into jeopardy. The struggle is intense when the very lives of every single character and their happiness hangs on the line, and questions the limits of one's humanity when faced with such a heavy burden.
Ningyo
Mermaid
Movie, 1964,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:-
A nice little 60s short, until it isn't! This film is massively dark, and explores the ways society snatches away one's childlike innocence at a young age, eliminating one completely of their sense of wonder and smashes their reality that even deprives them of life's actual joys. I love this film!
Denpa-teki na Kanojo
Electromagnetic Girlfriend
OVA, 2009,
2 eps
Me:-
Author:6
The main character accompanies a rather interesting girl who questions seemingly absolutely insane individuals. As she breaks down their own ways of thinking, it becomes how human these people once were, and that unfortunate circumstances slowly bent their ways of thinking.
Eiga Daisuki Pompo-san
Pompo: The Cinéphile
Movie, 2021,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:6
Although a feel good movie, Pompo-san rather accurately portrays the many hardships of being a content creator and questions the very reason for creation- to deliver your own feelings to an audience. I know it sounds like a very basic and obvious sentence just stating it like that, but even I felt like I knew it all and this movie still reached me. :')
TV, 2002,
38 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Set in a surreal environment where fantastical creatures are the norm, the show turns itself on its head by questioning the very existence of itself and its story to build upon themes of dealing with emotion, love, desire, and creativity.
Suzumiya Haruhi no Shoushitsu
The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya
Movie, 2010,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:7
Tackles the meaning of happiness, life, and friendship when an endless amount of realities suddenly become possible. As the character struggle to attain their individual needs and desires, they learn to overcome their emotions and traumas through the support of others they didn't realize they had and ultimately find the meaning in their mundane lives. Lots of surreal sequences take place to mimic the character's discombobulation and portray different possible realities as "wrong".
ef: A Tale of Memories.
ef - a tale of memories.
TV, 2007,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Deals with loss, death, and the meaning to life in regards to memory. Also deals with the trauma and overcoming the past.
TV, 2011,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:-
Through its character struggles, Fate/ paints pictures of the human condition and tackles the morality of different philosophical ideas and order.
TV, 1998,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Under the toughest of circumstances, Trigun forces one to face their values and question their very moral standards. Characters undergo psychological sequences when trying to deal with their past and decisions.
Ou Dorobou Jing
Jing: King of Bandits
TV, 2002,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:6
Although most of the surreal imagery is due to the fantastical setting, mental images from characters' minds often materialize and disappear during exposition scenes that fluidify the the storytelling and further explain the way characters feel or think.
Kara no Kyoukai Movie 1: Fukan Fuukei
The Garden of Sinners Chapter 1: Overlooking View
Movie, 2007,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:6
A delve into the philosophies of morality and humankind, all tied together within a non-linear narrative that subtly reveals ideas through action and immense focus on composition. Lots of imagery and symbolism during sequences of exposition.
TV, 2010,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:-
Deals with the traumas of overcoming grief and tackling with horrors from the past, along with overcoming hardships and struggling to survive in harsh environments with others. Also defines the meaning to life and happiness under such desolate conditions.
ONA, 2018,
10 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Explores the limits of what is considered human and moral in an exceedingly bleak portrayal of humanity. Characters struggle to overcome their flaws and mentalities and ultimately learn their place in the universe.
Tenshi Kinryouku
Angel Sanctuary
OVA, 2000,
3 eps
Me:-
Author:2
An obscure OVA series that deals with subjects such as struggling to attain personal goals, respect and satisfaction in life, a place in society, what can be defined as love, and overcoming insecurities. Although the OVA series does prevail at displaying the turmoil and trauma one may need to overcome when tying to reach their desires, it does lack reason when trying to intertwine religious imagery into the story.
TV, 2020,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:9
A show with immense psychedelic imagery and themes that revolve around chaos and identity. As Kaiman struggles to understand the world of the enigmatic magic users, his desire to learn about his past starts to consume his present with confusion.
Ged Senki
Tales from Earthsea
Movie, 2006,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:7
Discusses the value of life and mankind's mortality within a tale whose characters struggle against their personal evils and the sins they commit against life. Although much surrealistic imagery is a result of the simple use of magic, many sequences utilize artistic symbolism and imagery to characterize certain aspects of survival and struggle as morally good or evil.
TV, 2000,
20 eps
Me:-
Author:6
The characters' mental states slowly crumble as they face the unknown and have to live with the consequences of their actions. Not much background music is used in the show, which mimics the emptiness and lonesome the characters feel towards each other as their relationships are compromised. Surreal sequences of delirium further pronounce the crumbling sanity as characters struggle to retain their humanity and morality under dire conditions of the supernatural.
Palme no Ki
A Tree of Palme
Movie, 2002,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:9
Talks about the conscious, desire, and learning one's place in the world. Explores the value of life and death through surrealistic imagery and uses contrast between its child-like art style and the moments of blood and violence to emphasize the drama and impact the audience more. Furthermore, explores the definition of human in a world where multiple species exist and dispute against one another for validation after humans became scarce.
TV, 2016,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:4
Many many scenes are visually dense with symbolic items, placement of characters, and composition. Furthermore, as the characters undergo events that could produce stress, their mindsets are portrayed through their environment is a unique and abstract fashion.
Movie, 2013,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:7
With wild action and flying colors, Kick-Heart manages to capture a man's struggle to maintain his wrestling and family-man identities and his desire to find love. Many scene switches are included to fully encapsulate his bustling life and surreal imagery is used prominently to portray his emotional states and mindsets without words.
TV, 2004,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Trauma is not uncommon in this series as it dissects the meaning of life and living in a narrative about people have have come into contact with a force that can disrupt the state of the soul and body. Many disorienting sequences take place to capture the characters' struggle to understand their pasts and the feelings that their memories hold.
