Welcome to a deep dive into the intriguing world of psychological anime , where the line between sanity and insanity is constantly tested. Therefore, in this selection, we present the five most psychologically intense animes that, after watching them, you may find yourself thinking about scheduling an appointment with a therapist. If you are a fan of narratives that explore the complexity of the human mind, challenge your perception of reality and delve into deep themes, then get ready for a journey that goes beyond the conventional limits of Japanese animation.
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5 – Zankyou no Terror
In an alternate reality, Tokyo suffers a devastating terrorist attack that throws the city into chaos. The only clue to the culprits is an enigmatic video on the internet, triggering a wave of paranoia across Japan. Behind these terrifying acts are teenagers known as “Sphinx”, who hide under the pseudonyms Nine and Twelve. Although they prefer to remain in the shadows, they have a sinister plan to “awaken the world” from its torpor.
4 – Psycho-Pass
In a future where emotions, desires and criminal tendencies are quantifiable, a group of police officers are dedicated to maintaining public order. Some of them are part of the Justice Division, in charge of arresting criminals, while others belong to the Supervision Division, which monitors their colleagues. This is the story of how society deals with judging criminals based on their “psycho-pass,” in a dark, dystopian setting.
3 – Perfect Blue
Mima Kirigoe, a pop idol, decides to leave her music career to pursue a journey in the world of acting. Her unexpected decision shakes some of her fans who saw her as a pure and angelic figure. As she delves deeper into her new career, Mima finds herself caught up in a whirlwind of events where reality and illusion intertwine, testing her morals and sanity.
2 – Paprika
In the near future, Dr. Tokita invents the powerful DC-Mini device, which allows people to explore their dreams. Dr. Atsuko Chiba, a renowned psychotherapist and researcher, develops a revolutionary treatment based on the device. However, before the government can approve the invention's use, the DC-Mini is stolen, leading to a series of disturbing events. To unravel the mystery behind this mental chaos, Atsuko assumes her secret identity, Paprika, the “dream detective”, embarking on a journey into the world of the unconscious.
1 – Mirai Nikki
Yukiteru, a lonely and peculiar teenager, sees life as a reality show, recording every detail on his cell phone. His imaginary friends, Deus Ex-Machina, the god of time and space, and his assistant, Muru-Muru. However, it wasn't just imagination. They grant Yukiteru the power to predict the future with his cell phone, turning it into a diary of the future. Now, he is forced to participate in a deadly game of survival, where diary holders from the future compete for their lives in a bloody confrontation, defying the reality he has observed so much.
Finally, in the spirit of psychological animes, see also 7 Animes that would never exist if their characters went to therapy
