Anime is an exciting source of entertainment that’s able to tell the kinds of stories that can’t be found anywhere else. There are hundreds of formative anime series that push boundaries and have influenced what’s to come in the genre, especially over the past decade. In addition to anime series, there are cinematic anime endeavors that often tell stories that are even more extravagant.

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When it comes to anime movies, there are plenty that cater towards children or are friendly for the entire family. However, anime can be very mature and some of the best movies that have been made are some that aren’t appropriate for younger audiences.

10 Akira Is An Anime Classic That Embraces Grotesque Body Horror

Anime Akira Kaneda Attacks Tetsuo

1988’s Akira by Katsuhiro Otomo is one of the most iconic anime films of all time, and its material that’s been parodied and referenced in things as mainstream as South Park. The story is set in a dystopian future version of Tokyo where genetic experiments, nuclear warfare, and crime all run rampant.

At its core Akira is really just about Kaneda’s efforts to save his friend, Tetsuo, but the scale that this struggle reaches is a testament to the glory of anime. Mature subject matter, heavy violence, and disturbing visuals guarantee that this isn’t one for the kids.

9 Grave Of The Fireflies Highlights The Horror Of War

Anime Grave Of The Fireflies Journey

Studio Ghibli has a reputation for a large library of films that are perfect for children, but this isn't a blanket statement and some of their movies are important stories, but intense ones. Grave of the Fireflies follows a teenage brother and his younger sister who find themselves separated from their parents.

However, Grave of the Fireflies is set in Japan during the height of World War II and it not only doesn't shy away from the atrocities of war, but it makes this damage the film's focus. It's an unflinching story that's too much for even many adults to handle.

8 I Want To Eat Your Pancreas Tells A Gutting Story Of Loss

Anime I Want To Eat Your Pancreas Splashing

There are a lot of beautiful and touching anime films that are clearly going to be a heavy experience, but I Want to Eat Your Pancreas makes this obvious right from its title. This film by Shin'ichirō Ushijima is very reminiscent of Makoto Shinkai efforts, but is even more tragic.

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The movie chronicles a very intimate relationship between two classmates when one learns that the other is dying of a fatal pancreatic ailment. There’s no disputing that I Want to Eat Your Pancreas is an effective film, but its entire premise is one that’s likely too heavy for most children.

7 Perfect Blue Depicts The Surreal & Brutal Loss Of Self

Anime Perfect Blue Fish Shocked

Satoshi Kon is one of the most prolific names in the anime industry and every one of his movies are incredible, but they also typically verge into unsettling and very adult territory.

Perfect Blue details Mima Kirigoe's increased detachment from reality as she transitions from a pop idol group to become an actress. Mima's journey of self-discovery prompts a series of grisly murders and she just sinks deeper into dread. Perfect Blue is a stunning story about the loss of identity, and one that's far too mature and complex for children.

6 Ghost In The Shell Indulges In The Extremes Of Cyberpunk

Anime Ghost In The Shell Robot Hands Typing

Ghost in the Shell is another anime film that's considered foundational to the industry and it's a property that remains relevant and turns out new material to this day.

The 1995 film by Mamoru Oshii is one of anime's finest forays into science fiction and cyberpunk storytelling as it tells a story about the hacking of cyborg-human hybrids and the loss of identity that accompanies this. Ghost in the Shell is full of heightened violence and an approach to the human body that's far too much for a child to handle.

5 The Themes In The Wind Rises Are Too Mature For Kids

Anime The Wind Rises Umbrella Rain

Hayao Miyazaki is a master of animation and his films are generally exactly the kind of thoughtful stories that children should experience. However, The Wind Rises is by far Miyazaki’s most adult movie and it doesn’t hide behind fantasy like most of his work.

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It focuses on the struggles of a man whose passionate about building planes, but then laments how his creations are being used to carry out destruction. It’s an existential look into the self that’s set against World War II. It’s not that The Wind Rises is necessarily inappropriate for children, but it’s a movie that’s likely not going to connect with them.

4 Ninja Scroll Trades In Bloody, Heightened Violence

Anime Ninja Scroll Samurai Sword Attack

Ninja Scroll has become one of the more cherished anime action movies to come out of the '90s and its whole aesthetic plays into how animation can be for adult audiences rather than children. Ninja Scroll tells the story of Jubei, a determined ninja who is forced to not only slay his own people, but face off against demonic ninjas with terrible powers.

Ninja Scroll is a satisfying entry for both monster and ninja films, but it's full of blood, severed limbs, and explicit sexual content and it goes without saying that it's only for adults.

3 A Silent Voice’s Message Is Important, But Its Content Is Intense

Anime A Silent Voice Funnel Bullying

A Silent Voice is an anime film that goes right for the heartstrings, and much like any of Shinkai’s filmography it’s a very emotional experience. It looks at the relationship between a deaf girl and the boy who mercilessly bullied her throughout school, only for him to slowly understand the error of his ways.

The film tells an important story about bullying and friendship that’s actually great material for a child to be exposed to, but the movie also touches on suicide, sexuality, and other topics that may still be just a little too much for kids, at least younger ones.

2 Rebuild Of Evangelion Is An Assault On The Mind

Anime Rebuild Of Evangelion Asuka Pilots Eva

Neon Genesis Evangelion is widely considered to be one of the most out-there anime series of all time and it’s certainly one that covers incredibly adult themes and subject matter. The Rebuild of Evangelion movies re-tell the events of the series, but take some radical new directions and push the franchise into new territory.

Evangelion is material that’s often too heady for many adults to fully comprehend and there are still debates over much of the show’s symbolism. Add to that the violence and nihilistic point of view and it’s clear that young kids should be nowhere near Evangelion.

1 Paprika Is Visually Gorgeous, But Psychologically Extreme

Anime Paprika Surreal Parade

Paprika is the final piece of work by Satoshi Kon and in many ways it’s the most twisted and experimental of any of his movies. Paprika is basically like if Inception were an anime, with all the added weirdness that would naturally go along with it.

The film revolves around “dream detectives” and a terrorist attack that will destroy the public’s minds. Paprika unpacks heavy themes and asks some especially deep questions and even though some of the lush visuals and absurdity will appeal to children, it’s still not material that’s meant to be watched by them.

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