Anime series come in all shapes and sizes, covering many different genres. Some are short, sweet, and to the point, keeping the plot straightforward. Meanwhile, others become a complex web of storylines that even the most seasoned anime fans have trouble keeping up with.
Some anime series are just completely confusing. Whether they feature an intricate plot with many twists and turns or simply boggle the mind with their abstract visuals, many anime are difficult for fans to understand. While they may be confusing for viewers, these series have a special appeal to them. They keep fans interested with complex stories and outrageous characters that leave them wondering what will happen next.
8 Durarara!! Is A Strange Tale Told Through The Lives Of Multiple Characters
As far as anime goes, Durarara!! is one of the strangest series around. The story follows Mikado Ryuugamine as well as a myriad of many other colorful characters and the rumors popping up around Ikebukuro about various dangers that occupy the city. There are many forces at work in the series, from gang wars to supernatural beings to a missing head that somehow connects everything together. There is a lot going on from start to finish, making the series difficult to follow at times. In addition, the story moves from one character's perspective to the next in a non-linear fashion, forcing viewers to look for clues to put everything together.
7 Elfen Lied Features A Powerful Yet Perplexing Species
Considered a classic horror series, Elfen Lied is the story of a species of humans known as Diclonius. Sporting a pair of horns and invisible hands known as vectors that can rip through anything, Diclonius are a breed of killers. Despite the threat they pose to humanity, they are treated as test subjects and weapons by the government. Diclonius are supposedly born with the instinct to kill humans.
However, more often than not, it seems their murderous intent is in response to the abuse they suffer. The existence of Diclonius and their abilities are perplexing, with little explanation on how they came to be. Their treatment is confusing, especially when they can kill anyone with little effort. As the anime progresses, their existence only becomes more puzzling, the ending leaving more questions than answers.
6 The Multiple Timelines In Steins;Gate Can Be Hard To Keep Up With
From its very first episode, Steins;Gate is a whirlwind of confusion for viewers. Little makes sense at the start, and it takes several episodes before viewers can piece things together. Following scientist Rintarou Okabe, the story centers around his experiments and gadgets, most notably his greatest achievement yet, the Phone Microwave. With this bizarre object, Okabe and his companions alter the flow of time. They create multiple off-shoot timelines and rewrite history by sending text messages to the past. While undeniably strange, it is a unique concept that puts a new spin on the idea of time travel.
5 Dreams Collide With Reality And Create Chaos In Paprika
The works of Satoshi Kon are imaginative and pull viewers in with a seamless blend of reality and illusion, and Paprika is no exception. While its story is tantalizing and beautiful, the psychological aspects that are famous within Satoshi Kon's films bewilder the audience. The world of dreams and reality come together in this film as Officer Toshimi Konakwa undergoes experimental therapy with a device known as the DC Mini.
However, the technology falls into sinister hands, and the city is gripped with psychological warfare as the deepest corners of citizens' minds are used against them. The further the story progresses, the more confusing it becomes as the world of dreams crosses over into the real world, taking the story into even stranger territory than before.
4 The Melancholy Of Haruhi Suzumiya Is A Chaotic World At The Mercy Of A Teenage Girl
The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya has puzzled fans from the start. Not only is the series a jumbled mess of episodes, but the plot itself hardly makes sense. For reasons unknown, the titular character Haruhi Suzumiya is the God and creator of the world, and everyone and everything is at the mercy of her whims. If she becomes bored with reality, she can alter it, reset it, or even destroy it without a second thought. The rest of the characters go through their lives doing everything they can to entertain their creator and prevent the end of the world. While it is a fun and hilarious watch, it certainly isn't for everyone, as it is equal parts entertaining and confusing almost the entire run.
3 Revolutionary Girl Utena Is An Odd But Compelling Series
Revolutionary Girl Utena starts simply enough. The story follows Utena Tenjou, who aims to become a Prince after being saved by a mysterious Prince in her childhood. However, things take a strange turn after Utena begins attending Ohtori Academy and encounters Anthy Himemiya. This strange girl is treated more like property than a human being due to her status as the Rose Bride, shocking Utena.
Before she knows it, Utena finds herself in a competition to claim the hand of the Rose Bride and gain control of her power. It is a surreal experience, with abstract themes that symbolize ambition, coming-of-age, and abuse. While it is an enjoyable watch, its confusing story and heavy reliance on metaphors and allegories leave many perplexed.
2 There Is Little To Nothing That Makes Sense In Pop Team Epic
There are many anime series out there that follow no decisive plot, but few even come close to the randomness that is Pop Team Epic. It is a surreal and outlandish anime featuring protagonists Pipimi and Popuko, who both appear much cartoonier than the average anime girl. There is no real story to follow in Pop Team Epic, the series consisting entirely of random sketches starring the two girls, each more nonsensical than the last. The show is filled with esoteric references and gags, many of which are far too obscure for Western fans to keep up. However, if viewers can get past the lack of plot and jarring changes from sketch to sketch, it is a hilarious and addictive series to get into.
1 Fans Will Need To Watch FLCL Multiple Times Just To Understand It
There is no doubt that FLCL is a classic series and a masterpiece among anime. It has been a beloved favorite among fans for years, still holding relevance today. One of the things that makes this series great is how absolutely trippy it can be. The story begins with 12-year-old Naota Nandaba developing a strange horn protruding out of his forehead. Before he knows it, he gets tangled up in the antics of a strange, pink-haired alien girl who uses him to draw out giant robots and weaponry at her disposal. Finding the true meaning behind this series feels almost impossible. Its symbolism and out-there storylines are difficult to understand, making it necessary to watch the series at least twice for it to make any sense.