Looking for more mature and thought-provoking anime shows? Check out our list of the best mature anime for adult viewers and explore complex themes and messages.
Are you tired of watching the same old anime shows geared towards younger audiences? Do you crave something with more depth, complexity, and mature themes? If so, then you’re in luck because there’s a whole genre of anime that’s specifically geared towards adult viewers – mature anime.
In this article, we’ll be exploring the world of mature anime and highlighting some of the best shows out there. But, before we dive into our top picks, let’s first define what exactly is meant by “mature anime.”
Mature anime is a genre of anime that’s specifically geared towards adult viewers. These shows often deal with more complex and mature themes such as love, loss, and morality. They may also include more explicit content such as violence, gore, and sexual themes. While not all mature anime contain explicit content, they are generally more nuanced and thought-provoking than your average anime show.
So, why should you watch mature anime? For starters, it offers a refreshing change of pace from the typical anime shows geared towards younger audiences. But, more importantly, mature anime often deals with themes and messages that can resonate with adult viewers on a deeper level. These shows can challenge your perspectives, make you think critically about the world around you, and leave a lasting impact on your life.
In this article, we’ll be sharing our top picks for the best mature anime out there. So, grab some popcorn, sit back, and let’s dive into the world of mature anime.
Top 5 Best Mature Anime

The main character from the mature anime ‘Cowboy Bebop’ sitting alone on a rooftop, lost in thought.
If you’re new to the world of mature anime and don’t know where to start, fear not! We’ve compiled a list of our top 5 picks for the best mature anime out there.
1. Attack on Titan
The first on our list is Attack on Titan, a post-apocalyptic anime that follows the story of humanity’s struggle for survival against giant, man-eating Titans. This show is recommended for mature audiences due to its graphic violence and mature themes such as loss and sacrifice. Key themes and messages in Attack on Titan include the struggle for survival, the horrors of war, and the importance of unity. The animation in this show is top-notch, and the soundtrack is incredibly powerful and emotional.
2. Death Note
Next up is Death Note, a psychological thriller that follows the story of a high school student who gains the power to kill anyone whose name he writes in a notebook. This show is recommended for mature audiences due to its complex themes of morality and justice. Key themes and messages in Death Note include the dangers of absolute power, the corrupting influence of power, and the importance of accountability. The animation and voice acting in this show are both outstanding.
3. Psycho-Pass
Psycho-Pass is a dystopian sci-fi anime that explores the concept of a society where people’s mental states can be quantified and measured. This show is recommended for mature audiences due to its graphic violence and mature themes such as the nature of justice and the role of law enforcement. Key themes and messages in Psycho-Pass include the dangers of a surveillance state, the nature of free will, and the importance of individuality. The animation in this show is sleek and stylish, and the voice acting is superb.
4. Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop is a classic anime that follows the story of a group of bounty hunters as they travel through space in search of their next target. This show is recommended for mature audiences due to its mature themes such as loss and regret. Key themes and messages in Cowboy Bebop include the importance of human connection, the inevitability of change, and the consequences of our actions. The animation in this show is timeless, and the jazz-inspired soundtrack is a standout feature.
5. Steins;Gate
Last but not least, we have Steins;Gate, a sci-fi anime that explores the concept of time travel. This show is recommended for mature audiences due to its complex themes of fate and the consequences of our actions. Key themes and messages in Steins;Gate include the dangers of playing god, the nature of sacrifice, and the importance of cherishing the present. The animation in this show is stunning, and the voice acting is excellent.
These are just a few of the best mature anime shows out there. Each of these shows offers something unique and thought-provoking, making them must-watch shows for any fan of mature anime.
Mature Anime vs. Regular Anime

A scene from the mature anime ‘Death Note’, with the main character Light Yagami standing in front of a desolate cityscape.
If you’re an anime fan, you’re probably familiar with the wide variety of anime shows out there. From action-packed shonen anime to cute and fluffy slice-of-life anime, there’s something for everyone. But, when it comes to mature anime, there are some key differences that set it apart from regular anime.
Firstly, mature anime often deals with more complex and adult themes. While regular anime shows may have some mature themes, they are often presented in a more simplistic and straightforward manner. Mature anime, on the other hand, may explore these themes in a more nuanced and thought-provoking way.
Secondly, mature anime may contain more explicit content such as violence, gore, and sexual themes. While not all mature anime contain explicit content, it’s not uncommon for these shows to push the boundaries in terms of what’s acceptable for mainstream audiences.
So, why is mature anime important for anime fans? For starters, it offers a refreshing change of pace from the typical anime shows geared towards younger audiences. But, more importantly, mature anime often deals with themes and messages that can resonate with adult viewers on a deeper level.
If you’re looking to explore the world of mature anime, there are plenty of great shows out there to choose from. Some popular examples include “Death Note,” “Attack on Titan,” and “Cowboy Bebop.” These shows are praised for their mature themes, complex characters, and engrossing storytelling.
In the next section, we’ll be exploring some of the key characteristics of mature anime and highlighting some of the best shows out there. So, stay tuned!
Characteristics of Mature Anime
When it comes to mature anime, there are certain characteristics that set it apart from regular anime. These traits can make mature anime more nuanced, thought-provoking, and impactful for adult viewers. Here are some of the key characteristics of mature anime:
Common themes found in mature anime
Mature anime often deals with themes that are more complex and mature than what you might find in regular anime. These themes can include love, loss, morality, and societal issues. By exploring these themes in-depth, mature anime can challenge your perspectives and make you think critically about the world around you.
Character development and depth
Mature anime often features more complex and multi-dimensional characters than what you might find in regular anime. These characters may have flaws, make mistakes, and have nuanced motivations. By exploring characters in-depth, mature anime can provide a more immersive and impactful viewing experience.
Storytelling techniques
Mature anime often employs more advanced storytelling techniques to convey its messages and themes. These techniques may include flashbacks, non-linear narratives, and unreliable narrators. By using these techniques, mature anime can create a more engaging and thought-provoking viewing experience.
Examples of mature anime that embody these characteristics
Some of the best examples of mature anime that embody these characteristics include:
- “Death Note”: This psychological thriller explores the themes of justice, morality, and power through a complex and multi-dimensional cast of characters.
- “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood”: This epic adventure follows two brothers as they navigate a world of magic and alchemy, exploring themes of sacrifice, loss, and redemption.
- “Attack on Titan”: This action-packed thriller explores a world where humanity is on the brink of extinction, tackling themes of survival, trauma, and identity.
By embodying these characteristics, mature anime can provide a viewing experience that’s more nuanced, thought-provoking, and impactful than what you might find in regular anime.
How to Find the Best Mature Anime
Are you looking for the best mature anime to watch but don’t know where to start? With so many shows out there, it can be overwhelming to find the right one for you. But, fear not, because we’ve got you covered with some tips for discovering new mature anime.
Tips for Discovering New Mature Anime
- Check out recommendations from friends or online anime communities. They may have similar tastes to you and can suggest shows that you’ll enjoy.
- Look up the creators of your favorite anime shows and see if they’ve worked on any other mature anime. Chances are, if you enjoy their previous work, you’ll enjoy their other shows as well.
- Browse through streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Crunchyroll, and filter your search results for mature anime. This can help narrow down your options and make it easier to find shows that fit your preferences.
- Read reviews and ratings of mature anime shows online to get a better idea of what to expect before diving in.
Online Resources for Finding Mature Anime
- MyAnimeList: This popular anime database has a section specifically for mature anime. You can filter your search results by rating, genre, and more.
- Anime-Planet: Similar to MyAnimeList, Anime-Planet has a section for mature anime and allows you to search and filter your results based on various criteria.
- Reddit: There are several anime-related subreddits that can provide recommendations and reviews for mature anime. Some popular ones include r/anime and r/Animesuggest.
Recommendations for Anime Fans Looking for Mature Content
- “Death Note”: This psychological thriller follows a high school student who gains the power to kill anyone by writing their name in a notebook. It explores themes of morality, power, and justice.
- “Attack on Titan”: This dark fantasy anime takes place in a world where humanity is on the brink of extinction due to giant man-eating creatures called Titans. It explores themes of survival, war, and the human condition.
- “Steins;Gate”: This sci-fi anime follows a group of friends who accidentally discover time travel and must navigate the consequences of their actions. It explores themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the consequences of playing with time.
With these tips and recommendations, you’ll be well on your way to discovering the best mature anime out there. Happy watching!
Conclusion
In conclusion, mature anime is a genre that offers a unique and refreshing perspective on the world of anime. These shows offer complex themes, nuanced characters, and thought-provoking messages that can resonate with adult viewers on a deeper level. Whether you’re looking for a gritty action-thriller or a heartfelt drama, there’s a mature anime out there that’s sure to capture your attention.
In this article, we’ve highlighted some of the best mature anime out there, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. There are countless shows out there waiting to be discovered, and we encourage you to explore this genre for yourself.
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In the end, whether you’re a longtime anime fan or just getting started, we hope that this article has inspired you to check out some of the best mature anime out there. So, grab a friend, grab some snacks, and get ready to dive into the world of mature anime.