We’ll Stick With Reality On This One
Anime has no shortage of fantastical worlds, many of which are crafted with such creativity that we can’t help but want to leap through the screen and become a part of their wonderfully strange environments. Of course, for every land dotted with awesome mecha, waifus, husbandos and the occasional Pokemon, there are animated worlds that exemplify savagery, madness and true horror. Needless to say, we’d rather stick without own mundane lives than have to visit any of these hellscapes.
#5: The World of Neo-Nazi Vampires
“Hellsing Ultimate†series (2006-12)
When the Neo-Nazi organization Millenium reforms in England, they set their sights on world domination by creating an army of vampires and other hellish creatures. The only ones capable of putting a stop to the evil are Alucard, a vampire who swore his life to the Hellsing family, and his partner, Seras Victoria. Good luck if you’re a Londoner in this world, since you’ll find yourself either being bombed or devoured by vampires, with a high chance you’ll rise again as a ghoul.
#4: Zombie Infested Japan
“High School of the Dead†(2010)
When this particular outbreak hits present day Japan, our hapless main characters find themselves trapped inside their high school, battling the undead corpses of their fellow class-mates. Once they do finally make it out, they realize that their whole city is infected, and most likely the entire world. Armed with some very crude but effective weapons, these students fight for their lives in this new harsh reality. While the show prefers to emphasise fanservice over zombie skills, it still doesn’t take away the fact that the dead have taken over the planet.
#3: Post World War 3 Tokyo
“Akira†(1988)
Set in Neo-Tokyo, Post-World War 3, the city has been rebuilt into a dystopian society overrun by gangs and a corrupt government. Underneath this all thrives secret government projects including child imprisonment and experimentation. With overpopulation and limited resources, anarchy doesn’t even begin to describe the rule of this world. If that’s not enough to deter you, just wait until Tetsuo goes on one of his psychic rampages.
#2: Earth After the Second Impact
“Neon Genesis Evangelion†(1995-1996)
The Second Impact was a cataclysmic event; the disastrous result of a scientific experiment gone wrong. A huge explosion in the South Pole caused a shift in Earth’s planetary alignment, resulting in instantaneous climate change and the death of over two-billion people. Oh, and it gets worse. Monstrous beings called Angels, awoke from somewhere below Earth’s surface and began to attack Tokyo. Ensuing battles against the Angels leads to unavoidable destruction. So unless you have an EVA Unit, get out.
#1: Inside Wall Maria
“Attack On Titan†(2013; 2017-)
Life inside of the enormous fortified walls is seemingly tranquil for all of its inhabitants. Don’t be fooled however, as the human race is actually on the brink of extinction and living in fear of giant human-ingesting creatures called the Titans. The citizens safeguard themselves within three concentric walls encompassing their cities while the rest of the world belongs to the Titans. When the giant humanoids break through their guarded walls, civilians are forced to retreat farther into their capital, resulting in overcrowding and famine. It’s a world of kill or be killed and the odds couldn’t be more stacked against you.
Be sure to check out the video below to see our picks for the Top 10 Terrifying Giant Monsters in Anime.