5 Goth Anime to Check Out

With thousands of anime series widely available and hundreds of new shows releasing each year, there’s an anime for everyone. So whether you like something slice-of-life and wholesome, or an epic high fantasy saga spanning over three hundred episodes, there are plenty of options to cater to your viewing tastes and favorite genres.

For those who like dark and Gothic things, with a dash of mystery, horror, and magic, these 5 shows have got you covered.

1. Another

At just 13 episodes, Another is a short horror anime set in a high school where students are dying in gruesome and mysterious ways. Kōichi Sakakibara, a new transfer student, quickly realizes that his classmates are keeping secrets from him, and the school has mysteries to uncover. If you like myths and urban legends, you’re sure to love this.  

2. Death Note

One of the most well-known anime with a dedicated fanbase, Death Note is based on a simple premise: the owner of a certain black notebook can kill anyone by writing their names in it, so long as they know the target’s name and face. This notebook belonging to Ryuk, a Shinigami spirit, falls into the hands of Light Yagami, a high school student, and a slew of murders and conspiracy theories.

3. Black Butler

Based on the manga series by Yana Toboso, Black Butler tells the story of a young boy who sells his soul to a demon in exchange for help in revenging the murder of his parents. With Faustian undertones, Victoriana vibes, and a gritty storyline, Black Butler and its many sequels make for a compelling watch.

4. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Another critically-acclaimed anime series, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, is a faithful adaptation of the manga and runs for around 64 episodes. Filled with magic, allegory, alchemy, and esoteric references, the show, with its enthralling storytelling, will appeal to lovers of magical lore.

5. Le Portrait de Petit Cossette

A very short 3-episode anime, Le Portrait de Petit Cossette is a perfect Gothic treat. It revolves around the story of Eiri Kurahashi, an art student who glimpses an image of a girl reflected in the glass while working at an antique shop. He must find a way to uncover the girl’s story and set her spirit free before he falls into a self-destructive spiral himself.