The Best R-Rated (18+) Anime That Are Worth Watching (2024)

In anime, a subversive realm exists where boundaries are pushed, themes are mature, and storytelling is unapologetically intense. As such, we've compiled the best R-rated anime that are worth watching.

While not for the faint of heart, these anime offer a compelling and often visceral experience that resonates with mature audiences who want something more than cute characters and lighthearted adventures.

RELATED: The Best Seinen Anime to Watch

  1. / 11

    Prison School

    The Best R-Rated (18+) Anime That Are Worth Watching (1)

    Starting with Prison School, this ecchi anime series is filled with gag humor and is intended for a mature audience.

    Once a prestigious all-girls boarding school on the outskirts of Tokyo, the Hachimitsu Private Academy recently changed its policy to admit boys.

    On his inaugural day, Kiyoshi Fujino realizes he's one of only five male students on a campus teeming with thousands of girls, making their situation far from ideal.

    The series based on Akira Hiramoto’s manga of the same name is rated "R" for nudity, strong language, and violence.

  2. / 11

    Redo of Healer

    Based on a light novel written by Rui Tsukiyo and illustrated by Shiokonbu, Redo of Healer is a fantasy anime series with erotic elements.

    The story revolves around Keyarga, a skilled healer, who finds himself consistently exploited by his fellow adventurers.

    They ridicule Keyarga and dismiss the fighting abilities of healers.

    However, after mastering the ultimate healing magic and using it to heal the world, he is granted the opportunity to rewind his life by four years and start anew.

    Redo of Healer pushes the limits with its controversial and explicit content. The series includes scenes of sexual violence and strong adult themes.

  3. / 11

    Dorohedoro

    The Best R-Rated (18+) Anime That Are Worth Watching (2)

    Considered one of the weirdest anime on Netflix due to its absurd nature, Dorohedoro is a fabulous watch in the R-rated genre.

    Caiman finds himself in a dire predicament, having lost all memories and transformed into a man with a lizard head by a powerful sorcerer.

    Residing in the bleak, urban expanse known as Hole, he embarks on a relentless quest to track down the individual accountable for his transformation.

    His goal is not only to reclaim his forgotten past but also to restore his lost face by hunting down magic users.

    Dorohedoro is a gorefest with extremely dark and violent themes. It is rated "R" for violence and profanity.

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  4. / 11

    Akudama Drive

    A sci-fi marvel, Akudama Drive falls under the action and cyberpunk genre.

    The series is set in a post-apocalyptic Japan where a war started between the regions of Kansai and Kanto.

    This war resulted in the division of the country in two. Kansai turned into a vassal state of Kanto and showcased advancement in technology.

    Unfortunately, with the fall of the government and the police force, criminals now rule the streets. These criminals are popularly known as Akudama.

    Akudama Drive is rated "R" for having intense violence and graphic scenes with mature themes.

  5. / 11

    Baccano!

    The Best R-Rated (18+) Anime That Are Worth Watching (3)

    Baccano! is an action-comedy anime with a non-linear narrative and many unrelated plots that intertwine with each other.

    Speakeasies run by mafia, immortal alchemists, and a pulpy blend of absurdity converge to create a world reminiscent of classic cinema.

    Baccano! is an R-rated anime due to extreme violence and profanity.

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  6. / 11

    Deadman Wonderland

    The Best R-Rated (18+) Anime That Are Worth Watching (4)

    In Deadman Wonderland, Ganta Igarashi finds himself wrongly convicted and imprisoned in a cutting-edge, privately owned prison.

    Here, inmates are pushed into the spotlight as the main spectacle, reminiscent of the ancient arenas for gladiators.

    Amid this backdrop, strange occurrences emerge, including encounters with a mysterious young girl, newfound extraordinary abilities, and a messy web of conspiracy.

    Deadman Wonderland is a brilliant series with a fresh and dark story, and the stellar animation just ups the creepiness factor.

  7. / 11

    Black Lagoon

    The Best R-Rated (18+) Anime That Are Worth Watching (5)

    An action and drama anime, Black Lagoon revolves around a businessman named Okajima Rokuro and his typical day, which includes drinking sessions with clients and being bombarded with work from bosses.

    He catches a break when his company sends him to Eastern China's tropical seas to deliver a disc, but his boat is hijacked by mercenaries.

    Rock, as he is called by his captors, attracts the attention of the female mercenary named Revy, who takes him hostage, thinking he is valuable.

    However, the disc brings more trouble than expected, complicating matters for Rock and the mercenaries.

    Black Lagoon is stylish and brutal with trigger-happy characters.

  8. / 11

    Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation

    The Best R-Rated (18+) Anime That Are Worth Watching (6)

    Easily one of the best isekai anime series, Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation stands out because of its clever writing, high-quality animation, and deep character development.

    The story follows a 34-year-old virgin NEET who finds himself evicted from his home due to financial struggles.

    As he grapples with regret over his past choices, a fatal traffic accident abruptly ends his life.

    Surprisingly, he awakens in a world brimming with swords and sorcery, reincarnated as an infant.

    Determined to make use of this second chance, he vows to live without remorse and use the wisdom from his past life.

    Throughout his journey of honing magical abilities, he encounters a young girl who serves as his magic mentor and a beautiful quarter-elf.

  9. / 11

    Akira

    The Best R-Rated (18+) Anime That Are Worth Watching (7)

    A 1988 cult-classic anime movie, Akira is top-notch storytelling with memorable characters.

    A nuclear bomb detonated in 1988 devastated Tokyo, leading to the Third World War and a transformed world.

    Cut to 2019, a government project researching the paranormal Akira power made a significant breakthrough, with eerie parallels to its 1988 origins.

    A young delinquent biker becomes infused with this power, setting off a complex chain of events.

    As various factions with different goals race to intercept Tetsuo, the fate of humanity hangs in the balance, but what exactly is at stake remains uncertain.

    Akira, an R-rated masterpiece, combines violence with a cautionary tale about the corrupting influence of power on humanity, offering a thought-provoking message for generations to ponder.

    YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Best Sci-Fi Anime to Watch

  10. / 11

    Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead

    The Best R-Rated (18+) Anime That Are Worth Watching (8)

    Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead is a quirky zombie apocalypse anime that breathes new life into the zombie genre.

    For the protagonist Akira Tendou, escaping a zombie apocalypse is much better than braving the monotony of wage slavery.

    After enduring years of toiling for a soul-crushing corporation, Akira finds his existence devoid of joy.

    His apartment is a cesspool of filth, his paycheck meager, and he lacks the courage to confess his feelings to a colleague.

    As a zombie outbreak consumes the city, Akira begins to seize life on his terms.

    Now, he embarks on a quest to finish the 100 things on his bucket list before time runs out.

  11. / 11

    Berserk

    The Best R-Rated (18+) Anime That Are Worth Watching (9)

    Kentaro Miura’s legendary work, Berserk, is a twisted masterpiece that has endured the test of time.

    Guts, self-proclaimed as The Black Swordsman, reflects on his past as a member of the mercenary group, the Band of the Hawk, known as the Grim Reaper of the Battlefield.

    Under the leadership of the ambitious and cunning Griffith, they fight their way to the royal court. The events that follow alter their lives forever.

    Berserk has rightfully earned the "R" rating because it is gory, intense, and terrifyingly dark.

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The Best R-Rated (18+) Anime That Are Worth Watching (2024)

FAQs

What is R+ rated anime? ›

R+ is any show with mild nudity.

What is the hottest anime out? ›

  1. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. 2019– TV-MA. 8.6 (152K) Rate. ...
  2. Attack on Titan. 2013–2023TV-MA. 9.1 (526K) Rate. ...
  3. One Piece. 1999– TV-14. 9.0 (242K) Rate. ...
  4. Jujutsu Kaisen. 2020– TV-MA. 8.6 (121K) Rate. ...
  5. My Hero Academia. 2016– TV-14. ...
  6. Kill Bill: Vol. 20031h 51mR. ...
  7. Delicious in Dungeon. 2024– TV-MA. ...
  8. Naruto: Shippuden. 2007–2017TV-PG.

Is there any mature anime? ›

Anime even has its own separate category for adults called "seinen," but some of the absolute classics can appeal to both kids and grown-ups alike. Not only are there plenty of anime specifically made for adults, but there are also enough unique genres in adult-oriented anime to be enjoyed by every kind of fan.

What is anime for adult men called? ›

seinen (青年): Anime and manga intended for the adult male demographic. shōjo (少女, "young woman"): Anime and manga intended for the adolescent female demographic. shōnen (少年, "young man"): Anime and manga intended for the adolescent male demographic.

Is rated R 18+ or 17+? ›

R: Restricted - Under 17 requires accompanying parent or guardian. Children under 17 are not allowed to attend R-rated movies unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian 25 years of age or older.

What is the best R-rated? ›

Best of r-rated movies
  • Show Me Love. 19981h 29mNot Rated. ...
  • Léon: The Professional. 19941h 50mR. ...
  • Love & Other Drugs. 20101h 52mR. 6.7 (226K) Rate. ...
  • Cracks. 20091h 44mR. 6.6 (21K) Rate. ...
  • The Dreamers. 20031h 55mNC-17. 7.1 (133K) Rate. ...
  • Buffalo '66. 19981h 50mR. 7.4 (61K) Rate. ...
  • The Lives of Others. 20062h 17mR. 8.4 (412K) Rate. ...
  • Tie Me Up!

What is the #1 anime right now? ›

Demon Slayer is the most popular anime on the planet right now – and for good reason: it boasts some of the most exciting and hard-hitting fight scenes ever committed to screen. Animation studio Ufotable has always been renowned for its mastery of action, but it soars past its own lofty standards here.

Who is the hottest anime character ever? ›

10 Hottest Anime Characters Ever Created
  • Vegeta from Dragon Ball Z - With his intense personality and muscular physique, Vegeta exudes raw charisma and appeal.
  • Erza Scarlet from Fairy Tail - Erza's combination of strength, beauty, and confidence make her a standout character in the anime world.

Can 18 year old watch anime? ›

One is never too old to watch anime! Anime has multiple genres that cater to the tastes of the young and the old.

Can 50 year old watch anime? ›

You are never too old to watch anime. People have different tastes, and tastes have no age limit.

Which age is best for anime? ›

Anime TV for Teens and Tweens
  • Carole & Tuesday. age 14+ ...
  • Cowboy Bebop. age 14+ ...
  • Delicious in Dungeon. age 14+ ...
  • Demon Slayer. age 14+ ...
  • The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.: Reawakened. age 14+ ...
  • Fullmetal Alchemist. age 14+ ...
  • Gurren Lagaan. age 14+ ...
  • JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. age 14+ Violent, strange anime about a family who fights evil.

What is the adult version of Shonen? ›

Seinen manga (青年漫画) is an editorial category of Japanese comics marketed toward young adult men.

What do you call a boy that looks like a girl in anime? ›

Bishōnen characters are fairly common in shōjo manga and anime. Many of the male characters show subtle signs of the bishōnen style, such as slender eyes or a feminine face. Some manga are completely drawn in the bishōnen style, such as Saint Seiya.

What do you call a boy who loves anime? ›

Borrowed from Japanese, otaku refers to a person who is obsessed with manga, anime, and other forms of Japanese or East Asian popular culture.

What is rated R+? ›

The film may include adult themes, adult activity, hard language, intense or persistent violence, sexually oriented nudity, drug abuse or other elements, so that parents are counseled to take this rating very seriously. Generally, it is not considered appropriate for parents to bring their young children with them.

What age is rated R+? ›

Persons under 17 must be accompanied throughout the entire feature by an adult 21 or over for any R-rated feature. ID is required. Persons aged 17 to 20 may purchase tickets only for themselves for any R-rated feature.

Is R rating OK for kids? ›

Restricted: R - Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian. Contains some adult material. Parents are urged to learn more about the film before taking their young children with them.

Is R or MA worse rated? ›

Although the TV-MA rating means a program is technically made for 17-year-olds (18 in some cases), programs with this rating can sometimes be more graphic and severe than what R-rated movies would typically allow, thanks to the existence of premium cable networks and certain online streaming services.

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