Best Anime That Will Change Your Thinking Part 1 | Psychological anime

Hello Anime Fans, and our beloved readers! Aniworldtv is back with a thought-provoking list: anime that have the potential to shift your perspective on life and challenge your existing beliefs. In this article of Anime that will change your thinking, you will see amazing mind-bending stories.

Be warned, some of these series delve into complex and sometimes dark themes, so proceed if you feel you have a strong mindset and are open to questioning established norms.

These anime can shake you to your core, offering new viewpoints on life, morality, and the human condition. You can certainly watch them for entertainment, but be prepared to grapple with some profound questions they might raise.

so let’s start.

10. Gintama

Details: While primarily a comedy anime, Gintama masterfully blends its unique brand of humor with surprisingly poignant moments and insightful social commentary. It often breaks the fourth wall and uses its comedic lens to offer sharp observations about real-life issues.
Summary: In an alternate Edo-period Japan, the country has been taken over by alien beings known as the Amanto. The samurai’s power has waned, and the use of swords has been prohibited. Sakata Gintoki, a lazy but skilled samurai, runs a freelance odd-jobs business called Yorozuya with his friends Shimura Shinpachi and Kagura. They often find themselves involved in bizarre and hilarious situations, ranging from mundane tasks to encounters with aliens and remnants of the samurai resistance. Beneath the comedic surface, Gintama explores themes of loss, perseverance, the importance of bonds, and the changing nature of tradition in a rapidly evolving world.
Why it changes your thinking: Despite its comedic nature, Gintama often sneaks in surprisingly mature and insightful commentary on societal norms, loss, and the struggles of adapting to change. It highlights the importance of human connection and finding humor even in difficult circumstances. The anime’s ability to seamlessly transition between laugh-out-loud comedy and genuinely touching moments offers a unique perspective on life’s absurdities and its underlying truths.

Season(s): 10 (Total)
Episode No: 367 (Total)
Genre(s): Action, Comedy, Historical, Samurai, Sci-Fi, Shounen
Sub/Dub: Both

09. Vinland Saga

Details: Celebrated for its exceptional storytelling and profound character development, Vinland Saga offers a brutal yet ultimately humanistic portrayal of Vikings and the themes of revenge, pacifism, and the search for meaning in a violent world.
Summary: Set in 11th century Europe, the story initially follows Thorfinn, a young boy who witnesses the murder of his father, Thors, a former Viking warrior, by the mercenary Askeladd. Consumed by a desire for revenge, Thorfinn joins Askeladd’s band, honing his fighting skills while waiting for an opportunity to kill his father’s murderer in a fair duel. However, he becomes entangled in the political machinations and wars of the time. The narrative evolves beyond simple revenge, exploring themes of what it truly means to be a warrior, the cycle of violence, and the possibility of finding a peaceful existence.
Why it changes your thinking:Vinland Saga challenges romanticized notions of Viking culture and violence, exploring the psychological toll of revenge and the search for a “true warrior.” It presents a compelling argument for pacifism and the difficult journey towards finding meaning and purpose beyond bloodshed. The nuanced character development and the exploration of historical context make it a deeply impactful anime.

Season(s): 2
Episode No: 24, 24
Genre(s): Action, Adventure, Drama, Seinen
Sub/Dub: Both

08. Monster

Details: Considered a masterpiece by many, Monster is a psychological thriller with a gripping narrative, complex characters, and a chilling exploration of morality and the nature of evil. It will keep you on the edge of your seat while prompting deep introspection.
Summary: Kenzou Tenma, a brilliant Japanese neurosurgeon working in Germany, has a successful career and a beautiful fiancée. Disenchanted with hospital politics, he makes a fateful decision to save the life of a young boy who was shot in the head over the life of the city’s mayor. This choice costs him his career and his fiancée. When the hospital director and other doctors are later murdered, Tenma becomes the prime suspect. As he tries to clear his name, he uncovers a terrifying truth: the boy he saved is not who he seemed to be. Tenma embarks on a perilous journey to find the truth behind the murders and confront the enigmatic and manipulative figure at the center of it all.
Why it changes your thinking:Monster delves into the nature of good and evil, exploring how a person can become a “monster” and the responsibility one bears for their actions. It raises questions about the value of individual lives, the complexities of morality, and the lasting impact of trauma. The anime’s masterful storytelling and character development create a truly unsettling and thought-provoking experience.

Season(s): 1
Episode No: 74
Genre(s): Horror, Seinen, Thriller
Sub/Dub: Both

07. Eighty Six

Details: An often-underrated gem, Eighty Six presents a powerful and poignant narrative about war, prejudice, and the dehumanization of marginalized groups. Its strong storytelling and plot twists make it a compelling and thought-provoking watch.
Summary: The Republic of San Magnolia has been at war with the Giadian Empire for years, which deploys unmanned drones called the Legion. The Republic boasts that their own autonomous drones have ended casualties – a lie. Beyond the fortified walls of the eighty-five sectors lies the “nonexistent” Eighty-Sixth Sector, where young men and women, stripped of their human rights, pilot so-called “unmanned” weapons into battle. Shinei “Shin” Nouzen, a young Eighty-Six with exceptional abilities, leads a squadron on the battlefield. Vladilena “Lena” Milizé is a “Handler” who commands these squadrons from the safety of the rear through a special communication system. As Lena becomes the new Handler for Shin’s squadron, she begins to uncover the harsh realities and the humanity of the Eighty-Six that the Republic tries to erase.
Why it changes your thinking:Eighty Six confronts themes of systemic racism, the cost of war, and the importance of recognizing the humanity of all individuals, even those deemed “unseen” by society. It challenges viewers to consider the perspectives of those who are marginalized and the lies that governments perpetuate during times of conflict.

Season(s): 2
Episode No: 11, 12
Genre(s): Drama, Sci-Fi
Sub/Dub: Sub

06. To Your Eternity

Details: A deeply emotional and philosophical anime that follows the journey of an immortal being as it experiences the world and learns about humanity, loss, and the meaning of life. It’s a poignant exploration of what it means to be alive.
Summary: An immortal being with no emotions or identity is sent to Earth. Initially shapeless, it gains the ability to take on the form of anything it encounters that leaves a strong impression. Its first conscious form is that of a dying wolf. As it continues its journey, it transforms into a boy and begins to experience the world, meeting various people and witnessing the full spectrum of human emotions. The anime explores the concept of immortality, the pain of loss, and the beauty and complexity of the human experience through the eyes of this evolving, ageless entity. It raises questions about what gives life meaning when one is unbound by mortality.
Why it changes your thinking:To Your Eternity offers a profound reflection on life, death, and the connections we forge. By presenting a perspective outside of human limitations, it highlights the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing the time we have and the bonds we create. It prompts contemplation on the meaning of existence and the impact we have on others.

Season(s): 2
Episode No: 20, 20
Genre(s): Adventure, Drama, Shounen, Supernatural
Sub/Dub: Both

05. Steins;Gate

Details: Initially appearing as a quirky sci-fi, Steins;Gate evolves into a masterfully crafted thriller that explores the intricacies and potential dangers of time travel. It’s a slow burn that rewards patience with a deeply engaging and emotionally resonant story.
Summary: The story is set in Akihabara and centers around Rintarou Okabe, a self-proclaimed mad scientist and founder of the Future Gadget Laboratory, along with his friends Mayuri Shiina and Itaru “Daru” Hashida. Their attempts at creating futuristic gadgets inadvertently lead to the discovery of a way to send text messages to the past using a modified microwave. As they experiment with this newfound ability, they begin to alter the timeline, leading to unforeseen and often dire consequences. Okabe’s attempts to undo these changes and prevent tragedy draw the attention of the mysterious organization SERN, plunging him and his friends into a dangerous and intricate web of cause and effect. He must navigate the complexities of time travel to save his loved ones and preserve his own sanity.
Why it changes your thinking:Steins;Gate intricately explores the concept of time travel and its paradoxes, making you think about causality, the butterfly effect, and the potential ramifications of altering the past. It delves into the emotional toll of such power and the difficult choices one might have to make when faced with the possibility of changing fate. The anime highlights the preciousness of the present and the delicate balance of the timeline.

Season(s): 2
Episode No: 25, 23
Genre(s): Sci-Fi, Thriller
Sub/Dub: Both

04. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion

Details: A gripping psychological thriller with elements of mecha and political intrigue, Code Geass is often compared to Death Note for its intelligent protagonist and morally ambiguous actions. It’s a thrilling ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat while prompting reflection on revolution, justice, and the price of change.
Summary: In an alternate timeline, the Holy Britannian Empire has conquered Japan, renaming it Area 11. Amidst the oppression, a Britannian high school student named Lelouch Lamperouge finds himself caught in a conflict between Britannia and Area 11 rebels. During this encounter, he meets a mysterious girl named C.C., who grants him a power called Geass – the “Power of Kings,” which allows him to command anyone to obey his orders once. Recognizing the immense potential of this power, Lelouch takes on the identity of the masked vigilante Zero, leading the rebellion against Britannia to avenge his mother and create a better world for his younger sister. His strategic brilliance and the moral compromises he makes in pursuit of his goals drive the narrative.
Why it changes your thinking:Code Geass delves into the complexities of revolution, the ethics of using power for the greater good, and the blurred lines between hero and villain. Lelouch’s actions, often morally questionable, force viewers to consider whether the ends justify the means and the sacrifices necessary for societal change. The anime explores themes of oppression, freedom, and the nature of justice.

Season(s): 2
Episode No: 25, 25
Genre(s): Action, Drama, Mecha, Military, Sci-Fi, Super Power
Sub/Dub: Both

03. Fullmetal Alchemist (Both 2003 and Brotherhood)

Details: A cornerstone of the fantasy and magic genres, Fullmetal Alchemist is renowned for its intricate plot, compelling characters, and exploration of profound themes. While the 2003 adaptation and Brotherhood (2009) follow slightly different paths, both delve into the consequences of ambition, the value of human life, and the complexities of morality.
Summary: The story follows the Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse, who attempt the forbidden science of human transmutation to bring their deceased mother back to life. The ritual goes horribly wrong, costing Edward his left leg and Alphonse his entire body. Edward manages to bind Alphonse’s soul to a suit of armor at the cost of his right arm. Seeking to restore their bodies, the brothers embark on a journey to find the legendary Philosopher’s Stone, believing it holds the key to their salvation. Edward, possessing a natural talent for alchemy, becomes a State Alchemist known as the “Fullmetal Alchemist.” Their quest leads them to uncover dark secrets within their nation and confront powerful enemies, forcing them to grapple with the ethical implications of alchemy and the true cost of their desires.
Why it changes your thinking:Fullmetal Alchemist explores themes of sacrifice, the weight of responsibility, and the inherent value of human life. It critiques blind faith in authority and examines the complexities of war and political corruption. The brothers’ journey and their interactions with various characters raise questions about morality, justice, and what it truly means to be human.

Season(s): 2 (2003: 51 episodes, Brotherhood: 64 episodes)
Genre(s): Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Magic, Military, Shounen
Sub/Dub: Both

02. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End

Details: A standout anime from 2023, Frieren offers a unique perspective on adventure and the passage of time. With stunning animation and a melancholic yet beautiful narrative, it explores themes of mortality, connection, and the lingering impact of the past.
Summary: After a decade-long quest, the hero party – the mage Frieren, the hero Himmel, the priest Heiter, and the warrior Eisen – successfully defeat the Demon King and return home. As they prepare to disband, the long-lived elf Frieren reflects on their journey. Due to her extended lifespan, Frieren witnesses her companions age and pass away one by one. Before his death, Heiter entrusts a young human apprentice named Fern to Frieren. Together, Frieren and Fern embark on a seemingly aimless journey, revisiting places the heroes once traveled. Through this new adventure, Frieren gradually confronts her regrets about missed opportunities to forge deeper bonds with her now-deceased comrades, learning about the fleeting nature of human life and the importance of cherishing the present.
Why it changes your thinking:Frieren provides a poignant meditation on time, memory, and the different paces at which life unfolds for various beings. It highlights the value of human connection and the subtle yet profound ways we impact each other, even across vast differences in lifespan. The anime encourages reflection on how we spend our time and the significance of the relationships we build.

Season(s): 1
Episode No: 28
Genre(s): Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
Sub/Dub: Both

01. Death Note

Details: A highly popular and critically acclaimed anime, often recommended for beginners looking for something intellectually stimulating. Death Note is a psychological battle of wits between two individuals with contrasting ideologies but a shared goal: to rid the world of evil, albeit through drastically different methods.
Summary: Light Yagami, a brilliant but bored high school student, discovers a mysterious notebook called the “Death Note.” Its rules state that if a person’s name is written in it, they will die. Initially skeptical, Light tests the notebook and is horrified yet intrigued when it works. He decides to use the Death Note to create a perfect world without crime or criminals, becoming a vigilante known as “Kira.” However, the sudden and unexplained deaths of criminals attract the attention of the government, who enlist the help of L, an eccentric and equally brilliant detective determined to unmask Kira. The anime follows their intense cat-and-mouse game, a battle of intellect and ideologies.
Why it changes your thinking:Death Note forces you to consider complex ethical dilemmas surrounding justice, morality, and the ends justifying the means. It explores the dangers of absolute power and the subjectivity of good and evil, prompting viewers to question their own beliefs about right and wrong. The constant psychological tension and the brilliance of both Light and L make for a captivating and thought-provoking experience.