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Discover the Dark Fantasy Roots of Sailor Moon and 9 Must-Watch Anime Gems!

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In the 1980s, dark fantasy enjoyed global popularity, permeating novels, movies, TV shows, and anime. One of the pioneering anime films intended for mature audiences, was produced and debuted in 1983. The dark fantasy of the 1980s is characterized by a distinctive visual style, color scheme, and narrative motifs along with typical character types.

In the realm of anime, I’ve noticed a captivating influence that dark fantasy has exerted, especially during the 1990s and beyond. This influence breeds brooding characters armed with swords, anti-heroes who embody a somber charm, tales of vampires and political decay, sinister plant creatures, cursed crystals steeped in legend, and sentient castles brimming with secrets. Even seemingly ordinary shojo romance series, such as Naoko Takeuchi’s Sailor Moon, subtly echo the mystique of ’80s fantasy in certain storylines.

Stream The Vampire Dies In No Time on

In a jovial twist, I’ve fallen for “The Vampire Dies In No Time” – an anime that flips traditional vampire lore and gothic horror tropes on their heads! Unlike the brooding Draculas of ’80s media, such as in “The Lost Boys,” our protagonist, Draluc, appears to be the embodiment of the classic Dracula. Living in a gothic fortress atop a spooky hill, he seems every bit the part. Yet, much to the surprise of the dashing vampire hunter, Ronaldo, Draluc is nothing like what’s expected!

In a world where vampire lords are typically formidable and terrifying, Draluc crumbles at the slightest danger. Instead of feasting on hapless prey in the dead of night like his fellow creatures, Draluc generously lends his video game collection to his neighbors. This tale, titled “The Quick Vampire“, playfully reimagines dark fantasy characters with a whimsical, absurd twist.

Stream Claymore on

Claymore can be described as a dark fantasy blend, offering a grim interpretation of Dungeons & Dragons-inspired tales that have been captivating audiences since the 1970s. The narrative follows Clare, a hybrid between human and Yoma who uses a longsword to combat full Yoma. The world depicted in this series is harshly brutal, filled with demons and otherworldly creatures.

Released back in 2007, “Claymore” shares similarities with the timeless dark fantasy anime “Berserk.” Unlike some fantasy series from the 1980s, where female characters were typically sidelined as damsels in distress, fridged, or objectified, the main character, Clare, and her fellow warriors in “Claymore” possess well-developed storylines and are not sexualized.

Stream InuYasha on

Rumiko Takahashi gained recognition in the realm of shonen anime and manga through creations such as the popular romantic comedy “Ranma 1/2” and her dark fantasy classic from the ’90s, “InuYasha”. Notably, “InuYasha” is a standout series for both ’90s manga and 2000s anime, yet it retains Takahashi’s distinctive 1980s artistic flair.

The anime “InuYasha” is often referred to as a medieval fairy tale. It’s set in a fantasy world that resembles the Middle Ages, teeming with terrifying, nightmarish beings. Takahashi bases her demons on folklore, creating characters such as hair demons and spirits disguised as grieving mothers. Inuyasha is a hero who carries a grudge, though he reluctantly takes on his role and has romantic undertones.

Stream Ghost in the Shell on

The animated series “Ghost in the Shell” is often hailed as a timeless classic in the realm of science fiction. It boasts a distinct and captivating aesthetic, with its melancholic yet stunning visuals, gleaming urban landscapes, thought-provoking themes, and intricate, albeit cumbersome, cybernetic designs. These elements are derived from the 1995 movie adaptation that was based on the 1989 manga of the same name, also known as “Ghost in the Shell”.

The anime “Ghost in the Shell” is situated in the made-up city, Niihama, within the Niihama Prefecture. It chronicles the story of Motoko Kusanagi, a cyborg protagonist grappling with inner turmoil and exceptional abilities. Known as post-cyberpunk, “Ghost in the Shell” falls under a subgenre of dark science fiction that emerged in the 1980s and has since grown in popularity.

Stream Berserk on

Three different anime versions of “Berserk” have been produced over the years. The 1997 series, spanning 25 episodes, encompasses the Black Swordsman and Golden Age Arc. A second adaptation in 2016, consisting of 24 episodes, focuses on the Black Swordsman Arc. Lastly, the 2022 trilogy, titled “Berserk: The Golden Age Arc,” continues the storyline. While each anime has distinct art styles, the unique aesthetic of the original “Berserk” manga remains evident throughout these adaptations.

Kentaro Miura initially introduced the series “Berserk” in 1988, and it exhibits distinct characteristics of ‘80s dark fantasy, such as its setting, narrative style, and character design. The protagonist, Guts, is a brooding antihero with an emotionally heavy backstory. He possesses the physicality and swordsmanship reminiscent of Conan the Barbarian, while his appearance sports long hair and features that resemble a glam rock band member, adding an angelic touch to his tough persona.

Stream Castlevania on

I’ve been observing an enthralling anime adaptation, based on the ever-famous video game series named “Castlevania.” This captivating series originated as a gothic horror video game back in 1986 for Nintendo. Similar to the video game franchise, this anime revolves around the Belmont family, who are renowned monster hunters, and the Dracula dynasty.

Alucard, a cherished hero, carries a mix of sorrow and strength. He grapples with the weighty legacy of being Dracula’s son, which entails his father’s bloodlust and aggression, as well as his human mother’s moral compass. Fans of Castlevania are incredibly passionate, and the anime had high expectations to live up to. The Netflix series managed to meet these standards and even introduced some innovative new aspects. It is both a faithful portrayal and an infusion of exciting novel ideas.

Stream Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust on

One of the most beautiful dark fantasy science fiction anime films from the early 2000s, Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust, is deeply rooted in the artistic and narrative elements common in 1980s dark fantasy. This film takes inspiration from the novel series, Vampire Hunter D, particularly the third volume, Demon Deathchase, which was published in 1985.

I, an outsider, roam from one settlement to another, a solitary figure much like the legendary Lone Ranger. Despite my inherent goodness, I’ve never managed to find a place among any community. This is due to my unique identity – I am a dhampir, a being half-vampire and half-human, a classification that humans view with fear and mistrust, while aristocratic and despotic vampires deem me unworthy.

Now, I’ve been assigned a challenging task: the pursuit of two star-crossed lovers – the human Charlotte and her vampire companion, Meier Link. This quest is far from ordinary, for these lovers have ignited a conflict that threatens to disrupt the fragile balance between my kind and humanity.

Stream JoJo’z Bizarre Adventure on

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is an epic shonen series filled with unexpected twists and a mix of absurd, violent, and whimsical power progression. The initial anime adaptation was a 6-episode OVA series in 1993, followed by a Phantom Blood Arc film in 2007. However, the 2012 JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure series is widely recognized as the most complete and highest quality version by fans.

All anime adaptations stem from Hirohiko Araki’s 1987 manga series with the same title. Known for his flamboyant art style, dramatic storytelling, and distinctive fashion sensibilities, Araki has clearly left his mark on this series. The characters in Araki’s work are grandiose, a popular trait in ’80s fantasy, and the villains, while maintaining a comedic tone, don’t hesitate to delve into extreme wickedness.

Stream Sailor Moon on

As an observer, I find myself drawn to one of Sailor Moon’s less recognized storylines. This particular arc, the Makai Tree Arc in Season 2, stands out with its distinctive art style and a somber undertone that gives it a unique flavor. Frequently, fans draw parallels between this filler arc and the Dark Kingdom Arc from Season 1, primarily due to the arrival of Ail and An, lost aliens, on Earth who casually drop the name of Sailor Moon’s former primary antagonist, Queen Beryl. Much like Queen Beryl, they embark on similar schemes to drain human energy for their own purposes. However, instead of serving the Dark Kingdom, Ail and An are fueling a tree known as the Makai Tree.

Ail and An’s dwelling, enclosing their peculiar tree, bears a resemblance to the cover of a doom metal album or an H.P. Lovecraft short story compilation. Their tree’s tendrils exude an eerie, terrifying charm as they coil around Usagi and Mamoru, causing them to recoil in shock from the electric shocks and the draining of their vitality. The Makai Tree Arc similarly embodies a symbolism reflecting humanity’s connection with nature, mirroring themes found in other dark fantasy media for children like “The Dark Crystal” and “Fern Gully: The Last Rainforest.

Stream Princess Mononoke on

I can’t help but rave about “Princess Mononoke,” a masterpiece that graced our screens in 1997! Its visual aesthetics align beautifully with Studio Ghibli’s distinctive style, reminiscent of their earlier enchanting work like “My Neighbor Totoro” from 1988. This captivating tale revolves around San, a fierce warrior woman nurtured by the wolf deity, and Ashitaka, a once-prince, who are both determined to halt the destructive conflict unfolding between humans and the divine forest spirits that San calls home.

Princess Mononoke is a fusion of various stories and influences, including Hayao Miyazaki’s dark fantasy science fiction film with Topcraft in 1984, titled “Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind.” The narrative of Ashitaka and San shares themes from this work, such as deforestation and the delicate balance between humans and nature. Additionally, there are striking similarities between Ashitaka and his mount, Yakul, and the characters in Hayao Miyazaki’s 1983 adventure fantasy manga “Shuna’s Journey.

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2025-07-04 16:38

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