Character development/ darker intricate stories

Hey there everyone, been in the anime game for the past 10 years now. I’ve come to realize I prioritize fantastic character development and intricate plots when it comes to beginning and finishing the anime. I LOVE the first season of psycho pass, Angel beats, Akumada Drive, attack on titan, Fate UBW, Dororo, Vivi, and etc. I enjoy the mainstream animes like demon slayer, JJK and Hells Paradise but my souls craves a darker/ intricate storyline where I get deeply connected to the main cast. I’ve hit a wall and don’t really know what to look for on crunchy roll. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

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AutoModerator2026-01-14 05:21

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Nomar_952026-01-14 05:23

Texhnolyze

Casshern Sins

baseballlover7232026-01-14 05:24

You might enjoy [Re:Zero](https://myanimelist.net/anime/31240/Re_Zero_kara_Hajimeru_Isekai_Seikatsu).

Proof_Storage54762026-01-14 05:29

Loved the first season. Probably need to get back into it!

filimaua132026-01-14 05:51

Hell yea. If you start soon, you'll be just in time for Season 4 in April 🥳

ghostpickleonastick2026-01-14 05:26

This Monster Wants to Eat Me

LarneNessit2026-01-14 05:31

It will take a little for you to realize it while watching but revolutionary girl Utena has some of the most nuanced and deep characters in all of anime. Most third string characters have more depth than other wires MCs. It's a slow burn but the themes are dark complex and respectfully veiled.

Proof_Storage54762026-01-14 05:36

Have a friend who would stake his life on his anime. I haven’t watched too many of the older animes. Never caught my eye often due to the high quality animation of today. Might have to give it a try!

LarneNessit2026-01-14 13:39

It's hard to explain how a show can be so visibly over the top and so intricately subtle with its characters at the exact same time. If you don't think you can go this old he did make Penguindrum, and sarazanmai as well which are both good and unique but not quite the masterpiece Utena is. It is usually described as the Evagelion of shoujo due to taking a tropey genre and adding symbolic, psychological and darker elements while being from the same era.

MusubiKazesaru2026-01-14 05:44

Phantom Requiem for Phantom

Claymore

Kenpuu Denki Berserk

Monster

Pluto

Kiseijuu: Sei no Kakuritsu

Gungrave (skip episode 1)

The Fable

Noein: Mou Hitori no Kimi e

RascalNikov12026-01-14 05:48

A few that come to mind that you’ve probably seen:

Made in Abyss

Ergo Proxy

SukaSuka (If you search on this name you’ll find it. It has a much longer name)

Happy Sugar Life

Land of the Lustrous

Shinsekai Yori

None of these are happy lite and fluffy tales but rather deep and oftentimes dark.

Proof_Storage54762026-01-14 05:51

Nothing can prepare you for the suitcase scene in made in abyss. Wowzers.

RascalNikov12026-01-14 05:53

I have to agree about that. Try some of the others, you may like them.

Spicynoodlez2026-01-14 06:33

S2 got even worse, you have a delivery system.

Bad_Doto_Playa2026-01-14 05:52

You watched Fate Zero then? I saw UBW there, but I can recommend Steins Gate, Madoka Magica, Shinsekai yori, Cyberpunk Edgerunners and Made in Abyss.

Proof_Storage54762026-01-14 05:55

Yes, seen most titles of fate. I think Emiya is one of the better developed characters in anime. But specifically in UBW with that twist reveal at the end.

Proof_Storage54762026-01-14 05:55

Also cyberpunk edge runners might be the best anime to come out in awhile. Absolutely perfect anime for what I like.

filimaua132026-01-14 05:52

Higurashi When They Cry is The power of friendship anime with great character development in a dark story filled with deep mystery webs.

Proof_Storage54762026-01-14 05:59

Man this was a good one. Forgot all about this one.

filimaua132026-01-14 06:00

Ah damn you already saw it 😂

It definitely is awesome, glad you agree.

Proof_Storage54762026-01-14 06:02

lol it’s crazy how after you’ve been watching anime for awhile gems like those slip from your mind. Might have to rewatch though. There are a few moments that flashback into my brain after reading the title. But definitely can’t remember most of it. Been probably 5 years since watching it!

filimaua132026-01-14 06:04

Haha true.

I can help you with a refresher!
Check out my [trailer](https://youtu.be/cQ_IsoFvUtw?si=W1kPWNVy3dlwQu6-) I made. Maybe it will help jog your memories.

A rewatch is definitely needed 😄 a classic indeed

Kiriijou2026-01-14 08:26

As an important heads up, **for anyone who might be interested in watching Higurashi When They Cry** (Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni), make sure you start with either: the [2006 anime](https://myanimelist.net/anime/934/Higurashi_no_Naku_Koro_ni) (and it's [second half Kai](https://myanimelist.net/anime/1889/Higurashi_no_Naku_Koro_ni_Kai)), the original visual novel, or the manga adaptation.

The 2020 anime Higurashi When They Cry: New (Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni: Gou), is a sequel to the original story, not a remake. **Don't accidentally start with Gou**, as it's full of spoilers.

(_Note: in most (if not all) regions, the only Higurashi anime on Crunchyroll, is Gou. Also, the original Visual Novel is currently available on Steam, under the title"Higurashi When They Cry: Hou", with the first arc being free to download._).

abandoned_idol2026-01-14 05:53

Any reason why it has to be on Crunchyroll? Completely unrelated question, do you happen to live in Germany by any chance?

Proof_Storage54762026-01-14 05:57

Doesn’t have to be on Crunchyroll, but it’s mainly the platform I use. And I am in the US.

Otherwise996_9112026-01-14 05:56

Berserk (1997)