On Reddit, a recent thread brought together the otaku community to debate a topic that seemed to break the audience's hearts. One user posed the question: “Do you know an anime that goes dark very quickly? Something that starts out fun and lighthearted but suddenly turns dark.”
The answer is a myriad of recommendations (and warnings) that make it clear that anime has a special gift for betraying you when you least expect it. Because who doesn't like a happy start, then the writers decide to burn your heart out after just one episode?
Why do we love anime so much that it breaks our hearts?
Users debate the appeal of these drastic turns. For some people, the contrast between happiness and tragedy is what truly captivates them. The feeling of going from bright sunshine to a storm of emotions in just a few minutes creates an unforgettable impression.
Additionally, it allows stories to explore deeper, darker themes, while capturing our attention with a deceptively light first impression.
However, some other users pointed out that these changes may be too sudden, making it difficult for those who just want a comforting anime and not a direct ticket to misery to adjust. However, as always, Reddit does not disappoint with its community suggestions.
Below is a selection of the most talked about anime that will make you cry… and push you forward without regrets.
– “Madoka Magica”: This anime tricks you with its cute magical girl designs and innocent atmosphere, but it doesn't take long before you realize you've entered an emotional minefield.

– “The Promised Neverland”: The first season showed an orphanage full of happy children… until it wasn't anymore in the second season.
– “School-Live!”: “The less you know, the better”, some users commented on this anime as if they were warning about a poison. The first scenes are a deception, because what happens after that is the truth.
– “Made in Abyss”: This animated film may seem like a children's story, but don't be fooled. You will fall into a beautiful world but filled with horrifying emotions that will keep you awake at night.

– “Akame ga Kill”: One user said: “It gets dark very quickly… but it's also extremely fun, if you like serial tragic endings.”
– “Higurashi no Naku Koro ni”: This anime shows adorable characters with eyes that are not always what they appear to be.
– “Goblin Slayer”: A group of adventurers go on a typical fantasy quest, but it only lasts about five minutes, before cruel darkness descends.
– “Helck”: The story starts out full of jokes and a light tone, but at some point (around episode 4, according to Reddit), it becomes more serious and darker.
– “Shiki”: “This anime scares you in a unique way,” one user wrote. And the moment you see red eyes in the dark will make you never feel safe looking out the window at night again.

– “Elfen Lied”: From the first scene, this anime makes it clear that it is not here to hug you or give you peace of mind.
– “Steins;Gate”: The anime starts off light and full of humor, but then something happens that leaves you emotionally devastated. It's like a blow to the soul that you didn't expect.
– “From the New World”: Everything seemed very good at first. But the more you explore this world, the more you begin to suspect that something is wrong, and you're right.
– “Now and Then, Here and There”: A child enters another world… and what he finds is neither magical nor beautiful. It is a deep dive into the brutality and loss of war.