Animated Movies That Are Strictly For Adults

The world of animation offers much more than stories designed for children and families. Many filmmakers utilize this medium to explore complex themes of political strife and psychological trauma that require a mature perspective. These productions often feature graphic violence and intricate narratives that challenge the traditional perceptions of illustrated cinema. The following list highlights essential animated works that are intended specifically for adult audiences.

‘Akira’ (1988)

This landmark Japanese film follows Kaneda and his friend Tetsuo in a dystopian Neo Tokyo. Tetsuo gains dangerous psychic powers after a secret military experiment goes wrong. The narrative explores themes of political corruption and social unrest through a lens of body horror and science fiction. It is widely credited with bringing anime to a global audience during the late eighties. The intricate hand drawn animation showcases a detailed urban landscape that remains visually impressive today.

‘Perfect Blue’ (1997)

A retired pop idol named Mima decides to pursue an acting career and faces intense psychological pressure. She becomes the target of an obsessed stalker while the lines between her reality and her professional roles begin to blur. The film investigates the dark side of fame and the loss of personal identity in the public eye. It utilizes non linear storytelling to convey the protagonist’s mental decline and growing paranoia. Director Satoshi Kon created a suspenseful experience that remains a staple of mature psychological thrillers.

‘Ghost in the Shell’ (1995)

Major Motoko Kusanagi is a cyborg federal agent who hunts a mysterious hacker known as the Puppet Master. The story takes place in a futuristic world where humans can enhance their bodies with cybernetic parts. As she pursues the criminal the Major begins to question the nature of her own soul and existence. This production blends high stakes action with philosophical inquiries about technology and humanity. Its influence can be seen in many later science fiction works including prominent live action franchises.

‘Sausage Party’ (2016)

This comedy follows a group of grocery store items that discover the terrifying truth about what happens when they leave the shop. Led by a sausage named Frank the characters must find a way to escape their grim fate at the hands of humans. The movie features crude humor and extensive profanity while satirizing various societal beliefs and structures. It broke records as one of the most successful R rated animated films at the box office. The plot uses a colorful animation style to contrast with its mature and often shocking content.

‘Anomalisa’ (2015)

Michael Stone is a customer service expert who struggles with a profound sense of isolation and perceives everyone as having the same face and voice. During a business trip he meets a woman named Lisa who appears uniquely different to him. This stop motion film explores themes of loneliness and the difficulty of forming genuine human connections. The realistic character designs and mature dialogue create a deeply personal and melancholic atmosphere. It received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to adult drama within the animation medium.

‘South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut’ (1999)

The boys of a small Colorado town sneak into an R rated movie and begin using extreme profanity. Their actions spark a war between the United States and Canada as parents demand censorship. This musical comedy satirizes moral panics and the hypocrisy of adult authority figures. It features numerous celebrity parodies and provocative songs throughout the runtime. The film remains one of the most successful examples of adult animation in mainstream cinema.

‘Heavy Metal’ (1981)

This anthology film is based on the popular science fiction magazine of the same name. It tells several loosely connected stories involving fantasy and horror elements tied together by a mysterious glowing orb. The production is famous for its rock soundtrack and vivid visual style that catered to the counterculture of the early eighties. It contains significant amounts of violence and mature imagery that distinguish it from mainstream cartoons. Fans of the genre often cite it as a cult classic that pushed the boundaries of the medium.

‘Fritz the Cat’ (1972)

This feature length film follows the adventures of a deceptive cat in New York City during the sixties. It was the first animated film to receive an X rating in the United States due to its graphic content. The story serves as a social satire that critiques various political and cultural movements of the era. Director Ralph Bakshi used the animation medium to explore adult themes that were previously ignored by major studios. It remains a significant piece of history for independent animation.

‘Waltz with Bashir’ (2008)

An Israeli filmmaker interviews old friends and comrades to recover his lost memories of the Lebanon War. The documentary uses a unique animated style to depict the surreal and traumatic nature of combat. It confronts themes of guilt and the fallibility of memory in the face of historical atrocities. The visual presentation allows the film to illustrate psychological states that traditional cameras could not capture. This work was nominated for an Academy Award for its powerful and innovative storytelling.

‘Persepolis’ (2007)

A young girl grows up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution and later moves to Europe to escape political oppression. The narrative is based on an autobiographical graphic novel and explores the complexities of cultural identity. It uses a striking black and white art style to depict the protagonist’s personal struggles and the broader historical shifts in her homeland. The film balances moments of humor with the harsh realities of living under a restrictive regime. It is celebrated for its honest and poignant portrayal of a life shaped by conflict.

‘It’s Such a Beautiful Day’ (2012)

A man named Bill struggles with a failing mind and a series of increasingly strange visions. The story utilizes a minimalist stick figure art style to convey deeply complex emotions and philosophical questions about existence. It explores the fragility of life and the beauty found in mundane moments despite personal tragedy. This independent production received high praise for its ability to evoke profound empathy through simple visuals. The film serves as a testament to the power of experimental animation for adult storytelling.

‘Loving Vincent’ (2017)

This unique production serves as a biographical drama about the life and mysterious death of painter Vincent van Gogh. Every single frame of the film consists of an oil painting created in the style of the famous artist. The narrative follows a young man who travels to the village where van Gogh died to deliver his final letter. It investigates the artist’s mental health struggles and the impact of his work on those around him. The film is a significant technical achievement that honors its subject through a labor intensive artistic process.

‘Paprika’ (2006)

In the near future a device allows therapists to enter the dreams of their patients to help them resolve psychological issues. When the technology is stolen a research psychologist named Atsuko Chiba must stop a criminal who is merging dreams with reality. The film features vibrant and surreal imagery that explores the subconscious mind and the blurring of boundaries between digital and physical worlds. It is noted for its fast paced narrative and imaginative sequences that challenge the viewer’s perception. The work remains a major influence on modern science fiction cinema.

‘Mad God’ (2021)

A mysterious figure descends into a decaying world filled with grotesque monsters and industrial nightmares. This stop motion project was crafted over several decades by visual effects legend Phil Tippett. The film contains no dialogue and relies entirely on visual storytelling to depict a brutal and nihilistic landscape. It is filled with elaborate set pieces and creature designs that showcase incredible craftsmanship. The production offers a visceral experience intended for viewers with an interest in experimental horror and dark fantasy.

‘The Wolf House’ (2018)

A young woman escapes a religious colony in Chile and takes refuge in a mysterious house in the forest. The story is told through stop motion animation that uses the walls and furniture of a physical space as a canvas. The visuals constantly shift and transform to represent the protagonist’s deteriorating mental state and past trauma. This film draws inspiration from the real history of Colonia Dignidad to create a haunting and surreal atmosphere. It is widely recognized as a unique and unsettling piece of cinematic art.

‘Belladonna of Sadness’ (1973)

A woman in a medieval village makes a pact with a supernatural entity after suffering a series of horrific injustices. The film uses static watercolor paintings and experimental sequences to depict a story of empowerment and tragedy. It explores themes of sexuality and social rebellion through a highly stylized and psychedelic visual approach. This production was part of a series of adult oriented anime films produced in Japan during the seventies. It has been rediscovered by modern audiences as a masterpiece of avant garde animation.

‘Ninja Scroll’ (1993)

A wandering mercenary named Jubei is forced into a battle against a group of supernatural warriors with immense power. The film is famous for its fast paced action sequences and high level of stylized violence. It takes place in feudal Japan and incorporates elements of historical fiction and dark fantasy. The narrative involves a complex conspiracy that threatens the stability of the entire region. It remains one of the most popular examples of mature action anime worldwide.

‘Mary and Max’ (2009)

An eight year old girl in Australia and an obese man in New York City become pen pals over the course of twenty years. The film uses clay animation to explore themes of mental health and the importance of unconventional friendships. It addresses serious topics such as depression and social anxiety with a blend of dark humor and genuine heart. The muted color palette reflects the lonely lives of the two protagonists. This production is celebrated for its emotional depth and honest portrayal of the human condition.

‘A Scanner Darkly’ (2006)

An undercover cop in a future society becomes addicted to a dangerous drug while spying on his group of friends. The film was shot in live action and then transformed using a rotoscoping technique to create a dreamlike animated look. It explores themes of identity and government surveillance based on the novel by Philip K. Dick. The visual style enhances the feeling of paranoia and disorientation experienced by the main character. It features a notable cast and remains a significant experiment in blending different filmmaking methods.

‘Waking Life’ (2001)

A young man wanders through a series of dreamlike scenarios while engaging in philosophical discussions with various people. The film utilizes rotoscope animation to give each scene a fluid and constantly changing appearance. It investigates deep topics such as free will and the nature of reality through a series of loosely connected vignettes. The production encourages viewers to contemplate their own existence and the meaning of consciousness. It is considered a landmark in the use of animation for intellectual and abstract storytelling.

‘Batman: The Killing Joke’ (2016)

An escaped criminal targets Commissioner Gordon to prove that a single bad day can drive anyone to madness. The story explores the dark origin of a legendary villain while pushing the hero to his psychological limits. It features intense violence and controversial themes that distinguish it from standard superhero fare. This adaptation is based on a famous graphic novel known for its grim tone and adult content. The production utilizes a classic visual style to depict a very modern and mature narrative.

‘Justice League Dark: Apokolips War’ (2020)

The heroes of Earth face a brutal and devastating invasion by an intergalactic tyrant. This film is known for its high body count and the willingness to depict the graphic deaths of iconic characters. It serves as the conclusion to a long running series of interconnected animated features. The narrative focuses on the survivors who must launch a desperate final mission to save what remains of their world. Its dark tone and violent action sequences are intended strictly for a mature audience.

‘Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge’ (2020)

A warrior seeks vengeance for the slaughter of his family and clan during an ancient tournament. The film features the extreme level of gore and stylized combat that the video game franchise is known for. It follows various fighters as they compete in a deadly contest to decide the fate of Earth. The animation allows for creative and brutal action sequences that would be difficult to replicate in live action. It is a faithful adaptation that caters to adult fans of the original source material.

‘Fire and Ice’ (1983)

A small village is destroyed by an advancing glacier controlled by an evil sorcerer and his mother. The survivors must team up with a mysterious warrior to stop the magical threat and save their land. This film used rotoscoping to capture realistic movement for its heroic characters and monsters. It features character designs by famous fantasy artist Frank Frazetta and reflects the sword and sorcery aesthetic of the era. The production contains mature themes and action that appeal to fans of classic fantasy.

‘Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust’ (2000)

A half human vampire hunter is hired to rescue a young woman kidnapped by a powerful noble. The story takes place in a far future where technology and gothic horror elements coexist. The film is renowned for its lush visual detail and fluid animation that creates a dark and atmospheric world. It features intense action and a tragic romance that explores the burden of immortality. This production remains a high point for mature action animation with a dark aesthetic.

‘Afro Samurai: Resurrection’ (2009)

A legendary swordsman is forced back into a world of violence when the remains of his father are stolen. He must battle a series of powerful enemies to reclaim his honor and find peace. The film features a unique blend of traditional samurai themes and futuristic technology. It is known for its stylish animation and high energy action sequences accompanied by a hip hop soundtrack. The narrative contains significant mature content and brutal combat throughout.

‘Felidae’ (1994)

A cat named Francis investigates a series of gruesome murders occurring in his new neighborhood. This German production is a dark noir thriller that features domestic animals in a very mature and violent setting. The story involves complex themes of genetics and social hierarchies within the animal world. It is notable for its grim atmosphere and unflinching depiction of animal cruelty and death. The film serves as a stark reminder that animation can be used for very serious and disturbing genres.

‘The Plague Dogs’ (1982)

Two dogs escape from a research laboratory and struggle to survive in the wild while being hunted by the authorities. The film depicts the harsh realities of animal experimentation and the struggle for freedom in an uncaring world. It is known for its incredibly somber tone and realistic portrayal of survival. The narrative avoids sentimental tropes often found in animal stories and instead focuses on a bleak and honest journey. This production is considered one of the most emotionally challenging animated films ever made.

‘Grave of the Fireflies’ (1988)

Two siblings struggle to survive in Japan during the final months of World War II. The narrative depicts the harsh realities of hunger and isolation that civilians faced during the conflict. It is renowned for its emotional depth and unflinching portrayal of tragedy. While it is animated by Studio Ghibli it stands apart for its somber and mature subject matter. The film is often cited as one of the most powerful anti war stories ever produced.

‘Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence’ (2004)

Batou is a cyborg detective who investigates a series of murders committed by malfunctioning gynoids. The story explores the philosophical implications of artificial intelligence and what it means to be human. It features a highly detailed visual style that blends traditional animation with digital effects. The narrative is dense with references to literature and philosophy that demand careful attention from the viewer. This sequel expands on the themes of the original while pushing the technical boundaries of the medium.

‘Redline’ (2009)

Drivers from across the galaxy compete in a deadly and illegal car race held once every seven years. The film is famous for its incredibly detailed hand drawn animation that took seven years to complete. It features high octane action and a vibrant visual style that emphasizes speed and chaos. The story focuses on a racer named JP who finds himself caught in a web of corporate and political intrigue. It is a purely visceral experience intended for fans of over the top action and mature sci fi.

‘Cryptozoo’ (2021)

Cryptozookeepers try to capture a dream eating creature while wondering if they should exhibit these rare beasts or keep them hidden. The film features a highly experimental and colorful art style that feels like a moving tapestry. It explores the conflict between idealistic environmentalism and the exploitative nature of capitalism. The story contains graphic violence and mature themes related to the treatment of marginalized beings. It is a unique and provocative entry in modern adult animation.

‘The Spine of Night’ (2021)

An ancient and dark magic falls into the hands of people who use it to oppress the world over several generations. This film uses rotoscope animation to tell an epic and brutal fantasy story. It features a series of interconnected tales that illustrate the corrupting nature of power. The production is notable for its high level of graphic violence and its homage to the fantasy films of the eighties. It provides a mature take on the epic fantasy genre with a focus on world building.

‘Hell and Back’ (2015)

Two friends must travel to the underworld to rescue their companion who was accidentally dragged into hell. The stop motion comedy features a wide array of vulgar characters and crude humor intended for adults. It satirizes traditional depictions of the afterlife and the tropes of adventure films. The production utilizes a distinctive puppet style to bring its grotesque and funny world to life. It remains a notable example of the R rated stop motion subgenre.

‘Eight Crazy Nights’ (2002)

A man with a criminal record is forced to perform community service during the holiday season under the supervision of an elderly basketball referee. The film features the specific brand of crude humor and musical numbers associated with its star Adam Sandler. It deals with themes of alcoholism and redemption within a mature comedic framework. The animation allows for slapstick sequences that would be impossible in a live action setting. It is one of the few animated films specifically marketed as an R rated holiday comedy.

‘Bad Cat’ (2016)

A foul mouthed cat named Shero spends his days drinking and causing trouble in the streets of Istanbul. He eventually discovers he has a son and must deal with a series of chaotic events involving a vengeful cartoonist. The film features high energy animation and a script filled with profanity and adult situations. It serves as an irreverent and violent action comedy that subverts the tropes of animal animation. This Turkish production gained international attention for its bold and mature tone.

‘Birdboy: The Forgotten Children’ (2015)

Two teenagers struggle to survive on a post apocalyptic island where society has collapsed following a factory explosion. One is a girl who wants to escape while the other is a boy who hides in the forest with his inner demons. The film uses a cute art style to contrast with its very dark themes of drug addiction and social decay. It is a haunting and atmospheric story that explores the loss of innocence in a ruined world. This Spanish production is highly regarded for its unique vision and emotional impact.

‘Night is Short, Walk on Girl’ (2017)

A young woman goes on an epic night of drinking and adventure through the streets of Kyoto while a fellow student tries to confess his love. The film is a surreal and vibrant comedy that explores the joy and chaos of youth. It features a fast paced narrative and experimental animation that captures the feeling of a long and dreamlike evening. The story involves various eccentric characters and philosophical musings on time and fate. It is a celebrated work from director Masaaki Yuasa known for his unique visual style.

‘Beavis and Butt-Head Do America’ (1996)

Two dim witted teenagers travel across the country to find their stolen television set and inadvertently become national fugitives. The film maintains the crude humor and satirical tone of the original television series. It mocks various aspects of American culture and government bureaucracy through the eyes of its oblivious protagonists. The transition to the big screen allowed for a more expansive story and higher production values. It remains a definitive example of mainstream adult comedy in animation.

‘Chico & Rita’ (2010)

A piano player and a singer fall in love in pre revolutionary Cuba and follow their dreams to New York City and beyond. The film is a romantic drama that utilizes a beautiful and expressive art style to depict the history of jazz. it explores themes of ambition and the pain of lost love over several decades. The soundtrack is a central element of the production featuring classic Latin jazz performances. This work was nominated for an Academy Award and is praised for its sophisticated storytelling.

‘Tower’ (2016)

This documentary uses rotoscope animation to recreate the events of the first mass school shooting in American history. It combines archival footage with animated testimonies from survivors and witnesses to provide a visceral perspective. The animation allows the film to depict the events of that day with a sense of urgency and emotional weight. It focuses on the bravery of ordinary people in the face of a terrifying crisis. The production is a powerful and somber exploration of a real life tragedy.

‘Urotsukidōji: Legend of the Overfiend’ (1989)

A supernatural being seeks to unite three different worlds by finding a legendary figure known as the Overfiend. This series is famous for its extreme content and played a major role in the popularization of adult anime in the West. It features intense horror and graphic imagery that pushed the limits of the medium during its time. The narrative is a dark and complex saga involving demonic entities and apocalyptic events. It remains a controversial and significant part of animation history.

‘The Congress’ (2013)

An aging actress agrees to have her digital likeness scanned so a studio can use her in films forever. The story eventually shifts into an animated world where people can choose to live in a drug induced reality of their own making. It explores themes of identity and the potential consequences of future technology on the human experience. The film uses animation to represent a surreal and hallucinatory world where anything is possible. It is a thought provoking and visually ambitious work that defies traditional genre categories.

‘Tehran Taboo’ (2017)

Several young people in the Iranian capital struggle to navigate the strict social and religious laws of their society. The film uses rotoscope animation to tell stories of forbidden desire and personal rebellion. It provides a rare and unflinching look at the underground culture and the double standards of a restrictive regime. The visual style adds a layer of distance that allows for a more focused exploration of the character’s internal struggles. This production is a bold and critical social commentary.

‘Another Day of Life’ (2018)

A Polish journalist travels to Angola during the height of its civil war to witness the conflict firsthand. The film blends traditional animation with documentary footage to depict the chaos and human cost of the struggle. it explores themes of duty and the psychological impact of reporting from a war zone. The animated sequences capture the surreal and terrifying nature of the front lines. This production serves as a powerful tribute to the resilience of the human spirit during times of crisis.

‘I Lost My Body’ (2019)

A severed hand escapes from a laboratory and travels across Paris to reunite with its body while remembering its past. Parallel to this journey is the story of a young man who struggles to find his place in the world and falls in love. The film is a poetic and melancholic investigation of destiny and the physical sensations of memory. It features a unique premise and a hauntingly beautiful art style that emphasizes the small details of life. This production received widespread acclaim for its originality and emotional resonance.

Tell us which of these adult animated films left the biggest impression on you in the comments.