15 Anime Universes You Would Never Want To Live In

Many anime series transport viewers to magical realms filled with adventure and wonder that offer a perfect escape from reality. However, there are just as many settings where daily life is a constant struggle for survival against insurmountable odds. These dystopian worlds feature terrifying monsters, corrupt governments, and environmental hazards that make existence a nightmare. The characters in these stories often face physical danger and psychological trauma at every turn. Here are fifteen anime universes that offer the most perilous living conditions imaginable.

‘Attack on Titan’ (2013–2023)

Humanity resides within three concentric walls to protect themselves from gigantic humanoid creatures known as Titans. These mindless behemoths exist solely to devour humans and terrorize the remaining population. The military forces utilize vertical maneuvering equipment to combat the threat but sustain heavy casualties during every expedition. Political corruption within the interior walls adds another layer of danger to an already precarious existence. Civilians live in perpetual fear of the walls acting as a cage rather than a shield against the horrors outside.

‘Berserk’ (1997–1998)

This dark fantasy realm is defined by relentless brutality and the whims of malevolent supernatural forces. Mercenaries and armies engage in constant warfare that leaves the countryside ravaged by famine and disease. Demonic entities known as Apostles prey upon helpless villagers while a divine hand manipulates fate with cruel indifference. The Eclipse event demonstrates the absolute hopelessness of this world as beloved characters face grotesque ends. Survival in this universe requires immense physical strength and the will to endure endless suffering.

‘Tokyo Ghoul’ (2014)

Modern Tokyo serves as the hunting ground for flesh-eating ghouls who blend in perfectly with human society. These predators possess superhuman strength and specialized predatory organs that make them nearly impossible for ordinary citizens to defeat. The Commission of Counter Ghoul investigators wages a bloody war against the creatures in the streets. Innocent civilians often find themselves caught in the crossfire or targeted as a grim meal for a hungry ghoul. Paranoia runs deep as anyone could secretly be a monster waiting for the right moment to strike.

‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ (1995–1996)

The world has been devastated by a cataclysmic event known as the Second Impact that melted the polar ice caps and altered the global climate. Monstrous beings called Angels frequently attack the remaining fortified cities and force humanity to live in underground shelters. Teenagers pilot giant bio-machines to fight these invaders while suffering from immense psychological strain. The constant threat of total human extinction hangs over every interaction and decision. Residents must endure regular emergency alerts and the destruction of their homes during the battles.

‘Psycho-Pass’ (2012–2013)

Citizens in this futuristic Japan live under the constant surveillance of the Sibyl System. This powerful artificial intelligence network monitors the mental state of every individual to calculate their likelihood of committing a crime. Anyone whose crime coefficient exceeds the acceptable limit faces immediate imprisonment or execution by special police units. The suppression of negative emotions creates a sterile society where stress management is a matter of life and death. Free will is effectively nonexistent as the system dictates career paths and lifestyle choices for everyone.

‘The Promised Neverland’ (2019–2021)

Children grow up in an idyllic orphanage that actually serves as a farm to raise high-quality food for demons. The terrifying reality is hidden behind a facade of loving caretakers and peaceful daily routines. Orphans who demonstrate high intelligence are shipped out to be devoured by the monstrous ruling class of the outside world. The few humans who survive outside the farms must navigate a hostile ecosystem filled with deadly flora and fauna. Trust is a rare commodity when deception is the primary tool for survival.

‘Deadman Wonderland’ (2011)

A massive earthquake sinks much of Tokyo into the ocean and leads to the creation of a twisted prison theme park. Inmates engage in lethal gladiatorial games to entertain the public and earn credits for basic necessities like food and antidotes. The facility houses individuals with the ability to manipulate their own blood into weapons for combat. Prisoners wear collars that inject a deadly poison if they do not consume a specific candy every three days. The management views human life as expendable currency in their pursuit of profit and entertainment.

‘Parasyte: The Maxim’ (2014–2015)

Alien parasites descend upon Earth and burrow into the brains of human hosts to seize control of their bodies. These invaders can shapeshift their heads into deadly blades to slaughter unsuspecting victims and feed on other humans. The parasites are intelligent and can mimic human behavior well enough to remain undetected by the general public. Paranoia spreads as family members and neighbors might secretly be cold-blooded killers in disguise. The random nature of the invasion means that nobody is safe from becoming a host or a meal.

‘Akame ga Kill!’ (2014)

The Empire is plagued by extreme corruption and poverty due to the influence of a manipulative Prime Minister. Villagers suffer under heavy taxation and the brutality of sadistic officials who torture and kill for amusement. The capital city hides a dark underbelly where the wealthy prey upon the poor without consequence. Assassins and soldiers wield powerful ancient weapons called Imperial Arms that cause devastation in battle. Life is cheap in this setting and death comes quickly for anyone who dares to oppose the tyrannical regime.

‘Devilman Crybaby’ (2018)

Demons possess human hosts to wreak havoc and indulge in their most primal and violent desires. The emergence of these creatures triggers a global panic that causes society to collapse into absolute chaos. Humans turn against one another in witch hunts and accuse neighbors of being demons to justify murder. The scale of destruction escalates until the entire planet becomes a battleground for supernatural forces. Love and compassion are systematically crushed by the overwhelming presence of hate and violence.

‘Made in Abyss’ (2017)

A colossal pit known as the Abyss descends deep into the earth and houses strange artifacts and terrifying creatures. Cave raiders who venture into its depths face the Curse of the Abyss upon their ascent. This curse inflicts symptoms ranging from nausea and bleeding to the loss of humanity or death depending on the depth. The environment itself is hostile and features deceptive terrain and predators that mimic cries for help. It is a beautiful but unforgiving trap that lures adventurers to their doom.

‘Highschool of the Dead’ (2010)

A sudden pandemic turns the majority of the population into flesh-eating zombies referred to as them. Society crumbles almost instantly as law enforcement and emergency services are overwhelmed by the undead hordes. Survivors must scavenge for weapons and supplies while avoiding infection from a single bite. The breakdown of moral order leads to dangerous conflicts between groups of desperate humans. High school students are forced to kill their former friends and family members just to see another day.

‘Gantz’ (2004)

Recently deceased individuals find themselves transported to a room with a black sphere that forces them to participate in alien hunts. The participants receive advanced weaponry and suits but must fight horrifying extraterrestrial monsters to earn their freedom. Missions are brutal and often result in the gruesome deaths of team members. The game offers no explanation or mercy and throws ordinary people into combat with no training. The psychological toll of the violence leaves the survivors traumatized and detached from their normal lives.

‘Fist of the North Star’ (1984–1988)

Nuclear war has scorched the Earth and evaporated the oceans to leave behind a barren wasteland. Water and food are scarce commodities that warlords hoard to control the weak and starving population. Martial artists dominate this lawless era and use lethal fighting techniques to explode their enemies. Gangs of marauders roam the desert on motorcycles to pillage villages and slaughter the innocent. Strength is the only law that matters in a world stripped of civilization and kindness.

‘Terra Formars’ (2014)

Humanity attempts to colonize Mars by sending cockroaches and mold to terraform the planet. The cockroaches rapidly evolve into giant humanoid mutants with immense strength and a hatred for humans. Expeditions sent to the red planet face immediate slaughter at the hands of these super-evolved insects. The crew members undergo dangerous surgeries to gain animal characteristics in a desperate bid to fight back. It is a gruesome war for survival against an enemy that outnumbers and overpowers the human explorers.

Tell us which of these terrifying anime worlds you think you could survive in by leaving a comment.