Aoi Bungaku Series

insert wojak meme

thrills & chills guaranteed

These are some pretty good psychological anime series and movies.. Some are new and some are a little older. Enjoy!

Series that emphasise the presentation of struggle and dramatic event(s) through culminating the portrayal of the experience to that point visually or by some other means.

"Elitist" has been a very generic and broad term to generalise many types of not-so-mainstream or "deep" anime, so this list is very diverse and it's criteria are not always clear cut and objective. Nonetheless I try to provide a proper explanation for why each entry is included. Generally speaking these are shows that fit one OR more of these adjectives: Experimental, Avant-Garde, Psychological, Philosophical, Obscure, Classic, Critically Acclaimed, Artsy, Old, etc...

Some shows here are not necessarily obscure or underground at all, but they are still here because they have been stereotyped as "elitist" by the community over time, due to their experimental or artsy nature. Similarly, some shows here are not necessarily artsy or experimental in nature, but their old/underwatched/obscure nature gives them a reason to be here. Not all aspects have to be checked to be included. Only one per franchise.

I have personally watched the great majority of the anime in this list, but there are a couple which I haven't. Still added them because of how strongly they are stereotyped as "elitist" or have fitting characteristics to be classified as such. I know my list still lacks many essential classics, I will continue to add and expand into this list as I watch those personally.

For more recommendations, go to my other Interest Stacks, "Elitist Anime 2" , "Elitist Anime 3" and "Elitist Anime 4", whose links are:

- https://myanimelist.net/stacks/4256
- https://myanimelist.net/stacks/4756
- https://myanimelist.net/stacks/10188
- https://myanimelist.net/stacks/15961

history doesn't repeat itself in the anime world.

A list of anime that deals with mental illness or other neurodivergence. It may be a main part of the show or just something a main character deals with that contributes to the plot in some way. This is going to be an incomplete stack as I have only seen around 400 shows and there are probably so many that I have missed. If you comment on my profile one that belongs and why, I would love to add it.

As someone who has dealt with mental illness and neurodivergence my whole life, seeing shows where characters deal with similar issues gives me a feeling of being seen. I know many others on this site probably feel the same way.

I hope this list can help someone find a good show!

Associated words: Dark (Visually and/or Thematically), Story-centric, Atmospheric, Abstract, Psychological, Unorthodox, Nihilistic, AND/OR Avant-garde
(Emphasis on AND/OR)


Do check out the other 'half': https://myanimelist.net/stacks/4917 (Some shows could also fit here)

Anime series that are great and underrated.

This is not include animes that has inspired by classic lit or mentions it, mainly this is on anime that adapts or loosely adapts on classic lit. (Note: I'll try and update as much as I can and add some obscure ones!)

Just random recommendations you may not have seen or heard.

The best blend of fantasy, supernatural, and a hint of romance all harboured by a dark overtone.
In short, they are the perfect serious late-night anime.

Anime that is already completed and will never get a season 2 either because it's original or anime adapts the whole source material. Some will not get a squeal either because the manga has already ended or the anime is too old to get a season 2.

Anime with an intriguing, immersive, rich, or otherwise memorable atmosphere. Usually a combination of artistic, imaginative visuals, distinctive music, a slowish pace, and cryptic, emotional, and/or philosophical dialogue. Atmospheric doesn't necessarily mean good, though.

Anime that are especially eye catching visually, often in it's background art and/or general aesthetic. aka anime I find myself taking lots of screenshots of. Only one entry per series. Will be updated as I watch more stuff.

Tales from the early Showa period (first 20 years of the reign of emperor Hirohito, who ascended to the throne 1926).
During this time, Japan encounters the world economic crisis, impoverishment, exploitation, political strife, rise of militarism, political opression, imperial expansion, and World War II.
Maybe one of the most interesting periods of Japanese history.
Only including titles that cover at least glimpses of the prewar period.

Suggestions for additional titles are welcome.