Violent ’80s and ’90s Anime Defying Censorship Rules

In the ’80s and ’90s, anime was undergoing a transformation, exploring new themes and pushing the boundaries of what animation could portray. During this period, a wave of ultraviolent anime emerged. These works were characterized by intense action, dark storylines, and graphic depictions of violence, often set against a backdrop of dystopian worlds and supernatural horrors.

Often staying through to their manga counterpart, these anime were passed around among fans, and cherished for their raw and unfiltered content, putting the rules of censorship to the test. We curated twelve cult classics from the 80s and 90s that still stand strong today for their balance of storytelling and violence.

12. Guyver - Out of Control

1986│OVA

Guyver: Out of Control is an OVA that adapts Yoshiki Takaya’s Bio Booster Armor Guyver manga into a visceral action-packed anime. The story follows Sho Fukamachi, a teenager who accidentally bonds with an alien bio-armor called the Guyver, giving him superhuman abilities and drawing him into a battle against monstrous creatures. The anime is noted for its intense violence and body horror, with gruesome transformations and brutal combat that leave little to the imagination. The visceral fight scenes and dark narrative make Guyver: Out of Control a memorable example of ‘80s anime that isn’t afraid to embrace its violent roots.

Guyver - Out of Control│courtesy of Studio live

11. Cyber City Oedo 808

1990-1991│Mini series

Cyber City Oedo 808, directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri, is a three-episode OVA set in a dystopian future where criminals are offered reduced sentences in exchange for working as mercenaries for the Cyber Police. Each episode follows a different member of this unconventional force as they confront various threats to the city. Known for its cyberpunk aesthetic, the series combines high-tech gadgetry with intense, violent action, resulting in explosive confrontations that often leave a trail of destruction in their wake. The anime’s gritty atmosphere and fast-paced storytelling make it a standout in the realm of ’90s cyberpunk anime.

Cyber City Oedo 808│courtesy of Madhouse

10. Fist of the North Star

1984-1987│Series

Fist of the North Star is a quintessential ‘80s anime that has become legendary for its brutal martial arts action and post-apocalyptic setting. The series follows Kenshiro, a master of the deadly Hokuto Shinken martial art, as he travels through a desolate world protecting the innocent from ruthless warlords and gangs. The anime is famous for its visceral fight scenes where enemies often meet gruesome ends, exploding or disintegrating under Kenshiro’s devastating techniques. The graphic violence and intense emotional drama have made Fist of the North Star a defining series of its era, influencing countless action anime that followed.

Fist of the North Star│courtesy of Toei

9. Angel Cop

1989-1994│Mini series

Angel Cop is a six-part anime series directed by Ichiro Itano that delves into a violent and politically charged vision of the future. Set in a near-future Japan besieged by terrorist threats, the story follows Angel, a no-nonsense agent of a special security unit tasked with protecting the country from internal and external enemies. The series distinguishes itself with its relentless depiction of violence—featuring brutal gunfights, graphic injuries, and a level of bloodshed that rarely allows the viewer to look away. The hyper-violent action scenes, combined with its dark and often controversial storyline, have made Angel Cop a cult favorite among fans of gritty, mature anime.

Angel Cop│courtesy of DAST

8. Goku - Midnight Eye

1989│Mini series

Directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri, Goku: Midnight Eye is a cyberpunk anime that combines detective noir with futuristic technology. The story follows Goku Furinji, a former detective who gains a cybernetic eye capable of interfacing with any computer system. Armed with his new abilities, Goku takes on various criminals and corrupt organizations, resulting in intense, violent encounters. The anime is known for its dark atmosphere, blending elements of classic detective stories with a high-tech, dystopian future. The brutal action sequences and stylized visuals make Goku: Midnight Eye a standout in the landscape of ’80s anime.

Goku - Midnight Eye│courtesy of Madhouse

7. Demon City Shinjuku

1988│Movie

Also by Yoshiaki Kawajiri, Demon City Shinjuku is a dark fantasy anime that takes place in a demon-infested Tokyo district. The story follows Kyoya Izayoi, a young martial artist who is reluctantly drawn into a battle against the evil sorcerer Rebi Ra, who has taken control of Shinjuku. With its intense, fast-paced action scenes and a moody, atmospheric soundtrack, Demon City Shinjuku portrays a world on the brink of apocalypse, where humanity faces annihilation at the hands of supernatural forces. The film’s violent confrontations and dark, eerie tone have cemented its place as a classic example of ‘80s anime that doesn’t shy away from showing the brutal side of its fantastical narrative.

Demon City Shinjuku│courtesy of Madhouse

6. Akira

1988│Movie

Akira, directed by Katsuhiro Otomo, is a landmark anime film that revolutionized the medium with its detailed animation and complex narrative. Set in a dystopian Neo-Tokyo, the story follows Kaneda and Tetsuo, two members of a biker gang, who become entangled in a government experiment involving psychic powers. The film is renowned for its intense scenes of destruction, body horror, and graphic violence, particularly as Tetsuo’s powers spiral out of control, leading to catastrophic transformations and chaotic battles. Akira is not just a masterpiece of animation but also a powerful exploration of power, corruption, and the potential for destruction inherent in humanity.

AKIRA│courtesy of Toho

5. Wicked City

1987│Movie

Wicked City, directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri, is an anime film that masterfully blends horror and action in a dark, alternate version of Tokyo. The plot revolves around the delicate coexistence between humans and demons, held together by a fragile peace treaty. The protagonists, Taki, a human operative of the Black Guard, and Makie, a demon partner, are tasked with preventing a group of rogue demons from sabotaging this fragile peace. The film is notorious for its nightmarish visuals and unsettling content, including scenes of graphic violence and disturbing transformations. Its detailed animation and intense action sequences make Wicked City a standout in the horror genre, remembered for its ability to shock and captivate audiences.

Wicked City│courtesy of Joy Pack Film

4. Ninja Scroll

1993│Movie

Ninja Scroll, directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri, is a hallmark of ’90s anime known for its high-intensity action and explicit content. The film follows Jubei Kibagami, a wandering ninja who becomes embroiled in a deadly conflict involving eight supernatural demons. Each encounter is a showcase of brutal combat and graphic violence, with Jubei facing opponents who possess terrifying powers and grotesque abilities. Ninja Scroll is celebrated for its fluid animation and dynamic fight choreography, blending traditional samurai aesthetics with supernatural horror elements, creating a thrilling and unforgettable experience.

Ninja Scroll│courtesy of Toho & Madhouse

3. Battle Royal High School

1987│Movie

Battle Royal High School is an anime that embodies the over-the-top action and vibrant art style of the ‘80s. If you’re looking for senseless and brutal action, but a less thick plot, Battle Royal is for you. The story centers on Riki Hyoudo, a high school student destined to be a vessel for a powerful demon king from another realm. The anime is renowned for its imaginative use of demonic elements and extreme violence, with intense battles that showcase a variety of gruesome and imaginative fight scenes. Despite its short runtime, the film’s unrestrained approach to violence and supernatural combat makes it a memorable entry in the genre of violent anime.

Battle Royal High School│courtesy of DAST

2. Golgo 13 - The Professional

1983│Movie

Golgo 13: The Professional, directed by Osamu Dezaki, is a seminal piece of anime cinema based on the long-running manga by Takao Saito. The film follows Duke Togo, also known as Golgo 13, a cold, calculating assassin whose reputation precedes him. The anime dives deep into the moral complexities of assassination, showcasing a protagonist who is both highly skilled and unflinchingly ruthless. Known for its stylish direction and innovative animation techniques, Golgo 13: The Professional features gritty, realistic action scenes that highlight the brutal nature of its titular character’s line of work, earning it a reputation as a pioneering work in violent anime.

Golgo 13 - The Professional│courtesy of Toho-Towa

1. Devilman - The Birth

1987│Movie

Devilman: The Birth is an OVA directed by Tsutomu Iida that adapts Go Nagai’s classic manga into a visceral animated experience. The story follows Akira Fudo, a mild-mannered high school student who transforms into the powerful demon-human hybrid, Devilman, to combat a rising tide of malevolent demons. The anime is infamous for its shocking and grotesque depictions of violence, with scenes of dismemberment, decapitation, and brutal combat that push the boundaries of the horror genre. With its intense narrative and striking visuals, Devilman: The Birth remains a significant and influential piece of ’80s anime horror.

Devilman - The Birth│courtesy of Toei

These anime titles are emblematic of the ’80s and ’90s era, showcasing a time when animation was unafraid to explore the darker, more violent aspects of storytelling. Each of these works has left a unique mark on the genre, pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in animation and influencing countless artists and creators in the decades since. While anime has evolved in many ways, becoming more diverse and accessible, the impact of these pioneering works can still be felt today. They remind us of a period when creators were willing to take risks, challenge norms, and push the medium beyond conventional limits.

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