30 Great Anime For Older Audiences On Crunchyroll

30 Great Anime For Older Audiences On Crunchyroll

Ashley Glenn
Updated February 15, 2025 139.9K views 19 items
Ranked By
6.5K votes
2.2K voters

Looking for adult anime on Crunchyroll? If you love anime, you’ve probably had the question asked, “But, isn’t that for kids?” This isn’t totally uncommon and maybe not even that out of the ordinary; it’s an honest mistake considering anime does have a hefty amount of kids' shows and certainly might seem like one at a glance. However, if you’ve been diligent with the genre for a while now, you know the truth. Crunchyroll has a lot of anime series specifically made for adults that children should never be able to get their hands on.

Crunchyroll is one of the most popular anime streaming sites out there. Naturally, they have a wide selection of series you can watch, including shows that are clearly meant for an older audience. We’ve found quite a few anime series you should consider adding to your watch list or maybe even showing the next person to ask that question. There's Bungo Stray Dogs, for example, or Samurai ChamplooParasyte: The Maxim is another adult anime streaming on Crunchyroll that combines intense action with a unique and thought-provoking concept - what would happen if a new predator was introduced on Earth? 

Find the best Crunchyroll anime for adults on the list below and vote it up so other readers will have great recommendations!

Latest additions: Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation, Bakemonogatari, Prison School
Over 2.2K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of 30 Great Anime For Older Audiences On Crunchyroll
  • Samurai Champloo

    Fuu has one goal: to find the Sunflower Samurai. After employing Mugen and Jin to accompany her, the trio goes on a journey filled with awesome fight scenes and very adult topics. Featuring a mix of historical Edo period facts with a bit of a modern style to it, it's a very enjoyable show to watch.

    The art style is unique, the animation is great, and the story is compelling with a mix of humor and heartbreaking scenes.

    538 votes
    Do you recommend this?
  • The Ancient Magus' Bride

    Chise Hatori has been damaged by the world and has no real place to call home. In an attempt to find a place to belong, she decides to sell herself at an auction. There, she is bought my a mysterious and tall man with an animal skull for a head. Elias Ainsworth seems incredibly scary but treats her well as she learns to heal in her new home, Britain.

    The story is filled with magic, love, and an incredible story about what home means for Chise.

    824 votes
    Do you recommend this?
  • Cowboy Bebop

    Cowboy Bebop is a classic, so we're sure you have an idea what it's about. But to refresh your memory, here's the recap! In 2071, the Earth is almost uninhabitable, forcing people to live among the stars. However, underworld activity is rising and the need for control is pivotal; this leads law enforcement to hire bounty hunters, also known as "cowboys," to chase down and bring in lawbreakers.

    Spike is one such cowboy and he and his crew go on missions that tend to weave in the stories of their individual pasts.

    604 votes
    Do you recommend this?
  • Parasyte: The Maxim

    Shinichi Izumi was a normal 17-year-old with a very quiet life before a Parasyte named Migi decided to latch onto him. As a Parasyte, they're typically supposed to enter a creature's brain and take them over; however, Migi has messed up and is now stuck in Shinichi's right hand.

    Now stuck with each other despite being separate identities, the two must work together in order to survive a world now filled with infesting Parasytes.

    495 votes
    Do you recommend this?
  • Bungo Stray Dogs
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    With more of a noir feel to it, Bungo Stray Dogs is about detectives who take on cases involving special abilities. In this world, there are some humans with supernatural powers and some of them prefer to use these talents for bad. Naturally, the Armed Detective Agency is the special forces used to keep these lawbreakers at bay, using their own special abilities to take them down.

    The main story revolves around each character and the way they solve cases using their powers.

    342 votes
    Do you recommend this?
  • Berserk

    Knowing only combat and pain since he was born, Guts started off as a lone mercenary with a horrifying reputation. When Griffith, a leader of a mercenary group, defeats Guts in a fight, he makes him join his group, "Band of the Hawk." However, when Griffith betrays their party and slays almost all of the men, Guts finds himself on a mission of revenge.

    Action, gore, and tons of broodiness, Berserk is known for being an epic of an anime.

    361 votes
    Do you recommend this?
  • Chainsaw Man

    A young man merges with a devil to escape his debts, but his new power pulls him into a brutal world of devil hunting, where survival comes at a bloody price.

    Slicing through convention with unapologetic brutality, dark humor, and heart-pounding battles, this show explores themes of loss, identity, and ambition. The chaos is bloody yet remarkably poignant.

    24 votes
    Do you recommend this?
  • Attack on Titan

    Humanity faces extinction as giant, man-eating creatures relentlessly pursue their prey, leading a small group of survivors to fight for their lives behind towering walls.

    This series delivers a well-written narrative where humanity battles monstrous foes, blending breathtaking action with profound explorations of freedom, sacrifice, and the human condition. Intricate plot twists and morally complex characters keep viewers on edge, making it a monumental epic.

    23 votes
    Do you recommend this?
  • A man reincarnates into a magical world with all his past life memories, using his knowledge to seek redemption and live without regrets.

    Breathing new life into the isekai genre with rich world-building and deeply personal character growth, this compelling tale of redemption and self-discovery is full of emotional depth and fantasy charm.

    17 votes
    Do you recommend this?
  • Vinland Saga
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      • Wit Studio

    A young warrior embarks on an epic journey of revenge, crossing paths with formidable foes in a brutal saga of conquest and survival.

    This anime is critically acclaimed for its gripping narrative that masterfully intertwines themes of revenge, redemption, and the brutal realities of Viking warfare. Its richly developed characters, particularly the conflicted protagonist, navigate a world where honor and violence collide, offering deep philosophical reflections on the nature of power and freedom.

    14 votes
    Do you recommend this?
  • Bakemonogatari

    A high school boy is drawn into a world of strange apparitions, uncovering supernatural mysteries while navigating the complexities of his relationships with the girls involved.

    An enigmatic blend of supernatural mystery and philosophical dialogue, this series reveals deeper truths about the human condition through each encounter. Unique visual style and witty writing make it a standout in the genre.

    7 votes
    Do you recommend this?
  • Paranoia Agent

    A wave of bizarre crimes sweeps through Tokyo, linked by a shadowy figure wielding a bat, leading detectives to question the boundaries between reality and delusion.

    Delving into the collective psyche of society, this story unravels the fears and anxieties that bind us. Surreal narrative and bold social commentary create a mind-bending experience that challenges perceptions of reality.

    13 votes
    Do you recommend this?
  • Akira

    In a post-apocalyptic Tokyo, a young biker gang member becomes embroiled in a secret government project that threatens to unleash unimaginable destruction.

    This groundbreaking masterpiece redefined animation with stunning visuals and a deep exploration of power, corruption, and humanity’s self-destructive tendencies. It remains a cinematic landmark resonating across generations.

    10 votes
    Do you recommend this?
  • Another
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      • P.A. Works

    A transfer student arrives at a school haunted by a curse, leading to a series of gruesome deaths as classmates unravel the terrifying mystery that binds them.

    The eerie atmosphere and shocking twists make it a haunting experience that lingers long after the final scene.

    10 votes
    Do you recommend this?
  • Hellsing Ultimate

    A secret organization battles the undead with the help of a powerful vampire, plunging the world into a brutal war between humans and monsters.

    This blood-soaked symphony of chaos pits vampires against humans in epic battles. Stylish animation, unforgettable characters, and relentless action make it a standout in the horror-action genre.

    9 votes
    Do you recommend this?
  • Psycho-Pass

    In a dystopian future, law enforcement relies on a system that predicts criminal intent, but when the system fails, chaos ensues, forcing officers to confront their own morality.

    A chilling look at a future where technology governs morality, this story presents a dystopian society that questions the balance between security and freedom. Philosophical depth and intense psychological drama make it a gripping exploration of human nature.

    7 votes
    Do you recommend this?
  • Deadman Wonderland

    Wrongly imprisoned, a boy discovers a twisted world where inmates must participate in deadly games, revealing the dark secrets behind the prison's facade.

    In this nightmarish thrill ride, survival is the only law. Twisted games, vibrant characters, and an ever-present sense of dread create a darkly captivating world that keeps audiences hooked.

    8 votes
    Do you recommend this?
  • Death Parade

    In a mysterious bar, the dead must participate in life-and-death games, where their true character is revealed and their fate in the afterlife is decided.

    Exploring life and death, this haunting narrative unravels the true nature of the human soul with each episode. A unique premise combined with compelling moral dilemmas makes it a thought-provoking and emotionally impactful series.

    4 votes
    Do you recommend this?
  • Prison School

    A group of delinquent boys finds themselves in a brutal and absurdly strict school where escape is impossible, and their every move is monitored.

    A hilariously outrageous take on strict discipline, this show pushes boundaries with audacious humor and eccentric characters. Beneath the absurdity lies sharp satire on power dynamics and rebellion.

    7 votes
    Do you recommend this?