whatanimeshouldiwatchnext · Drama

The best psychological drama anime you can start from the beginning

91 anime that are both drama and psychological, ranked by MyAnimeList, with none of the sequels, side stories or recap editions you cannot start cold. Top of the list: Steins;Gate, Monster, Takopii no Genzai.

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The list

1. 1 Steins;Gate TV · 2011 · 24 episodes · White Fox · #6 on MyAnimeList 95% would recommend
2. 2 Monster TV · 2004 · 74 episodes · Madhouse · #26 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
3. 3 Takopii no Genzai Takopi's Original Sin ONA · 2025 · 6 episodes · Enishiya · #50 on MyAnimeList 95% would recommend
4. 4 Kenpuu Denki Berserk Berserk TV · 1997 · 25 episodes · OLM · #110 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
5. 5 Perfect Blue Film · 1998 · Madhouse · #136 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
6. 6 Banana Fish TV · 2018 · 24 episodes · MAPPA · #192 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
7. 7 Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica Puella Magi Madoka Magica TV · 2011 · 12 episodes · Shaft · #246 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
8. 8 Shinseiki Evangelion Neon Genesis Evangelion TV · 1995 · 26 episodes · Gainax · #265 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
9. 9 NHK ni Youkoso! Welcome to the N.H.K. TV · 2006 · 24 episodes · Gonzo · #311 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
10. 10 Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- TV · 2016 · 25 episodes · White Fox · #393 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
11. 11 Shoujo Kakumei Utena Revolutionary Girl Utena TV · 1997 · 39 episodes · J.C.Staff · #396 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend
12. 12 Shinsekai yori From the New World TV · 2012 · 25 episodes · A-1 Pictures · #410 on MyAnimeList 87% would recommend
13. 13 Death Parade TV · 2015 · 12 episodes · Madhouse · #545 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
14. 14 Serial Experiments Lain TV · 1998 · 13 episodes · Triangle Staff · #600 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend
15. 15 Omoide no Marnie When Marnie Was There Film · 2014 · Studio Ghibli · #692 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
16. 16 Evangelion Movie 1: Jo Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone Film · 2007 · Khara · #752 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
17. 17 Haibane Renmei TV · 2002 · 13 episodes · Radix · #755 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend
18. 18 Berserk: Ougon Jidai-hen - Memorial Edition Berserk: The Golden Age Arc - Memorial Edition TV · 2022 · 13 episodes · Studio 4°C · #876 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
19. 19 Mawaru Penguindrum Penguindrum TV · 2011 · 24 episodes · Brain's Base · #890 on MyAnimeList 83% would recommend
20. 20 Kuuchuu Buranko Welcome to Irabu's Office TV · 2009 · 11 episodes · Toei Animation · #908 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
21. 21 Oniisama e... Dear Brother TV · 1991 · 39 episodes · Tezuka Productions · #940 on MyAnimeList 82% would recommend
22. 22 Zetsuen no Tempest Blast of Tempest TV · 2012 · 24 episodes · Bones · #995 on MyAnimeList 85% would recommend
23. 23 Death Billiards Film · 2013 · Madhouse · #998 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
24. 24 Youkoso Jitsuryoku Shijou Shugi no Kyoushitsu e Classroom of the Elite TV · 2017 · 12 episodes · Lerche · #1139 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend
25. 25 Beastars TV · 2019 · 12 episodes · Orange · #1209 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend

Why this is not a MyAnimeList search. Every entry here is one you can start from the beginning. Anything with a prequel or a parent story is left out, as are recaps and compilation editions — about half of what MyAnimeList ranks. Ordered by MyAnimeList position. The percentage is the share of MyAnimeList scorers who rated a title 7 or higher.