When it comes to anime, one of the most thrilling and engaging themes is that of revenge. Revenge drives characters to extreme lengths, often pushing them beyond their usual moral boundaries. Whether motivated by betrayal, loss, or a desire for justice - revenge is a powerful force.
In anime, revenge also leads to some of the most exciting battles, captivating plot twists and poignant moments of character growth. From post-apocalyptic settings to Victorian mansions, students to samurai - revenge can take many forms in anime.
In this post, we're ranking 15 of the all-time greatest revenge anime. From dark fantasies to historical epics, psychological thrillers, and beyond - these shows feature vengeance-driven plots guaranteed to keep you at the edge of your seat.
So here they are - the 15 best revenge anime ranked for your viewing pleasure:
1. Hell Girl
Japanese Title: Jigoku Shoujo
English Title: Hell Girl
Studio: Studio Deen
No. of episodes: 26
Release Date: Oct 4, 2005
Where to Stream: Crunchyroll, Funimation
Hell Girl tells the haunting story of Ai Enma - a young girl with supernatural abilities who, under certain circumstances, will transport people to hell. The premise follows an online site where people can submit the names of those who've wronged them at midnight. Ai Enma then appears, offering the choice of immediate vengeance, at the price of the requester's soul also going to hell after death.
It's a dark theme of condemnation and revenge, made more so by Ai Enma's tragic backstory. Each episode also elaborates on the situations and decisions of unwitting requesters, kept morally gray rather than simply black and white. With more drama than horror, Hell Girl makes for a binge-worthy exploration of the extremes people often reach when blinded by hatred or loss.
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2. 91 Days
Japanese Title: 91 Days
English Title: 91 Days
Studio: Shuka
No. of episodes: 12
Release Date: Jul 9, 2016
Where to Stream: Crunchyroll
For fans of gritty, mafia-style revenge plots set during US prohibition, 91 Days delivers in spades. Angelo Lagusa witnesses his family's murder as a child by the Vanetti crime family. Seven years later, assuming a new identity as Avilio Bruno, Angelo reunites with the Vanettis seeking to destroy them from within.
However, revenge breeds more revenge and Angelo must navigate complex loyalties and consequences on both sides of the law. Action-packed, violent, and full of moral ambiguity - 91 Days mixes classic mafia drama with captivating animation and a desire for vengeance driving the plot. Avilio's motives stay enthralling as different revelations challenge his course, making for an anime gem centered on retaliation.
3. Attack On Titan
Japanese Title: Shingeki no Kyojin
English Title: Attack on Titan
Studio: Wit Studio, MAPPA
No. of episodes: 94
Release Date: April 7, 2013
Where to Stream: Crunchyroll, Hulu, Funimation
In the post-apocalyptic world of Attack on Titan, the last remnants of humanity live in fear of the Titans – giant humanoid beings bent on devouring humans. After the Titans destroy his town and kill his mother, young Eren Yeager dedicates his life to their annihilation. Eren and his companions join a military effort to not only defeat the Titan threat but unravel the horrifying secrets behind their existence.
Driven by the loss of all he holds dear, Eren takes increasingly extreme measures in his quest for vengeance. Themes of genocide, racism, and morality all play a part - challenging the notions of justice and legacy. Backed up by stellar animation and pulse-pounding action, Attack on Titan remains an exhilarating anime epic fueled initially by one boy's revenge.
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4. Code Geass
Japanese Title: Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch
English Title: Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
Studio: Sunrise
No. of episodes: 50
Release Date: Oct 5, 2006
Where to Stream: Netflix, Crunchyroll
In an alternate world ruled by the mighty Britannian Empire, exiled prince Lelouch Lamperouge happens upon a strange girl who gifts him Geass – the power of absolute obedience. With his new ability allowing control over anyone he makes eye contact with, Lelouch adopts the persona of Zero. He leads a rebellion against the Empire for vengeance over his mother's death and his sister's disability from their tyranny.
What follows is a cerebral game of chess between Zero's strategic genius and the best minds of Britannia. Code Geass features thrilling mecha-robot battles alongside a gripping exploration of morality regarding the use of power for revenge. As stakes heighten, Lelouch's grasp on friend and foe blurs, spiraling towards a iconic finale.
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5. Black Butler
Japanese Title: Kuroshitsuji
English Title: Black Butler
Studio: A-1 Pictures
No. of episodes: 43
Release Date: October 2, 2008
Where to Stream: Crunchyroll
Black Butler blends elements of mystery, supernatural fantasy, and revenge to deliver a distinctly dark Victorian tale. After his parents' murders,12-year-old aristocrat Ciel Phantomhive makes a pact with a demon named Sebastian. In exchange for his soul, Sebastian will serve as Ciel's butler - protecting him from harm while helping to run his estate.
Together they investigate the underground criminal network, seeking vengeance against those that subjected Ciel to month of unspeakable horror and anguish.
Sebastian brings superhuman skill and cunning in carrying out Ciel's orders, no matter how violenct or ruthless. At the same time, glimpses into their past reveal hidden connections threatening their arrangement at every turn. With striking gothic animation and an intricate plot fueled by revenge, Black Butler makes for a uniquely morbid experience.
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6. Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo
Japanese Title: Gankutsuou
English Title: Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo
Studio: Gonzo
No. of episodes: 24
Release Date: Oct 5, 2004
Where to Stream: Crunchyroll
Gankutusou is a sci-fi reimagining of the classic Count of Monte Cristo tale - itself centered on calculated revenge. Set in a lavish future Paris, young aristocrat Albert befriends the mysterious Count, unaware of his true intentions. Betrayed and imprisoned at a young age, the Count spent years acquiring power and fortune for his elaborate revenge plans against Albert's father and friends responsible.
What sets Gankutsuou apart is it's unique surreal animation, perfectly evoking the Count's enigmatic and sinister presence. The aristocratic backdrop contrasts nicely with sci-fi and supernatural elements such as mechas alongside commanding orchestral score. Populated with memorable characters, Gankutsuou succeeds in adapting a time-tested story of revenge into to riveting anime spectacle.
7. Gungrave
Japanese Title: Gungrave
English Title: Gungrave
Studio: Madhouse Studios
No. of episodes: 26
Release Date: October 7, 2003
Where to Stream: Crunchyroll
In Gungrave, Brandon Heat and Harry Macdowell begin as orphaned friends struggling on the streets, eventually rising together as mob enforcers. But when greed and ambition cloud Harry's judgment, Brandon pays the ultimate price of friendship - death at Harry's hands. Resurrected years later as a half-dead killer named 'Beyond The Grave', Brandon embarks on a quest for vengeance against Harry - now a powerful leader of the criminal organization called Millenion.
Gungrave spans decades as it explores the strong bond between Brandon and Harry being corrupted by violence and desire for power. Themes of loyalty and vengeance feature in spades across the series' gritty mafia trappings. All culminating in thrilling action as Brandon mows down all obstacles in his single-minded determination to confront Harry one last time.
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8. Berserk
Japanese: Beruseruku
English Title: Berserk
Studio: GEMBA (animation), Millepensee (animation), Liden Films (production)
No. of episodes: 25
Release Date: 1 July 2016
Where to Stream: Crunchyroll, Netflix
Berserk showcases one of anime’s renowned tales of darkness centered on the lone swordsman Guts and his bloodstained path of vengeance. As a skilled fighter joining the legendary mercenary Band of the Hawk, Guts finds purpose battling alongside their charismatic leader Griffith – developing a deep bond cemented in the trenches. However, after a devastating betrayal leaves the Hawks scattered and Guts marked for sacrifice, only his rage and will to survive endure against powerful demonic forces now hunting him relentlessly.
Berserk’s grim worldbuilding and dynamic combat underpin its grim narrative - the grueling horrors endured steeling Guts’ resolve as he cuts down all in his way for another chance to confront Griffith. Exploring provocative themes like ambition and the value of camaraderie, Berserk remains an uncompromising anime epic.
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9. Kill la Kill
Japanese Title: Kiru ra Kiru
English Title: Kill la Kill
Studio: Trigger
No. of episodes: 25
Release date: October 4, 2013
Where to Stream: Crunchyroll
Kill la Kill features a wildly inventive take on anime revenge premises by using sentient, power-granting combat uniforms. After her father's murder, hot-blooded rebel Ryuko Matoi arrives at Honnouji Academy seeking his killer. Ruled by iron-fisted student president Satsuki Kiryuin, Ryuko contends with the school’s elite guard clad in Goku uniforms - their powers scaling to the wearer’s strength of will.
After coming into possession of her own cantankerous Godrobe named Senketsu, Ryuko fights her way closer towards confronting Satsuki. Kill La Kill meshes high-octane spectacle with potent themes of fascism and not judging others based solely on appearance. As impediments continually arise during Ryuko’s recklessly driven quest for retribution, the bonds she forms help challenge her worldview.
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10. Vinland Saga
Japanese Title: Vinland Saga
English Title: Vinland Saga
Studio: Wit Studio
No. of episodes: 24
Release Date: July 7, 2019
Where to Stream: Crunchyroll
Vinland Saga’s sweeping storyline marries historical fiction with revenge ultimately questioning its validity. As the son of a revered warrior killed by bloodthirsty bandits, hot-headed Thorfinn joins their ranks plotting to duel their cunning Askeladd in an honorable revenge match. But Thorfinn’s ideals are challenged by his 80 brutal bandmates, a politically fractured England under invasion in the 11th century, and his own role in the death dealing.
Harrowing battles and perseverance in the face of tragedy punctuate Thorfinn’s coming-of-age from an impatient boy to a formidable fighter - one realizing that the cycle of violence left in vengeance’s wake helps no one. Featuring impressive production values bringing its Viking era setting to life, Vinland Saga delivers the quintessential historic anime revenge epic.
11. Castlevania
Japanese Title: 悪魔城ドラキュラ キャッスルヴァニア
English Title: Castlevania
Studio: Frederator Studios
No. of episodes: 32
Release Date: July 7, 2017
Where to Stream: Netflix
Castlevaniaisn't made in Japan but clearly belongs here given its well-executed animated take on the iconic Konami video game franchise. After mankind declares war against all supernatural beings, infamous vampire lord Dracula casts a shadow of vengeance onto Eastern Europe following his wife’s execution.
A survivor of this purge is Trevor Belmont who, despite his lineage of famed monster hunters, has turned to a life of drunkenness and apathy. After Dracula unleashes an army of demons that sees entire nations fall, Trever must shake free his malaise, take up the family whip, and join unlikely allies to confront Dracula directly.
Castlevania delivers stunning gothic visuals accompanying frenetic battles against vampires, demons, and more monstrosities. This coupled with an emphasis on consequences regarding man's inhumanity make the series equal parts exhilarating and sobering.
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12. Jujutsu Kaisen
Japanese Title: 呪術廻戦
English Title: Jujutsu Kaisen
Studio: MAPPA
No of episodes: 24
Release Date: October 3, 2020
Where to Stream: Crunchyroll, Netflix
Jujutsu Kaisen tells the dark story of Maki Zenin, a member of Jujutsu High School's Occult Club born into a family of elite Jujutsu sorcerers. Being devoid of any cursed energy, Maki suffers relentless abuse by her clan growing up but perseveres in combat training becoming highly skilled with weapons. After constant belittlement even as one of the school's strongest students, Maki sets on getting powerful cursed weapons from the Zenin clan to aid her friends against supernatural threats.
However, finding her estranged sister Mai fatally wounded by their sadistic elder brother leads Maki down a path of wholesale slaughter against the Zenin family - her lifetime of seething resentment unleashed in a visceral payoff. Jujutsu Kaisen strikingly illustrates Maki's emotional tribulations through brutal battles and fluid animation in an engrossing tale of chosen family and retribution.
13. My Hero Academia
Japanese Title: 僕のヒーローアカデミア
English Title: My Hero Academia
Studio: Bones
No. of episodes: 113
Release Date: April 3, 2016
Where to Stream: Crunchyroll
The world of My Hero Academia is filled with professional heroes, but also the rise of dangerous villains constantly threatening society's fragile peace. Fan-favorite antihero Dabi is revealed as Toya Todoroki - the estranged son of Endeavor, the controversial top hero who abused his family while raising his children as 'masterpieces' engineered to surpass All Might.
After being subjected to brutal 'training' that disfigured him, Toya orchestrates various crimes to ruin Endeavor's reputation, culminating in exposing the abuse publicly. Though driven partially by psychopathy, Dabi's principal aim is to utterly destroy Endeavor and everything he built - his long-awaited vengeance for the childhood trauma Endeavor inflicted. My Hero Academia executes this layered revenge plotline amidst its trademark dazzling superpower battles - cementing itself as a contemporary Shonen great.
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14. Tokyo Ghoul
Japanese Title: 東京喰種トーキョーグール
English Title: Tokyo Ghoul
Studio: Studio Pierrot
No. of episodes: 48
Release Date: July 4, 2014
Where to Stream: Netflix
In the macabre world of Tokyo Ghoul, the story follows Ken Kaneki who transforms into a hybrid ghoul after a date gone horribly wrong. Forced to abandon his humanity to survive, Kaneki endures horrific persecution akin to that suffered by Ghouls under zealous investigators hunting them into extinction. After finally finding friendship and purpose at a Ghoul-run café, Kaneki battles to protect his new surrogate family against violent threats both human and inhuman alike.
Kaneki ultimately embraces his Ghoul nature, adopting the intimidating persona ‘Eyepatch’ while leading heroic efforts against anti-Ghoul forces. Tokyo Ghoul crafts a riveting narrative around Kaneki walking between worlds and seeking justice against brutish foes - best exemplified during his satisfying retaliation on his torturer Yamori.
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15. Naruto Shippuden
Japanese Title: NARUTO -ナルト- 疾風伝
English Title: Naruto: Shippuden
Studio: Studio Pierrot
No. episodes: 500
Release Date: February 15, 2007
Where to Stream: Netflix, Crunchyroll
Naruto Shippuden features the satisfying revenge arc of Shikamaru Nara against Hidan of the Akatsuki for killing his mentor Asuma. Known for strategic brilliance versus raw power, Shikamaru lures the immortal Hidan away from his teammates and uses his own voodoo-like technique against him. After enduring taunts and insults to get Hidan's ritual started, Shikamaru springs his trap - binding Hidan in place before setting off concealed explosive tags all over his body.
What follows is Shikamaru subjecting Hidan to multiple calculated explosions through the forest till nothing remains but dismembered limbs. Shikamaru buries each part separately inside a vast forest, entombing the cursespewing Hidan for eternity deep below the earth while visiting his sensei's grave marker above. It remains one of the most ingenious and well-devised vengeance ploys in the series - satisfying viewers immensely.
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Final Thoughts on the Best Revenge Anime
And there you have it - my ranking for the top revenge anime of all time! As you can see, thrilling tales of backstabbing betrayal, demonic horror and calculating masterminds make for totally binge-worthy shows! Revenge stories just hit differently in anime with the emotionally complex characterization and captivating action that just reels you in.
Of course, no list can contain all the great revenge anime worth watching. Honorable mentions go out to shows like Afro Samurai, Claymore, Dororo and Rising of the Shield Hero for their own memorable stories of retribution.
But the shows above perfectly capture everything that makes revenge anime so gripping. Were you surprised by any entries on this list? Or do you strongly disagree with the rankings? Let me know your own thoughts on the best vengeance fuelled anime! Just try not to get consumed by hatred like some of these poor characters!