Anime has become a popular form of storytelling in our modern world, but sometimes even the most incredible tales get banned for various reasons. Today, we’ll delve into the world of banned anime and explore the top 20 of these intriguing series. We’ll also guide you on where you can watch them now. Please note that some of these anime shows have been altered or censored due to restrictions. Let’s begin this journey.
Lily Cat – A Space Thriller IMBD: 6.1
In this 80s anime film, a group of astronauts embarks on a spaceship journey that spans 20 years for them but only one year outside. Their peaceful voyage takes a terrifying turn when a shape-shifting alien attacks the crew. Can they survive this otherworldly threat?
Reason for Ban:
Lily Cat was banned in the United States due to concerns about its suitability for children. Some versions of the film even had the twisted ending removed. However, you can still watch it on Amazon Prime and Crunchyroll.
Fate/Kaleid Liner Prisma Illya – A Magical Adventure IMBD: 6.2
This anime is a spin-off of Fate/Stay Night, where a normal schoolgirl named Illya dreams of gaining her brother’s attention. Her life takes a magical turn when she encounters a wand named Ruby, which turns her into a wizard. She must collect dangerous class cards and keep them away from rival magic girls. Can she succeed and win her brother’s love?
Reason for Ban: Russia banned this anime due to its explicit content, which they deemed unsuitable under their child pornography laws. However, you can still watch it on Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Amazon Prime.
Record of Ragnarok – Battle of the Gods IMBD: 6.6
Every 1000 years, the gods gather to decide humanity’s fate. Brunhild, one of the 13 demigod Valkyries, proposes a unique alternative – Ragnarok, a one-on-one challenge between man and god. Can humanity triumph over the beings who created them?
Reason for Ban: India banned this anime due to concerns about the depiction of gods and mistreatment of certain characters, particularly Lord Shiva. However, it’s available for streaming on Netflix in most other regions.
Wicked City – A World of Demons IMBD: 6.7
This film reveals a hidden demonic world coexisting with ours, guarded by agents known as the Black Guard. Two agents, a human woman and a demon, must protect a peace treaty against impending chaos. Can they prevent the clash between the human and demon worlds?
Reason for Ban: Wicked City was banned in several countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States, due to its violent and sexually explicit content. You can still purchase it on Amazon as a Blu-ray, DVD, or VHS Tape.
Midori – A Dark Tale IMBD: 6.7
Midori, a young schoolgirl, faces a bleak life after her mother falls ill and she ends up in a circus. Her life becomes a harrowing nightmare at the hands of the circus crew. Can she find the strength to turn her life around?
Reason for Ban: Midori is the only banned anime on our list solely due to its storyline. It features dark, unsettling violence and animal cruelty, which sparked outrage and led to its ban in multiple countries. Limited availability on Amazon as a DVD.
Kinnikuman – Silly Superhero Adventures IMBD: 7.0
Kinnikuman, the son of King Muscle, aims to follow in his father’s heroic footsteps. However, when the truth about his alien lineage is revealed, he must engage in tournaments to save the world. But why was it banned in France?
Reason for Ban: France banned Kinnikuman due to its portrayal of the character Broken Jr., which conflicted with their strict rules on depicting Nazis. You can watch the complete series on Amazon as a DVD set.
Yamishibai: Japanese Ghost Stories – Spooky Tales IMBD: 7.1
This anime features a mysterious old man who tells terrifying ghost stories in a playground every week. As the stories unfold, they become increasingly horrifying, captivating the audience with eerie visuals.
Reason for Censorship: While not banned, some episodes of Yamishibai were edited due to their intense horror elements. You can enjoy this anthology series on Crunchyroll.
Puni Puni Poemy – A Mischievous Magical Girl IMBD: 7.2
Poemy Watanabe, a 10-year-old girl with dreams of becoming a famous voice actress, becomes a magical girl to avenge her parents’ death by an alien. However, this seemingly innocent anime has a darker side.
Reason for Ban: New Zealand banned Puni Puni Poemy due to its perverted humor, nudity, and violence, which clashed with their standards. You can own the 2-episode OVA on Amazon and Best Buy.
Conclusion:
These banned anime series offer a unique glimpse into the world of storytelling, often pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms. While some countries have chosen to ban or censor them, they remain available for those who seek to explore their unconventional narratives.
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