10 best prison anime that you should try

Prison settings have been a recurring theme in anime for many years, making them highly popular backdrops. These anime often explore the darker aspects of humanity, portraying the harsh and intense realities of prison life. The characters are multifaceted and the storylines revolve around their struggles to survive or escape from their imprisonment.

Prison anime delivers intense thrills for fans seeking suspense, action, psychological depth, and explorations of morality. The confined environments heighten the tension, while the characters propel intricate and occasionally unsettling storylines.

Despite the harsh and brutal prison environments depicted, these top 10 prison anime series offer compelling stories and thought-provoking messages about redemption and reform. So keep reading for an engaging list that will keep you glued to your screen.

Behind bars: 10 best prison anime to watch now

Deadman Wonderland

This anime, Deadman Wonderland, is a dark sci-fi series that takes place in a twisted prison and amusement park combination. Ganta Igarashi is falsely accused of massacring his entire homeroom class and is subsequently sent to Deadman Wonderland as punishment.

The unique penitentiary also functions as an amusement park, where prisoners are compelled to engage in savage gladiatorial matches for the entertainment of the general public. Despite the harsh conditions of the prison, Ganta endeavors to exonerate himself and reveal the true culprit.

His troubled past and otherworldly abilities may provide him with the advantage he requires. This intense anime set in a prison has everything: mind-bending psychological struggles, gripping fight scenes, and a journey into the depths of human darkness. In just 12 thrilling episodes, it will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

2) Rainbow: The Seven from Compound Two, Cell Six

Rainbow: Nisha Rokubou no Shichinin (Image via Madhouse)

This intense historical anime set in a prison explores the harsh realities of juvenile delinquency and rehabilitation in a 1950s reform school. When seven troubled teenagers are sent to Shounan Special Reform School, they must unite in order to endure the cruel guards and dreadful living conditions.

Through several years of facing extreme adversity, the seven cellmates develop intense bonds and delve into heavy themes such as morality, justice, and human connection. With outstanding character development and a plot that alternates between brutal violence and heartfelt emotion, this film is a captivating yet unsettling viewing experience.

Fans of intricate character explorations in unique settings will undoubtedly be moved and unable to forget this show. With 26 action-filled episodes, it delves deeply into the complexities of humanity, showcasing both its strengths and flaws.

Prison School

This uproariously funny prison-themed anime provides a unique experience with its ecchi comedy genre. As five adolescent boys are admitted to a traditionally all-female high school that has recently become co-ed, audiences can expect plenty of outrageous and risqué humor.

Despite facing harsh oppression from the manipulative Underground Student Council, the protagonists take a bold stand and rally for more rights. They come up with outlandish plans to orchestrate prison breaks in order to escape further punishment and clear their names.

The 12-episode run of Prison School successfully combines fan service and exaggerated absurdity to create uproarious entertainment. Beneath the mature comedic elements lies a clever satire of fascism and rebellion. Fans of edgy humor and those open to extreme perversity will thoroughly enjoy this anime set in a prison.

TV Show: Nanbaka

Nanbaka is the perfect choice for those in search of a more lighthearted and humorous anime set within the walls of a prison. This action-packed comedy centers on Juugo, a prisoner with a mysterious past who finds himself locked up in a state-of-the-art correctional facility.

Overflowing with visual gags, absurd humor, and eccentric characters, Nanbaka subverts traditional prison themes. Those seeking dark, somber storylines will be let down, as this anime provides plenty of lighthearted entertainment for fans of comedy.

Despite the show’s two seasons and 25 episodes, it is the combination of advanced security, unique quirks, and intriguing backstories of the inmates and officers that adds to its charm. However, the true emotional core of Nanbaka lies in the warm camaraderie shared between the protagonists.

Btooom!

The Btooom! anime offers an intense and action-packed experience, combining the excitement of battle royale with video game elements. After protagonist Ryouta Sakamoto and other players of the popular online game Btooom! are transported to a deserted island, they must engage in a brutal fight for survival using only specialized bombs.

Featuring stark animation and a gritty color scheme that mirrors the characters’ desperate situation, this 12-episode prison anime captivates viewers with its gripping storyline. As alliances shift and evolve, the series delves into the extreme measures individuals will take in order to endure.

Filled with intense action sequences, emotional suspense, and ethical complexity, Btooom! may not be suitable for the easily frightened. Nevertheless, it provides an exhilarating viewing experience.

Jyu-Oh-Sei: Planet of the Beast King

With a total of 11 episodes, this sci-fi action anime delivers a strong dystopian impact. The story takes place on the unforgiving prison planet Chimaera, where Thor must navigate dangerous plants and creatures while forming alliances with fellow exiled prisoners.

In a cut-throat environment where only the fittest survive, there are brutal power struggles that continuously arise. However, with its fluid animation and exceptional world-building, Jyu-Oh-Sei: Planet of the Beast King provides an enthralling watching experience.

Fans of “Survival of the Fittest”themes will be delighted to discover this anime, despite its short length, as a unique find.

Kaiji: The Ultimate Survivor

Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor (Image via Madhouse)

Despite its unrelentingly bleak atmosphere, Kaiji draws viewers in with its unique rotoscopic animation style and gripping portrayal of debt slavery. The story centers on Kaiji Itou, a poor young man who is forced to take part in dangerous gambling contests aboard eerie cruise ships.

Using sheer psychology, strategic thinking, and gut instinct as opposed to relying on skills or talent, he bravely confronts insurmountable challenges throughout nail-biting episodes that span two intense seasons.

Despite the graphic violence and moral dilemmas, Kaiji depicts the dire consequences of economic ruin and the extreme lengths people are driven to. Despite the harsh treatment from Kaiji’s captors, there are glimpses of redemption even in the darkest moments.

New Year

This dystopian sci-fi anime, also known as From The New World, is set 1000 years in the future. It depicts a world where a small portion of the population has evolved to possess psychic abilities.

The story follows Saki Watanabe’s journey of self-discovery as she uncovers the dark truths of the seemingly perfect society she lives in. Through intricate world-building and a series of unusual events, the main characters are ultimately forced to confront severe consequences and challenges, not in conventional prison environments.

Shinsekai Yori is a thought-provoking series that delves into bold themes such as sexuality, morality, power, and human nature. Its 25 eerie yet profound episodes offer a unique viewing experience, rewarding patient viewers with an unforgettable journey.

Angels of Death

This dark anime series delivers grittiness in spades across 16 episodes when intrigue and psychological tension are needed.

Rachel Gardner, a young girl, is the main character in the story. She finds herself trapped in a sinister building with other prisoners. In order to escape, she must navigate through each floor and face deranged murderers who are armed with deadly weapons.

Despite the presence of excessive gore, the slow pace of this anime makes it perfect for thriller fans who are patient. The show is filled with mind games and unexpected plot twists, creating a chilling atmosphere within its nightmarish prison setting.

Gantz – A Japanese Manga

In the prison anime, Kei and Masaru, two teenage protagonists, are struck by a subway train while aiding a homeless man. To their amazement, they survive the accident unscathed and awaken in a room with other individuals who have recently passed away.

Armed with state-of-the-art weapons, they are compelled to engage in combat against monsters while being observed by a menacing black orb. Despite the focus on monster battles and the introduction of futuristic elements throughout two seasons, the somber atmosphere remains a crucial aspect of the story.

In Gantz, characters struggle with the concepts of mortality and morality as they strive for survival and freedom. The visually striking depictions of intense violence serve as a powerful testament to the narrative potential of prison-like environments, even ones that are unconventional.

Conclusion

Prison anime backgrounds provide limitless potential for captivating and powerful tales spanning various genres, including action, comedy, sci-fi, and psychological thrillers.

As illustrated by the aforementioned series, being confined creates an ideal environment for interpersonal conflicts, action-packed storylines, intricate character analyses, and reflections on ethics.

Prison anime captivate audiences with intense storylines and tense atmospheres, whether they are set on a corrupt penal planet or within the confines of a harsh correctional institution. The characters must either endure their unjust imprisonment, unite in rebellion, escape, or fight for their survival.

These series feature characters who exemplify resilience in the face of severe oppression. For those who enjoy anime and are searching for thrilling, psychologically gripping shows, prison-based series offer a perfect balance of excitement and insight.

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