Wanna see anime in a whole new light? Check out our list of the top 13 anime with depressed male leads! We’re talking deep characters, real struggles, and the climb out of a dark place.
This list is perfect for any anime fan who wants to explore mental health in a fresh way. Whether you’re into action, more mature stuff, or everyday life stories, we’ve got you covered. See how these anime tackle depression and tough emotions through their guy characters, offering a mix of fun and feels.
Dudes and mental health? It’s a topic that doesn’t get enough attention. Society often tells guys to “toughen up,” which can mess things up big time. This list isn’t just entertaining, it sheds light on this important issue and gets the conversation flowing about how guys can deal with mental health struggles.
1. Welcome to the NHK
- Genre: Psychological, Comedy
- Mental Health Issue: Depression, Social Withdrawal, Hikikomori
“Welcome to the NHK” is a deeply engaging anime that delves into the life of Satou Tatsuhiro, a 22-year-old college dropout who has become a hikikomori, a recluse who has withdrawn from society. His life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Misaki Nakahara, a mysterious girl who claims she can help him overcome his reclusive lifestyle. As Satou embarks on various misadventures, from attempting to create a hit game with his old friend Yamazaki to falling into the depths of conspiracy theories, the show provides a poignant and sometimes humorous exploration of depression, loneliness, and social withdrawal.
What sets “Welcome to the NHK” apart is its unflinching look at the challenges of mental health issues and the impact of societal pressures on individuals. Satou’s journey is depicted with both sensitivity and a touch of dark humor, making it relatable to a wide audience. The anime is not just about the struggle with depression and isolation; it’s also about the quest for meaning and connection in a seemingly indifferent world.
The series shines in its character development, especially with Satou, whose flawed yet endearing personality captures the complexity of dealing with mental health issues. The dynamic between Satou and Misaki, along with the interactions with other characters, adds depth to the narrative, showcasing the different ways individuals cope with their personal demons.
2. Colorful The Motion Picture
- Genre: Drama, Slice of Life
- Mental Health Issue: Redemption, Discovering Past Mistakes, Suicide, Second Chance
“Colorful The Motion Picture” is a captivating anime film that delves deep into themes of life, death, and redemption, making it a standout title for those interested in exploring narratives with a depressed male main character. The story begins with a soul given a second chance at life after dying in a state of profound despair. This soul is placed into the body of Makoto Kobayashi, a 14-year-old boy who recently committed suicide, offering a unique perspective on the struggles of life through the eyes of someone who has lost all hope.
As the soul navigates Makoto’s life, it encounters the complexities of human relationships, the pain of isolation, and the challenge of overcoming deep-seated regrets. The beauty of “Colorful” lies in its ability to portray the raw and often painful aspects of life with a gentle touch, encouraging viewers to find beauty in the struggle and to keep searching for color in a seemingly gray world.
The film excels in its character development, particularly in how it gradually reveals the reasons behind Makoto’s depression and suicide. Through its thoughtful exploration of themes such as bullying, familial pressures, and the quest for identity, “Colorful” provides a nuanced look at the factors contributing to mental health issues.
3. March comes in like a lion
- Genre: Slice of Life, Drama
- Mental Health Issue: Isolation, Grief, Loss, Family Tragedy
“March Comes in Like a Lion” is a profound and touching anime series that delves deep into the life and struggles of its depressed male main character, Rei Kiriyama. Rei is a professional shogi player who faces immense emotional turmoil stemming from his troubled past, including the loss of his family and the pressures of his shogi career. This series stands out for its beautiful, detailed animation and its ability to handle heavy themes with sensitivity and depth.
The anime explores Rei’s journey through his depression, showcasing how he copes with his feelings of isolation, anxiety, and his search for meaning and connection in his life. What makes “March Comes in Like a Lion” exceptional is its realistic portrayal of mental health issues and the gradual process of healing and recovery. The series is not just about Rei’s struggles but also about the warmth and support he receives from the Kawamoto sisters, who become his newfound family. Their interactions provide a gentle contrast to his internal battles, offering moments of relief and hope.
The animation style is noteworthy, with its unique blend of soft colors and dynamic shogi match sequences, which mirror Rei’s internal conflicts and growth.
4. Your Lie In April
- Genre: Drama, Romance
- Mental Health Issue: Grief, Emotional Struggle, Tragic Loss
“Your Lie in April,” a beautifully orchestrated anime, strikes a resonant chord with themes of loss, love, and the transformative power of music, making it an essential recommendation for our list of best anime with a depressed male main character (MC). The series follows Kousei Arima, a prodigious pianist whose life becomes monotonously dull and colorless after the death of his mother, rendering him unable to hear the sound of his piano. Kousei’s journey through his depression is profoundly depicted, showcasing the internal struggles that come with grief and the loss of identity.
However, the narrative takes a turn with the introduction of Kaori Miyazono, a vibrant violinist with an unorthodox playing style. Kaori’s free-spirited nature and zest for life slowly pull Kousei back into the world of music, challenging him to face his fears and embrace the unpredictable nature of performing. Her influence reignites Kousei’s passion for the piano, and through their shared experiences, he begins to see the world in color again.
“Your Lie in April” is not only a tale of overcoming the shadows of the past but also a testament to the healing power of art and companionship. The anime is visually stunning, with its vivid animation and expressive character designs complementing the emotional depth of the story. The soundtrack, featuring both classical music pieces and original compositions, further enhances the overall impact, making each scene more poignant and memorable.
5. ReLIFE
- Genre: Romance, School
- Mental Health Issue: Unemployment, Youth, Second Chance
“ReLIFE” is a compelling anime that explores themes of regret, redemption, and the challenges of adulthood through the eyes of its depressed male protagonist, Arata Kaizaki. At 27 years old, Arata finds himself in a rut, unable to find steady employment after quitting his first job, leading to feelings of worthlessness and isolation. His life takes an unexpected turn when he is offered a chance to change his circumstances through the ReLIFE experiment, which allows him to take a pill that transforms him back into his 17-year-old self and attend high school for one year.
This anime stands out not only for its unique premise but also for the sensitive portrayal of its lead character’s struggles with his self-esteem and place in the world. As Arata navigates the complexities of high school life, he is confronted with his past regrets and the opportunity to make amends and forge new relationships. “ReLIFE” skillfully blends humor, drama, and romance, making it a deeply relatable story for anyone who has ever wished for a second chance to correct past mistakes.
The show is particularly effective in its exploration of depression and mental health, presenting these issues with nuance and empathy. It doesn’t shy away from the dark moments of Arata’s journey, but it also highlights the potential for growth, change, and the importance of support from friends and loved ones. The anime’s beautiful animation, coupled with a memorable soundtrack, enhances the emotional impact of Arata’s journey.
6. RE-MAIN
- Genre: Sports, Drama
- Mental Health Issue: Memory Loss, Recovery, Return to Sports
RE-MAIN is an anime that delves deep into the psychological and emotional aspects of its protagonist, making it a compelling story for those interested in themes of depression and self-discovery. The series follows the journey of Minato Kiyomizu, a high school student and a once-promising water polo player who suffers a traumatic incident. After being in a coma for 203 days, Minato wakes up with no memories of his middle school years and his passion for water polo. This amnesia serves as a metaphor for depression, highlighting the disconnect Minato feels from his past self and the struggle to reclaim his identity and purpose.
The show masterfully portrays Minato’s internal battles and the sense of loss and confusion that accompanies depression. His journey back to the water polo team is not just about sports but a deeper exploration of self-worth and overcoming psychological barriers. RE-MAIN stands out for its realistic depiction of mental health issues, avoiding clichés and offering a nuanced portrayal of the challenges faced by those suffering from depression.
What makes RE-MAIN particularly interesting is how it balances the sports genre with psychological depth. The water polo matches are thrilling and well-animated, providing a backdrop for character development and the exploration of themes like teamwork, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams despite obstacles.
7. The Rising of the Shield Hero
- Genre: Action, Fantasy
- Mental Health Issue: Betrayal, Accusation, Struggle for Recognition
The story revolves around Naofumi Iwatani, an easygoing Japanese youth, was summoned into a parallel world along with three other young men from parallel universes to become the world’s Cardinal Heroes.
Naofumi happened to receive the Legendary Shield, the sole defensive equipment, while the other heroes received a sword, a spear, and a bow, weapons meant for the attack.
Unlike the other heroes who are fully supported by the kingdom and gain several strong allies each, Naofumi’s luck turns to the worse after his single companion, revealed to be the kingdom’s Princess, betrays him, steals all his belongings, and leaves him devoid of all assistance and supplies after she falsely accuses him of assaulting her.
8. Tokyo Ghoul
- Genre: Action, Horror, Supernatural
- Mental Health Issue: Transformation, Identity Crisis, Survival
“Tokyo Ghoul” stands as a paramount example of anime that masterfully explores the depths of depression and psychological turmoil through its male protagonist, Kaneki Ken. This dark fantasy series delves into the life of Kaneki, a college student who finds his world turned upside down after a disastrous encounter with a ghoul, leading to his transformation into a half-ghoul, half-human hybrid. The once simple life of reading and hanging out at cafés is replaced by a brutal struggle for survival in the ghoul-infested streets of Tokyo.
The anime meticulously portrays Kaneki’s descent into despair and identity crisis, making it a compelling narrative for viewers fascinated by complex character development and the exploration of dark themes. As Kaneki grapples with his new ghoul identity, his journey is fraught with challenges that test his morality, humanity, and will to live. His struggle is not just against the external ghoul threats but also an internal battle with his own demons, showcasing a deep exploration of what it means to be human.
9. Deadman Wonderland
- Genre: Action, Horror, Sci-Fi
- Mental Health Issue: Wrongful Accusation, Death Sentence, Survival
“Deadman Wonderland” is an anime that masterfully intertwines elements of horror, action, and psychological drama, featuring a deeply troubled male protagonist, Ganta Igarashi. After being framed for the brutal murder of his entire class, Ganta is sentenced to death and sent to Deadman Wonderland, a twisted prison-amusement park where inmates are the main attractions in deadly games for the amusement of the public. The series is a dark exploration of despair and survival, as Ganta must navigate the perils of this cruel environment, fight for his life, and uncover the truth behind his false conviction.
The anime stands out for its depiction of Ganta’s psychological journey, from his initial despair and hopelessness to his gradual accumulation of resolve and strength to confront his grim reality. Ganta’s character is a compelling study in resilience in the face of overwhelming odds, making him a perfect fit for the theme of “Best Anime with Depressed Male MC.” His depression and struggle with the absurdity and brutality of his new life at Deadman Wonderland are central to the narrative, driving the plot forward as he encounters other “Deadmen” with unique abilities derived from their dark pasts and traumas.
10. Kizniaver
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Drama
- Mental Health Issue: Shared Pain, Emotional Connection, Experimental Technology
Kiznaiver takes place in the futuristic, fictional Japanese town of Sugomori City. While the city appears to be normal, it was created to test a large-scale experiment known as the Kizna System, which connects people through shared pain and suffering, both physical and emotional. Those who are connected to the system are called “Kiznaivers”.
A few days before the start of summer vacation, a mysterious and seemingly emotionless girl, Noriko Sonozaki, tells high school student Katsuhira Agata and several of his classmates that they have been selected to become Kiznaivers. Sharing each other’s pain allows them to build bonds between their differing lives and personalities.
11. PLATINUM END
- Genre: Supernatural, Thriller
- Mental Health Issue: Abuse, Suicide Attempt, Seeking Justice
“Platinum End,” an enthralling anime that delves deep into the psyche of its depressed male protagonist, Mirai Kakehashi, presents a complex narrative interwoven with themes of despair, hope, and the search for meaning in life. Mirai, who has suffered immense abuse and neglect from his relatives after the tragic death of his family, finds himself on the brink of giving up on life. However, his encounter with Nasse, a guardian angel who bestows him with supernatural powers and the chance to become the next God, thrusts him into a deadly battle royale with other candidates.
The anime stands out for its exploration of the heavy psychological burdens carried by Mirai, including his struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts. It raises profound questions about the value of life, the nature of happiness, and the ethics of wielding power over life and death. The visual storytelling, with its dynamic animation and impactful character designs, effectively conveys the emotional depth and turmoil of the protagonist.
12. Chaos;Head
- Genre: Mystery, Psychological
- Mental Health Issue: Delusions, Paranoia, New Gen Murders
Chaos;Head is an anime that dives deep into the psyche of its depressed male protagonist, Takumi Nishijou. Set in the otaku hub of Shibuya, Tokyo, this psychological thriller anime explores the themes of reality versus delusion, weaving a complex narrative that’s as engaging as it is unsettling. Takumi, a high school student, finds himself at the center of a series of bizarre murders known as the “New Gen” incidents. Plagued by intense paranoia and unable to distinguish between what is real and what is not, his life spirals into chaos.
What sets “Chaos;Head” apart is its unique blend of psychological horror, science fiction, and elements of the supernatural. Takumi’s character is an accurate representation of severe social withdrawal and the impact of mental health issues. His journey through the series is a rollercoaster of emotions, with moments of intense fear, confusion, and the struggle to reclaim his sense of reality. The anime does an excellent job of portraying the isolation felt by those who suffer from depression and other mental health issues, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in a deep and thought-provoking storyline.
13. Casshern Sins
- Genre: Action, Drama, Sci-Fi
- Mental Health Issue: Amnesia, Existential Crisis, Mortality, Despair
“Casshern Sins” is a melancholic tale set in a desolate future where humanity has vanished, and only sentient robots remain. These machines, once immortal, now face inevitable decay and rust after Luna’s demise, an event known as the Ruin. The depression in this anime is palpable as the robots grapple with the grim reality of their mortality.
The titular character, Casshern, is plagued by amnesia and must confront his enigmatic past while being relentlessly pursued by desperate robots who believe that devouring him will grant them immortality. In this bleak and emotionally charged series, the pervasive sense of despair and existential questioning serves as a central theme, making “Casshern Sins” a profound exploration of depression in a post-apocalyptic world.