Please recommend some older anime with complex themes

[u/pococura]

I'm feeling burnt out on all the high octane, over powered protagonist stories. Shows like JJK and Hell's Paradise are visually interesting, but its difficult to connect with the characters. I want a complex story with interesting characters, relationships, themes and world building. (OG Naruto, FMA, Evangelion)

I think older shows like around the time of Toonami or before might be refreshing? I recently watched Banana Fish and enjoyed it and I've been watching Wolf's Rain. I was thinking about Berserk but not sure where to watch or if I want to be traumatized. Please give me some recommendations!

Preferences:

dark themes • gangster themes • seinen preferred but all genres welcome • evokes sadness or other strong emotions • pretty art • no gore unless the story makes it worth it • dynamic relationships • romance enjoyed but not required • growth or moral decline • plot twists

Loved:

• 86

• The Promised Neverland (s1)

• Vinland Saga

• Psycho-Pass

• Golden Kamuy

• Naruto

• FMA

• Evangelion

• Dorohedoro

• Gangsta.

• Yakuza Fiance

• Banana Fish

• Princess Mononoke

Liked:

• Yona of the Dawn

• Gachiakuta

• Apothecary Diaries

• Wolf's Rain

• Demon Slayer

[u/Superb_Finding_6033]

Been a long while since I watched Speed Grapher, but it felt similar to Gantz. Both shows had gratuitous death/sex in their first episode.

Seperately, what makes you nervous about Berserk? It has wonderful characters, great art and some really neat swords

[u/pococura → u/Superb_Finding_6033]

Oh, thanks for clarifying. I haven't seen Gantz either.. they sound pretty bold! Hmm, not sure how to explain. I guess hearing mild spoilers that he endures a lot of horrible things but not knowing specifics leaves me feeling torn. Am I better for consuming this story or will it affect me in a negative way? Like have you ever watched a movie once that had a huge impact but you refuse to watch it twice? I'm wondering if its like that, if that makes sense.

[u/Superb_Finding_6033 → u/pococura]

It does make sense. I think if you only plan on watching the 1997 anime, it may leave you upset. While Guts' story definitely feels like a tragedy unfolding, there are some touching moments of humanity and hope. I think the manga is still ongoing and maybe the newer movies don't end on a cliffhanger. That being said, I think the story is worth watching/reading. The art is beautiful and the fight scenes are brutal but fun.

Also, I feel like there are some clear parallels between Guts and Sugimoto the Immortal

[u/pococura → u/Superb_Finding_6033]

I appreciate the insight, I can go into it with some confidence and just enjoy it for what it is. I would not have thought to compare them (other than a lot of near death experiences?) so thats intriguing. I felt like Golden Kamuy had it all. I was laughing and crying at times.