10 Best Trippy Anime Series

1) “Why did Lain have such a hard time understanding the Wired? Because it was all just too WIRED for her!

Frequently pushing the boundaries of creativity and logic, anime often produces the extraordinary and awe-inspiring. In this realm, imagination and innovation reign supreme, with only select anime series standing out as genuine thought-provokers. These are the ones that guide viewers on an otherworldly, mind-altering adventure that transcends reality.

For anime fans, the term “trippy” is actually appealing because it proves just how far the medium is willing to push the limitations of storytelling and conventional narratives. From the surreal landscapes of Paprika to the cyberpunk fever dreams of Akira, anime movies have long been a canvas for daring stories. It’s the vibrant palette of colors, the fluid animation, the themes of the subconscious and metaphysical, that make an anime trippy. And within the vast world of anime, these 10 trippy series are sure to leave you lost in a sea of wonder, confusion, and awe.

10 ‘Flip Flappers’ (2016)

Flip Flappers is an underappreciated coming-of-age anime where the main character, Cocona – a cautious girl with a curious nature – encounters Papika, a lively and well-known girl, and together they are inadvertently transported to a fantastical dimension called “Pure Illusion.” In this strange mirror universe, they collect crystal fragments that bestow them magical abilities, allowing them to transform into powerful girls. However, they face challenges from three girls who belong to a rival group.

A Surreal Kaleidoscope

The storyline of Flip Flappers might seem ordinary at first glance, but what truly makes it captivating is its vibrant array of changing environments. Each episode offers a unique kaleidoscope of landscapes that can be quite mind-bending and trippy to watch. The visual style and imaginative world-building varies significantly from one episode to the next, often lacking intricate details or specificity, which gives it a dreamlike quality. In essence, this anime is an exciting blend of growing up themes, magical girl motifs, subtle romantic undertones, and deep psychological examination.

9 ‘Mononoke’ (2007)

In this captivating anime set in feudal Japan, we have “Mononoke.” Here, malevolent entities called “mononoke” wreak havoc across the land. The lone hero capable of defeating these spirits is a man of courage and skill known as the “Medicine Seller.” Upon meeting one of these monstrous beings, he delves deep to discover their Identity, Motive, and Origin, confronting their hidden agonies and exploring the very essence of their existence. This, in turn, helps him release them from their suffering and understand their purpose.

Captivates With Its Unique Art Style

Mononoke” is an unnerving anime that explores Japanese mythology and the supernatural realm. In each episode, the Medicine Seller employs unusual and risky tactics to investigate the evil lurking within these spirits, thereby crafting a captivating mystery around them. The show is fascinating to watch, with its dreamlike elements, vivid backdrops, and simplistic two-dimensional style adding to its eerie and enchanting quality.

8 ‘Puella Magi Madoka Magica’ (2011)

Leaving out Puella Magi Madoka Magica from a list of trippy anime would be like forgetting an essential ingredient. At first glance, the series seems typical, presenting us with a middle school student named Madoke Kaname and her everyday life. However, an unusual meeting with Kyubey sets the stage for Kaname to transform into a magical girl in exchange for a wish. Little does she know, this new power leads her to realms of darkness far beyond anything she could have imagined.

Takes You to a Harrowing New World

This groundbreaking work is celebrated for its reimagining of the magical girl archetype, offering a fresh perspective that questions the core principles of the genre. With its surreal, dreamlike scenes and advanced, futuristic aesthetics, it presents an intriguing contrast. The visuals, especially when Kaname ventures into the witches’ maze, are distinctly trippy and unsettling. Moreover, the series delves deep into the apprehensions, vulnerabilities, and motivations of its characters, making viewers empathize with them.

7 ‘Bobobo-bo Bo-Bobo’ (2003)

As a passionate film enthusiast, I’d like to sing praises for the one-of-a-kind, mind-bending anime series that goes by the name of Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo. Hailing from the creative mind of Yoshio Sawai and set in a bizarre future where hair is considered a valuable resource, this show takes an unusual turn with the emergence of the Maruhage Empire, a tyrannical military force hell-bent on making everyone bald. However, our hero, Bo-bobo, a trained yet utterly nonsensical warrior with a golden mane, employs his extraordinary nose hair to wage war against the empire’s troops.

An Absurd Assault on the Senses

Bo-Bobo, self-styled champion of justice, embarks on bizarre escapades not by himself but with a motley crew of companions such as the gelatinous Don Patch and innocent Beauty. In combat, he employs eccentric tactics like Fist of the Nose Hair, leading to uproarious jokes. Essentially, Bobobo-bo Bo-Bobo is brimming with absurd humor, unusual imagery, and narratives that twist logic and make you question your understanding of reality. If anything isn’t mind-bending, then what is?

6 ‘Pop Team Epic’ (2018)

In my humble opinion, let me clarify upfront that “Pop Team Epic” is not strictly an anime series; instead, it veers more towards the realm of sketch-comedy, striving to emulate the essence of anime. This production is nothing short of absurd and side-splittingly funny. The narrative revolves around the daily escapades of two 14-year-old girls, Popuko, a petite powerhouse with a quick temper, and Pipimi, a tall, calm character prone to irrational behavior. They satirically portray various anime genres, studios, and popular culture, offering a delightful parody that keeps viewers entertained.

Slightly Unhinged and Very Unforgettable

Pop Team Epic distinguishes itself with its wildly unstructured and surprising storylines. It often engages directly with the audience, and employs distinct animation techniques across its various sketches and spoofs, keeping viewers constantly amazed. The humor, though seemingly random, is undeniably trendy and one-of-a-kind. In essence, Pop Team Epic pushes the boundaries of what an anime can encompass, making it a must-see production.

5 ‘Space Dandy’ (2014)

Space Dandy features the character Dandy, an outlandish alien hunter with a distinctive pompadour hairstyle, who journeys through the universe in pursuit of unique and scarcely found extraterrestrial life forms to log for his employer and receive compensation from the tasks he completes. Accompanying him on these adventures are his peculiar robot sidekick QT and a feline-like alien companion named Meow. The missions they embark upon are typically thrilling but invariably turn out to be bizarre and perilous.

Hilarious, Genre-Bending, and Trippy

Under the guidance of renowned director Shinichirō Watanabe, known for his works like Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo, Space Dandy stands out for its exceptional animation and unconventional storytelling. In terms of plot, it doesn’t conform to traditional genre boundaries but rather blends the finest aspects of science fiction, comedy, space opera, action, and surrealism into an extraordinary series that also appeals visually. If you appreciate the style of the 1950s, Space Dandy is a must-watch as well.

4 ‘Welcome to the N.H.K.’ (2006)

In simpler terms, the thought-provoking and emotionally deep anime titled “Welcome to the N.H.K.” portrays the life of Tatsuhiro Satou, a 22-year-old individual who’s withdrawn from society due to severe social anxiety, often referred to as a hikikomori. Immersed in conspiracy theories, Satou has chosen a solitary existence. However, his routine takes an unexpected twist when he encounters Misaki Nakahara, a peculiar girl who proposes to help him break free from his hikikomori lifestyle using a series of supposedly therapeutic meetings.

Explores Difficult Topics Truly Well

Welcome to the N.H.K.” is an unsettling anime series due to its deep dive into the protagonist’s mental health, offering a brutally honest portrayal of his social anxiety, depression, solitude, and skewed perceptions of others, including his otaku neighbor and high school senpai. The episodes skillfully depict feelings of claustrophobia and disorientation, blurring the boundaries between reality and fantasy. This series is captivating as it shows how one’s mind can be reshaped by conditioning and self-imposed isolation.

3 ‘Serial Experiments Lain’ (1998)

Following a fellow student’s suicide, a reserved 14-year-old girl named Lain becomes embroiled in the enigmatic and eerie realm of Wired – a colossal network akin to the internet yet existing independently from the physical world. Her late classmate, Chisa, sends Lain an email from beyond, pulling her further into this digital expanse and challenging her understanding of reality.

Seminal Work in Anime

Some people might view “Serial Experiments Lain” as an overrated classic in the realm of anime, but it remains one of the most thought-provoking, pioneering, and intellectually stimulating series ever produced. Its profound examination of existence, identity, and human consciousness, coupled with its portrayal of how technology shapes us, is reinforced by a distinctive visual aesthetic and chilling imagery. Through a complex narrative structure that doesn’t follow a traditional timeline, we witness Lain’s journey into the Wired, symbolizing the blurring boundary between reality and the digital world.

2 ‘Paranoia Agent’ (2004)

Experience the pulse-racing atmosphere of bustling Tokyo as you dive into the gripping tale of Paranoia Agent. A chain of unexplained assaults by an elusive, relentless figure called “Lil’ Slugger” has sent shockwaves of fear and paranoia throughout the city. Detectives Keiichi Ikari and Mitsuhiro Maniwa are tasked with finding this enigmatic rollerblading youth. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they uncover a thread that links all the victims and find themselves in a realm where truth and illusion blur.

A Dizzying Psychological Horror Anime

Initially, Paranoia Agent seems like a simple mystery story. However, as events unfold, it transforms into a deeply unsettling and terrifying examination of the human mind. The series is praised for its suspenseful and fantastical elements, seamlessly shifting from realistic to surreal under the creative guidance of Satoshi Kon. In essence, it’s an award-winning anime filled with intriguing plot turns.

1 ‘FLCL’ (2000)

The original six-episode anime series centers on Naota Nandaba, a 12-year-old boy whose mundane life in the sleepy suburban town of Mabase is disrupted by the arrival of Haruko Haruhara. The free-spirited woman rides a yellow Vespa and wields a yellow electric guitar, crashes into Naota and triggers a series of bizarre events. Before he knows it, Naota finds himself battling mecha robots and intergalactic enemies.

An Animated Fever Dream to Get Lost In

FLCL, helmed by Kazuya Tsurumaki and produced by Gainax, is a less-known series that briefly appeared and vanished, leaving only a few aware of its existence until it birthed four spin-offs and two films. Recognized for its music-driven soundtrack, tumultuous coming-of-age motifs, and fast-paced animation, this anime discards all rationality and immerses in the wild chaos of its own storyline. An assault on the senses, brimming with preposterous scenes, FLCL has earned a cult following.

2024-11-23 21:36