Welcome to the fascinating realm of anime, where creativity knows no bounds and storytelling takes on various forms. While anime has given us countless masterpieces that captivate and inspire, there exists a darker side, a domain filled with shows that make us cringe, squirm, and question our life choices.
In this eye-opening blog post, we dive headfirst into the rabbit hole of awkwardness and unveil the Top 20 Most Worst Shows in the history of anime. Prepare yourself for a journey through cringe-inducing plotlines, cringe-worthy characters, and moments that will leave you questioning your very sanity.
Get ready to witness the depths of discomfort as we pull back the curtain on these cringe anime nightmares. Brace yourself, dear reader, for a rollercoaster ride into a world where even the most avid anime enthusiasts fear to tread.
Most Cringe Animes
In this section, we unveil the cream of the cringe crop. Brace yourself for the most cringe-worthy animes that will have you squirming in your seat.
From painfully awkward character interactions to cringe-inducing dialogue, these shows push the boundaries of discomfort. Get ready to experience the epitome of cringe as we delve into the depths of anime’s most cringe-worthy offerings.
1. Mekakucity Actors
Mekakucity Actors is a popular anime that has gained a large following online. The series is about teenage actors who are magically transported to a world of role-playing games. The series follows their antics as they attempt to return home.
The series has quickly become one of the most popular cringe anime, with many fans arguing about the best episode. Despite its low ratings on popular streaming sites, Mekakucity Actors has remained popular due to its loyal fanbase.
2. School days
Though slight twists and turns make it what it is, School Days has some of the most infamous moments in anime history. The first episode follows protagonist Makoto as he falls in love with an obscure girl 1 (a freshman) at his school. Initially, he uses his childhood friend and fellow sophomore, an obscure girl 2, to help him guide the relationship.
A fight ensues when Kuro-sensei reveals that Makoto doesn’t really love her: after all, she allows him to express only half of what love means to him, leading him to believe the relationship will fail.
Though by episode 5, I found myself cringing whenever he appeared (which is another testament to just how crazy this series gets), there’s a redeemed moment in the end that makes me satisfied with the show.
3. Makura no Danshi
If you’re feeling lonely, this anime could be for you. With a male protagonist and really goofy conversations, it’s a strange watch. Still, it might make you feel better about yourself. It features different guys who encourage the audience to listen to them and will occasionally hold them if they need it.
It’s creepy how these men will look at you sometimes and say things like, “If the bad guys come, I’ll turn into the Black Ranger and protect you” or “Good work today; would you like me to give you a massage?” The conversations are broad, but if that helps during those tough moments in life.
4. Mars of Destruction
Mars of Destruction, the most popular cringe anime of all time, has been ranked according to its subscriber count. The anime, centered around the Martian War of Succession, ranks first with over 10 million subscribers.
Other popular cringe anime on the list include Sword Art Online, My Hero Academia, and One Piece. It is interesting to note that most of these shows are based on manga or original work. This indicates a large audience for cringe anime and that it can be successful even when it does not have a widespread following in the US or other major markets.
5. WataMote
WataMote is a cringe anime that takes elements of shoujo and Josei genres to create an uncomfortable viewing experience. With its heavy humor, WataMote can be quite entertaining to watch. Still, the lewd and suggestive scenes can quickly wear away at viewers’ patience.
The series follows the story of Atsushi Nakajima, a high school student who discovers a remote-controlled toy boat called WataMote on the beach one day. Using the boat’s special powers, Atsushi is thrust into an adventure with other characters from the toy boat world. He must navigate relationships with girls, deal with bullies, and uncover secrets about his new home.
Despite its explicit content, WataMote has become one of the most popular anime series among fans and newcomers alike. Its engaging plot and relatable characters have made it easy for viewers to connect with the show, no matter how uncomfortable some scenes may feel.
6. Shimoneta
Shimoneta, also known as “A Boring World Where the Concept of Dirty Jokes Doesn’t Exist,” thrusts viewers into a society where all forms of lewdness and obscenity have been banned.
This cringe-inducing anime follows the rebellious Tanukichi Okuma as he becomes entangled with a secret organization called SOX. Tasked with spreading lewdness and sexual innuendos, Tanukichi navigates a world filled with explicit acts, double entendres, and hilariously uncomfortable situations.
Brace yourself for a relentless onslaught of cringe-worthy humor, provocative dialogue, and audacious social commentary in this absurd, outrageous, boundary-pushing anime.
7. Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions
Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions is one of the most popular anime series ever. The comedic and heartfelt story follows high schooler Yuta Togashi who is afflicted with delusions that cause him to be very self-conscious. As he navigates his wacky world, he meets three girls who help him learn to love himself for who he is.
The series has received critical acclaim for its well-written and engaging storyline and its inspiring message about overcoming self-doubt. It has been watched by millions worldwide, making it one of the most popular anime series ever.
8. Dagashi Kashi
Dagashi Kashi is a Japanese Comedy-Drama anime directed by Akiyuki Shinbo and produced by Shaft. The series aired from January 10, 2016, to March 31, 2016, on Tokyo MX and was later simulcasted by Netflix.
The story follows the quirkily eccentric characters of the Kotobukiya candy company, who are constantly bickering and fighting with each other despite their close proximity. However, when new employee Araragi Koyomi encounters them, he soon discovers that behind their chaotic exterior is a group of friends who just want to have fun.
Dagashi Kashi has quickly become one of Japan’s most popular anime ever since its release in 2016. It has received critical acclaim for its heartfelt and humorous storytelling and its visuals, which are based on real-life objects and candy flavors.
This quick-witted comedy-drama has been praised for its fleshed-out characters, witty writing, and charming artwork. Dagashi Kashi has spawned two manga adaptations within two years of its release – one written by Nao Ikeda and illustrated by Machiko Satonaka, while the other was authored by Chika Umino and the other by Takahiro Yoshida.
With such an overwhelmingly positive response from viewers and critics alike, it’s no wonder that Dagashi Kashi is considered one of the best cringe anime ever!
9. Eromanga Sensei
Eromanga Sensei is a light novel series written by Fumiaki Atomus and illustrated by Pile. The series is set in the fictional Swan Academy, home to aspiring artists worldwide. With an eccentric staff and an atmosphere that feels like a high school classroom, Eromanga Sensei is full of humor and warmth.
The story follows Hachiman Hikigaya, an average student at school who happens to be a terrible artist. One day, he takes a class with the eccentric Eromanga Sensei, who tells him he can make his drawings come to life. This revelation changes everything for Hachiman as he begins to see art in a whole new way.
Eromanga Sensei quickly became one of the most popular anime series ever. It won several awards, including the prestigious Seiun Award for Best Manga in 2016. The series has also been popular with comedy and slice-of-life anime fans alike.
10. Noucome
Prepare yourself for an anime that takes the concept of “choosing your own adventure” to cringe-inducing extremes. Noucome, short for “My Mental Choices Are Completely Interfering with My School Romantic Comedy,” revolves around the unfortunate protagonist, Kanade Amakusa.
Plagued by a bizarre curse, Kanade is forced to make absurd and embarrassing choices dictated by a sentient force known as the Absolute Choices system. As Kanade battles to keep his dignity intact, he faces a series of mortifying decisions that often lead to hilariously embarrassing outcomes.
Join Kanade on his quest for normalcy in this cringe-worthy rom-com filled with outrageous scenarios, awkward encounters, and an abundance of secondhand embarrassment.
11. Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun
Nozaki-kun is one of Japan’s most popular manga series and for a good reason. It’s funny and heartwarming, and its characters are lovable.
This new anime series targets younger audiences, so people of all ages can enjoy it. It is an ensemble show with a protagonist, Sakura, who is in love with her classmate Nozaki. She plans to confess her feelings, but they take an unexpected turn.
This show has primarily comedic moments but also contains a mix of romance and drama elements. Most comedic moments come from Nozaki’s imaginative process when he designs his characters, which is crazy and entertaining to watch unfold.
12. Rent-A-Girlfriend
Rent-A-Girlfriend offers a cringe-inducing twist on the classic rom-com genre. Kazuya Kinoshita, a lonely college student, finds solace in renting a girlfriend through a Diamond Rental app. However, his life turns unexpectedly when he discovers that his new rental girlfriend, Chizuru Mizuhara, attends the same university as him.
As Kazuya navigates the complexities of his newfound relationship, he becomes entangled in a web of lies, misunderstandings, and uncomfortable encounters. With a cast of eccentric characters, awkward situations, and emotional roller coasters, Rent-A-Girlfriend is a cringe-inducing journey that explores the trials and tribulations of love, self-discovery, and the lengths people will go to keep up appearances.
13. The Familiar Of Zero
Enter a fantasy world where magic, nobility, and a cringe-worthy protagonist collide in The Familiar of Zero. Louise Françoise Le Blanc de La Vallière, a young mage-in-training, is infamous for her ineptitude and explosive magical abilities.
When she summons a familiar, she receives Saito Hiraga, an ordinary teenage boy from modern-day Japan. As their relationship develops, viewers are treated to an array of awkward encounters, embarrassing situations, and comedic misunderstandings.
Join Louise and Saito on their adventure as they navigate the challenges of a magical academy, forging an unlikely bond amidst the cringe-inducing chaos of their lives.
14. Kill La Kill
Kill La Kill, an action-packed anime with a healthy dose of cringe, takes viewers on a wild ride filled with stylish battles and outrageous fashion choices. The series centers around Ryuko Matoi, a rebellious transfer student on a quest to uncover the truth behind her father’s murder.
Armed with a sentient uniform called Senketsu, Ryuko battles against the oppressive student council and its enigmatic leader, Satsuki Kiryuin. As the story unfolds, viewers are treated to over-the-top fight sequences, provocative outfits, and a healthy serving of cringe-worthy moments that defy logic and push the boundaries of absurdity.
Strap in for a frenetic and cringe-inducing journey through a world where fashion and combat collide in the most outrageous ways possible.
15. Kakegurui
Step into the high-stakes world of gambling and psychological warfare with Kakegurui. Set in the prestigious Hyakkaou Private Academy, where students’ gambling prowess determines their social standing, this cringe-inducing anime follows the fearless Yumeko Jabami.
With an insatiable appetite for risk and thrill, Yumeko disrupts the status quo as she challenges the academy’s elite in a series of intense and unconventional gambling matches.
Prepare yourself for jaw-dropping bets, twisted mind games, and uncomfortably intense moments as Kakegurui pushes the boundaries of power, obsession, and the human psyche.
16. Zombieland Saga
Zombieland Saga injects a unique blend of comedy and cringe into the idol genre. The story revolves around Sakura Minamoto, a high school girl who wakes up one day to find herself resurrected as a zombie.
As fate would have it, Sakura and a group of undead girls form an idol group called Franchouchou. Watch as this motley crew of zombie idols navigates the challenges of fame, eccentric fans, and their own deteriorating bodies.
With a mix of catchy performances, awkward moments, and heartfelt character development, Zombieland Saga delivers a cringe-inducing yet surprisingly endearing take on the idol industry.
17. Love Tyrant
Love Tyrant, also known as “Renai Boukun,” presents a cringe-filled romantic comedy that takes obsession and love to outrageous levels. When the socially inept high school student Seiji Aino accidentally kisses a book possessed by a love-obsessed shinigami named Guri, his life spirals into chaos.
Guri forces Seiji into a contract, making him the target of affection for various supernatural beings. From love polygons to unconventional love triangles, this anime creates a cringe-inducing blend of romantic entanglements, awkward encounters, and bizarre twists to keep you on the edge of your seat.
18. Trinity Seven
Prepare to enter a world where magic and harem tropes collide in Trinity Seven. When the ordinary high school student Arata Kasuga’s life is turned upside down by a mysterious catastrophe, he enrolls in the Royal Biblia Academy to uncover the truth.
Surrounded by a group of powerful and eccentric female mages, Arata embarks on a cringe-inducing journey filled with magical battles, supernatural encounters, and an abundance of risqué situations.
With a mix of comedy, action, and a healthy dose of fan service, Trinity Seven offers a cringe-worthy and entertaining escapade into a world of magic, friendship, and unexpected romances.
19. Vampire Holmes
Venture into the bizarre and cringe-inducing realm of Vampire Holmes, where the titular vampire detective navigates a world filled with supernatural mysteries. Despite being a vampire, Holmes is far from the brilliant detective his name suggests.
With his bumbling and often nonsensical deductions, he stumbles through cases alongside his loyal assistant, Hudson. Prepare for awkward encounters, baffling mysteries, and a healthy dose of fourth-wall-breaking humor as Vampire Holmes delivers a cringe-inducing and tongue-in-cheek take on the detective genre.
20. Food Wars!
Get ready for a culinary adventure like no other in Food Wars! This cringe-inducing anime follows aspiring chef Soma Yukihira as he enrolls in the prestigious Totsuki Culinary Academy, known for its cutthroat competitions and intense culinary battles.
With his innovative cooking skills, Soma faces off against formidable opponents, pushing the boundaries of taste and presentation. As the characters experience “foodgasms” that showcase the intense flavors of their dishes, viewers are treated to a cringe-worthy mix of food-related ecstasies, over-the-top reactions, and mouth-watering culinary creations.
Brace yourself for a gastronomic journey filled with deliciously cringe-inducing moments that will leave you simultaneously hungry and uncomfortable.
Final Thoughts
As we reach the end of our cringe-filled exploration into the world of anime, it’s clear that the allure of discomfort and awkwardness holds a unique fascination. From Shimoneta’s audacious exploration of societal taboos to Kakegurui’s high-stakes gambling battles, these shows dared to push boundaries and challenge conventions.
Whether it was through cringe-inducing humor, awkward character interactions, or outrageous plotlines, each anime on this list left a lasting impression. Love or hate them, these shows managed to carve out their niche in the vast anime landscape.
So, if you’re brave enough to venture into the realm of cringe, grab your popcorn, brace yourself for secondhand embarrassment, and embrace the bizarre, uncomfortable, and often unforgettable experiences these cringe animes offer.
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