15 English Dubbed Dark Romance Anime: Tales of Forbidden Love

In the kaleidoscope of anime genres, dark romance stands out as a unique fusion of psychological intensity and the ordinary nuances of slice-of-life storytelling. As anime fans, we willingly dive into the gripping narratives that unfold in these series, seeking the thrill of unpredictable twists and heart-wrenching emotions. However, the journey through the realm of English dubbed dark romance anime is not without its perils.

From unexpected plot turns to uncomfortable third-party situations, these anime test the boundaries of conventional romance narratives. Brace yourselves as we look at the best English dubbed dark romance anime

Sankarea: Undying Love - To eat, or not to eat

Chihiro Furuya, a zombie enthusiast, embarks on a quest to resurrect his deceased cat. Little does he know that his peculiar passion will intertwine with the life of Rea Sanka, a girl seeking escape from her oppressive reality. As Chihiro succeeds in his experiment, Rea's life takes a drastic turn, transforming her into a zombie. The duo navigates the challenges of Rea's newfound existence, leading to a tale that beautifully balances horror and romance.

Released in 2012, Sankarea: Undying Love offers a dramatic twist to the classic zombie trope, presenting an equally eerie and endearing story. The series delves into the consequences of playing god, showcasing the struggles of a boy whose dream of a zombie girlfriend turns into a surreal nightmare.

Welcome to the N.H.K. - Love's Wild Solitude

Tatsuhiro Satou, a hikikomori haunted by conspiracy theories, encounters Misaki Nakahara, a mysterious figure, with a proposal to break free from his self-imposed isolation. While Welcome to the N.H.K. isn't primarily a romance, the dark nuances of relationships surface as Satou confronts his fears, delving into the complexities of human connection amid a backdrop of societal paranoia.

Beyond its psychological dramedy facade, Welcome to the N.H.K. subtly explores the dark side of seemingly innocent relationships. As Satou confronts the labyrinth of his own mind, viewers are treated to a thought-provoking journey that unveils the shadows lurking within the human psyche.

Koi Kaze - A Whirlpool of Forbidden Love

Saeki Koushirou, a wedding planner, finds his love life in disarray due to a turbulent family history. Dumped by his girlfriend, his world takes an unexpected turn when he discovers a forbidden connection with a high school girl, triggering a series of emotional upheavals and societal taboos.

Koi Kaze navigates the delicate terrain of forbidden love with finesse, exploring the complexities of societal norms and personal desires. This anime challenges conventional notions of romance, offering a poignant tale that will make you question the boundaries of love.

Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom - Love Conducts a Tragic Melody

Amid the mafia-infested streets of America, a Japanese tourist becomes entangled with Phantom, a lethal assassin working for Inferno. Brainwashed and named Zwei, the tourist is thrust into a world of crime and deception.

This English dubbed anime stands out for its innovative storytelling, seamlessly weaving dark and ethereal themes. From unexpected plot twists to well-developed characters, Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom offers a mesmerizing journey in blending dark romance with the shadows of an underworld ruled by assassins.

Diabolik Lovers - Forbidden Desires Awaken

Yui Komori, sent to a secluded mansion by her father, discovers it's the home of the Sakamaki brothers—a vampire family with more sinister intentions.

Initially a "sacrificial bride," Yui's life takes a harrowing turn as each sadistic brother vows to claim her. The mansion becomes a theater of forbidden desires, pushing Yui—seemingly unwillingly— into the depths of madness and ecstasy.

Diabolik Lovers is a chilling exploration of dubious consent, forbidden love, and captivity twisted into one. With a relentless pace, the series unveils a dark dance between Yui and the Sakamaki brothers, delivering a dark narrative that goes beyond typical vampire romance.

Berserk - A Symphony of Betrayal and Revenge

Guts, the Black Swordsman seeks vengeance after being betrayed by his comrade Griffith. At first glance, that's what you believe the series is about. However, when the series introduces a love interest, it becomes pivotal in Guts' journey of revenge.

Berserk is a masterclass in dark fantasy, with a love subplot adding emotional depth to the relentless pursuit of revenge. Amid monstrous horrors, Guts' journey becomes a poignant exploration of love's resilience in the face of overwhelming darkness.

Angels of Death - Love is a Twisted Game

Rachel Gardner, a girl consumed by the desire for death, awakens in a mysterious building. She soon joins forces with a remorseless murderer named Zack, and together, they embark on a perilous journey through the treacherous floors of the building. As they navigate the twisted labyrinth of rooms and corridors, they encounter various bizarre characters and uncover shocking secrets that reveal Rachel's enigmatic connection to this nightmarish setting.

Angels of Death combines psychological horror with an unexpected romance that'll keep English dubbed anime fans on the edge of their seats. As Rachel and Zack confront each floor's challenges, the series offers a captivating blend of horror, suspense, and dark romance.

Future Diary - A Diary of Love and Madness

Yukiteru Amano, armed with a digital diary that predicts the future, finds himself entangled in a survival game orchestrated by the god of time and space. Alongside his classmate Yuno Gasai, who possesses a similar diary, Yukiteru must navigate a deadly battle where love, betrayal, and survival intertwine.

Future Diary is a series that dives deep into the dark aspects of a battle royale where love is used as a weapon and survival requires making ruthless choices. The show takes a closer look at the characters' psyche, bringing to light their harsh and traumatic past experiences. The lines between love and madness blur as the story progresses, leading to a gripping and intense tale.

Mysterious Girlfriend X - A Quirky Tale of Intimate Bonds

Akira Tsubaki, unfamiliar with the nuances of romance, discovers an unconventional bond with transfer student Mikoto Urabe. Through a series of peculiar events involving drool, their connection deepens, giving rise to a mysterious romance that explores the intricacies of intimate relationships.

If you're looking for something with a realistic vibe, look no further than Mysterious Girlfriend X. The show stands out for its realistic portrayal of romance and teenage quirks that make love both strange and beautiful. While it doesn't quite fit with the other dark romances on this list, the anime delves into the mysterious aspects of human connection, presenting a refreshing take on the complexities of love.

Dance with Devils - Love Wears a Supernatural Mask

Ritsuka Tachibana, a diligent student, gets entangled with a student council harboring supernatural secrets. As she navigates a world of vampires and devils, Ritsuka discovers her connection to a forbidden artifact, setting the stage for a battle between supernatural beings vying for supremacy.

What screams dark romance than having a supernatural element to them? Dance with Devils weaves a story filled with musical elements and dark secrets. The series offers an interesting take on the paranormal, exploring the boundaries of love in a world where supernatural forces collide.

Devils Line - Love Struggles with Primal Urges

In a world where vampires coexist with humans, Tsukasa Taira discovers the truth about her friend's vampiric nature. Drawn to Yuuki Anzai, a human-vampire hybrid, Tsukasa becomes entangled in a romance that challenges the delicate balance between humanity and the primal instincts of the supernatural.

Devils Line explores the complexities of love forged amidst the shadows of a vampire-infested society. As Anzai struggles to contain his urges, the series unveils a dark romance that weaves together primal desires and the challenges of maintaining a forbidden love.

Dance in the Vampire Bund - Love Unveils its Captivating Fangs

Mina Tepes, the ruler of vampires, unveils the existence of her species and aims to build a sanctuary in Japan. Akira Kaburagi, a werewolf sworn to protect Mina, becomes entangled in a world of political intrigue, dark secrets, and a love that transcends the boundaries between humans and vampires.

Dance in the Vampire Bund is a captivating anime series that skillfully blends political intrigue with supernatural romance. It presents a compelling story where love triumphs over societal prejudices and hidden agendas. As Mina and Akira navigate the complexities of their bond, viewers are transported to a world where royalty and romance converge, leaving them spellbound.

Vampire Knight - The Shadows of a Vampire's Kiss

At Cross Academy, Yuuki Cross and Zero Kiryuu of the disciplinary committee navigate the intriguing dynamic between the Day Class and the mysterious Night Class, where the stunning students conceal a dark secret—they're vampires.

Yet, Yuuki and Zero both have secretes, which threaten the harmony between the Night and Day class. However, things take a twisted turn with the introduction of a mysterious new student.

Vampire Knight delivers a mesmerizing blend of love and shadows within the academy's walls. As Yuuki grapples with resurfacing emotions and Zero's animosity jeopardizes stability. Additionally, the introduction of a new male character adds a touch of magic to the already complex love triangle.

Dusk Maiden of Amnesia - Love Beyond the Grave

Seikyou Private Academy holds more than just textbooks—it houses a dark secret. For 60 years, the ghost of Yuuko, a young woman with no memory of her demise, has haunted the institution. Leading the Paranormal Investigations Club, Yuuko, along with freshman Teiichi Niiya and others, dive into the school's Seven Mysteries to uncover the truth behind her death.

Dusk Maiden of Amnesia stands as a poignant supernatural romance, weaving a narrative where the boundary between life and death blurs. As Teiichi and Yuuko uncover the school's paranormal secrets, English dubbed fans are treated to a melancholic yet beautiful love story that transcends the realms of the living.

Scum's Wish - Love Blooms as Scars Deepen

Hanabi and Mugi pretend to be the perfect couple while secretly loving others they can't have. Hanabi longs for her childhood friend and homeroom teacher Narumi, who falls for the music teacher Akane. Mugi is infatuated with Akane, and he and Hanabi use each other to fulfill their desires.

Scum's Wish offers a mature exploration of love's darker facets, presenting characters who grapple with forbidden desires and emotional turmoil. The series delves into the complexities of relationships, revealing the scars left behind when love becomes entangled with unattainable desires.