10 best anime that will make you smarter

Anime may seem like simple cartoons on the surface, but there are several intelligent, thought-provoking series that challenge viewers to think more deeply. From intricate plots that demand close attention to philosophical themes that encourage self-reflection, smart anime push the boundaries of animated storytelling.

What distinguishes cerebral anime is their ability to compel audiences to actively engage with concepts rather than passively observe events. Anime that expands one's intellect features multidimensional characters with complex motivations who confront thorny ethical dilemmas.

Viewers are encouraged to consider all perspectives before judging characters' actions. The intricate narratives fundamentally question preconceived notions about morality, identity, the impact of technology on humanity, and more. Here are 10 anime that will energize your mind through meaningful entertainment.

10 brilliant anime that will make you smarter

1. Steins;Gate

This sci-fi thriller centers on Rintaro Okabe, an eccentric self-proclaimed "mad scientist" who invents time travel technology through his experiments. This triggers a butterfly effect of disastrous changes to reality. As Okabe desperately attempts to rectify the fatal errors caused by his manipulation of the past, a gripping drama unfolds. The high stakes, amplified by growing unintended dangers, compel audiences to contemplate whether the ends justify interfering with time itself.

Steins;Gate transcends whimsical sci-fi by seriously examining the philosophical dilemma of altering past events and the ethical complications that arise. Its labyrinthine plot full of surprising twists will tickle the brains of even veteran anime watchers.

2. Death Note

This iconic supernatural thriller chronicles Light Yagami, a disillusioned genius who obtains a mystical notebook deliberately dropped into the human world by the Shinigami Ryuk. The notebook grants the ability to kill anyone simply by writing their name while picturing their face.

Believing he could drastically reduce crime by systematically eliminating criminals, Light takes on the moniker of Kira and acts as judge, jury, and executioner. What follows is an intense battle of wits between Light and master detective L, who launches a manhunt for the secret serial killer through profiling and investigative work.

Death Note's hyper-tense cat-and-mouse storyline keeps viewers constantly guessing. By refusing to present outright "good" or "evil" sides, the complex moral dilemmas at its core inspire serious reflection on concepts of justice, the corruption of power, utilitarian philosophy, and more.

3. Psycho-Pass

Set in a dystopian future where the Sibyl System assesses a person's likelihood of committing a crime by analyzing their mental state, Psycho-Pass explores moral issues surrounding predictive profiling and mass surveillance. Rookie inspector Akane Tsunemori often clashes with the system, questioning its logic despite the apparent benefits of crime prevention.

As indications increasingly suggest that Sibyl is flawed at its core, Akane realizes that upholding true justice involves more than just enforcing established rules. This anime, which will enhance your intellect, keeps viewers constantly contemplating the dilemmas its characters face through captivating plots.

The potent themes centered on sacrificing civil liberties at the altar of technology resonate with current debates about rights versus security.

4. Code Geass

Code Geass takes place in an alternate world where the Holy Britannian Empire subjugates other nations, including Japan. Lelouch, a prince believed to be dead after Japan's invasion and living under a false identity, aims to overthrow Britannia after gaining the supernatural ability to command absolute obedience with a single order.

Adopting the alias Zero, Lelouch masterminds a resistance movement by ruthlessly exploiting his power to further his goals through brilliant strategic intellect. What follows is a rollercoaster of political conquest featuring plenty of unexpected twists.

By maintaining moral ambiguity between Lelouch's questionable methods and his noble aspirations, the series encourages introspection on many "end justifies means" debates surrounding consequentialist philosophy. Audiences continually engage in internal conflicts, forcing a deeper examination of ethical issues.

5. Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex

Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (Image via Production I.G)

This seinen sci-fi series is set in Japan in 2030, a time when technological enhancements are beginning to alter human bodies and brains. The story follows Public Security Section 9, an elite task force tackling emerging threats in a world struggling with technological change.

Stand Alone Complex examines philosophical debates about identity and transhumanist themes through intricate case mysteries. It further explores moral quandaries like privacy issues that feel disturbingly relevant today.

This anime that will make you smarter distinguishes itself by neither portraying technology nor tradition as inherently good or evil, reflecting the complexities of the real world. Fans discover much to ponder within its multifaceted, cerebral plots.

6. Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor

Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor (Image via Madhouse)

In Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor anime, Kaiji Itō is an unemployed slacker drowning in debt. With loan sharks threatening his life, he gambles everything on high-stakes games of chance, strategy, and psychological warfare to survive.

Kaiji's intense battles of wits involve resolving complex dilemmas under extreme pressure. The expertly built tension as the underdog Kaiji analyzes situations to outsmart wealthy opportunists truly engages your mind as you try to devise ways to escape seemingly hopeless scenarios.

7. The Tatami Galaxy

Watashi, a fourth-year university student, reflects on how drastically different his life could have been had he made better choices at each youthful stage. He repeatedly travels back in time, represented through parallel universes, hoping to live the rose-colored campus life he has always imagined.

With visual flair and a philosophical narrative, The Tatami Galaxy contemplates deep themes of regret, the struggles of young adulthood, learning from mistakes, and the importance of valuing time. Its inventive storytelling approach makes the reevaluation of life choices captivating.

8. Ergo Proxy

In a post-apocalyptic future where humans and androids called "autoreivs" coexist, Citizens' Security Bureau inspector Re-l Mayer investigates a series of unusual AutoReiv malfunctions that lead her to discover the existence of mysterious entities known as Proxies. Her quest uncovers various secrets and reveals a much larger threat to their enclosed civilization.

The series is brimming with mystery and complex themes about self-awareness, morality, democracy versus authoritarianism, and the environment's impact on life's evolution. It keeps you contemplating various profound ideas. The stylish visuals and atmospheric world-building perfectly complement the intellectually engaging story.

9. Legend of the Galactic Heroes

Legend of the Galactic Heroes (Image via Artland)

This epic space opera anime that will make you smarter ambitiously chronicles the interstellar war between the authoritarian Galactic Empire and the politically flawed Free Planets Alliance through an intricate narrative lens, featuring no clear-cut heroes or villains.

Unflinchingly realistic in its portrayal of the varied shades of morality on both sides, Legend of the Galactic Heroes offers profound political, military, and philosophical commentary. The engaging account of grand strategy and rivalry among charismatic leaders will strongly appeal to critical thinkers.

10. Monster

Renowned Japanese brain surgeon Dr. Kenzō Tenma's life spirals into turmoil after he refuses orders to abandon surgery on a young boy, Johan Liebert, to operate on the city mayor instead, ultimately leading to the mayor's death. Years later, a series of mysterious murders makes Tenma suspect that the boy has grown up to become a cunning serial killer.

The suspenseful cat-and-mouse game in Monster centers around an investigation that takes the protagonists across Germany, the Czech Republic, and other parts of Europe.

This anime that will make you smarter features one of the best antagonists in anime and is packed with content rich in psychology, philosophy, history, and humanism.

Conclusion

The anime that will make you smarter mentioned here features labyrinthine plots that compel viewers to actively pay attention and think. Their thought-provoking themes centered around philosophy, ethics, and social issues linger long after the credits roll, often inspiring introspection.

So, if you're looking for animated shows that challenge preconceived notions and stimulate your mind, add these cerebral titles to your watchlist. These intelligent anime that will make you smarter provide thrilling yet meaningful entertainment.