Top 10 Anime That Were Banned — And Why!
Anime isn’t always fun and fantasy — some shows push the limits so far, they’ve been banned across countries for reasons like graphic violence, religious offense, or political subtext. Here's a list of anime that were too controversial for some regions — and the shocking reasons behind their censorship.
1. Death Note – Banned in China
Reason: Children were creating their own "Death Notes" and writing names of teachers and classmates, leading to safety concerns. China pulled the plug quickly.
2. Attack on Titan – Banned in China, Malaysia
Reason: Graphic violence and "anti-government" sentiments were cited. The gore level alone made this a red flag.
3. Pokemon – Banned Episodes in the U.S., India
Reason: The “Electric Soldier Porygon” episode caused seizures in hundreds of Japanese children. It never aired again.
4. Tokyo Ghoul – Banned in China
Reason: Too much blood, dark themes, and fear of “copycat violence.”
5. Interspecies Reviewers – Pulled from Funimation, Banned in Several Regions
Reason: Extreme sexual content disguised as comedy. Even Funimation dropped it after airing a few episodes.
6. Parasyte: The Maxim – Banned in China
Reason: Extreme gore, body horror, and philosophical dilemmas about humanity threatened "social harmony."
7. Excel Saga – Final Episode Never Aired
Reason: Episode 26 was so over-the-top violent and sexual that it was intentionally unaired in Japan and banned abroad.
8. Midori: Shoujo Tsubaki – Banned in Many Countries
Reason: One of the most disturbing anime ever made. Features child abuse, gore, and shocking exploitation.
9. Kite – Censored Globally
Reason: Brutal violence and explicit content involving minors. It’s nearly impossible to find the uncensored version legally.
10. Crayon Shin-Chan – Temporarily Banned in India
Reason: Parents complained about inappropriate jokes and Shin-Chan’s rude behavior influencing children.