There has been long-standing debate about whether anime or horror films are more violent. While both genres have their fair share of gore and bloodshed, anime takes the cake for being the more violent of the two.

Here, we’ll explore various reasons why anime is more violent than horror films.

1. Animation allows for graphic imagery

Unlike horror films, anime is animated, which means that it can depict graphic imagery, use unusual camera angles, and exaggerate violence. This makes anime more capable of showing violent and horrific scenes than live-action films.

The animation also allows for more creative freedom, leading to more imaginative and gory scenes.

2. The storylines often revolve around violence

Anime often tackles intense and complex themes that explore humanity’s darker nature. It is not uncommon for anime to focus on violent topics such as war, terrorism, and crime.

Unlike horror films, where violence is just a tool to create a scary atmosphere, anime often uses extreme violence as a central plot device.

3. Anime is not bound by censorship guidelines

Horror films, like all movies, are bound by censorship guidelines imposed by regulatory bodies like the Motion Picture Association of America. These guidelines restrict what filmmakers can show on-screen, especially concerning violence and gore.

Anime, on the other hand, does not face strict censorship, so creators have more freedom to add as much violence and gore as they like.

4. Anime characters are more expendable

One factor that sets anime apart from horror films is that many anime series do not shy away from killing off their characters. As a result, characters in anime are more expendable and are not given much plot armour.

This creates a sense of unpredictability and tension that is often lacking in horror films.

Related Article Cartoons are more violent than R-rated movies

5. The line between good and evil is often blurred

In anime, it is not always clear who the “good guys” are and who the “bad guys” are. Often, both sides are equally guilty of committing violent and gruesome acts.

This blurred line between good and evil allows anime creators to explore complex issues and themes surrounding violence and the human condition.

6. Anime is more immersive than horror films

Anime is often more immersive than horror films, with intricate and detailed world-building, character development, and storylines. This creates an emotional investment in the narrative that is not often achieved in horror films.

When violence occurs in anime, audiences are more likely to feel its impact emotionally because they have invested more time and energy into the story and characters.

7. Anime often contains sexual violence

While horror films often use sexual violence as a plot point, it is not nearly as common or extreme as in anime. Sexual violence is often used as a tool to further the plot or explore characters’ darker tendencies in anime.

This depiction of rape and sexual violence is often explicit and uncomfortable to watch, making anime more violent than horror films on this front.

8. Anime has a cult following

Finally, anime has a unique subculture and a large fan base. Many anime fans are drawn to the violence and gore present in various series.

This popularity and love for violent anime only serve to reinforce the idea that anime is more violent than horror films.

Conclusion

Overall, while horror films can be violent, anime is undoubtedly the more violent of the two.

The combination of animation, more creative freedom, complex and violent storylines, lack of censorship, expendable characters, and immersive storytelling all contribute to making anime more violent than horror films.