The world of anime is known for epic stories and inspiring characters. Yet sometimes harsh reality strikes in unexpected ways. No matter how great a show is, its reputation can be ruined when creators face legal troubles, directors make harmful statements, or studios mistreat their staff.
Here is a ranking of 10 anime forever tainted by shocking scandals.
10. Net-juu no Susume (2017)
This charming romantic comedy about MMO gamers lost its shine because of the director. After release, the director was exposed for making extreme conspiracy theories and insensitive remarks online. Although the studio denied involvement, the heroine Moriko Morioka’s image was forever altered in fans’ eyes.
9. The Seven Deadly Sins (2014)
This case wasn’t a legal issue but a visual disaster. Switching studios from A-1 to Studio Deen in season 3 resulted in a graphic nightmare: blood was censored to look like white milk, characters were poorly drawn, and movements resembled a PowerPoint slideshow. What was once an epic masterpiece became a meme factory mocked by the community.
8. Golden Kamuy (2018)
Despite its gripping story, the anime faced backlash for misrepresenting Ainu culture. Cultural groups criticized inaccuracies in rituals and stereotypes, while the disastrous CGI bear in season 1 further damaged the show’s reputation.
7. Ishuzoku Reviewers (2020)
This anime pushed boundaries and paid the price. Centered on reviews of mythical brothels, its adult-like content led Funimation to cancel its broadcast mid-season, and Japanese networks relegated it to late-night slots. It became a symbol of the clash between creative freedom and censorship.
6. Tokyo Babylon (2021)
This remake never even aired. CLAMP’s project was abruptly canceled after the studio was caught blatantly plagiarizing costume designs from a K-pop group and designer dolls. Trust was shattered, and the project was scrapped to restart with a new team.
5. Pokémon (1997)
The infamous “Porygon” incident made medical history in Japan. One episode’s flashing lights triggered seizures in 685 children, forcing hospitalizations. This tragedy permanently changed safety standards for anime production worldwide.
4. School Days (2007)
The “Nice Boat” legend was born when the violent final episode coincided with a real-life axe murder. The TV station pulled the episode and replaced it with peaceful boat footage set to classical music, turning it into one of anime’s most infamous curses.
3. Hetalia: Axis Powers (2009)
Using national stereotypes for humor is risky. This anime deeply offended South Korea with its portrayal of the country’s character, sparking real diplomatic protests. The character was removed and the show banned on several networks.
2. Kokoro Connect (2012)
The biggest bullying scandal in voice acting history. The production team tricked a rookie voice actor into thinking he had a role, only to mock him during a live event. Sales plummeted instantly, and the anime was boycotted, dying out quickly.
1. Rurouni Kenshin (2017)
The biggest shock for fans born in the 80s and 90s. Creator Nobuhiro Watsuki was arrested for possessing child pornography. He admitted to having a disturbing obsession with young girls. While the series continued, fans found it impossible to enjoy Kenshin’s redemption story without feeling disgust toward its creator.