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Anime often hooks us with a bold opening, only to twist into something wildly different by the end. These shows evolve in tone, stakes, or style, surprising us with transformations that make their debuts feel like distant memories.

We’ve ranked 10 anime that shift dramatically from their first episode, from intriguing to jaw-dropping. Here’s why these series take you on an unexpected ride.

10. Hunter x Hunter (2011-2014) Madhouse

The first episode introduces Gon’s cheerful quest to become a Hunter like his dad. It feels like a light adventure, but the series dives into dark, complex arcs like the Chimera Ant saga.

The shift to gritty battles and moral dilemmas shocks us. We’re gripped by its unpredictable depth.

9. Gintama (2006-2021) Sunrise

Gintoki’s debut as a samurai odd-job worker sets up a goofy, episodic comedy. Later, it weaves in epic battles and heartfelt drama across sprawling arcs.

The...

Many horror titles come and go, and the anime genre is no exception. While not as abundant as the many seasonal isekai anime available to watch, horror and thriller anime are still very prevalent in the wider anime landscape. Their influence is part of what helps diversify anime titles from being divided into shōnen or shoujo anime series and gives viewers a chance to contemplate larger themes of life, death, and people's relationships with each other. But while there are many great horror anime to choose from, some can be more intense than others.

With anything related to horror, there are bound to be themes that may make viewers uncomfortable. Death, gore, and explicit imagery are all par for the course of the genre. These anime simply take those conventions and turn them up to eleven. If viewers want something that can truly push them out of their comfort zones,...

Classroom of the Elite is a one-of-a-kind anime that provides a realistic approach to the high school survival genre, which many shows have tackled previously but haven't been successful enough. For instance, while anime shows like Danganronpa, School-Live!, and Highschool of the Dead take place in a high school, they lack the unique element that the Classroom of the Elite possesses.

Having said that, even though Classroom of the Elite was adapted with the intention of selling its light novels, it was well-received by fans, becoming one of the best survival anime shows. While everyone assumed there wouldn't be a sequel after a phenomenal first season, it returned in 2022, announcing yet another season to keep fans entertained. With that in mind, here's everything we know about Classroom of the Elite season 3.

Classroom of the Elite Season 3: The Plot

Classroom of the Elite is a compelling story set in Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School,...

One of the greatest qualities of anime lies in its potential for diversity and variety. With dozens of new shows coming out each season, there is truly something for everyone - from upbeat, colorful, positive anime to more serious ones with dark backstories and realistic characters. Sometimes, these two seemingly opposite types of anime can even coexist, within one single nuanced show.

There are shows that initially present themselves as charming and innocent only to lure in unsuspecting viewers and later reveal a truth that puts everything into a new perspective. While not everyone may appreciate such contrasts, it is impossible to deny their impact. From sudden twists that no one saw coming to those that are subtly set up throughout multiple episodes, such scenes often end up being the most memorable ones.

Made in Abyss

The titular 'Abyss' in Made in Abyss is a huge, largely unexplored chasm,...

Among all the usual major shonen battle titles, heartfelt slice-of-life school dramas and fantastical isekai fare to be found every anime season, horror can make for a very refreshing watch. This is all the better in the summer, Japan's traditional season for ghost stories and other scary tales -- this in order to cool people off by inducing literal chills and goosebumps.

Happily, for fans of ghosts, zombies and general supernatural gore, the upcoming Summer 2023 anime season offers a few different viewing options, each with its own distinct mesh of other genres and themes. From shonen to seinen, brand-new shows to returning anime-original works, horror aficionados have plenty to look forward to.

Related: Haikyuu!! Owes Its Intensity to Its Creator's Connection With Horror Manga

Dark Gathering Will Appeal to Fans of Ghost-Themed and Shonen Supernatural Adventures

First-year college student Keitaro Gentoga can't stand ghosts. Unfortunately, he seems to attract them in droves.