15+ Unforgettable Anime Series Exploring Immortality

When discussing immortality in anime, one can’t help but mention the groundbreaking series “Fullmetal Alchemist” and its counterpart, “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.” At the heart of these stories lies the Philosopher’s Stone, a mythical object capable of granting eternal life. But, as our beloved Elric brothers soon discover, pursuing immortality comes with a hefty price.

Alchemy, a central theme in the series, combines science and magic to manipulate matter. The Philosopher’s Stone is the ultimate alchemical tool, granting the power to perform seemingly impossible transmutations, including bestowing eternal life. As the Elric brothers search for the stone to restore their bodies, they uncover dark secrets and ethical dilemmas.

“Fullmetal Alchemist” explores the ramifications of immortality, challenging viewers to question whether eternal life is a blessing or a curse.

If you’re seeking a wild ride through the ages with a touch of dark humor, “Baccano!” is the anime for you. Set in the Prohibition era, this fast-paced series weaves together multiple storylines involving a colorful cast of characters, many of whom have become immortal by consuming the elixir of life.

“Baccano!” showcases different aspects of immortality, including the inability to age, die or suffer physical harm. However, the series doesn’t shy away from the darker side of eternal life, exploring the emotional consequences faced by those who’ve outlived loved ones or become disillusioned with their endless existence.

With its unique blend of mystery, action, and supernatural elements, “Baccano!” offers a fresh perspective on the age-old concept of living forever.

For fans of vampire lore, “Hellsing Ultimate” provides a bloody and action-packed exploration of immortality. The series follows the Hellsing Organization, led by the indomitable Sir Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing, as they combat supernatural threats to humanity, particularly vampires.

Alucard, a powerful and enigmatic vampire at the story’s center, serves the Hellsing family. His immortality manifests in regeneration, allowing him to heal from any injury and revive after apparent death.

While many vampires in the series view their immortality as a gift, “Hellsing Ultimate” also delves into the loneliness and despair that can accompany eternal life, particularly as relationships with mortals become fleeting and fragile.

Imagine being granted the power to turn back time each time you die – a never-ending loop of life and death. That’s the premise behind “Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World,” a popular isekai anime that uniquely explores immortality.

The protagonist, Subaru Natsuki, is transported to a parallel world where he can “Return by Death.” Each time he dies, Subaru restarts from a predetermined “save point,” allowing him to learn from his mistakes and change his fate.

While this power may initially seem like a blessing, “Re:Zero” demonstrates the psychological toll that repeated death and resurrection can take on a person.

In “Yu Yu Hakusho,” the lines between life, death, and immortality become deliciously blurred. The story follows delinquent teenager Yusuke Urameshi, who dies saving a child from an oncoming car. He’s resurrected as a “Spirit Detective,” tasked with investigating supernatural occurrences in the human world.

The series introduces characters who have achieved varying degrees of immortality through demonic heritage, spiritual energy manipulation, or even by consuming the flesh of a powerful demon. As these characters clash, “Yu Yu Hakusho” delves into themes of identity, purpose, and the lengths individuals will go to attain power and eternal life.

Yusuke and his friends confront the implications of immortality, grappling with the notion that their actions may carry consequences that echo through the ages. “Yu Yu Hakusho” presents a nuanced take on the immortal experience, underscoring the importance of friendship and loyalty in the face of eternity.

“Ajin: Demi-Human” presents an intense and gritty look at immortality. It follows the story of Kei Nagai, a high school student who discovers he’s an “Ajin” after surviving a fatal accident. Ajins are immortal beings who can summon powerful, invisible entities known as Black Ghosts.

In this world, immortality is viewed as a curse rather than a blessing. Ajins are hunted by governments and organizations seeking to exploit their regenerative powers for nefarious purposes. Kei and other Ajins must confront the challenges of their newfound immortality while evading capture and fighting for survival.

“RIN – Daughters of Mnemosyne” is a mature and sophisticated anime that delves into the themes of immortality, memory, and the passage of time. The series follows Rin Asogi, a private investigator who runs a detective agency with her partner Mimi. Unbeknownst to most, Rin and Mimi are immortal, consuming the “Time Fruit” from Yggdrasil, the World Tree.

Spanning several decades, the anime showcases Rin’s encounters with various clients and her battles against other immortals seeking the Time Fruit for themselves. Rin’s immortality is both a gift and a curse, as she remains eternally young while the world around her ages and changes.

“Sword Art Online” combines the world of virtual reality gaming with the concept of immortality uniquely and engagingly. The series follows Kazuto “Kirito” Kirigaya, a skilled gamer trapped within the virtual world of Aincrad. To escape, players must defeat the game’s 100 levels, but a single in-game death results in their real-life demise.

As Kirito and his friends explore the virtual world, they encounter characters who have achieved digital immortality. Through advanced technology, consciousness can be preserved within virtual reality, granting eternal life. However, “Sword Art Online” raises questions about the nature of existence in a digital realm, exploring the consequences of living beyond the limitations of a physical body.

“Puella Magi Madoka Magica” twists the magical girl genre into a darker, more poignant exploration of immortality, sacrifice, and the human condition. In this series, young girls are granted magical powers by the mysterious creature Kyubey in exchange for their agreement to become “magical girls” and battle evil witches. Unbeknownst to these girls, their transformation into magical girls comes with a terrible catch: they are now immortal and will ultimately become witches.

The series presents a harrowing examination of the emotional turmoil that accompanies immortality. Each magical girl struggles with the realization that their eternal life is fraught with pain, loss, and an inevitable descent into darkness.

“Drifters” is an action-packed anime that combines historical figures and fantasy elements to create a unique and thrilling exploration of immortality. The series follows Shimazu Toyohisa, a samurai transported to a parallel world filled with warriors, heroes, and villains plucked from different periods in Earth’s history.

These individuals, known as “Drifters,” are granted immortality, allowing them to wage epic battles and shape the fate of this new world. With each Drifter possessing their unique abilities and motivations, the series raises questions about how immortality affects one’s sense of purpose, ambition, and morality.

“Drifters” showcases the potential for greatness and darkness within those gifted with eternal life. As the Drifters forge alliances, betray comrades, and confront their inner demons, viewers are given a front-row seat to the eternal struggle between good and evil, set against a backdrop of breathtaking action and adventure.

“JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” is a long-running, multi-generational anime that boasts a unique blend of action, horror, and supernatural elements. The series follows the members of the Joestar family, who possess unique abilities and face off against powerful foes. The conflict between the Joestar bloodline and the immortal vampire Dio Brando is central to the story.

Dio’s pursuit of immortality and ultimate power leads him down a dark and twisted path, embracing vampirism and seeking control over the enigmatic Stand powers. The series explores the implications of immortality, touching on themes of power, corruption, and the inherent danger of eternal life.

“Blade of the Immortal” tells the story of Manji, a skilled samurai cursed with immortality by an 800-year-old nun. After killing one hundred evil men to avenge his sister’s death, Manji’s body becomes filled with “sacred bloodworms” that grant him the ability to regenerate from any injury, rendering him virtually immortal.

Haunted by his past and seeking redemption, Manji agrees to become the bodyguard of Rin, a young girl seeking vengeance for her murdered parents.

As Manji confronts the demons of his past and the challenges of his newfound immortality, “Blade of the Immortal” delves into themes of revenge, honor, and the potential for redemption in the face of seemingly eternal existence.

“Vampire Knight” is a supernatural romance anime set in Cross Academy, a school both humans and vampires attend. The story follows Yuki Cross, a student and member of the academy’s disciplinary committee, and her childhood friend, Zero Kiryu, who harbors a dark secret – he’s a vampire hunter.

As the series unfolds, Yuki becomes entangled in a love triangle with Zero and Kaname Kuran, a pureblood vampire. Immortality plays a central role in the narrative as the characters grapple with the implications of eternal life, love, and the sacrifices they must make to protect those they care for.

“Vampire Knight” offers a unique perspective on immortality, examining the emotional complexities of eternal existence through the lens of a supernatural love story.

“Black Cat” is an action-packed anime that follows Train Heartnet, a skilled assassin who leaves behind his life as a cold-blooded killer to become a bounty hunter. Train possesses a unique form of immortality, granted by nanomachines that allow him to recover from injuries rapidly and halt aging.

As Train’s journey unfolds, he encounters a diverse cast of characters, each with their motivations and connections to immortality. The series delves into the challenges those granted eternal life face, exploring themes of identity, morality, and the search for purpose in an ever-changing world.

“Black Cat” offers a thrilling exploration of immortality, weaving together action, intrigue, and a compelling character-driven narrative.

“The Seven Deadly Sins” is a fantasy anime that centers around the titular group of powerful knights, each branded with the symbol of a deadly sin. The series follows their quest to clear their names, save the kingdom, and uncover the truth behind their supposed betrayal.

At the heart of the story lies the relationship between Meliodas, the leader of the Seven Deadly Sins, and Elizabeth, a princess seeking their help. Meliodas is revealed to be an immortal cursed with perpetual youth, unable to die or age. Throughout the series, his immortality is explored as a source of strength and a burden.

“The Seven Deadly Sins” weaves a tale of love, friendship, and the pursuit of redemption in the face of adversity. The series offers a captivating exploration of immortality, reminding viewers that even the most powerful beings are not immune to the complexities and challenges of life.

Anime features various immortal characters, each with unique traits and abilities. While this list is not exhaustive, it highlights some common types of immortals in anime:

Gods/Goddesses: These divine beings possess incredible power and immortality, often ruling over various aspects of existence. Examples: Kami from Dragon Ball and Belldandy from Ah! My Goddess.

Vampires: Undead creatures that typically sustain their immortality by consuming blood. Examples: Alucard from Hellsing, Moka Akashiya from Rosario + Vampire.

Demons: Supernatural entities with varying degrees of immortality and power. Examples: Kurama from Yu Yu Hakusho, Inuyasha from Inuyasha.

Spirits/Ghosts: Ethereal beings that exist beyond the mortal realm, often possessing immortality. Examples: Botan from Yu Yu Hakusho, Yuuko Ichihara from xxxHolic.

Homunculi: Artificially created humans who possess immortality through the use of a Philosopher’s Stone. Examples: Lust, Gluttony, and Greed from Fullmetal Alchemist.

Immortal Humans: Humans have gained immortality through various means, such as scientific experiments, magic, or divine intervention. Examples: C.C. from Code Geass, Baccano!’s immortals like Firo Prochainezo and Maiza Avaro.

Celestial Beings: Characters from a higher plane of existence often possess divine powers and immortality. Examples: Tenshi from Angel Beats! and Tet from No Game No Life.

Time Travelers/Dimensional Beings: Characters who can manipulate time or move through dimensions, effectively granting them a form of immortality. Examples: Haruhi Suzumiya from The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Homura Akemi from Puella Magi Madoka Magica.

Reincarnation: Characters who can be reborn into new bodies after death, granting them immortality. Examples: Goku from Dragon Ball, Naruto Uzumaki from Naruto.

Yokai/Mythical Creatures: Supernatural entities originating from Japanese folklore, often possessing immortality. Examples: Tomoe from Kamisama Kiss, Kitaro from GeGeGe no Kitaro.