The best anime with a Grim Reaper are Soul Eater, RIN-NE, Assassination Classroom, Black Butler, Yu Yu Hakusho, Death Note, and Bleach.
Grim Reapers and shinigami, translated as “death gods” or “gods of death” in Japanese, are recurring and iconic figures in the realm of anime. These supernatural entities often embody themes of life, death, fate, and the moral complexities of human existence.
Two of the most renowned anime series that have masterfully portrayed these figures are “Soul Eater” and “Death Note.” Both shows offer unique and captivating interpretations of Grim Reapers and shinigami, making them standout examples in anime.
Their impressive depictions spark an intriguing debate: which of the two series offers the best portrayal of these deathly entities?
Arbiters – Death Parade
In the anime with Grim Reaper themes, Decim serves as the bartender at Quindecim, actively playing the role of an arbiter for the departed. As the central figure of the “Death Parade” series, he specifically handles souls of individuals who died simultaneously. These souls then engage in a game under Decim’s watchful eye, determining if they will reincarnate or plunge into The Void.
Throughout his duties, Decim consistently displays a serious and emotionless demeanor. However, unexpected or shocking events can sometimes ruffle his composed exterior. Speaking detachedly, he avoids mixing personal emotions with his job.
He holds his position as an arbiter in high regard and always shows respect to his guests, particularly those who led fulfilling lives.
Kanade Tachibana – Angel Beats
In the realm of grim reaper in anime, Kanade Tachibana, also known as “Angel” from “Angel Beats!”, stands as a notable figure. While she might not have the fame that some other death personifications command, her depth and power as a character cannot be denied.
“Angel Beats!” paints the afterlife as a school setting, and within this unique backdrop, Kanade actively leads as the student council president, guiding students through their post-death dilemmas.
Although it’s never explicitly mentioned, Kanade’s role aligns closely with that of a Shinigami, cementing her place among the ranks of grim reapers in anime. Boasting near invulnerability, she wields an array of both offensive and defensive abilities.
Shinigami – Naruto
In the anime about grim reaper themes, the Shinigami (死神, English TV: Reaper, literally meaning: Death god) emerges as a spectral entity that the Uzumaki clan can summon using specific fūinjutsu.
The Shinigami showcases its primary power by actively pulling out the souls of both the person who summoned it and the target. With its tantō, it slices the souls and seals them within its body.
This sealing process is executed through the Dead Demon Consuming Seal technique, a method prominently employed by Minato Namikaze and Hiruzen Sarutobi.
The portion of the victim’s soul that the Shinigami can extract and confine depends on how the summoner’s chakra level measures up to the victim’s. Regardless of the extraction’s degree of success, the Shinigami will always seal the summoner’s soul once the technique is invoked.
Grell Sutcliff – Grim Reaper
In the world of “Black Butler,” Grelle Sutcliff (グレル・サトクリフ, Gureru Satokurifu) actively serves as a Grim Reaper within the Retrieval Division of the Grim Reaper Dispatch.
While she once masqueraded as the butler to Angelina Dalles and even schemed alongside her in the infamous role of Jack the Ripper, the Dispatch suspended her due to these actions. However, she has since resumed her duties as a full-fledged Grim Reaper.
Though the Grim Reapers in “Black Butler” generally have constrained abilities, Grelle’s relentless and bloodthirsty demeanor makes her a force to be reckoned with, especially when she brandishes her death scythe chainsaw.
Yet, regarding raw power or skill, Grelle might not surpass some of the other Grim Reapers on the list.
Rinne Rokudō
In the anime “Kyōkai no Rinne,” Rinne Rokudō (六道 りんね Rokudō Rinne?) takes center stage as the lead character, navigating the complexities of being both human and Shinigami.
Despite his dual heritage, he often refers to himself as a “kind of” anime grim reaper. Sharing his school days with deuteragonist Sakura Mamiya, the duo collaboratively guides restless spirits towards the afterlife.
Rinne, like many Shinigami or Grim Reapers, actively engages in exorcising souls, ensuring their peaceful transition. His skill set doesn’t stop there: Rinne boasts the ability to soar through the skies, wields his scythe with notable expertise, and uses an invisibility cloak to seamlessly integrate among humans.
Uniquely, he has a compelling wind attack at his disposal, powered by money — a technique that’s as potent as it is fascinating.
Requiem from the Darkness
In “Requiem from the Darkness,” the Ongyou, a trio of supernatural entities, take on a role akin to that of the Grim Reaper, ensuring justice within a series of chilling horror tales.
This trio consists of Mataichi the Trickster, Nagamimi the Shape-shifter, and, most notably, Ogin the Puppeteer, who stands out as an anime female grim reaper figure. Together, they delve into the eerie depths of human depravity, probing heinous crimes and delivering their own brand of dark justice.
The stories revolve around the bleakest facets of human behavior, with the Ongyou acting as both the detectives and the avengers. Their mystifying supernatural powers, combined with their morally gray stances and ties to the afterlife, craft a captivating take on the Grim Reaper narrative, all set within a brooding, atmospheric backdrop.
Momo: The Girl God of Death – A Childlike Grim Reaper
In “Momo: The Girl God of Death,” also known as “Shinigami no Ballad,” Momo, a childlike Grim Reaper dressed in pure white, actively guides souls to the afterlife. Alongside her, her talking cat, Daniel, offers companionship in her divine duties.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Each episode brilliantly introduces diverse characters and themes, and the art and animation style presents a refreshing change of pace.
At first glance, based on the title alone, I anticipated an experience similar to “Soul Eater” – a blend of cheerfulness with undertones of darkness, resulting in an intriguingly pleasant mix.
However, my expectations were off the mark. This anime consistently delivers a deep, gentle sadness, occasionally lifting the mood with moments of solace and relief.
The Ancient Magus’ Bride
The Ancient Magus’ Bride uniquely and gently portrays an anime with Grim Reaper through Elias Ainsworth. As a powerful magus, Elias is a mysterious, skull-headed creature with a mysterious past. He brings in the protagonist, Chise Hatori, as his apprentice and later his bride.
Chise is a young girl who can see supernatural beings.
Although not a traditional Grim Reaper, Elias shares many features with the archetype. These include his skull-like appearance, magical powers, and ties to the supernatural world. His bond with Chise helps him explore and comprehend human emotions and mortality.
The Ancient Magus’ Bride provides a heartwarming, romantic twist on the Grim Reaper theme, showing how love and compassion can bridge the divide between life and death.
Hell Girl
In “Hell Girl,” Ai Enma, the titular Hell Girl, actively reinvents the Grim Reaper concept as she assists individuals in avenging their tormentors.
The creators infuse the narrative with a female-centric spin, highlighting empowerment within a supernatural and haunting framework reminiscent of “ghost hunters” movies.
Though undeniably low-budget, the intriguing plot holds its own, reminiscent of the charm found in B-movies or found footage films, even if it doesn’t belong to that genre. Overall, it’s a worthwhile watch, delivering decent entertainment for its genre.
Hell Girl provides:
- A chilling perspective on the Grim Reaper archetype.
- Exploring the themes of vengeance.
- Suffering.
- The consequences of seeking retribution.
Assassination Classroom
In “Assassination Classroom,” Korosensei bursts onto the scene, presenting himself to Class E and the global community as a looming threat.
After demonstrating his power by obliterating the moon, he issues an ultimatum: either they kill him within a year, or he destroys Earth. However, there’s a catch – he’ll only permit Class E to attempt his assassination, and in return, he demands to instruct them in the deadly craft.
The mere mention of “The Grim Reaper” can send chills down one’s spine. As the story unfolds, we discover Korosensei’s past life as a formidable human assassin, terrorizing many under the notorious moniker, “The Reaper.”
Death Note
Diving from manga pages to the cinematic realm and eventually the television, the transition reads: Manga = breathtaking, Film = groundbreaking, Anime = phenomenal.
“Death Note” stands as one of the most exceptional anime with grim reaper themes to grace viewers in a long while. Its narrative shines with brilliance, steering clear of overcomplication or clichés. Just as its film and manga counterparts do, the anime vividly captures the intense cat-and-mouse chase between L and Light, as each strives to unveil the other’s identity.
But “Death Note” is more than just a chase; it presents a revitalized version of the Grim Reaper motif, weaving together suspense, psychological battles, and profound reflections.
Throughout the series, various Shinigami, each distinct in personality and intent, emerge. These characters not only underscore the immense power of the Death Note but also draw intriguing parallels and contrasts between human morality and the ethics of the death gods.
Black Butler – Grim Reaper with Style
In “Black Butler,” the Victorian era beautifully frames Grell Sutcliff’s portrayal as a Grim Reaper, offering a fresh perspective to the typical grim reaper anime list.
With his vibrant personality and eccentricity, Grell starts as an antagonist but soon establishes himself as a regular presence in the storyline. Wielding a death scythe cleverly hidden as a chainsaw, Grell redefines the classic Grim Reaper imagery.
Grell’s multifaceted evolution delves deep into the challenges of juggling Grim Reaper responsibilities while grappling with personal feelings and ambitions.
Black Butler paints its Grim Reaper in shades of dark comedy, refined aesthetics, and a sincere journey of self-discovery, cementing its place as an exceptional anime offering.
GATE
“Gate” presents an anime narrative centered around a portal connecting Japan to a fantastical realm teeming with magic, elves, dragons, and deities. A standout figure from this realm is Rory Mercury, a demi-goddess inching closer to godhood as she approaches her 1,000th birthday.
The show seamlessly transitions between lighthearted moments and raw intensity, a switch that some viewers might find jolting. However, approaching it with an open mind, considering the perspective of a “survivor” leveraging coping strategies to remain grounded, and contextualizing it within historical parallels can enhance appreciation.
Rory Mercury, with her potent combination of immortality, rapid healing, and exceptional strength and agility, emerges reminiscent of a Grim Reaper – a formidable force of nature in the series.
Bleach
One of the most iconic examples of Grim Reapers in anime is the Soul Reapers, or Shinigami, in the hit series Bleach. These powerful beings are responsible for maintaining the balance between the world of the living and the spirit world. Equipped with supernatural powers and weapons, known as Zanpakuto, Soul Reapers fight evil spirits called Hollows and guide souls to the afterlife.
This exploration of the afterlife and the moral complexities of the Soul Reapers’ duties make Bleach a captivating series with a grim twist.
The protagonist, Ichigo Kurosaki, unexpectedly acquires Soul Reaper powers and is thrust into a world of a supernatural conflict. As the series unfolds, viewers are introduced to a complex hierarchy within the Soul Reaper society and the dark secrets that lurk beneath its surface.
Soul Eater
At the top of our grim reaper anime list is “Soul Eater,” an impeccable blend of exhilarating, hilarious, and poignant moments.
While it may take viewers a moment to acclimate to its unique universe, once settled, it’s a world you won’t want to depart. The characters’ antics will endear themselves to you, often inciting uproarious laughter.
“Soul Eater” offers an unconventional depiction of the Grim Reaper. Here, the Grim Reaper, known as Lord Death or Shinigami-sama, stands as a benevolent, even comical, figure.
He’s not just the symbol of death; he’s the founder and guiding force behind the Death Weapon Meister Academy (DWMA). This institution mentors weapon meisters and their sentient weapon counterparts in their mission to gather the souls of malevolent entities, ensuring equilibrium in the cosmos.
Far from the ominous figure often portrayed, Lord Death emerges as a compassionate mentor to the academy’s pupils, steering them towards mastery in combat.
His distinctive appearance, featuring a whimsical skull mask and oversized, expressive hands, injects a dose of humor into the series’ otherwise somber undertones.