However, some animated movies go beyond having an older demographic.

Indeed,Akirahas become a cult classicand a prime example of the great heights Japanese anime can often achieve.

The film features a creative world and a colorful cast of characters in this bizarre story.

Coraline Jones walking under a button moon with a black cat from ‘Coraline’

Ralph Bakshiis known for creating dark and mature animated movies, andWizardscontinues this trend.

Thedarkness is subtle and in-your-face, with shocking deaths and ruthless storytelling.

The Secret of NIMHis another movie that is way darker than expected.

Akira walking to his red bike in Akira 1988

Image via Toho

He eventually got it made, and it would become one of his best.

Soon, Mimi is haunted by a figure from her past and harassed by a stalker.

Unlike Western animated films, anime movies are no strangers to making them dark.

Akira 1988 Anime Poster

After the death of his son, Geppetto builds a puppet brought to life by a fairy.

Inexperienced but enthusiastic, Pinocchio foes an adventure trying to find a place for himself in fascist Italy.

The film won the Oscar for Best Animated Film as it reimaginesPinocchiointo a darker, humanistic story.

Bambi’s mother looking at a young Bambi in 1942’s Bambi.

Image via Disney

The movie starts with their deaths as their spirits reconnect, recounting their time trying to survive.

Despite being known for their whimsical fantasy stories,Studio Ghibli made one of the darkest movies ever.

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NEXT:15 Best Disney Movies That Get Surprisingly Dark

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A small mouse is flung back by an ominous black rat in ‘The Secret of NIMH’ (1982)

Image via MGM/UA Entertainment Co.

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A determined widowed field mouse faces adversity as she endeavors to move her family to safety from an impending threat. With assistance from a resourceful crow and a group of superintelligent escaped lab rats, she embarks on a perilous journey to protect her children and secure their future.

The Beldam confronting Coraline in Coraline

Image via Focus Features.

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A group of rabbits looking scared in ‘Watership Down’

Image Via Warner Bros

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A distressed woman with blood on her face in Perfect Blue (1997)

Image via Rex Entertainment

Perfect Blue 1997 Poster

Pinocchio looking at the camera standign beside a round window in Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio

Image via Netflix

Pinocchio New Poster Guillermo

Seita and Setsuko walk in a field of flowers and fireflies in Grave of the Fireflies

Image via Toho

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