Berserk (1997)

Berserk (1997) is a dark, character-driven medieval fantasy about Guts, a battle-hardened swordsman who joins a fiercely skilled mercenary troupe called the Band of the Hawk, led by the magnetic Griffith. Together they fight brutal campaigns, rise through the ranks, and seize a place in the royal court — but their victory sets the stage for ambition, shifting loyalties, and a chilling descent into tragedy. Watching Berserk you’ll experience raw, large-scale swordplay and gritty battlefield sequences alongside intimate, emotional scenes that explore friendship, ambition, love, and obsession. The series centers on the volatile relationship between Guts and Griffith and the fragile bonds within the Band of the Hawk, building to tense political maneuvering and moral complexity that constantly upend who you root for. Visually the 1997 anime uses stark, hand-drawn animation and a moody score to create an oppressive, medieval atmosphere. The pacing balances intense action with slower, character-focused moments that deepen the stakes, and the story gradually shifts from military adventure to darker, more haunting territory. Content note: Berserk is explicitly mature — expect graphic violence, psychological trauma, and disturbing themes. It’s best for viewers who appreciate grim dark fantasy, morally ambiguous heroes, and emotionally powerful, often brutal storytelling.

Actors: Nobutoshi Canna, Marc Diraison, Carrie Keranen

Genres: Action, Adventure, Animation

8.7 /10 8.7 /10