30 recommended dark fantasy anime. Introducing everything from timeless masterpieces to popular works that even adults will fall in love with.

A dark fantasy anime that is appealing for its depiction of tragic developments and the evil side of humans. Since there are so many masterpieces, some people may not know which one to choose.

So this time, we will introduce recommended works of dark fantasy anime. We introduce a variety of works, from classic works that are reincarnated in another world to satirical works set in modern society, so be sure to check them out until the end.

*Distribution site information is as of the time of writing, and distribution may end without notice.

*This article includes product PR. This media participates in various affiliate programs including Amazon Associates and Rakuten Affiliates. If you purchase a product introduced in an article on our service, a portion of the sales will be returned to us.

• table of contents
• Recommended dark fantasy anime works

Recommended dark fantasy anime works

Made in Abyss – Kinema Citrus

Broadcast in 2017, 1st season: 13 episodes in total / 2nd season: 12 episodes in total

A dark fantasy anime based on the manga by Akihito Tsukushi. The first movie version will be released in 2019, and “Made in the Abyss: Awakening Mystery'' is scheduled to be released in 2026.

Every corner of the world has been explored, and there is only one unexplored region left, the big hole “Abyss”. A variety of creatures inhabit this endlessly deep hole, and there are relics that cannot be created by modern humans. A large hole full of mysteries and treasures stimulates people's inquisitiveness and drives them to adventure.

Riko, who lives in Oath, a town on the edge of the Abyss, was one of them. Rico, an orphan, dreams of one day becoming a great cave explorer like his mother. One day, Rico picks up a robot in the cave of the Abyss…

Exploring the Great Hole of the Abyss is tense and worth watching. The setting is such that cruel developments are inevitable, but these developments give the story a sense of urgency. Also, the battle scenes are powerful, so it is recommended for those who want to see a work with a solid battle depiction.

Berserk – Milpensee

Broadcast in 2016, 1st season: 12 episodes in total / 2nd season: 12 episodes in total

A dark fantasy anime based on the manga by Kentaro Miura. The original series began in 1989, and has been serialized irregularly, and after the author's death, it has been serialized with illustrations by Studio Gaga.

At a cheap bar on the outskirts of Midland, Guts is challenged by thieves, but he fights them off. Puck, an elf, and Isidro, a boy who happened to be present, became interested in Guts' ability and great sword, and followed him. After leaving the village, Guts gets into a passing wagon and seems to be able to take a moment's rest, but his rest is soon broken.

The highlight is the battle where you can enjoy the strength of Guts set in a devastated world. It's also worth watching how Farnese, the leader of the knights, grows as a person through meeting Guts. This is a work recommended for fans of the original work.

Blue Exorcist – A-1 Pictures

Broadcast in 2011, total 25 episodes

A dark fantasy anime based on the manga by Kazue Kato. The cumulative circulation has exceeded 25 million copies, and a theatrical version has also been released.

There were two parts to this world: the “Material World” where humans lived, and the “Void World” where demons lived. Originally, the two worlds were not supposed to be able to interfere with each other, but demons can interfere with the material world by possessing matter. However, even in the material world, there are people who exorcise such demons, called exorcists.

This is a work where you can enjoy a royal battle against demons. The main character's setting and worldview are simple, making it easy for anyone to relate to and easily empathize with the characters. Recommended for those who want to enjoy heated battles.

Elfen Lied – Arms

Broadcast in 2004, total 13 episodes

This is a dark fantasy anime based on the manga by Rin Okamoto that was serialized in Weekly Young Jump.

The two-horned freak, a mutant human, had a mysterious ability that could be called a sixth sense. This ability threatens and even has the potential to wipe out humanity. For this reason, she was isolated in a national facility and studied, but due to an accident, the two-horned strange girl Lucy escaped. Lucy, who lost her memory while escaping, meets Kouta and Yuka in Kamakura. Lucy, who was named “Nyuu”, ends up staying at the Kaede mansion where Kouta lives…

This is one of the works that deals with many heavy themes. The story depicts issues such as racial discrimination, sexual violence, and PTSD, and provides an answer. Recommended for those who want to see works with strong social satire.

Attack on Titan – MAPPA

Broadcast in 2013: 1st season: 25 episodes in total / 2nd season: 12 episodes in total / 3rd season: 22 episodes in total / 4th season: 28 episodes in total

This is a dark fantasy anime based on the manga by Hajime Isayama that was serialized in Bessatsu Shonen Magazine. It is said to have gained popularity as it has been developed into a media mix such as games and novels, and has collaborated with numerous works.

In a world where giants roamed and ruled, humanity, who became food for the giants, built a huge wall in order to survive and lived a small life inside it. Humanity, who have gained safety in exchange for the freedom to go outside the walls, think that safety is guaranteed. However, one day, a gigantic giant that can even exceed walls appears, making them realize that their safety is only temporary.

You can enjoy acrobatic battles using special equipment called 3D maneuvers against giants with overwhelming power. In addition, the human drama of humanity using 3D mobility to fight against the overwhelmingly powerful giants is worth watching. Recommended for those who like masterpieces.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica – Shaft

Broadcast in 2011, total 12 episodes

A dark fantasy anime depicting middle school students who become magical girls and fight. It was a work that was developed in many media and was broadcast not only in Japan but also in various countries around the world. Puella Magi Madoka Magica (Walpurgis Kaiten) is scheduled to be released in February 2026.

One night, Madoka Kaname, an ordinary junior high school student, has a strange dream in which a girl appears to her. The next day, a transfer student comes to Madoka's class, and she looks just like the girl who appeared in her dream last night. Madoka is confused as this is too much to be a coincidence, but Homura, the transfer student, confuses Madoka even more.

The highlight of the story is that it begins with the classic story of transforming into a magical girl and fighting evil, but as the story progresses, a darker side emerges. The deep human drama and realistic psychological portrayal are worth watching. Recommended for those who want to see famous works.

The world's strongest in a common job – asread.

Broadcast in 2019: 1st season: 13 episodes in total / 2nd season: 12 episodes in total / 3rd season: 16 episodes in total

This is a dark fantasy anime based on the light novel by Ryo Shirameri. The original work has 14 volumes and has sold a total of 6 million copies.

One day, Hajime Nagumo, who was a bullied child, was reincarnated into another world along with his classmates. In the other world, everyone has developed special abilities, and my classmates have developed abilities suitable for combat. Hajime's revealed ability is a simple one called a transmuter and is not suitable for combat. Hajime, who is weak even in this other world, is pushed into the abyss of the labyrinth by his classmates.

The highlight is watching a bullied child fall into the abyss and then climb back up with a desire for revenge. It is not a simple story of growth, but the driving force is hatred, so it is a recommended work that is worth watching as the dark side is also well depicted.

Dorohedoro – MAPPA

Broadcast in 2012, total 12 episodes

By: amazon.co.jp

This is a dark fantasy anime based on a manga that began serialization in Monthly IKKI in 2000. This work was said to be impossible to film due to its shocking content.

Caiman's face was turned into a lizard by magic and he lost his memory. In order to regain his face and memory, Kaiman and his partner Nikaido go on a journey to find the magician who transformed him into a lizard. Who am I and where is the wizard?

There are many characters with an impact, and the unpredictable developments are worth watching. Also, the quality of the animation, which makes full use of 3DCG, is so high that it is hard to notice that it is 3DCG. This is a recommended work that makes it easy to get into the world view.

BASTARD!! Dark God of Destruction – Leiden Film

Broadcast in 2022: 1st season: 13 episodes in total / 2nd season: 14 episodes in total / 3rd season: 15 episodes in total

This is a dark fantasy anime based on the manga by Kazushi Hagiwara that was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump. The original work began in 1988 and has sold over 30 million copies.

400 years have passed since modern civilization collapsed, and the world has become dominated by swords and magic. A rebel army that revives the god of destruction Anthrasax and plans to take over the world is expanding its influence with overwhelming magical power. The Kingdom of Meta-Likana is no exception, and the kingdom attacked by a rebel army is forced to make a decision.

This is a carefully reproduced version of the original work, and is recommended for long-time fans. However, not everything has been reproduced exactly as is, and improvements have been made to make the story easier to understand, so even those who are seeing this work for the first time can watch it with confidence.

Fullmetal Alchemist – Bones

Broadcast in 2003, total 51 episodes

This is a dark fantasy anime based on a manga by Hiromu Arakawa that was serialized in Monthly Shonen Gangan. It is said to be one of the most representative works of the 2000s, and has sold over 80 million copies worldwide.

Brothers Edward and Alphonse are so concerned about their lost mother that they try their hand at human transmutation, which is considered taboo. However, the transmutation fails, and Edward loses his left leg and Alphonse loses his entire body. Edward was able to attach his brother's soul to the armor in exchange for his right arm, but the loss was too great. Edward and Alphonse set out on a journey to find the Philosopher's Stone in order to regain what they lost.

The work of performing taboo techniques to revive the dead is emphasized, and you can enjoy a profound dark fantasy. This is a highly recommended work, as it deals head-on with the darkness and karma of humans, so while it has a philosophical side, it also has the refreshing feel of a boys' manga.

Overlord – Madhouse

Broadcast in 2015: 1st season: 13 episodes in total / 2nd season: 13 episodes in total / 3rd season: 13 episodes in total / 4th season: 13 episodes in total

A dark fantasy anime based on a light novel by Kugane Maruyama. The original work has exceeded 10 million PV and is said to have become a hit as soon as it was published as a book by KADOKAWA.

In the year 2138, the service of the virtual reality online game “Yggdrasil”, which is said to have caused a boom in the past, is about to end. The few remaining players are quietly waiting for that moment. Momonga was also one of the players at the guild waiting for the service to end.

However, even after the service end time, I am not logged out at all. On the contrary, the NPCs began to move with their own will, and a different world that had never been seen outside the guild was opening up.

It's a classic tale of reincarnation into another world, where the main character is trapped in a game world, but the story is well-structured, so it's easy to read. The appeal of the story is that it explains why the friends who pledge loyalty pledge their loyalty to each other. Recommended for those who want to see popular reincarnated creatures from another world.

Bastard Magic Instructor and Taboo Scripture – Leiden Film

Broadcast in 2017, total 12 episodes

A dark fantasy anime based on a light novel by Yotaro. The cumulative circulation of the series has exceeded 4.5 million copies.

Luvaforce was a world where magic and science developed in parallel. The Alzano Imperial Academy of Magic, located in the southern part of the Alzano Empire, boasts a 400-year history as an academy where you can learn cutting-edge magic. An unconventional part-time instructor has arrived at this academy, which is the dream of all people who aspire to magic, and the students who attend it are proud of.

This work is appealing in that it maintains the traditional setting of a story set in a magic school, while also presenting a rich human drama. It has a solid balance between serious battles and comical storylines, making it a recommended work that will make you curious about what happens next.

DRIFTERS – HOODS DRIFTERS STUDIO

Broadcast in 2016, total 12 episodes

This is a dark fantasy anime based on Kota Hirano's manga currently serialized in the monthly magazine YOUNG KING OURS. The cumulative circulation has exceeded 3.5 million copies.

In 1600, Toyohisa Shimazu wandered alone in the mountains after escaping from the battle of Sekigahara, the great war that divided Japan into east and west. What we arrived at was a room with countless doors. Toyohisa is helplessly sent behind the stone door by the mysterious man Murasaki who was in the room.

The sight of Sengoku warlords who are said to have existed in real life reincarnated in another world and fighting is a sight to behold. This is recommended for those who like battles as it shows how timeless Sengoku warlords such as Oda Nobunaga meet in the same world, build new fighting groups, and fight battles to steal the country.

Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress – WIT STUDIO

Broadcast in 2016, total 12 episodes

This is an original dark fantasy anime created by WIT STUDIO. The director was Tetsuro Araki, who also worked on Guilty Crown.

As the industrial revolution progresses around the world, an immortal monster, the Kabane, suddenly appears. Hinomoto, an island nation in the Far East, is no exception to this influence, and it barely survives by shutting itself up in forts called stations. The only means of transportation was a running steam locomotive called Sunjo, but one day, Sunjo suddenly went out of control…

The highlight is the world view that is developed with an unparalleled combination of Japanese and steampunk. The powerful battles that take place in a retro atmosphere that combines the Sengoku period and the Middle Ages are worth watching. Recommended for those who like battle.

The Promised Neverland – CloverWorks

Broadcast in 2019, 1st season: 12 episodes in total / 2nd season: 11 episodes in total

This is a dark fantasy anime based on the manga by Kaiu Shirai and Posuka Demizu that was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump. Cumulative worldwide circulation has exceeded 41 million copies.

At Grace Field House, a facility where children without parents gather together, three children with outstanding talents lead a happy life. The three people at the center are Emma, ​​Norman, and Ray. One day, Emma and Norman head to the gate that leads to the outside world, where they discover an unexpected truth.

The highlight is how the story takes a turn from a heartwarming start, when the children discover the truth and begin a fierce psychological battle with the adults. By eliminating unnecessary horror elements, you can concentrate on the psychological warfare, allowing you to enjoy a suspenseful experience. Recommended for those who like psychological warfare.

Sword Art Online – A-1 Pictures

Broadcast in 2012: 1st season: 25 episodes in total / 2nd season: 24 episodes in total / 3rd season: 24 episodes in total / 4th season: 23 episodes in total

A dark fantasy anime based on a light novel by Reki Kawahara.

In 2022, Kirito, who is enjoying the VRMMORPG “Sword Art Online,” is told a terrifying oracle by the game master along with other logged-in players. You cannot escape from this virtual world unless you clear the game, and a game over in the game means death in real life. Kirito has no choice but to accept this reality and throws himself into a deadly battle as a solo player.

The setting that death in the game equals death in real life creates a sense of tension that you can't take your eyes off. The story development is well-paced and is a recommended work that you can easily watch.

Castlevania – Castlevania – Frederator Studio

Broadcast in 2018, 1st season: 12 episodes in total / 2nd season: 10 episodes in total

This is a dark fantasy anime based on the popular game “Akumajo Dracula” released by Konami.

A woman who vows to become a doctor comes to Dracula in search of knowledge. Eventually, Lisa and Dracula fall in love, have a child, and 20 years have passed. One day, Dracula is furious when he learns that Lisa was killed by the Bishop's actions. The town turns into a tragedy as Dracula seeks revenge.

Since it is produced by an overseas studio, you can enjoy a different atmosphere from Japanese anime. The atmosphere is as if you are watching a Western movie, and you can easily get into the world view set in medieval Europe. Also, the Belmont family, familiar from the original game, plays an active role, so it is recommended for those who like the original game.

Tokyo Ghoul – studio Pierrot

Broadcast in 2014: 1st season: 12 episodes in total / 2nd season: 12 episodes in total / 3rd season: 12 episodes in total / 4th season: 12 episodes in total

This is a dark fantasy anime based on the manga by Sui Ishida that was serialized in Weekly Young Jump. The cumulative circulation has exceeded 47 million copies, and in addition to being made into an anime, it has also been made into a live-action movie.

There was a monster called a ghoul who made people fear more than death. Ghouls are monsters that blend in with humans, hunt them, and eat carrion. Humans were prey to the ghouls and lived in fear every day. Kaneki, a college student, meets a girl named Rize at his favorite coffee shop. The two, who share the same age, circumstances, and hobbies, suddenly grow closer…

The highlight is the exploration of coexistence between different races, where even ghouls have a kind and gentle family to protect. This is a highly recommended work that is worth watching, as the story revolves around the conflict between the main character, who aims to coexist with relatively gentle ghouls, and the extremist ghouls who are not happy with that.

A Certain Magical Index – JCSTAFF

Broadcast in 2008, 1st season: 24 episodes in total / 2nd season: 24 episodes in total / 3rd season: 26 episodes in total

A dark fantasy anime based on a light novel by Kazuma Kamachi. The cumulative circulation has exceeded 31 million copies, and in addition to the TV anime, many derivative works have been created, including comic adaptations, games, and movie versions.

A sister falls from the sky to Touma Kamijo, a high school student living in Academy City who incorporates psychic development into his classes. That sister is a special being called Index, and has 103,000 magic books stored in her brain. At the end of her escape, she reached Touma, and magicians came to the city one after another in pursuit of her.

The story is set in a school that trains psychics, so the highlight is that a wide variety of psychics appear. Also, the battles that make full use of supernatural powers are powerful and worth watching. Recommended for those who like anime with an atmosphere from around 2010.

Beyond the Boundary – Kyoto Animation

Broadcast in 2013, total 12 episodes

A dark fantasy anime based on a light novel by Nagomu Torii. The original work won the Encouragement Award at the 2nd Kyoto Animation Awards.

There was a girl who was the only survivor of a certain race, and a half-demon boy who was supposed to not exist. One day, Akito Kanbara, a half-demon boy, meets Mirai Kuriyama, a girl who looks like she's about to jump off a rooftop. She is the only survivor of a family with cursed blood, and the encounter between these two becomes an opportunity to change the world forever.

The illustrations of the battle scenes are wonderful, and the impressive movement of the battles is worth watching. In addition, it emphasizes the depiction of two people who are enemies in terms of their positions, and it also provides a solid explanation of why they are enemies, making it a recommended work that makes it easy to get into the world view.

Reverberation Terror – MAPPA

Broadcast in 2014, total 11 episodes

This is an original dark fantasy anime produced by animation studio MAPPA. We won the Daruma Doll Anime award at the JAPAN EXPO AWARDS.

One summer day, a large-scale terrorist bombing occurred in Tokyo. The perpetrators of this unprecedented terrorist attack were just two young boys. They called themselves “Spinx” and a game involving all of Japan was about to begin.

The characters are well-established, including the motive behind why the two committed the terrorist attack, the girl who learns their secret, and the detective who approaches the truth, making it easy to get into the world. The scenario is also consistent, so this is a recommended work that will leave you with a lasting impression after watching it.

Re: Life in a different world starting from zero – WHITE FOX

Broadcast in 2016: 1st season: 25 episodes in total / 2nd season: 25 episodes in total / 3rd season: 16 episodes in total

A dark fantasy anime based on a light novel by Tappei Nagatsuki. Commonly known as “Re:Zero'', it is said to be one of the popular works that collaborated with various media.

On his way home from the convenience store, Natsuki Subaru is suddenly summoned to another world, where he has nothing to rely on. However, Subaru had acquired a power unlike any other. It is the power of death and return that rewinds time. In order to get back his irreplaceable time and protect his loved ones, Subaru fights against fate.

The highlight is watching a young boy who is immature both physically and mentally grow as he fights against his fate. Due to his ability to return by death, some harsh depictions are unavoidable, but there are even more moving scenes, making it a recommended work that you can easily empathize with.

Extreme Black Brynhildr – ARMS

Broadcast in 2014, total 13 episodes

This is a dark fantasy anime based on the manga by Rin Okamoto that was serialized in Weekly Young Jump.

Ryota Murakami, a high school student who was traumatized by the death of his childhood friend in an accident when he was a child, looks up at the night sky every night in his astronomy club in order to fulfill his promise to his girlfriend to prove the existence of aliens. One day, a transfer student named Kuroba Yasuko, who looks exactly like his childhood friend, comes to Ryota's class. Ryota learns the secret of Yasuko, who calls herself a magician…

It is a work that incorporates various elements such as not only dark fantasy, but also science fiction, romantic comedy, and battles with supernatural powers. Although it incorporates various elements, it is a recommended work that you can watch to the end with a feeling of suspense because of the excellent scenario.

CLAYMORE – Madhouse

Broadcast in 2007, total 26 episodes

This is a dark fantasy anime based on the manga by Norihiro Yagi that was serialized in Monthly Shonen Jump. It depicts the life of a half-human, half-demon warrior created to defeat demons.

In a world where demons prey on humans, humans create half-human, half-demon warriors who have adopted the blood and flesh of demons in order to survive. These warriors were called Claymores, and they were female swordsmen who carried huge swords. One day, Claire, one of the Claymores, meets Teresa, the strongest Claymore. However, Teresa kills a human in order to help Claire in a certain incident…

Although it focuses on the fight against demons, it also carefully delves into Claire and the other claymores, making it easy to get into the world. Also, the bonds that develop as claymores fight together are worth watching. Recommended for those who like classic dark fantasy.

Goblin Slayer – Raiden Film

Broadcast in 2018, 1st season: 12 episodes in total / 2nd season: 12 episodes in total

This is a dark fantasy anime based on a light novel written by Kagyu Kumo. The original series has sold over 2 million copies in total, and the comic version is currently being published on Online.

There was a man in a remote guild who rose to the third rank of silver rank by hunting only goblins. Known as the Goblin Slayer, he hunts only goblins by any means necessary, sparing no effort. An elf girl who heard such rumors appears before him.

The highlight is the story structure that focuses on goblin subjugation. There are some heated and moving scenes, but we put a lot of effort into depicting the battles, so you can enjoy the powerful battles. Recommended for those who like battle manga.

Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash – A-1 Pictures

Broadcast in 2016, total 12 episodes

A dark fantasy anime based on a light novel by Ao Jumonji. It won 4th place in the 3rd Light Novel Lover Bookseller Award, and was made into a comic in Monthly Gangan Joker.

When Haruhiro woke up, he was surrounded by darkness and was in the middle of nowhere. I don't know why I'm there or where I am. When I look around me, I see only a few men and women who seem to be in the same situation. When he steps out of the darkness with them, he finds himself in a completely unknown world called Grimgar.

Although he is reincarnated in a different world, he goes on an adventure in a life-size state without the ability to cheat, so elements such as hardship, growth, and separation are convincing. This is a work that can be recommended to many people because it has a scenario that is like the classic RPG game.

Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh – Madhouse

Broadcast in 2019, total 18 episodes

This is a dark fantasy anime that is considered a masterpiece and ranked number one among entertainment novels. It was made into an anime 20 years after its publication.

Keiji Takeda was waiting for his girlfriend, Fujika Miyashita, who is also his junior at the same school, but even after the appointed time, she did not come and he was unable to contact her. Just as Takeda is about to give up and go home, a man appears in front of him, walking unsteadily with tears streaming down his face. I was so suspicious that I decided not to worry about it, but then it ran up to me. When Takeda saw the man's face, he was shocked.

This is a work with a sci-fi setting and worldview. Although it has a mysterious atmosphere and a sense of mystery, the story is not too difficult to understand, so it is easy to watch. There is a lot of room for consideration, so it is recommended for those who like works that make people think.

Babylon – REVOROOT

Broadcast in 2019, total 12 episodes

A dark fantasy anime based on Mado Nozaki's novel. In 2019, it was made into a comic in addition to the anime.

Zen Masazaki, a prosecutor at the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office's special investigation department, was investigating a fraud case involving a contracting company. A family investigating the case finds a document, but the situation is strange. It was a marriage mixed with fur and skin and the letter F covering the entire page. As the investigation progresses, Masazaki arrives at an important reference and witnesses something unbelievable…

This work talks about human life and death, right and wrong, and while it has a dark side, it also has a philosophical side. While it gives us a glimpse of the preciousness of life, it also makes us think about people dying. Recommended for those who like philosophical works.

Black Butler – A-1 Pictures

Broadcast in 2008: 1st season: 24 episodes in total / 2nd season: 12 episodes in total / 3rd season: 10 episodes in total / 4th season: 11 episodes in total / 5th season: 13 episodes in total

This is a dark fantasy anime based on the manga by Yana Toboso currently being serialized in Monthly G Fantasy. The series has sold over 36 million copies in total, and is an attractive work with a detailed world view and unique characters.

In England in the late 19th century, there was a noble family, the Phantomhive family. Ciel, the young head of the Phantomhive family, is known by the people as the “evil aristocrat” and “the queen's watchdog.” Today, Ciel and his butler Sebastian are working hard to solve various cases.

An original story that is different from the original story will be developed while keeping the world view the same. It has a careful story structure and develops an original story without destroying the atmosphere of the original, so it is recommended even for those who have not read the original.

The Rising of the Shield Hero – Kinema citrus

Broadcast in 2019: 1st season: 25 episodes in total / 2nd season: 13 episodes in total / 3rd season: 12 episodes in total / 4th season: Currently broadcasting

A dark fantasy anime based on the light novel by Aneko Yusagi. The series has sold over 11 million copies in total, and has even been adapted into a comic.

Naofumi Iwatani, an ordinary otaku university student, finds a book in the library. Naofumi, who was summoned to another world by the book, is said to be the “Shield Hero,'' one of the Four Holy Heroes of the sword, spear, bow, and shield. His mission is to shake off the “waves” that plunge the world into chaos. Naofumi departs with his heart filled with excitement for a great adventure, but…

The highlight is how Naofumi, who has been reincarnated in another world, is deceived and framed from the beginning, and how he grows despite becoming distrustful of humans. The plot often puts them in a pinch, but the way they turn things around and solve the problem is exhilarating and worth watching. Recommended for those who like upstart stories.