In this post—thanks to this publishing from the Marvelous Videos channel originally made on February 3, 2021—we take a look at 12 R-rated animated spin-offs based on movies and games, ranging from violent dystopias to gritty reimaginings in series and films that show just how powerful adult animations can be.
When most people think of animation, they picture bright colors, family-friendly stories, and shows made primarily for kids. Yet, this medium has always been capable of so much more. Some of the darkest, most violent, and most thought-provoking stories have emerged from animated films and series—often pushing them into R-rated territory.
Many of these mature projects appear as spin-offs from popular movies and video games. Animation allows creators to expand on worlds and characters only hinted at in the original material, breaking boundaries in ways that live-action often cannot. From blood-soaked battles to existential dilemmas, these 12 works prove animation isn’t just for kids. Let’s dive into each one.
Dante’s Inferno: An Animated Epic
Based on the Dante’s Inferno video game, Dante’s Inferno: An Animated Epic (2010) follows Dante, a crusader returning home after three years to find his father murdered and his beloved Beatrice mortally wounded. When Lucifer snatches Beatrice’s soul and drags her to Hell, Dante plunges into the underworld, battling through the nine circles to save her.
This R-rated full length anime epic, loosely inspired by Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy, is packed with symbolic weight and relentless violence. Each circle of Hell features surreal visuals, boss fights, and monstrous fodder, mirroring the game’s structure. The plot reveals a wager between Beatrice and Lucifer, testing Dante’s loyalty—a twist that adds emotional depth to the gore.
With standout voice acting from Mark Hamill and Peter Jessup, the animation’s vivid, hellish landscapes make this a must-watch for fans of dark fantasy.
Trailer
The Chronicles of Riddick: Dark Fury
The Chronicles of Riddick: Dark Fury (2004) is a short animated film bridges the gap between Pitch Black and The Chronicles of Riddick, diving into the gritty world of convict Richard B. Riddick. Escaping a desert planet with companions Jack and Imam, Riddick is captured by a spaceship led by Antonia Chillingsworth, a chilling collector who turns criminals into statues.
Directed by Peter Chung (Aeon Flux), Dark Fury delivers fast-paced action and Vin Diesel’s iconic voice as Riddick. While the animation quality can feel grainy, the non-stop violence and introduction of bounty hunter Toombs (later key in the franchise) keep it engaging. Keith David (from The Thing, They Live and Men at Work) and Rhiana Griffith’s voice work add grit to this dark gem.
Trailer
Starship Troopers: Traitor of Mars
Starship Troopers: Traitor of Mars is a CGI-anime spin-off from the Starship Troopers franchise from 2017 where Johnny Rico, now a demoted colonel, is stuck training an incompetent squad on a Martian space station. When arachnid bugs launch a surprise attack, Rico must rally his troops to save Mars.
Packed with explosive action and detailed CGI, Traitor of Mars shines in its combat sequences but stumbles with a mediocre script and weak dialogue. Casper Van Dien’s voice performance as Rico stands out, earning a nomination, though the film sits in the middle of the franchise’s turbulent legacy.
Trailer
Dead Space: Downfall
Released in 2008 as a prequel to the Dead Space video game, Downfall tracks a mining spaceship crew grappling with a dangerous artifact, the Red Marker, found on the Aegis VII colony. As the artifact unleashes necromorph horrors, security officer Barrow fights to survive.
Blending Western and Japanese animation styles, this R-rated film delivers eerie dread, gruesome gore, and a brisk pace reminiscent of Alien and The Thing. The necromorph designs are chillingly believable, though the plot lacks some depth. Horror fans will love the blood-soaked chaos.
Editor’s note: the plot doesn’t lack anything. This one is pretty good.
Trailer
Devil May Cry: The Animated Series
Devil May Cry: The Animated Series is a 12-episode anime series released in 2007. It’s based on the Devil May Cry games, follows Dante, a half-demon, half-human bounty hunter tackling supernatural threats despite mounting debts. When a dangerous job threatens his existence, Dante’s demon-slaying skills are pushed to the limit.
Unlike the action-heavy games, the series emphasizes character development and intricate plotting, drawing inspiration from the Devil May Cry novels. The animation quality shines, with standout character designs and hardcore action scenes that rank among anime’s most intense.
Editor’s note: this is no the Netflix’s Devil May Cry TV show created by Adi Shankar, which looks as disgraceful as anything else he ever did in his miserable life.
Opening
Highlander: The Search for Vengeance
Highlander: The Search for Vengeance (2007) is an animated spin-off from the Highlander films where immortal Colin MacLeod hunts the despotic Marcus Octavius, who murdered his lover centuries ago. Joined by a wisecracking ghost, MacLeod’s quest spans ages, landing in a submerged, post-apocalyptic New York.
Directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri, this American-Japanese production blends authentic anime style with Highlander’s mythic core. Gorgeous fight scenes and vivid CGI visuals elevate a somewhat clichéd plot, making it a stronger entry than most Highlander sequels (what doesn’t say much).
Trailer
Hellboy: Blood and Iron
Hellboy: Blood and Iron (2007) is an animated film, part of the Hellboy universe that sees the BPRD team, led by Hellboy, investigating a vampire resurrection tied to a ghost-infested mansion. Facing werewolves, hellhounds, and the vampire herself, Hellboy delivers dark, paranormal action. Ron Perlman’s iconic voice work anchors the film, which feels closer to Guillermo del Toro’s live-action movies than its animated predecessor.
While the story leans too much on Professor Broom and lacks challenging fights, the R-rated thrills suit older kids and adults alike.
Editor’s note: both Hellboy’s animations are pretty good.
Trailer
Resident Evil: Degeneration
Based on the Resident Evil games, Resident Evil: Degeneration (2008) is a CGI film follows special agent Leon S. Kennedy as he uncovers bio-organic weapons in a war zone. Ignoring orders, Leon battles to stop the Umbrella Corporation’s apocalyptic threat.
The full-CGI visuals shine, with gruesome zombie details and intense action scenes that echo the games’ older titles (pre-Resident Evil 6). The narrative picks up steam after a slow start, delivering a climactic punch for fans.
Editor’s note: as is the case with almost any of the Resident Evil’s animations, even if the CGI looks outdated, the overall experience is quite satisfactory.
Trailer
Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge
Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge (220) is an animated martial arts film, inspired by the Mortal Kombat games, centers on Hanzo Hasashi (Scorpion), whose clan is murdered by a rival ninja. To save his loved ones, he enters an interdimensional fighting tournament.
Packed with gory fatalities, signature moves from characters like Sonya Blade and Johnny Cage, and wacky humor, this R-rated gem delivers relentless brutality. Though too short, it’s a bloody love letter to the franchise’s fans.
Trailer
Constantine: City of Demons
Constantine: City of Demons is a dark animated film originally released in 2018 where detective John Constantine helps Chas save his daughter’s soul from the demon Beroul. Navigating a world of dark magic, Constantine battles hellish forces and his own demons.
The vivid animation and shocking final twist elevate an already grim plot, making it one of the darkest animated stories out there. Fans of Constantine’s occult battles will find this engaging from start to finish.
Trailer
Harley Quinn
A spin-off from Batman: The Animated Series, Harley Quinn is a TV-MA series that follows Harley Quinn as she strives to dominate Gotham City. Voiced by Kaley Cuoco, Harley’s chaotic charm and chemistry with Poison Ivy shine in this fresh, relatable take on the DC villainess.
The mature content brings out the dark essence of the DC universe, with natural flaws making Harley feel real despite the comic-book setting.
Editor’s note: meh.
Castlevania
Based on the Castlevania video games, this Netflix series follows the last Belmont clan member as he teams up to stop Dracula’s monster horde from wiping out Eastern Europe. Spanning 22 episodes, the series blends dark medieval fantasy with impeccable animation and innovative designs. Dracula’s humanized portrayal adds depth, though graphic violence (including slayings of religious figures and children) earns its R rating. A rare game adaptation that stays true to its source, it’s a must-watch for fans.
Editor’s note: this show is actually terrible. Don’t watch it.
Final thoughts
These 12 R-rated animated spin-offs prove that animation can tackle mature themes with unmatched creativity. From the hellish depths of Dante’s Inferno to the bloody battles of Mortal Kombat Legends, each work pushes the medium beyond kids’ cartoons, offering visceral action, deep storytelling, and bold visuals. Some of these projects (avoid the Netflix’s bullshit if you are wise) are worth exploring whether you’re a fan of the original movies or games or just crave intense animation. Now, let us know which spin-off you’re diving into first!
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Overview
- Length: 21:44
- Channel(s): Marvelous Videos
- Categories: Articles, Gaming, Trailers
- Views: 1