Audience reviews
20 · Sample from the first available page, separate from the total number of ratings.
uchu_no_otaku
Death Parade has a good story and some genuinely interesting ideas. I liked how the anime explores different sides of human nature, regrets, and the decisions people make in their lives. There are definitely some good lessons here, and a few episodes actually made me stop and think for a while.
The problem for me is that I found it pretty boring at times. I understand what the anime was trying to do, and I can see why a lot of people would enjoy it, but I guess I'm just not that into this type of anime. The slower pace and more psychological approach didn't always keep me interested.
Overall, I don't think Death Parade is bad at all. The story is good, the concept is interesting, and there are meaningful moments throughout the anime. It just wasn't really my kind of show. I still think i…
Read at the sourceMetalxx
A very good anime—short, yet well-executed.
The premise is quite original, especially in how it is presented and directed. I like how Decim’s arc as a "judge with feelings" unfolds alongside the guests' individual, episodic cases—which serve as subplots within the larger narrative.
I think it’s handled very well, offering different perspectives on how people face death and the meaning of life, while gradually leading Decim to question the true meaning of it all and how judgment should be passed.
I would have liked more involvement from the supporting cast (some of whom I thought were top-notch, like the redhead who acts as Decim's counterpart) and a bit more world-building—some context for everything—though the premise is simple enough to grasp, and the focus remains squarely on Decim and…
Read at the sourceIcebaetz
When I first started watching the anime, I was just watching it because I’d started since there weren’t many episodes to begin with, I figured I might as well finish it and the animation and such looked nice, so I kept watching.
In particular, the fact that each episode told a different story started to bore me because I don’t think there’s much continuity in this kind of series, and it didn’t feel like a story with a clear ending.
However, the last four episodes really changed my mind; they made me realize what I was actually watching and that my time wasn’t wasted. They wrapped up the series perfectly even though I don’t usually watch much drama, this one won me over but as I said, aside from those last four episodes, there wasn’t much else that stood out to me, which is why I gave it…
Read at the sourceFrzyyy
Death Parade is a Masterpiece that everyone should watch
This anime starts off brilliantly, introducing a couple with problems, then slowly peeling everything back in a way that keeps you hooked until the very end. It explores the philosophy of death and life in a very direct way, exposing the deepest parts of human nature when faced with death through trauma. Each episode delivers real tension along with deep emotional weight for every participant. I enjoyed every episode because the execution is outstanding, well-built with a strong emotional payoff. The art is good, animation is great and the visuals are decent, and the characters’ expressions are so detailed that you can really feel what they’re going through.
Decim’s character growth is something that truly deserves to be highlighte…
Read at the sourceAwJinJie
The anime described how life comprised of wonderful experiences, filled by personal and subjective experiences.
Whether you A) have a complex love situation, B) made life sacrifices, C) or being inflicted with unforseen disaster simply because of one's inability to predict the future.
In those situations, what would you do? Decision true to the heart is always crucial. Would you make a selfish or selfless decision even after death? And can a person's morality really be judged by a third-party arbitrator?
Personally I would recommend this anime to be watched once.
The genre is a unique, simple in concept and execution, but relatively deep in emotional attachments.
If there is anything I've learnt from this anime, it would be "I should always make my life choice due to personal interest…
Read at the sourcejay_quelin
I did not expect to enjoy this anime as much as I did. At first, I thought it was another survival-death game genre. It turned out to be something entirely different. In a nutshell, Death Parade is a purgatory anime. Two souls arrive at the pearly gates to be judged. However, the "pearly gates" in this context is a bar lounge on the 15th floor named "Quindecim." And the ones who will do the judging are called "Arbiters," apathetic bartenders who'll determine whether a soul goes to heaven or hell. However, this all comes with a twist. In addition to their actions in life, these souls are also judged based on how they play these games. As these souls compete against each other, memories of their life slowly come back to them. It might sound like your typical survival-death game trope; but in…
Read at the sourcehmzfcb
The first episode of this show immediately got me hooked and had me very excited; that said, I found the early episodes a bit boring due to the episodes mainly being served to explain concepts and the world. One thing that I was worried about is that this might just be another soulless anime with no linear plot or character development. I'm glad I was wrong though because the show gained real momentum and ended off on a high note. I liked the characters, and the whole death parade environment just seems so iconic. I also loved those last five episodes, it was so good and worth getting through the first half. I have never watched the movie and only learned about it recently but will give it a go, overall, I recommend.
Read at the sourceBaconReviews
I think Death Parade was afraid of being Death Parade. Let me explain. The first half of this show is just a showoff of interesting concepts and characters battling it out for our entertainment, and it absolutely rules. The first episode is an incredible start to a series. That to me is what Death Parade is, but there was a fear from the creators that if the show was just that we wouldn't be engaged. The latter half of this show with its relatively half-baked lore and mechanics is far less interesting than the great first half. I'm not saying they should have had no deviation from the premise, but this show was basically a blueprint for incredible writing to follow, and they chickened out at the end.
For the first episodes alone, this show is absolutely worth the time. Some people even li…
Read at the sourceReddington_BL
I forgot to review this since I was new to MAL. This was the second anime I've watched and WOW! I have to admit, being new to anime and not knowing what to expect, some of it was intense at first. but the more I watched, the more I got used to it. Death Parade turned out to be a masterpiece of a show, to the point where it is forever in my top 3. I LOVE Decim, amazing character!
The idea of an Arbiter, someone who takes the time to adequately judge someone for heaven or hell is such an amazing concept, and if heaven and hell were real, I'd hope the idea of this show was as well.
Amazing show, highly recommend.
Read at the sourceCory0905
Especially at the beginning, it's pretty cynical and nihilistic. Humans are portrayed unfavorably and the overseers in the afterlife are cynical of humanity. But as it goes on you get to see humans act more favorably and some more complex and positive portrayals of humanity, and this is where you see the nonhuman overseers start to struggle with emotions and the cynical ways humans are dealt with in the afterlife. For the first few episodes it's honestly pretty boring but it becomes really good towards the late middle part of the season showing huge potential to end great. Episode 8 and 9 particularly take the cake as the climax of the season, really challenging the cynical and nihilistic attitude of the afterlife, particularly toward our unfeeling main character. Towards the end he has a…
Read at the sourcejoemaamah
Seems like a formula Madhouse has gotten down pat over the last 20 years. Lots of flash, splash and dash, but not so much substance.
The artwork starts off absolutely brilliant, but tails off as the season continues. It never gets bad but the drop off is noticeable, especially with the characters and background work. There is some spectacular animation work, especially early on, then again in ep 11. Chiyuki's skating performance is brilliant. But there's lots of flashy trash, especially sprinkled through the middle episodes.
The character writing didn't impress me a whole lot. The MCs are both wooden, and stiff as flag poles until the end. Then they magically are supposed to become these well-rounded characters. I didn't buy it. It felt much too contrived. And who is supposed to be the…
Read at the sourcedaylilyyy
Death Parade is a thought-provoking and emotional anime that explores life, death, and human nature. The story takes place in a bar where deceased people are sent to play games that determine their fate after death. The series explores the psychological struggles of its characters.
This series has an interesting idea. Stylish visuals, great music, and a creepy, mysterious atmosphere add to its appeal. However, some parts feel rushed and the rules of the world are unclear, leaving unanswered questions. While the supporting characters and judges could have used more depth, the main narrative is still engaging despite its flaws.
Read at the sourceprakhargr8
Death Parade presents an intriguing premise, exploring the weight of judgment and the complexities of human nature. It sets out to question whether anyone truly has the right to decide another’s fate, yet never fully embarks on this philosophical journey. The show builds a world of rigid rules, yet contradictions emerge, creating a sense of uncertainty in its core themes. The emotional depth is palpable but at times it feels as though the narrative hesitates to commit to its own exploration.
There is a lingering tension between impartiality and interference, as the characters themselves struggle with the morality of their roles. The moments that should drive deeper reflection sometimes fall into repetition, reinforcing past actions rather than evolving beyond them. The show acknowledges t…
Read at the sourcenilboard
I wouldn’t recommend this anime. While a few short clips caught my interest, the overall experience was disappointing. The story wasn’t unique and felt predictable, which made it less engaging for me, even though I usually enjoy this genre. The art style was decent but didn’t particularly enhance the storytelling. The characters lacked depth, often feeling either too overpowered, overly naïve, or simply one-dimensional. Their reactions to events didn’t always feel natural, making it harder to connect with them. That said, some people might still enjoy it if they don’t mind a formulaic plot and are just looking for casual entertainment.
Read at the sourceSidsAnime86
I had high hopes for this show as its been on my to watch list forever!
But honestly it was quite boring. It started off very well, but after a few episodes it felt very repetitive. Same story goes over and over again and nothing new happened.
They did try to make it interesting by adding the background story for the main characters, but it was such a slow pace that it felt boring and off. Like I was never eager to watch the next episode. Also they never made it clear if your are sent to heaven or hell. Like you kind of have to guess it youself.
Overall a OK show. Nothing I would rush to watch over again.
Read at the sourcemisery_art
Death is inevitable, that's one thing we all know. But, Death Parade is an anime that gives us an insight into a small idea of afterlife. There are arbiters who pass a judgement on whether a person will go to heaven or hell.
The idea of heaven or hell is very unique in this series. Heaven means that you will be reincarnated and hell means you will be destroyed, ideally reaching a graveyard of souls.
To pass the judgement, arbiters invite guests, that is the deceased, to play a game which requires them to put their lives at stake. The arbiters push the guests to an extreme to draw out the darkness in their soul to judge them.
Plot:
Unique. That's the apt word for this plot. A unique take on the afterlife. This anime not only provides an overview of humans, their emotions throughout the p…
Read at the sourceGr8gg
It's a good show and I wanted to rate it an 8 cz its not that famous but can't ignore it's flaws just cz the ending episodes were a bit better than expected
The show pulls up a very difficult topic or premise to deal with that is your judgment after death. The morality is always a hot topic and something that cannot be answered in absolutes and is simply what has lead to a lot of philosophical works. The story fails in the sense that it doesn't do justice to deal with such an important task as to dealing with the judgement of lives lead by people.
But still, it does end up making a story out of what felt like wasn't going anywhere in the initial half so I'd still recommend in the genre of philosophy and psychological fiction .
It also does very well, dealing with the complex topic of su…
Read at the sourceKrazio_07
An Underated Anime . The plot is simple kinda like squid game ( but B/w two guys ) but occurs in after world .
It evokes human emotions and their true self.. Each Episode give you unique perspective about different personalities
Is the story unique? If it was predictable, did you enjoy it anyway because you like this genre/set-up?
Absolutely Yes , The story is predictable but the backstory is not ( if you watch the anime you would understand )
I enjoy it..
Do you think the art style is fitting for the story?
Yes the Glassy setup & Bartender style perfectly fit the story ( Occurs at same place everytime but never the same in every episode )
Were the characters well-rounded? Did they have flaws and strengths, or were they unusually strong/smart/stupid?
Yes the character are 100% perfect…
Read at the sourcefh1478
Little Game Before The Grave
What a good little show that doesn't stay out its welcome, and have some interesting psychological themes.
The show really have some morbid and serious things happening, but it also can have a laughing smile at the other side. It has a good balance of tone and doesn't feel too much in one side.
And the episodic nature really work for it, We can have a tear jerk episode in one moment and a laughing in another. it really is perfect format for an episodic show.
And it really has a style all its own. I cannot really think of another anime has an art style and a theme like this. bartenders talk to you in the After Life, with stylish clothing and Nice atmosphere. Animation good and the camera work and angles make it feel so much more alive and moving, helps a lot…
Read at the sourceRemanTheArchean
The premise of Death Parade is set out in the first episode, where the characters are being judged on whether their spirit gets reincarnated or cast out into the void. The main focus is on revealing what type of person they are through a simple game, with the game sometimes being manipulated to cause tension and force the players to reveal their secrets. If that sounds intriguing to you, I would agree. I hope I get to watch a show like that some day, because Death Parade quickly forgets about its premise and instead tells a story of people going through emotional turmoil instead. It's not altogether terrible, but I think the show would have been better if it focused on the moral judgements and mystery rather than having people cry all the time.
There's a LOT of overdramatic crying in this…
Read at the source
