Is BEASTARS right for your family?

This review covers common concerns — screen for what YOUR family cares about.

BEASTARS

TV

BEASTARS (2019) is a Japanese anime series that explores a world populated by civilized, anthropomorphic animals with a strong cultural divide between carnivores and herbivores. The story primarily follows Legoshi, a gentle gray wolf, as he navigates high school life, his awakening predatory instincts, and complex feelings for a dwarf rabbit named Haru. The series delves into themes of romance, social prejudice, identity, and the inherent tension between different species. While set in a high school, it tackles mature and dark themes, including a murder mystery, the black market where illegal meat is sold, and characters grappling with their primal urges and societal expectations. The anime is known for its unique CGI animation style and its mature, coming-of-age narrative. It has garnered critical acclaim for its storytelling and exploration of complex social issues, suitable for audiences who appreciate a deeper, more philosophical take on anthropomorphic animal narratives.

Content concerns found:Click to jump

What are you watching next? Screen any title — even ones without reviews elsewhere.

Concerns

LGBTQ & Gender Identity

Medium

While 'BEASTARS' does not explicitly feature openly gay, lesbian, or transgender main characters in confirmed romantic relationships or gender transitions, the series broadly explores themes of identity, societal roles, and unconventional relationships through its anthropomorphic characters. Some fan interpretations and discussions exist around subtext, particularly concerning the intense bonds between characters like Legoshi and Louis, but these are not canonized as explicit LGBTQ representation within the anime.

The narrative primarily focuses on heterosexual relationships, such as the central romance between Legoshi (male wolf) and Haru (female rabbit). While characters like Juno express strong affection for Legoshi and Louis demonstrates complex feelings, the show does not confirm or explicitly depict same-sex romantic or gender identity themes as central to its plot.

Violence

Medium

BEASTARS features significant graphic violence, including predation, murder, and intense fights. The underlying tension between carnivores and herbivores often erupts into brutal confrontations with visible blood and injuries. The Black Market is a key location where such violence is rampant.

1. The series opens with the brutal murder of Tem, an alpaca, who is eaten by an unknown carnivore, setting a dark tone for the entire series. The aftermath shows blood on the floor, though a close-up was reportedly cut in the anime adaptation. 2. Legoshi engages in several violent fights, such as his bloody confrontation to save Haru from the Shishigumi, a criminal lion gang, where he defeats their boss. Later, Louis also kills the boss to protect Haru. In a later season, Legoshi has an intense battle with a hyena, where he struggles to fight without using his fangs.

Romance and Sexual Content

Medium

The series contains mature romantic and sexual themes, including implied sexual activity, suggestive situations, and discussions around promiscuity. The world of Beastars uses sexuality to explore power dynamics and identity, particularly for Haru. The Black Market also features elements related to adult entertainment.

1. Haru, a dwarf rabbit, is rumored to be promiscuous, having slept with multiple male animals. She attempts to seduce Legoshi by stripping down to her underwear and encourages him to have sex, which he flees from. 2. Legoshi and Haru share a night in a love hotel where they attempt their 'first sexual encounter,' but their instincts as carnivore and herbivore interfere. This scene implies sexual activity without explicit visuals. 3. The Black Market features areas where herbivores offer up parts of their bodies to be consumed, and there are references to strip clubs and suggestive dancing. A scene showing a woman cheetah dancing seductively and a deer stripper having a private meeting implying sexual favors were altered or cut in the anime.

Profanity

Medium

The anime adaptation of BEASTARS features a moderate amount of profanity, which has been toned down compared to the original manga. While not excessively pervasive, some strong language is present in intense or confrontational scenes.

1. In an early episode, the character Kai uses the phrase 'Screw you, you son of a…,' which was reportedly cut from the anime adaptation, indicating an effort to reduce profanity. 2. During a confrontation, a Shishigumi member's line 'Your fuckin' gross!! Let go.' was cut, and another line 'Fuck... play me for a fool!? You lil' shit!? I'll fuckin' kill you!' was also cut or changed in the anime, highlighting the presence of strong expletives in the original context.

Witchcraft & Occult

Medium

BEASTARS does not contain explicit witchcraft, sorcery, or occult themes. The world is grounded in a semi-realistic animal society, albeit anthropomorphic, and does not feature magic, demons, or supernatural rituals as part of its narrative or world-building.

1. The narrative focuses on the natural instincts of animals, societal structures, and psychological struggles rather than supernatural elements or magic. There are no spells, magic rituals, or explicit demonic entities. 2. The series explores themes of internal 'beasts' or primal urges, which are metaphorical rather than literal supernatural possessions or occult influences.

Substance Use

Medium

Substance use, particularly involving illegal drugs and alcohol, is depicted, often in the context of the Black Market. This includes the sale and consumption of various substances and references to addiction.

1. The Black Market is a hub for illegal goods, including 'a variety of drugs' and the sale of animal blood. Carnivores who become addicted to meat can become crazed, eventually devouring living beasts, a condition treated by Dr. Gohin. 2. Later in the series, a dangerous energy drink called 'KINES' is distributed by the Shishigumi, designed to free carnivores from the guilt of eating meat while satisfying their urges, essentially acting as a recreational drug. Louis investigates the effects of this drug.

Scary & Intense Content

Medium

BEASTARS contains frequently scary and intense content, including graphic depictions of predation, psychological tension, and themes of violence and death. The constant threat of carnivore instincts overriding civilized behavior creates a suspenseful and often frightening atmosphere.

1. The series immediately establishes intense content with the opening scene of Tem's murder and consumption, creating a pervasive sense of fear and distrust among the students. 2. Legoshi's internal struggle with his predatory urges, particularly his attraction to Haru, is portrayed with significant psychological intensity, often leading to moments where he almost loses control, making these scenes frightening for both characters and viewers.

Disrespect & Rebellion

Medium

The series frequently depicts characters challenging authority, rules, and societal norms, often stemming from the underlying tensions between species and individual struggles for identity and freedom. This can manifest as overt defiance or subtle acts of rebellion.

1. Haru, despite being a small dwarf rabbit, openly defies societal expectations and bullies, talking back and asserting her independence, which some characters perceive as rebellious. 2. Louis, a red deer, frequently challenges the established order and authority within Cherryton Academy and later the criminal underworld. His actions, such as taking over the Shishigumi, represent significant rebellion against the system.

Anti-Christian Themes

Medium

BEASTARS does not explicitly feature or engage with Christian themes, symbols, or characters, nor does it present overtly anti-Christian messages. Its narrative focuses on a secular, anthropomorphic society and its unique moral and ethical dilemmas, rather than religious doctrine or critique.

1. The world of Beastars is devoid of organized religion, including Christianity, and its moral framework is built around instinct, societal laws governing interspecies relations, and individual ethics. 2. Discussions of morality and values in the series stem from the inherent nature of carnivores and herbivores and their attempts to coexist, rather than any theological or religious doctrines.

Other Notes

Target Demographic

Recommended for ages 16+ due to mature themes, graphic violence, sexual content, and intense psychological elements. The series frequently depicts predation, explicit discussions of speciesism, and dark societal issues, which may be disturbing for younger viewers.

Additional Notes

The series often uses anthropomorphic animal interactions as allegories for real-world social issues like prejudice, discrimination, and the struggle between nature and nurture. Parents should be aware that these allegories can be quite mature and nuanced, requiring a level of understanding beyond literal interpretation. The animation style, while CGI, is generally well-received and contributes to the unique atmosphere of the show.

What are you watching next? Screen any title — no review needed.

Is BEASTARS right for your family?

These concerns are a starting point — what many Christian parents care about. Want to screen for other themes? Define your own concerns.

Screen any book, movie, or show — even titles no one else has reviewed.

“StoryScanner gives us clarity and confidence. It's become our go-to for checking books at the library and movies on family night.”

— Cristi & Brian, Dallas TX

“StoryScanner has been such a BLESSING for researching books for our children. You can set filters for your concerns, enter a book title, and it lets you know what's present.”

— Christian Book Reviews for Families (Facebook)

No credit card required