From ghosts and demons to aliens and serial killers. These are the anime that will make you shiver!
Horror in anime is a genre that has the power to explore the darkest corners and the most unimaginable fears of our minds. The boundless possibilities of anime have given rise to some of the best horror content over the years. Japanese culture has always been steeped in stories and folktales about ghosts and spirits, ranging from friendly encounters to macabre tales. Anime keeps up that tradition as horror elements frequently find their way into the most popular series, offering some of the most influential and stylish examples of the genre within the medium.
Anime, unlike live-action, allows for a display of blood and gore, spooky visuals, and monsters that push the boundaries of imagination. Horror in anime comes in various flavors and doses, with shows that blend psychological thrills, social drama, comedy, science-fiction, dark fantasy, crime, adventure, and action to build overarching narratives that both chill and captivate viewers. If you are a horror enthusiast, an anime fan, or just someone looking for something new and exciting to watch, we’ve compiled a list of the best horror anime you can binge-watch to send shivers down your spine.
1. Death Parade (2015)
Death Parade follows Decim, a bartender at the mysterious Quindecim bar, where souls are judged through deadly games, and his assistant Chiyuki. Each episode features a new set of characters who must participate in the death games overseen by Decim, as he attempts to understand human emotions. At the same time, the participants battle it out to know their fate as their souls get judged. Death Parade offers some really dark insights into the human psyche and explores ideas of life and death, and the show’s episodic nature also makes it a very easy binge.
2. Serial Experiment Lain (1998)
Serial Experiment Lain is a groundbreaking anime that delves into the influence of technology and the blurred boundaries between the virtual and real world that will leave you questioning your reality. Lain, an awkward and introverted high-schooler, is caught up in a series of bizarre events, and when a message from the dead arrives, Lain finds herself caught up in a virtual realm. This creepy and mind-bending dystopian cyberpunk show, with surrealist and avant-garde imagery, explores existentialism and the human condition in a digital age.
3. Paranoia Agent (2004)
From the master filmmaker and animator Satoshi Kon, Paranoia Agent follows a series of assaults by a mysterious attacker called Lil’ Slugger and a collection of otherwise unnamed characters often referred to by animal names. Paranoia Agent is a thought-provoking psychological thriller that blurs the line between reality and delusion, leaving viewers questioning their sanity. As expected from Satoshi Kon, the show explores dark social phenomenons and themes while exposing the horror underneath them.
4. Chainsaw Man (2022-)
Chainsaw Man is a glorious display of blood and gore. The action-psychological horror series follows Denji, a young man in a deranged alternate world who meets a dog-like devil, Pochita, who grants him the ability to transform his body parts into a chainsaw and eventually joins a public safety group to combat supernatural threats with his powers. The hit series explores what it means to be alive and has a stellar cast of lovable characters.
5. Mononoke (2007)
Set in feudal Japan, Mononoke follows the “Medicine Seller,” a nameless wandering character, as he faces supernatural challenges and exorcises malevolent spirits known as Mononoke. The show offers a unique blend of horror and beauty with its stunning art style and chapter-wise storytelling about the Medicine Seller’s encounters with negative spirits.
6. Devilman Crybaby (2018)
Devilman Crybaby portrays a violent world engulfed in a demonic invasion and has one of the most innovative and striking animation styles for an anime series. The series follows teenager Akira, the titular Devilman, who is a demon with a human soul and explores several themes about real-world issues like war, politics, bigotry, LGBTQ rights, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.
7. Junji Ito Collection (2018)
This anthology series brings a collection of some of the most grotesque and unsettling stories by Junji Ito to life. Each episode adapts two stories from Junji Ito’s manga, while the two OVAs adapt his manga series, Tomei. Junji Ito is a master of horror in the world of manga, and this series brings his terrifying artwork to the screen.
8. Monster (2004-2005)
Monster is a psychological thriller with twists and turns that blurs the line between good and evil. The series follows a skilled neurosurgeon unraveling the mystery behind a sociopathic killer. Based on the best-selling manga, Monster explores the depths of human depravity and the relentless pursuit of justice, pushing its characters to their moral limits.
9. The Promised Neverland (2019-2021)
While not solely a horror anime, The Promised Neverland plunges viewers into a chilling tale of orphans discovering a horrifying secret within their seemingly perfect world. The series has lovable characters, heartwarming narratives, and a sense of adventure while also being filled with dread, suspense, and tension as they fight for survival.
10. Hellsing (2001-2002)
Hellsing is set in the gothic world of vampires and war. It tells the story of Abraham Van Helsing, who leads a small team of vampire hunters in Victorian England until the “creator” of the vampires comes in. Packed with intense action and a dark narrative, Hellsing offers a blood-soaked journey into the battle against evil and has many spin-offs you can binge on after the series.
Conclusion
If you’re a fan of horror and love the unique blend of psychological thrills, dark fantasy, and spine-chilling visuals, these horror anime series will undoubtedly keep you entertained and coming back for more. From thought-provoking psychological thrillers to blood-soaked action and eerie tales, these anime series delve deep into the human psyche and explore the darkest corners of the imagination. So, dim the lights, grab some snacks, and get ready to be immersed in the spine-tingling world of horror anime! Happy binge-watching!
