24 recommended horror anime. Introducing popular scary titles

A horror anime that evokes fear with its eerie productions and mysterious developments. The appeal of each work is that you can experience a different level of fear, from works that deal with paranormal phenomena such as ghosts and curses, to psychological horror that approaches the darkness of humanity. However, since there is a wide range of scary styles and styles, some people may find it difficult to find a work that suits them.

So this time, we've picked out some recommended horror anime. We introduce titles that are easy to enjoy even for beginners.

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Horror anime recommendations

Higurashi When They Cry – Studio Deen

Broadcast in 2006, 1st season: 26 episodes in total / Broadcast in 2007, 2nd season: 24 episodes in total

“Higurashi no Naku Koro ni'' is an anime that gradually exposes a series of mysterious incidents and the behind-the-scenes of everyday life. Set in the mountain village of Hinamizawa, the story slowly unfolds of disappearances and mysterious deaths that occur in the shadows of annual events. The composition depicts the oscillations of choices and relationships, using the difference between peaceful interactions and signs of unrest as clues. Check it out if you want to enjoy tension and mystery solving at the same time.

Keiichi Maehara, a new transfer student, is adjusting to the lively daily life he spends with his friends. However, as he comes into contact with old legends and incident records, unexplained events continue to occur, and the attitudes of those around him gradually change. As he follows the events that occur before and after the festival, what does he believe in and who does he protect? Which move would you choose…?

This work is characterized by a structure in which the mystery is unraveled from a new perspective each time a tragedy is repeated. The gap between the cute character design and the cruel plot draws you in, and you can't take your eyes off it from beginning to end. Recommended for those who like suspense and horror works.

・DVD

Tokyo Ghoul – studio Pierrot

Broadcast in 2014, total 12 episodes

“Tokyo Ghoul'' is a dark fantasy that depicts a protagonist who is torn between being a human and a ghoul. Set in Tokyo, where ghouls, beings who take on human form and eat human flesh, live in secret, the story depicts the struggles of a young man who acquires the constitution of a ghoul after a certain incident. If you're looking for a psychological drama that swings between life and death, right and wrong, check it out.

Kaneki, a college student who loves reading, is attacked by Rize, a woman he is interested in, at the end of his first date when she suddenly reveals her true nature as a ghoul. He was on the verge of death and survived after being transplanted with Rize's organs, but his constitution changed to one where he could no longer accept normal food and only craved human flesh. In this way, Kaneki begins to search for a place in both human and ghoul society…?

This work realistically depicts the suffering of the main character who can only eat human flesh. The highlight of this work is its deep psychological depiction. If you like powerful battles and a dark worldview, please check it out.

School life! –Lerche

Broadcast in 2015, total 12 episodes

You might think it's a school anime depicting the daily life of the school life club, but a shocking development awaits you in “School Life!'' ”. The story features a structure in which the bright and innocent school life of the girls gradually begins to take on a disturbing atmosphere. Recommended for those looking for a work that will defy the viewer's imagination, with a mix of cute characters and tense survival elements.

Yuki, a girl who attends Megurigaoka Private High School, is a member of the school life club and enjoys her school life with her friends. I spend my days having fun and smiling with my advisor Megune and my best friends Kurumi and Lee. However, is the scene she sees really real?

This work revolves around survival under harsh conditions while maintaining cute characters and an everyday feel. If you are looking for a work with a gap, please check it out.

Another – PAWORKS

Broadcast in 2012, total 12 episodes

“Another'' is a horror anime that mixes fear and mystery, set in a class that is at the mercy of a chain of death. Unusual events begin in a class filled with an ominous atmosphere, gradually increasing fear. This style of work stimulates the viewer's imagination by depicting the quiet disintegration of everyday life. Recommended for those who want to be drawn into a tense school horror story.

Transfer student Koichi Sakakibara transfers to Class 3 of 3rd grade at Yamiyamakita Junior High School in a mountain town. There was a girl in the class named Mei Misaki who everyone treated like a boil. In the wake of a strange silence and a hidden event, mysterious deaths gradually begin to attack the people around them. What is the “taboo” that lurks in their classroom…?

The highlights are the gradually approaching horror and the tension as the mystery is unraveled. The foreshadowing is carefully laid out, and the story is unpredictable until the end. Recommended for those who like school horror and mystery works.

Future Diary – asread.

Broadcast in 2011, total 26 episodes

“Mirai Nikki'' is a suspense horror anime depicting a death game involving a diary in which the future is written. What the protagonist has in his hands is a mysterious mobile phone that records future events. The story is characterized by the simultaneous development of life-threatening survival and madness-laden love. Check it out if you're looking for battles, psychological warfare, and extreme character depictions.

Yukiteru Amano, a second year junior high school student, receives a “Future Diary'' from Deus, the god of time, who he thought was an imaginary being. It was a tool that allowed me to predict my future. However, he ends up caught up in a survival game with 11 other people who also have diaries. In this battle, the winner will become the new Space-Time King, and next to Yukiteru is a mysterious girl, Yuno Agatsuma. Who will he believe in and what will he protect…?

The main feature of this work is the heroine Yuno's crazy expressions of love and unpredictable behavior. You will be drawn into the tense battles and the ever-changing story. Recommended for those looking for a thrilling story.

Toilet-bound Hanako-kun – Lerche

Broadcast in 2020, 1st season: 12 episodes in total / 2nd season: 12 episodes in total

“Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun'' is a mystery fantasy that develops a unique worldview based on school ghost stories. This is an eye-catching work with unique visuals that combine stylish deformation and horror. The story is also unique in that it goes back and forth between the strange things lurking in the school and the daily lives of the students involved. Recommended for those interested in the coexistence of cuteness and eeriness.

Rumors about “Toilet Hanako-san” passed down at Kamome Academy. Nene Yahiro, a female student, encounters a mysterious creature that is said to grant wishes, and ends up forming a relationship with a male ghost, Hanako-kun. Together with him, they will confront the mysteries of the Seven Mysteries that pervade the school, but the situation gradually becomes more complicated as rumors are altered and the monsters' intentions become involved. What is the ending that awaits these two…?

This work is characterized by the fact that the monsters are not just enemies, but each have their own sad circumstances and backgrounds. The lighthearted interactions between Hanako-kun and Nene are also fun, and the story has a good tempo. Recommended for those who want to enjoy a Japanese-style fantasy set in a school.

It’s night outside the triangular window – Zerogy

Broadcast in 2021, 12 episodes total

“Night Outside the Triangular Window'' is an occult mystery in which a bookstore clerk who can see spirits and an exorcist take on a psychic incident. This drama depicts fear and human relationships, centering around the strange buddy relationship between Kosuke Misumi, a young man who works at a bookstore in the city, and Rito Hijikawa, an exorcist with an indifferent demeanor. Recommended for those who are attracted to stories that combine elements of spiritual phenomena and investigative suspense.

Kosuke Misumi, a bookstore employee, has suffered from a predisposition to seeing ghosts since childhood. One day, he meets the exorcist Rito Hiikawa, who is impressed by his abilities and decides to cooperate with the investigation of the case. Eventually, the two become involved in a larger “curse” plan due to an incident involving Erika Fumiura, a high school girl who has the power to manipulate curses. What is the true intention of Erika Hiura, who stands in front of them…?

In contrast to the scenes of exorcisms that proceed indifferently, this work carefully depicts changes in the characters' inner lives and relationships. In addition to horror elements, it also has a drama that explores family and past wounds, so if you are looking for a mystery work that is not bound by genre, please check it out.

King Game The Animation – Seven

Broadcast in 2017, total 12 episodes

“King Game The Animation'' is a death game anime in which all classmates are forced to receive orders from the “King'' on their mobile phones. Nobuaki Kanazawa, who is haunted by his past, encounters an extreme situation in his class at the high school he transfers to. If you are attracted to the multi-layered structure where human choice and group violence intersect, please check it out.

Nobuaki, who did not have deep roots with anyone at his new high school, gradually tries to join the circle after an incident with his classmates. However, when everyone received an email from the king on their smartphones, the situation changed completely. While the class tries to pass it off as a light joke, Nobuaki is the only one who realizes that “orders come at a price”…?

Every time an order arrives, the classmates are cornered and their suspicions grow, giving them no time to catch their breath. The present and past are depicted alternately, and what happened in the previous game gradually becomes clear. If you like death game type works, please check it out.

Twilight Maiden x Amnesia – SILVER LINK.

Broadcast in 2012, total 12 episodes

“Twilight Maiden x Amnesia'' tells a ghost story about the school and traces the memories of one girl. The story begins with an encounter between a ghost named Yuko Ko, who lives in the old school building, and Teiichi Shintani, who sees her, and is a mix of supernatural events, love, and the truth of the past. Recommended for those who are looking for a coming-of-age story that is both mysterious and sad.

While exploring the old school building, Teiichi encounters a ghost called Yuko, who is invisible to most people. Together with her, who is at the center of the school's Seven Mysteries, the two of them approach the truth of the ghost story while also facing their own emotions. As Yuko's memories return little by little, her sealed past begins to surface. Where will their relationship go…?

The depiction of pale light and shadow enhances the fantasy, forming a unique tone that blends horror and romance. The juxtaposition of comical interactions and emotional fluctuations creates depth in the story. Check it out if you want to enjoy stories centered around school ghost stories.

Lost House -Mayoiga- – Diomedia

Broadcast in 2016, total 12 episodes

“Mayoiga'' depicts the story of young people with the theme of living together in a mysterious village. The journey of 30 people who board a bus in search of a break from society gradually begins to unravel as they live together in a strange land and encounter mysterious phenomena. Recommended for those looking for a work that focuses on group psychology and the chain of anxiety.

A group of men and women gathered online will take part in a bus tour aiming to visit the village of Nonai, which is talked about like an urban legend. When he arrived at the place he dreamed of a utopia, he saw what looked like an abandoned village and the feeling that no one was there. Fear and doubt arise, and relationships fall apart. What will they see and where will they go…?

The structure in which each individual's motives and past are revealed little by little adds depth to the depiction of the characters. The production is characterized by a focus on psychological anxiety rather than flashy depictions of supernatural events, and the sense of unease gradually spreads. If you are interested in the way groups behave in a closed space, please check it out.

HIGHSCHOOL OF THE DEAD – Madhouse

Broadcast in 2010, total 12 episodes

In “HIGHSCHOOL OF THE DEAD'', everyday life suddenly collapses and the school becomes a battlefield. As the city is thrown into chaos by a mysterious infection, young people search for ways to survive. Recommended for those looking for an action piece that depicts changes in behavior and relationships during a crisis.

Takashi and his friends, who were living an ordinary high school life, suddenly become involved in an abnormal situation that occurs within the school. Teachers and students transform one after another, and while they are on the run, they gather friends and try to escape to the outside world. As the thoughts of those searching for their families and those trying to protect their friends collide, friction between humans gradually becomes apparent. What fate awaits them…?

The combination of fast-paced production and extreme depictions strongly conveys the tense situation through the screen. A lot of effort has been put into depicting firearms and tactics, increasing the level of perfection as a survival work. Check it out if you want to be drawn into the human story that unfolds in extreme conditions.

Underworld Picnic – LIDENFILMS × FelixFilm

Broadcast in 2021, 12 episodes total

“Underworld Picnic'' depicts two women traveling to a different world where strange things lurk. Based on a worldview that combines internet ghost stories and science fiction elements, the process of exploring a space different from everyday life is written in a matter-of-fact manner. Recommended for those looking for a mysterious story based on a real-life urban legend.

Out of curiosity, Sourao Kamikoshi enters the “underworld” and meets Toriko Nishina. The two of them begin to act together, and while searching for the true nature of the mysterious things that keep appearing one after another, they end up facing a different reality. Their relationship gradually changes in this alien space. What lies beyond that…?

The shape of the monster is based on a ghost story and is realistic, giving it a creepy feeling that gradually approaches. The process of the growing distance between Sorau and Toriko is also carefully depicted, and is recommended for those who want to enjoy both horror and yuri.

Mononokai – Toei Animation

Broadcast in 2007, total 12 episodes

“Mononokai'' was broadcast on Fuji TV's “Noitamina'' slot. This work, which is derived from the “Bakeneko'' arc of “Kai~ayakashi~'', is Kenji Nakamura's first solo directorial work. It has been highly praised for its richly colored visual beauty reminiscent of ukiyo-e or Japanese paintings, and for its unique visuals with a texture similar to Japanese paper.

A medicine seller encounters a strange phenomenon during his travels, and in order to uncover its true nature, he digs up the past that people don't talk about. Umibozu, Nopperabo…the thoughts and conflicts hidden within the people eventually reveal the “reason'' behind the supernatural. What will be the moment when the drug seller's blade is brought down…?

Five episodes are unfolded in an omnibus format, and each episode highlights a different monster and human deed. The appeal is that both the visuals and production are unique. If you're looking for a masterpiece of Japanese horror, check it out.

Hell Girl – Studio Deen

1st season: Broadcast in 2005, total 26 episodes

“Hell Girl'' questions the price to pay to clear a grudge through “Hell Communication,'' which can only be accessed at midnight. The story quietly depicts the relationship between the client, the target, and the hellish girl Ai Enma, while delving into human karma. Recommended for those looking for dark subject matter and tranquil production.

“I will send this grudge to hell.'' – “Ai Enma'' appears through a hell message accessed based on rumors on the internet. If you receive a request from someone who wants revenge and unravel the threads that are filled with grudges, the target will be sent to hell. However, the client was also under a contract to go to hell after death. Should I still take out my grudge…?

This work is characterized by the different backgrounds of the grudges depicted in each episode. Sometimes he sympathizes with the unreasonable circumstances, and sometimes he has mixed feelings about the selfishness of his clients. If you like dark works with themes of karma and human struggle, please check it out.

・DVD

Umineko no Naku Koro ni – Studio Deen

Broadcast in 2009, total 26 episodes

“Umineko no Naku Koro ni'' is based on the visual novel by Ryukishi 07 of the doujin circle “07th Expansion''. This is a series work that follows “Higurashi no Naku Koro ni'', and Studio Deen was in charge of producing this work as well. A gorgeous cast of voice actors including Daisuke Ono, Yui Horie, and Sayaka Ohara are appearing.

The setting is Rokkenjima. A tragedy suddenly occurs when the wealthy Ushiromiya family gathers together. Behind the scenes of family property disputes, murders bearing the name of “Golden Witch Beatrice” are repeated. Battler tries to solve cases using logic that is based on reality, and while denying the existence of illusions, he continues to take on difficult cases that come one after another. Will they be able to reach the truth?

The story revolves around investigating murders that occur in a closed circle from the perspective of whether they are the work of a witch or a human trick. Complex mysteries and fantasy elements are intertwined. Recommended for those who want to enjoy a fusion of authentic mystery and the occult.

BLOOD-C – Production IG

Broadcast in 2011, total 12 episodes

“BLOOD-C” is a story about a girl who continues to fight as the boundaries between everyday life and abnormality collapse. The story alternates between the creeping discomfort that creeps into the peaceful school life and the battle with the “old things” that appear every night, and the story gradually approaches the truth. Recommended for those looking for a series of tense action and mysteries.

Sayo, a shrine maiden, lives her daily life as a student, but at night she fights against strange beings called “old things.” There is a strange atmosphere in the town, and soon strange things begin to happen to the people around you. Along with the repeated battles, Sayo's own memory also comes into question. What was it that she was trying to protect?

The composition makes the gap between the calmness of the daily life parts and the gruesomeness of the battle parts stand out. The shocking truth that is revealed as the story progresses is unimaginable from the beginning. Recommended for those looking for dark fantasy or works with shocking developments.

Junji Ito “Collection” – Studio Deen

Broadcast in 2018, total 12 episodes

“Junji Ito Collection'' is an animated version of the works of Junji Ito, a master of the horror manga world. The short stories included in “Junji Ito Masterpiece Collection'' and “Fragments of the Devil'' are visualized in an omnibus format. It is characterized by the eerie line drawings that are characteristic of the original work, and the drawings that carefully reproduce the sense of fear that gradually approaches.

“Tomie'' does not die even if she kills, and her beauty leads men to destruction. “Souichi'' is a boy who loves cursing people. In this work, characters representing Junji Ito's works appear one after another. Each episode is an omnibus format, with a different protagonist getting caught up in fear each time…?

Popular characters such as Tomie and Soichi appear in multiple episodes, so you can fully experience their madness. The one-episode series is easy to watch, and its unique sense of absurdity and bad aftertaste are addictive. It is also recommended as an introduction to Junji Ito's works.

・DVD

Corpse – Domu

Broadcast in 2010, total 22 episodes

“Shiki'' is a horror mystery that depicts a strange incident creeping into a closed village. This is a story set in a mountain village, where the balance is quietly disrupted between the residents and a being that is beyond human comprehension. The beautiful yet gloomy depictions continue, and the tension runs through the process of how the ravages of everyday life transform into a chain of death. Recommended for those looking for a multi-layered human story and quiet horror.

Sotoba Village is a small village with a population of about 1,300 people. One summer, a mysterious family moves into the village, and the villagers begin to die one after another in suspicious circumstances. Toshio Ozaki, the only doctor in the village, noticed that there was something unnatural about the cause of death. On the other hand, Natsuno Yuki, a boy who lost his best friend, witnesses the existence of a “get up” that appears every night…?

The sense of confinement that permeates the entire village and the truth that is gradually revealed create a heavy tension. The composition is excellent, allowing us to empathize with both the human side and the “getting up'' side. Recommended for those who want to enjoy the horror experience.

Danganronpa The Animation – Lerche

Broadcast in 2013, total 13 episodes

“Danganronpa The Animation'' depicts an extreme psychological battle that takes place in a closed space. This is a story where a death game begins at a school filled with super high school level students, with the condition of “graduation''. Stylish production and bold developments intertwine, and a disturbing atmosphere of not knowing what will happen next dominates the screen. Recommended for those looking for a work that combines behind-closed-room drama and mystery elements.

The main character, Makoto Naegi, is selected and enters Kibogamine Academy, but is suddenly locked up and forced to live a life of killing each other. Under the rules of the ruler Monokuma, the friends are forced to make choices to survive while being suspicious of each other. Who is on my side and who is lying…?

Super high school level students with unique personalities are involved in incidents one after another, and suspicions swirl. The mystery part in the class trial moves at a good pace and is a quick and easy read. If you like mystery works, please check it out.

Parasite Say’s Maxim – Madhouse

Broadcast in 2014, total 24 episodes

“The Maxim of Parasites'' raises questions regarding the coexistence of humans and parasites. One day, a mysterious being that parasitizes humans and tries to control them suddenly appears and begins to secretly erode society behind the scenes. High school student Shinichi Izumi ends up forming a strange symbiotic relationship with his right hand, which has escaped the parasitism. If you're interested in sci-fi horror anime with a philosophical perspective, check it out.

Shinichi was living an ordinary life when a mysterious creature called Miggy became parasitic on his right hand. Although he remained conscious because his head was not taken over, his life changed forever. Gradually, the existence of other parasites comes to light, and a battle from which there is no escape begins. What decision will Shinichi make between his human emotions and his changing self?

At the root of the story is a philosophical theme that asks what it means to be human and what life is. The change in the relationship between Shinichi and Migi is also one of the highlights. Recommended for those who want to enjoy science fiction horror masterpieces.

Beyond the Boundary – Kyoto Animation

Broadcast in 2013, total 12 episodes

The fantasy anime “Beyond the Boundary'' begins with the encounter between a boy with supernatural powers and a girl with cursed blood. The swaying relationship between demons and humans is depicted with the delicate visual beauty that is unique to Kyoto Animation. The subtleties of emotion behind the battle and the fate of thoughts that cannot be put into words are carefully woven together. Recommended for those looking for action that overlaps with emotions.

One day, Akito Kanbara, who has an immortal body, meets Mirai Kuriyama, a girl who is trying to climb over the fence on the roof of the school building. Her purpose is to subjugate the existence called “Youmu''. However, behind this was a deep loneliness and a certain mission. Through his relationship with her, Akito comes face to face with his own existence and past. Will their choices change the balance of the world…?

The action scenes are elegantly drawn, and the careful visual expression typical of Kyoto Animation shines through. There are comical interactions amidst the serious developments, and the story can be enjoyed at a slow pace. Check it out if you want to enjoy both dark fantasy and romantic comedy.

The child who can see – Passione

Broadcast in 2021, 12 episodes total

“Meriko-chan'' is a supernatural horror comedy that oscillates between fear and humor. The story depicts the daily life of Miko, a high school girl who suddenly one day begins to be able to “see” strange beings, and continues to pretend that she can't see them. The choice to simply remain silent instead of screaming or running away creates a new sense of tension, blurring the line between scary and funny. Recommended for those looking for atypical horror.

One day, high school girl Miko Yotsuya suddenly begins to see strange beings that are not of this world. At school and on the streets, “dangerous guys'' with hideous appearances appear everywhere. However, the method Miko chose to deal with the situation was not to fight or run away, but to “completely shikato.'' Will Miko be able to regain her peaceful daily life?

Miko is surrounded by unique characters, including her best friend Hana and Yuria, who has psychic powers. It has a perfect balance of fear and gags, making it easy to enjoy even for those who don't like horror. Recommended for those looking for a unique horror work.

Laughing Sellsman NEW – Shinei Video

Broadcast in 2017, total 12 episodes

By: amazon.co.jp

“Laughter Sellsman NEW'' is a black comedy that brings to light the desires and darkness of modern society. A mysterious salesman, Fukuzo Moguro, calls out to people who have a “heart gap'' and provides strange services. This seemingly kind contact eventually undermines the client's wishes and leads to an ironic ending. Recommended for those looking for a collection of allegorical short stories that are both funny and creepy.

The characters are ordinary office workers, students, housewives, and others, each with their own dissatisfaction and worries. Moguro, a salesman dressed in all black, appears in front of them. His suggestions seem ideal at first, but as soon as you ignore his advice, the gears start to spin. What will be waiting for them when the voice of “Dawn!” resounds…?

Fukuzo Moguro's eerie smile has an unforgettable impact once you see it. It's an omnibus format with two episodes per episode, so you can watch it quickly. If you like dark stories depicting human deeds, check it out.

From the New World – A-1 Pictures

Broadcast in 2012, total 25 episodes

“From the New World'' is a science fiction anime set in Japan 1,000 years in the future, depicting the behind-the-scenes of a human society with supernatural powers. The existence of oppressed people behind a seemingly peaceful community is revealed, and the price of order and evolution is questioned. A structure that depicts growth and conflict in multiple layers within a grand timeline and worldview. Recommended for those looking for a thought-provoking dystopian work.

Japan 1000 years later. Humans possessed telekinetic powers called “cursed powers” and lived in villages rich in nature. Saki Watanabe, a 12-year-old girl, lives a peaceful life with her friends. However, one day, when he comes into contact with an ancient document that is considered taboo, he comes to know the horrifying truth hidden in this world. Why did humanity acquire magical power, and what are “demons” and “karma”?

The story is told over three eras: 12, 14, and 26 years old, as the child grows up early, and his worldview is gradually revealed. The structure in which foreshadowing is slowly revealed is worth watching. Recommended for those who want to enjoy solid science fiction works.