Updated May 12, 2024 by testing
Who doesn’t love some thrill in their life? We all love watching horror movies or anime with our friends and family. Anime has impressed and blessed us with some of the best horror anime of all time. So, if you and your friend love thrills and anime side-by-side, this list is going to decide which anime are you going to watch with your best friend next! Without further ado, let’s get started!
P.S: We also have some horror manhwa recommendations for you guys if you’re a manhwa reader!
MUST WATCH HORROR ANIME SERIES
36. Zombieland Saga
|
INFORMATION |
|
|
Title |
Zombieland Saga |
| Genre |
Comedy, Supernatural |
| Type |
Series |
| Studio |
MAPPA |
| Premiered |
Fall 2018 |
| Episode Count |
12 |
| Duration |
23 minutes per episode |
I know you guys might be thinking that Zombieland Saga isn’t horror at all and it’s just about some zombie idols entertaining people. But trust me, it’s more than that. There are some specific scenes in this anime that are quite horrific. For instance, when our MC entered Zombieland and she was stuck inside a room with a zombie. That scene really scared me a lot!
The story of the Zombieland Saga mainly focuses on Sakura Minamoto who dreams of becoming an idol. Little did she know that she’ll become a zombie idol. When she gets struck by a truck, she enters Zombieland and focuses on her dreams there.
35. Puella Magi Madoka Magica
|
INFORMATION |
|
|
Title |
Puella Magi Madoka Magica |
|
Genre |
Fantasy, Horror |
|
Type |
Series |
| Studio |
Shaft |
| Premiered |
Winter 2011 |
| Episode Count |
12 |
| Duration |
24 minutes per episode |
Some magic with horror aspect is surely worth your time. Magical Girls hunting down scary spirits and witches? Yes! That’s what Puella Magi Madoka Magica is about! It revolves around Madoka Kaname and Miki whose lives take a 180-degree turn when they meet a magical creature named Kyuubey who offers to grant these girls their wishes in return he wants them to become magical girls. Sounds pretty interesting, right? The witches or enemies in this anime are quite horrifying. If you’re curious to find out more about this anime, make sure to watch it!
34. Psychic Detective Yakumo
|
INFORMATION |
|
|
Title |
Psychic Detective Yakumo |
| Genre |
Mystery, Horror |
|
Type |
Series |
| Studio |
Bee Train |
| Premiered |
Fall 2010 |
| Episode Count |
13 |
| Duration |
24 minutes per episode |
Haruka Ozawa’s sophomore year is getting creepier. Haruka’s friend is possessed and ends up leaving the world behind. Haruka’s worried and traumatized. She thinks that she might be the next one to leave this world. On the other hand, we have another student with some sort of superpower,a red eye that is able to see and can communicate with the dead.
Imagine having a possessed friend, what will you do? Will you run away from them? This concept is horrifying, what do you guys think about Psychic Detective Yakumo?
33. Ninja Collection
|
INFORMATION |
|
| Title |
Ninja Collection |
|
Genre |
Supernatural, Horror |
| Type |
Series |
| Studio |
ILCA, DRAWIZ, Toho Interactive Animation |
|
Premiered |
Summer 2020 |
| Episode Count |
13 |
| Duration |
4 minutes per episode |
This is a collection of ninjas who save Tokyo from the darkness. Tokyo is a city full of dreams and desires but what will happen if darkness spreads in this city? Will all the dreams and desires float in darkness? Let’s see how these ninjas fight the darkness. Being trapped in the dark is scary, isn’t it?
32. Devilman: Crybaby
|
INFORMATION |
|
| Title |
Devilman: Crybaby |
|
Genre |
Mystery, Horror |
| Type |
ONA |
|
Studio |
Science SARU |
| Premiered |
Fall 2010 |
|
Episode Count |
10 |
| Duration |
25 minutes per episode |
We all know how devils can’t live without their host, right? However, there are some exceptions, if the will of a being is strong enough they can take over their demon and own their powers! How cool is that? At the very end, they become a devilman!
Our MC was always weak and shy until his friend asked him to help know more about the devils. Thus, he accepted his offer without any hesitation. After doing so, they end up going to Sabbath where demons take over the bodies. Having an interaction with a devil? No thanks! That will be so scary!
31. B: The Beginning
|
INFORMATION |
|
| Title |
B: The Beginning |
|
Genre |
Action, Horror, Mystery |
| Type |
ONA |
|
Studio |
Production I.G |
| Premiered |
Spring 2018 |
|
Episode Count |
12 |
| Duration |
23 minutes per episode |
Mysteries and action in one anime? Yes! You’ve heard that right! B: The Beginning has a lot of mysteries to solve. There’s a Killer B in the nation of Cremona and our main characters work hard to chase down this killer! The secrets behind Killer B’s brutal killings are very scary. If you’re curious to find out who Killer B is make sure to watch B: The Beginning!
30. Dorohedoro
|
INFORMATION |
|
| Title |
Dorohedoro |
|
Genre |
Mystery, Horror, Action |
| Type |
Series |
|
Studio |
MAPPA |
| Premiered |
Winter 2020 |
|
Episode Count |
12 |
| Duration |
23 minutes per episode |
This anime tells us the story of an amnesiac Caiman who has a reptilian head and is working with his friend Nikaido to get his memories back in a world full of violence where strange events keep on taking place. This anime portrays a dark fantasy and if you’re into dark stories, Dorohedoro is your pick.
29. The Promised Neverland
|
INFORMATION |
|
| Title |
The Promised Neverland |
|
Genre |
Mystery, Suspense |
| Type |
Series |
|
Studio |
CloverWorks |
| Premiered |
Winter 2019 |
|
Episode Count |
12 |
| Duration |
22 minutes per episode |
Imagine raising kids just to feed them to the monsters. OOP! Did you not know that’s how things work in the world of The Promised Neverland? Don’t send your kids there! I’m just making this worse HAHA.
Let’s take a deeper look at the plot. So, the story revolves around three smart kids named Emma, Ray, and Norman. They somehow find out the secret behind the Orphanage and the monsters outside its gate. The story is creepy. Only people with strong hearts can watch this anime.
28. Bem
|
INFORMATION |
|
| Title |
Bem |
|
Genre |
Action, Supernatural |
| Type |
Series |
|
Studio |
Production I.G, LandQ studios |
| Premiered |
Summer 2019 |
|
Episode Count |
12 |
| Duration |
24 minutes per episode |
This is the story of three yokai named Bem, Bela and Belo who arrive at a coastal city and discover an evil environment. This evilness came from evil yokai and the immoral behavior of humans. Is this all going to start a war between humans and yokai? To find out, watch Bem! There are cool characters who fight evil so this anime might not be a bad pick.
27. 7 Seeds
|
INFORMATION |
|
| Title |
7 Seeds |
|
Genre |
Mystery, Drama |
| Type |
ONA |
|
Studio |
MAPPA |
| Premiered |
Summer 2019 |
|
Episode Count |
12 |
| Duration |
25 minutes per episode |
Post-Apocalyptic stories always have something special about them, right? Similarly, 7 Seeds is a post-apocalyptic story and it tells us about the meteorite that hits earth, and due to that meteorite, new species started existing. What might these new species be? Is the world going to change completely?
26. Jujutsu Kaisen
|
INFORMATION |
|
| Title |
Jujutsu Kaisen |
|
Genre |
Action, Fantasy |
| Type |
Series |
|
Studio |
MAPPA |
| Premiered |
Fall 2020 |
|
Episode Count |
24 |
| Duration |
23 minutes per episode |
Jujutsu Kaisen, one of the most OP anime of all time. It won the hearts of many otakus from all over the world. Most people are simping over the characters as well. Jujutsu Kaisen might not be a very horror-packed anime but the suspense and sudden arrival of scary villains make it quite scary.
It tells us the story of Itadori who’s an average high schooler. He ends up eating a cursed finger and becomes a host to a parasite called Ryomen Sukuna who has many eyes and is a cursed spirit too. He’s a badass parasite who often insults and looks down on others.
25. Biohazard: Infinite Darkness
|
INFORMATION |
|
| Title |
Biohazard: Infinite Darkness |
|
Genre |
Horror, Action |
| Type |
ONA |
|
Studio |
MAPPA |
| Premiered |
Summer 2021 |
|
Episode Count |
4 |
| Duration |
26 minutes per episode |
This is the story where the action takes place along with the horrible things. This story is set somewhere between Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 5. It takes place in 2006 when a hacking incident is revealed at the White House. Leon is selected to investigate this case however he comes across scary zombies inside the White House!
24. Mieruko-chan
|
INFORMATION |
|
| Title |
Mieruko-chan |
|
Genre |
Horror, Comedy, Supernatural |
| Type |
Series |
|
Studio |
Passione |
| Premiered |
Fall 2021 |
|
Episode Count |
12 |
| Duration |
23 minutes per episode |
Mieruko-chan is quite funny and scary at the same time. It tells us the story and everyday adventures of Mieruko-chan on her way to school and back. She’s able to see spirits but she has to avoid making eye contact with them or else it will endanger her life. This is a short anime that everyone needs to watch. So, make sure to watch it!
23. Requiem From The Darkness
|
INFORMATION |
|
| Title |
Requiem From The Darkness |
|
Genre |
Horror, Mystery |
| Type |
Series |
|
Studio |
TMS Entertainment |
| Premiered |
Fall 2003 |
|
Episode Count |
13 |
| Duration |
24 minutes per episode |
This is the story of Yamaoka Momosuke who’s absolutely tired of writing riddles for children all the time. One day, Yamaoka comes up with a plan of writing spooky stories and publishing them in One Hundred Tales. While he was researching these old and mysterious myths, he came across a mysterious trio who are called Ongyo. This trio investigates and finds the truth behind their legends’ saying. Whenever Yamaoka meets this trio he battles his morals and sees the things that he shouldn’t be seeing!
22. Black Butler
|
INFORMATION |
|
| Title |
Black Butler |
|
Genre |
Horror, Action |
| Type |
Series |
|
Studio |
A-1 Pictures |
| Premiered |
Fall 2008 |
|
Episode Count |
24 |
| Duration |
24 minutes per episode |
Ciel Phantomhive solves the crime of the underworld. The story is set in Victorian-era London. Ciel has formed a contract with Sebastian Michaelis and fights the supernatural. The two of them are loyal to each other and are seeking revenge as well. In the horrors of the underworld, what type of challenges could they face? To find out, watch Black Butler!
21. Danganronpa: The Animation
|
INFORMATION |
|
| Title |
Danganronpa: The Animation |
|
Genre |
Horror, Mystery |
| Type |
Series |
|
Studio |
Lerche |
| Premiered |
Summer 2013 |
|
Episode Count |
13 |
| Duration |
24 minutes per episode |
The story revolves around 16 students who are stuck inside their own academy. These students are threatened by a creepy bear called Monokuma to murder one of the students without getting caught. Imagine if you were threatened by this creepy bear, would you lose your mind or accept the challenge? To find out how the students responded to Monokuma, watch Danganronpa: The Animation.
20. Mushi Shi
|
INFORMATION |
|
| Title |
Mushi Shi |
|
Genre |
Mystery, Fantasy, Adventure |
| Type |
Series |
|
Studio |
Artland |
| Premiered |
Fall 2005 |
|
Episode Count |
26 |
| Duration |
25 minutes per episode |
Mushi can be defined as cells since they’re defined as the basic forms of life. They don’t have any goals aside from just existing and they can exist in many forms. You can say that they can imitate things from the world. For instance, plants or diseases. This is just a plain definition of Mushi Shi. It’s much more than just that. Ginko is our MC who’s going to do all the research on Mushi. It can either be something super dangerous or super beneficial. There’s only one way to find out, watch Mushi Shi!
19. Ayakashi: Samurai
|
INFORMATION |
|
| Title |
Ayakashi Samurai |
|
Genre |
Fantasy, Horror |
| Type |
Series |
|
Studio |
Toei Animation |
| Premiered |
Winter 2006 |
|
Episode Count |
11 |
| Duration |
23 minutes per episode |
Ayakashi Samurai is a collection of the three classic Japanese stories known as Yotsuya Kaidan. It is the story of a wife who got betrayed by her husband and wanted to get revenge. This is a fantastical story of a mere human and a goddess. Sounds pretty interesting to me, what do you guys think?
18. Kagewani
|
INFORMATION |
|
| Title |
Kagewani |
| Genre |
Horror, Mystery |
|
Type |
Series |
| Studio |
Tomovies |
| Premiered |
Fall 2015 |
|
Episode Count |
13 |
| Duration |
7 minutes per episode |
It is a Japanese horror story of a scientist named Sosuke Banba and his interaction with unidentified or mysterious animals. This is where your fear of the unknown gets triggered. This anime has thirteen episodes and it covers the horrifying story just fine in those episodes.
17. Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress: The Battle of Unato
|
INFORMATION |
|
| Title |
Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress: The Battle of Unato |
|
Genre |
Fantasy, Action |
| Type |
Series |
|
Studio |
Wit Studio |
| Premiered |
Spring 2016 |
|
Episode Count |
12 |
| Duration |
22 minutes per episode |
After the story of Kabanari of the Iron Fortress, the team attempts to take back Unato Castle. This is an adventurous story along with intense action. Will they be able to take back the Unato Castle? To find out, watch Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress: The Battle of Unato.
16. Ergo Proxy
|
INFORMATION |
|
| Title |
Ergo Proxy |
|
Genre |
Sci-Fi |
| Type |
Series |
|
Studio |
Mangalobe |
| Premiered |
Winter 2006 |
|
Episode Count |
23 |
| Duration |
25 minutes per episode |
This horror and sci-fi anime is set in a futuristic world that is portrayed as a Utopian post-apocalyptic society. In this world, AutoReiv and humans exist side-by-side. One easily gets creeped out by anything that isn’t human, which we call the fear of the unknown. In this peaceful world, a virus comes up that makes androids self-aware. Thus, this all causes them to commit different types of murders. Sounds scary, right?
15. Elfen Lied
|
INFORMATION |
|
|
Title |
Elfen Lied |
|
Genre |
Horror, Action |
| Type |
Series |
|
Studio |
Arms |
| Premiered |
Summer 2004 |
|
Episode Count |
13 |
| Duration |
25 minutes per episode |
Horror and action existing side by side? Yes! Elfen Lied is the perfect pick for you if you’re into these genres. Let’s talk about what actually happens in this anime. It is a short anime about a race of mutants that are called Diclonii. This race is highly motivated to kill human beings and literally every single human so that they can conquer the world. These mutants evolved from a virus of the same name.
14. Ghost Hunt
|
INFORMATION |
|
| Title |
Ghost Hunt |
|
Genre |
Horror, Mystery |
| Type |
Series |
|
Studio |
J.C Staff |
| Premiered |
Fall 2006 |
|
Episode Count |
25 |
| Duration |
25 minutes per episode |
You know how there are some students who actually enjoy telling ghost stories to each other? Just like that, we have Taniyama and her friends who love telling each other some spooky stories. There’s an abandoned building somewhere inside their school and it’s the hub of the ghosts. One day, they get disturbed by a mysterious guy who turns out to be a detective and he’s only 17 years old. The principal called him and told him to investigate that abandoned building. Just like that, as the story proceeds, the students get to see some really spooky things. If you want to see them as well, watch Ghost Hunt!
13. Berserk
|
INFORMATION |
|
| Title |
Berserk |
|
Genre |
Horror, Action |
| Type |
Series |
|
Studio |
GEMBA |
| Premiered |
Fall 2006 |
|
Episode Count |
12 |
| Duration |
24 minutes per episode |
This is the story of a warrior who survived betrayal. Guts is our MC who’s now fated to be haunted by demons until he dies. Sounds pretty scary, right? Imagine attracting demons everywhere you go. OOF! But guess what? He doesn’t lose hope, he just goes with the flow and ends up wielding a dragonslayer sword for slaying different demons! How cool is that?! Seeing him in action along with the horror aspect of the story will leave your mouth open!
12. Ajin Demi-Human
|
INFORMATION |
|
| Title |
Ajin Demi-Human |
|
Genre |
Horror, Mystery, Action |
| Type |
Series |
|
Studio |
Polygon Pictures |
| Premiered |
Winter 2016 |
|
Episode Count |
13 |
| Duration |
24 minutes per episode |
17 years ago, Ajin appeared in Africa and they were known as a threat to mankind. Thus, they use their superpowers for evil and are immortal! Whenever Ajin is found, they’re taken and are kept into custody.
Kei Nagai is a guy who’s studying hard to become a doctor. He knows very little about these demi-humans. He has only seen them on the news or T.V. He’s unable to pay a lot of attention in class and as a result, he gets a little grasp on the subject. One strange day, he gets into an accident and comes back to life as an Ajin. WHOA! That’s when he finds himself all alone and isolated from the world.
11. Ghost Stories
|
INFORMATION |
|
| Title |
Ghost Stories |
|
Genre |
Horror, Mystery |
| Type |
Series |
|
Studio |
J.C Staff |
| Premiered |
Fall 2000 |
|
Episode Count |
19 |
| Duration |
24 minutes per episode |
Ghost Stories is an anime from 2000 that tells us the story of the ghosts that come back for revenge since they were banished by a certain strong student. These ghosts make sure to get their revenge.
Satsuki and Keiichuro are two siblings who lost their mother not too long ago. After they moved from their mother’s hometown, they learn that the school has been transferred to its old building which is said to be haunted. Uh Oh! I’m sensing some real spooky things here.
10. Deadman Wonderland
|
INFORMATION |
|
| Title |
Deadman Wonderland |
|
Genre |
Horror, Action, Sci-Fi |
| Type |
Series |
|
Studio |
J.C Staff |
| Premiered |
Spring 2011 |
|
Episode Count |
12 |
| Duration |
24 minutes per episode |
Ganta Igarashi and his classmates go to a certain amusement park which is known as Deadman Wonderland. In this park, convicts perform certain tricks to amuse the audience. Little did they know that they all would be massacred except Ganta. Well, his classmates got massacred by a suspicious man wearing red clothes. Because of that specific guy, our MC had to go to prison and start his life there.
9. Corpse Princess
|
INFORMATION |
|
| Title |
Corpse Princess |
|
Genre |
Horror, Supernatural, Action |
| Type |
Series |
|
Studio |
Gainax, Feel |
| Premiered |
Fall 2008 |
|
Episode Count |
13 |
| Duration |
24 minutes per episode |
The name of this anime is scary and its plot is even more scary. How? Well, it tells us the story of an undead girl who is hunting 108 undead corpses just to enter heaven along with the help of a secret society belonging to the Buddhist monks. Will she be able to hunt down the undead corpses and enter heaven? To find out, watch Corpse Princess!
8. Blood-C
|
INFORMATION |
|
| Title |
Blood-C |
|
Genre |
Horror, Mystery |
| Type |
Series |
|
Studio |
Production I.G |
| Premiered |
Summer 2011 |
|
Episode Count |
12 |
| Duration |
23 minutes per episode |
Blood-C is an anime about a girl who’s living two lives. One is as peaceful school girl while the other is a dangerous monster slayer. She has been equipped with a sword that was given to her by her father and with that sword, she vanishes every little monster that tries to harm her village in any way.
7. Dusk Maiden of Amnesia
|
INFORMATION |
|
| Title |
Dusk Maiden of Amnesia |
|
Genre |
Horror, Mystery, Romance |
| Type |
Series |
|
Studio |
SILVER INK |
| Premiered |
Fall 2006 |
|
Episode Count |
12 |
| Duration |
23 minutes per episode |
Seikyou Private Academy has been built with the intrigue of traditional occult myths. It has a very dark past as well. This Academy has been haunted by a ghost called Yuuko. She’s a young girl who died inside the basement of the old school building. She literally has no memory of how she died. Yuuko comes across the Paranormal Investigations Club and hopes to find the answer.
6. Trinity Blood
|
INFORMATION |
|
|
Title |
Trinity Blood |
| Genre |
Action, Supernatural |
| Type |
Series |
|
Studio |
Gonzo |
| Premiered |
Spring 2005 |
|
Episode Count |
25 |
| Duration |
24 minutes per episode |
The story of Trinity Blood tells us what happened after the war that happened between humans and vampires 900 years ago. Currently, it tells us about the cold war between the human government and the vampire government. Yes! That’s right, it’s not over until it’s over! There’s also a mysterious vampire that feeds on other vampires within the story. How cool is that?! OMG!
5. Attack On Titan
|
INFORMATION |
|
| Title |
Attack On Titan |
|
Genre |
Action, Drama |
| Type |
Series |
|
Studio |
Wit Studio |
| Premiered |
Spring 2013 |
|
Episode Count |
25 |
| Duration |
24 minutes per episode |
Attack On Titan tells us about our MC aka Eren Jeager who went through a lot in his childhood including witnessing his mother’s death. To avenge his mother’s death, he decided to join the squad and fight titans. The titans are very scary in this anime.
When you’re done watching AOT, it feels like titans will come breaking your walls at any moment. So, beware of titans!
The story of AOT is much more than just this, to be honest. As the story progresses, things become messy and politics start! You know how dirty politics can get, right? So, we also get to see that aspect in Attack On Titan. If you like drama, action, and horror side-by-side, you’ve found your pick!
4. Yami Shibai
|
INFORMATION |
|
| Title |
Yami Shibai |
|
Genre |
Horror, Mystery |
| Type |
Series |
|
Studio |
ILCA |
| Premiered |
Summer 2013 |
|
Episode Count |
13 |
| Duration |
4 minutes per episode |
Yami Shibai tells us the story of a yellow-masked guy whose name and origins are unknown. He mostly shows up at the places where children gather. That’s where he tells them the sinister stories and the young audience hears it. What effects could these sinister stories have on the young audience? What is the true motive of this yellow masked man?
His stories are no ordinary stories. He ends up adding visual effects to his stories. WHEW! That’s really creepy, right? (Unless you’re into eerie stuff)
Yami Shibai starts with a bachelor who moves to a new apartment after sensing some paranormal activity at his old apartment. He felt as if someone was glaring at him. He even placed a talisman on his ceiling but isn’t sure if it works or not. Therefore, he ends up moving out of his apartment.
3. Ito Junji: The Collection
|
INFORMATION |
|
| Title |
Ito Junji: The Collection |
|
Genre |
Horror |
| Type |
Series |
|
Studio |
Studio Deen |
| Premiered |
Winter 2018 |
|
Episode Count |
12 |
| Duration |
24 minutes per episode |
In daylight and the dead of the night, different mysterious horrors await dark shadows that can’t be explained. You have to be prepared unless you’re willingto die.
This anime is a collection of different horror stories and mysteries that need to be unfolded. For instance, a cursed jade which opens different holes through its victim’s bodies. There are many horror stories in this collection, in just 12 episodes you can easily experience so many terrifying things. What do you guys think about the Junji Ito Collection if you have already watched it?
2. Hellsing Ultimate
|
INFORMATION |
|
|
Title |
Hellsing Ultimate |
| Genre |
Horror, Action |
| Type |
OVA |
|
Studio |
Madhouse, Satelight, Graphinica |
| Premiered |
Summer 2013 |
|
Episode Count |
10 |
| Duration |
49 minutes per episode |
There exists evil in the night that devours humans who are unlucky enough to get their attention. On the other hand, there’s an organization called Hellsing that destroys these supernatural forces threatening humans. The head of this organization is Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing who has spent her life serving the military and is quite powerful too.
Her army is nothing as compared to her sole weapon who is none other than Alucard, an overpowered vampire. He works against his own kind by joining hands with the Hellsing Organization. Sounds pretty interesting, right?
1. Tomie
|
INFORMATION |
|
|
Title |
Tomie |
| Genre |
Horror, Mystery, Drama |
|
Type |
Series |
| Studio |
Studio Deen |
| Premiered |
Summer 2013 |
|
Episode Count |
2 |
| Duration |
10 minutes per episode |
Despite having such a pretty female lead, they just had to mess her character up. She’s beautiful but she’s a ghost. Yes, we’re talking about Tomie who was known to have died. All of her class fellows mourn over her death but at that very moment, Tomie walks up inside the class. What could this mean? Is it the ghost of Tomie? Is she back for revenge? Or is there something that we don’t know about? To find out, watch Tomie!
Conclusion
Horror anime not only scares us but these anime have hidden messages and mysteries inside them. So, it’s very interesting to watch. It’s always nice to watch an anime with a lot of mysteries and slowly as the story progresses, you see characters unfolding them. Some of your favorite characters may or may not die. Yes, my friend, that’s what horror anime is all about!
I hope you guys enjoyed reading this blog and found the perfect horror anime for you! Share it with your friends who would love watching horror anime. All of the mentioned anime will scare you at night. So, do watch it at night. Anyways, stay tuned for more content! See you guys on the next blog!
