The 10 Best Horror Anime of All Time

Calling all horror fans! Looking for a fright, a thrill, or maybe you just want to get into the scariest anime out there? We’ve got you covered! This list offers a mix of the best horror anime for beginners and seasoned viewers alike, with chills, psychological thrills, and even some gore. Dive in and discover your new favorite horror anime recommendation!

• Genres: Psychological Horror, Gore Anime, Mystery
• Episodes: 4
• Director: Motoki Kobayashi
• Its IMDb rating is 6.3/10

New to horror anime? Corpse Party: Tortured Souls might be a good starting point. It offers a blend of horror elements without being overly graphic. A group of students performing a harmless after-school ritual find themselves trapped in a haunted dimension – Heavenly Host Elementary, notorious for its grisly past. To escape this nightmare, they must face vengeful spirits, uncover the school’s dark secrets, and avoid brutal deaths (though some violence is depicted).

• Genres: Supernatural, Slice of Life
• Episodes: 26
• Director: Hiroshi Nishikiori
• The IMDb rating is 8.5/10

Mushishi offers a unique blend of horror and wonder. It’s a good choice for those who prefer a more atmospheric horror anime experience. In a world inhabited by strange creatures called Mushi, Ginko, a wandering Mushi-shi master, travels the land studying these enigmatic entities. Some Mushi are harmless, while others possess unsettling abilities that can disrupt the natural order. Each episode explores a new encounter with a Mushi, showcasing the beauty and horror these creatures embody.

• Genres: Psychological Thriller, Science Fiction
• Episodes: 13
• Director: Ryutaro Nakamura
• The IMDb rating is 8.1/10

Serial Experiments Lain is a mind-bending anime that delves into the complexities of reality, technology, and consciousness. It leans more on the psychological thriller side of horror, making it a good pick for those who enjoy a deeper narrative. After receiving a mysterious email from a classmate who recently committed suicide, Lain Iwakura finds herself drawn into the wired world – a digital realm intertwined with our own. As the lines between reality and the virtual blur, Lain must confront existential questions about identity and the nature of existence.

• Genres: Supernatural, Mystery
• Episodes: 25
• Director: Akira Mano
• The IMDb rating is 7.4/10

Calling all fans of ghost hunting anime! Shibuya Psychic Research, led by the young and arrogant Kazuya Shibuya, tackles paranormal occurrences across Japan. Mai Taniyama, a high school student drawn into their world, assists the team in investigating haunted locations, using scientific tools and intuition to uncover the truth behind supernatural phenomena.

• Genres: Psychological Horror, Mystery
• Episodes: 12
• Director: Takashi Watanabe
• The IMDb rating is 7.3/10.

Boogiepop Phantom is a psychological horror anime that will mess with your mind. Boogiepop, an urban legend whispered about in hushed tones, is said to be a reaper who hunts down victims. When a string of disappearances and gruesome murders plague the town, fear and suspicion run rampant. As various characters grapple with the unsettling events, the narrative unfolds in a non-linear fashion, piecing together the mystery behind the Boogiepop legend and its connection to a cast of troubled individuals.

• Genres: Supernatural, Horror
• Episodes: 25
• Director: Takashi Watanabe
• The IMDb rating is 7.3/10

Looking for a spooky anime with a unique premise? Dark Gathering is a good choice, offering a blend of supernatural horror. Keitarou Gentouga, plagued by a cursed right hand that attracts spirits, lives a reclusive life. However, his childhood friend Eiko Houzuki re-enters his life, and together they form an unlikely partnership. Eiko, possessing a double set of pupils that allows her to see spirits, seeks out vengeful spirits for exorcism. Keitarou, with his strong spiritual presence, unwillingly assists her in their chilling encounters with the supernatural.

• Genres: Psychological Thriller, Supernatural
• Episodes: 37
• Director: Tetsurō Araki
• The IMDb rating is 8.9/10.

Death Note transcends the horror genre, offering a thrilling blend of psychological suspense and supernatural elements. Light Yagami, a brilliant high school student, stumbles upon a notebook with the power to kill anyone whose name is written within its pages. Consumed by a twisted sense of justice, Light embarks on a path of vigilantism, eliminating criminals and becoming known as the notorious “Kira.” However, a relentless detective known as L vows to bring Kira to justice, leading to a captivating game of cat and mouse.

• Genres: Action, Horror, Supernatural
• Episodes: 13
• Director: Yasuhiro Aoki
• The IMDb rating is 7.7/10

Hellsing throws you headfirst into a thrilling world of vampires, ghouls, and an organization dedicated to protecting humanity from them. This one is heavy on gore and dark themes, so be prepared for some intense action sequences. Alucard, a powerful and enigmatic vampire serving the Hellsing Organization, takes center stage. With his unmatched combat skills and dark humor, Alucard eliminates the threats posed by supernatural beings.

• Genres: Anthology, Horror
• Episodes: Varies by Season (7 Seasons)
• Director: Various
• The IMDb rating is 7.1/10

Theatre of Darkness: Yamishibai offers a unique storytelling experience and a good entry point for those who prefer bite-sized scares. Each episode features a mysterious storyteller, shrouded in darkness with a yellow mask, who narrates unsettling tales inspired by Japanese myths and urban legends. The animation style is simple yet effective in conveying the chilling atmosphere of these short horror stories.

• Genres: Psychological Thriller, Suspense
• Director: Satoshi Kon
• The IMDb rating of Perfect Blue is 8.0/10.

Perfect Blue is a must-watch for fans of psychological horror anime. It dives deep into the character’s psyche, making it a suspenseful thriller. Mima Kirigoe, a popular J-idol singer, decides to pursue a career in acting. However, her transition is not smooth sailing. As she takes on darker roles, the lines between reality and her constructed persona begin to blur. Mima is stalked by a crazed fan and experiences a series of disturbing events that threaten her sanity. This anime explores themes of identity, obsession, and the dark side of fame.

Whether you’re a horror newbie or a seasoned scare seeker, this list has something for you. From spooky ghost hunts to mind-bending psychological thrillers, these anime will leave you chilled, entertained, and eager for more. So dim the lights, grab some popcorn, and prepare to dive into the darkest corners of the anime world with these unforgettable horror anime recommendations.

What is the number 1 scariest anime?

Scariest anime is subjective, but “Corpse Party: Tortured Souls” is often cited for psychological horror.

What are the top three dark anime?

“Berserk”, “Monster”, and “Neon Genesis Evangelion” are frequently mentioned for top 3 darkest anime.

Who is the cutest anime villain?

Cutest anime villain is debatable, but Himiko Toga from “My Hero Academia” is a contender.

Who is the saddest villain in anime?

Saddest villain is subjective, but Obito Uchiha from “Naruto” has a tragic backstory.

What is a dark anime?

Dark anime can be referred to as thrilling and horrifying anime that have compelling stories and powerful characters that keep the viewers captivated.

Who is the scariest person in anime?

Mad Peirrot, featured in ‘Cowboy Bebop’, is considered one of the scariest characters in the anime world.