At first glance, creating a horror-centric anime may seem straightforward, but the reality is that it’s quite challenging. Hand-drawn animation often falls short in delivering the same frame-by-frame suspense and shock factor found in traditional horror mediums, making truly scary horror anime a rarity. As a result, the few authentic horror anime that exist are particularly cherished by fans.
The top horror anime evoke chills, instill a deep sense of fear, and showcase unsettling environments that are uniquely amplified by the animation style. If viewers are seeking spine-tingling experiences, the upcoming titles are poised to be among the most horrifying and frightening anime ever crafted.
Latest Update on October 27, 2024 by Mark Sammut: The Fall 2024 anime lineup featured a major horror anime that has already concluded, consisting of only four episodes. Is it one of the scariest anime ever? Or did it leave viewers disappointed, falling short of expectations? Click below to discover more.
Titles like Monster, Berserk, Attack on Titan, Tokyo Ghoul, Made in Abyss, and Blood+ may be dark and compelling but lack sufficient traditional horror moments to be classified as true horror anime.
25 Horror News
MyAnimeList: 5.40
- Japanese Title: Kyoufu Shinbun
- Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Studio: Next Media Animation
- Based on: Manga by Jirou Tsunoda
- Streaming Service: Crunchyroll
Inspirited by a manga from the 1970s that later spawned a sequel in the 90s along with a two-part OVA series, Horror News was brought to life in a 14-episode ONA in 2014. It appears that the anime drew some influence from Theatre of Darkness: Yamishibai in its visual presentation, relying on near-static imagery to convey eerie stories steeped in supernatural elements. Instead of tapping into Japanese mythology, Horror News opts for more conventional mythological figures such as vampires, embedding some sci-fi elements as well.
Despite Yamishibai’s flaws, it tends to handle its concepts far more effectively than Horror News. Even with potential, the anime is hampered by CG characters that feel out of place, especially the main character Kigata Rei. Additionally, the narratives often drag on too long, filling multiple 10-minute episodes.
24 The Grimm Variations
MyAnimeList: 6.79
Broadcasting during the Spring 2024 anime season, The Grimm Variations revels in its horrific foundational roots by reinterpreting six dark fairy tales from the Brothers Grimm. Time-honored stories like Cinderella and Hansel and Gretel have been revisited many times, and audiences are tired of either faithful adaptations or Disney’s sanitized versions that ignore the darker elements.
Avoiding a lack of competition can only propel a show so far, and The Grimm Variations must deliver something beyond being merely the newest horror anime. So, how does Wit Studio’s anthology stack up? The results are mixed, as is common with such series. However, the episodes are commendably inventive, offering fresh takes on these timeless narratives, tweaking themes and character roles for thoughtful reinterpretation (notably, Cinderella excels in this regard). Each episode feels distinct from the original tales and from one another, addressing various focuses like action or psychological depth rather than leaning solely into horror.
However, The Grimm Variations can become perplexing, especially in its latter narratives. When it shines, the anime truly excels; conversely, when it falters, it may become frustrating. Regardless, the series maintains a liveliness while effectively utilizing its anthology framework, suggesting that The Grimm Variations transcends mere summation of its episodes.
23 Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales
MyAnimeList: 7.39
Often overshadowed by its immensely superior successor, Mononoke, Ayakashi: Japanese Classic Horror is an anthology featuring three narratives: Yotsuya Ghost Story, Goddess of the Dark Tower, and the Medicine Seller. The latter introduces the protagonist of Mononoke, making it essential viewing for fans of the follow-up series, as it functions as another arc. It stands as Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales’ strongest narrative and arguably its sole reason for existence.
That doesn’t mean the other stories aren’t worth exploring; they do contain noteworthy moments, albeit hindered by uninspiring characters and a noticeable lack of surprises. Both arcs lack genuine scares, despite their roots in iconic Japanese horror traditions. Ultimately, Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales is adequately watchable, yet nothing more.
22 Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales Of The Macabre
MyAnimeList: 6.63
Anyone with an interest in horror and manga (or anime) is likely familiar with Junji Ito. As the most acclaimed horror mangaka, his work is characterized by some of the most disturbing imagery and masterfully crafted short and long-form tales. Junji Ito’s artistry is acclaimed, and most of his narratives deserve to be explored.
Regrettably, his works often fail to transition into successful anime adaptations. Although not many attempts have been made, those that exist tend to disappoint or even fall flat entirely. Gyo: Tokyo Fish Attack can be entertaining in a cult classic sense but lacks depth, akin to a B-movie rather than anything esteemed. Anticipated ahead of its release, the Junji Ito Collection is arguably among the most disappointing horror anime adaptations available and should be skipped.
If one must identify the best of the adaptations, Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre wins solely through lack of competition; however, Netflix’s series should not be recommended as an entry point for newcomers to Junji Ito’s work. Only those deeply intrigued and who can handle potential spoilers should give Junji Ito Maniac a try, as its inconsistent animation and a campy approach evoke more laughter than genuine fear.
21 Uzumaki: Spiral into Horror (Mainly For Episode 1)
MyAnimeList: 6.15
For decades, fans have awaited an adaptation of Uzumaki, hopeful that its longer format could lead to a worthwhile series rather than another lackluster Junji Ito conversion. Designed for just four episodes, this Fall 2024 adaptation faced a drawn-out and troubled production journey, leading to speculation about its potential quality. Yet, a striking trailer hinted at impressive visuals and an eerie atmosphere, generating significant anticipation as one of the season’s most awaited titles. Even with its airing on platforms like Adult Swim and Max, excitement remained high as viewers eagerly anticipated its release.
When the first episode aired, that collective optimism surged! At last, a competent Junji Ito anime had emerged. The premiere was stylishly creepy and rich in disturbing imagery that effectively captured the mangaka’s distinctive brand of body horror. While the pacing felt rushed, propelling events far too quickly, an adaptation should allow for some creative distance from the source material. Additionally, the episode shifted from the manga’s anthology style, positioning Shuu and Kirie as leads, though this could prove to be a beneficial adaptation choice.
But when the second episode premiered, the initial excitement dwindled into confusion and laughter. What had gone wrong? How could a series falter so significantly after a promising start? The fundamental issues plaguing Uzumaki can be traced back to that inaugural episode: its rushed pacing and structure. Once the animation quality dropped, the lack of time for thematic buildup became glaringly apparent— a significant detriment in horror. In the end, the anime felt like a shallow summary of the manga, stripped of its depth and foreboding atmosphere. This was indeed a major disappointment.
20 Ghost Stories (Japanese Version)
MyAnimeList: 7.74
Ghost Stories is arguably one of the more familiar horror anime, but its notoriety stems from an English dub that turns its narrative into a comedic experience. While this version often garners more attention, the original Japanese iteration has faded into obscurity.
Though it isn’t terrible, Ghost Stories is generally a forgettable horror anime that tracks a group of children tackling rather mundane cases. It resembles a less engaging version of Ghost Hunt or the more contemporary Dark Gathering. Despite its mediocrity, Ghost Stories earns a mention due to the scarcity of horror anime available. For those seeking a light, family-friendly series that offers mild entertainment, this anime might not be the worst choice.
19 Zom 100: Bucket List Of The Dead
MyAnimeList: 8.03
Labeling Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead as horror feels somewhat misleading, as it doesn’t aspire to frighten in the traditional sense. Nonetheless, it remains a fantastic option for genre enthusiasts, particularly those drawn to zombie apocalypse narratives. While overdone in Western contexts, the same cannot be said for their anime counterparts. Yes, the industry has seen entries like Highschool of the Dead and Zombie Land Saga, yet these stories are infrequent and carry a sense of freshness when they do emerge. Moreover, they vary in tone, ranging from high-octane action like Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress to comedic takes like Is This a Zombie?
Zom 100 defies easy classification across genres. It features humor without being a comedy, along with action elements that seldom take center stage. Although moments of gore and darkness appear occasionally, they flirt with horror without fully embracing the genre. At its heart, Zom 100 emphasizes celebration of life, exemplified by its protagonist’s goal of enjoying his limited time following liberation from the shackles of work through an outbreak. Oddly enough, this zombie anime radiates an uplifting spirit.
18 Pet Shop Of Horrors
MyAnimeList: 7.24
Pet Shop of Horrors is a relatively obscure 4-part OVA series that aired briefly in 1999. The series serves as a teaser for Matsuri Akino’s manga, which has spawned several sequels since its original conclusion in 1998. While the series lacks a cohesive narrative, each episode follows characters who buy unique pets from the shop of Count D. These extraordinary creatures have the potential to enhance lives but come with a heavy degree of responsibility; failure to adhere to their needs incurs dire consequences.
Pet Shop of Horrors presents a captivating premise laden with potential for deeper explorations, as reflected in the manga. However, the anime does not fully encapsulate the depth of the source material, concluding too swiftly to establish any real momentum. That said, it remains a worthwhile watch, showcasing Count D as a complex character and offering some unsettling narratives. The visual style evokes horror despite delivering few genuinely frightening moments.
17 Mieruko-chan
MyAnimeList: 7.40
The scarcity of decent horror anime often leads to heightened attention for those that achieve this standard. In Mieruko-chan, the titular schoolgirl possesses the unfortunate ability to see disturbing spirits that would typically haunt nightmares.
Mieruko-chan often resembles a slice-of-life horror series, as most episodes focus on the protagonist’s quotidian life. This repetitive format somewhat diminishes the fear factor; however, the ghostly designs are undeniably terrifying.
16 Happy Sugar Life
MyAnimeList: 6.78
Happy Sugar Life begins utterly chaotic and continues to unravel in increasingly disturbing ways. While some characters display decent intentions, none can be labeled as “good,”including the main character, Satou.
This anime offers a mix of violent deaths, dark themes, tragic moments, and uncomfortable scenes, making it a series best experienced without foreknowledge and preferably consumed in one sitting over a weekend.
15 School-Live!
MyAnimeList: 7.62
School-Live! frequently draws parallels to Puella Magi Madoka Magica, known for its subversion of the magical girl genre. In a similar fashion, School-Live! alters the “adorable girls doing adorable things”motif by intertwining it with a zombie apocalypse scenario, featuring a protagonist in heavy denial about her circumstances.
Although the series delves into dark and intense themes, it also embraces standard moe conventions, resulting in tonal inconsistencies that leave it teetering between horror and light-heartedness. Despite these fluctuations, Lerche’s offering remains enjoyable and creatively engaging.
14 Ajin: Demi-Human
MyAnimeList: 7.39 (Season 1)
Disregard Ajin’s inconsistent CG animation to discover a fast-paced action-horror narrative sprinkled with moral ambiguity. In this world, “Ajin”denotes beings that cannot be killed; upon the transformation of a human into one, they often face severe ramifications. Kei Nagai learns this firsthand as he goes on the run.
Streaming on Netflix, Ajin thrives by refusing to portray either the Ajin or humans as wholly virtuous or evil. This nuanced exploration adds layers of intrigue to each scenario, some of which are notably intense and graphic.
13 Elfen Lied
MyAnimeList: 7.48
Elfen Lied represents a twisted yet contemporary take on the monster girl trope common in horror. Instead of relying on traditional creatures like vampires or werewolves, the protagonist is a Diclonius—a powerful being subjected to experiments until attempting to escape in a brutally violent manner.
As the titular monster girl escapes captivity and strives for a normal existence among humanity, circumstances compel her to unleash her full power, showcasing intense bloodshed and violence. Though the levels of gore often overshadow other themes, including human experimentation and cruelty, Elfen Lied features several truly disconcerting and haunting moments that impact most viewers. While it may not have aged gracefully, particularly its romantic elements, Elfen Lied remains one of the most iconic horror-oriented anime.
12 Cat Soup
MyAnimeList: 7.32
A short film from the early 2000s, Cat Soup is not widely recognized but has gained some fame over time. Sharing the surrealist aesthetics with works like Angel’s Egg, Cat Soup takes viewers on a bizarre journey that prioritizes atmosphere over narrative clarity. Following Nyatto’s quest to reclaim her soul from Death alongside her brother, the two traverse unsettling realms brimming with both beauty and horrors, encountering larger-than-life beings along the way.
While Cat Soup cannot be classified as a traditional horror anime, it showcases nightmarish imagery and an uncanny creativity that, while not overtly frightening, still evokes an unsettling ambiance.
11 Hell Girl
MyAnimeList: 7.61 (Season 1)
Most horror shows and films typically convey moral lessons or highlight societal issues. Hell Girl excels in this format by chronicling the tale of a demon who administers brutal justice to wrongdoers, particularly bullies and cheaters.
In the series, anyone tormented by another can reach out for help from the elusive “Hell Girl”by visiting a mysterious website to submit their grievances. Hell Girl then delivers her brand of vengeance. This premise delves into psychologically disturbing themes and encapsulates society’s darker inclinations toward revenge.
10 Vampire Hunter D & Bloodlust
MyAnimeList: 7 (Vampire Hunter D)
Adapted from Hideyuki Kikuchi’s novels, Vampire Hunter D is rich in haunting Gothic visuals. Set in a dystopian future where humanity is nearly extinct, the remnants of society are in a relentless struggle against terrifying creatures. Vampires dominate this world, although they face a challenge from a dhampir named D. The franchise features two anime adaptations: the 1985 OVA and the 2000 release Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust. Both films hold their own and, given their age, are impressive.
Madhouse’s Bloodlust has gained recognition and stands out as one of the studio’s crowning achievements. While the plot is decent but nothing extraordinary, Bloodlust compensates for it with stunning visuals and an intense atmosphere. Though it leans towards action rather than true horror, the landscapes and creatures displayed epitomize Gothic horror, with Madhouse effectively portraying vast, oppressive environments.
While overshadowed by its (significantly superior) sequel, the 1985 iteration of Vampire Hunter D possesses many of the strengths of Bloodlust. The OVA excels in its atmosphere and presentation; the animation, though dated now, remains visually striking. Furthermore, the film revels in gore in a manner that only classic OVAs seem to achieve, with these sequences fitting seamlessly within the narrative.
9 Another
MyAnimeList: 7.47
In the realm of horror anime, the school setting often emerges as a common theme. Yomiyama North Middle School ranks among the most haunted educational institutions depicted in anime. The chilling events began with a tragic suicide of a student, compelling her classmates to act as if she were still among the living as a coping mechanism, inadvertently summoning a malevolent ghost that incited further suicides and casualties among the student body and their families throughout the years.
8 Devilman Crybaby
MyAnimeList: 7.75
Far from subtle, Devilman Crybaby presents a gripping experience. Initially, it may seem to follow a generic plot where a protagonist seeks relevance by merging with a powerful being. However, in this case, that being is a demon, showcasing horrific aspects far removed from any friendly or heroic traits.
As the lead character grapples with his demon counterpart, chaos ensues, plunging the world into turmoil and exposing the reality of human nature and the descent into violence and depravity. Devilman Crybaby encapsulates the horror genre, characterized by body horror, satanic motifs, and explicit adult themes, making it inappropriate for family viewing.
7 When They Cry
MyAnimeList: 7.88 (Season 1)
Known alternatively as Higurashi, When They Cry masquerades behind an innocent front. Many viewers may interpret it as a charming slice-of-life anime revolving around adolescent experiences when, in reality, it presents a tale of murder and horror.
Occurring in the protagonist’s hometown during an annual festival characterized by peculiar urban legends, the lead-up to the festivities reveals a series of murders and disappearances. Spanning 100 episodes over a decade, When They Cry may demand a significant investment of time, though the earlier seasons and their sequels deliver some of the most memorable horror sequences in anime, alongside an intriguing mystery narrative.
6 Ghost Hunt
MyAnimeList: 7.76
Centered around the theme of ghost hunting, Ghost Hunt follows a group of adventurous students from the Shibuya Psychic Research, often engaging in ill-advised escapades.
While not the most terrifying series, Ghost Hunt explores various themes encompassing religion, culture, and tragic origins of paranormal events. For dedicated viewers, the series presents some genuinely chilling moments, albeit not profoundly horrifying.
Leave a Reply