Is there anyone who can resist the allure of the supernatural? From the mythos of demons to the intrigue of vampires, humanity has been captivated by tales of mysterious forces since storytelling began. These fascinating entities find their way into all forms of media, including video games, literature, comics, television, and films, remaining eternally popular.
Anime is no different, showcasing a variety of remarkable stories centered around supernatural elements. With numerous series available, certain titles shine brighter and are regarded as exceptional. Importantly, supernatural narratives can seamlessly blend with virtually any genre—be it horror, comedy, action, drama, fantasy, or even slice-of-life. Even if someone doesn’t actively look for supernatural anime, chances are one of their beloved series falls within this enchanting realm.
Which titles are considered the greatest supernatural anime of all time?
As of October 16, 2024, by Mark Sammut: The Fall 2024 anime season has commenced and has introduced a standout supernatural series that outshines the competition.
Only series will be featured in this discussion.
Top New Supernatural Anime of Fall 2024
With most shows having aired several episodes at this point, Fall 2024 is off to a promising start and appears poised to eclipse the other seasons this year. Supernatural themes are present although not overwhelmingly numerous.
Returning favorites like Bleach, Natsume’s Book of Friends, and Blue Exorcist need no further introduction and won’t be elaborated on here. Uzumaki: Spiral into Horror began impressively but quickly waned, losing most of its early excitement. Having aired only four episodes, the Junji Ito adaptation might appeal to hardcore horror enthusiasts, though it’s important to be ready for a lack of consistency after its initial chapter. Meanwhile, A Terrified Teacher at Ghoul School! is a light-hearted school comedy that offers little more than a few mild chuckles, making it a harmless watch.
Now, let’s explore the top new supernatural anime from Fall 2024.
Taste
As the most talked-about new anime of Fall 2024, Dandadan is a must-see, whether one has an affinity for supernatural tales or not. The manga excels in its genre fusion, masterfully mixing action, humor, and romance. The ongoing adaptation captures this blend, featuring spectacular action sequences alongside two charming leads whose comedic banter is exceptionally entertaining.
The supernatural premise is introduced through Momo, a girl inspired by her grandmother’s belief in ghosts. She engages in a wager with Ken, who believes in aliens, leading them into a series of outrageous and perilous encounters across two fantastical realms. The result is a beautifully animated love story that ventures into wonderfully bizarre territory, providing endless entertainment.
Now, let’s delve into the greatest supernatural anime of all time…
14 Devilman Crybaby
MyAnimeList: 7.75
Go Nagai’s Devilman has a significant impact, not just on shonen and seinen, but on the entire anime and manga landscape. Over the years, the story has seen many adaptations—most manage to entertain but don’t always stand the test of time.
However, the 2018 release of Devilman Crybaby on Netflix provided a contemporary twist on Go Nagai’s iconic narrative. Emphasizing the original’s trademark violence and horror, Science SARU’s adaptation is aimed at adult audiences and can be particularly unsettling at times. Nonetheless, it showcases outstanding themes, captivating animation, and superb storytelling that epitomize the supernatural anime genre at its finest. To combat demons, Akira takes on a dual identity, becoming part demon himself (essentially), positioning him as a guardian of humanity’s fate.
13 The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.
MyAnimeList: 8.41 (Season 1)
Typically associated with action, supernatural anime encompasses a broad array of genres like horror, slice-of-life, romance, and notably, comedy—as highlighted by The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.. It follows Kusuo, a high-schooler who is essentially an esper, gifted with incredible abilities. Ironically, these powers draw an array of troublemakers his way, thwarting his efforts to lead a quiet life.
This anime is uproariously funny. Kusuo acts as the perfect deadpan contrast to his ensemble’s wild antics, and it’s delightful to see this nearly omnipotent character left speechless by the actions of a makeshift shonen hero, a divinely perfect girl, and a baffling fool.
12 JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
MyAnimeList: 7.78 (Season 1)
While arguably leaning more into fantasy rather than pure supernatural, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure incorporates elements of both with its portrayal of vampires and its unique power system known as Stands. Most notably, the series maintains a consistently high level of quality throughout its many arcs, even the weakest installment (Phantom Blood) introduces the legendary antagonist, Dio.
JoJo is segmented into various parts that explore different eras and characters, all connected through familial ties. Each section offers a fresh identity, whether it’s the adventurous classic “Stardust Crusaders” or the more unconventional “Diamond Is Unbreakable.” Featuring thrilling battles, eccentric humor, and an array of engaging heroes and detestable villains, JoJo has established itself as a long-standing masterpiece that has delighted fans for decades.
While Hirohiko Araki’s original manga is often preferred, the 2012 anime adaptation faithfully reflects the source material.
11 Dororo
MyAnimeList: 8.25
A samurai lord, desperate to ensure the prosperity of his land, makes a pact with twelve demons that results in the birth of a son who is horribly disfigured—missing skin, limbs, and eyes. Discarded into a river, this infant is rescued by a medicine man who crafts prosthetics, allowing young Hyakkimaru to survive.
Dororo chronicles his journey as he hunts down the demons responsible for his curse in a bid to reclaim his stolen body parts. In his travels, he befriends the adventurous Dororo, forming a strong bond. This compelling adaptation of a classic manga beautifully melds its supernatural narrative within a historical context while allowing its protagonists to undergo significant growth throughout the series.
10 To Your Eternity
MyAnimeList: 8.35 (Season 1)
One of the standout hits from the Spring 2021 anime season, To Your Eternity burst onto the scene with its compelling premiere episode, earning its place among the best supernatural series of all time. Fortunately, the quality remains steady throughout the rest of the show.
The narrative revolves around an immortal being that witnesses humanity and gradually understands the complexities of human experience. With darker supernatural forces at play, this emotional drama explores themes of loss and existence, especially poignant since the protagonist will ultimately outlast nearly every character. Despite losing some momentum in the later episodes, season one delivers an impressive experience, with a second season underway and a third already confirmed.
9 Mononoke
MyAnimeList: 8.42
Anime enthusiasts can’t help but appreciate the stunning artistry of Mononoke. The plot is equally enchanting, centering on an enigmatic “Medicine Seller,”Kusuriuri, who confronts vengeful spirits that threaten various individuals. This fusion of traditional Japanese horror and supernatural storytelling promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
The Medicine Seller roams the world, seemingly uninfluenced by time or space, seeking out Mononoke to purify them. While the spirits represent chaos, the intricate tales weave a strong human narrative, showcasing the lives of those entwined with the supernatural.
8 Death Note
MyAnimeList: 8.62
The Death Note, wielded by a shinigami, allows the user to kill anyone whose name they inscribe within its pages—claiming the rest of their years. When Light Yagami obtains this power, he embarks on a quest to create his ideal world.
This leads to a gripping psychological thriller as Light’s actions are pursued by a secret police task force led by the enigmatic genius known only as L. Despite his intention to eradicate evil, Light is still a murderer, raising ethical questions surrounding his supernatural ability.
7 Jujutsu Kaisen
MyAnimeList: 8.63 (Season 1)
Yuuji’s mundane life in the Occult Club takes a drastic turn when he encounters a genuine cursed object. This experience unveils the existence of Curses—supernatural beings born from human malice and negativity.
Jujutsu Kaisen, one of 2020’s most highly regarded anime, delivers on its massive hype. Combining adrenaline-fueled action with a fresh twist on conventional shonen tropes, it captivates with a robust character roster and inventive power dynamics. Its prequel movie and the second season arguably elevate the original’s ambition, enhancing the action sequences and expanding the universe.
6. Yu Yu Hakusho: Ghost Files
MyAnimeList: 8.46
Yu Yu Hakusho is a revered classic in the shonen battle genre. The story follows Yusuke Urameshi, who defies his destiny by sacrificing himself to save a young boy, resulting in his untimely demise. His act of heroism grants him a chance at life again from the spirit world’s ruler.
The series is divided into four dynamic arcs, rich with supernatural elements. The initial segment primarily showcases Yusuke’s adventures, while the subsequent arcs—especially The Dark Tournament and Chapter Black—are significantly more compelling, solidifying Yu Yu Hakusho as a quintessential supernatural anime experience.
5 Natsume’s Book Of Friends
MyAnimeList: 8.31 (Season 1)
While most adolescents juggle school and daily life, Takashi Natsume contends with a pressing concern—the youkai aiming to reclaim their lost names. In Natsume’s Book of Friends, we follow his quest, often together with Madara, a feline spirit that acts as his guardian.
This supernatural anime stands out with its focus on heartwarming slice-of-life stories rather than horror elements. More specifically, Natsume inherits a mystical book from his grandmother that contains the names of spirits, granting him power over them. Instead of battling these youkai, he chooses to return their names, offering a unique and compassionate perspective.
4 Mushi-Shi
MyAnimeList: 8.66 (Season 1)
A recipient of the 2006 Tokyo Anime Award, Mushi-Shi recounts the journey of Ginko, who investigates the mysteries surrounding the Mushi—unearthly beings capable of mimicking everything from illnesses to benign phenomena like rainbows. The Mushishi are professionals dedicated to understanding these unique entities, with Ginko among them.
The series is visually stunning and narratively rich, opting for atmospheric storytelling rather than action-packed scenes. Although it may proceed at a leisurely pace, Mushi-Shi offers a mesmerizing viewing experience, transporting audiences to an enchanting realm through its exquisite visuals and ethereal ambiance.
3 Bungo Stray Dogs
MyAnimeList: 7.82 (Season 1)
Despite its notable popularity, Bungo Stray Dogs often flies under the radar and deserves more recognition. For example, its fifth season aired in the Summer of 2023 but was overshadowed by the likes of Jujutsu Kaisen and Bleach. However, one could argue that Bungo Stray Dogs is superior to either of those remarkable titles. Set in a realm where individuals possess unique abilities, the narrative revolves around the Armed Detective Agency tackling various cases in Yokohama.
This storyline may seem standard, but it hardly encapsulates the show’s brilliance. Following season one, Bungo Stray Dogs delves deeper into the characters’ backgrounds, abilities, and dynamics, all while introducing formidable antagonists who challenge the Armed Detective Agency to their limits. New viewers might contemplate dropping it after a weaker initial season, but the waiting pays off in subsequent arcs.
2 Monogatari Series
MyAnimeList: 8.33 (Season 1)
The journey of Koyomi Araragi, after his encounter with a vampire, gives rise to one of the most renowned supernatural anime series ever created. The Monogatari series can be summarised as a narrative focused around a male protagonist who assists girls afflicted by supernatural issues, often linked to spirits or other beings. Yet, this simplistic description does little to capture the intricate storytelling and rich character development present throughout.
This anime is far from conventional, making it a unique viewing experience and, for many, an addictive exploration of its distinctive narrative style.
1 Mob Psycho 100
MyAnimeList: 8.49 (Season 1)
Drawing upon the creativity of the mind behind One Punch Man, Mob Psycho 100 offers a similar energetic charm while narrating the tale of Shigeo “Mob”Kageyama, a young psychic. Although Mob strives to lead an ordinary life, his extraordinary powers often thrust him into wild and perilous predicaments.
The series features a strikingly unique visual style, bringing an unmistakable flair to its storytelling. It combines humor with thoughtfulness, making it an essential viewing experience for anyone with an interest in supernatural anime, especially now that it has reached its conclusion.
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