Top 50 Best Detective Anime Of All Time

In "The Apothecary Diaries," Maomao, a resourceful apothecary, is abruptly taken from her humble beginnings to serve in the imperial palace. Wary of attracting attention, she conceals her remarkable skills, only to be swept into a world rife with palace intrigue and strange afflictions.

Armed with her keen intellect and deep knowledge of herbs, Maomao uncovers secrets, treats puzzling illnesses, and gradually earns the trust of the emperor's favored concubine. Her awkward encounters with palace customs bring comedic moments, but beneath the humor lies her sharp talent for deduction and compassion for those around her.

This anime is an engaging mix of historical mystery, witty humor, and an endearing heroine. It demonstrates how intelligence and kindness can thrive, even within the restrictive walls of the imperial court.

In the world of celebrities, the line between reality and illusion often blurs, as stars craft carefully maintained personas that captivate devoted fans. These facades create strong emotional bonds, but the truth behind the image can leave fans shaken when revealed.

Ai Hoshino, a sixteen-year-old idol and the dazzling center of B Komachi, commands worldwide adoration. When she suddenly announces a hiatus due to health issues, her followers are gripped with concern, unsure of what lies beneath the surface.

Gorou Amemiya, a country gynecologist and a passionate admirer of Ai, dreams of meeting her despite the odds. Fate brings Ai unexpectedly to his small hospital—not as an entertainer, but as a pregnant teenager carrying twins.

Determined to protect Ai and her unborn children, Gorou finds his life woven tightly with hers, blurring professional duty with the complicated emotions of fandom. Their secret encounter sets off a chain of events that challenges everything they thought they knew.

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion, commonly known as Code Geass, is a mecha anime spanning 25 episodes. Set in an alternate timeline, the world is ruled by three major superpowers. Among them, the Holy Britannia Empire controls the Americas.

The Chinese Federation encompasses the Asian continent, while the European Union—also called Euro-Universe or Europa United—includes both Europe and Africa. The story centers around Lelouch, the exiled prince of Britannia.

After his school is attacked by terrorists, Lelouch is saved by a mysterious girl named CC. She bestows upon him the Power of Absolute Obedience, known as Geass. With this newfound ability, Lelouch seeks to destroy Britannia, driven by a long-standing grudge against his father and homeland.

Code Geass originally aired from October 6, 2006, to July 29, 2007, and has enjoyed enduring popularity. A second season, titled Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2, followed in 2008. The series has also inspired multiple manga and light novel adaptations, appealing to both readers and viewers.

A trilogy of compilation films was released between 2017 and 2018, followed by a fourth movie in 2019. The franchise continues to expand, with a spinoff series currently in development. The sheer number of adaptations highlights the enduring popularity and influence of Code Geass.

"Death Note" stands as a pillar of detective anime, renowned even among those new to the genre. With 37 episodes, this acclaimed shounen series originally aired from October 4, 2006, to June 27, 2007, earning recognition far beyond the typical anime community.

Its outstanding ratings on platforms like MyAnimeList and IMDb, paired with immense popularity, are a testament to its impact. "Death Note" is lauded for its engaging storyline and masterful use of suspense, ensuring each episode grips viewers from start to finish.

The story follows the brilliant Light Yagami, who stumbles upon a supernatural notebook—the 'Death Note'—that allows its owner to kill anyone by knowing their name and face. Assuming the identity of Kira, Light attempts to rid the world of evil using the notebook's terrifying power.

His actions draw the attention of elite detectives determined to stop him, resulting in a high-stakes cat-and-mouse chase. "Death Note" delivers jaw-dropping twists and unpredictable turns, making it a thrilling series that will keep you entertained week after week.

"Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex" is a standout seinen detective anime that originally aired from October 1, 2002, to October 1, 2003. Spanning 52 episodes across two seasons, with the second titled 'Ghost in the Shell: S.A.C. 2nd GIG,' the series is set in the year 2030, where humans can live as cyborgs. The story centers on Public Security Section 9, a group of former military and police professionals who investigate complex crimes.

This anime explores mature themes, diving deep into political conspiracies and the threat of terrorism, giving it a sophisticated and gripping narrative. Rooted in the acclaimed manga, "Ghost in the Shell" has become a celebrated franchise thanks to its thought-provoking plot and compelling characters.

Beyond the original manga and anime, the franchise includes two films, an OVA, and a Hollywood live-action adaptation starring Scarlett Johansson. Action enthusiasts and fans of intense fight scenes will find "Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex" thrilling to binge over a weekend.

"Parasyte: The Maxim" is a seinen detective anime infused with elements of horror. The series originally aired from October 9, 2014, to March 26, 2015, spanning a total of 24 episodes adapted from its acclaimed manga source.

The franchise has also inspired two Japanese live-action films. Set in a chilling world, the story revolves around parasitic aliens that secretly invade humanity. These parasites enter hosts through their ears or noses, ultimately taking full control by attaching themselves to the brain.

The narrative takes an intriguing turn with the protagonist, Shinichi Izumi. Early in the series, a parasite fails to reach his brain, resulting in a unique scenario: both Shinichi and the parasite retain their independent consciousness while sharing the same body.

Throughout the anime, viewers witness the unusual bond between Shinichi and his parasite, as they face countless challenges together. Produced by the renowned Madhouse studio—also known for "Death Note"—this series stands out for its thrilling storytelling and impressive animation.

"Psycho-Pass" is a 22-episode detective anime that originally aired from October 12, 2012, to March 22, 2013. Set in a futuristic Japan governed by the enigmatic 'Sybil System,' the series explores a world where society’s safety hinges on a seemingly infallible system for managing crime.

This system can access people's thoughts, openly revealing their mental state and intentions. Each citizen’s mind is constantly scanned to measure their potential for criminal behavior, a metric known as their Psycho-Pass. The justice system relies on this process to identify and control potential wrongdoers before crimes are even committed.

The narrative intensifies with the appearance of Shogo Makishima, a criminal whose unique psychological profile allows him to evade detection and punishment. The story unfolds through Akane Tsunemori, a rookie Inspector determined to uphold justice, whose journey challenges her beliefs at every turn.

As Tsunemori hunts Makishima, she uncovers unsettling truths about the Sybil System and begins to question its true intentions. The relentless suspense keeps viewers captivated, rethinking the definitions of justice and morality until the last episode.

Erased is a captivating seinen detective anime that aired from January 8, 2016, to March 25, 2016. Spanning 12 episodes, it is adapted from the manga of the same name and has inspired both a live-action film and a Netflix-produced drama.

The story centers on Satoru Fujinuma, a struggling manga artist with a unique ability known as 'Revive.' This power allows him to travel back in time to prevent fatal accidents from occurring to those around him, but it activates only when danger is imminent.

Satoru's life balances his ongoing manga work and his duty to save lives using his mysterious gift. Everything changes when his mother is brutally murdered in their apartment, and Satoru is accused as the prime suspect in her death.

Just as the authorities close in, Satoru's 'Revive' ability transports him back to 1998, to his 10-year-old self. He gradually uncovers that his mother's murder is closely connected to a kidnapping case from almost two decades ago, deepening the overarching mystery.

The anime follows Satoru as he navigates between timelines, racing to solve the entwined mysteries and clear his name.

Black Butler is a shounen detective anime comprising 24 episodes, which originally aired from October 3, 2008, to March 27, 2009. Its evocative setting in classic English times, specifically Victorian-era London, makes it a favorite among fans who appreciate historical mysteries.

The story centers on Ciel Phantomhive, a 13-year-old earl whose life was shattered by a tragic event that claimed his entire family when he was only ten. Subjected to unimaginable torment and captivity, Ciel seeks justice and is driven to make an otherworldly pact.

To exact revenge on those who wronged him, Ciel forms a contract with the demon Sebastian. In exchange for Sebastian's service, Ciel ultimately promises to forfeit his soul, setting the stage for a gripping tale of vengeance and dark intrigue.

Hyouka is a captivating 22-episode detective anime that originally aired between April 23, 2012, and September 17, 2012. This series is an excellent choice for viewers who enjoy a blend of slice-of-life moments alongside engaging and intricate mysteries. Adapted from the novel of the same name, Hyouka follows the lives of four high school students navigating their unique adventures.

The story centers on Hotaru Oreki, who is persuaded by his older sister to join the school's Classic Literature Club. Hotaru is joined by the insightful Satoshi Fukube, the reserved Mayaka Ibara, and the ever-curious Eru Chitanda. The city of Kamiyama appears peaceful on the surface, setting the stage for unexpected developments.

Things quickly change when Hotaru and his friends uncover a 54-year-old mystery tied to their clubroom. From the very first episode, Hyouka draws viewers in with its suspense, planting mysterious clues from the opening moments and delivering a thoroughly satisfying conclusion.

Terror in Resonance is an 11-episode detective anime that originally aired from July 11 to September 26, 2014. The story centers around two mysterious boys, Nine and Twelve, who call themselves the 'Sphinx' as they launch a series of cryptic attacks to expose a heartless organization.

The anime unfolds in an alternate reality where Tokyo has been devastated by a catastrophic terrorist attack at a nuclear facility. This act plunges the city into chaos and fear, forever altering its citizens' lives. Six months after the disaster, a chilling video message surfaces, intensifying the city's sense of unease.

In the video, Nine and Twelve threaten further destruction unless their coded message is deciphered. As authorities race against time to crack the code, the layers of their tragic pasts are slowly revealed, culminating in shocking truths that keep viewers captivated throughout the series.

Terror in Resonance excels with its gripping plot twists and suspenseful pacing, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. Each character is thoughtfully crafted and distinct, adding emotional depth and intrigue to the story.

The anime's well-developed characters make it easy for a wide range of viewers to connect and empathize with their struggles, ensuring a memorable and compelling experience.

Darker than Black, also known as Darker Than Black: The Black Contractor, is a gripping 25-episode detective anime series that originally aired from April 6, 2007, to September 28, 2007.

Set ten years after the sudden emergence of two mysterious gates—Heaven's Gate in South America and Hell's Gate in Japan—the story unfolds in a world forever changed. The sky now possesses an unsettling hue, and the territories surrounding the gates defy the normal laws of physics.

With these strange gates also came the rise of Contractors, individuals who have sacrificed their humanity in exchange for supernatural abilities. Darker than Black delves into the mysterious life of one such Contractor, Hei, weaving an enigmatic tale filled with suspense and intrigue.

Gosick is a captivating detective anime series consisting of 24 episodes, originally airing from January 8, 2011, to July 2, 2011. The story follows two unlikely friends brought together by mysterious events as they unravel perplexing cases that have confounded even the police.

Set in the fictional European country of Sauville, Gosick introduces Kazuya Kujo, a young Japanese exchange student often isolated because of his appearance. His solitude ends when he befriends the enigmatic Victorique de Blois, a girl shrouded in intrigue.

Victorique has an almost doll-like presence, with striking blonde hair and vivid emerald eyes. Adding to her aura of mystery, she never attends classes, choosing instead to spend her days immersed in books at the library.

The Kindaichi Case Files is a classic shounen detective anime that aired from April 7, 1997, to September 11, 2000, spanning an impressive 148 episodes. Despite its age, this series remains popular for its intricate and engaging mysteries.

At the center of the story is Hajime Kindaichi, a seemingly ordinary high school student who happens to be the grandson of one of Japan's most legendary detectives. Hajime has inherited his grandfather's sharp intellect and knack for solving complex cases.

Throughout the series, viewers follow Hajime as he expertly unravels a variety of challenging whodunit cases ranging from robberies to gruesome murders. If you're searching for a true Japanese take on Sherlock Holmes, The Kindaichi Case Files is a must-watch.

Bungou Stray Dogs is a compelling seinen detective anime, featuring 37 episodes across three seasons. It originally aired from April 7, 2016, to June 28, 2019. The story centers on Atsushi Nakajima, an 18-year-old orphan whose life is thrown into chaos when a supernatural tiger begins menacing his orphanage.

Matters worsen for Atsushi when he discovers that he alone can see the tiger. The orphanage, blaming him for these inexplicable events, ultimately casts him out. Now homeless and desperate, Atsushi's fate changes when he encounters the eccentric Osamu Dazai.

This chance meeting draws Atsushi into the world of supernatural detectives, filled with intrigue and danger. With fans eagerly anticipating its fourth season, hopes are high that the studio will make an announcement soon.

Akihito Narihisago is a brilliant detective serving a prison sentence for revenge. He finds a twisted path to redemption by delving into the "id wells"—virtual realms shaped by the subconscious minds of other killers.

In these surreal landscapes, he becomes "Sakaido," navigating unsettling worlds formed from the murderers' darkest memories and deepest desires. This is made possible through a groundbreaking investigative technique.

Haunted by his own daughter's tragic death, Narihisago hunts for clues, solves complex puzzles, and confronts the darkness lurking within these mental labyrinths.

Each journey tears away another layer of mystery, unveiling hidden truths and a chilling conspiracy that links the id wells to the real world.

'Id:Invaded' is a psychological thriller that dives into the depths of human depravity, blurring the boundaries between hunter and hunted in a vividly graphic style.

Magic Kaito is an exciting shounen detective anime spanning 24 episodes, which aired from October 4, 2014, to March 28, 2015. Before the official series, fans enjoyed twelve special television episodes that set the stage for the story. The anime centers on Kaito Kuroba, a teenager who appears to lead an ordinary life.

Though Kaito enjoys performing magic tricks, his world is turned upside down after he stumbles upon a hidden passage in his home. There, he uncovers a startling truth—his late father once lived a secret life as the infamous Phantom Thief.

As Kaito dives deeper, he uncovers a shadowy organization and becomes entangled in the mystery of a legendary jewel known as the Pandora Gem, propelling him into thrilling new adventures.

Dusk Maiden of Amnesia is a shounen detective anime consisting of 12 episodes, which originally aired from April 9, 2012, to June 25, 2012. This series offers a captivating blend of horror and mystery, making it an ideal choice for fans of both genres.

The story is set at Seikyou Private Academy, a school haunted by a tragic past. Sixty years ago, a young girl named Yuuko Kanoe was found dead in the old school building. Since her death, she has lingered as a ghost, occasionally assisting the school's paranormal investigation club.

Everything changes when Yuuko forms an unexpected friendship with freshman Teiichi Niiya. Together, they begin to unravel the secrets behind her mysterious death and uncover the hidden darkness lurking within the academy.

"Paranoia Agent" is a 12-episode detective anime that aired from February 3, 2004, to May 18, 2004. The story centers around the enigmatic figure known as Lil' Slugger, whose mysterious attacks throw the city of Tokyo into chaos and fear.

The protagonist, Tsukiko Sagi, is a timid character designer under immense pressure after creating the hit pink dog character, Maromi. Struggling to replicate her previous success, Tsukiko becomes deeply stressed. One fateful night, she is attacked while walking home.

Her only recollection is that her assailant was on inline skates. This incident marks the beginning of a series of similar assaults across Tokyo, each targeting individuals facing emotional turmoil. The city's anxiety intensifies as news of Lil' Slugger spreads.

Adding another layer to the mystery, these attacks strangely seem to alleviate the problems in the victims' lives—blurring the lines between menace and salvation.

"Detective School Q" is a shounen detective anime comprised of 45 episodes, which aired from April 15, 2003, to March 20, 2004. The story centers around Morihiko Dan, the most renowned detective in Japan, who establishes the prestigious Dan Detective School (DDS) to nurture the next generation of detectives.

Kyuu Renjo, a gifted teenager with a natural talent for solving mysteries, learns about DDS and eagerly enrolls. Alongside his friends, Kyuu takes on challenging cases as part of their detective training. Their journey eventually leads them into conflict with a shadowy organization known as Pluto, raising the stakes with each new adventure.

Ghost Stories is a 19-episode-long detective anime that aired between October 22, 2000, and March 25, 2001. It follows the ghost-hunting and exorcism adventures of a group of school students. The series begins with Satsuki Miyanoshita moving back to their deceased mother's hometown.

The story gathers pace pretty quickly with a gripping first episode. When Satsuki's cat runs into the abandoned school building, she is forced to go after it. There she encounters three other townspeople. What none of them know is that the rumors of the building being haunted are true.

Terrorized by the ghosts, they somehow make it alive. It is an old diary left behind by Satsuki's mother that allows them to exorcise the demon. That is when the realization hits them. Satsuki's mother once exorcised the town of ghosts, and with growing urbanization, the paranormal is coming back in full force.

Ghost Hunt is a shoujo detective anime spread across 25 episodes. The series aired between October 4, 2006, and March 28, 2007, and provides the perfect story for paranormal enthusiasts. Taniyama Mai is an ordinary high school student who enjoys exchanging ghost stories with her friends.

The abandoned building at the back of her school only fuels this interest. So it is her dream come true when she is invited to investigate the paranormal. The Shibuya Psychic Research (SPR) is a group that specializes in exterminating ghosts.

With her latent psychic abilities, the young teenage girl goes on a lot of ghost-hunting adventures in this anime.

Master Keaton is a seinen detective anime spanning 24 episodes and 15 OVAs. The anime series between October 6, 1998, and March 29, 1999. What sets Master Keaton apart is its mature mysteries, quite different from most detective anime series.

The anime series follows the adventures of Taichi Keaton. He was born to a Japanese zoologist and a well-born Englishwoman. Growing up in England, Keaton served in the Special Air Services in the Falklands War. After the war, he settled for being an insurance investigator with the prestigious Lloyd's of London.

The anime follows Taichi Keaton's unconventional methods of solving mysteries which sets him apart from all.

Lupin the 3rd is a seinen detective anime that spans 23 episodes. The series aired between October 24, 1971, and March 26, 1972. Despite being so old, Lupin the 3rd has retained its popularity due to the reverse view it provides of the classic detective-thief chase story.

Lupin the 3rd is the grandson of the world-famous thief Arsène Lupin. And quite like his grandfather, he too possesses unmatched skills in committing robberies. His partner is talented marksman Daisuke Jigan. Lupin the 3rd's dedication to his work can be seen in his love life too, where his main love interest is femme fatale Fujiko Mine.

Lupin the 3rd follows the adventures of the protagonist's exploits as he is chased by Inspector Koichi Zenigata.

The Millionaire Detective: Balance-Unlimited is an 11-episode-long detective anime. The series aired between April 10, 2020, and September 25, 2020. It follows the adventures of a detective duo with conflicting personalities. Daisuke Kambe is a wealthy man who is hired by the Modern Crime Prevention Headquarters.

He is paired up with Haru Kato, a simple man with many noble notions of justice. Initially, Haru is disgusted by Daisuke's method of using his wealth to solve cases quickly. However, as the series progresses, we see the duo is forced to come together as mysteries become harder to solve.

Monster is a 74-episode-long seinen anime that aired between April 7, 2004, and September 28, 2005. Two additional episodes were also released in 2010. Despite being quite old, Monster remains a classic in the genre of detective anime series. The series follows a successful neurosurgeon, Dr. Kenzou Tenma, and the mysterious events he finds himself caught in. One of the main reasons for the anime's success is its extraordinary ability to grasp viewers' curiosity. The anime opens with a nerve-wracking episode about the delicate operation of a young boy.

We see the protagonist facing a moral dilemma about his hospital's unethical practices. Dr. Tenma is disgusted by the political bias followed in treating patients. When he sees a widow outraged because her late husband was denied timely treatment, he decides to set forth on a righteous path.

The episode closes with Dr. Tenma deciding to operate on a young boy who was shot rather than the mayor. Following this intriguing opening episode, the story only builds up as Dr. Tenma's ill-wishers slowly start dying. Though the police suspect Dr. Tenma, he is innocent. Nine years pass and the killings only increase. As the story unfolds, we find the horrifying truth behind the murders. We also see the protagonist coming face-to-face with the ghosts of his past. Monster has a very evolved plot with lots of twists and turns.

Fantastic Children is a 26-episode-long detective anime that aired between October 5, 2004, and March 29, 2004. The series follows a group of strange children as they try to find an unknown girl based on one vague clue. The Befort Children are a group of mysterious, white-haired children.

Spotted across many places in Europe, the group has been around for 500 years. Though they have always looked like 11-year-olds, they exhibit maturity far beyond their age. The Befort Children have been in search of a girl through all these years.

The only clue that they have is the picture of a crescent moon. The real story unfolds in 2012 when an 11-year-old orphan is seen drawing pictures of land with a crescent moon, which she calls her home.

Persona 4: The Animation is a 25-episode-long detective anime series that aired between October 7, 2011, and March 30, 2012. It is based on the PlayStation 2 video game called 'Persona 4'. Persona 4: The Animation follows Yu Narukami, a quiet teenager who has just moved to the town of Inaba.

Shortly after Yu's arrival, a spree of killings takes place across the town. Meanwhile, strange rumors erupt about an enigmatic television channel that can only be viewed at midnight. Dubbed 'The Midnight Channel', the rumors state that a person can see their soulmate while watching the channel.

However, Yu soon realizes that the channel foretells future murder victims. Shockingly, Yu realizes the television opens to a different dimension overrun by 'Shadows'. Yu soon realizes that there is a connection between the killings and the mysterious dimension. Throughout the series, we see Yu's efforts as he tries to stop the killings.

Neuro: Supernatural Detective is a shounen detective anime spread across 25 episodes. The series aired between October 3, 2007, and March 26, 2008. Yako Katsuragi is a detective prodigy who has solved every mystery she has come across. But her exceptional sleuth skills hide a secret- the mysteries are solved by Yako's assistant Neuro.

Neuro is a demon who came into the human world looking for the ultimate mystery. Through each mystery he solves, he devours the negative energy released by the culprit. Neuro: Supernatural Detective follows the adventures of the strange duo as they solve one mystery after another.

Heaven's Memo Pad is a 12-episode-long detective anime that aired between July 2, 2011, and September 24, 2011. It follows the story of an introverted teen who joins a detective agency led by a reclusive genius. Narumi Fujishima never learned to make friends due to constantly transferring schools because of his father's work.

He leads the life of a usual introvert until circumstances push him to be a part of NEET. NEET is an amateur detective agency led by a reclusive genius. Alice is very childish and quite eccentric with her antisocial behavior and her stuffed animals.

However, her astounding detective and hacking skills demand respect from all. Heaven's Memo Pad follows the adventures of NEET detectives as they solve cases with the help of Alice's talent.

Beautiful Bones: Sakurako's Investigation is a 12 episodes long detective. It aired between October 8, 2015, and December 24, 2015, and follows the life of Sakurako and her assistant Shotaro. Sakurako Kujou has an odd interest- she likes to examine bones all day.

Much to the vexation of those around her, Sakurako wishes she had more specimens of human bones. High school student Shotaro Tatewaki becomes her new assistant. Soon, the teenage boy is accompanying the eccentric girl everywhere. The mystery intensifies when the duo finds itself in the middle of unsolved cases again and again.

All of the cases involve decomposing corpses. With so many coincidences, suspicions soon arise that something is amiss.

Ajin: Demi-Human is a seinen detective anime that spans 13 episodes. The series aired between January 16, 2016, and April 9, 2016. Nagai Kei is an ordinary student who meets a fatal traffic accident one day. Coming out of it unscathed, Kei realizes he is an 'Ajin'.

Ajins are superhumans with extreme regenerative abilities and immortality. They also can spawn 'black ghosts', creatures with high combat skills. Considered dangerous by the public, most Ajins are captured by the government for inhuman experimentation. Ajin: Demi-Human follows the fight between Kei and Satou.

Satou is an Ajin who escaped government experiments and is hellbent on exacting revenge. Kei is granted immunity by the government should he be able to stop Satou's terrors.

Karakurizoshi Ayatsuri Sakon is a shounen detective anime spanning 26 episodes. The series aired between October 8, 1999, and March 31, 2000. Karakurizoshi Ayatsuri Sakon follows the adventures of a master puppeteer Sakon Tachibana. Sakon is accompanied everywhere by his favorite puppet and best friend Ukon.

The anime opens with Sakon being invited to a meetup. It is a reunion of his primary school's puppeteer club in the now-abandoned building. However, things take a turn for the worst when one among them is killed. Karakurizoshi Ayatsuri Sakon builds up good murder mysteries which the odd duo of puppeteer and puppet solve together.

UN-GO is an 11-episode-long detective anime that aired between October 14, 2011, and December 23, 2011. The anime has a dystopian setting of a war-struck Japan with a system of heavy regulation of the internet. UN-GO captures a universe where Japan had sent peacekeeping forces abroad during a war situation.

This instigated terrorists to attack and ravage the country. Against this gruesome backdrop, we have our protagonist Shinjuurou Yuuki. Known as the Defeated Detective, Shinjuurou goes around Tokyo solving mysteries. He is accompanied by his odd associate Inga. However, things are not as simple as they seem.

As the story progresses, many sinister truths surrounding Inga are unraveled.

Top Secret: The Revelation is a shoujo detective anime consisting of 26 episodes. The series aired between April 9, 2008, and October 1, 2008. It is set somewhere around the year 2050 when humans have perfected brain scanning. The technology shown in the anime allows forensic experts to delve into the minds of the person whose brain is being scanned, even if the person is dead.

Scanning through the memories of the past five years helps in solving many mysteries. However, using this technology comes at a heavy cost. Can forensic experts handle witnessing the last moments of the deceased? What about looking through the mind of a psychopathic killer and the emotions he felt as he murdered?

Case Closed is an extremely popular detective anime that began airing on January 8. 1996. The Japanese version of the anime is called Detective Conan. The anime is still ongoing and has covered 993 episodes spread across 29 seasons. The series revolves around the investigations of our protagonist, a detective with the body of a child.

Shinichi Kudo is a high school student who works with the police on investigations. Shinichi's transformation into a high school student is seen in the opening episode of the anime itself. In the English version, Shinji is known as Jimmie.

The Case Closed franchise has been tremendously popular. The anime series is based on the original manga series. The franchise also has two spinoff manga series as well as 23 feature films. Two Original Video Animations (OVAs) and a television special are also included.

The entire franchise is the brainchild of Gosho Aoyama, who has clarified that he has no plans of ending it yet. This anime promises long-term, high-quality entertainment to all lovers of detective animes.

Psychic Detective Yakumo is a 13-episode-long detective anime. It aired between October 3, 2010, and December 26, 2010. The series puts a paranormal twist on the classic detective story. Yakumo Saitou is a quiet college student with a special ability.

His red left eye allows him to perceive the supernatural. Yakumo believes that helping the spirits would allow them to move on to the afterlife. However, the main story begins when another college student Haruka Ozawa decides to ask for Yakumo's help.

Haruka believes that his friend is possessed by a spirit. This case leads Yakumo down a path of solving many more such supernatural mysteries.

Mythical Detective Loki Ragnarok is a shounen detective anime spread across 26 episodes. The series aired between April 5, 2003, and September 27, 2003. Loki is the Norse God of Mischief. After a prank goes particularly wrong, Loki is exiled to the world of humans in the human form of a young boy.

He must collect enough of the auras which drive humans to commit evil acts to return. As a result, Loki decides to start a detective agency and investigate various crimes. Mythical Detective Loki Ragnarok follows the various mysteries that Loki solves.

However, things take a much worse turn when other Norse Gods start taking form in the human world. All of them have one intention- to kill Loki.

B: The Beginning is a 12-episode-long mini-detective anime that was released on March 2, 2018. It is set in a world swept up with advanced technology as well as crime. The events of the anime take place in the island country of Cremona.

B: The Beginning follows the mysterious events surrounding the vigilante 'Killer B. Tired of his habit of taking the law into his hand, the Royal Investigation Service (RIS) decides to call upon the eccentric detective Keith Flick for help. Keith is accompanied by his hot-headed sidekick Lily Hoshina.

However, things are not as simple as they seem. As the series progresses, the plot thickens with elements of terrorism, corruption, and human experimentation.

Danganronpa: The Animation is a 13-episode-long detective anime. The anime aired between July 5, 2013, and September 27, 2013. It is based on the storyline of a video game called 'Danganronpa'. The anime is set in Hope's Peak Academy, a prestigious academy that only accepts the best students.

Makoto Naegi is one such talented student admitted to the academy. However, the real mystery unfolds when students realize the teaching methods at the academy. Each one of them must murder a schoolmate and get away with it in the subsequent trial.

If convicted, the killer would be executed. This deathmatch would continue until a sole victor is left.

Cuticle Detective Inaba is a shounen detective anime spread across 12 episodes. The anime aired between January 4, 2013, and March 22, 2013. It is set in a universe where half-human, half-animal chimeras coexist with humans. The anime follows the adventures of one such chimera who is also a detective.

Hiroshi Inaba is half-wolf, half-human, and has the strange talent of extracting information about a person by tasting their hair. Hiroshi is accompanied by a cross-dresser called Yuuta and a teenager called Kei. Together, the trio work towards catching the criminal mastermind- a half-goat, half-human chimera called Don Valentino who eats money.

Spiral: The Bonds of Reasoning is a shounen detective anime that spans 25 episodes. The series aired between October 1, 2002, and March 25, 2003. Two years ago, Ayumu Narumi's elder brother disappeared without a trace. A talented detective and pianist, Kiyotaka had uttered the phrase "Blade Children" in his last phone call to Ayumu.

Disturbed by the disappearance of his brother, Ayumu starts detective work the moment he joins the high school. Soon he finds himself stuck in a slew of mysteries surrounding the Blade Children. As the anime progresses, the enigma surrounding this mysterious group of children is finally dispersed.

Ryoko's Case File is a 13-episode-long detective anime that aired between July 6, 2008, and September 28, 2008. The series is underrated. Despite a highly enjoyable storyline, even the most diehard anime fans might not have heard of it. Ryoko's Case Files follows the investigations of 27-year-old detective Ryouko Yakushiji.

In her work under the Tokyo Metropolitan Police, Ryouka comes across many bizarre mysteries. Many of them even bring her into contact with the world of the supernatural. However, the real challenge in Ryouko's life is Yukiko Muromachi, her rival at work.

Nightwalker: Midnight Detective is a 12-episode-long detective anime. The series aired between July 9, 1998, and September 23, 1998. The anime is quite different from the classic detective mystery due to the comedic elements sprinkled in it. Nightwalker: Midnight Detective follows the investigations of Shido Tatsuhiko, a vampire.

The world of Nightwalker is plagued by the Nightbreed- demonic creatures that attack humans. These attacks are fairly frequent and cause the attacked humans to commit crimes. Shido is a part of N. O. S., the organization responsible for handling Nightbreed attacks.

The anime takes us through Shido's exciting investigations. The story intensifies as the person who turned him into a vampire, Cain, is also after Shido.

CLAMP School Detectives is a shoujo detective anime spread across 26 episodes. The series aired between May 3, 1997, and October 25, 1997. It follows the sleuthing adventures of three young boys from the CLAMP School. The CLAMP school was set up by the largest Japanese business empire- the House of Imonoyama.

Starting from kindergarten to postgraduate, the school provides opportunities to students from all backgrounds. While the brightest minds can be found in CLAMP, so do the evilest ones. With the notorious murders and other crimes happening on campus, it is up to Nokoru, Suoh, and Akira to take care of them.

Steam Detectives is a mecha detective anime consisting of 26 episodes. The series aired between October 7, 1998, and March 31, 1999. Steam Detectives is set in a London-like civilization called Steam City. The unique feature of Steam City is that it is completely run on coal and steam engines.

The city has many Megamatons- large robots powered by the steam engine. The excess use of coal led to the city's sky being covered with smoke and fog. Taking advantage of this, many criminals get up in illegal activities. This is where the Steam Detectives come in.

Using their wit and cunning, they try to put a stop to the criminals operating in Steam City.

Agatha Christie’s Great Detectives Poirot and Marple are 39 episodes long detective anime. The series aired between July 4, 2004, and May 15, 2005. This anime brings the most classic detectives of all time to life. The Queen of Crime's brilliant creations, Poirot and Marple, can be seen solving mysteries in this anime.

The anime provides faithful renditions of stories originally written by Agatha Christie. The only difference is the addition of the character of Mabel. A rebellious teen hellbent on becoming a detective, Mabel comes into contact with the great detectives Hercule Poiret and Mrs. Marple.

Fantastic Detective Labyrinth is a 25-episode-long detective anime. It aired between October 3, 2007, and March 26, 2008. The anime is set in the fictional megalopolis Kyoto. Thirty years before the time of the anime, a massive earthquake reduced the city of Tokyo to rubble.

From this wreckage, the megalopolis Kyoto had emerged. The anime begins with the megalopolis being plagued by mysterious murders. They all seem to have some paranormal reasons behind them. The only person who can stop these murders and solve the mystery behind them is Hyuga Mayuki- a young detective with psychic abilities.

Rampo Kitan: Game of Laplace is an 11-episode-long detective anime that aired between July 3, 2015, and September 18, 2015. It follows a young boy's entry into the world of detectives. Yoshio Kobayashi is an ordinary middle school student. His life turns upside down when a teacher at his school is found murdered and dismembered.

Narrowed down as the prime suspect in the case, Yoshio must prove his innocence. This is where a high school student who is a sleuthing prodigy comes in to help. With the help of Akechi's extraordinary skills, Yoshio's name is cleared.

The murder mystery draws Yoshio to Akechi and he decides to become the genius's assistant. The young boy is soon introduced to a world full of gruesome crimes and labyrinth-like mysteries.

Kimihiko Kimizuka has an uncanny ability to find himself tangled in countless crimes, earning a reputation as a magnet for trouble. Unexpectedly, he is abducted by a group of strangers and forced onto a hijacked plane.

Amidst the pandemonium, Kimizuka encounters Siesta, a mesmerizing silver-haired woman who claims to be a legendary detective. Persuaded by Siesta, Kimizuka reluctantly becomes her assistant, embarking on a global adventure to thwart perilous threats to humanity.

However, tragedy strikes when Siesta unexpectedly passes away after three eventful years together. Devastated, Kimizuka tries to move on, but as he meets new people, he realizes that Siesta's legacy continues to shape his life, forever intertwining their fates.