An esper is a person who has extrasensory perception, or ESP, and develops psychic abilities. The term was coined by Alfred Bester in his 1950 short story "Oddy and Id" and is derived from the abbreviation ESP.
In fiction, an esper is also someone who has telepathy and other paranormal abilities. And anime is no exception to that sentiment. Therefore, this list is going to be quite something for you as in this article, we will be diving deeper into the realm of espers and how anime as a medium, approached this idea of espers in the narrative put forth.
If you are a fan of Espers then this list will be a feast for you. And if not, you can just read the article for fun. So let’s not waste any time further and hop directly into it.
ActionComedyDrama
Source:
Manga
Format:
TV
Season:
2016 (Summer)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
12
Renowned for its dynamic animation and gripping narrative, Mob Psycho 100 also distinguishes itself with its inventive “esper” motif, seamlessly integrating psychic abilities into every twist. At the heart of the story is Mob—a gifted esper—whose powers both intrigue and terrify those around him.
Beyond Mob’s journey, the series showcases a vibrant cast of espers, each wrestling with the weight of their powers. By depicting Mob’s yearning for a normal existence, it offers a thoughtful exploration of isolation, duty, and identity in a society quick to judge what it does not understand.
Rather than glorifying boundless power, Mob Psycho 100 reveals how extraordinary abilities can estrange the bearer and disrupt daily life. Through Mob’s emotional struggles and small victories, the series emphasizes the intense cost of psychic gifts and celebrates the solace found in simple human bonds.
ActionComedySci-Fi
Source:
Manga
Format:
TV
Season:
2015 (Fall)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
12
One Punch Man, created by ONE—the mind behind Mob Psycho 100—delivers an action-packed tale that masterfully weaves esper abilities into its narrative. The series spotlights two standout psychics whose powers and personalities leave a lasting impression.
Tornado (Tatsumaki), ranked as the second-strongest hero in the Hero Association, wields immense psychic power with a bold, no-nonsense attitude. Her commanding presence and raw strength set the benchmark for esper heroes in the series.
Fubuki, Tornado’s younger sister, boasts impressive esper abilities while showcasing a warmer, more relatable personality. Despite being ranked lower, her emotional depth, determination, and character growth resonate strongly with fans.
Through these compelling characters, One Punch Man offers a fresh take on espers, blending high-octane action with humor and emotional storytelling. This series is a must-watch for anyone seeking dynamic psychic heroes and an engaging plot.
Recommended:
DramaHorrorMystery
Source:
Other
Format:
TV
Season:
2012 (Fall)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
25
From the New World often flies under the radar despite its compelling exploration of human psychic powers. Its deep focus on esper abilities and the complex society they create sets it apart, earning it a well-deserved spot on our list of must-watch anime.
The story follows Saki Watanabe as she navigates adolescence in a world where psychic talents define social order. As her abilities flourish, she confronts moral dilemmas and hidden truths, weaving a rich coming-of-age narrative filled with emotional depth and character-driven drama.
Rather than focusing solely on battles or dark themes, From the New World offers pure dramatic tension centered on its esper-driven plot. This series delivers thoughtful storytelling and nuanced character interactions that resonate long after the screen fades to black.
From its haunting soundtrack to its striking visuals and thought-provoking themes, this anime captivates viewers from start to finish. Whether you’re drawn to psychological intrigue or heartfelt drama, From the New World promises an unforgettable journey into a richly imagined future.
ComedySlice of LifeSupernatural
Source:
Manga
Format:
ONA
Season:
2019 (Fall)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
6
The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. thrives on its rapid-fire humor and witty gags. Fans often praise it as one of the funniest anime out there, blending absurd comedy with clever insights into the everyday struggles of those gifted with psychic abilities.
At the center is Kusuo Saiki, a teenager born with extraordinary esper powers—from telepathy and telekinesis to mind control. Despite his godlike abilities, Saiki craves a low-key existence, and the series chronicles his constantly thwarted efforts to live under the radar.
With quirky classmates, bizarre mishaps, and unexpected conflicts, Saiki’s quest for normalcy quickly spirals into comedic chaos. It’s this collision of supernatural talent and mundane desire that makes The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. a standout in the esper anime genre.
ComedyDramaFantasy
Source:
Manga
Format:
TV
Season:
1998 (Spring)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
70
Cardcaptor Sakura revolutionized Shoujo anime, showcasing CLAMP's visionary storytelling. Centered on Sakura Kinomoto—a bright, curious girl—it follows her journey when she accidentally unleashes an array of mystical cards across the globe.
These magical cards possess extraordinary powers that threaten the world when left unchecked. As Sakura races to recapture each card, viewers experience thrilling encounters, emotional depth, and a unique blend of adventure and heartwarming moments.
Though not overtly labeled as espers, the show's emphasis on supernatural abilities resonates with fans of psychic-themed anime. This subtle integration of magical talents adds vibrant energy and keeps audiences enchanted from start to finish.
ActionAdventureHorror
Source:
Manga
Format:
MOVIE
Season:
1988 (Summer)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
1
Akira stands as a landmark anime, celebrated for its breathtaking visuals and meticulous animation. Set in a post-apocalyptic Neo-Tokyo, it follows Shotaro Kaneda—a charismatic gang leader—whose life is forever changed when his childhood friend suffers a devastating accident.
After the collision, Tetsuo Shima awakens terrifying telekinetic abilities that spiral out of control, unleashing an unstoppable force upon the city. His newfound power transforms him into a destructive entity, threatened only by the very society he seeks to dominate.
Kaneda embarks on a desperate mission to rescue his friend from the dark forces consuming him. Facing insurmountable odds and the collapse of civilization, he must confront his own fears to save a companion teetering on the brink of total destruction.
ComedyDramaRomance
Source:
Original
Format:
TV
Season:
2015 (Summer)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
13
Charlotte is a standout anime centered on espers, but what elevates it is its deep character connections. As a writer, I find shows that weave incredible abilities into genuine relationships utterly captivating. Charlotte balances its supernatural premise with heartfelt storytelling at every turn.
Following Yuu’s journey, his ability to freeze time for five seconds offers thrilling moments of creativity. Yet, even with such power, the narrative never stalls. Each sequence introduces new characters, expanding the cast and enriching the unfolding drama with surprising twists.
Be sure to watch Charlotte for its exceptional esper element and immersive world-building. The screenplay skillfully blends supernatural lore with genuine emotion, creating a cohesive experience that resonates long after the credits roll. It’s a must-watch for fans of any genre.
ComedyHorrorMystery
Source:
Light novel
Format:
TV
Season:
2006 (Fall)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
25
Ghost Hunt redefines the esper anime genre with its nuanced exploration of psychic phenomena. Rather than delivering constant high-octane battles, it delves into the subtleties of paranormal research and suspense, offering a fresh perspective on how psychic abilities can shape a story.
The series centers on Mai Taniyama, an ordinary high school student who accidentally joins forces with Kazuya Shibuya, the enigmatic head of the Shibuya Psychic Research Company. Together, they investigate haunted sites, combining Mai’s newfound mediumship with Kazuya’s scientific methods to uncover hidden truths.
Rather than focusing on explosive confrontations, Ghost Hunt emphasizes the procedural and deductive aspects of paranormal investigation. Each episode unravels new mysteries, pushing Mai and Kazuya to confront both supernatural threats and personal growth, making every ghost-hunting mission a compelling journey.
ActionSci-Fi
Source:
Original
Format:
TV
Season:
2013 (Winter)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
12
If you're looking for an anime that centers on espers, look no further than Unlimited Psychic Squad. It follows Kyousuke Hyoubu—a powerful esper who survived betrayal years ago and now leads a bold mission to protect his peers.
Rebuilt and stronger than ever, Hyoubu now commands PANDRA—a secret group of espers united to challenge human mistreatment. His unwavering kindness drives him, even when he must resort to force to shield his community from harm.
Unlimited Psychic Squad delivers a serious, intense narrative that will captivate any esper fan. Its blend of moral complexity, high-stakes battles, and a determined protagonist makes it a must-watch for those seeking depth alongside action.
ActionSci-FiSupernatural
Source:
Light novel
Format:
TV
Season:
2008 (Fall)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
24
A Certain Magical Index stands among the most celebrated anime of all time. From its compelling characters to its dynamic blend of action and supernatural intrigue, the series offers viewers a captivating journey into a world where magic and science intersect in thrilling, unexpected ways.
Unlike many other series, it presents esper abilities as commonplace rather than hidden secrets. This open approach transforms everyday interactions into moments of suspense and discovery, keeping the audience engaged as they explore how ordinary people adapt, challenge, and coexist with extraordinary powers.
ActionDramaEcchi
Source:
Manga
Format:
TV
Season:
2004 (Summer)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
13
Elfen Lied is a dark show. In fact, it is one of the most loved gory shows of its time. People say that the dark nature of Elfen Lied is what makes it so special for the viewers.
The main character of the show, Lucy is the one who will represent this show as she ends up with powers that are very close to what we see in the typical Esper power segment.
While a direct reference is missing, we are bound to find some insane sequences that will give us the confidence that this anime is in fact, something that is deep, dark, and gory with ideas, emotions, and arguments clashing, trying to figure out the perfect portrayal.
Most of the viewers love this anime and they always look up to it.
ComedyDramaRomance
Source:
Manga
Format:
TV
Season:
2013 (Winter)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
12
This anime is a lot more fun than what meets the eye. It dives deep into the realm of having powers in the real world and how it would affect you overall. To put it simply, a girl named Kotoura Haruka happens to have the ability to read people’s minds.
She is only 15 years old and this young age is something that is bound to get tainted with the ability to read people’s minds. And that’s why things are tough for Haruka. The fact that her parents divorced is just something that proves the point.
Needless to say, this brings an experience for viewers that is more on the negative yet realistic side of things, making this anime worthwhile.
ComedyMysterySci-Fi
Source:
Original
Format:
TV
Season:
2010 (Summer)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
13
Occult Academy is an amazing series that fans should go for without thinking twice. The narrative itself is so fun to think about. The series talks about a girl named Maya Kumashiro who has decided that she will destroy her father’s Academy.
And why she wishes to do so is on her but she was stopped by a man named Fumiaki Uchida. Fumiaki is an esper who has travelled back in time to find a key that will allow him to save the future.
How? Long story short, aliens have invaded and by destroying the Nostradamus Key, he will be able to save his planet. Therefore, he shakes hands with Maya to get a hold of this key. However, the way they do so is so much fun to watch with countless supernatural activities making an appearance together.
DramaHorrorMystery
Source:
Other
Format:
TV
Season:
2006 (Summer)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
24
This anime talks about Naoto and Naoya Kirihara who happen to be brothers. And these two have been abandoned by their parents, making them face severe trauma. The moment they escape their “prison” that used to separate them using psychic powers, they will be going on a spree in their life.
These talented individuals would end up doing the right thing and try to bring things back on track in this world. However, doing that would be a challenge and it wouldn’t be wrong to say that the sheer excellence that this show offers is just fantastic.
It will give us a crucial idea of how things will go for espers if they try to save the world with their skills and how difficult that attempt can be for anyone and everyone involved in the series.
ActionFantasySupernatural
Source:
Manga
Format:
TV
Season:
2014 (Summer)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
12
This anime is very heavy on the Esper element. In fact, they even have a full form for ESP ExtraSensory Perception. Isn’t that amazing? Well, that’s the beauty of Tokyo ESP, a show all about the insanity that exists in the esper realm.
The main character involves a girl named Rinka Urushiba who happened to accidentally come across her Esper powers. Moreover, she even meets someone who is just like her. This man, named Kyotaro Azuma is also a person with ESP abilities.
While their abilities, they are without a doubt, outstanding supernatural skills that can’t be compared. This is why you need to watch this show as these two will be going on against everyone who will be using their ESP power for evil.
ActionSci-FiSupernatural
Source:
Video game
Format:
ONA
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
6
In this anime, war has taken place. And it wasn’t any normal war. It is something far beyond that. The show talks about the city of Seoul which was created by people who managed to survive the first-dimensional war.
And they will be using the psychokinetic powers present in the world so as to secure themselves from another such mishap. The series is very heavy with its powerful narration and heavy reliance on the esper theme.
While most people would think that it would be another typical esper anime, they will be in for a surprise as the show is a lot more dense, heavy, and something that will entertain the masses no matter what.
Make sure that you give it a try.
Comedy
Source:
Original
Format:
SPECIAL
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
10
This anime needs no introduction. Often considered by many as one of the best anime ever created Code Geass is a series that has always entertained the masses without breaking a sweat. The show doesn’t feature an esper directly.
However, Lelouche having the power of Geass is something that is very close to being an esper. Just in case you don’t know, in Code Geass, the main character ends up getting the power that allows him to control other people’s minds.
And that’s something way beyond powerful since it allows him to change their memory, make them obey his commands, and so much more. Using this power, the main character leads a rebellion against the enemy.
And that’s how this anime uses its plot device that is quite close to being linked with espers.