Top 60 Best Horror Anime To Watch In 2025 [Ultimate Scary Anime List]

"Perfect Blue" is widely regarded as a masterpiece by anime enthusiasts, especially those drawn to psychological horror. The film follows Mima, a former member of the idol group CHAM, as she transitions from a singing career to pursue acting—a move that marks a significant change in her life.

Initially, Mima receives practical advice and attempts to adjust to her new career. However, as she settles into her new path, a series of bizarre and unsettling events begin to unfold around her, shattering her sense of security.

Mima faces threats from an obsessive stalker and disturbing fake websites, leading her to question what is real. As the pressures mount, she starts to lose her grip on reality, descending into paranoia and psychological turmoil. This chilling film is masterfully crafted to disturb and intrigue, making it a must-watch for fans of horror and psychological thrillers.

Haunted by a relentless curse, Guts stands out as one of horror anime’s most unforgettable protagonists. Forced to confront demonic forces intent on destroying him, he battles insurmountable odds, refusing to accept a fate that seems sealed in darkness.

With unyielding determination, Guts fights back in the “Berserk” anime, wielding his massive Dragonslayer sword and hunting the one man responsible for his torment. Driven by vengeance, he hopes to finally end the endless cycle of terror and loss that shadows his path.

The cruel twist is that the architect of his suffering was once his trusted friend. Along his harrowing journey, Guts finds steadfast companions like Isidro, an eager young thief, and Puck, a mischievous elf. Together, they brave the supernatural dangers by his side, determined to bring closure to this haunting saga.

The beloved manga was transformed into an anime series in 2018, captivating audiences with its gripping and suspenseful story. While the second season strays from the original manga at times, it still captures the heart and tension that define the series.

Set in the mysterious Grace Field House, "The Promised Neverland" follows Emma, an orphan who lives with thirty-seven other children under the care of their guardian, Isabella. The children enjoy a peaceful life but are strictly forbidden from venturing beyond the gated perimeter.

Joy quickly turns to horror when Conny, one of the children, is adopted. Emma and her friend Norman attempt to return a forgotten toy, only to uncover a dark secret—Conny's lifeless body reveals the horrifying truth behind the orphanage.

Emma discovers that the children are being raised as food for demons. As danger closes in, the older kids unite to devise a daring escape, vowing to return and rescue the others left behind.

The anime is filled with dark, suspenseful moments and chilling encounters with demons. Emma and her friends must outwit their enemies, including the Farm overseer Peter Ratri and the fearsome demon queen, Legravalima, to survive and secure freedom.

In "Mononoke," an enigmatic medicine salesman, known only by his profession, journeys across Japan, confronting strange and dangerous supernatural threats. Over time, the anime has maintained critical acclaim and a distinct reputation within the horror genre.

The title "Mononoke" refers to lingering spirits—'Ayakashi'—who remain in the mortal world for unnatural reasons. As the medicine seller travels, he encounters such troubled spirits, each case unique and rarely benevolent.

To exorcise these spirits, he relies not on brute strength, but on uncovering three essential truths: their Form (Katachi), their Truth (Makoto), and their Reason (Kotowari). Only then can he draw his sword to end their haunting.

The series offers a visually stunning and psychologically thrilling approach to horror, weaving an eerie yet mesmerizing narrative that sets it apart from typical entries in the genre.

When the beloved manga was adapted into anime form in 2014, "Parasyte: The Maxim" instantly redefined the horror genre. The story centers on high school student Shinichi Izumi, whose right hand becomes host to a mysterious extraterrestrial parasite. While most aliens manage to seize full control of their human hosts' brains, Shinichi’s unique case creates a dangerous dual existence.

The hand-dwelling parasite, named Migi, faces a chilling predicament. It must protect Shinichi from other parasites, who view this partial takeover as a fatal flaw threatening their secrecy. The shape-shifting, human-devouring aliens are determined to remain undetected as they set out to conquer humanity.

Shinichi, meanwhile, sees an unlikely ally in Migi. Together, they form a tenuous partnership to put an end to the alien invasion that threatens the very survival of the human race.

Set in the 22nd century, Japan has undergone unsettling transformations under the rule of the Sybil System. This system invades personal privacy, scanning citizens' minds to assess their potential for criminal behavior and determining their threat levels.

Every individual receives a 'Psycho-Pass,' a digital record that authorities can demand to inspect at any moment. Law enforcement is handled by 'Inspectors,' who enforce the system's rules. Assisting them are 'Enforcers'—individuals identified as latent criminals, granted conditional freedom in exchange for carrying out dangerous tasks for the Inspectors.

Akane Tsunemori, an idealistic and principled rookie Inspector, is introduced to the system's grim realities when partnered with the seasoned Enforcer, Shinya Kougami. As she uncovers the underlying darkness of the Sibyl System, Akane grapples with conflicts between her deeply held morals and the system she must uphold.

Rich with Orwellian horror and rooted in chilling realism, "Psycho-Pass" offers a compelling exploration of justice, morality, and the cost of safety in a dystopian world.

Prepare yourself for a chilling journey into the world of psychic abilities. 'Shinsekai Yori' is a captivating and unsettling anime centered around the life of Saki Watanabe, a young girl gifted with psychic powers. But Saki is not alone—many others in her world possess these extraordinary abilities.

Individuals with psychic powers attend the Sage Academy, where Saki makes new friends and encounters fresh perspectives. However, as time passes, she and her friends begin to notice disturbing truths hidden beneath their society’s seemingly perfect surface.

Driven by curiosity and a desire for answers, Saki and her companions delve into the mysteries of their world, only to encounter horrors that will leave you chilled. 'Shinsekai Yori' masterfully blends mystery, horror, and school life—making it a perfect choice for fans of suspenseful and thought-provoking stories.

When it comes to experimental anime, "Serial Experiments Lain" stands out as a truly mesmerizing exploration of style and narrative. The story centers on Lain Iwakura, a Japanese middle-school girl whose ordinary life takes a disturbing turn thanks to an enigmatic internet-like realm called the 'Wired.'

Lain is grappling with personal issues when her school suddenly receives a message from a recently deceased student. Chisa Yomoda appears to be trapped within a virtual reality game powered by the Wired, drawing Lain inexorably into a mysterious and unsettling digital world.

This series delves into frightening and thought-provoking themes about the trajectory of our species and the consequences of unchecked technological ambition, making it a must-watch for fans of psychological horror.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest anime films ever made, "Akira" stands as a landmark in both horror and science fiction. Set in a dystopian city ruled by biker gangs, the story follows Kaneda, one of their leaders, as his life takes a dark turn after his friend is lost amid the chaos of Neo-Tokyo.

When Kaneda finally discovers his missing friend, he realizes that the person he once knew has changed into something monstrous. With terrifying and uncontrollable powers, his friend becomes a force far beyond human understanding, threatening everything—and everyone—around him.

"Akira" masterfully blends intense horror, action, and psychological depth. Its influence on anime and pop culture is unmatched. If you haven't seen it yet, now is the perfect time to experience this iconic classic for yourself.

Welcome to the unsettling world of Dorohedoro, an anime experience that will both captivate and disturb you. The story is set in a grim place known as "Hole," where violence and death are everyday realities.

In this twisted environment, powerful magic users perform ruthless experiments on ordinary creatures, showing no hint of mercy. Amidst this chaos appears Kaiman, a mysterious figure who remembers nothing except that he has become a monster—and is now on a quest to uncover his true identity.

Dorohedoro masterfully weaves dark humor with gruesome horror, creating a unique viewing experience. If you appreciate unconventional horror that doesn't shy away from gore, this anime might just become an instant favorite.

Get ready for another stunning psychological thriller! This time, we're exploring the nerve-wracking world of Paprika. At its core, the story delves into our deepest desires and the power of human longing. The narrative centers on Atsuko and Kosaku, a brilliant couple determined to invent a device that can peer into people's subconscious dreams.

Driven by ambition, Atsuko and Kosaku succeed in creating their groundbreaking technology. But their triumph is short-lived when the device is stolen. With such a powerful tool in the wrong hands, the potential for mind control and chaos becomes terrifyingly real. Now, the duo must race against time to track down the thieves and save countless minds.

Paprika stands out as a masterfully crafted horror film that blends psychological intrigue with breathtaking animation. Dive into this mesmerizing movie for a truly thrilling horror experience.

Released in 2000, Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust stunned audiences with its gripping and atmospheric narrative. The story centers on D, a legendary vampire hunter and half-vampire outcast. He is summoned when Charlotte Elbourne, the daughter of a wealthy family, vanishes under mysterious circumstances.

Renowned for his unmatched skills and reputation among humans, D accepts the dangerous assignment. However, he is not alone—rival bounty hunters, led by the infamous Markus brothers, are also racing for the reward. In the shadows, a sinister force manipulates their every move, ensnaring them within a perilous trap.

As the relentless pursuit continues, harrowing truths come to light. In a chilling twist, the hunters may soon discover that they are not the predators, but the prey, confronting an evil far more powerful than they imagined.

Among the newest entries in the anime world, this series quickly captured attention in the horror genre. The story centers on Akira Tendou, a 24-year-old stuck in a cluttered apartment and a dull, draining existence. To cope, Akira often escapes reality by watching zombie movies.

For three grueling years, Akira endures the pressures of an exploitative corporate job in Japan, leaving him utterly drained and without courage, even to share his feelings with his coworker, Ootori. But soon, Akira's predictable world spirals into chaos.

Things take a shocking turn when Akira discovers his landlord devouring another tenant. Before long, he realizes the entire city is crawling with zombies. The terror triggers a surge of adrenaline in Akira, reigniting a spark within his exhausted soul as he desperately tries to grasp his new reality.

Amidst the turmoil of the zombie outbreak, Akira finds his zest for life renewed. He seizes this burst of energy to tackle everything left on his bucket list, determined to make the most of his days before he, too, might fall victim to the undead.

Debuting in 2006, 'Higurashi no Naku Koro ni' remains a true classic among horror anime, known for its chilling and immersive storytelling. The series follows Maebara Keiichi, a boy who recently moves to a secluded village just as summer begins.

Keiichi quickly bonds with his new friends and adjusts to village life. As the local festival approaches, the community comes together in a spirit of celebration and camaraderie; however, for Keiichi, this season marks the onset of something far more sinister.

What begins as an ordinary summer turns into a harrowing nightmare for him—one that will haunt both the characters and viewers alike. Get ready to experience a blend of terror and captivating mystery as you dive into this unforgettable series.

"Devilman Crybaby" plunges straight into horror as Akira Fudo uncovers a worldwide conspiracy hiding the existence of demons from the public. Akira’s childhood friend, Ryo Asuka, reveals this truth after witnessing chilling secret events firsthand.

Soon, a violent incident in an underground club thrusts Akira into a brutal new reality, confirming that monsters lurk closer than anyone suspects. The city of Tokyo is quickly engulfed in chaos as demons, shocking murders, and hidden government secrets unfold in terrifying fashion. As Akira transforms into the powerful Devilman, Ryo prepares to share a devastating revelation that will forever change their bond.

This anime delivers relentless thrills, exploring intense Heaven-versus-Hell themes while offering memorable character arcs. Its bold storytelling and atmospheric visuals make it a must-watch for any horror anime fan.

When Teiichi Niiya enrolls at Seikyou Private Academy, he has no idea that he's about to become entangled in a chilling series of mysterious events. In "Dusk Maiden of Amnesia," Teiichi quickly finds himself navigating the labyrinthine halls of his new school, where secrets linger in every corner.

Before long, he meets Yuuko Kanoe, a mysterious girl who reveals herself to be a ghost with no recollection of her past. Faced with seven enigmatic mysteries haunting the academy, Teiichi takes on the role of investigator, determined to help Yuuko uncover the truth and find peace.

Along the way, other troubled students emerge, deepening the atmosphere of suspense and horror. Their stories interweave, adding layers of tension and intrigue that make this anime a truly captivating experience for fans of supernatural horror.

When the anime adaptation of this manga debuted in 2014, it quickly captivated horror anime enthusiasts everywhere. The story introduces Ken Kaneki, an ordinary college student longing for a connection with a mysterious girl named Rize Kamishiro. However, his pursuit leads him into the hidden world of ghouls, creatures who covertly inhabit his city.

After a near-fatal encounter with Rize, Ken awakens to discover he is now a half-ghoul, having received an organ transplant from her to save his life. Struggling with his new identity, Ken must navigate the dangerous divide between human and ghoul, central to the "Tokyo Ghoul" anime's gripping narrative.

At the café 'Anteiku', Ken is mentored by fellow ghouls who reveal the dark and violent nature of their existence. He soon realizes he doesn't fully belong in either world, and the burden of concealing his secret from his best friend Hideyoshi Nagachika weighs heavily on him. The series has also inspired both a prequel and a sequel, each expanding on its haunting characters and intricate plots.

Originally an acclaimed Japanese novel, "Shiki" was adapted into a suspenseful anime series spanning twenty-two episodes and two OVAs. Set in 1994, the chilling story unfolds in Sotoba village, where a series of mysterious deaths begin to unsettle the tight-knit community just as a new family arrives at the enigmatic Kanemasa mansion.

The strangeness escalates when Megumi Shimizu, who visits the family's mansion on the hill, vanishes and is found dead under harrowing circumstances. Dr. Toshio Ozaki, the village's only physician, suspects a deadly epidemic is sweeping through Sotoba, linking the unusual deaths together.

However, the horrifying truth emerges as villagers discover that 'Shiki'—vampires—are behind the bloodshed. Accusations soon fall on Natsuno Yuuki, a member of the new family, igniting a sinister conflict that lies at the heart of "Shiki's" dark and gripping tale.

Taniyama Mai and her friends share a love for ghost stories, often gathering at school to swap spooky tales. Their curiosity soon leads them to the abandoned building on campus, a place shrouded in chilling rumors and tales of hauntings.

During one such discussion, their conversation is unexpectedly interrupted by Shibuya Kazuya, a teenage boy who heads the Shibuya Psychic Research Company. Invited by the school principal, Shibuya is tasked with investigating the supernatural claims surrounding the mysterious building.

When Mai later spots a camera inside the abandoned structure, curiosity gets the better of her and she decides to investigate. This results in a mishap where Shibuya's assistant is injured and the camera is damaged. To make amends, Mai is asked to take over the assistant’s role.

Suddenly, Mai finds herself thrust into the heart of real ghost hunts and encounters with the occult, experiencing horrors far beyond the ghost stories she once found thrilling.

At first glance, 'School-Live' may not appear to be terrifying, but as you delve into the series, it quickly becomes clear why it deserves a place on our list. The story centers on Yuki Takeya, a girl who is passionately devoted to her school—almost to an extreme degree.

Yuki wishes to remain at her school forever, cherishing every moment with her friends. However, as the narrative unfolds, viewers come to suspect that this joyful school life may not be as real as it seems. The vibrant world Yuki loves might actually be an illusion.

The happiness she experiences could be masking a much darker reality, blurring the line between dream and nightmare. Are her surroundings truly as perfect as she believes? There’s only one way to discover the truth: by watching this unforgettable anime.

The best adaptations come from the manga. The original manga source for the “Monster” anime gave fans plenty to look forward to in the series. The anime also shines the spotlight on Dr. Kenzo Tenma and his insistence on treating all patients at Eisler Memorial Hospital without any political bias.

When fraternal twins Johan and Anna Liebert come in, following a grisly scenario, Kenzo pounces on the chance to make change happen. He refuses to treat the injured mayor and addresses the children instead. One thing leads to another, and the good doctor finds himself in the middle of an investigation.

The children have gone missing from the hospital, leaving a trail of death behind. A decade later, the doctor finds himself once again on the trail of mystery and horror via a man named Adolf Junkers. It leads him to the realization that the kids were part of a secret government soldier program that used psychological re-programming and bio-sciences to create ‘monsters’. Eugenics, atrocious experimentation, and frightful conspiracies abound in this anime.

The show may be set in the year 2005, but the chills and creeps are still relevant today. It uses an American airbase called Kadena on Okinawa Island to set the foundation for a series of unnerving events. Saya Otonashi is an adopted girl.

She experiences several amnesiac moments that are not beneficial to her. When a hematophagous bat monster, a ‘Chiropteran’, attacks her Saya soon learns that her blood has a ‘certain something’ that annihilates the creatures. Along with Haji and her trusty katana, Saya grows into a formidable force for good in the “Blood+” anime.

While fighting Chiropterans on one side, she also harbours plans to learn of her true identity, which places her roots squarely in the mid-19th century. The series sees Saya going to various world locations: Japan, Vietnam, Russia, France, and the United States.

‘Hell Correspondence’ happens to be a strange website only accessible by night, and open only to select pre-chosen individuals. The criteria are simple: you need only harbour a grudge strong enough to grant you access. Upon gaining entry, you merely enter the name of the person on whom you have a burning grudge and rest assured they’ll promptly be dragged to Hell.

To Ai Enma, whoever reaches Hell in this manner may or may not be guilty of what someone thinks of them. She doesn’t care. Hell Girl must deliver punishment to everyone she encounters. Accompanying this enigmatic figure in her gruesome goals are three straw dolls.

One glaring caveat stands strong in the “Jigoku Shoujo” anime. Whoever typed the name that sent someone down to Hell will spend an eternity in the fiery pits once they die.

Although this one is new in the market, it managed to grab a lot of attention from fans all around the globe. This is Mieruko-chan. The show tells us about a girl named Miko Yotsuya who has been cursed with the ability to see Ghosts.

And these disturbing Ghosts are not going to leave her at any cost. She can see all of them and trust me when I say this, they are all horrible. However, she decides to ignore their existence and continue living her school life.

But being able to ignore actual ghosts requires a lot of courage. And so, this journey of Miko is going to be a very painful one. This anime blends comedy and horror so well. And that's the reason why it got so much attention so quickly.

Originally a manga, the super-popular anime “Hellsing” aired in 2001 and remains one of the most reputed horror anime series of all time. Its title refers to an organization, which happens to be an offshoot of the Royal Order of Protestant Knights.

This Order was initially captained by the legendary Abraham Van Helsing. The anti-vampire plotline in this anime is as bloody as it is deep. The story veritably pits the Hellsing organization’s heirs, members, and allies against hordes of undead who want nothing better than to take over yesteryear England.

Alucard, a powerful vampire, and an ally join the fight. Teaming up with them is Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing. This young woman has seen too much darkness in her life to quit the melee now. Nazi Germany's machinations and war crimes (dramatized to an extent) are given good focus in the story.

This twist adds to the vampiric perils prevalent in the show. Betrayals, horrors, and action-driven thrills define the "Hellsing" anime series.

The anime version of this super-creepy manga aired as recently as 2016 and lives up to the source material’s paranormal overtones. The “Ajin: Demi-Human” anime has Nagai Kei experiencing a near-fatal accident, but one that lets him discover that he is in truth an ‘Ajin’.

Learning about his super-regenerative powers and near-immortal genes is only the tip of the horror berg. Nagai also discovers a dark skill, he can manifest ‘Black ghosts’. These combat-crazed entities and other Ajin serve to enhance the show’s plotline and take it into dark storytelling depths.

Governments and normal people are ever defending against the growing Ajin threat. Neither side is completely innocent, adding to the complex emotions and reactions that pervade this scary series. Experimentation, ruthless abuse of Ajin, and bloody murders are just some of the things fans have come to expect from this excellent show.

Japanese supernaturalism reigns supreme in the “Another” anime. Middle-schooler Koichi Sakakibara is dragged into a horrifying series of events. A strange girl, Mei Misaki, is responsible for pulling him into circumstances that ensure the meaningless deaths of his classmates. Random people and students alike are connected to the dark events that unravel in this intense anime that comprises twelve episodes and an OVA.

The title says it well, it is a classic indeed, and one worth mentioning on this list of horror anime. This series covers three vintage Japanese horror stories. The tale of “Yotsuya Kaidan” sees a woman betrayed by her husband, setting her on a vengeful path, and death is no deterrent to her rage.

The story “Tenshu Monogatari” portrays a forbidden love affair between a man and a goddess. And ‘Pet Cemetery’ fans take note, the last tale in this lineup is “Bakeneko”, which features a cat-monster whore ire against a certain family going to extreme lengths.

This series begins in earnest when a virus (not the one that caused the ongoing never-ending pandemic J) transforms people into un-dead corpses or ‘Kabane’. The “Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress” anime takes viewers into a fictional ‘Industrial Revolution’ setting.

The only way for the survivors of the affliction to outlive those who didn’t is to rid their targets of an iron-layered golden heart that glows within their corpse bodies. Even decapitation works if successfully performed. Steam-pressure guns and melee weapons seem of little use in this fight to survive.

People seek safety within fortress cities as they sustain supernatural battles. Fortified steam-driven locomotives are responsible for supply distribution. Ikoma and his ‘piercing gun’ invention are soon tested when an accident pits people in one of these fortresses against a serious kabana threat.

Ikoma, though coming out a survivor, gradually becomes a kabana-human hybrid following his infection during the melee. He is what they call a ‘Kabaneri’, and he joins forces with sundry characters to fight the mindless monsters on their turf in this remarkable Steampunk-ish horror series.

The story of Sankarea is for those who love to enjoy a blend of nature. And you will see why I am saying this in a minute. So yeah, Sankarea talks about Chihiro who wishes to have a Zombie girlfriend.

Weird, I know but he wished to have her. Now one day, Chihiro's cat ends up in an accident and is found to be dead. Intending to revive it, Chihiro makes a reviving potion. And in the process, he comes across a girl who wanted to end her life because of all the troubles she was facing named Rae.

Now, this is where the fun begins, Rae accidentally drinks the potion that was made to revive Chihiro's cat. However, instead of dying from it, she turned into a Zombie. And let's just say that things take some interesting turns after that.

Fantasy and Horror both merge beautifully in this series that features ‘Diclonius’, a new type of mutated human being. Their dark gifts include invisible telekinetic arms called ‘Vectors’ and horns to distinguish them from normal people, with whom they share several physical similarities.

Lucy is one such mutant who manages to escape the locked-down facility where she was held and studied. During her dash to freedom, she receives a head injury that leads to the creation of a split personality. One part of Lucy remains a killer while the other becomes a child-like person called ‘Nyu’.

Kouta and his cousin Yuka are average people who discover Lucy and take her in. The ‘Special Assault Team’ who think Lucy is their property, in more ways than one, attempts to reclaim her from the boys. Other Diclonius entities are sent along with them to ensure a successful retrieval. Brutal and captivating moments soon unfold in the “Elfen Lied” anime.

When grisly killings haunt a city, things can get justifiably panicky. After a long time, rumours of one such event arise again, causing the people in the “Boogiepop Phantom” anime to grow fearful and distrustful. The killer in question is Boogiepop – Meet her one night and you are taken, or so goes the rumour.

In the modern world, there seems to be no room for urban legends like Boogiepop. People use her stories in jokes. But growing evidence comes to the fore that something is not right in the city, and it has all the makings of Boogiepop preternaturalism.

A super-hit manga, the anime version of “Corpse Princess” aired in 2008 and followed in its originator’s successful footsteps. Makina Hoshimura is the titular ‘Corpse Princess. To earn her entry into heaven, this undead girl seeks out 108 other undead and hunts them down – specifically, the Shikabane (plural) called ‘Seven Stars.

A secret sect (Kōgon Sect) of Buddhist monks (Keisei Tagami, in particular) aid her in what they consider a noble endeavor. Makina and her family were victims of murder, adding to her motivation to get rid of the undead and save others from meeting a similar fate.

The way she wields dual MAC-11 submachine guns adds to her appeal as a character in a horror series.

What started as mystery novels were adapted into manga, which in turn inspired an anime adaptation in 2010. Key characters like Haruka Ozawa and Yakumo Saito take centre focus in the “Psychic Detective Yakumo” show, along with several other notable characters.

Born with a red-hued left eye that lets him see spirits and ghosts, the aloof Yakumo Saitou makes for an interesting character indeed. His intentions are good, meaning Yakumo only uses his powers to help spirits find peace and move on.

Another student from the same college he attends entails Yakumo’s aid. Haruka Ozawa and he face a demon possession scenario that inspires the two of them to seek out more such cases and incidents, and go about resolving them with due diligence.

At Hope’s Peak Academy, only the cream of the crop is allowed to enrol. Based on their skills and talents, each student is granted their title. Fifteen new students have joined the alumni this year, one of whom is Makoto Naegi. Having entered on pure chance, he is given the title ‘Super High School-Level Luck.

What starts as excitement and gladness at being part of this reputed academy fades into sentiments of horror. Principal Monokuma confronts the new students, traps them inside the school, and demands that they kill one of their own without anyone else knowing.

That’s the only way they will all get to escape let alone graduate. If the crime is discovered, the sloppy killer is promised a death sentence. The idea of this macabre match is to leave just one graduate standing.

A pet shop in Chinatown owned by a ‘Count D’… It sounds creepy already. He caters to potential pet owners who are in the market for something rare and difficult to obtain. Count D’s services are satisfying enough to make these people enter into a strange contract with him.

He stipulates a set of rules to go with each contract. All those who obey said rules don’t see anything uneventful happen. But those who break them, either intentionally or accidentally, end up discovering that they weren’t as lucky as they assumed they were.

As unexplained deaths swell, homicide detective Leon Orcot rises to resolve the growing caseload. Before long, he connects all the victims to Count D’s pet shop. That’s when things get truly horrifying in the “Petshop of Horrors” anime.

This anime can send shivers through your spine. This is because it counters the most sought-after power in the world, immortality! The series talks about Rin Asougi, an immortal detective who has a long list of haters. And these haters don't want to see her in pain only.

They want to see her die, nothing less than that is acceptable to them. Rin has faced multiple occurrences of death throughout her life. However, every time she gets back as if nothing happened. But things start to change when Rin meets a guy named Kouki.

And Kouki will allow Rin to get closer to her real enemy. The enemy that was always the cause of her suffering. Mnemosyne is a short and sweet horror anime that anyone and everyone should give at least 1 watch. Especially if you are into Girls' Love!

A prison used for entertainment where the ‘performers’ are the prisoners in it… So far so insane. This manga-adapted anime is a thrill-fest for horror fans. In the “Deadman Wonderland” anime, plenty of perfectly placed backstories progress the narrative. The character focus is on Ganta Igarashi, a student who goes with his class to see the prison only to witness the ‘Red Man’ massacring them all, except for him.

Blame is placed on the boy thanks to a red crystal that the killer placed on his chest. Ganta is incarcerated in the same prison where he has to find a way to play the ‘games’ and survive. Meanwhile, he also has to root out the Red Man, get his questions answered, and hopefully find a way to use the killer to prove his innocence. Deadly challenges, a fatalistic prisoner collar, supernaturalism, gladiatorial gang wars, and bloody horrors abound in this morbidly spectacular show.

Yamaoka Momosuke grows bored of writing riddles for kids. He decides to gather terrifying tales into an anthology worth reading. The title of his new book is Hyakumonogatari, or ‘One Hundred Tales’. During his research, he encounters a strange trio called ‘Ongyou’.

Essentially, detectives, these three individuals are busy trying to root out the truths behind various myths. In doing so, they hope to impart justice to those in the wrong. Every time Yamaoka encounters the Ongyou, he is left fighting an inner battle where his morality is tested by the sharp blades of Truth.

He is, after all, seeing things that are forbidden.

Another manga favourite, the “Highschool of the Dead” anime witnesses a pandemic (not the one that originated in Wuhan J) that transforms everyone (by that we mean everyone in Japan J) into zombies. The core characters in the series often call the un-dead ‘Them’.

Several high schoolers and the school nurse attempt to survive the aftermath of the ‘Outbreak’. Society is collapsing around them, adding to the horrors (real as well as fictional) that abound in this series. Morality itself is tested or rather exposed for the lie it always was in human society.

The true horror in this series seems to be its pregnant sub-text, which hints that people are worse than mindless murderous zombies. But Humanity is redeemed through the show’s main characters, who shed ample light on the power of unity and hope.

When Tatsuma Hiyuu transfers to Magami Academy, he feels like a fish out of water. His martial arts prowess and ‘outside’ status only land him one friend: Kyouichi Houraiji, the one delinquent in class. Circumstances gradually bloom for Tatsuma when he befriends: wrestling club member Yuuya Daigo Student Council President Aoi Misato and the Girls’ Archery Club Captain Komaki Sakurai.

When the five of them encounter Hisui Kisaragi (who maintains his family’s antique store and is the young heir to the Kisaragi Clan), they learn that a great disruption took place in the ‘Ryumyaku’ (Dragon Pulse / Dragon Stream / Dragon Vein).

It awakened a supernatural force inside each of the five characters. They decide to use their newfound powers to defeat Oni (demons) that have been ravaging Tokyo. The Ryumyaku was awoken by force, meaning Dark Arts were involved in the five characters gaining their powers at all.

The main characters in the “Tokyo Majin” anime need to get to the truth of things before whoever is working from the shadows fulfils their goals. Along the way, all five also have the ‘Stars of Fate’ to contend with, which could reveal their true destinies.

Also called ‘Satsuriku no Tenshi’, this popular manga-adapted anime contains key horror and paranormal tropes in its rich narrative. When a teenage girl named Rachel wakes up not realizing where or who she is, the story picks up the pace with her trying to escape the strange building in which she finds herself.

Before long, she understands that several different people and entities are out to kill her before she can make good her escape. She encounters one such murderous soul in Zack who at first attempts to end her life but then joins her in planning a joint escape.

Horror and Action merge beautifully in the well-paced “Angels of Death” anime.

The “Terra Formars” anime contains 21st-century characters who aim to colonize the planet Mars. Strangely, though not too far-fetched, some of the show’s core characters had previously sent algae and cockroaches to the Red Planet, mainly to check if such tough survivor species could establish a life there.

The narrative gradually flows into the 26th century, and the roaches have long since shown an incredible ability to survive the surface conditions of Mars. Having adapted and evolved into bizarre creatures called Terra Formars, the new humanoid roach species prove to be impressively intelligent.

Also around this time, Earth is beset with the Alien Engine Virus. The cure, according to some characters in the series, is most probably on Mars. That's also where the contagion was said to have originated in the first place.

Annex I Team is dispatched to the Red Planet. The team comprises genetically enhanced (with the help of powerful animal genes) human beings. As anime series go, “Terra Formars” is an exceptional blend of fantasy, adventure, and horror. It also doesn't shy to venture into some dark storytelling corners.

You die, go into the afterlife, find yourself in a strange setting, and with an even stranger black sphere sharing space with you. The original manga was suffused with futurism, aliens, and weapons galore. Its anime adaptation is not that different.

In the “Gantz” anime, the core characters are left fighting robot monsters and green aliens in an after-death campaign to survive. High schoolers Kei Kurono and Masaru Kato save a homeless drunk man from a potentially bloody train accident. The two of them die in the process and are promptly ferried into an afterlife filled with spine-tingling challenges.

A character named Joichiro Nishi encounters and educates Masaru and Kei on their new state of being. In the room they find themselves in is a large sphere called ‘Gantz’, from where the show gets its name. One thing leads to another and the two of them are plunged into a world of points-based alien-killing game-like scenarios that are as deadly as they are mysterious.

Horrific and violent themes pervade this series, which is not for the faint-hearted. Dark scenarios and even darker life concepts play their crucial roles in this amazing anime known for its supremely bold narrative.

From the very popular "When they cry" series comes this next anime, Umineko When They Cry. This anime focuses on a royal family who is going to have a discussion about their wealth on an island. However, on this island, things won't go as they are planning them to.

First up, the head is unhealthy so his inheritance is a subject of discussion. Secondly, the family is about to face a violent typhoon that will hit the island and begin a brawl between all members of the family. And therefore, they are going to experience some of the most horrifying scenes of their life.

And luckily, you are going to do so as well. So if you are planning to watch Umineko, make sure that you do so with courage. Or else, things won't be looking great for you.

Originally titled Tenkuu Shinpan, this anime boasts some of the craziest horror-worthy elements in the genre. It begins with the main character Yuri Honjou encountering an assailant who just finished killing a man by cracking his head open with an axe. She is presently in an abandoned building when the chiling incident takes place.

Her attempts to escape are soon foiled when she realizes that every door in the building is locked, and bizarrely so. The teenager finally makes it to the roof, but all she sees for miles around is a lifeless world.

Terrified and surrounded by endless sights of forlorn high-rises, Yuri gives in to despair. She soon learns that her brother is also entangled in this paranormal mess. This stokes a fire of determination inside her to find him no matter what it takes.

Unfortunately, several masked killers oppose her in the “High-Rise Invasion” anime plotline. Each one of them is looking for ways to satisfy their sick and twisted desires, leaving Yuri in quite the horrifying predicament.

Okay, so after reading the title, you might think that THIS can't be a horror anime. I mean, it says "Happy Sugar Life"! How can something like THAT be horrifying? Well, allow me to tell you the synopsis. The series talks about a girl named Satou who falls in love with another girl named Shio.

Now on the surface, this might seem like a simple Girls' Love premise. Which it is. However, what adds the horror element to this narrative is its execution. Just wait and see the limits to which Satou goes to protect her loved one.

I will warn you, it's not as pleasant as you are expecting it to be.

A supernatural romance novel, a manga, and finally an anime, “Kurozuka” tracks the life and times of Minamoto no Yoshitsune, aka ‘Kurou’. This man lives in the 12th century and has recently lost a fight with Japan’s first Shogun ruler, who also happens to be his brother Minamoto no Yoritomo.

Whereas history says the man took his own life, the truth is he found a woman as mysterious as she is beautiful. Kuromitsu resides in her mountain home and she eventually wins Kurou’s love. The woman, however, harbours a dark secret.

She has somehow made Kurou immortal, leaving him to witness more than a thousand years as Japan steadily evolves into its modern destiny. The show is equal parts adventure, action, fantasy, and horror, and makes for fine viewing.

A bestselling manga series, it justifiably earned its place in the realm of anime in 2007. In the narrative that pervades the “Zombie-Loan” anime, it is not uncommon to find philosophical connections to death and un-death. In possession of ‘Shinigami Eyes’, the main character Michiru Kita serves as a signifier for how close someone is to dying.

A color-changing ring adds to the unique animation concept that prevails in this series. When the girl sees two of her classmates – the boys Chika Akatsuki and Shito Tachibana – defying death, she soon learns that they forged a ‘Zombie Loan’.

This obligates the boys to hunt down any undead and thus repay their debt. Plenty of action, deal-making, negotiations, and morality counters abound in this interesting yet scary anime. The portions that detail Akashic Records are truly captivating. Those scenes that involve the ‘Ferryman’ are frightfully fantastic.

Season one of the “Gregory Horror Show” anime comprises 25 tales that revolve around a businessman who takes a train from work and arrives at a hotel at the end of his trip. The owner of this hotel is quite strange.

It is an old mouse who goes by the name of Gregory. Some of the weirdest circumstances unfold as the man accepts the mouse’s invitation to stay only to end up desperately trying to escape the hotel, which has become a prison of horrors.

There are various instalments under the broad banner of this anime, all of them worth watching.

Monsters promise a fatal death no matter if it is day or night. The reason why nobody can stop these creatures is that nobody knows anything about them. The only thing the characters of the “Ito Junji Collection” anime can do is their best to stay alive.

The show lives up to its name and contains a collection of varied tales that expose the viewer to some truly horrific stories. These tales include a slug that grows inside the mouth of a girl a spirit at a mist-filled crossroads offering advice of cursed nature nightmares that span decades and take the victim quite deep a jade carving whose curse tears holes in the bodies of its victims… You’re probably starting to see just how insanely horror-centric this show is.

Saya Kisaragi holds the lofty position of being a ‘shrine maiden’. In the “Blood C” anime, this skilled swordswoman roves about eliminating ‘Elder Bairns’ with the blessing of her father. These Bairns are creatures unrelentingly searching for human blood, and they can ‘inhabit’ objects while they hunt people.

When nearly everyone she loves falls victim to these creatures, the narrative twists Saya’s arc into one of desperate intensity. She learns a frightful truth about herself that further upsets her aims to rid the world of Bairns. The creatures have their reasons why they hunt people and are not as mindless as they seem.

A certain ‘Shrovetide Covenant’ is involved. Dark and horrific truths blend seamlessly with an unforgettable plotline in this remarkable series.

Prepare yourself for battle! Because this anime is going to offer you the fights that you want. The series talks about Aya Asagiri, a girl who was bullied by her classmates and abused by her brother. Her life was nothing but hell on Earth.

However, once she got engaged with a Magical Girl Site, she experienced something very strange. She realizes that this website lets people have magical powers and she has become one of those who do. Plus, the worst part is that a competition called The Tempest has begun and now she must survive this competition with her magical powers.

Just like Madoka Magica, this anime is another work that you shouldn't dismiss just because it's a magical girl's show. In reality, it has so much more to offer.

A manga-made anime, the “Tokko” series that aired in 2006 sheds a fresh perspective on the horror anime genre. An investigative organization called ‘Tokko’ sees the character Ranmaru Shindo joining it, specifically its ‘Special Mobile Investigation Force. When a girl who appears often in his dreams comes into his view in real life, Ranmaru certainly wishes to know more.

He discovers that she too is part of Tokko, only she works in the ‘Special Public Safety Task Force. The boy’s parents were brutally murdered, a personal matter that he aims to resolve – the reason Ranmaru even joined the Tokko in the first place.

With the girl Sakura Rokujo’s help, he uncovers some dark truths that don’t sit well with his soul. Plenty of emotional and shocking moments pervade this series, which contains a flair for horror drama like few other anime can boast.

When it first aired in 2013, "Corpse Party" was the talk of Anime-town. People started looking at the series like it were the "Elfen Lied" of that generation. However, soon enough, fans realized the difference between the two shows. This series portrays nine students who perform a ritual, by way of a prayer, to honour their late friend.

However, in the process, they end up being trapped in another dimension. The new location looks like it might have been the foundation of their school. In this realm, filled with pain and suffering, all nine students strive to find ways to survive and make it out in one piece.

However, that's easier said than done, because of how routine deaths and gruesome murders are in this dimension. Their journey thus transforms into a terrifying ordeal, one that can leave deep scars in the hearts of viewers.

This title translates into ‘Horror News’, and certainly lives up to that meaning. A first-year student at Ishido Middle School, Rei Kigata cannot remember a single instance when he believed in the paranormal. All that changes when an enigmatic newspaper by the name of ‘Horror News’ is delivered to his room in an equally mysterious fashion.

It is midnight and the boy’s sleeping, adding to his anxiety. Curious and nerve-racked, Rei reads the paper only to discover an entry that details one of his teachers dying from a car accident. It also mentions the boy being a witness to the whole thing.

The next day, events unfold precisely as the paper ‘foretold’ in the “Kyoufu Shinbun” anime. From that day onwards, a new edition of Horror News is delivered to Rei’s room, leaving the boy in the terrifying position of knowing bad news that he cannot possibly evade or prevent.

Oh and every time Rei opens the paper, his total lifespan is reduced by a hundred days (!).

Kirie Goshima is a normal person residing in Kurouzu-Cho town. She’s expecting her boyfriend (Shuuichi Saito) and goes to meet him at the train station. Along the way, Kirie spots the boy’s father in an alley staring at a snail shell.

When she brings it up with Shuuichi, the boy informs her that his dad has indeed been acting rather strange lately. He goes on to share that Kurouzu-Cho is ‘infected with spirals’, and he wants nothing better than to leave town with Kirie.

The spiral-shell-snail moment gradually twists the narrative in the “Uzumaki” anime. Inexplicable events unfold that seem to drive the town’s residents into a spiral of madness. This is just the tip of the horror berg that unravels in this show.

‘Nanaki Village’ is an urban legend, but that does not stop a bunch of people from getting into a bus together to go find it. This place is said to be a utopia, and each of the eccentric characters who have chosen to go there is desirous to claim a slice of that life.

The “Mayoiga” anime starts along such simple lines but the narrative is soon propelled into metaphysical depths. Talk ensues among the travellers as to why the police have failed to pin down the exact location of Nanaki Village, let alone how it doesn’t exist on any map.

Multiple mishaps later, the group arrives at the ‘enchanted’ location only to observe that it has been subjected to terrible disrepair and consequent abandonment. Secrets come to light, and some members of the group go missing. Bloody marks in the forest made from what appears to claw are also discovered.

The people give in to mistrust and fear as they gradually realize that Nanaki Village might be the exact opposite of what its legend promised.

When Kanazawa Nobuaki is transferred to an unfamiliar far-away school, all he can think about is trying to keep the incident that happened in his previous school from getting out at his new one. In the “King’s Game” anime, suspense and supernaturalism go hand in hand.

A sports day inter-class relay event sees Kanazawa having little choice but to get closer to his classmates, and others. Around this time, a mysterious person calling himself ‘King’ sends simultaneous text messages to everyone at the new school. While everyone is busy assuming a prank is unfolding, only Kanazawa realizes that history is repeating itself.

He prepares to be dragged into another ‘death game’, but not before trying his best to stop it from happening at all. Plenty of creeps and thrills in this show.

The series talks about siblings named Utsutsu and Yume who were abandoned by their parents and left all alone. In their suffering, they come across red butterflies which give them a completely new life. The life that will start with Cannibalism.

A virus named Pupa is emerging and it causes people to turn into flesh-eating monsters. Yume has turned into one while Utsutsu is only partially turned into a Monster. Now Utsutsu has to try his level best to make sure that Yume doesn't go on a rampage and seek to kill everyone she witnesses. And that is what this anime is all about.