Hey there, fellow anime fans! Are you in the mood for some spine-tingling, hair-raising animated goodness? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re diving deep into the world of horror anime to bring you the absolute cream of the crop – the 28 best horror anime series that are guaranteed to keep you up at night (in the best way possible, of course).
Now, I know what you might be thinking – “Anime? Horror? Do those two things even go together?” And let me tell you, they absolutely do! While anime might be best known for its colorful characters and over-the-top action scenes, the medium has also produced some truly terrifying and unsettling works over the years. From psychological thrillers to gore-fests, there’s a horror anime out there for every type of scare-seeker.
So, grab your favorite blanket to hide under, maybe leave a light on, and let’s explore these 28 amazing horror anime series that will have you checking under your bed before you go to sleep. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
1. Death Note
Release Year: 2006
Episodes: 37
IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
Let’s kick things off with a true classic of the genre – Death Note. Now, you might be wondering, “How scary can a show about a notebook be?” Well, let me tell you, this isn’t your average diary we’re talking about here.
Death Note follows Light Yagami, a high school student who stumbles upon a mysterious notebook with the power to kill anyone whose name is written in it. As Light begins using the Death Note to rid the world of criminals, he attracts the attention of L, a brilliant detective determined to uncover the identity of the mysterious killer known as “Kira.”
What makes Death Note so terrifying isn’t jump scares or gore (though there’s certainly some of that). It’s the psychological cat-and-mouse game between Light and L, and the way the show forces us to confront some pretty heavy moral questions. How far would you go to create your idea of a perfect world? At what point does “justice” become murder?
If you’re looking for a horror anime that will make you think as much as it scares you, Death Note is an absolute must-watch.
2. Tokyo Ghoul
Release Year: 2014
Episodes: 12 (Season 1)
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Next up on our list is Tokyo Ghoul, a series that takes the idea of “you are what you eat” to some pretty disturbing extremes.
Set in an alternate version of Tokyo where flesh-eating ghouls live among humans in secret, Tokyo Ghoul follows Ken Kaneki, a college student who survives a ghoul attack and becomes a half-ghoul himself. Suddenly thrust into a dark and violent world he never knew existed, Kaneki must learn to balance his human life with his new ghoulish appetite.
What really sets Tokyo Ghoul apart is its visceral, often gruesome depiction of the ghouls and their feeding habits. The show doesn’t shy away from the gore, so if you’re squeamish, consider yourself warned! But beyond the blood and guts, Tokyo Ghoul also explores some pretty heavy themes like identity, discrimination, and what it truly means to be “human.”
If you’re in the mood for a horror anime with a bit more action and a healthy dose of body horror, Tokyo Ghoul should definitely be on your watchlist.
3. Another
Release Year: 2012
Episodes: 12
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Set in the small town of Yomiyama, Another follows transfer student Kouichi Sakakibara as he joins Class 3-3 at North Yomi Middle School. But there’s something… off about his new class. His classmates are secretive and on edge, and there’s a mysterious, eyepatch-wearing girl named Mei Misaki that no one else seems to acknowledge.
As Kouichi digs deeper, he uncovers a terrifying curse that has plagued Class 3-3 for decades, causing gruesome deaths among students and their immediate family members.
What makes Another so effective as a horror anime is its masterful build-up of tension and atmosphere. The show takes its time, slowly ratcheting up the dread until you’re on the edge of your seat, waiting for the other shoe to drop. And when it does… let’s just say the payoff is worth the wait.
If you’re a fan of Final Destination-style deaths and love a good mystery, Another is the horror anime for you. Just maybe don’t watch it right before heading to school or work – you might find yourself getting a bit paranoid!
4. Higurashi When They Cry
Release Year: 2006
Episodes: 26 (Season 1)
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Set in the seemingly peaceful rural village of Hinamizawa in 1983, Higurashi follows Keiichi Maebara, a boy who’s just moved to town. At first, everything seems idyllic – he makes friends quickly and enjoys village life. But as the annual Watanagashi Festival approaches, Keiichi starts to uncover dark secrets about Hinamizawa and his new friends.
What sets Higurashi apart from other horror anime is its unique structure. The story is told in several arcs, each presenting a different version of events. It’s like a terrifying puzzle that you have to piece together, with each arc revealing new information and raising new questions. The show does an amazing job of building tension and paranoia. One minute, you’re watching cute slice-of-life scenes with Keiichi and his friends.
So, if you’re up for a psychological horror that’ll mess with your head in the best way possible, give Higurashi When They Cry a shot. Just maybe leave the lights on while you’re watching.
5. Parasyte -the maxim-
Release Year: 2014
Episodes: 24
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
One night, worm-like aliens called Parasytes invade Earth, taking over the brains of human hosts. When a Parasyte attempts to take over Shinichi, it fails and ends up in his right hand instead. Now, Shinichi must coexist with the alien (which he names Migi) while fighting off other Parasytes who see him as a threat.
What makes Parasyte such a great horror anime is how it balances genuinely creepy and disturbing moments with thoughtful exploration of what it means to be human. The Parasytes’ ability to shape-shift leads to some truly unsettling body horror, and the fight scenes are intense and often gory.
But beyond the scares, Parasyte also delves into some pretty deep philosophical territory. As Shinichi’s bond with Migi grows, we’re forced to question the line between human and monster. If you’re in the mood for a horror anime that’ll make you think as much as it grosses you out, Parasyte -the maxim- is definitely worth a watch.
6. Elfen Lied
Release Year: 2004
Episodes: 13
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
The story follows Lucy, a genetically altered human known as a Diclonius, who possesses invisible telekinetic arms called “vectors” that can slice through pretty much anything. After escaping from a research facility, Lucy is shot in the head, developing a split personality. She’s found by two cousins, Kouta and Yuka, who take her in, unaware of her true nature.
But beneath all the gore, Elfen Lied tells a deeply emotional story about discrimination, the nature of humanity, and the effects of abuse and isolation. Lucy’s backstory is particularly heartbreaking, and the show doesn’t shy away from exploring some pretty heavy themes.
If you’re looking for a horror anime that’s not afraid to push boundaries and doesn’t pull any punches, Elfen Lied is a must-watch. Just maybe keep a box of tissues nearby – for the blood and the tears.
7. Shiki
Release Year: 2010
Episodes: 22
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Set in the isolated village of Sotoba, Shiki follows the locals as they deal with a series of mysterious deaths. As more and more villagers succumb to a strange epidemic, young doctor Toshio Ozaki begins to suspect that something supernatural might be at play.
What sets Shiki apart from other vampire stories is its slow-burn approach to horror. The show takes its time building up the mystery and tension, allowing us to really get to know the villagers before all hell breaks loose. And when it does… hoo boy, it’s intense.
The show does an excellent job of blurring the lines between good and evil. As the conflict between the humans and the Shiki (risen corpses, essentially vampires) escalates, you’ll find yourself questioning who the real monsters are.
So, if you’re in the mood for a vampire story with a twist and don’t mind a slower pace, give Shiki a shot. Just maybe don’t watch it alone in a remote village.
8. Hellsing Ultimate
Release Year: 2006-2012
Episodes: 10 OVAs
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
The series follows the Hellsing Organization, a secret society dedicated to protecting England from supernatural threats. Led by Integra Hellsing, the organization’s trump card is Alucard, an incredibly powerful vampire who fights on their behalf.
Now, when I say Alucard is powerful, I mean he’s ridiculously overpowered. This guy makes other vampires look like mosquitoes. Watching him tear through enemies is both terrifying and oddly satisfying.
What sets Hellsing Ultimate apart from its TV series predecessor (and many other horror anime) is its no-holds-barred approach to violence and gore. This show is not for the squeamish. The fight scenes are brutal, bloody, and beautifully animated.
If you’re looking for a horror anime that’s equal parts action-packed and unsettling, with a healthy dose of dark humor thrown in, Hellsing Ultimate is the way to go.
9. Corpse Party: Tortured Souls
Release Year: 2013
Episodes: 4 OVAs
IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
Based on the video game series of the same name, Corpse Party follows a group of high school students who, after performing a friendship ritual, find themselves transported to a alternate dimension version of their school. This otherworldly school, Heavenly Host Elementary, is a place of unimaginable horrors where vengeful spirits roam and escape seems impossible.
What makes Corpse Party effective as a horror anime is its oppressive atmosphere and sense of hopelessness. The characters are constantly under threat, and the show does not shy away from killing them off in brutal ways. It’s like a slasher film cranked up to eleven.
If you’re a fan of extreme horror and don’t mind a healthy dose of gore with your scares, Corpse Party: Tortured Souls is definitely worth a watch. Just maybe keep the lights on and have something lighthearted queued up to watch afterward – you’re gonna need it.
10. Yamishibai: Japanese Ghost Stories
Release Year: 2013-present
Episodes: 91 (as of 2023)
IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
This unique series presents a collection of short horror stories, each episode clocking in at around 5 minutes. The stories are inspired by Japanese urban legends and folklore, giving viewers a taste of traditional Japanese horror.
What makes Yamishibai stand out is its distinctive animation style. The show uses a technique that mimics kamishibai, a form of street theater and storytelling popular in Japan in the mid-20th century. The result is a unique, almost paper cutout-like aesthetic that adds to the eerie atmosphere.
If you’re a fan of anthology horror series like The Twilight Zone or Black Mirror, but want something with a distinctly Japanese flavor, Yamishibai: Japanese Ghost Stories is definitely worth checking out.
11. The Promised Neverland
Release Year: 2019
Episodes: 12 (Season 1)
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
The story follows a group of orphans living in Grace Field House, an idyllic orphanage where they want for nothing… or so it seems. When the smartest kids, Emma and Norman, discover the dark truth behind their existence, they must find a way to escape with their fellow orphans before it’s too late.
What makes The Promised Neverland so effective as a horror anime is its masterful build-up of tension and atmosphere. The show keeps you on the edge of your seat, constantly wondering what’s going to happen next. The sense of dread and impending doom is palpable throughout the series.
If you’re looking for a horror anime that’ll keep you guessing and make you question everything you see, The Promised Neverland is a must-watch. Just be prepared to look at stuffed animals a little differently afterward.
12. Mononoke
Release Year: 2007
Episodes: 12
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Mononoke is not just a horror anime – it’s a visual feast that happens to be terrifying. The series follows a character known only as the Medicine Seller as he travels through feudal Japan, exorcising evil spirits called mononoke. But before he can defeat these spirits, he must understand their form, truth, and reason – a process that often uncovers dark secrets and human misdeeds.
What sets Mononoke apart is its stunning, unique art style. The show uses a flat, almost paper cutout-like aesthetic inspired by traditional Japanese art. The result is visually striking and unlike anything else in anime. Seriously, some scenes in this show could be hung in an art gallery.
If you’re looking for a horror anime that’s as much a work of art as it is a scary story, Mononoke is the way to go. Just be prepared for some truly mind-bending visuals and stories that’ll stick with you long after the credits roll.
13. Perfect Blue
Release Year: 1997
Episodes: Movie (81 minutes)
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Next up, we’re diving into the world of psychological horror with Satoshi Kon’s masterpiece, Perfect Blue.
This mind-bending film follows Mima Kirigoe, a pop idol who decides to pursue a career as a serious actress. As she takes on more mature roles, including a controversial rape scene, Mima begins to lose her grip on reality. Stalked by an obsessive fan and haunted by her pop idol persona, Mima struggles to distinguish between what’s real and what’s imagined.
What makes Perfect Blue so effective as a horror anime is its ability to get under your skin. The line between reality and delusion becomes increasingly blurred as the film progresses, leaving you as disoriented as Mima herself. It’s a film that’ll have you questioning everything you see right up until the end credits roll.
If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers like Black Swan or the works of David Lynch, Perfect Blue is a must-watch.
14. Junji Ito Collection
Release Year: 2018
Episodes: 12
IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
This anthology series adapts various short stories from Ito’s extensive catalog. From the body horror of “Fashionable Tomie” to the creeping dread of “The Long Dream,” each episode brings a new flavor of horror to the table.
What makes the Junji Ito Collection stand out is its faithfulness to Ito’s distinctive art style. The animation does a great job of capturing the unsettling, often grotesque imagery that makes Ito’s work so effective. Some of the visuals in this show are truly nightmare-inducing.
If you’re new to Junji Ito’s work, the Junji Ito Collection can serve as a good introduction. But be warned – some of these stories might stick with you long after you’ve finished watching.
15. Boogiepop Phantom
Release Year: 2000
Episodes: 12
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Set in an unnamed Japanese city, Boogiepop Phantom follows a series of strange events and disappearances that occur after a pillar of light appears in the night sky. As we follow various characters, we slowly piece together the mystery of what’s really going on in this city.
What sets Boogiepop Phantom apart is its non-linear storytelling and atmospheric approach to horror. The show jumps between different characters and timelines, gradually revealing how everything is connected. It’s like putting together a jigsaw puzzle, where each episode adds a new piece to the overall picture.
The series excels at creating a sense of unease and dread. The washed-out color palette and eerie sound design contribute to an oppressive atmosphere that’ll have you looking over your shoulder. And when the show does deliver more overt scares, they hit hard.
If you’re a fan of psychological horror and don’t mind a bit of a challenge, give Boogiepop Phantom a shot.
16. Ghost Hunt
Release Year: 2006
Episodes: 25
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
If you’re in the mood for some good old-fashioned ghost stories with a dash of romance, Ghost Hunt might be right up your alley.
The series follows Mai Taniyama, a high school student who accidentally becomes involved with Shibuya Psychic Research, a group that investigates paranormal phenomena. Led by the narcissistic (but handsome) Kazuya Shibuya, nicknamed Naru, the team takes on various cases involving ghosts, curses, and other supernatural occurrences.
What sets Ghost Hunt apart from other horror anime is its episodic nature and its focus on the investigative process. Each arc follows a different case, allowing the show to explore various types of hauntings and supernatural entities. It’s like Ghostbusters meets Scooby-Doo, but with actual ghosts and genuine scares.
If you’re looking for a horror anime that combines supernatural scares with mystery-solving and a dash of romance, Ghost Hunt is definitely worth checking out.
17. Devilman Crybaby
Release Year: 2018
Episodes: 10
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Based on Go Nagai’s classic manga, Devilman Crybaby follows Akira Fudo, a sensitive high school student who becomes merged with a demon, gaining its powers while retaining his human soul. As Akira fights to protect humanity from other demons, he finds himself caught in a battle that will determine the fate of the world.
Now, let me be clear – Devilman Crybaby is not for the faint of heart. The show is incredibly violent and sexually explicit, pushing the boundaries of what you might expect from even a mature anime. Director Masaaki Yuasa’s unique animation style adds to the frenetic, often disturbing visuals.
What really sets Devilman Crybaby apart is its willingness to go to extreme places, both in terms of its content and its storytelling. The show starts off shocking and only ramps up from there, building to an apocalyptic finale that’ll leave you reeling.
If you’re looking for a horror anime that’s not afraid to push boundaries and doesn’t pull any punches, Devilman Crybaby is a must-watch.
18. Paranoia Agent
Release Year: 2004
Episodes: 13
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
The series begins with the hunt for Lil’ Slugger (Shonen Bat in the original Japanese), a mysterious assailant who attacks people with a golden baseball bat. As the attacks spread and the city falls into panic, we follow various characters whose lives are affected by Lil’ Slugger, directly or indirectly.
What makes Paranoia Agent so effective as a horror anime is its ability to create a pervasive sense of unease. The show blurs the line between reality and delusion, leaving you constantly questioning what’s really happening. Is Lil’ Slugger real, or a mass delusion? The answer is… complicated.
Each episode focuses on different characters, gradually building a complex narrative that touches on themes of social pressure, escapism, and the nature of truth in the media age. The show is a sharp critique of Japanese society, but its themes resonate universally.
If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers that make you think as much as they creep you out, Paranoia Agent is a must-watch.
19. Shigurui: Death Frenzy
Release Year: 2007
Episodes: 12
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Set in feudal Japan, Shigurui tells the story of two rival swordsmen, Gennosuke and Seigen, and their twisted relationship with the sadistic daimyo they serve. The series is framed by a duel between the two, with most of the show serving as a flashback explaining how they came to this point.
What sets Shigurui apart is its unflinching depiction of violence and cruelty. This is not a show for the faint of heart. The violence is graphic and often disturbing, with a level of detail that makes each wound and injury feel painfully real.
But Shigurui isn’t just about shock value. The show explores themes of power, obsession, and the dark side of martial arts culture. It paints a bleak picture of feudal Japan, where honor and skill with a blade often take a backseat to political maneuvering and sadistic whims.
If you’re looking for a horror anime that combines historical setting with psychological terror and brutal violence, Shigurui: Death Frenzy is worth checking out.
20. Mermaid Forest
Release Year: 2003
Episodes: 13
IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
Based on Rumiko Takahashi’s manga, Mermaid Forest follows Yuta, an immortal man who ate mermaid flesh 500 years ago, as he searches for a way to become mortal again. Along the way, he meets Mana, a girl who’s also eaten mermaid flesh, and together they encounter various horrors related to mermaids and immortality.
What makes Mermaid Forest stand out is its unique take on mermaid mythology. In this world, eating mermaid flesh can grant immortality – but it’s more likely to turn you into a horrific monster. The show explores the dark consequences of the pursuit of eternal life, showing how it often leads to tragedy and suffering.
The episodic nature of the series allows it to tell various horror stories, each with its own flavor. From body horror to psychological terror, Mermaid Forest covers a wide range of scares. Some standout episodes include “The Village of Fighting Fish” and “The Ash Princess.”
If you’re looking for a horror anime that puts a dark spin on familiar mythology, Mermaid Forest is definitely worth a watch.
21. Kakurenbo: Hide & Seek
Release Year: 2005
Episodes: Movie (25 minutes)
IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
This short film follows a group of children playing a game of hide and seek in a mysterious, abandoned city. But this is no ordinary game – legend has it that demons inhabit the city, taking any child who loses the game.
What makes Kakurenbo so effective is its atmosphere. The abandoned city, with its eerie red lighting and imposing architecture, feels oppressive and threatening. The sense of dread builds steadily throughout the film’s short runtime, culminating in a finale that’s both shocking and thought-provoking.
The animation style of Kakurenbo is unique, blending 2D and 3D elements to create a look that’s both stylized and unsettling. The character designs, with their fox masks, add to the otherworldly feel of the story.
If you’re looking for a quick hit of atmospheric horror that’ll stick with you long after it’s over, Kakurenbo: Hide & Seek is definitely worth 25 minutes of your time.
22. Gyo: Tokyo Fish Attack
Release Year: 2012
Episodes: Movie (70 minutes)
IMDb Rating: 5.6/10
Based on the manga by horror master Junji Ito, Gyo follows a group of people trying to survive as fish with mechanical legs invade Okinawa and then Tokyo. Yes, you read that right. Fish. With. Mechanical. Legs.
What makes Gyo stand out is its sheer bizarreness. The concept is so out there that it loops back around from ridiculous to terrifying. The sight of various sea creatures walking on land with metallic legs is genuinely unsettling, and the movie doesn’t shy away from showing the gruesome consequences of this invasion.
The body horror in Gyo is off the charts. Without spoiling too much, let’s just say that humans don’t fare well in this fish apocalypse. If you’re squeamish, consider yourself warned – this movie gets pretty gross.
If you’re looking for a horror anime that’s completely unlike anything else you’ve seen, Gyo: Tokyo Fish Attack definitely fits the bill.
23. Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust
Release Year: 2000
Episodes: Movie (103 minutes)
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Set in a distant future where vampires rule over much of the desolate world, the film follows D, a half-vampire, half-human vampire hunter, as he’s hired to rescue a woman kidnapped by a vampire. But as D pursues his quarry, he finds himself caught in a complex web of love, revenge, and ancient vampire politics.
What sets Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust apart is its unique blend of horror, science fiction, and western elements. The world it creates is fascinatingly detailed, mixing futuristic technology with gothic architecture and wild west aesthetics.
Visually, the film is stunning. The animation, produced by Madhouse, is fluid and detailed, bringing the film’s monstrous creatures and epic battles to vivid life. The character designs, particularly for the vampires and other supernatural beings, are creative and often unsettling.
If you’re a fan of vampires, gothic horror, or just beautifully animated action, Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust is definitely worth a watch.
24. Petshop of Horrors
Release Year: 1999
Episodes: 4
IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
This short OVA series follows Count D, the mysterious proprietor of a pet shop in Chinatown that sells rare and mythical animals. Each episode tells the story of a different customer who purchases a pet from Count D, only to find that their new companion comes with some unexpected – and often horrifying – consequences.
What makes Petshop of Horrors stand out is its anthology format and its clever twists on familiar horror tropes. Each episode feels like a modern fable or urban legend, complete with ironic endings and moral lessons (albeit very dark ones).
The series excels at building tension, starting each story in a relatively normal place before slowly introducing more and more unsettling elements. By the time the true nature of each “pet” is revealed, you’re thoroughly creeped out.
If you’re looking for a horror anime that’s more about psychological scares and twisted morality tales than gore or jump scares, Petshop of Horrors is definitely worth checking out.
25. Mononoke
Release Year: 2007
Episodes: 12
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
The series follows a character known only as the Medicine Seller as he travels through feudal Japan, exorcising evil spirits called mononoke. But before he can defeat these spirits, he must understand their Form, Truth, and Reason – a process that often uncovers dark secrets and human misdeeds.
What sets Mononoke apart is its stunning, unique art style. The show uses a flat, almost paper cutout-like aesthetic inspired by traditional Japanese art. The result is visually striking and unlike anything else in anime. Seriously, some scenes in this show could be hung in an art gallery.
But don’t let the beautiful visuals fool you – Mononoke can be deeply unsettling. The stories it tells are often tragic and disturbing, dealing with themes like guilt, revenge, and the darker aspects of human nature. The mononoke themselves are creepy and otherworldly, their designs a perfect blend of beautiful and terrifying.
If you’re tired of conventional horror anime and want something that’ll challenge your perceptions while still giving you the creeps, Mononoke is a must-watch.
26. Hell Girl
Release Year: 2005
Episodes: 26 (Season 1)
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
The series revolves around Ai Enma, also known as the Hell Girl, who can be summoned through a website that’s only accessible at midnight. If someone submits the name of a person they hate, Ai will offer to ferry that person’s soul to hell – but at a price. The one who makes the request must also go to hell when they die.
What makes Hell Girl stand out is its exploration of the moral complexities of revenge. Each episode presents a new case, often involving people who have been terribly wronged. The show doesn’t shy away from depicting some truly despicable acts, making you sympathize with those seeking revenge. But it also forces you to question whether any crime is worth eternal damnation – for both the target and the one seeking vengeance.
If you’re looking for a horror anime that combines supernatural elements with psychological exploration of human nature, Hell Girl is definitely worth checking out.
27. Gakkou Gurashi! (School-Live!)
Release Year: 2015
Episodes: 12
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
The series starts off looking like your typical cute girls doing cute things anime. It follows the daily lives of the members of the School Living Club, a group of high school girls who love their school so much that they live there full-time.
What makes Gakkou Gurashi! stand out is how it completely upends your expectations. You see, the world outside the school has been overrun by zombies, and the School Living Club is actually a group of survivors trying to maintain some semblance of normalcy in the face of apocalyptic horror.
The contrast between the cute character designs and the grim reality of their situation is jarring in the best way possible. The show does an excellent job of building tension, with hints of the truth peeking through the façade of normality that the girls try to maintain.
The show also explores some heavy themes, including trauma, denial, and the importance of hope in the face of despair. If you’re looking for a horror anime that will make you question what’s real and leave you with a mix of warm fuzzies and existential dread, Gakkou Gurashi! is definitely worth checking out.
28. Shiki
Release Year: 2010
Episodes: 22
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Set in the isolated village of Sotoba, Shiki follows the locals as they deal with a series of mysterious deaths. As more and more villagers succumb to a strange epidemic, young doctor Toshio Ozaki begins to suspect that something supernatural might be at play.
What sets Shiki apart from other vampire stories is its slow-burn approach to horror. The show takes its time building up the mystery and tension, allowing us to really get to know the villagers before all hell breaks loose. And when it does… hoo boy, it’s intense.
The show does an excellent job of blurring the lines between good and evil. As the conflict between the humans and the Shiki (risen corpses, essentially vampires) escalates, you’ll find yourself questioning who the real monsters are. It’s a nuanced take on the vampire genre that explores themes of prejudice, survival, and what it means to be human.
If you’re in the mood for a vampire story with a twist and don’t mind a slower pace, Shiki is the perfect way to cap off our list of horror anime.
And there you have it, folks! Our rundown of the 28 best horror anime to give you chills and thrills. From psychological mind-benders to gory spectacles, from slow-burn atmospheric pieces to action-packed monster fests, this list has something for every horror fan.
So, whether you’re a seasoned horror anime veteran or a newcomer looking to dip your toes into these terrifying waters, we hope this list gives you plenty of material for your next scary movie night. Just remember to keep the lights on, check under your bed, and maybe have a funny cat video queued up for after you’re done watching. Happy haunting!
