If you want to explore a thrilling, horrifying, and mysterious world, try the five best horror anime. These animations will scare you and leave you feeling fearful. By blending supernatural activities with psychological elements, the stories highlight the dark side of human dread. Whether you enjoy horror mixed with mystery, horror featuring paranormal elements, horror with complex survival stories, or others, this list offers something for everyone with a great plot setting.
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Let’s dive into this scary narrative world together!
Best Horror Anime
1- Junji Ito Collection
- IMDb: 6.7/10
- Release Date: January 5, 2018
We kick off our horrified list of the best horror anime with the Junji Ito Collection, which presents short stories that highlight themes of the supernatural, fear, and the grotesque. In this series, each episode features two opposite narratives, blending Ito’s style of physical horror with psychological tension.
Basically, this series collects animated horror tales inspired by Japanese artist Junji Ito. The series explores black magic with a dark and scary ambiance filled with thrills. The main attraction of this tale turns normal situations into horror scenarios, making them a must-watch for fans of horror and suspense.
2- Parasyte: The Maxim
- IMDb: 8.3/10
- Release Date: October 9, 2014
In the list of the best horror anime, Parasyte: The Maxim presents an interesting and uncommon narrative that revolves around survival, humanity, and moral complexity in life. A high school student named Shinichi Izumi lives his life simply until a parasite named Migialien attempts to control his brain.
However, the parasite can enter his brain through sound and noise instead of embedding itself into Shinichi’s right arm. After that, a unique coexistence journey started between Shinichi and Migi, creating uneasiness as both had to work together for their survival. Additionally, they had to fight against other parasites that attacked human brains and accept this new situation.
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3- Corpse Party: Tortured Souls
- IMDb: 6.3/10
- Release Date: July 24, 2013
The common concept-based story “Corpse Party: Tortured Souls” explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and consequences. The plot revolves around the Heavenly Host Elementary School, where a high school group, including Ayumi Shinozaki and Yoshiki Kishinuma, performs a ritual called the Sachiko Ever After Charm.
However, this ritual proves to be wrong, transporting them into a nightmarish alternate world full of wrathful spirits and horrors. As they navigate this terrifying world, the ghosts of children compel them to reveal their worst fears as they confront this tragic fate and strive to survive.
4- Tokyo Ghoul
- IMDb: 7.7/10
- Release Date: September 8, 2011
What if your romantic date becomes a haunting event? That sounds quite disturbing. But this happened to Ken Kaneki, a shy college student from Tokyo Ghoul, the next best horror anime. The unexpected tale starts when Ken goes on a date with Rize Kamishiro, who transforms into a ghoul, a creature that loves to eat human meat.
After that, his life completely changes when he saves himself from Rize but becomes a part of them due to an organ transplant. Now he must accept this reality and start living this new life, which involves struggles and more challenges as he hides his identity and deals with an extreme hunger for human flesh.
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5- Goblin’s Box (Mōryō no Hako)
- IMDb: 6.5/10
- Release Date: October 7, 2008
A combo of horror and mystery always stands out, and we can also see this in the Goblin’s Box, a series filled with secrets, supernatural elements, and unexpected turns. The story unfolds the tale of Kanako, a 14-year-old girl who suddenly disappears in the show’s later part and moves to a hospital for recovery.
The plot begins with unusual events happening in town, including the discovery of various limb boxes scattered around. To solve this mystery, a group of news editors, a crime writer, and a detective team up to investigate these shocking crimes. During their investigation, they uncover dark secrets, identify those involved in these horrifying events, and locate Kanako.
Honourable mention:
1. Uzumaki
2. Mieruko-Chan
3. kuma Kun
Roll Up!
Transform your boring weekend with thrilling scary stories that not only showcase popular dark themes but also include exciting and unique character setups and storytelling. I hope you enjoy these best horror anime without sacrificing your night’s sleep and instead make your day memorable while watching these meaningful tales.
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Also, try out the horror and slice-of-life combination in the upcoming series The Summer Hikaru Died. The release of its trailer showcases an eerie atmosphere along with a chilling storyline. For more recommendations, stay connected with us!
