10 Thriller and Horror Anime Titles to Watch for When You Want a Bloody, Scary Good Time
(SPOT.ph) The beauty of anime is that it has a little bit of something for everyone, for whatever mood you’re in. If work, school, or life, in general, got too much lately and you just want to chill? There are feel-good titles to escape to. You want some action in your life because God knows you don’t get any? Here are adrenaline-pumping series to make your heart race. In need of a good cry and want your icy heart to feel something? These tear-jerking anime dramas will no doubt get your waterworks running in no time. Heck, there’s something too for when you’re not a fan of commitment. So if you're looking to be terrified... disturbed, even then here's a list of recommendations for you.
Also read:
10 Asian Horror Movies to Watch If You Don't Want to Feel Alone Anymore
Check out these thriller and horror anime series and movies you can stream online:
Ito Junji Collection (2018)
Where to watch: YouTube
Raise your hands if Junji Ito's terrifying works were once, or still are, a source of your nightmares. When it comes to Japanese horror, the manga artist is top of mind. That said, we're starting this list with several of his works. Ito Junji Collection is a horror anthology that features some of his best and most popular mangas, such as Uzumaki and Tomie. And, to get you even more excited, Ito has an upcoming horror anime series to premiere on Netflix next year.
Another (2012)
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
Live-action adaptation of Another.
This horror-thriller anime series follows transfer student Kouichi Sakakibara of Class 3-3 as he tries to unfold, and at the same time prevent, the series of gruesome and bizarre deaths surrounding his high school. There's blood. Lots of it. You won't look at umbrellas the same way. Welcome to the high school of the damned, indeed.
Death Note (2006)
Where to watch: Netflix
Whether or not you're a fan of anime, you must have heard of this series. It's a fan favorite and has had a bunch of live-action adaptations, as well as an American one that starred Paper Towns star Nat Wolff.
The thriller series follows 17-year-old Light Yagami, who takes it upon himself to cleanse a world filled with crime and immorality by killing those that need to be killed. How? By simply writing the victim's name on the "Death Note," a mysterious notebook that lets him kill anyone whose name he writes on the pages. Nothing's scarier than a human with god-like power. We take that back: nothing's more terrifying than humans, period.
Higurashi When They Cry (2006)
Where to watch: Netflix
At first glance, it seems so innocent, right? But once you go through this series, you’ll realize that it’s a bloody (literally) rollercoaster. At first glance, Higurashi When They Cry looks like some romance (a harem, maybe) or cute feel-good anime, but don't be fooled. You know what they say, don't judge a book by its cover.
This series follows the life of Keiichi Maebara after moving to an isolated mountain village in Hinamizawa. If you think moving to a new town is scary, try discovering and uncovering said town's dark and morbid history.
Paranoia Agent (2004)
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
There's a serial assailant on the loose, so fear and paranoia start to settle among the citizens in Tokyo in Paranoia Agent. You also become paranoid as to who this attacker, dubbed the Lil' Slugger, might be because no one seems to know anything about the suspect other than his gold skates, a cap, and the golden baseball bat he terrorizes his victims with.
This 13-episode anime series is more of a psychological thriller and mystery than horror. Paranoia Agent is a creation of the late Japanese director Satoshi Kon, the mind behind Perfect Blue, Paprika, and Tokyo Godfathers, among others.
Yamishibai: Japanese Ghost Stories (2013)
Where to watch: YouTube
True to its title, this horror anime series tells stories based on Japanese myths and urban legends. The tales are told by a mysterious man in a yellow mask at a children's playground, kamishibai style. Kind of like Lola Basyang but instead of the moral lessons, you're left with all the hairs on your body standing in fear... and probably trauma. One notable thing about the series is of course its animation. It can and will imprint on your mind, which is something you will not appreciate when you want to pee at three in the morning.
Don't let the number of seasons fool you. Yamishibai's episodes run only a few minutes long. You could probably watch it in one sitting. That is, if you dare.
Mieruko-chan (2021)
Where to watch: Netflix
Mieruko-chan is kind of like “I see dead people” a la Cole Sear in The Sixth Sense but this horror-slash-comedy anime series’ main character sees so much more. Spirits, monsters, and ghouls alike, Mieruko-chan follows the life of high school student Miko who can see them all. But instead of running away, she chooses to completely ignore (albeit still scared to her wits) the horrors that surround her.
Hell Girl (2006)
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
Live adaptation of Hell Girl.
There are a lot of strange websites on the world wide web, but is there something that you could request someone—a person who has made your life a living hell, for example—be sent to the actual place? Maybe. This horror anthology tackles the stories of those who have submitted a request like that, and, of course, about the Hell Girl who does the job.
Exception (2022)
Where to watch: Netflix
Outer space is terrifying enough as it is. The galaxy's big. And we don't really know what's out there. Do you know what's even scarier? Being in a spaceship with a "monster" out to "kill" you. Exception is an upcoming sci-fi horror film revolving around a team sent to space in search of an inhabitable planet. It will start streaming on October 13.
Tokyo Ghoul (2014)
Where to watch: Netflix
We all have that horrifying first-date experience we never want to speak of again. Ken Kaneki, a college student who loves to read, also has one for the "books." His night turns into a nightmare when his date reveals herself as a flesh-eating ghoul and tries to eat him. Yikes.
And, if you want more mysterious or gory deaths in general, here are a few bonus titles.
Shiki (2010)
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
A series of mysterious deaths shakes the quiet and rural town of Sotoba. At first, they suspected it was an epidemic, but as they investigate further, it turns out to be something darker than they imagined. Think of the undead. To be more specific, vampires, and no, not the Edward Cullen kind. Sadly.
Corpse Party: Tortured Souls (2013)
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
You probably know of the game series that inspired this one, out of many, original video animations. It has four episodes in total, showing the misfortune of nine high school students. It's how you remember it in the game: It's gory and gruesome. It follows a group of students who are transported to Heavenly Host Elementary School, an academy where brutal murders of both students and staff took place.
