10 Best Horror Anime to Test Your Courage
Horror anime has a way of immersing viewers in worlds of dread, suspense, and psychological terror. These series explore the depths of human fears, from supernatural threats to the darker side of the human mind.
If you’re a fan of spine-chilling stories and disturbing imagery, these 10 horror anime will keep you on the edge of your seat. Each anime in this list brings a unique take on fear, whether it be through ghostly apparitions, grotesque monsters, or psychological horrors.
Here’s a quick look at 10 of the best horror anime that will haunt your mind long after you’ve finished watching:
Best Horror Anime: Table List
Each of these anime offers a unique perspective on horror, ranging from supernatural folklore to psychological terrors that prey on the mind. Whether it’s the relentless spiral curse of Uzumaki or the eerie, ghostly tales of Yamishibai, these series will draw you into their dark and unsettling worlds.
The blend of suspense, mystery, and fear in these shows will challenge your courage and make you question what truly terrifies you. Before we dive in, here’s a bonus horror anime released in October 2024 that’s already a strong contender for the best horror anime of the year—Uzumaki.
Disclaimer:
The following list of best horror anime contains scenes of graphic violence, disturbing imagery, psychological horror, and themes that may not be suitable for all audiences. Viewer discretion is advised. Some content may be unsettling or triggering for sensitive viewers
Uzumaki
- Aired Date: 2024
- Genre: Horror, Supernatural, Psychological
- Creator: Junji Ito
- Episodes: TBD (2024, will be updated after the anime is finished)
Uzumaki tells the story of a cursed town where strange spiral patterns start appearing everywhere, driving the townspeople into madness and chaos. The spiral curse takes over Kurouzu-cho, manifesting in increasingly bizarre and terrifying ways as the entire town spirals into horror.
Main Character: Kirie Goshima
- Kirie is a high school student who witnesses the strange events that unfold in Kurouzu-cho.
Uzumaki Lore:
The lore of Uzumaki is deeply rooted in cosmic horror, a genre that explores the insignificance of humanity in the face of vast, incomprehensible forces. The spiral represents a symbol of inevitability, fate, and madness, with the curse manifesting in both the physical world and the minds of the townspeople.
Uzumaki blends body horror with psychological terror, exploring the helplessness of characters trapped in the grasp of a force far beyond their understanding or control.
If you’re looking for one of the best horror anime series that delves into cosmic horror, Uzumaki is a perfect choice.
Did you know, Uzumaki is based on Junji Ito’s famous manga, which has become one of the most acclaimed horror works in the world?
Prepare yourself for a deeply unsettling journey into the spiral curse and its terrifying manifestations.
Watch Uzumaki Trailer:
The terror escalates even more with psychological depths and eerie folklore. Now let’s continue with these picks for the best horror anime that will captivate you with their haunting atmospheres and chilling tales.
Mononoke
- Aired Date: July 2007 – September 2007
- Genre: Horror, Supernatural, Mystery
- Creator: Kenji Nakamura
- Episodes: 12
Mononoke follows the mysterious “Medicine Seller” as he travels through feudal Japan, vanquishing malevolent spirits called Mononoke. To exorcise them, the Medicine Seller must first uncover their Form, Truth, and Reason. Each arc presents a deeply psychological story, merging horror with traditional Japanese art styles.
Main Character: Medicine Seller:
The enigmatic protagonist, known only as the “Medicine Seller,” is a calm, reserved figure with a deep understanding of the supernatural world. His primary mission is to eradicate Mononoke, but he approaches each situation with logic and caution.
Mononoke Lore:
The world of Mononoke is rooted in ancient Japanese folklore and superstition. Mononoke are not just random spirits; they are manifestations of human emotions and unresolved grudges. The Medicine Seller’s task is not just to defeat them but to understand the reason behind their existence. The series blends supernatural horror with psychological themes, creating a haunting and intricate world.
If you’re searching for one of the best horror anime series rooted in Japanese folklore, Mononoke delivers a unique visual style and deep psychological themes.
Did you know the art style of Mononoke is heavily influenced by traditional Japanese paintings?
Dive into this eerie world where every exorcism tells a different, haunting story.
Watch Mononoke Trailer:
Yamishibai: Japanese Ghost Stories
- Aired Date: July 2013 – Present
- Genre: Horror, Supernatural, Anthology
- Creator: Tomoya Takashima
- Episodes: 130+ (ongoing)
Yamishibai presents short, standalone episodes of Japanese urban legends and ghost stories. Each episode is based on traditional folklore, using a storytelling method similar to “kamishibai” (paper theater).
Main Character: Storyteller
A mysterious man introduces each episode, acting as the narrator. His eerie presence and cryptic words set the tone for the horror that unfolds in each short story.
Note: As there are different stories through different episodes, I took the storyteller as the main character.
Yamishibai Lore:
The world of Yamishibai draws heavily on traditional Japanese ghost stories, urban legends, and superstitions. The series doesn’t follow a single narrative but instead explores a variety of folklore, making the lore rich in cultural references. Each episode taps into everyday fears, blending the modern and the ancient to entice the audience even more.
Yamishibai is one of the best horror anime anthologies, with over 130 short episodes based on urban legends.
Here’s an interesting fact, each episode lasts only about 5 minutes, yet manages to pack a powerful punch of fear.
Watch this if you enjoy quick, creepy stories that leave a lasting impression.
Watch Yamishibai Trailer:
Paranoia Agent
- Aired Date: February 2004 – May 2004
- Genre: Psychological, Horror, Mystery
- Creator: Satoshi Kon
- Episodes: 13
Paranoia Agent revolves around the mysterious attacks by “Lil’ Slugger,” a boy on rollerblades who assaults people with a golden bat. As investigators dive into the case, the anime delves into the victims’ psychological breakdowns, blending reality and delusion.
Main Character: Lil’ Slugger
Lil’ Slugger represents the fears and anxieties of society, embodying personal and collective stress. His attacks seem random at first but are tied to the deeper psychological states of his victims.
Paranoia Agent Lore:
Paranoia Agent is set in a modern city where the psychological strain of urban life takes center stage. Lil Slugger’s character symbolizes the victims’ collective anxieties making the anime’s world both a physical and mental space.
The city and its inhabitants are shaped by their fears and traumas, blurring the line between reality and imagination.
Looking for the best horror anime that delves into psychological horror? Paranoia Agent explores the breakdown of the human psyche in a modern urban setting.
Did you know, that Paranoia Agent was created by acclaimed director Satoshi Kon, who is known for blurring the lines between reality and fantasy?
Experience the chilling narrative that will keep you guessing until the very end.
Watch Yamishibai Trailer:
If you enjoy dark anime alongside the horror genre, make sure to check out our 6 Dark Anime Like Berserk list.
These series dive into brutal, gritty worlds filled with intense action and psychological depth, perfect for fans of darker, more intense stories.
Boogiepop Phantom
- Aired Date: January 2000 – March 2000
- Genre: Psychological, Horror, Supernatural
- Creator: Kouhei Kadono (novel), Takashi Watanabe (anime)
- Episodes: 12
Boogiepop Phantom is a dark psychological anime set in a city plagued by mysterious disappearances and supernatural events. The narrative is told from multiple perspectives, slowly unraveling the mystery behind the figure known as Boogiepop.
Main Character: Boogiepop
Boogiepop is an enigmatic figure that appears when humanity is in danger. The character operates in the shadows, fighting supernatural threats, but remains a mythological and elusive figure.
Boogiepop Lore:
The world of Boogiepop Phantom is one where the supernatural and psychological collide. Boogiepop, the central figure, is an urban legend, embodying society’s fear of the unknown.
The setting is a city filled with mysteries, where supernatural events are triggered by human trauma and fear, creating a complex narrative that intertwines personal and collective horrors.’
For those in search of the best horror anime with supernatural elements and a complex, layered narrative, Boogiepop Phantom is a must-watch.
Fun fact: This series is part of the larger Boogiepop franchise, which explores the dark side of human nature. Start watching now and unravel the mystery surrounding the enigmatic Boogiepop.
Watch the Boogiepop Phantom Trailer:
Serial Experiments Lain
- Aired Date: July 1998 – September 1998
- Genre: Cyberpunk, Psychological, Horror
- Creator: Ryutaro Nakamura
- Episodes: 13
Lain is an introverted teenager who becomes involved in the digital world known as “The Wired.” As she descends into the world of the internet, she faces philosophical questions about the nature of reality, identity, and existence.
Main Character: Lain Iwakura
Lain begins as a quiet, introverted girl but soon discovers that she has a much deeper connection to The Wired than she realizes. Her journey into the digital realm reveals profound truths about her identity and existence.
Serial Experiments Lain Lore:
The world of Serial Experiments Lain exists on two planes: the physical world and The Wired, a virtual network that acts as a parallel universe. The lore explores the consequences of living in a digital age, where identity and reality are fluid concepts. Lain’s exploration of The Wired leads to questions about human consciousness and existence in a world increasingly dominated by technology.
Serial Experiments Lain is one of the best horror anime for fans of cyberpunk and psychological terror.
Did you know Serial Experiments Lain has become a cult classic, especially for its exploration of the dark side of technology and online existence?
Get ready to question reality and enter the unsettling world of The Wired.
Watch the Serial Experiments Lain Trailer:
Shinreigari: Ghost Hound
- Aired Date: October 2007 – April 2008
- Genre: Supernatural, Horror, Psychological
- Creator: Masamune Shirow
- Episodes: 22
Set in a remote village, Ghost Hound follows three teenagers who explore Out of Body Experiences (OBEs) to uncover the truth behind a series of supernatural events. The anime blends psychological trauma with paranormal elements.
Main Character: Tarou Komori
Tarou is one of the three boys who experienced trauma as a child. Through his OBEs, he explores both his past and the paranormal forces threatening the village.
Ghost Hound Lore:
The lore of Ghost Hound combines science, psychology, and spiritualism. The village is a place of supernatural energy, and the story explores the connection between mental trauma and spiritual phenomena. The characters’ OBEs allow them to venture into a parallel spirit world, where past traumas and supernatural forces collide.
Shinreigari: Ghost Hound is among the best horror anime for blending psychological trauma with supernatural elements.
Here’s an interesting fact, the series was created by Masamune Shirow, the same mind behind Ghost in the Shell.
Dive into the eerie atmosphere of a small town plagued by spiritual and psychological disturbances.
Watch the Ghost Hound Trailer:
Gyo: Tokyo Fish Attack
- Aired Date: February 2012
- Genre: Horror, Body Horror
- Creator: Junji Ito
- Episodes: Movie (1)
Gyo is a body horror anime where fish, infected with a strange gas, begin to walk on land, wreaking havoc in Tokyo. The story follows survivors as they try to escape the grotesque creatures.
Main Character: Tadashi and Kaori
The main couple is thrust into the chaos of the fish invasion. Their journey for survival uncovers the horrifying truth behind the outbreak.
Gyo Tokyo Fish Attack Lore:
The world of Gyo is a grotesque dystopia where a mysterious military experiment has unleashed walking fish that spread disease and destruction. The origin of these creatures lies in human recklessness, and the anime reflects the terrifying consequences of manipulating nature for technological advancement.
Looking for body horror? Gyo ranks as one of the best horror anime in this subgenre, featuring grotesque, walking fish.
Did you know, this anime is based on a manga by Junji Ito, a master of horror known for his unsettling and bizarre creations?
Watch Gyo and prepare to be grossed out by its eerie and disturbing visuals.
Watch the Gyo: Tokyo Fish Attack Trailer:
Shoujo Tsubaki (Midori: The Camellia Girl)
- Aired Date: May 1992
- Genre: Horror, Psychological
- Creator: Suehiro Maruo
- Seasons: Movie (1)
Shoujo Tsubaki is a dark tale about a young girl named Midori, who joins a freak show after her parents’ deaths. The story is one of abuse, despair, and survival.
Main Character: Midori
Midori is a young girl whose tragic life in a freak show becomes the center of this disturbing psychological horror.
Shoujo Tsubaki Lore:
The setting of Shoujo Tsubaki is a grim, early 20th-century Japan, where the world of freak shows is one of cruelty and inhumanity. Midori’s life is a constant struggle for survival in a world filled with grotesque characters and psychological torment, reflecting a darker side of society’s treatment of the vulnerable.
Shoujo Tsubaki is one of the best horror anime for those who enjoy deeply disturbing psychological horror.
Fun fact: this anime was so controversial upon release that it was banned in several countries for its graphic content.
Brace yourself for a tragic, nightmarish journey through the horrors of abuse and despair.
Watch the Shoujo Tsubaki Trailer(Laughing Scene):
Kagewani
- Aired Date: October 2015 – March 2016
- Genre: Horror, Supernatural
- Creator: Tomoya Takashima
- Episodes: 26
Kagewani follows a scientist, Sousuke Banba, who investigates mysterious, deadly creatures known as “UMA” (Unidentified Mysterious Animals). As the attacks increase, Banba discovers a dark conspiracy behind these monsters.
Main Character: Sousuke Banba
Sousuke is a scientist driven by a personal loss. He is determined to uncover the truth behind the UMA attacks and the dark forces responsible for them.
Kagewani Lore:
Kagewani blends cryptid horror with modern conspiracy theory. The world is filled with monstrous creatures whose existence is linked to scientific experiments and government secrets. The lore explores the consequences of humanity’s curiosity and its impact on nature, creating a chilling backdrop for the series.
One of the best horror anime for fans of cryptid and monster horror, Kagewani combines short, suspenseful episodes with mysterious creatures.
Did you know the series uses a distinctive art style that enhances the eerie atmosphere of the show?
Watch Kagewani for a quick, intense dose of fear that keeps you on edge.
Watch the Kagewani Trailer
Mouryou no Hako
- Aired Date: October 2008 – December 2008
- Genre: Horror, Mystery, Psychological
- Creator: Natsuhiko Kyogoku
- Episodes: 13
Set in post-war Japan, Mouryou no Hako follows a series of bizarre murders connected to a mysterious box. The story delves into occultism, folklore, and psychological horror.
Main Character: Kiba
Kiba is a detective trying to solve the strange and brutal murders, but he soon finds himself confronting supernatural forces beyond his understanding.
Mouryou no Hako Lore:
The world of Mouryou no Hako is one where occultism and spiritual folklore play a central role. The titular “mouryou” are malevolent spirits from Japanese mythology, and their influence over the events connects the world of the living with the supernatural. The post-war setting adds an atmosphere of uncertainty and trauma, making it ripe for horror.
Mouryou no Hako is one of the best horror anime for fans of intricate mysteries and supernatural horror.
Did you know this anime is based on a novel that blends elements of Japanese folklore, spiritualism, and philosophical horror?
Dive into this dark, complex narrative where strange murders and occult practices will keep you guessing until the very end.
Watch the Mouryou no Hako Trailer:
Watch these best Horror Animes:
- Mononoke
- Yamishibai: Japanese Ghost Stories
- Paranoia Agent
- Boogiepop Phantom
- Serial Experiments Lain
- Shinreigari: Ghost Hound
- Gyo: Tokyo Fish Attack
- Shoujo Tsubaki (Midori: The Camellia Girl)
- Kagewani
- Mouryou no Hako
- Uzumaki
From cosmic horrors to psychological dread, these anime delve deep into the terrifying unknown. The stories not only entertain but also challenge the viewer’s perception of fear, pushing the boundaries of what’s considered scary. These anime are characterized by unique lore, blending supernatural, psychological, and philosophical themes into immersive and often terrifying worlds.
If you’re looking for a mix of disturbing visuals, intense atmospheres, and deeply unsettling plots, these 10 best horror anime will more than deliver. Prepare to face the darkness and see if you can make it through without a chill running down your spine.
