In the realm of anime fandom, numerous genres from the past are prominently represented: fantasy, science fiction, romance, and action. These genres frequently garner attention due to their versatility for on-screen adaptation. However, one genre that is sometimes underestimated is horror. Given its inherent subjectivity and polarizing nature among viewers- what frightens or terrorizes one person might be comical to another- it can be challenging to determine what constitutes a successful horror anime. Nevertheless, there are several standout horror anime productions that have been widely recognized for their excellence.
Classic horror anime that you might recognize include shows like “Perfect Blue,” “Mononoke,” and “Hellsing.” Although these series set the stage for other horror anime on this list, there are many more terrifying anime that have gone under the radar. With that said, let’s delve into 10 outstanding yet lesser-known horror anime that will give you a fear factor beyond the ordinary!
1) The Summer Hikaru Died
The Summer of Hikaru’s Departure” – a fresh entry into the horror anime genre, premiered in July 2025. With a planned run of 12 episodes for its initial season, this gripping series centers around two friends, Yoshiki and Hikaru. When Hikaru embarks on a journey to the mountains surrounding their hometown, Yoshiki is left bewildered upon Hikaru’s return, as the person before him seems to be an imposter. What follows is the revelation that this figure is actually a copy of Hikaru, formed after his untimely demise, now living life under the guise of his stolen identity.
In the story titled “The Summer That Hikaru Died“, we follow Yoshiki as he and his friend “Hikaru” unravel the eerie occurrences haunting their small town. As Yoshiki grapples with the sadness of losing the real Hikaru, he also faces the challenge of preserving their friendship with an alien disguised as Hikaru’s face. The narrative delves into themes of mourning and self-discovery while incorporating elements of gruesome physical transformations, unsettling environments, and body-snatchers.
2) Elfen Lied
Elfen Lied” is a renowned anime that explores the psychological and emotional dimensions of horror, first airing in 2004. Spanning over thirteen episodes in a single season, this series introduces the Diclonius – a newly discovered race of mutated humanoids, featuring extraordinary telekinetic limbs known as vectors. The Diclonius are often perceived to harbor intense hostility towards ordinary humans, with ambitions to supersede them and become Earth’s dominant species.
Lucy, formerly known as Kaede, is a unique being called Diclonius. After a destructive outburst, she was imprisoned in a lab. Upon escape, Lucy creates another persona named Nyu, a young-like character that shields her from past traumas and wounds endured during confinement and breakout. The anime, titled Elfen Lied, candidly addresses complex topics such as child maltreatment, psychological distress, and homicide. It also incorporates graphic violence to delve into the human condition’s dark side, offering insights on the journey toward possible forgiveness and transformation.
3) Hell Girl
Hell Girl” is a less-discussed horror anime series, structured around individual episodes. This series premiered in 2005 and concluded after four seasons, comprising a total of 74 episodes. Each episode offers a unique standalone story that subtly advances the overarching themes and narrative arc of the show. Typically, we encounter characters who have suffered severely from abuse, mistreatment, or misdeeds, seeking revenge through The Hell Correspondence – an online platform offering retribution at a cost.
The vengeance takes the shape of a seemingly demonic entity, often referred to as Ai Enma, who appears to the user of the website. She offers a contract, but beware, for the one who signs it will see their target condemned to Hell. However, there’s a catch: the signer themselves will also end up in Hell once they pass away. The anime titled “Hell Girl” explores themes of anger and the repetitive cycle of retaliation. It is deeply rooted in melancholy and darkness, offering psychological horror alongside its supernatural elements.
4) Monster
Monster” is an anime that explores philosophical horror themes, encouraging viewers to consider the repercussions of their decisions. First airing in 2004, it ran for a total of 74 episodes before concluding. The story revolves around Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a renowned neurosurgeon who chooses to save a critically injured boy named Johan instead of the town’s mayor, Roedecker, when given the option. This decision leads to Roedecker’s death at the hands of a less skilled surgeon and results in Tenma losing his prestige and reputation.
Jump ahead several years, and Johan finds himself implicated in a series of grisly murders, with Tenma also under scrutiny for these crimes. In order to halt the killer whose emergence he believes he inadvertently allowed, Tenma embarks on a nationwide manhunt. The anime, titled Monster, offers an engrossing thriller experience that emphasizes psychological terror to underscore its themes. It delves into the intricacies of personal decision-making and the haunting consequences of past choices that lead to future turmoil.
5) Another
In a more straightforward and engaging style:
“Another” is a chilling anime that takes place within a classroom setting, delving into the eerie aspect of curses. This series initially aired in 2012, consisting of only 12 episodes across its sole season. The narrative revolves around Koichi Sakakibara, a new transfer student joining Class 3-3 at a recently established middle school. It doesn’t take long for Koichi to realize that his class is peculiar and appears to be concealing a sinister secret among the students. This mystery deepens when Koichi encounters Mei Misaki, a girl who seems to be largely ignored by her peers, with whom he teams up to unravel the enigma surrounding their environment.
In an intriguing twist, students in Class 3-3 grapple with the enigma of a spectral presence, a classmate who died earlier yet appears to be alive among them. This unseen entity, known as a ‘ghost’ or ‘extra’, remains undetected by their peers but is causing a series of mysterious deaths within the student body and their families. The only way to stop this lethal chain of events is to identify the ‘extra’.
In simpler terms, students in Class 3-3 are confronting an unusual situation where they believe a classmate who has passed away is still among them, but this ghostly figure is causing the slow deaths of fellow students and their families. The only way to end this tragic cycle is by figuring out who the ghost really is.
6) Tokyo Ghoul
Tokyo Ghoul was a highly anticipated anime when it debuted in 2014. The series consisted of 48 episodes spread across three seasons, with the third season being divided into two parts. Despite criticism for departing from the manga and having a less-than-satisfying conclusion, Tokyo Ghoul continues to be one of the most well-known horror anime series that gained popularity during its first season.
The series focuses on Ken Kaneki, a college student who gets attacked by a creature called a Ghoul during a date. These beings look human but have hidden traits such as kagune, heightened senses, increased strength, and quicker speed that reveal their true nature. After a brush with death, Ken partially transforms into a Ghoul, navigating the intricate social dynamics within this society while grappling with his emerging instincts and hunger. Tokyo Ghoul, unique in its genre, stands out due to its graphic violence, depictions of cannibalism, and intense fight sequences.
7) Shiki
2010 saw the release of the criminally underrated horror anime, “Shiki”. Spanning 22 main episodes, it later added two bonus instalments. The story unfolds in the tranquil countryside town of Sotoba, where uneventful days were a norm until a new family moves into the spooky castle on the outskirts. The mysterious Kirishiki family, who secretly arrive under cover of night, signal a darker twist to the series.
After the arrival of the Shiki, a series of mysterious deaths start taking place in Sotoba, including that of a young girl. These disturbing events lead Hospital Director Toshio Ozaki to delve into the mystery behind the unexpected calamities affecting their town. Notably, the Shiki are entities similar to vampires, feasting on and transforming the locals into beings like themselves. The chilling visuals in the anime Shiki serve to heighten its examination of death and condemnation in the context of those transformed into creatures of the night.
8) Parasyte: The Maxim
Parasyte: The Maxim” is a brief anime series adapted from an 80’s manga. It was released in 2014 and spanned over 24 episodes before wrapping up. The narrative centers around Shinichi Izumi, a high school student with an uneventful life, who experiences an extraordinary event when parasitic creatures from another world invade Earth. One of these parasites tries to inhabit his body but only manages to take up residence in his hand, leaving his brain untouched.
In the anime “Parasyte: The Maxim,” we follow Shinichi, who shares his body with a parasitic entity named Migi. Although they’re intertwined, Migi retains its own identity, mind, and objectives, as complete fusion never occurred. This duality leads them on an adventure where they meet various other parasites and their human hosts. In the struggle against these parasites, Shinichi utilizes Migi’s assistance to protect humans from being consumed. The series is known for its intense depictions of body horror and frightening creatures, but it also delves into profound discussions on the essence of humanity and moral values.
9) Angels of Death
The contemporary horror anime titled “Angels of Death” has amassed a devoted fanbase since its debut in 2018, consisting of 16 episodes spread across one season. This captivating series narrates the story of Rachel, a 13-year-old girl who finds herself with no memory of her past other than a longing for death. As she navigates alone for a short while, Rachel crosses paths with Zack – an enigmatic individual who brandishes a scythe and exhibits signs of ruthless, brutal violence.
Initially displaying aggression, Zack eventually chooses to aid Rachel in exploring the building’s levels, seeking clarity about her past and the purpose behind her presence there. Each level introduces a new “floor manager” with warped values, presenting challenges for Rachel to surmount in order to progress. The anime Angels of Death doesn’t flinch from violence and gore, maintaining a grim and somber mood that reflects Rachel’s outlook throughout the series. Despite its dark themes, the show effectively delves into the importance of self-understanding and how it influences one’s reaction to life.
10) Junji Ito Collection
Junji Ito is renowned as a top figure in Japanese horror due to his stories that elicit feelings of fear, despair, and discomfort unlike many others. The Junji Ito Collection, an anime series, adapts both classic and original tales into an anthology format, first broadcast in 2018. In its run, it produced a total of 14 episodes, with two additional specials.
This text is easier to read while maintaining the same meaning as the original paragraph. I have also provided the number of episodes and specials for clarity.
The individual tales within “The Junji Ito Collection” stand independently, yet they share some recurring characters and motifs. For instance, “Tomie” tells a chilling story about a girl who miraculously regenerates after death; “Slug Girl” centers around a young lady whose body transforms into a slug-like creature; “Fashion Model” delves into a film crew lost in the wilderness with a model suspected of cannibalism. This series doesn’t hesitate to include unsettling visuals or exploit the audience’s unease when it comes to the grotesque and disturbing.
Did you check out any of the anime listed here? If yes, we’d love to hear about your preferred horror anime in the comments below!
https://comicbook.com/anime/news/best-horror-anime/embed/#
Read More
- The Most Jaw-Dropping Pop Culture Moments of 2025 Revealed
- Ashes of Creation Rogue Guide for Beginners
- ARC Raiders – All NEW Quest Locations & How to Complete Them in Cold Snap
- Best Controller Settings for ARC Raiders
- Ashes of Creation Mage Guide for Beginners
- Where Winds Meet: How To Defeat Shadow Puppeteer (Boss Guide)
- Where Winds Meet: Best Weapon Combinations
- Bitcoin’s Wild Ride: Yen’s Surprise Twist 🌪️💰
- Netflix’s One Piece Season 2 Will Likely Follow the First Season’s Most Controversial Plot
- Berserk Writer Discuss New Manga Inspired by Brutal Series
2025-08-15 23:07