Netflix’s Biggest Horror Anime Hits Major Milestone

by

Horror anime often feels overlooked compared to other genres like action-packed shonen series. While popular manga like those by Junji Ito have seen some adaptations, many spooky stories don’t get the same attention. Thankfully, Netflix recently took a chance on a well-known horror story, and it’s proven successful. The anime adaptation, produced by Cygames, has been so popular that a second season is already planned, and it’s boosting the popularity of the original manga.

Netflix released the anime series The Summer Hikaru Died this summer, adapting the original manga by Mokumokuren. The story centers around Yoshiki Tsujinaka and his friend Hikaru, who mysteriously returns from the dead. The series is praised for its compelling characters and genuinely frightening atmosphere. The anime’s popularity has boosted the manga’s circulation to 4.5 million copies, establishing it as a leading title in the horror manga genre. With new chapters still being published, the future looks bright for the series and its characters.

Why You Should Be Creeped Out by Hikaru

As an anime fan, I’ve noticed we don’t get a ton of truly scary horror series – it’s a tough genre to pull off well. That’s why I’m so impressed with The Summer Hikaru Died. Every episode has genuinely creeped me out! The story centers around Yoshiki, a really tragic character who’s struggling with his friend changing and battling his own depression and loneliness. Beyond just the characters, the show introduces some seriously spooky figures, and the animation really brings them to life – it’s fantastic!

Honestly, I totally get why some people questioned Yoshiki’s choices in the first season – sticking by Hikaru even after learning he’s… well, not exactly human! But that’s what makes the show so good, seeing him struggle with that knowledge. It feels so real. And Hikaru, along with the other creepy things appearing in town, are genuinely terrifying – I haven’t seen anything like it in anime before. There’s this constant sense of dread, even in the quieter moments. I’m already counting down the days for season two on Netflix – I have a feeling it’s going to be even more chilling!

Excited about how popular The Summer Hikaru Died is becoming thanks to the new anime on Netflix? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

Via Manga Mogura RE

https://comicbook.com/anime/list/5-darkest-anime-of-2025-ranked/embed/#

Read More

2025-12-17 18:41