Top 10 Best Horror Anime of All Time

Pet Shop of Horrors is known as one of the best horror anime of all time. It boasts a captivating concept with ample room for further development, as evidenced by the source material. Although the anime falls short of capturing the manga’s charm and concludes abruptly without building substantial momentum, it remains a worthwhile viewing experience on its own. Count D emerges as a compelling and intricate figure, while the individual tales offer their fair share of unsettling moments. Despite its appearance as a horror series, the show may not deliver a plethora of genuine scares.

Ghost Stories is recognized as a popular horror anime, although its fame is largely due to an English dub that gives the show a comedic twist. While it may feel outdated at times, the dubbed version remains the more memorable rendition of the story and is worth watching for those who enjoy abridged series like TeamFourStar’s DBZ. On the other hand, the original Japanese version is often disregarded and struggles to gain recognition in the present day.

5. Elfen Lied

• Release Date: July 25, 2004
• Studio: Arms
• Number of Episodes: 13
• Based On: Manga
• Creator: Lynn Okamoto
• Streaming Service(s): Amazon Prime Video

Elfen Lied presents a unique and contemporary twist on the monster girl trope within the horror genre. Unlike traditional vampires or werewolves, the primary monstrous character in Elfen Lied is a Diclonius – a formidable being subjected to experiments in the anime. Eventually, she rebels against her captors in a gruesome manner.

Following her escape, the monster girl attempts to integrate into human society, only to be pushed to reveal her true power and nature due to certain circumstances. While the show’s emphasis on blood and violence may overshadow other themes such as human experimentation and cruelty, there are moments that are genuinely unsettling and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.

Although some aspects of Elfen Lied, particularly its romantic elements, may not have aged well, it remains a popular horror anime that has stood the test of time.

6. Happy Sugar Life

• Release Date: July 14, 2018
• Studio: Ezόla
• Number of Episodes: 12
• Based On: Manga
• Creator: Tomiyaki Kagisora

Happy Sugar Life is a journey that begins in chaos and continues to unravel in increasingly chaotic ways. Despite some characters having good intentions, there are no traditionally “good” characters, including the main protagonist, Satou.

The series is rife with violent deaths, dark themes, heartbreaking moments, and unsettling scenes. While not consistently terrifying, Happy Sugar Life is consistently suspenseful. This horror anime is best experienced without prior knowledge and ideally watched in one sitting over a weekend.

7. Hell Girl

• Japanese Title: Jigoku Shoujo
• Release Date: October 5, 2005
• Studio: Studio Deen
• Number of Episodes: 90
• Streaming Service(s): Crunchyroll

Most horror films and shows tend to carry their own message or tackle social issues. Hell Girl is a perfect example of this, as it revolves around a demon who administers punishments to social deviants such as bullies, thieves, and cheaters.

In the anime, individuals who have a tormentor have the option to request assistance from the mysterious “Hell Girl” by locating a secretive website and sharing their grievances. Subsequently, the girl from hell administers her unique form of harsh justice upon those who have committed wrongdoings. This portrayal is deeply unsettling on a psychological level, shedding light on the most sinister desires of society, specifically those related to revenge and retribution.

8. Devilman Crybaby

• Release Date: January 5, 2018
• Studio: Science SARU
• Number of Episodes: 10
• Based On: Manga
• Creator: Go Nagai
• Streaming Service(s): Netflix

More unsettling than anything else, Devilman Crybaby proves to be quite a challenge. At first glance, it appears to adhere to a typical storyline where the socially marginalized main character fuses with a supernatural entity to gain significance. However, in this anime, the entity in question is a demon, not the friendly shonen creatures that are easily defeated. Devilman Crybaby showcases hyper-violent and excessively sexualized demons, the kind that the bible cautioned against.

Therefore, Devilman Crybaby is not suitable for family viewing. As the protagonist grapples with his demonic counterpart, those around him also succumb to the same fate, leading to a catastrophic spiral into a hellish nightmare. This series is a comprehensive horror experience, featuring grotesque body transformations, satanic symbolism, and explicit adult themes.

9. When They Cry

• Japanese Title: Higurashi no Naku Koro ni
• Release Date: April 5, 2006
• Studio: Studio Deen, Passione
• Number of Episodes: 100
• Based On: Visual Novel
• Streaming Service(s): Crunchyroll , Hulu

Otherwise referred to as Higurashi, When They Cry presents itself with a seemingly friendly exterior. Many viewers may initially perceive it as a cute and charming anime centered around school life and teenage emotions, only to discover that it delves into a dark narrative of murder.

In the protagonist’s hometown, an annual provincial festival takes place, accompanied by a local urban legend. The days leading up to the festival are marked by unsettling reports of murders and disappearances in the area. Spanning 100 episodes across more than ten years, When They Cry demands a significant time commitment that may not always be rewarding, especially with the divisive reception of the recent seasons, Gou and Sotsu. Nevertheless, the original 2006 series and its sequel, Kai, contain some of the best horror anime of all time, weaving an intriguing mystery throughout.

10. Ghost Hunt

• Release Date: October 3, 2006
• Studio: J.C.Staff
• Number of Episodes: 25
• Based On: Light Novel
• Creator: Fuyumi Ono
• Streaming Service(s): Crunchyroll

Ghost Hunt focuses on the Shibuya Psychic Research group, comprised mainly of daring high school students, as they delve into ghost hunting. While not as terrifying as other anime, it delves into themes of religion, diverse cultures, and paranormal occurrences with tragic roots. The series offers spine-chilling moments for those who are patient, without delving into extreme horror or nightmares. The cases presented are intriguing and strive to maintain a level of horror, while not crossing the line into excessive terror.

So, you’ve prepped the popcorn, dimmed the lights, and braved your way through this list of terrifying anime. From psychological thrillers to supernatural chills, anime horror offers a unique blend of animation and storytelling that can leave you sleeping with the lights on. Whether you’re a seasoned horror enthusiast or a curious newcomer, there’s a chilling anime out there waiting to be discovered.