As a horror enthusiast with a soft spot for anime that leaves me sleepless at night, I must say these three series are absolute gems for those who crave a good scare!
Since its inception, anime has consistently incorporated elements of terror. Over the years, each decade has contributed its own well-known horror series to this genre. The 2010s, just like the previous decades, had a share in this tradition. Despite the presence of numerous horror comedies during the decade, such as Zombie Land Saga and Is This a Zombie?, there were also several series that excelled at creating a chilling atmosphere for their viewers.
During this era, many horror-themed anime favored a psychological exploration. Characters frequently find themselves in an unfamiliar realm teeming with threats lurking in every nook. They grapple with the loss of their humanity or being subjected to forces beyond their command. Moreover, numerous series from this timeframe underscored that everyday life harbors its own share of terror, besides the supernatural. It was also noteworthy that a significant number of horror video games and literature were being transformed into anime at that time.
10 Danganronpa (2013)
Danganronpa: The Animated Series is a captivating anime series derived from the visual novel game, Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc. The narrative centers around sixteen high school students who find themselves trapped within their school, “Hope’s Peak Academy.” Their only means of escaping this predicament is to commit murder without being caught and proven innocent during the subsequent trial, overseen by an anthropomorphic bear named Monokuma.
Court Is In Session…
The investigation has only just begun. If the students in this class manage to identify the murderer among them, that individual will face execution. However, should the culprit remain unidentified, the entire class stands at risk of facing capital punishment. A student named Makoto Naegi, who was chosen for the Academy, teams up with his fellow classmate Kyoko in an attempt to solve these murders.
In the anime, more is left unexplained initially compared to the games, which contributes to the enigmatic nature of the storyline as it unfolds.
Stream on Crunchyroll
9 Psychic Detective Yakumo (2010)
In this adaptation from Manabu Kaminaga’s novel series titled “Psychic Detective Yakumo,” we follow Haruka Ozawa, who seeks help from the cynical Yakumo Saitou, claimed to be a psychic, when her friend Miki mysteriously faints within a supposedly haunted structure. To everyone’s surprise, it is revealed that Yakumo, though not truly psychic, can actually perceive ghosts with his magical eye.
“Truth Always Hurts People”
The animated version occasionally heightens the tension by making significant changes from the original content. For instance, a situation that was originally depicted as an unfortunate accident involving a single death was reimagined as a case involving a serial killer with numerous victims, placing Yakumo and Haruko in grave danger of being burned alive. However, it’s worth noting that the anime also occasionally veers off into lighter storylines as well.
8 Junji Ito Collection (2018)
The Junji Ito Collection presents an anime series that delves into a chilling anthology, breathing life into the spine-tingling manga tales of renowned horror author, Junji Ito. Interestingly, the specific stories being adapted were not revealed until the show’s premiere, aiming to catch fans off guard. Following 12 episodes, it also featured a two-part OVA inspired by the Tomie manga series.
From a Master of Horror Manga
As a devoted fan of Junji Ito’s work, I must admit that the anime adaptation has drawn some criticism from fellow enthusiasts, who feel it leans too heavily on still images. However, I firmly believe that Junji Ito remains a horror maestro, and the anime manages to convey the eerie ambiance that defines his work. Interestingly, Ito’s oeuvre served as inspiration for another horror anthology anime, titled “Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre.” Remarkably, this series also boasted a few members from the crew of “Junji Ito Collection.
Stream on Crunchyroll
7 Another (2012)
The show, based on the novel by Yukito Ayatsuji with the same title, is set towards the tail end of the 1990s. It centers around Kōichi Sakakibara, who after switching schools, becomes entangled in a perplexing enigma concerning the demises of individuals linked to his class. Further complicating matters are Mei Misaki, an elusive girl who sports an eyepatch, and Misaki, a student who inexplicably passed away, yet his peers continue their lives as if he were still among them.
“Don’t Mess With Things That Don’t Exist! It’s Dangerous!”
In the comparison between the animated series (anime) and its source material (the original novel), there are instances where the number of deaths varies significantly. Characters who live in the anime may perish in the novel, and conversely, characters introduced in the anime meet their end. This is particularly noticeable when it comes to the anime’s additions of new characters who eventually meet a tragic fate. This discrepancy enhances the overall sense of mystery and creates a series where no character seems invincible.
Stream on Crunchyroll
6 School-Live! (2015)
School-Live! narrates the tale of Yuki Takeya, an optimistic girl who belongs to Megurigaoka Private High School’s School Living Club alongside her companions. However, Yuki appears to inhabit a world of her own. In their quest for amusement, Yuki seems oblivious to the fact that she and her friends are actually the lone survivors of a city-wide zombie outbreak.
“Let’s Go On a Test of Courage!”
Over time, Yuki comes to understand the authenticity of the zombies and transitions from feigning ignorance to acknowledging the truth. As viewers, we follow Yuki’s perspective, eventually uncovering the hidden threat of the unfolding events within the school.
Buy on Amazon Prime Video
5 Tokyo Ghoul (2014)
In the bustling cityscape of Tokyo, I, Ken Kaneki, experience a life-altering turn of events when I fall for Rize Kamishiro, unaware she’s a ghoul who feeds on human flesh. Miraculously spared from becoming her next victim, I suffer injuries that require a transfusion – an act that inadvertently transforms me into a ghoul myself. As my life spirals into turmoil, I find myself ensnared in a conflict between those who hunt ghouls and the ghoul community striving for supremacy. Amidst this chaos, I grapple with the profound loss of my humanity.
“Why Should I Apologize for Being a Monster?”
Similar to many horror series from that era, the core fear in this series is primarily psychological. Kaneki’s character grapples not only with his own transformation but also lives in a world where even familiar faces might be ravenous ghouls. Conversely, life for the ghouls isn’t easy either, as they face constant threats of being hunted and used for experiments.
Stream on Hulu
4 High School of the Dead (2010)
In the series titled “High School of the Dead,” we follow a band of high school students who grapple with a zombie outbreak, where afflicted humans transform into creatures referred to as “Them.” The story is guided by a character named Takashi, and they are trying to navigate through the chaos that ensued after an event known as the “Outbreak.” The predicaments these students encounter are already grim, but things can always take a turn for the worse.
“But Our World…Had Already Been Completely Destroyed.”
This television show is notorious for its frequent depictions of grisly violence and gore. The zombies are particularly brutal when they attack their victims, which can make it difficult to decide if death at their hands or surviving and transforming into one of them is more terrifying. However, the series emphasizes that the human characters can be just as ruthless and deceitful as the undead creatures.
Stream on Hulu
3 Parasyte: The Maxim (2014)
Parasyte: The Maxim
“Maybe Humans Are the Closest Thing To Demons Alive.”
What makes this series truly chilling is that Shinichi is among the fortunate few who haven’t completely lost themselves. Typically, these parasites fully control their host’s bodies, annihilating the original consciousness. The situation worsens as they crave human flesh after invading a body. To add to the terror, once a body is taken over, it undergoes numerous gruesome transformations, making even a speaking hand seem ordinary by comparison.
Stream on Hulu
2 Parasyte: The Maxim (2019)
In “The Promised Neverland,” we follow a cheerful orphan named Emma who resides in Grace Field House, blissfully unaware of the impending peril. But when fellow orphan Conny mysteriously dies after being ‘adopted,’ suspicion arises. Recognizing their precarious situation, Emma and her friends concoct an escape scheme. However, the world beyond Grace Field House also harbors numerous threats.
“Is This Place a Farm?”
In this peculiar universe, a pact called “The Promise” ended the strife between humans and supernatural beings. This agreement stipulates that demons would leave the human realm untouched, and in return, human farms are maintained to feed the demonic inhabitants. Remarkably, this sustenance prevents them from descending into madness. Unbeknownst to many, orphanages conceal children who unknowingly find themselves in peril.
Stream on Hulu
1 Devilman Crybaby (2018)
In the modern era, Go Nagai’s timeless Devilman series was reimagined as Devilman Crybaby, alternatively written as DEVILMAN crybaby. The story follows a young man named Akira who reconnects with his childhood friend, Ryo. As their friendship deepens, Akira uncovers the hidden realm of demons. Through an extraordinary event, Akira merges with one of these demons, transforming into the powerful being called “Devilman.
As the truth about demons becomes known to humanity, a wave of fear and panic sweeps across the globe. Yet, Akira will come to understand that the situation transcends the world itself once Ryo’s real identity is unveiled.
Between Heaven & Hell…
In a chilling manner, the Devilman series has consistently been recognized for its terrifying elements. However, the contemporary animation brings an unprecedented depth to the darkness it portrays. The series is riddled with gruesome scenes, such as Akira’s transformation into Devilman at the infamous Sabbath party, leading towards the cataclysmic war between humans and demons. Remarkably, even the protagonist, Akira, can be downright terrifying at times.
Stream on Netflix
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2024-09-09 02:02